@The_Glendon Top Tracks of 2011

So it’s almost June and I thought I might as well still get this out. I had the list narrowed down by the end of the year, but it took me this long to get my shit together and do a write-up. And it’s getting worse. The first year I started at 50, now it’s creeping to 85. 

Anyway, overall great year for music. I still find myself listening to a lot of these, despite it being mid-way through 2012.

As always, the rules I applied to myself were: only one track per artist (unless they happened to appear, be featured in, or remixed by, someone else). Also, these are really my most played tracks of the year and apply only to me. And it only places songs I’ve heard. I can’t listen to everything, natch. (Downloads links at the bottom.)

1. Midnight City - M83

One of my fave bands put out their gem of an album, and this single still gets a ton of play in my rotation. 

2. Blue Truth - Jamie Woon

This song is… sly. I guess that’s the only way I can put it. Just meanders around and can adapts to whatever mood I’m in. Can be happy, melancholy, whatever, and it fits. 

3. Out Getting Ribs - Zoo Kid

Never heard of this dude before. Haven’t really researched much other music. But heard this back in January of 2011 and it still gets lots of play. Like a new Billy Bragg with the hollow, stripped down sound.

4. I’m On One - DJ Khaled feat Lil Wayne, Drake & Rick Ross

This track actually reminds me a lot of M83’s Midnight City, but instead of dreamy vocals it’s chock-full of braggadocioio from Drake, a solid verse from Rick Ross with plenty of “hmmphs” or whatever that is he does, and Lil Wayne manages to not… detract.

5. Spank - The Naked and Famous

I already liked this track, but when @TrustTheDust had the genius idea to use it in this masterpiece of salad destruction, I fell hard for it. https://vimeo.com/26040703

6. Ego - Burial & Four Tet & Thom Yorke

Three pillars of musical goodness got together and made two awesome tracks. I love both, but this one still stands out.

7. Ice Cream - Battles (feat Matias Aguayo)

Battles is still one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live. Can’t wait to check them out again since this album dropped. This is probably their most single-y song on the album.

8. The Last Huzzah - Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire feat Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown & El-P

Indie rap supergroup? Every verse on here is great, but El-P puts together what in my opinion is the best verse of 2011.

9. One Sunday Morning - Wilco

A 12:00 track? And it never gets redundant and boring. Well done Wilco. When I listen to this, I picture myself brunching in Chicago on a sunny June Sunday. 

10. Get Away - Yuck

I love this Yuck album. Reminds me of some of my fave mid-90’s bands like Superdrag and Matthew Sweet. Grungy, low-fi and melodic. I would totally have gone to a Superdrag/Yuck show at Metro back in high school. 

11. Monopoly - Danny Brown

This is the craziest track of the year. Danny Brown chews this up, and as he says, “literally shits all over” other rappers mix tapes.

12. Niggas in Paris - The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

I couldn’t not have Kanye on my annual list. And this is the best track of the Jay-Z/Kanye collaboration. Plus, Kanye embedded the term “That shit cray” into our national consciousness. And I approve of that. I probably would’ve ranked this higher, but I noticed d-bag A-Rod is using it as his walkout music. And that’s lame.

13. Magic Fountain (Krissy Sell Out’s Dark Crystal Version) - Art Vs Science

This ended up being my top track to run to for the year. A lot of builds and the bizarre Talking Heads-like lyrics stood out.

14. STSisGold - STS

The Phantogram sample is perfect under this track. STS just chugs along on top and uses the breakdowns as the only breather on the whole track.

15. Regenerate (Russ Chimes Remix) - Booka Shade 

I love me some Booka Shade and Russ Chimes even more. So I knew I was going to love this track. 

16. Need You Now - Cut Copy

Another great full album, but this single still holds up. Another great spring/summer track.

17. A Key Turns - The Depreciation Guild

This album actually reminds me of older M83 stuff. So that’s probably why I like it. Dreamy indie-pop with layers and layers of synths.

18. Calgary - Bon Iver

Ever since Justin Timberlake did his Bon Iver impression on SNL I have a hard time listening to this album. Still really good, but it does… make… me… sleepy…

19. Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins Rework) - Star Slinger

Heaven or Las Vegas… Always love that track, so this is a nice new addition for my ears to enjoy.

20. Stolen Dog - Burial

Burial keeps cranking out the mood. Rainy, foggy nights in London on the reg.

21. Separator - Radiohead

I liked the King of Limbs, but it did kind of blend together. So the name of this track was accurate, as it separated itself from the rest for me.

22. Rotation - Big K.R.I.T.

I love Big K.R.I.T. I listen to his stuff, literally every day. He offers some soul in what is currently a pretty mediocre rap scene. Gripping wood grain and candy paint never sounded as smooth.

