I guess it's that time of year again. 25 days, 25 songs. This list should be a bit more varied than last year's as I've gotten into a couple more genres, although I've probably listened to less music total than last year. Still, I think I'll be able to come up with a solid list of tracks, with a mix of trance, house, electro and even some dubstep and drum n' bass. First entry in the next post.
I wanted to kick things off with a track on the commercial side, which makes it even more odd that I ended up choosing a dubstep track... But if you know anything about my tastes, you'll quickly find out why this was one of my favourite tracks of the year, and why Nero is probably my favourite dubstep act. One thing you will hear me talk about a lot in these writeups is contrast. I simply can't get enough of it, and this track is a perfect example of what I look for in electronic music – the hard, with the soft. Trancy synths, haunting vocals and some ****ing filthy drops.
I'm not sure that I have ever heard a single track mix elements of two distinct genres so well. This track satisfies everyone. The breakdown is beautiful without being overdramatic, and I can't see fans of bass music complaining about a lack of punch in the drops. After listening to electronic music for a while, you learn to ignore lyrical content, because most of it is just ****ing terrible, but this song is also an exception to that rule, which is always greatly appreciated.
While I must admit that I generally do not enjoy bass music, I can dig anything that has some good melodies or just an interesting style of production. Nero seems to deliver on all fronts, this won't be the last that you see of them on this list.
From: SlymDayspring | #004 I'm not a huge dubstep fan, but Nero produces lots of tracks I seem to like anyway.
Yeah, that's pretty much how I feel. I can really enjoy some dubstep tracks, but there is way too much stuff that I flat out hate to dedicate any serious amount of time looking for dubstep tracks. It's the same thing with any genre to be honest, I think most trance is complete garbage too... I guess I just find the highs of discovering 1 good track after a couple hours of crap to be worth it.
I forgot to mention it in the first post, but I'll also be ranking the top 5 electronic LPs (artist albums and mix compilations) I listened to this year. I figure that since dance music isn't really meant to be listened to one track at a time, it would make sense to shed some light on the best collections of music released during the year as well. While the songs aren't really a ranking (just a collection) the LPs will be ranked and reviewed.
2. Arty – Zara Label: Anjunabeats Genre: Trance
If I remember correctly I used at least three spots on last year's list to preach about how Arty would be “the next big thing” in Trance music and how at just 20 years old, he was already one of the top producing talents in the world.... well, it's still true today. 2011 was a massive success for him, and it all began with this track that was released in only the second week of the year. While his earlier productions and remixes hinted that he was something special, I believe this is the track that cemented him as one of the true elite in the genre.
Crunchy basslines, simple piano melodies and a one word vocal sample go a long way in this track. Arty seems to shy away from vocal heavy tracks for the most part, which is definitely a plus when his productions sound this... complete. Zara is really a true “song” rather than a track that can just be thrown in the middle of a mix or set to bridge between other tunes, it really demands your attention. Arty seems to prove time and time again that you don't need to use a SuperSaw to make great uplifting trance, and I have to admit that I'm quite thankful for that. It's one of the few truly uplifting tunes that I wouldn't be scared to drop in one of my sets.
I literally just made a video for this song and uploaded it to Youtube myself. That's how much I love this ****ing tune. I try to stay away from making hyperbolic statements, but Alex O'Rion is the best thing to happen to trance in YEARS. His debut album The Bigger Room which was released earlier this year is one of the best trance artist albums I have ever heard, and it doesn't look like he's slowing down by the sound of his latest productions.
This is one of two vocal tracks featured on the album, and in my opinion the much better of the two. There is a certain element of... darkness, that O'Rion brings to many of the tracks featured on the album and this one is no exception. The vocals by themselves would be a bit creepy... but the bass on this track brings an element of what I like to call “funk” to the production. It's one of those tracks I simply can't listen to without moving a little bit.... and that's just before the breakdown. The break puts even more emphasis on the extremely crisp vocals before building up to an incredibly uplifting climax during which I cannot help but smile.
I usually don't get too upset about artists I like not being famous, but Alex O'Rion is criminally underrated and he deserves all the credit in the world. Literally the only electronic artist I will recommend to anyone, regardless of their tastes. CHECK THIS DUDE OUT.
Hmm. I remember a few more people following this thing last year.... Oh well. It's as much for me as it is for you.
4. Vinson – Circular Progression Label: Black Hole Recordings Genre: Progressive House
Vinson is relatively unknown in the industry at the moment, and I honestly couldn't name even one other track he's done.. which leads me to believe that “he” could be just an alias used by an already established producer. Either way, this track is top-notch.
I love the feeling of “fantasy” present in this track... As soon as the vocals come in, my mind is filled with imagery of fantasy worlds filled with elves, magic, and all that crazy stuff one would find in an RPG. It's really quite strange.
Although this track isn't the most suited for club play, it's still easily one of my favourites of the year. I feel that I could drop it into any recorded set without it sounding out of place. Interesting enough to catch the listener's attention, yet still far from being truly anthemic. Everything about this track is understated and it all just works.
