Best of 2011 : Pat's Picks

Here are the LOOSE L!P's writers' favorite tracks and tidbits of 2011.
No explanation necessary; just trust us.

First up is the nu-disco-heavy grouping from resident DJ
(slash producer slash token Asian) Pat Lok.
- - -

*All links route to YouTube/Soundcloud unless specified as [mp3].
Feel free to download those bad boys.
TOP 11 SONGS - In Alphabetical Order
-- Bit Funk - Rap Music
GOOD DUCK SAUCE RIPOFF
-- Breakbot feat. Ruckazoid - Fantasy
JACKO FTW
-- Flume feat. Antony for Cleopatra - Sleepless [mp3]
PITCHBEND FLIPS THE BIRD TO AFROJACK

-- Gigamesh - It's So Intense
YOUTUBE LULZ + MELODYNE + MDMA = 17/10
-- Goldroom - Morgan's Bay
TALENTED BASTARD, H8 U
-- Herr Styler - Snow in Paris
5 DOLLA MEXICAN CIRCUS // BEST VIDEO OF 2011
-- Metronomy - Everything Goes My Way
#1 FOR SUNG IN THE SHOWER WITH THE LIGHTS OFF WHILE EATING ICE CREAM
-- Tensnake - Something About You [mp3]
POST-HACIENDA ANTHEM

-- The KDMS - Tonight
WHAT TOP 40 WOULD BE IF IT WASN'T RUN BY PEDOS
-- Stewrat - The Key
IF U BELIEVE IN LUV IT MIGHT SOUND LIKE THIS
-- Vanilla - Sure
I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE MP3 CAN SOMEONE SEND IT PLS?

TOP 11 REMIXES
-- Adele - Set Fire To The Rain (Plastic Plates Remix) [mp3]
Nü-Gay ANTHEM

-- BC x Delivery - Return To Me (Munk Remix)
MADE ME FEEL TWELVE YEARS OLD
-- Cassian - I Like What You're Doing (Lorenz Rhode Dangerous Mix)
TEDDY RILEY RETURNS
-- Chromeo - Hot Mess (Oliver Remix)
DROPPED THIS TO 900 PEOPLE THEY LOST IT
-- Classixx - Into the Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix)
EVEN HIPSTER DJS PLAY THIS
-- Golden Bug and Rodion - Do The Washing Machine (The C90s Remix)
MICKEY MOONLIGHT MIX EQUALLY NICE
-- Mark Ronson - Record Collection (Perseus Karaoke Mix) [mp3]
WAY "BETTER" WITHOUT THE "URBAN" "ARTISTS"

-- Maxxi Soundsystem - Get Up (Danny Daze SpinInOut Remix)
GOOD REMINDER TO DO UR LAUNDRY
-- Mighty Mouse - Ice Beer
EDIT? REMIX?? ORIGINAL???
-- Niki & The Dove - Mother Protect (Goldroom Remix)
I CAN PLAY THIS ON PIANO
-- T&K - Line of Light (Canblaster remix dreamy version)
THE LAST 133 BPM TRACK I LIKED WAS ARMIN VAN BUUREN

FAVORITE ALBUM
Bibio - Mind Bokeh // Metronomy - The English Riviera  -- I REALLY DIDNT LISTEN TO MANY ALBUMS
 
ARTIST OF 2011
Metronomy -- MORE HOOKS THAN A MEAT LOCKER

BEST 2011 BREAKOUT (BEST NEW ARTIST)
Oliver -- IF TIESTO IMPREGNATED PAUL OAKENFOLD THE RESULT WOULD BE THESE GUYS

BEST 2011 COMEBACK
Chris Malinchak -- ex-HOTT 22
 
BEST 2011 CONCERT
Dan Deacon @ Bonnaroo followed by WORST 2011 CONCERT - DEADMAU5 @ BONNAROO
 
2011's BEST KEPT (OR MOST UNDER-APPRECIATED) SECRET
Humans -- 604 COMIN AT YA

FM (Tensnake Remix)

Let's leave tonight.

Photo by Lina Scheynius

Question: Does it get much sexier than Junior Boys?
Answer: Not really, no.

Junior Boys played in Dallas tonight. If this was the first you've heard, the bad news is you've missed it. The better news is you're in good company because I missed it too. But even better still: It turns out that not only is their music some of the sexiest on the planet (I know I keep dropping that adjective but there's really none better), it also provides a quality studying soundtrack. So while I sit here figurative-balls deep in the philosophical history of 19th-century Europe, at least my ears are enjoying themselves. Yours will too.