23. Cinema (Skrillex Remix) - Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go

Skrillex gets a lot of shit, but I’m on board. And this burned a place in my heart after being on a boat in Lake Mead on a hot July day, watching Paul dance in the most bizarre way. So if Skrillex can prompt more of that, I’m all for it.

24. Streetz Tonight - Araabmuzik

Every track I’ve heard of Araabmuzik I dig. This was the first I heard, and it kind of recalls the stuff Bird Petersen was doing mixing electro with hip hop beats. Araabmuzik has taken it another step and creating his own style.

25. White Noise/Red Meat (Bassjackers Remix) - Dada Life

Who doesn’t love champagne and bananas? This was another great running track. Still need to get out to see Dada Life. I know they’re nuts live.

26. Hawaii (Niva Remix) - Blackbird Blackbird

Smooth and sultry. Lay out by the pool music.

27. Hit Me Where It Hurts - The Booze

First off, great band name. Second, this sound really begs to be seen live. So keep your eye out for The Booze.

28. Can I Live Freestyle - Pusha T

Fear of God is a great mix tape. Pusha just doing his thing, without the commercial bent. Somehow makes it better. Lots of Vegas references, so I’m all about that too.

29. Disque Oh! (Eumig & Chinon Remix) - Beatacue

This track got remixed by a solid lineup. Don Rimini, High Rankin, etc… But the Eumig & Chinon remix stands out the most. Another good running track.

30. The Stranger - Lord Huron

Nice instrumentation, and a sleepy folksy bent, without the sleepiness of Bon Iver. And like I mentioned last year, I’m a sucker for whistling on tracks. So bonus!

31. Bo Jackson - The Carps

I have no clue what this has to do with Bo Jackson. Unless the chorus line of “I’m the best thing you’ve ever hard” refers to Bo Jackson’s invincibility in Tecmo Bowl. Cause then it’s right on.

32. Snake Eater - Joker

If they ever used dub-by electro as a James Bond intro track, then this would be it. Actually Snake Eater would be a great Bond movie title too. 

33. Zan With That Lean - Soulja Boy

This track is too silly for me not to include it. It may be the most auto tuned track ever, but somehow it still works.

34. Cameras (Gucci Vump Remix) - Matt & Kim

Matt & Kim never sounded so electro. Great way to chop up the original…

35. Holla If Ya Hear Me (DJ Tritz Mix) - Avicii featuring 2Pac

Now that hologram 2Pac exists maybe we can start seeing him performing alongside Avicii at Marquee. I want a hologram Biggie too though. Maybe they could go on tour together?

36. Beautiful People - Chris Brown featuring Benny Benassi

I’m not a Chris Brown apologist, mainly because I don’t care about the musicians lives outside of them continue to making good music. And bringing Benny Benassi in to produce tracks on his new album was genius. Definitely raising the profile of EDM.

37. Madder Red (Henning Furst Remix) - Yeasayer

This may have technically come out in 2010, but I didn’t hear it till this year. A really cool take on an already great Yeasayer track.

38. Blomman - MyBack

Some down and dirty dubstep to get you going in the morning. 

39. Get Down, Make Love - Nine Inch Nails

Another one that got remastered in 2010, but I didn’t pick it up till 2011. Vintage NIN, it’s like a modern day gift from the past.

40. Stay Away - Charles Bradley & The Menahan Street Band

James Brown soul-style version of a classic Nirvana song. It just… works. 

41. Honey I’m Home featuring L Fame - Fat Trel

This track was produced by Araabmuzik, and despite the DJ shout outs, it is a perfect piece for Fat Trel to lay down a fun, albeit cliche, drinking song.

42. Tonic - Russ Chimes

Another solid Russ Chimes track. I’ve heard it worked into a few DJ’s sets and it holds it’s own really well.

43. Get Low - Donnis featuring Gorilla Zoe and  Young Dro

Another drinking track, more lean, more E. While the topic is played out, this is still a fun track.

44. Socialite Death Squad - The Idle Hands

A QOTSA flavor, a bit of angst, and some nice chunky guitars.

45. Lay Myself Down - Mazzy Star

So glad to have Mazzy Star back putting tracks out. I must have had 90’s nostalgia this past year… This would’ve gone in the rotation for sure back then.

46. Hey Moon - John Maus

I love me some John Maus. As unique a voice as there is in Indie right now. And laid in on this ethereal track is perfect.

47. Teenage Crime - Adrian Lux

I think this one’s been out for a little while as well. It takes a bit to get rolling, but it’s worth the wait.

48. You Know What I Mean - Cults

Cults sound is refreshing and definitely deserves to make the list.

49. Belispeak - Purity Ring

The little breaks make this indie-electro jam.

50. Kaputt - Destroyer

A great album by Destroyer, again. This song still stands out. Love the saxophone work on it. 

51. Sweet 17 - Dirty Beaches

The bands name is a great indicator of what this sounds like.