5. Sander van Doorn – Eleve11 Label: Doorn Records Genre: Progressive House/Trance
This album deserves a ****ing Grammy. I honestly couldn'tt give two ****s about the Grammy's and I honestly think they're now a bigger joke than the MTV VMAs in terms of prestige... but I was still a little angry to see Sander get snubbed there. While Alex O'Rion not being recognized for releasing the best electronic album in years is excusable since he's a newcomer... there is no excuse for someone like Sander to get looked over. The fact that Deadmau5 was nominated with his **** album this year really pisses me off. God damn.
Anyways, Sander van Doorn is a genius. Easily one of the most talented producers in the scene today, and he proves it with every track on this album. Long known as someone who produces instrumental anthems and full-on tech-trance monsters, Sander shows his chops on this album by straying into vocal territory for the first time, and presenting incredible results. The album opens with an intro mix of “Love is Darkness” his first ever vocal production with help from Carol Lee and the track definitely sets the tone with it's synth stab climax. Koko another tested dancefloor destroyer raises the energy as the second track on the album, before it slows down with Believe, a chilled out progressive tune featuring male vocals. I could literally rave about every track on this album, but to keep things in one post, I'll just talk about three more.
Rolling the Dice, a collaboration with Sidney Samson is exactly what vocal house should be. Incredible production that is complemented, not overshadowed by the vocals. Nadia Ali proves why she is one of the best in the business on this track with a sexy, sultry performance on the vocal duties. I find that the sound design of this track really highlights Sander's immense talent, although it's hard to tell which elements were contributed by him, and which are work of Sidney Samson.
I'll keep this write-up short and sweet (much like the track itself). At only three minutes Who's Wearing the Cap is the shortest track on the album, and probably my favourite as well... which is why I decided to post the extended version, regardless of the fact that I'm supposed to be reviewing the album. Definitely a track for the clubs, this is my personal pick for "Floorfiller of the Year" if there was such an honor. If this track doesn't get you moving, there is probably something wrong with you.
I decided to post the fifth track of the top 25 here to save time.
5. Sander van Doorn pres. Purple Haze feat. Frederick – Timezone Label: Doorn Records (Spinnin' Records) Genre: Trance
Purple Haze is an alias used by Sander on his more “out-there” trance productions. Usually recognizable for their distinctly dark and often ominous sound, Timezone is the newest addition to the Purple Haze catalogue. I can really describe everything about this track in a single word... “Haunting”. Frederick is on point with the vocals in this track, making it sound as if he's completely hopeless while he sings the terribly despressing lyrics. Even as this song reaches it's climax, where one would expect the mood to be lifted... it just sounds as if bad things are about to happen. I really can't heap enough praise on Sander, he's truly a genius producer, and I don't throw that term around too often. In addition to this, he's quite possibly one of the best Djs on the planet, it's frankly quite odd to see someone who was labeled as a trance DJ rock a party as hard as Sander can. He is definitely in the top-tier of live performers as well as producers.
haven't actually listened beyond the first one yet, just posting to let you know someone is actually paying attention...I have my hands full with finals week.
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I'm "kind of a big deal". http://img.imgcake.com/cyclo/Cyclopngegpngre.png
6. Gareth Emery – Tokyo Label: Garuda Genre: Trance...ish
2011 has been a slower year for Mr. Emery, but that is to be expected since he just finished releasing his debut artist album last fall. Just released yesterday, I believe Tokyo is his first (and only) solo production of the year... and it's a big one. Known in the trance world for his lighter melodic trance anthems, Tokyo is quite the departure from Gareth's signature style... and he took a ton of flack from the community upon releasing it.
First things first, this track has my favourite kick pattern of any production this year. You can really only hear it in the first and last 10 seconds of the clip, but if you ever check out the full original mix, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's one of those tracks that truly begins when it begins, rather than at the 1 minute mark. This vocals in this track are a great example of why I love electronic music so much. The vocal sample was chopped, reversed, pitched up and made completely unrecognizable from it's original form. For some reason I love the fact that you we'll never be able to understand what she's actually saying... along with the actual sound that comes from playing a vocal sample backwards which is seems just about impossible to produce in any other way.
It's really just a huge tune. Everything about the track is massive, and I feel that it's much more representative of Gareth as a DJ than any of his previous productions, which is always a good thing. As someone who can truly rock a dancefloor for every minute of his set, it's great to see him showing a bit more of an edge in his productions.
7. Marco V – Unprepared (Marcel Woods Remix) Label: In Charge (Be Yourself Music) Genre: Progressive House
I'd suggest turning your volume up for this one, it's another track that wastes no time at all getting started. I wish I knew the name for the sound that the track opens up with... but whatever it is, is ****ing awesome. It's a sound and rhythm that can really just be dropped into a set without slowly being mixed in. I love the fact that the rhythm can get you moving before the bass even comes in.
