BEST ORIGINAL TRACKS OF 2009

1. Triple Drop (featuring Shifee Moova) - The Squire of Gothos
The Squire of Gothos set the bar for dance music in 2009 with their undefinable sound. The zenith of the Squires’ 2009 releases is their Triple Drop, which is not only my favorite track of 2009, but one of my favorite songs ever. Upon hearing Triple Drop for the first time I knew I was listening to a classic – as important to me as Underworld’s Dirty Epic or Orbital’s Halcyon (on + on). Triple Drop is the song that defined 2009. I cannot WAIT to hear the Squires have in store for 2010.

2. United Groove - L-Vis 1990
L-Vis 1990 is THE producer of 2009 and United Groove is the track, thus far, for which he will be remembered. His kicks and snares tones are definitely his own, and he pulls off the tedious task of making complex progressions sound effortlessly simplistic. United Groove redefined the word “funky”, and, like The Squire of Gothos, L-Vis 1990′s genre bending sound make him one of the most exciting producers of 2009.

3. Zappa Fill - Rx
It is still crazy to me that two of my favorite producers of 2009 are a Subdivision residents. Along with Jayou, Rx’s productions continued to progress and impress throughout 2009. It was a hard choice between the Rx/Chae Hawk collaboration – Malt Liquor – or Zappa Fill, the wobbler so weird you’d think Frank himself made it. In the end, the title went to Zappa Fill because I have yet to hear anything else out there that sounds remotely like it. Easily one of the best songs to drop in the middle of a set – the expressions on the crowd is consistently priceless!

4. Ghostline (featuring Devilman) - B.U.N
2009 wasn’t a much of a year for Bassline; especially, when compared to 2008′s prolific Bassline releases. However, this B.U.N collaboration with Devilman shined bright among the mountain of shit that was 2009′s Bassline releases.

5. Chocolately - Bill Eff
I love every second of this track. From the plucking strings, to the quivering horns to a beat so bouncy that it would make ANYONE do the truffle shuffle. Chocolately is just one of those tunes that makes you smile. And despite playing it over and over again, I have still yet to tire of it. Brilliant song.

RUNNERS UP:
POWER MOVES – JAYOU
My favorite tune that Subdivision UK’s Jayou did all year. Exemplifies all of the elements that makes a Jayou production mind blowing.

BEST REMIXES OF 2009

1. Waves (Chilly Gonzales Piano Version) - Boys Noize
Boys Noize + Chopin = Chilly Gonzales’ version of “Waves”. If you had told me that there was a classical piano version of a Boys Noize track – especially one from his progressive 2009 LP, POWER! – I wouldn’t have believed you. But the unimaginable is true – and the best “remix” I’ve heard this year. If Untold’s remix of Boys Noize’s “Transmission” was released on it’s original December date, that would probably be my #1 pick. Unfortunately, it is being pushed back to a February release.

2. Baseball Bat featuring Marina (High Rankin Remix) - Herve
Picking just one High Rankin track was a difficult choice. Along with L-Vis 1990 and DZ, High Rankin owned 2009. This remix of Herve’s Baseball Bat, however, stands out because it remains one of the most brutal songs I’ve heard all year. I cannot WAIT to see what Lord Rankin got in store for 2010.

3. I Be Everywhere (DZ Remix) – Gucci Mane
DZ is the most prolific producer in the world today. Aside from a slew of originals and remixes released in 2009, DZ has THREE full length records coming out in 2010. This Gucci Mane remix for Mad Decent’s forthcoming Gucci Mane mixtape stands out among all DZ’s 2009 remixes (and I wager will be the best of all the remixes on Mad Decent’s mixtape). Sorry I can’t post this track, but be sure to check out the Mad Decent mix and bask in the brilliance of DZOther standout DZ remixes of 2009 are “Keep It Going Louder” – Major Lazer, “Beeper” – The Count and Sinden, “The Salmon Dance” – Chemical Brothers, “Punks” – Juju, “Call Me Up” – Chromeo, and “Need You” – Dylan & Ink.

4. Archangel (Stenchman Remix) – Burial

Most remixes of Burial tracks are horrible. Most of the time, the remixes are nothing more than an additional kick or snare. Stenchman’s remix of Untrue’s standout “Archangel”, however, is a complete reworking of Burial’s original. I first heard this when Stenchman toured the United States in April 2009 and was the highlight of his set in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York. It captures the haunting tone of the original, while adding the stinky wobble of most Stenchman productions. MASSIVE remix!!

5. Anaconda (Chopped & Screwed by L-Vis 1990) - Untold
When two of the most left field producers in dance music combine their efforts, the finished product is often one of the most bizarre sounds to ever reach one’s ears. Like Burial + Four Tet or Mike Patton + Kool Keith, L-Vis 1990′s re-imaging of Untold’s classic, Anaconda, is as stranger than you could imagine. And from this madness comes shimmers of brilliance, making this remix one of the best I’ve heard all year.

RUNNERS UP: Passin Me By (Heppy J Remix) – The Pharcyde, You have the Internet, I have the Moon (Golden Panda Remix) – The Field, Take Me to the Hospital (King Cannibal Remix) – The Prodigy