Sounds of 2012

100 of my favourite ear ticklers from 2012...

Top 20 
(in no order)
Maceo Plex's - 'Love Somebody Else'
Hackman - 'Forgotten Notes'
Kindness - 'House'
Alt-J - 'Fitzpleasure'
Frank Ocean - 'Sweet Life'
Julio Bashmore - 'Au Seve'
George Fitzgerald - 'Child'
T-E-E-D - 'Your Love' (Waze & Odyssey rmx)
Nneka - 'Shining Star'
Maddslinky - 'Compuphonic'
Gotye & Kimbra - 'Somebody That I Used To Know'(Klar & PF rmx)
Kate Boy - 'Northern Lights'
Azealia Banks - 'Liquorice'
Big Boi, A$AP Rocky & Phantogram - 'Lines'
Fiona Apple - 'Every Single Night'
Frank Wiedemann & Ry - 'Howling'
Little Dragon - 'Sunshine'
Miguel - 'Adorn You'
Kendrick Lamar & Dr Dre - 'The Recipe'
Lianne La Havas - 'Au Cinema'


Guilty Pleasure/Dragspiration track of the year - 'Let's Have A Kiki' by the Scissors Sisters...

Continued tracks 92-100...

Big Boi - Viscous Lies & Dangerous Rumours

Over the last few months a couple of Big Boi's new tracks have been skilfully leaked in the build up to the launch of 'Viscous Lies & Dangerous Rumours' - Big Boi has taken his sound in a new direction, and it's paid off.

The album boasts true-collaborations from Phantogram, Ludacris, Little Dragon, Kid Cudi, T.I, Jai Paul, A$AP Rocky and Theophilius London to name a few. 

Strong album tracks - 'Apple of My Eye', 'Higher Res' ft Jai Paul & Little Dragon, 'Mama Told Me' ft Kelly Rowland (originally Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano, however they opted for a more commercial appeal with Kelly), 'Tom Pettie' ft Little Dragon & Killer Mike and my current favourite 'Lines' ft Phantogram & A$AP Rocky

Viscous Lies & Dangerous Rumours is the great album to end 2012 on...

Bondax

Bondax (Adam & George) are two teenager producers from Lancaster with bags of talent - you may recognise their track 'Baby I Got That' as a big summer sound.

Their new track 'Gold' is full of warm and fuzzy new-wave garage vibes...

James Zabiela - Boiler Room

To follow up from the last Born Electric post, here is the fantastic set from James Zabiela at Boiler Room on 4th December...

Dusky - Calling Me

New EP from the duo Dusky 'Calling Me'...

Cajmere - Boiler Room mix

Cajmere's set for Boiler Room has to be heard...

Ry / Frank Wiedemann - Howling

Ry Cuming & Frank Wiedemann (one half of the deep house duo Âme) have collaborated on this enchanting track. Ry's melancholy voice is like warm honey.

Play this, it'll make your heart jump...

Video directed by Ry

BOILER ROOM - Born Electric

Tonight's Boiler Room is a special one.
It's James Zabiela's first Boiler Room session, enabling you to witness live his technical genius. Zabiela's also joined by some fantastic DJs - Gang Colours, Pedram & Pedestrian.

Live. 7-11pm Tuesday 4th December...
http://boilerroom.tv/born-electric-james-zabiela-gang-colours-pedestrian-pedram/



Born Electric's first release on their new label is Zabiela's 'The Healing'. The track is blissfully phantasmagoric and the video captures it's lucid state perfectly...

Midland's remix of 'The Healing'

George Fitzgerald

Big love for GFG since his 'Child' release this summer. He's done a great mix for WHP and also tore Junk club to shreds on Saturday night in Southampton with an infectious set.

At 6pm on Wednesday 28th November George Fitzgerald is playing live on Beatport - http://dj.beatport.com/events/33797


Make time to go & see him...

Dirty Channels

The Italian duo Dirty Channels (Simone & Leme) are throwing out some huge tracks at the lately. 

'On The Way' feat' Rosina is beyond catchy with it's hazy vocals, 'So Special' from a few months ago is getting a lot of attention with it's deep bass tones, as well as their remix of Flashmob's track 'Ninety Five'.

Big sounds...

Two Dirty Channels mixes...

Fiona Apple

Hooked on Fiona Apple's kooky style and punchy tracks...

Junk Department - 1st December

Junk Department returns to shake up London once again for it's 1st December spectacular. 

