Best of 2009

It's that time of year again, I'm in work and feeling self indulgent. Perhaps slightly predictable but reflects a vintage year for a handful of standout artists.

Artists of the Year:
Nick Curly – Mannheim’s finest has released a succession of critically acclaimed EPs and remixes all whilst running two of Germany’s best loved labels, Cecille and 8-Bit. His workload has been second to none thanks to a heavy touring schedule including several well received performances in Ibiza.
Zomby – Put out the year’s best EP, finally started showing up for shows and released an epic amount of remixes and solo projects. From 8-bar Eski mixes exclusively for Duck & Blackdown to cat walk shows he did it all.
L-Vis 1990 – The enfant terriblé of UK bass L-Vis 1990 ran one of London’s biggest and best bass nights (Night Slugs) and released a slew of tracks on labels inc. Mad Decent. He also contributed to the acclaimed Curb Crawlers blog and released a string of superb remixes.

Labels of the Year:
Cecille – A stunning array of releases maintained Cecille’s position as the ultimate label of minimal tech/tribal house. Though critics decry it’s somewhat dilettantish obsession with tribal sounds it’s hard to argue against their impact on the dance floors.
Dirty Bird – 2009 truly was the year the San Francisco label came of age. Owner Claude Von Stoke released his second full length ‘Beat that Bird’ as well as a string of superb singles including ‘Greazy Beat’, a collaboration with Bootsy Collins, whilst a string of young upstarts including Zombie Disco Squad, Donk Boys and Style of Eye bought a touch of the bizarre to dance floors across the world.
Wireblock – 2009 was Wireblock’s last year but releases by Ghosts on Tape, Emvee and stalwart Rustie, alongside a host of reissues (including Hud Mo’s fanatastic ‘Ooops’) guaranteed it went out with a bang. Owner Jackmaster promises that the run will continue with his new joint-venture Numbers (= D2S, Wireblock and Stuff)

Clubs of the Year:
Fabric (London) – 2009 saw the Farringdon super club celebrate 10 years with some 36 hours of continuous clubbing. Despite this monumental run Fabric remains cutting edge inviting promoters and acts from across the board to grace arguably the finest sound system in Britain.
Dalston Superstore (London) – Vogue called it the ‘coolest club in Britain’, they weren’t wrong. Integrating a friendly neighbourhood vibe, with an outrageous clientele and cutting edge dj’s 2009 saw Dalston Superstore establish itself as THE club for London club kids.
Circus (Liverpool) – The joint venture between long-time promoter Richard McGinnes and former Cream resident Yousef continued to go from strength to strength, attracting bigger guests than ever before. December saw the club reach it’s pinnacle as Sven Vath’s Cocoon night arrived with guests including Steve Lawler, Joris Voorn and Loco Dice.

Tracks of the Year:
Juan Maclean – Happy House (Chateau Flight Remix) – I’ve not stopped playing this for the past month or so. Grown up, warm house music coupled with mild vocals and wonderfully uplifting drops. A superb record.
SIS – Wu Wim Du Wa – After storming 2008 with Trompeta and Nesrib SIS returns with a far more restrained affair: 9 minutes of moving tribal house blending amassed choral tones with skitteral drum patterns and all manner of loops. Music for your head as much as your feet.
Ghosts on Tape – Predator Mode (Roska Remix) – I first heard this on the fantastic Wireblock Mix for Resident Advisor. Whilst a lot of Funky tracks come across as paper thin Roska’s effort is remarkably deep, with intricate treble stabs and vocal snippets. As ever the percussion work is superb.

Albums of the Year:
Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II – I’ve not taken this album off. Lyrically one of the most accomplished hip-hop records in years. In 100 years this will be recognized as literary fodder.
Zomby – One Foot Ahead of the Other – A contorted mess of an EP which sucks the listener into Zomby’s weed warped mind. Needles of colour are projected as the ear drums whilst the kick throbs lucidly. Compelling.
Super Furry Animals – Dark Days/Light Years – The Furries could have released a recording of Gruff Rhys eating a stick of celery and I’d have liked it. Wonderfully crafted pop tracks in the truest/purest sense.