This track was what I'd consider my secret weapon on the year. Although Marcel Woods is a fairly big name, and the original track has some success in 2010, this remix wasn't nearly as played out as it should have been.... which I kind of enjoyed. It's one of those tracks that could get a nice response, even though most people were hearing it for the first time, which is generally kind of rare. I honestly think just the rhythm and vocals by themselves would make a decent tune, but when the euphoric synths come in, everyone is going crazy. It's pretty much overkill.
8. Jonas Steur & Jennifer Rene – Still I Wait (Richard Durand's In Search of Sunrise Mix) Label: Songbird (Black Hole Recordings) Genre: Trance
Oh my god... This was by far my favourite vocal track of the year. It's probably one of my favourite of all time. I've been listening to it since it was released on the ISOS 9 compilation, and I'm still not sick of it. It's quite literally a perfect track.
Honestly.. I don't even know what to say about it. Every time I listen to it, I'm basically in awe of how incredibly beautiful the song is. Jennifer Rene is really an impressive songwriter and the lyrics in this track are better than what I hear in most commercial pop releases (may not sound like a big deal, but it's rare in trance). Jonas Steur lets the production sit in the back for the first 4 minutes of the song and Rene's beautiful vocals carry the song all the way through the breakdown.
I remember actually being nervous the first time I listened to this song. I was scared that Steur would go into one of those ridiculously cheesy 2 minute trance breakdowns and ruin a song I had already fell in love with... but he didn't. Instead he created a pretty funky lead that takes center stage for about 4 phrases until Rene returns with the vocals to usher in the outro.
I just can't get enough of this track. Every part of it just works so well. It will definitely be in my “crate” for years to come.
MELODIES!!! Easily my favourite part of trance music, and the Gareth Emery's Garuda label seems to specialize in them. This track came out quite early in the year and I really haven't stopped playing it since. Tritonal is absolutely fantastic when it comes to trance basslines, although you'll notice that many of them are extremely similar if you hear one of their live sets. Either way, their hard bass mixes quite well with the lighter melodies used in the lead of this song. It's without a doubt my favourite lead of the year. The whole tune is happy and uplifting without being over-indulgent or cheesy. The lead itself is more complex than most that you would hear in this type of music, and I think that quality comes from Sibicky, who I just learned is the classical composer who taught Chad (one half of Tritonal) how to produce music. Pretty interesting collaboration there.
This year I haven't been including my “favourite part” as a section of the review, but I think it needs mention for this song. The entire section from about the 3:10 mark until about 5:10 is just sublime. This track really turns up the energy during the set, it's a melodic masterpiece.
2. VA - In Search of Sunrise 9: India (Mixed by Richard Durand) Label: Songbird (Black Hole Recordings) Genre: Trance
Another year, and another entry in the legendary ISOS mix series. This marks the second year since Richard Durand took over the duties of mixing this compilation, and while I can't say India is as impressive as last year's effort, it's still a solid compilation that earned it's spot in my top 5 albums of the year.
The album opens with a nice intro from Indian producers Lost Stories before transitioning into a soothing laid-back vocal track from Ad Brown and Mango with vocals from Kerry Leva. Just as with their tracks on ISOS 8, Ad Brown sets the tone for the rest of the disc, as the first hour of this mix is decidedly chill and low energy. There are definitely some gems in the form the equally soothing and emotional “Craters of the Moon” by Alex O'Rion, as well as the progressive monster in sheep's clothing, “Ice Coffee” by Moonpax. The first disc is solid throughout, although Durand really kicks it up a notch with the penultimate track on the disc, his own production “Run to You” featuring Hadley.
Taking a couple cues from his artist album also released this year, Run To You is a tech infused trance anthem that does a great job in signalling the change of direction that Durand has planned for disc 2. I usually don't talk about tracks in which I only like one specific part... but the climax of this song deserves it. Although Hadley's performance on vocals is merely adequate, the way Durand builds the production with her repeated lyrics is enough to make this track the high point of the first disc for me.
The second disc opens up on the techier side with a pleasantly creepy tune from Jorg Zimmer and Eva Kade titled “Fire In My Head” before softening up a bit with “Seven” from Silence Groove and my previously mentioned vocal track of the year “Still I Wait” from Jonas Steur and Jennifer Rene. Although this disc has slightly more of an edge than the first, it remains quite “fluffy” and melodic until about 2/3 of the way through, with the introduction of the second Alex O'Rion track on the compilation, and my personal favourite from the young producer.
Dark bass, light melodies, rain and thunder... this song has everything I love. This track really surprised the hell out of me on my first listen, and it was the moment that cemented The Bigger Room as one of the top albums of the year for me. The impossibly beautiful melody really comes out of nowhere around the 2 and a half minute mark, and while it's simple I know that for me personally, it evokes more emotion than anything I have heard elsewhere this year. The sounds of thunder and rain create a perfect compliment to the melody as they remind me of the pleasant melancholy I feel whenever it rains. I'm not sure if this is truly one of the greatest tracks ever produced, or if it just hits all the notes for me personally, but either way, easily one of my top tracks of the year.