Headed up by one of DC10's hottest DJs of the summer, Matthias Tanzmann, alongside Luna City Express, Just Be and Miguel Campbell - who also played a crackin' set for the Junk Carnival @ Sankeys in Ibiza.

You're really in for a treat with this one...

Full line-up;

Matthias Tanzmann [Moon Harbour]

Luna City Express [Moon Harbour]

Just Be [Crosstown Records]

Miguel Campbell [Hot Creations]

Julien Chaptal [20/20 Vision / Intacto]

David Labeij [Mobilee / Remote Area]

Luca Pilato [Junk Department]

Simon Aston [Junk Department]

Jody Hannan [Junk]

Rhymos [Murmur]

John Barber [Kindisch Records]

Moe West [Junk]

Bapti [Junk]

Buy tickets here;
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?401790

Info;

http://www.junkclub.com/index.php?mode=events&act=showEvent&id=1307

Flying Lotus

Last week I experienced Flying Lotus' 'Layer 3' show - comprising of two digitally projected screens encompassing him in a surreal bubble. The visuals were enchanting and gave FlyLo's set an extra dimension, which enhanced the whole experience.

The Red Bull Academy assisted FlyLo and two visual artists, Strangeloop & Timeboy, with Layer 3; 

"Our new mini-documentary peeks behind the scenes of Flying Lotus’s new live audiovisual extravaganza, 'Layer 3' – which the Academy was proud to assist with developing in support of the 'Until The Quiet Comes' tour. Made with the help of visual artists Strangeloop and Timeboy, the trio have devised a method of transporting FlyLo into outer dimensions using two transparent scrims and interactive front and rear projectors, conjuring nothing short of the acid-fried Space Odyssey "Stargate" scene."

Track him down...

Girls & Guns

Can't resist posting this, it needs to be seen - 80's 'Babes with Machine Guns, Part 1'.

"Hi I'm Kathy and they told me I would be shooting a real gun. I'm sure, I said to my friends, when's the last time you went shooting machine guns?!"

Too funny...

Kate Boy

Addicted to playing Kate Boy's new track 'Northern Lights' - especially with such a captivating video to accompany it.

Directed by SIKOW...

Captain Murphy - Duality

The illusive Captain Murphy has released 'Duality', featuring Flying Lotus, Madlib, Clams Casino, TNGHT (Mudson Mohawk, Lunice) and Just Blaze. 

It's thought that the man behind the Captain could be one of the following; Tyler The Creator, Flying Lotus, Left-Brain or Earl Sweatshirt but it's still very much a mystery.

Wonderfully vintage in it's style, Duality is packed with a plethora of great tracks and 'Lessons'. Enjoy the sites and sounds of Captain Murphy here...

http://www.captainmurphy.xxx/

Boiler Room - W Hotel Worldwide

A great Boiler Room session from Do Not Disturb took place on Wednesday 14th November at W Hotels worldwide, featuring sets from Skream B2B Disclosure, Jimmy Edgar B2B Machinedrum (Jets), T-E-E-D B2B Friendly Fires and Jackmaster B2B Loefah.

So far I can only track down the Skream B2B Disclosure set.

More to follow...

The Weeknd - Trilogy

The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) has released 'Trilogy' - an album grouping his previous three 2011 mixtapes + three additional new tracks. Just over 2.5 hours of drowsy, bewitching tracks which send you into a reflective trance. Sweet.

Tesfaye also features on Wiz Khalifa's forthcoming album track 'Remember You'. The video is fresh out - directed by Ryan Hope...

Stubborn Heart

The London based duo Stubborn Heart have done an exclusive mix for Gilles Peterson's Worldwide show which is a great listen. 

Their tracks 'Starting Block' and 'Need Someone' have tones not dissimilar to Radiohead with beautifully eerie vocals, experimental percussion and warm beats.

Check them out...

No Fixed Abode - 'Indian Street Slang'

A beautifully mesmerising track from No Fixed Abode - 'Indian Street Slang', traditional sounds blended with de-constructed Dub and nu-wave vibesssss.

Three of No Fixed Abode's tracks feature on a tasty compilation album from LHF called 'Keepers of the Light', check it out below...

Bicep - 'Feel It'

Bicep's new track 'Feel It'.

Pumpin'...

Toro Y Moi - 'So Many Details' - (Remix feat. Hodgy Beats)

Toro y Moi has released the B-side remix to 'So Many Details' (featuring Hodgy Beats) from his album Anything In Return - due out on 22nd January 2013...

