As we approach the last days of 2011, here’s my personal top 5 dancefloor tunes of the Year.
Words by Andrew K
1. Julio Bashmore – Battle For Middle You
No problem in deciding as to what my number one was. Julio Bashmore has undoubtedly been the big success story of the 2011 dance music scene, and this track was his crowning moment. Based in Bristol this young produce/dj has gone from the back rooms to the top of the bill in such a short space of time, while churning out an abundance of quality House music packed full of classic sounds and futuristic grooves, in the process. ‘Battle For Middle You’ is a example of the fine state of health that contemporary house music currently finds itself in.
2. Oliver $ – Doin’ Ya Thang
This cheeky little number first came to my attention while listening to The Disconauts on the Sunday afternoon at this years Electric Picnic festival. A fairly ordinary base heavy house tunes that chugs along until its brought to life by the introduction of the caramel tones of Kenny Dixon Jr aka Moodymann. The vocal is taken from a recording of his dj set @ Cutloose, Manchester sept 2010 and turns this track into an infectious stomper that brings the dancefloor alive.
3. Faith Evans – Love Like This Before (B+S Edit)
Another slice of quality house music from the Bristol massive. This track takes the vocals from Faith Evans 1998 hit R&B track ‘Love Like This Before’ and merges it with the deep, dubby, and bass grooves from Future Boogies ‘Behling & Simpson’ to create something very special indeed.
4. LCD Soundsystem – You Wanted A Hit
Ok technically this song was release in December 2010, however i didn’t catch it until 2011, so I’m going to break ranks and include it in my top 5. This is another nugget of ‘LCD Soundsystem’ gold. Without doubt the most prolific producers of top class dancefloor indie/electronica of the past 10 years they sadly decided to call it a day this year, however this is definitely not the last we’ll hear of messrs Murphy and Mahoney.
5. Pablo & Shoey – Raw Human Emotion
This list wouldn’t be complete without a tip of the hat to some the home grown talent that’s currently producing top class edits to rival anything out there. This year has seen great tracks from the likes of Keep Stchum, as well as the Get Down lads in the sunny southeast. However my choice is from closer to home. Pablo & Shoeys ‘Raw Human Emotion’ from theire first EP, is a re-edit of ‘I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love’ by The Emotions, produced by Earth Wind and Fire’s Maurice White with legendary arranger Charles Stepney. That oh so catchy chorus got lifted by Primal Scream on their classic Andrew Weatherall produced ‘Loaded’ from the even more classic ‘Screamadelica‘ LP