Check out this old but killer Tensnake remix of FM. True to form, it's dark and broody like, with more than a dollop of sexual tension. FM is off their 2006 sophomore--and my favorite--Junior Boys album So This Is Goodbye. They've got a new album out though, and are currently on a huge world tour in support of it. Don't repeat my mistakes, be sure to see them when they come through your city; check dates here.

FM (Tensnake Remix) - Junior Boys

(Other) Best of 2010, Part I: Electronic

Here’s my first attempt at a ‘Best of [insert year here]’ list…but it’s not quite.
The thing is, thus far Loose Lips has been entirely dedicated to the songs I’ve loved in 2010. I’ve tried to only post music that’s truly moved me, and consequently the blog’s archives can more or less be read as my year’s ‘best' list. However, there were a few notable tunes that fell through the cracks, so to speak. Whether because I never got around to posting them, I was unable to post them due to copyright issues, or they didn’t fit in with the aesthetic of the blog, for whatever reason they never made the cut, but that’s not to say that I loved them any less. They might not be the ‘best’ by industry standards, but they’re what made me happiest or inspired me most. Anyway, I don’t think I have any kind of right (nor do many others) to make a qualitative list of the ‘best’ music of the year, as music taste really is so subjective.
So without further ado, here’s Part I of Loose Lips’ 2010 Wrap-Up, my “Year’s OTHER Best” if you will.

Pt. I of the 3-part Wrap-Up features my top 10 (downloadable) Electronic songs of the year. 'Electronic' meaning music made by producers versus a traditional band setup. I say 'downloadable' because there are actually 12 tracks here, but seeing as I couldn’t legally post the Grum tracks—which are arguably my top 2 electronic tunes of the year—I included 2 extra. (Make sure you listen to the Grum tracks though, they're stellar.)

Downloading:
Either grab all 10 tracks simultaneously by grabbing the Zip Folder HERE,
or pick and choose by clicking each song link and downloading individually. (Right click, save download...you know the drill.)

After Dark—The Count & Sinden [from Mega Mega Mega]

Continuing my Hervé kick (‘The Count’ is yet another one of his aliases, used when collaborating with fellow British DJ, Sinden), this song shows his playful and—dare I say it—poppy side.

Animus Vox—The Glitch Mob [from Drink The Sea]

The Glitch Mob were one of the most unique groups to break onto the scene this year, both in production and performance style. Animus Vox is creative and intricate yet immediately accessible.

Coma Cat—Tensnake

Tensnake proved to be the little disco engine that could, as Coma Cat became THE club anthem of Ibiza 2010. Can I get, can I get get?

Ghost In My Head—Niva

Niva started 2010 unknown, and remains relatively unknown still, but that doesn’t mean this rainy day electro is any less beautiful.

Golddust—DJ Fresh

While the Flux Pavilion remix of DJ Fresh’s song got all the attention among my peers, the original Dn’B version is what had me coming back for more. You can’t beat the energy of the original. And the music video!


Midnight Walk—Barretso [From Bright City Lights EP]

Thanks Barretso, for giving me my most-played song of the year. IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER.

My Feelings For You—Sebastien Drums & Avicii

2010 was Tim Bergling's (a.k.a. Avicii) year, and this collaboration with Sebastien Drums proves he’s worth the hype.

Second Lives—Vitalic

Though Vitalic’s album, Flashmob, was released in 2009, the Second Lives Single came out in March, so I’m allowing it to count. Vitalic is one of the best producers in the world today; I’d venture to say top 10. If you don’t believe me, just listen and see for yourself.

Tertre Rouge—Russ Chimes [from the Midnight Club EP]

One of 3 tracks off of Russ Chimes’ epic Midnight Club EP; it’s simultaneously sexy, fun, and slightly dangerous.

This Moment—French Horn Rebellion [from The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion]

French Horn Rebellion provided us with perhaps the year's best electro pop tune, which all but forces you to put a smile on your face and sing along.

Heartbeats--Grum [from Heartbeats]
Popjustice called Grum's Hearbeats 'the greatest song of the 21st century', and they weren't too far off. The thing I love about this song is unlike most songs that start at a '1' and build, climaxing at '10' and gradually fading back down, this song is at a constant '11'. I wish I could give it to you to download. Buy it here instead.

Grum - Heartbeats from Brian McBlade on Vimeo.

Cybernetic--Grum [from Heartbeats]
Oh Grum. Another song, another masterpiece. All in a day's work for Scotland's great electronic hope.


Check back tomorrow for Part 2: (Other) Best Instrumental Tunes.