10. Zedd – The Legend of Zelda Label: Bazooka Records Genre: Electro House
Despite the persona, all DJs are nerd... and here is your proof. Everyone has heard this tune before, so I'm not really sure what there is to say about it. It's just a really solid take on a classic tune by a great producer. I was quite surprised by how much I actually liked this track when first listening to it, as I just assumed there were already better versions that could be found on Youtube or OCRemix, but Zedd slated this as an actual release and it ended up doing quite well on the charts. I actually heard it played in clubs a few times and it always got a great response. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure because I know it's not THAT good... but it's vidya games. Nostalgia and all that.
Here is another electronic take on a classic tune.. albeit more in the traditional sense of the word. Moonlight Sonata has always been one of my favourite pieces of classical music, so I was ecstatic to hear that one of my favourite trance producers was taking a stab at it. The results are pretty fantastic. Although I was at first disappointed by the amount of the original tune he chose to highlight, this track has grown on me over time. Instead of the original melody, it's really Ash's production that keeps me coming back. The first instance of Moonlight gives you just enough to get excited, and the build-up that follows just leaves you begging for more. Minutes later the classic melody hits again, except this time it's followed by some of the punchiest synth work I've ever heard.
I've never been much of a fist pumper, but I can't help myself from about 6:00 onward.
12. Dirty South & Those Usual Suspects featuring Erik Hecht – Walking Alone Label: Phazing Genre: Progressive House
The “punchiness” continues with the latest release from Aussie house music legend Dirty South. Between this track and his collaboration with Thomas Gold, Dirty South has been killing it in the scene of vocal house this year. Contrary to the current trend in house music, he seems to prefer working with lesser known vocalists, and I have to say it's worked quite well for him, with his previous productions Phazing and Alive both being smash hits.
Although the kick is decidedly house, this track has a real trance edge to it with both the vocals and the lead. Erik Hecht delivers a great vocal which while not lyrically complex or memorable, will be stuck in your head for days... I guarantee this. It's really quite a simple tune as far as production is concerned and I believe the vocals are what truly carry this track into greatness. Trancy enough to receive play and attention from the trance producers yet commercial and danceable enough to earn a spot in any regular club set.
All around just a great track that has proven to be extremely versatile. I'm hoping to hear more from Erik Hecht in the coming year as well.
13. Porter Robinson – Unison Label: OWSLA Genre: Electro House
First things first. Porter Robinson is still only 19 years old and he's already touring with some of the biggest in the business. I haven't seen him live yet myself, but I know he opened many dates on Tiesto's Club Life College Invasion tour earlier this year, and I've heard that he threw down some great sets. Part of the reason I love young producers so much is because they don't give a **** about genres. Guys that have been in the scene for a while tend to get stuck in their ways and are less likely to incorporate different styles and unique sounds in their productions... the kids coming up these days don't seem to have that problem.
Porter released his first EP on Skrillex's OWSLA label earlier this year and while I wouldn't call every track on it a winner, it really showed his breadth and skill as an EDM producer. I chose Unison for this list because I think it does the best job of showing off everything that makes Porter such a great producer.
The kick pattern alone in this track is enough to get me moving... the stuttered vocals and melodic the synths kind of tease you into thinking it's going to be a progressive tune on the funkier side, especially when blaring synths hit at the 1:30 mark, and then you get hit by the drop around 2:10. This track is just an absolute monster. The breakdown would feel right at home in a trance tune, yet the electro drop that follows doesn't pull any punches. It's really a beautiful mix of elements from all over EDM and it causes me to believe that he's capable of producing GOOD electronic music in any genre he chooses. Brilliant track, brilliant producer.
If you like this track at all, check out his EP "Spitfire" especially the track with Jano, "The Seconds".
14. Orjan Nilsen featuring Neev Kennedy – Anywhere But Here Label: Armind (Armada) Genre: Trance
I feel that I'm getting a bit repetitive with my praise of trance producers featured on this list as all being “some of the best in the world” but it's just the truth. Most trance produced is repetitive, formulaic, and cheesy as hell. It's just garbage. Throwing in a 2 minute soft piano breakdown with some female vocals does not make a track “emotional”... end rant.
Anyways, Orjan Nilsen who was probably my favourite producer of 2010 finally released his artist album earlier this year, I wish it was as good as I was expecting, but it turned out to be quite average and almost entirely unimpressive. This track on the other hand, one of his very few forays into vocal territory is everything I know that he's capable of.
It's really a true “song” that can stand on its own, outside of a mix, which I believe to be a sign of greatness in the realm of electronic music... as long as it can also fit seamlessly into a mixed set. I've always been a fan of Orjan's darker sound and Neev Kennedy's vocals are a great fit for the type of production featured in this track. Although I previously mentioned Jennifer Rene's performance on “Still I Wait” as my personal favourite of the year, this is the only other vocal track that I can honestly say that it blew my away. I can't even describe the feeling I get around the 3:00 mark when the production drops out to let the vocals shine... that moment is only second to the 4:15 mark where the lead wrests the spotlight back for the incredible climax.
