Top 20 EPs of 2010

A personal collection of favorite EPs released in 2010, this slimmed list was certainly not an easy task. Sure, this could just be summed up as a 2000+ word and code article, mumbling through the mind while explaining little on each release. But, each release speaks on its own rather nicely, because included music samples, provided by Juno Records and Juno Download, can do much more with sound than words ever will.

With a plethora of passionate-driven releases over the year from all genres, the below top 20 stresses focus on deeper techno and house.



(20)

Artist: Various
Release: Metroline Compilation 2010
Label: Metroline Limited

Audio Dependent - Foxtail
Doubtingthomas - Free Jazz 6AM
Mabaan Soul - Keynote Sound
Matt Masters - Live Again
Octad - No That Jazz
Phiorio - Mr Mau
Rio Padice - Basic 1
Room 11 - ZinZin
Safir - Tavern (Feel Good mix)
Solead - Love
Max Fader - Bells

This eleven-track release from London-based Metroline Limited features some of the brightest newcomers and most eclectic blends in sound. Doubtingthomas is on board for a deep jazz number, while Audio Dependent provides a darker, minimal excursion.



(19)

Artist: Various
Release: 5 Years of Galaktika
Label: Galaktika

Till Von Sein & Chopstick - Bodie Marlo
Pablo Bolivar - Dynamo (Kiki Remix)
Dixie Yure - Stairway to Cheese
Pinto - Paso Norte

Bringing up the tail end of the year, Galaktika celebrates its fifth year as a techno institution. With four tracks from creative artists, this EP is good for smooth nights or energetic mornings. Till Von Sein and Chopstick start off the release with the thumping highlight.



(18)
Artist: Jonas Kopp
Release: Ruda
Label: Curle Belgium


Ruda
Flanter Filnger
Mico

Techno label/maven Curle Belgium brought us this mid-summer, instant-classic from Jonas Kopp. A typical three-track release sees three individual moods from the Buenos Aires native, as each possess original flair to work nicely throughout any selection.




(17)

Artist: Reference
Release: Reference vs EP (II)
Label: Beretta Grey


Reference vs CV313 - The Wake
Reference vs Marko Fürstenberg - The Swell

One of the more popular names in this chart is Detroit resident Luke Hess, and he releases a two-track, versus pack with mate Brian Kage as the production and dj duo, Reference. Side A is a lulling melody with Midwest brethren CV313, while Side B is a more driving collaboration with Marko Fürstenberg.




(16)

Artist: Haventepe
Release: Caterpillar
Label: Pong Musiq Spain


Caterpillar
Butterfly
Caterpillar (Luke Hess Remix)

A three-track dub techno venture, Havantepe comes back to Pong with two deep originals and a remix from none other than Luke Hess. While the A side remains light and patient, the remix side gets a haunting revisit to the release track. A clear, green record compliments the artwork and message behind the music.



(15)

Artist: Various
Release: Tessera Remixes (I)
Label: Sushitech Purple


Lauhaus - Varna Vibes(Mr G Remix)
Makam - You Might Lose It (Kerri Chandler Kaoz 6:23 Again mix)
Makam - You Might Lose It (Kerri Chandler dark mix)

Sushitech's sublabel Sushitech Purple brought us the first group of remixes from the Tessera Compilation. Mr. G and Kerri Chandler bring us three different looks at two originals, all meant for the beautiful balance of rhythm and sweat on the dance floor.



(14)

Artist: Marko Fürstenberg
Release: New World
Label: Ornaments Germany

New World

Dub/Techno sound mapper extraordinaire, Marko Fürstenberg delivers a vibrating single-sided record on Ornaments Germany. The smokey tint to a clear pressing, the artwork and packaging isn't the only thing unique about this track. New World showcases Marko's fusion of the chilled, dub world with the pace of a club track.