52. Endless Summer - MagicFades

If the above track conjures night-time, rowdy beach parties. This is more on the mid-afternoon, baked in the sun snoozing vibe.

53. I Don’t Want Love - The Antlers

Great album. This track reminds me of older Band of Horses stuff.

54. Illest Alive (Main Attrakionz) - Clams Casino

Clams Casino was on fire this year. But a track superbly sampling Bjork? I’m obviously on board.

55. Lights On (Gigamesh Remix) - Katy B

The dubstep queen gets a little pop restyling thanks to Gigamesh. Think Robyn or Alphabeat.

56. Hearts - I Break Horses

Dan Deacon and Holy Fuck type builds on this track. With some dreamy female vocals.

57. A Lil More ft Bambu - Otayo Dubb

Some positive hip hop never does anyone wrong. 

58. Ghost Town - Kurt Vile

Kurt’s always solid for a good, meandering track that is great for afternoon beer drinking.

59. Touch - HOLY OTHER

Slow grimy dub from Manchester. Deep, low baseline with some manipulated and effected vocals ala Burial. 

60. Don’t Move - Phantogram

Nice dreamy pop.

61. Eyes Be Closed (Lovelock Remix) - Washed Out

Washed Out’s flavor has been bitten by a lot of people this year, so maybe this Lovelock remix was perfect. It added just a bit more structure and positive flow.

62. Saturday Love - Toro Y Moi

Great summer jam.

63. Excuse - Big Freedia

If Big Freedia’s sissy bounce is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

64. You’re A Song (That I Can’t Sing) - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Not exactly a breaking new track. But it’s the first time I heard it. And after seeing Jersey Boys (surprisingly good show), this stuck out. 

65. Nuclear Seasons - Charli xcx

Nice 80’s vibe on this one.

66. there will be tears - frank ocean

I gotta say, Frank Ocean took a while to grow on me. But the understated production on this (when his counterparts would auto tune the shit out of it) definitely help it stand out.

67. LA Lights (SmarterChild Remix) - KOPPS

Tight little remix.

68. Wrestler - Does It Offend You, Yeah?

Aggressive track from DIOYY. Not sure where the sample is from. Anyone?

69. Then It’s White - The Field

Pencil The Field into my top lists every year. 

70. s o  c l o s e  t o  p a r a d i s e  - elite gymnastics

The spaced out title of this track makes me want to hate it, but I can’t help myself.

71. County Line - Cass McCombs

This sounds like it would have had a home in the 70’s, or 80’s, or 90’s. So I guess that’s saying something.

72. Aurora - Fred Falke

Again, just pencil Fred Falke into my top list of the year.

73. Ship Of Fools - Fucked Up

I really wanted to try and like this album as a whole more than I did. But alas, there’s still a lot of really good stuff on there.

74. Wicked Games - The Weeknd

The Weeknd doesn’t have as much humor as R. Kelly does, but he does love to sing about sexin.

75. Romantic Streams - SLEEP OVER

Nice synths on this one.

76. Green Aisles - Real Estate

Another solid album worth checking out.

77. Moonstruck - Action Bronson

This isn’t Ghostface. Seriously? How can this not be Ghostface?

78. 212 - Azealia Banks

If AB wasn’t so foul-mouthed she’d be rising up on a more public level. 

79. Forest Green - Mike G

Not all the Odd Future guys can create a hook, but Mike G certainly does on this track. 

80. Another Girl - Jacques Green

Another manipulated vocal track. Sense a trend?

81. Lose It - Austra

I know Florence & The Machine blew up even more this year, but you gotta check out the pipes on this chick.

82. Seriously - Shlohmo

Nice,  blippy slow jam. Complete with ambient shower drainage!

83. Swim Club - The Cave Singers

Some nice stuff to round out the overly electronic bent of this list.

84. Stuck On Fuckin’ You - Lady Gaga

(Sadly?) this is the best thing Lady Gaga did all year. A low-fi acoustic recording when she stuck on a tour bus in Minneapolis. Which makes sense, cause there’s a bit of a Prince vibe to it.

Lastly, I always try and throw in one full mix that I’ve been digging on all year. And here it is.

85. Expressway Mix, Pt 3 - Russ Chimes

Solid, indie electro all the way through. Built for what it implies. Hop on the road, let the street lights pass in rhythm. 

Get em for yourself here: http://www.mediafire.com/?5gsx96p6gaab7pg

This is officially my soundtrack for the rest of the summer. Russ Chimes has been a favorite of mine ever since I heard his remix of Teenage Color’s College. And this new mix tape just kills from beginning to end. 