It's really songs like this that inspire me as a DJ, being able to evoke this kind of emotion with music is what keeps me going. That and the chicks.
3. VA – Club Life Volume 1: Las Vegas (Mixed by Tiesto) Label: Musical Freedom Genre: House and Progressive
After a lengthy break which included a radical change in musical style, Tiesto finally released another mix compilation earlier this year to kick off the summer season. I'd have to say that this was by far my most anitcipated release of the year, and it was kind of a nervous excitement. Although I'm still a huge fan of his new style, I wasn't sure that he would be able to mix an album that could even compare to his legendary In Search of Sunrise or Magik series. Although it's hard to compare a purely house mix to a trance one... I can honestly say that I was not the least bit disappointed.
The album kicks off with energetic piano driven number, by one of my favourite Swedish House producers of the moment, Henrik B. The prominent piano in this track is reminiscent of early 90s house music which gives the song a really unique feel, great way to start the album. The track is followed by a gospel-infused dance track by another Swede who is huge at the moment, Avicii, under his Tom Hangs alias. Axel Bauer and Lanford then provide a stunningly ethereal remix to Cazzi Opeia's “I Belong To You” before the mix gets a little proggy with a new track from the big man himself.
Tiesto chose to go with his Steve Forte Rio alias for this softer progressive house track, and although that signaled it would be a little more melodic than his current productions, I was still extremely surprised by how well this track turned out. One of my favourite things about Tiesto is his eclectic taste. Rather than using an established EDM vocalist, he chose Indie Pop vocalist Lindsey Ray to provide the provide the beautiful vocals to this track. Some really nice soft synths used in this track, as well as a terrific chorus (although I must admit “Slumber” is one of my favourite words in the English language), it's a really fun track that sets the tone for the middle portion of the mix.
It's followed by an equally soft remix from Tiesto of Lune's “Girls with Bangs” before moving to the light and poppy club mix of Rebecca and Fiona's “Bullets”. Alesso's remix of “Heiress of Valentina” featuring an incredibly powerful male vocal ends this portion of the album before Tiesto moves into darker territory and turns up the prog. As a whole this part of the album is weaker than the start, but it is by no means bad, or even mediocre... just not as great as the first half. Although it does contain a certain gem...
Kick drum extraordinaire Thomas Gold has had a huge year, with chart topping remixes for Lady Gaga, Adele and Sander van Doorn to name a few, and he proves why he was such a sought after producer with this remix of Mogaui's “We Want Your Soul. Thomas Gold has a knack for producing infectious marching-style kick patterns which work surprisingly well in house music. It'll probably be the first thing you notice while listening here. But he's not a one-trick pony either, everything after the 2:00 minute mark is proof of his progressive mastery, and he drops one of the best “teases” I've heard in EDM at another point. An incredibly well-produced remix and one of the highest points in the entire compilation.
Despite the latter half of the album containing previously released songs, it ends extremely well, mostly due to the inclusion of one my favourite remixes in recent memory, Sultan and Ned Shepherd's take on Kaskade's “Fire in Your New Shoes” driven by the vocals of Dragonette's (check them out!) Martina Sorbara. I know this is a damn long writeup, but the album deserves it. I start doubting Tiesto before pretty much every new release, and then he blows my expectations out of the water. He definitely still has it, and it's nice to see him with such a firm grasp on this new style after the weirdness of the Kaleidoscope era.
It was extremely hard choosing which song to pick for this spot, and in reality the one I'm showing you isn't even the one I truly chose... but the fact is that Tiesto's original mix is a track produced for live shows. It hits unbelievably hard, and the only way I could really describe it is as pure energy. It's easily the best track he's produced in at least 3 years and it proves that he's not just messing around with electro sounds anymore, he wants to be the best in the genre. Still, it sounds weak in recordings, and I don't feel comfortable giving you guys a bad first impression. Check out some live videos of the tune if you're interested. Instead I present to you, the remix from R3hab and Swanky Tunes.
As two producers who also know how to make a track hit hard in all the right places, it's no surprise Tiesto chose them to remix his crowning achievement of 2011. They turned the melody into a fun little lead, and brought the bass out in spades for a track that is much more “full” than the original. While it may not hit the same peaks, I feel it's much more solid throughout, and respect is payed to the original with an appropriately nasty drop.
From: TheKnightOfNee | #028 tag and also in after the expected Tiesto listing
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I can't tell if this is personal and directed at me, or if you'd just expect to see the name in a topic about electronic music, so I really have no idea how to respond to this.
Those of you who are particularly observant will notice that this video was posted in 2010... Dec 28th to be exact. And the actual EP was released on Christmas Day, which means the track came out in 2010. But it just so happens that I planned last year's list to end on Christmas as well, so it was technically released on the first (and last) day of eligibility.