Four Tet's - 'Lion' (Jamie XX remix)

Jamie XX has beautifully remixed Four Tet's 'Lion' release and shortened it to a slightly more manageable 7 minutes from the 9 minute original...

Diplo - 'Got Stoned And Mixed Really Old Records For Half An Hour'

Pretty self explanatory mix from Diplo.

70's Vibes... 

Adidas SS13

  SS13 Bones Collection

SS13 Totem Trainers - Jeremy Scott Collection

SS13 Stella McCartney Collection

Some snapped garms & kicks from Adidas' SS13 collections.

Courtesy of @Heatworld

Kendrick Lamar - good kid m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar's new album 'good kid m.A.A.d city' (backed by Dr Dre) is out and it's been drumming up a lot of praise since the release on 22nd October. It's an emphatically luring album filled with lyrical imagery, witty one-liners and nectarous melodies. This is Kendrick's best work since A.D.H.D's release in 2011 (on Section 80).

Big album tracks - 'The Recipe' (bonus collaborative track with Dre) is a subtle yet strong contender for the best track on the album up against 'Swimming Pools (Drank)' followed by 'Poetic Justice' (which samples Janet Jackson).

Loop it a few times and you'll be hooked...

Percy Ingle - NTS Radio

If you love old skool Garage you need to be tuning in to the boys (Percy Ingle, Mentschy and Roberto Ranking)…. for Percy Ingle's show on NTS Radio.

Next show is on Friday 16th November at midnight.

Listen live - http://ntslive.co.uk/
...or listen again - http://soundcloud.com/n_u_t_s

Here's their last show, it's hot stuff...

Waze & Odyssey

Waze & Odyssey have some serious remixes under their belts; 
T-E-E-D's 'Your Love', Disclosure's 'Lividup' and I can't stop moving to their mix 'Garage $ale Giveaway' - Bump'n'Grind, which made me smile when the classic line 'my mind's telling me no...' kicked in.

B.I.G...

Hello Skinny

Hello Skinny (aka drummer extraordinaire - Tom Skinner)'s début album 'Smash + Grab' is due for release in October with Slowfoot Records.

Skinner produces, composes and heads up the band as well as playing most of the instruments. He explores genres such as psych-dub, electronics, downtown jazz and folk stylings. The mixtape includes collaborations from Shabaka Hutchings, Rowdy Superstar & Trudie Dawn Smith.

'Crush', which featured on Giles Peterson's 'Brownswood Bubblers compilation album', is the track which grabbed me.

Delicious drums...

Bed Dancing

Bed Dancing - it's a new craze I've been partaking in, especially this last weekend. It's a good way to entertain yourself when you wake-up still drunk...!

Here are some tracks from my party amongst the pillows...

Gorgeous George @ Jamboree

Tomorrow night some cheeky chaps who go by the name of Gorgeous George are playing at Jamboree in Limehouse. Their sound can be described as fusion of Balkan/Gypsy/Jewish Folk/Cockney. 

With song titles such as; 'Tosser D'Cockney', 'I Don't Make Love - I Make A Mess Of Your Hair & Face' and 'The Reality Of Your Life, You Sad Sad Bastard'...you can guess what a treat you're in for...

http://jamboreevenue.co.uk/saturday/

JAMBOREE 
Courtyard of Cable Street Studios 
566 Cable Street 
London 
E1W 3HB

Amine Edge Edit - 'My Life In Muzik' by Thee Maddkatt Courtship III & Tyrone Palmer

Amine Edge's edit of Thee Maddkatt Courtship III (aka Felix Da Housecat) & Tyrone Palmer's 'My Life In Muzik' is a bit of alright...

Check his 'Summer 2012 Promo Mix' - it's dark & deep...

Julio Bashmore - 'Husk'

Julio Bashmore's third release on his label Broadwalk Records is 'Husk' and it's already creating quite a buzz on Soundcloud. 

Husk's a big blend of reminiscently retro beats & a whole lot'a cymbals, culminating in this 'big-room' deep house track.

New Video for 'Husk', directed by Jake Applebee & Spike Morris...

Dusky - Essential Mix

Lately I have so much love for anything Dusky touch, so their Essential Mix is just pushing me over the edge.

Play. Play. Play...

Ceri Remix - 'Attention' - Lee Guthrie

My beautiful friend Ceri has remixed Lee Guthrie's track 'Attention' and it's since been spun by the likes of Jamie Jones, Raymundo Rodriguez, FEX, Stacey Pullen & Arnaud Le Texier.

