Just Good Music 12/29/09 - Best Of 2009 Pt.2

JGM 54 - Best Of 2009 Pt.2

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 | Podcast, Sounds

Some more of my favourite artists, tracks and labels from the past 12 months.

1. Reagenz - Dinner With Q (Workshop) Info
Jonah Sharp and Move D’s Reagenz project released their ‘Playtime’ album in late November. It’s everything that you could want from techno - deep and melodic, pushing analogue synths to their fullest (but never going overboard) coupled with a nice amount of live instrumentation. Highly recommended.

2. Pepe Bradock - The Path Of Most Resistance (Atavisme) Info
Pepe Bradock graces us with one of his few and far between releases. The “Path Of Most Resistance” see’s Pepe back in fine form with a track that is on par with “4″, “Life” and “Deep Burnt”. “PLAY SUPER LOUD!” indeed.
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3. Reggie Dokes - Chicago Pimp (Clone) Info
Reggie Dokes had a stellar year of releases. The “Chicago Pimp” 12″ was a fine way to kick-off Clone’s Loft Supreme Series - hipnotic, raw and jacking. Treading a similar path was the “Spectacle of Deepness” EP on We Play House as well as “Until Tomorrow” on Royal Oak. Quality music from one of Detroit’s most consistent producers.

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4. Big Strick - Black Talk (FXHE) Info
2009 was the year that Omar S finally got the wider attention that his music deserves. Omar S was responsible for 2 great EP’s, ‘Still Serious Nic’ and ‘Blown Valvetrane’. Both releases didn’t deviate too far from the raw, jacking sound that Omar S has become known for (and a sound that has seen a resurgence over the past couple of years). Omar has also shown a knack for uncovering previously unknown producers and releasing their music through his FXHE imprint - Kyle Hall, Luke Hess, Jason Fine and Jus-Ed in previous years and Big Strick this year.

5. Levon Vincent - 1000 Miles From Home (Novel Sound) Info
Levon Vincent also gained a lot of attention this year. Last years “These Games” EP on Levon’s Novel Sound imprint was a sign of things to come and this years ‘Six Figures’ EP kicked things up another level. Riding the fine line between house and techno, Levon’s deep, hypnotic sound struck a chord with many.
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6. Kassem Mosse - Untitled (Workshop) Info
Another great release from Germany’s Workshop, this time from Kassem Mosse. The dark analogue sounds and textures on both “Untitled A1″ and “Untitled B1″ remind me a lot of Robert Hood’s productions and prove how effective simple programming can be. Kassem was also responsible for this fine ambient piece.
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7. Marco Bernardi - Mystery Of Nazerus (Clone) Info
Another one from Clone who along with fellow Dutch label Rush Hour have been responsible for some of the best new releases this year (Reggie Dokes, Tevo Howard, Rondenion, Mike Dehnert) as well as re-releasing older hard-to-find material (Da Posse, Daniel Wang, Anthony Shakir, Rick Wade, Rick Wilhite). Consistent quality and impeccable taste from both of these fine labels.
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8. Nick Chacona vs Deetron - Dawn (Stilove4music) Info
Although Chicago’s Still Music and Past Due have been dormant for the past couple of years, sub-label Stilove4music is still pumping out fine records. This years highlights included releases from Rahaan, Bruce Ivery and the amazing Deetron re-working of Nick Chacona’s “Dawn”.
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9. Moody - Freeki Mutha F cker (KDJ) Info
Released in December of 2008, “Freeki” didn’t make it into my “Best Of” mixes from 2008 - too good to not be included this year!
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10. Zomby - Tarantula (Hyperdub) Info
The always innovative Hyperdub celebrated it’s 5th anniversary - quite an achievement in today’s environment. Add to that achievement two of best albums of the decade (Burial’s self-titled and ‘Untrue’) as well as a roster that is pushing dub-step and bass sounds into new directions - it’ll be interesting to see where Hyperdub is at when it celebrates it’s 10th anniversary.
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11. EQD - EQD B (EQD) Info
Another release that didn’t quite make it into last years ‘Best Of’ mixes and again way too good to not be included. Rene Pawlowitz’s EQD moniker combines the best of Detroit, German and English techno influences and creates a truly unique sound. EQD #3 has just been released and again it’s an absolute must have record.

Direct download: Just_Good_Music_12_29_09_-_Best_Of_2009_Pt.2.mp3