This year has been a great year for releases. There have been so many great ep's, albums and singles. We thought we would put together a list of our favourite albums and ep's for your pleasure.
So, in no particular order, they are:
Mount Kimbie - Crooks and Lovers: Crooks and Lovers is an album of amazing musicianship. Each track is perfect on an individual level, but put them all together and you have something that draws you in. The album doesn't let you spot listening. I don't know what it is, but as soon as I hear one song, I have to listen to the album in its entirety. Stand out tracks for us are 'Carbonated' and 'Ode To Bear'.
Pariah - Safehouses EP: We first heard about Pariah quite a while back when OPT1K was booked to play with him in Nottingham. After checking out the young producers music we were hooked. His blend of minimal dubstep and garage is nothing short of amazing. The Safehouses EP has definitely cemented his place as one of the most promising producers coming out of the UK at the moment. Crossed Out is a favourite from the EP and always gets the crowd moving when its played out.
Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here: Im New Here is an album of complete soul but it is not a soul album. Gil Scott-Heron is on blistering form. Every line, every phrase of this album is covered with emotion. 'Me And The Devil' has some of the best vocals I have heard in a while and 'New York Is Killing Me' is equally as impressive rhythmically as it is vocally. The rest of the album is just as intense, 'Your Soul and Mine' being a personal favourite. Listen out for the Jamie xx remixing the album in its entirety, which is due out in 2011.
Dark Sky - Frames EP: Having listened to Dark Sky for a while now, the Frames EP had to be in the top 10. Everything they do is nothing short of amazing. The much hyped (deservedly so) remix of 'Chrystalized' by The xx let a bigger audience in on the promise of this group, and Frames has confirmed the talent. Reflex is a HUGE bass driven dancefloor killer, while other favourite 'Drowned City' is a beautiful track full of great melodies and rhythm.
Fantastic Mr. Fox - Evelyn EP: The Evelyn EP is one of those EP's that just blows you away. I remember being hyped for the release as soon as Black Acre put out the teaser on soundcloud. The title track is great. The track blends garage and 2-step ideas with some great sample play. The other standout track for us is 'Over'. In fact, the whole EP is great. The young producer has gathered critical acclaim for this release and it is deserved. Can't wait to see what the future brings.
Breakage - Foundation: What an album! Featuring three of the years biggest tracks on one album is a serious achievement. 'Vial', which features Burial (yeah, BURIAL!) is a great track, reminiscent of the man himself. 'Hard', which features Newham Generals, is a great dubstep/grime track, full of aggression and deep bass. 'Over', which is a remix of a Zariff track is the standout track for us. A great garage track in itself, let alone an amazing remix. The original is nothing like the Breakage version, which just shows the vision and creativity this man has.
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma: Flying Lotus is one of the most gifted producers of our generation. Cosmogramma is an epic album. Not only does he produce his usual, wonderful wonky-hop, but he adds a more orchestrated feel to the album. The huge sweeping string sections in songs such as 'Galaxy in Janaki' are breathtaking, the saxophone solo's, and of course Thom Yorke's vocals on the track 'And The World Laughs With You' elevate this album to not just one of the best this year, but one of the best this decade.
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh): Erykah Badu has one of those voices that will just make you listen, no matter what she is singing about. This album features a host of guest musicians and producers, but all of them are just secondary to Badu. The album has a very live feel to it. It sounds like there are a few tracks which are improvised, all of which adds to the feel. 'Out Of My Mind Just In Time' should be considered as one of best soul tracks of this decade, of this generation. The vocals are simply stunning. If you don't listen to the album in its entirety, make sure you listen to this track.
James Blake - Klavierwerke EP / CMYK EP: Yes it is technically two EP's, but we really couldn't decide between the two. 2010 has been a huge year for James Blake. He's gone from being a promising young dubstep artist, to fronting the whole future-garage/post-dubstep movement. Not content with just that, he then released one of the tracks of 2010, his breathtaking cover of 'Limit To Your Love'. CMYK is obviously the standout track from the CMYK EP, a massive dancefloor hit. 'I Only Know (What I Know Now)' off the Klavierwerke EP is a beautiful example of how less can be more. A real class act. Believe the hype.
Darkstar - North: Simply brilliant. This album moved away from what was expected from the band after 'Aidy's Girl...' and 'Need You' and what a breath of fresh air. Not content with just replicating the success of the first few singles, Darkstar have recorded a great electronic record. A record that cannot be put into any one genre. The single, 'Gold' is a great track, the vocals, the structure, everything comes together perfectly. Stand out track has to be 'Deadness'. You just have to listen to this album.
Obviously we couldn't include EVERYTHING we liked, but if there is something not on the list that you feel should be there, then let us know.
Roll on 2011.
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