Features
BIG TUNES
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1. Julio Bashmore
Ensnare (Futureboogie)
It’s been a brilliant year for Bristol’s Bashmore. Futureboogie’s sixth release features ‘Ensnare’ and ‘Well Wisher’, of which the super-smooth former is the one. Only Scuba and Eats Everything could match him in 2011.
It goes “You’re the sweetest song that I could sing”
Best mix There’s only one
Out January
Download here
2. Drake feat Rihanna
Take Care (Young Money)
Canada’s Drake (a former star of Degrassi High and still only 23) is well on his way to becoming a hip hop icon. His album sold a million in week one and features Andre 3000 and The Weeknd – and this amazing Jamie XX collab.
It goes “This is what I’ll do… I’ll take care of you”
Best mix There’s only one
‘Take Care’ album is out now
3. Swindle feat Footsie & Nadia Suliman
Ignition (Rinse)
We tipped Swindle heavily last month, and now he’s back for more with ‘Ignition’, which has absolutely nothing to do with R Kelly. Already massive on 1XTRA.
It goes “It’s my time to shine, don’t nobody tell you different”
Best mix Original
Out Now
Download here
4. Storm Queen
Look Right Through (remixes) (Defected)
While Defected wait for Morgan’s new Storm Queen single to dissipate, they’ve been quietly amassing the best mix package of the season, featuring MK, Aeroplane, Dimitri From Paris and Art Department. They all rock, but wow: it’s good to have MK back!
It goes “Ah – look right through!”
Best mix MK/Art Department
Out Feb 2012
Download here
5. Azealia Banks feat Lazy Jay
212 (Self-released)
Proof that electro can be big AND clever, ‘212’ by Harlem’s Azealia Banks is the definition of a tune. A Major Lazer collab didn’t hurt her profile either.
It goes “Hey, I can be the answer/And when I hit that dip, get your camera”
Best mix Original
Out Now
6. DJ Crazy
Just E (Breach remix) (Dirtybird)
Dirtybird has been bringing back the fire this year, and this remix of DJ Crazy by red-hot UK remixer du jour Breach has just the right amount of house power to keep that fire burning until 2012 kicks in. Annie Mac already tipping!
It goes “Dum dum dum, I need YOU!”
Best mix Breach
Out January
Download here
7. Feist
How Come You Never Go There? (Clock Opera remix) (Polydor)
Her album ‘Metals’ was one of the best of 2011, and this warm, fuzzy, strident remix of ‘How Come’ has been building for quite some time. Clock Opera deliver her biggest rerub since Boys Noize blasted ‘My Moon My Man’ into orbit.
It goes “How come you never go there”
Best mix Clock Opera, natch
Out Soon – we hope!
Download here
8. Daphni, aka Caribou
Ahora (Amazing Sound)
Dan Snaith, aka Caribou, aka Daphni, can look back on the year and breath deep. First came Virgo 4, then his sublime Junior Boys remix of ‘You’ll Improve Me’ – and now the Border Community-style deep house smash ‘Ahora’. Check the organic drums!
It goes “Doop, doop, de dum dum dum”
Best mix Original
Out Now on vinyl
Download here
9. FC Kahuna
Hayling (Max Cooper remix) (Skint)
Rewind to 2002 and this haunting chill instrumental was the soundtrack to many an afterparty. Now, ten years on, remixer Max Cooper adds some glitchy drums and a big build. “It holds a lot of memories for people,” says Max. True!
It goes “Don’t think about all those things you fear / Just be glad to be here”
Best mix There’s only one
Out Now
Download here
10. Lucky Paul
Elephant Island (Midland remix) (Somethink)
No relation to Play Paul, Lucky Paul is living up his name – he’s on tour with Feist as her drummer– while also releasing great music like ‘Elephant Island’. The original is an elegant three-minute pop song, but Midland offer up the remix to check here.
It goes “Ah-ahhh-ah-oh-oh-oh”
Best mix Midland
Out January
Download here