(13)

Artist: Luke Hess
Release: Sound Mind
Label: Deep Labs

A1: Incline Your Ear
B1: Quick to Hear
B2: Slow to Speak

The debut of Detroit label Deep Labs, its fitting that the founder, Luke Hess, brings his touch to the new project. Including a descriptive press page with each record, the listener gets a better understanding behind this deep and dubby sound project that Luke has started. Three patient tunes give this release a dance floor breadth.



(12)

Artist: Walt J
Release: Reborn
Label: Curle

Reborn 1
Reborn 1 (DJ Qu's Journey Towards Birth Remix)
Reborn 2

The classic, rushed tune from Walt J comes back to life with the assistance of DJ Qu's reshape. All three tracks certainly complement one another, but the distance they each keep is what gives this EP a special place in any (my) bag.


venedikt reyf - hey there killer

(11)

Artist: Various
Release: Sweat Lodge 03
Label: Sweat Lodge Records

Venedikt Reyf creates a sort of western vibe in his deep techno track "Hey There Killer", which appears with 5 other tunes from respectable artists. It's not that Reyf's moody, thematic track is the best tune of the release, because all have their place and positioning, but Venedikt has separated himself fully from his Südmilch moniker and embraces 2010 with mysterious production techniques.





(10)

Artist: BLM + Pawas
Release The Waiting Game
Label: Sudden Drop

Waiting Game
Waiting Game (P Scott Sistrum Remix)

Featuring an original and remix from Detroit native Patrice Scott, The Waiting Game proved to be a favorite among radio jockeys and club enthusiasts alike. The original has a patient depth and exuberant bass, while the P.Scott remix charges into space. One can't help but fall in love with the tones used in both of these tunes.



(9)

Artist: Hakimonu
Release: Somersault
Label: Asymmetric Recordings

Somersault
Somersault (Yotam Avni Remix)
Somersault (Shamique Remix)

Hakimonu comes to the Asymmetric family from his own label project, simply named Hakimonu. With an original that is the quit albeit most notable of the release, it is matched with two impressive remixes from fellow Israeli musicians, Yotam Avni and Shamique. When sheer talent continues to emerge from Tel Aviv, it is clear that much inspiration derives from its location.



(8)

Artist: Various
Release: All Night Long (I)
Label: Morris Audio Citysport Edition

Nick Lawson - You Look Good
Sai - A Woman This Morning
Iron Curtis & Leaves - Over & Over Again
Mahone - Arrived

Morris Audio releases an outstanding deep and modern look into house music. Four tracks from a group of creative individuals give this pack a special place for djs looking to touch their audience in a deeper sense.



(7)

Artist: Ron Trent
Release: Altered States Sampler
Label: Prescription Classic Recordings

As is Above, So is Below
Ibashe
Urban Skylinz
Altered States (K Alexi Mix)

Ron Trent is one of very few who can retain that classic sound after so many years and keep it interesting and fun. A lifetime of memories is what Ron has given both himself and the world, and this four-track release on Prescription Classic continues the legacy.



(6)

Artist: Oracy
Release: Bass Mood
Label: Mojuba

Bass Mood
Funk Advice

Oracy meets with Mojuba once again, providing two tracks with completely different intentions. While other reviews might have badgered on about the differences and subtleties in track diversity, these two tracks really have nothing in common other their origin. Oracy sets out on an acidic tip for Side A, while Side B settles into a nice funk, as its title suggests.



(5)

Artist: Leonid
Release: J3
Label: Sistrum Recordings

J3
Perseid
S&H

Detroit-based Sistrum Recordings brings us Leonid's second release on the label. Three wonderfully moody tracks take listeners into a world of house music that few can accomplish. Patient music with deep tones is the objective, and it's clear that the Irish producer has found himself in sound.



(4)

Artist: Reyf & Eidner
Release: Love & Pain Sunshine & Rain
Label: Rotary Cocktail

Divided
I Can Feel the Sand Between My Toes

This two track release from the ever-consistent Rotary Cocktail label features two different approaches to the inclusion of horns in a rhythmic tune. Divided is a light, loungey tune with accompanying trumpet by Thomas Gaertner and vocals by Suzi Q. Smith. The flip-side is a deep journey into a new form of jazz, with saxophonist Jonas Loellmann keeping the slow tempo on course.



