OK - here's my definitive list (for today anyway). I include LP's & singles.
And of course, can't resist some comentary.
#1 - Recloose - Cardiology - Planet E/K7
#2 - Millsart - Every Dog Has its Day Vol II - Axis
#3 - Blaktronics - Raindrops (Mike Grant Mix) - Moving
(This could be a joint spot with their LP 'Seduction at 33/1/3',
however this mix imo raises what their trying to do to another level: a lush
vehicle for real timeless sentiments.
#3 - V/A - Detroit Beat Down Vol I - Third Ear
Loaded with names and some who will become names after some outstanding
tracks.
#4 - Thomas Brinkmann - Soul Center - Mute.
The sound of the summer, autumn and winter. Basically, I'm addicted to
it! Fun, a bit mad,
a gift to mix with. German techno anyone?
#5 - Peven Everret - I Can't Believe I Loved Her - King Street (& other
labels)
It seems many more people have caught up with the fact that house music
is not quite
derelict yet. I bought a lot of memorable house this year. I choose
this because of it's beauty
and innovation, showing what 'house' can still do which 'techno' has
often (not always) failed
to. Also, check out Peven Everret. You'll be surprised. A
multi-talented veteran.
http://www.mir-media.com/bios/peven_everett.html
#6 - Record label (got a problem with that?!): Kanzleramt: for consistently
bringing
intelligent (sorry to have to resort to that word) (aural?) envelope
stretching electronica and
dance floor material. Also for not getting so large and 'corporate'
that they've grown staid and boring (yet?) in little more than a decade
of existence. A tragedy
for a so-called purveyor of avant-garde music. Checkout Kanzleramt,
V/A, feat. Family Lounge
(AKA Anthony Rother), Ricardo Villalobos, Heiko Laux, Alex Kowalski,
Christian Boree.
#7 - Fauna Flash - Tel Aviv - (Charlie Dark Remix) Compost
More German/Austrian excellence. Attica Blues frontman tweeks it just
so, but I've yet to hear a
weak FF track. Stefan Betke (Pole) was their engineer, two of 'em
worked with Peter Kruder as
Voom Voom, they've learnt from both it seems.
#8 - Rolando - Son Dos - Los Hermanos
IIRC, it means 'for two'. Beautiful song (yes song). Designed for
humans who like techno to
dance to. Preferbaly two at a time. Computer-aided designed for very
big systems.
#9 - UR - Inspiration/Transition - Underground Resistance
#10- Drexciya - Grava 4 - Clone
For me, a fitting swansong. Fathoms deep in places, loaded with hard
future-funk in others.
Don't dismiss it as 'just another Drexciya record.' Narrowly pips the
other Stinson material
around right now to the post.
#11- Dimension 5 - Alien Artform - Delsin
I was less skeptical of Delsin after hearing this. John Harvey (UK!) has
got many
strings to his bow too.
#12- Four Hero - 9x9 (M.I.S.T. Mix) - I'm not a d'n'b expert, but this is a
storming mix of a
storming track, big tinkered-with big shouty vocals and big shouty
heart.
Wish you 'Brighter Days' in 03 everyone.
k
