1. The Distractions "All Night" (2010)
This song off their debut, Dark Green Sea, bridges the gap between Stereolab and Motown. It transcends time and place. And even though the lyrics consist of one line, they take on new meaning as the music shifts from day, to night, to morning.
2. Spookey Ruben "Rachel" (2009)
Spookey's been in my playlists since I was a teenager. His tunes are detail-oriented, catchy and nostalgic without being lame.
3. Gary Wilson "Secret Girl" (2010)
A relatively new song from the king of the creeps. Such a great funky lounge jam with an equally great video.
4. Owen Pallett "Lewis Takes off his Shirt" (2010)
I'm a sucker for Chamber Pop and Owen makes it his own. He does this song live masterfully, looping his violin shredding while singing, on Q TV.
5. Justice "Helix" (2011)
After putting out some questionable post-debut material, I'm pleasantly surprised that these jerks evolved into minimal prog/cock rock with Audio, Video, Disco. They'll never be the kings of French House, but it's an excellent stand-in until the next Daft Punk or Alan Braxe album comes out.
6. Washed Out "Belong" (2009)
Chillwave is the new Shoegaze and I'm onboard. Sounds like an early-80's workout video on ketamine. I was skeptical that he could top this High Times EP, but this year he pulled Amor Fati out of his studio (see Steve's pick) and is clearly smacking Boards of Canada across the face with his glove.
7. Ecstatic Sunshine "Conch" (2010)
The sound of a shell rolling around a reef with sun rays poking through the choppy waves. Sigh …I need a vacation. Picks up where Aphex Twin's "Richard D. James Album" left off.
8. V/A "Cheek to Cheek April Showers Pussy Cat Rag Blue Skies Was It a Dream Silvery Moon" (1920's)
I had the pleasure of DJing my friend Marty and DeAnn's Wedding this spring and the theme was 20's Charleston. To prepare, I listened to nothing but buttoned up ballads. roaring' ragtime, dapper dixie and moody orchestra music for close to 4 months! Everyone was so talented, charming and well-practiced back then. Here's a snippet from the set.
9. El Guincho "FM Tan Sexy" (2010)
This innovative Tropicala/AfroBeat/Dub hybrid bravely predicts what music is going to sound like in 10 years. It's slightly disjointed and hard to nod along to but I think it's genius.
10. R. Kelly "A Love Letter Christmas" (2010)
The pied piper of R&B released a great album last year and whenever I don't know what to listen to next, I put Love Letter on. This is him loosening his tie after he finishes the album to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He even commits to a goofy cowbell solo.