Quite the crowd pleaser...

Here's a mix Ceri's done for Rythmatic -

Photo by Evgenia Markova

Fabric's 13th Birthday

Ay Papi!

A ridiculous line-up for Fabric's 13th Birthday celebrations - kicking off on Saturday...

Room 1

TBA

Craig Richards

Terry Francis

Ben UFO

Bicep

Cosmic Kids

DJ Sneak

DJ Steaw

Fred P

Joris Voorn

Kim Ann Foxman

Levon Vincent

Marcellus Pittman

Matt Tolfrey

Omar-S Live

Ryan Crosson

Ryan Elliott

Sandwell District

Seth Troxler

Shaun Reeves

Sigha

Space Dimension Controller Live

Tale Of Us

Visionquest

Room 2

TBA

TBA.

Room 3

TBA

TBA.

'Wicked Game' (Thyladomid & Adriatique Edit)

A stunningly euphoric remix of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game' from Thyladomid & Adriatique...

Holy Ghost! - 'It Gets Dark'

'It Gets Dark' is Holy Ghost!'s first track for over a year (out on DFA Records). It has a grittier base than with their previous releases and is a perhaps a hint of what's to come on their next album...

Scissor Sisters - 'Let's Have a Kiki' Remixes

The 2 Bears have remixed The Scissor Sisters' latest release 'Let's Have A Kiki'.

Lock the door...

Work It Media have a Toddla T vs Scissor Sisters remix for your ears - 'I Kiki feat Spank Rock & Rye Rye' here too...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2012/oct/12/new-music-scissor-sisters-toddla-t

Lei Van Kash - Dagger Pinky Rings

Yellow Dagger Pinky Ring - £80

Silver Dagger Pinky Ring - £80

Gorgeous designs from Lei Van Kash - desperately lusting after my own yellow Dagger Pinky ring. 

More to come on Lei Van Kash soon...

http://www.leivankash.com/

The Man With The Iron Fists Soundtrack

I've managed to get my mits on a stream of RZA's The Man With The Iron Fists Soundtrack - it's jam packed with high profile collaborations from Kanye West (White Dress), The Black Keys (The Baddest Man Alive), Raekwon/Ghostface Killah/Kool G (Rivers of Blood), Talib Kweli/RES (Get Your Way) to name a few...

"In feudal China, a blacksmith who makes weapons for a small village is put in the position where he must defend himself and his fellow villagers."

Director: RZA. Writers: Eli Roth (screenplay), RZA (screenplay). Stars: Russell Crowe, Cung Le, Lucy Liu, Byron Mann, RZA, Rick Yune, David Bautista, and Jamie Chung.

Play Soundtrack...

Tracklist

01. The Black Keys / RZA “The Baddest Man Alive”

02. Ghostface Killah / M.O.P / Pharoahe Monch “Black Out”

03. Kanye West “White Dress”

04. The Revelations feat. Tre Williams “I Forgot To Be Your Lover”

05. Talib Kweli / RES “Get Your Way (Sex as a Weapon)”

06. Raekwon / Ghostface Killah / Kool G. Rap “Rivers of Blood”

07. Method Man / Freddie Gibbs / StreetLife “Built for This”

08. 24 Carat Black “Poverty’s Paradise”

09. Killa Sin “The Archer”

10. RZA / Flatbush Zombies “Just Blowin’ In The Wind”

12. Corrine Bailey Rae “Chains”

13. Pusha T / Raekwon “Tick Tock”

14. Frances Yip “Green is the Mountain”

15. The Wu-Tang Clan “Six Directions of Boxing”

16. Mabel John “Your Good Thing Is About To End”

RZA interview with Wired

Soundtrack - Due for release on 23rd October.

Film - Due for release on 7th December.

Lana Del Ray - 'Ride'

A truly awe-inspiring and emotionally honest video (all 10:09 minutes of it), directed by Anthony Mandler, for Lana Del Ray's latest single 'Ride'.

"Live fast. Die Young. Be wild & have fun"

Enchanting...

Azealia Banks - Mermaid Ball London 2012 Mixtape

Azealia's released a mixtape for the end of her tour and tonights Mermaid Ball closing party...

Previous Mermaid Mixtape

House of Holland Eyewear

Some delicious new eyewear from Henry for House of Holland. Prices from £150-£180.

http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/eyewear