Tracklist:

1. Russ Chimes - Aurora (Intro) 
2. Style Of Eye - Sexx (Russ Chimes Expressway Re-Work) 
3. Russ Chimes - Helix 
4. Moonchild - Lovebirds (Russ Chimes Remix) 
5. Alex Metric & Steve Angello - Open Your eyes (Style Of Eye Remix) 
6. High Powered Boys - Work 
with 
Arno Cost - Apocalypse (Sebastian Leger Remix) & 
Adam Kesher - Hour Of The Wolf (Lifelike Remix) 
7. Tong & Spoon - Muchness (Kink Remix) 
8. His Majesty Andre - Clubs 
with 
C&C Music Factory - Gonna Make You Sweat 
9. Nightriders - Get Hooked (Grum remix) 
10. Hurts - Better Than Love (Burns Dub Mix) 
11. Funkabit - Root Beer 
12. Kevin McKay - Body Talk 
13. Proff - Interstellar 
with 
Modjo - Lady 
14. ZZT - Zzafrica (Light Year & Finger Prince Remix) 
15. Loops Of Fury - We Unfold 
16. Para One - Animal Style 
17. Broke One - Go Go Go (Russ Chimes Remix) 
18. Zombie Nation - Chickflick (Boris Dlugosch Remix) 
19. Alex Metric - Raveageddon 
20. Jaymo & Andy George - Tension 
21. Slice & Soda - Year Of The Dragon (L-Vis 1990 & The Neon Dreams Remix)

This Buraka Som Sistema video is no joke. Love it.

@The_Glendon’s Top Tracks of Oh-Ten

Yes, this is way overdue, but I’ve only completely changed my life over the last couple months, so sorry. But, without further ado, here are my top tracks of 2010. 

 The rules I applied to myself were: only one track per artist (unless they happened to appear, be featured in, or remixed by, someone else). Also, these are really my most played tracks of the year and apply only to me. And it only places songs I’ve heard. I can’t listen to everything, natch. (Downloads links at the bottom.)

1. Alphabeat - DJ - If 2010 had any theme for me, it was my utter embracement of female-forward pop music. I’m secure enough in my masculinity and heterosexuality that I don’t need to be concerned how this might come off . I can thank a lot of this to my sister (who flooded our house with the likes of Paula Abdul, Wilson Philips and Janet) and also to @eflippin . It’s good to bond over music, and if your significant other thinks a certain type of music or artists is good, then take the time to really see what they like about it. It might help you discover more about that person than the music. I had been digging on Alphabeat for a while, but this song put me over the edge. I listened to it at work, bobbing my head while my partner @DigitalMoFoTomD thought I was crazy. In my car. While I was running. While I was getting ready to go out, when I got home from going out. Anyway, it got played a lot.

2. Kanye West - MONSTER (feat Rick Ross, Jay Z and Niki Minaj) - I’m a huge Kanye fan, he’s up there as one of my favorite artists of all time. So when he started dropping music for his G.O.O.D. Friday platform I was obviously excited. Then this track came out, and it just absolutely crushed it. Now, I wouldn’t even say it’s Kanye’s best song of his new album. I would say Runaway is probably my favorite. But this got played a ton, and we saw the peak of Niki Minaj. She will never top the verse from this track. And it was my favorite verse of any rapper this year. Showing up Kanye, Rick Ross and Jay Z on one track is impressive. However, I think it’s all downhill for her. She’ll never live up to it. I’m just glad Kanye’s back. 

3. Sean Roman - Phone Call - I had never heard of Sean Roman until I downloaded this track from some random music blog. I don’t even remember when or why. But this track just had a stickiness to it that I couldn’t shake. Just the slightest touch of 90’s Chicago house. A couple twisted samples similar to Burial. Just enough bounce to keep it light. 

 4. Aspirations - Get Fcked - This took me back to high school. Raging hard core, but throw in some samples and a chick singer to lighten it up. Aspirations manages to take a song about getting fucked over and turned it into an uptempo track that could be a summer anthem. In fact, it was my summer anthem.

5. jj - My Way - I have a big soft spot for jj. They’re music is so versatile. You just want to be in the sun, drinking somewhere and then all of a sudden you realize what the lyrics are. And it’s that contrast that makes jj special. Dreamy, floaty pop (hell they even have birds chirping in the song) and lyrics that are challenging asking “Who the fuck are you?” A random, perfect Lil Wayne cameo makes it that much better. If only Weezy could stick to jj cameo’s I wouldn’t feel like he’s been slipping.

6. Nika and Rory - LA Suxxx - Another summer anthem for me. The autotuned vocals of Zola Jesus over some washed out synths. And in the crunchy bass and it’s a perfect roof-drinking jam.

7. Big Boi - Shutterbug - Thank god for Big Boi. Seems like he’s the only one keeping big name hip hop fresh these days (outside of Kanye, although I really think he’s on another level). I don’t think Big Boi could have done this as Outcast. Andre 3000 just makes everything too cartoony these days. This will make your head bob off. Hard for me not to think of @pe3imagery when I hear this pop off.