As you may know, I'm really not into dubstep. I don't hate it, it just doesn't do much for me. But earlier this year I had the chance to see Feed Me perform live as the closing set of a show featuring some huge acts like Dada Life, Cosmic Gate, Tiesto, Pendulum, Sub Focus and Doctor P. To sum it up, I was pleasantly surprised by his set. This track in particular is one that stood out to me for reasons that should be obvious if you've gotten this far into the list. It's really the lyrics that get me the most... it tends to perfectly describe my feelings on smoking weed.
Never see the sky... you live in a void Never go outside... 'cause you're paranoid Cloud burning bright... the grey fills your head Cloud burning bright...
I'm in no way against smoking, but I've discovered that it's just not for me. I'm way too content when I'm high. I can literally stay at home for a week only leaving to shop for food, just sitting around wasting time. So it might sound cheesy, but these lyrics really speak to me... in a way that kind of makes me uncomfortable, and I appreciate that.
I can't tell if this is personal and directed at me, or if you'd just expect to see the name in a topic about electronic music, so I really have no idea how to respond to this.
maybe he just was referring to the fact that you personally have said you are a big tiesto fan on this board? that's what I thought when I read it, anyway.
all caught up on this finally!
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I'm "kind of a big deal". http://img.imgcake.com/cyclo/Cyclopngegpngre.png
From: SlymDayspring | #031 I can't tell if this is personal and directed at me, or if you'd just expect to see the name in a topic about electronic music, so I really have no idea how to respond to this.
maybe he just was referring to the fact that you personally have said you are a big tiesto fan on this board? that's what I thought when I read it, anyway.
all caught up on this finally!
You're probably right, I'm just quick to get defensive when it comes to Tiesto, since he seems to take a ton of **** online for no good reason. I mean he's not the "God of DJs" so many people claim him to be, but he's a decent producer and he still throws a hell of a party.
All caught up and no comments on any of the tracks? That's not a good sign..
I'm not very good at putting my thoughts into words when it comes to this sort of thing, but i'll try to make a few comments about my favorites.
I really liked the arty track, a lot of trance tracks just kind of bore me or come off as cheesy but that one really hit a chord with me. Each element of the song just really worked together, like you said it really seems very complete, and I feel like that is really an exception. In the Gareth Emery track, I thought what he did with the vocal sample was fantastic, that sound really stuck with me. I also really appreciate a track that brings it from the beginning and keeps it going, it was very powerful. My absolute favorite track you posted though, is Still I Wait (Richard Durand's In Search of Sunrise Mix). I completely agree with everything you said. That song is beautiful, and I seriously didn't even want to move on to listen to the rest of the list for awhile because I kept listening to it over and over.
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I'm "kind of a big deal". http://img.imgcake.com/cyclo/Cyclopngegpngre.png
From: SlymDayspring | #033 I'm not very good at putting my thoughts into words when it comes to this sort of thing, but i'll try to make a few comments about my favorites.
I really liked the arty track, a lot of trance tracks just kind of bore me or come off as cheesy but that one really hit a chord with me. Each element of the song just really worked together, like you said it really seems very complete, and I feel like that is really an exception. In the Gareth Emery track, I thought what he did with the vocal sample was fantastic, that sound really stuck with me. I also really appreciate a track that brings it from the beginning and keeps it going, it was very powerful. My absolute favorite track you posted though, is Still I Wait (Richard Durand's In Search of Sunrise Mix). I completely agree with everything you said. That song is beautiful, and I seriously didn't even want to move on to listen to the rest of the list for awhile because I kept listening to it over and over.
Sweet, that's pretty much exactly what I needed to hear. I mean my taste is my taste, and that's not really going to change regardless of whether or not people like the songs I'm posting... but I was curious to know if the write-ups were any good. I mean I know some of them are useless, and they were designed that way. But I really do want to make an effort to get better at putting my thoughts about music into words. That's kind of why I said this is as much for me as it is for you guys... I kind of want to start blogging music or live show reviews so I'm trying to build my musical vocabulary and basically just get better at (accurately) describing songs.
Anyways, here's a song you should all know.
17. Calvin Harris – Feel So Close Label: Fly Eye Records Genre: Progressive House
I'm really not sure which I enjoy more... the song, or the music video. Either way, you should probably watch it if you haven't seen it before. I really don't want to say much about this song, because I can't really describe why I like it. I guess it makes me feel nostalgic, and the video definitely heightens that... I don't really know what else, it makes me feel good, yo.
I've only listened to two songs so far, no comments yet.
And yeah, I was going to post "tag and in before Tiesto" because I know you're a big fan, then the last post I saw was a Tiesto song and I had to change it up.
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ONLY FIVE CAN LADDER. Sushi, kamikaze, fujiyama, nippon-ichi...
That is actually the first song on the list I have heard before. I love calvin harris, and I think why I like that song so much is that it is such a simple song but it feels like it has so much heart put into it.