8. Grinderman - Heathen Child - Definitely one of my most played. The video is crazy good too. Nick Cave’s guitar just burns up this track and his sneering, growling vocals are unmatched in 2010. Seems like if he was playing this track live he might bring out a condor on stage or bite the head off a gerbil or something. Vicious.

9. Freddie Gibbs - Fuck the World (National Anthem) - Hip hop is in a precarious place right now. Radio tracks go for the lowest common denominator and there are only a few standouts (see the previous Kanye and Big Boi comments). Then along comes Freddie Gibbs. Only from a place like Gary, Indiana could an artist like Gibbs come out. Forgotten, displaced and just flat out hungry. He demands you to listen. Gibbs has a Tupac flow, Biggie content and an attitude that is all Chicago. Great production on this track too. Whistling while yelling “fuck the world.” Like Peter, Bjorn and John meets the South Side.

10. Luke Roberts - Unspotted Clothes - I had never heard of Luke Roberts until I saw the video for this track. And what an incredible video it is. Reminds of me of some early 90’s fun. Love the clean production of this with the drawn out singing style. Roberts isn’t in a hurry to get anywhere in this track. And that’s why I listened through it so many times.

11. Crystal Castles - Not in Love (Featuring Robert Smith) - I like the new Crystal Castles album. I do. But until this came out it just felt like the same thing. Robert Smith hasn’t done anything this fresh in a long time. I just wish they would team up and do a whole album. The perfect collaboration. 

12. Gucci Mane - Pills (Prince of Ballard remix) - I’m not surprised, but it seems like every song about E is always good. (See !!!’s cover of “Take Ecstasy With Me” and Paper Route Gangstaz “Rollin”) Gucci is unapologetic in his style and marble-mouth flow. But this remix really steps it up. Adds in that 70’s vibe that matches up well with the track. Shout out to @jmclain for sharing in my Gucci love. Burrrrrrr. 

13. R Kelly - Best I Ever Had - As long as R Kelly is releasing music he’ll be on my list. This whole Demo Tape album was incredible. I loved that he just embraced all the young up and comers like Drake, but then proceeded to absolutely crush them on their own tracks. Typical Kells story. Although, I have to believe there’s no way R Kelly can have as much sex for the duration he claims. It just doesn’t seem humanly possible. 

14. Mount Kimbie - Before I Move Off - Another solid album. The whole thing bounces, blips and wobbles along. Warbly, pitched vocal samples add the playfulness that’s the perfect work soundtrack.

15. Matthew Dear - You Put a Smell On Me - I think Matthew Dear is really underrated. Even within indie music it doesn’t seem like he gets as much love as he should. This latest album was a gem. I think this track would particularly frighten my mom. Which of course still means a lot in my book even though I’m not 14 anymore.

16. Escort - Cocaine Blues - Major Rolling Stones vibes coming to me off this one. Plus there’s a solid verse about Chicago. How could I not love it? Would have fit as a summer jam back in 1975 just as much as it did in 2010.

17. Baths - Maximalist - Another great electronic album. Similar to Mount Kimbie it was hard to rate one over the other. Again, chopped up floating vocals. Another album that is perfect to toss on while working.

18. Das Racist - hahahaha j/k - Some of the charm of Das Racist is just how effortless it all seems. Great production with a Days of our Lives sample. Self-referential, great rhymes, turning back on themselves. This jam is the best of the best on the mixtape. 

19. LCD Soundsystem - I Can Change - I’m super bummed LCD is wrapping things up. I just want a new album every other year. Is that too much to ask? Another great full album, and similar to Das Racist, just effortless. This was my fave off the album.

20. TOBACCO - Fresh Hex (ft Beck) - The chopped up Beck vocals and crunchy synths were blasted off my roof at numerous occasions this past summer. 

21. Delorean - Stay Close - Got to see these guys open for Miike Snow at recordBar. I had liked their stuff, but the live show really captured me. Plus seeing @pe3imagery scaring the shit out of a bunch of tiny Spanish dudes was a highlight of the year. Seems like this was always playing as @eflippin and I were driving around Palm Springs at Coachella last spring as well. So that’s a lovely memory too.

22. Zola Jesus - Night - Reminiscent of Q Lazarus. What a great voice. Gotta thank @kckimchi for bolstering my Zola Jesus love.

23. Morgan Page - The Longest Road (Deadmau5 remix) - This was my intro into Morgan Page’s stuff. And that’s all courtesy of @ericcoomes. Plus the chick that sings this is hot. This was on repeat in my headphones at work any day after a long night. A new genre, hangover-house?

24. Major Lazer x La Roux featuring Gucci Mane - I’m Not Your Lemonade + Heroes and Villains Remix - A seemingly unlikely pairing/mash-up/thing just works. Heavy hitting bass on the La Roux section, then shit get’s appropriately messy when Gucci steps in.

25. James Blake - CMYK - This got me excited for the album. Then the album was a bit of a disappointment. But I guess I shouldn’t have expected a Monica and Aaliyah sample on every track. 

26. Rosanna - Waterfall (Fear of Tigers remix) - This goes hand in hand with the Alphabeat notes. A poppy little gem that seems like it could easily have been created by Nina in 1984.

27. Noah and the Whale - Blue Skies (The Twelves remix) - Also on the Coachella driving list, and I know it’s a fave of @eflippin. Kind of hard to be in a pissed off mood when this pops up. The Twelves remix adds a little LCD Soundsystem flavor to really up the track.

28. Pictureplane - Beyond Fantasy - I dig everything Pictureplane puts out. He gets some of that washed out vibe, but the beats hit hard enough that I don’t feel like some SoCal hipster listening to it. Now if he could hook up with fellow-Denver product Pretty Lights and come on tour to Vegas I’d be all set.

29. Neon Indian - Sleep Paralysist - Another group that seems to have to nod to LCD Soundsystem. I dig the subtle horns.

30. Sonnymoon - Houstatlantavegas - Chill, sweet, female-vocal cover of Drake’s stripper anthem. Love the unexpectedness of it and it’s sexy as hell.

31. The Raveonettes - Lust (Trentmoeller remix) - I’m not the hugest Raveonettes fan, but the paired down, moody Trentmoeller take is right up my alley. This gets tacked on to the Sonnymoon track as a good start to any #sextasticplaylist.

32. Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi - The Jonsi album was definitely a successful solo effort. Tracks actually came together in a little more cohesive way than most Sigur Ros albums. And the weird, nature-bird-man look he adopted for the tour was great. One of the highlights of the Coachella trip last year. Love the Tiesto remix as well and it was a toss-up which to put on the list

33. The Units - High Pressure Days (Headman Rework) - Definitely a Devo/Talking Heads vibe on the vocal delivery. I could easily see @zachbrockhouse adding this to his karaoke repertoire. 

34. Ester Dean - Drop it Low (Remix - ft Lil Wayne and Chris Brown) - Club banger. And it was the first track I remember Chris Brown having after the “incident.” And regardless of what kind of guy he might be, he’s uber-talented and I enjoy his stuff. If you didn’t see him on Saturday Night Live it’s worth the time. Best dancer out there. Although @amwalloch can give him a run for his money.

35. The Big Pink - Tonight (Coyote Clean Up Dirty Dub) - From the band responsible for my #1 track last year. They had a remix EP out and this was a nice stand-out off that. Completely different vibe then the band’s sounds. Totally chill as opposed to an ear-drum bombing wall of sound. Gotta love the versatility.

36. Twin Sister - All Around And Away We Go - I don’t know what the deal is with the singer’s accent. But I think that’s what brings this to the next level of goodness. Good track to end the night with.

37. Bit Funk - A Question For You - Seemed like there were a lot of quality Bit Funk remixes this year. And with the build on this track I would say the question is rhetorical by the time the song wraps up.

38. Andreya Triana - A Town Called Obsolete (Mount Kimbie remix) - Tack this one on to Sonnymoon and the Trentmoeller remix for the #sextasticplaylist.

39. Clare Maquire - Ain’t Nobody (Breakage Remix) - Similar to that Zola Jesus track but toss in a little grimy dubstep bass. Where’s Fiona Apple been and can she hurry up and make some magic like this?

40. DiscoTech - The Velvet Underground - Rock & Roll - I could easily drink a six-pack out of the back of a Camaro to this.

41. The ACBs - Be Professional - KC’s own. I regret not getting into the scene as much as I would have liked. But every once in a while I’d stumble on some tracks. This is just a kick-ass track with a nice low-fi production vibe.

42. Robyn - Hang With Me - Not sure if the Laidback Luke remix of Indestructable came out in 2010, but it was a tough call between that one and this original. Another album that was solid all the way through.This started getting a little overplayed for me thanks to the repetitive nature of Vegas radio, but it’s still a nice little pop gem.

43. Rich Boy (ft 607) - Drop (Remix) - Was not expecting this production from Rich Boy, so it definitely made me revisit the former Cash Money soldier.

44. Christopher Wade - Falling In - Initially Wade’s vocals caught me off guard and I wasn’t sure what to think. I think they were just so passive, but the uniqueness really grew on me.

45. BBU - CHI Don’t Dance - Chi’s version of Das Racist? But maybe a little less ironic, and more party. And the Chi references always get me anyway. And it’s an appropriately used Goody Mobb reference.

46. The National - Anyone’s Ghost - Not sure what it was about this album that didn’t grab me as much as previous efforts. But this is vintage stuff and that is certainly a good thing.