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I'm "kind of a big deal". http://img.imgcake.com/cyclo/Cyclopngegpngre.png
This is trance. I'm sure this sounds like a ridiculous statement, but I'm pretty sure Ashley Wallbridge just mastered the “Art of Trance” with this single production. I feel like this is the track every cheeseball piano breakdown, melody recycling, emotionless vocal using talentless hack trance producer wishes he could make.
First of all, it has a true intro. While I appreciate songs that just get right into it, it's really interesting to hear an intro done perfectly as well. Significant changes at 0:30, 1:00 AND 1:30... some might call it boring, but to me it's just ****ing impressive. But the real beauty comes in around the 3:00 mark. When I first heard this song, I honestly believed that it was an old classic that had been redone. People just don't make breakdowns like this anymore... after that, I couldn't believe it was done by Ashley Wallbridge. I mean the guy has always been a top producer in the genre for me, but I'd never heard him go so deep in the melodic side before. His tracks are usually characterized by an extremely hard edge in the basslines rather than sublime melodies.
Honestly, this track is about as self-indulgent as it gets. The whole thing is really just a glorified breakdown rather than an actual “song”, but that's basically what trance has become to most producers, so it's kind of funny that he took that style and ****ing killed it. Nice job Ash, nice ****ing job.
19. Anhken – Always Look Back Label: Armada Genre: Trance
So you may have noticed that trance giant Armin van Buuren hasn't had any tracks on my list so far this year... and to be honest, he's just had a really weak year in my opinion. The latest entry in his annual mix series “A State of Trance 2011” was incredibly disappointing... except for a few tracks by Orjan Nilsen, Ashley Wallbridge, and this one right here from Anhken.
Anhken is actually the only producer on this list of which I have no idea what he looks like. My first exposure to him came from the track “Unwanted” under his alias “Kahn” which is simple, yet extremely effective track. Although his Kahn alias has a darker more progressive sound, I'm quite fond of pretty much everything Anhken produces. The track in question is just a combination of of really nice sounds put together... I know that sounds a bit reductive when talking about electronic music, but the melodies aren't exactly complex or interesting... I'll admit that the vocal is damn nice, but this song is great because of the sounds used. They all just fit so perfectly together.
While I can't say this is one of the most technically impressive productions of the year, it was easily one of my favourites. This track was easily in my top 3 for most listens this year and I'm hoping that Anhken will experience the breakout year he deserves in 2012.
4. VA - High Contrast Presents Ibiza 2011 CD 2 (Mixed by JOOP) Label: High Contrast Recordings (Be Yourself Music) Genre: Trance, Hard Trance
The first thing you'll notice is that I've only listed CD2 here, although the release itself has two discs, mixed by Jochen Miller and JOOP respectively. While Jochen Miller may have beenamong my favourite producers of 2009 and 2010, his disc here is average at best. It has nowhere near the energy or complete mix mastery he displayed on last year's “Entrance Presents High Contrast” where he outshined trance legends Rank 1 with his half of the compilation. His half isn't bad, it's just nothing to write home about... which is sad because as the bigger name of the two, he was awarded the first disc in the set. I'm hoping that no people were too turned off by his hour to get to the absolute classic that is JOOP's set.
An interesting thing about this compilation is the fact that although I have listened to it dozens of times, I still can't name most of the tracks included. I find that this is the mark of a truly great album as it usually means that I like every song so much that I listen to the entire thing without the urge to check out a track's name because it's particularly good... all the tracks are of extremely high quality and they fit quite well together. As such, it's kind of hard for me to pick a couple to focus on here... so instead I'll just talk about the album as a whole.
I really love how the album kicks off. After enduring a mediocre hour of music on disc 1, JOOP gets things rolling with a short 25 second podcast style intro featuring some odd mechanical sounds before declaring that it's “My Turn” and dropping an instantly danceable beat. The energy never dips from this point onward, it just keeps ramping up while JOOP explores a fairly dark side of trance music, yet keeping a distinct club feel to the entire mix. This isn't something you can just throw on and enjoy as background music, it will make you ****ing move.
As I'm writing this I'm currently 22 minutes in and although not even a third of the way through, I'm not sure that there is anything more to say. This mix will grab you within the first two minutes, and keep your attention until the end. While I can rarely tolerate high BPM (135+) trance for more than a few songs, JOOP makes me love it with his use of varied kick patterns and infectious melodies. This is truly one of those recordings that would work just as well in a club as it would at home on a pair of headphones. If JOOP's live mixing abilities are anywhere near what he shows in this mix, he would easily be counted among my short list of favourite DJs. But since I have to give an idea of the type of sound you'll find on this album, here are two songs chosen by random.org, enjoy.
20. JOOP & Raneem – PLUR Label: High Contrast Nu Breed (Be Yourself Music) Genre: (Hard) Trance
So I say (Hard) Trance because there is an actual genre of hard trance, and this isn't really it... but I feel that I should differentiate between tracks like this and the other type of trance made by producers like Arty or Ashley Wallbridge. When you're working at high BPMs like this, I feel that you have to do a lot more work in order to make a track interesting. The cycles are much phrases are much shorter (in actual time) and you have to make the rhythms and melodies more interesting in the same amount of “space” so to speak. Because of this, the leads of songs at these BPMs (135+) tend to make spectacles of themselves, and this can be a great thing, or a terrible thing... depending on the quality of the lead. For JOOP and Raneem, I feel that things get interesting far before the lead.... around 1:40 to be precise.