47. Stromae - Alors on Danse (Remix feat. Kanye West) - This just seemed like a really odd pairing to Kanye, but it just works.

48. Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait - So this is a good album of course. But similar to The National’s album. It just didn’t fully engrain itself to me. But this track stuck out the most. 

49. Maximum Balloon - Groove Me feat. Theophilus London - Former TV on the Radio-er’s solo effort is a great new addition. And this is definitely my favorite thing Theophilus London’s done. This is the kind of thing Kid Cudi should be doing if he’d get over himself and stop trying to recapture the Crookers remix love.

50. Girl Unit - Wut - Similar to Pictureplane’s vibe. Wut wut wut.

51. TItus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union - Heavy heavy Springsteen influence so of course I love these guys. Hell, they even reference Born To Run in the track. I could do without the speech sample, but this thing has a raw energy that is hard to ignore. I definitely want to catch these guys live. Then we’d really see how they match up to Springsteen.

52. A-Trak x Gucci Mane x Lil Wayne - We Don’t Want No Goblins - The standout track from A-Trak’s Dirty South Dance 2, and another solid addition from Gucci and Wayne. I know everyone’s crazy about the Wayne/Eminem collaboration, but you can keep it. I want some more stuff like this.

53. Gayngs - The Gaudy Side of Town - The indie supergroup lived up to the billing. And you can’t go wrong with the smooth sax.

54. The Wheat Pool - Right Arm - Not sure where I heard about this, but it’s been consistently played all year despite my limited attention to alt-country. If I could only get the catchy gems like this I’ld have to start keeping an ear out more.

55. Pharrell Williams & Uffie - Add Suv (Armand Van Helden remix) - Pharrell’s latest stuff with N.E.R.D. has not been that interesting. But this bouncy party jam is a winner.

56. Rusko - Hold On (feat. Amber Coffman) - I can’t take too much of the womp womp dubstep, but this has just enough of a pop polish to keep it repeatedly enjoyable. Shout out to @jimmykeown for all his dubstep love.

57. Sufjan Stevens - I Walked - I dig the electronic touches on Sufjan’s latest album. I don’t think anything will ever top Illinoise for me, but the guy certainly knows what he’s doing.

58. Daft Punk - Derezzed - This was really the only thing off the Tron soundtrack that could come off as a single. I know everyone was expecting the next great Daft Punk album, and so was I, but looking back, the soundtrack should have just been expected for what it was. Still dig this track, but in the legacy of Daft Punk it’s probably not going to be in the top 25.

59. Gucci Mane - Dope Boys (Bird Peterson Remix) - Loved Bird Peterson’s mixtape Drankenstein. This is the stand out track from that. And it just firms it up that pretty much any Gucci remix is going to get lots of play by me.

60. Massive Attack (feat Hope Sandoval) - Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix) - I have a huge crush on Hope Sandoval’s vocals here. And the minimal Gui Boratto style is perfect for a remix.

61. Sensual Harrassment - Fever - Yeah, it’s another chillwave track, but it picks up the pace a little and has some nice 80’s keyboards roaming around. Plus points for an awesome band name.

62. Perfume Genius - Mr. Peterson - This song is haunting and creepy. Reminds me of early Sufjan Stevens. I dig.

63. Mark McGuire - Brain Storm (for Erin) - I loathe the steroid-pumping, drooling Cardinal-fan-fave baseball player Mark McGuire. On the other hand, I really dig this. Chill, but builds up nicely. Holy Fuck-ish.

64. The Hundred In The Hands - Gigantic Tom Tom - How has this not been in a commercial? Has it been in a commercial? Sounds like something that would be in a Pert Plus or Kindle ad. And Kindle, if you can use the same music as Pert Plus then you fail as a brand. Regardless, I like this track. Until I see it in a commercial.

65. Free Energy - Bang Pop - This has that old-school indie sensibility to it that I love. Like Matthew Sweet reincarnated. Plus the video is awesome. 

66. Royksopp - Silver Cruiser - Another gem from Royksopp that’s perfect to work to.

67. Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites - Another great work track, but in a different i-must-get-shit-done way. Winner for lamest track name. Seriously, the track name almost makes me not like this song.

68. Crookers - Tee-Pee Theme (featuring Drop the Lime) - One of my fave tracks off last year’s Crookers album. Super short coming in at 1:40, but any longer and it probably wouldn’t work.

69. Boys Noize - Yeah - I really wanted to put the Boys Noize track “1010” on the list, but “Yeah” kept winning for me. Oh well, I’ll just have “1010” be the @1010_Collective theme song.

70. Brandon Flowers - Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas - I have the list close out just like I had my personal life close out 2010. KC was fun and I am going to/currently miss all my friends. But the bright lights (and @eflippin) couldn’t have me away any longer. As for the song, I guess it’s the meaning of it that I like. I don’t really like the track compared to some of the others off Brandon Flower’s solo album. But the album was promising and I’ll take any new Killers-related stuff that comes out.