The mini-breakdown in that section is truly a great teaser of what is yet to come. Given the past productions of these two producers, you know that the song is going to hit hard where it matters, yet with a name like PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity and Respect for you non-ravers out there) you're expecting it to have a lighter side as well, and the “hard trance” giants don't skimp on this aspect either. I've always loved “the calm before the storm” that you find in many songs written at this tempo, and PLUR has one of the greatest sequences I've heard in recent memory. The 3:00 mark comes around and you know you're in for something big when they begin priming you for the lead with one of the most delicate breakdowns you'll ever hear... and then it hits.
God damn. Literally had to stop writing during that entire section. It's just too much. Now I know that the lead does not hit everyone in the same manner, and I'm sure some of you could not care less about any and all portions of this song... but leads like that just get me HYPED. My life will never be complete until I hear this song on a club/rave sound system.
The Norwegian is back to take another spot on the list with a monster of a track aptly titled “Viking”. I remember spending much time last year talking about how much I love it when an electronic track really fits it's name. It's easy enough when you have lyrics to give your songs a relevant title.. but I feel that giving a trance track a decent name takes a lot more thought... although I guess what I would consider a good name is pretty subjective... I'm sure nobody understands why I name my mixes the things I do.... but I digress. The point is that this track is god damn powerful.
The kick is a distinct marching pattern, very reminiscent of Thomas Gold's productions... although the similarities end there. It only takes about a minute and a half before Orjan introduces his trademark ominous basslines. I really wish I knew how to describe the sounds that are introduced around the 2:00 mark, but I've got nothing. I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that they sound like what I would expect an electronic elephant to sound like. For some reason I think of “trunks” upon hearing that sound... Regardless, it's a pretty awesome sound, and I enjoy it.
This track basically shows all its cards before the halfway point. It's weird because I think the track definitely gets better during and after the break, but there aren't really any new melodies introduced. A bass rhythm turns into a strong synth and things just keep rolling... it's like track just gets bigger, rather than more complex or interesting. I have no idea how I could fit a track like this into a set, but I still love the hell out of it.
22. R3hab & Swanky Tunes featuring Max C. – Sending My Love Label: Wall Recordings Genre: Electro House
There are very few times that I will use the word “badass” to describe the sound of a track. When it is used, I find that it is often the only word available that can even come close to capturing the feel of the sound in question. In a word, Sending My Love is a badass ****ing track.
This is the track that really put R3hab & Swanky Tunes on the map for me. I'm not too big on the electro sound, but every now and then a couple producers will blow me away with the enormity of their productions.... and this track is big. I find it both hilarious and incredibly awesome that music like this can come from a couple of nerdy white boys from the Netherlands. I mean I don't have to look any further than the mirror to see that you can't predict someone's musical taste by looking at them, but the fact that dutch house producers are finding and using these “soulful” vocal samples from black American recording is something that I find really interesting for whatever reason. Speaking of the vocal, it's used in a pretty odd way in this song. Rather than being the focus, it's really just the vehicle that takes you to the track's main attraction....
That drop. It's just badass. If a sounds could serve as definitions, what comes after 4:15 would be the definition of “getting down”. I mean god damn. Dirty dutch house at its finest.
23. Cosmic Gate – The Theme Label: Black Hole Recordings Genre: Trance
(Official Music Video... I'm a sucker for people having a great time)
(Original Mix)
I'm usually not too keen on including remakes on this list... .but this one is pretty special to me. I think I remember saying that Maximal Crazy was by far the best live song released this year... well to be honest, The Theme is not that far behind.
The most impressive thing about this tune is the fact that the lead was created about 10 years ago, and it still sounds this good today. You can check out the original track by Jurgen Vries if you don't believe me, although I see no reason not to! Anyways, the lead is what really makes the track for me, when you hear it on the proper sound system it's like it cuts through the air and moves through you. It's really a hard feeling to describe, but there is most certainly a sense of euphoria that comes with it. The first time I heard the track played live was in Edmonton by Markus Schulz around Labor Day Weekend. I also happened to be on acid for the first time at a show that night as well... Honestly, I've been to a lot of lives shows and performances before, I thought I was already aware of the power of music, but the second time that lead hits after the piano break was seriously something else.
I won't digress by trying to explain what I felt that night, but I can assure you that drugs are not what made this song great. I heard it again when Sander van Doorn came to play in Vancouver (stone cold sober) and it was just as good. Most of the trance tunes I've listed so far are better for enjoying at home on a pair of headphones, but this track is a true dance floor destroyer. Excellent work by Cosmic Gate on spicing up the drum track and making this classic a true gem for 2011.