Downloads:

Tracks 1-23

Tracks 24-46

Tracks 47-70

Enjoy. And I’m already working on 2011. Or Oh-Eleven.

Goodye KC mix

Here’s the last mix from my time here in KC. It’s been fun and music has of course played a huge role.

A few standouts. Local boy Max Justus opening for the ridiculously fun Gil Mantera’s Party Dream at recordBar. Dan Deacon in a warehouse in the West Bottoms. The Republic Tigers at Crosstown Station with Flippin. Wilco at Grinders with the Barkley crew. Spoon at the Grenada. Kings of Leon at the Sprint Center. The redemptive Passion Pit show at Beaumont after their previous show was cancelled. The incredible disappointment in the canceled Springsteen show. The Miike Snow dance party at recordBar with Prentiss. The Big Pink at the Bottleneck in Lawrence. AC Slater, Drop the Lime and Treasure Fingers at Czar Bar and Luna respectively. Helping organize the Dance For the Kids event featuring Adam Freeland. All topped off by a crazy Girl Talk show in the rain at Grinders. I’ll certainly miss the depth and breadth of the music scene here in KC.

As for the mix. I wanted it to represent my full time here in KC. So you’ll notice some from the above. But also some local stuff I dug and some stuff that stuck with me sonically or thematically from the past two years. Track list and download link below.

Enjoy:

Buildings & Mountains – The Republic Tigers

Be Professional – The ACBs

Los Feeling (Rough Mix) – Visitor

Use Somebody (Andre Anjos Remix) – Kings of Leon

Mathematicians Colour – Cowboy Indian Bear

Velvet (Van Rivers & The Subliminal Kid Remix) – The Big Pink

The Ghost Of You Lingers (Gavin Holland Bootleg) – Spoon

Ctrl_Alt_Dance – Max Justus

Hard Enough – Brandon Flowers

Geraldine – Glasvegas

Mystery – Lake Heartbeat

Love Long Distance – Gossip

Waking Vision – Gil Mantera’s Party Dream

I’m The Man Who Loves You – Wilco

I’m Not Your Lemonade + Heroes N Villains Remix – Major Lazer & La Roux

Pills (Prince of Ballard Remix) – Gucci Mane

Where’s Your God Now? – Adam Freeland

Dare – The Mary Onette’s

Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?3bkxeilee4ljx8h

-Glen

http://www.glendonscott.com

Luke Roberts - Unspotted Clothes

Been a while since I’ve been on the old Tumblr. Been busy, tired, preoccupied, apathetic, etc… But I need to get back to it. I have a lot to be happy about lately. Might as well reflect that.

I listen to a ton of music. Every once in a while a song sticks for just a bit longer than others. I’ve tweeted/FB’d this video already. But since I’ve been missing here I figured one more location doesn’t hurt. 

Enjoy.

-Glen

http://www.glendonscott.com

Daily Happiness - Red House Painters

For whatever reason I’ve been on a RHP kick lately. They just seemed to be creeping back into my head so I made sure to include it on my iPod and it’s been on repeat. Tonight, randomly, the weird convention-hotel bar had it on, which just fed into it.

This particular song (Have You Forgotten) is probably best known off the Vanilla Sky album, but it’s always stuck with me despite numerous songs that are practically similar.

This fan video is great. Some random European kids goofing off. Whoever their friend is that’s filming is a talented shooter, but an even better editor.

That’s all I’ve got. Just made me reflect a bit tonight. 

-Glen

http://www.glendonscott.com

Daily Happiness - 15 Albums

Saying music makes me happy isn’t exactly a stretch I know. But my friend tagged me in one of those Facebook note memes recently and it got me thinking. The topic was the 15 albums that came to your mind as ones that will always stick with you.

So I took a minute and here’s what I came up with. They may not even be my favorite album. Or my most played of that artist. But these stood out as the ones that made the most impact at the time I first heard them. And maybe that was the stipulation I placed on to the question.

So here they are. They aren’t in any real order. Just first that came to mind. If you have the time I’d love to hear yours.

Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska
Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine
Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
Radiohead - The Bends
Bjork - Homogenic
Wu-Tang - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Appleseed Cast - Low Level Owl: Vol. 1
Daft Punk - Homework
Deftones - Around the Fur
Ghostface Killah - Fishscale
Guns N’ Roses - Use Your Illusion I/II
The Promise Ring - Nothing Feels Good
Starflyer 59 - Silver
Burial - Untrue

-Glen

http://www.glendonscott.com

Daily Happiness - Treasure Fingers Winner

So I won this VIP night at the Treasure Fingers show tonight at Luna.

How can I not be happy about that! Gonna be a great show.

-Glen

http://www.glendonscott.com