(3)

Artist: Various
Release: Defenders of the Deep House World
Label: Third Eye Recordings

Mike Huckaby - The Deep House World
Rick Wade - Bleach
Rich Wilhite - Playcism (Mike Huckaby Reconstruction)
Norm Talley - Change (Mike Huckaby 2010 Remix)

A release with such a powerful name could only be accomplished by a cast of such important players in the deep house world. Mike Huckaby, Rick Wilhite, Rick Wade, and Norm Talley are all on board for this four-track excursion into deep space. Alan Oldham provides his signature comic-style artwork for the cover, complementing this beauty of a release very nicely.



(2)

Artist: Anton Zap
Release: Keep On Moving
Label: Ethereal Sound Russia

Keep on Moving
38

From Mosow, Anton has captured the essence of what catapulted house and techno from Chicago, Detroit and New York in the 80s and 90s, in turn telling his own unique story. Keep on Moving features two tracks with Anton's often used percussion hits, arranged schematically and matched nicely with layered synthesis. Pressed to ten inches for you fanatics!



(1)

Artist: Echologist
Release: Just a Ride
Label: Steadfast Germany

Just a Ride
Just a Ride (Terence Fixmer Remix)
Just a Ride (Anton Zap Remix)

While we have arrived here at the number one spot, and to those of you who are still here, this spot was not easily earned. While a number one release for the year is certainly a feat, all other releases and compilations before it do not go unnoticed or undeserved. Brendon Møller's dub moniker, Echologist, brings together Terence Fixmer and Anton Zap for three outstanding looks at one original idea. Terence takes the original idea a bit farther, with dotting chords and quick percussion. Anton slows it all down, creating his own sense of space within pre-existing sound. When I wrote the review for this release when it was just emerging, I already knew that this was going to be the one.

Inferno - December 2010 Mix

Last weekend I recorded a two hour set for a friend's blog, and much to my dismay, a good chunk of the recording was unlistenable from a bad connection between the computer and the mixer.

I wanted to release a short snippet of that set before I release a few podcasts.

Thanks for listening

Winter Promo 2010 by Inferno

[2circles016] Tilman - No Worries EP

Highly anticipated, Tilman Schwarz provides us with a nice techno release, similar in fashion to his Mainz-based Klamauk Records. No Worries EP brings originals together with remixes by close friends and musicians, creating a fun atmosphere among club rhythms and classic leads.

Artist: Tilman
Release: No Worries EP
Size: 133 MB @ 320 KBPS
Date: 12/21/10
Sounds Like: Techno, Minimal, House

1. Hey Tschipfel
2. Hey Tschipfel (Jack Deniel's & Ass of Bass Remix)
3. Mobile
4. Storm Over Atlanta
5. Storm Over Atlanta (Keinzweiter's Dozer Remix)
6. Storm Over Atlanta (Solid-M Stormchaser Remix)
7. Suspicious

Direct Download (.zip)

Stream or Download on Archive

[blpsq010] Juan Farcik - lock airtight

If you're determined enough to unlock this cabinet, inside you'll find a swirling world full of devious musical tricks and traps, and navigating Juan Farcik's alien data is definitely worth the effort. Resident bleepers Trigerfinger and Chris Firenze meticulously pick the locks with their sly techniques, and demolitions experts Drugstore also join the efforts with their own explosive solution. And to pack all of the contents back into a more condensed form, Revy re-seals the deal with a densely layered micromix.

carroucel
Èxodo
cautivo
sin luz en casa
irritante
jugando con hilos
carroucel (Trigerfinger Remix)
irritante (Chris Firenze Remix)
irritante (Drugstore Remix)

Bonus: lock airtight micromix by Revy

Download at bleepsequence

[2circles015] Vishnu - Space Folk EP

New release from the one and only, 2circles. It could only be you...



Artist: Vishnu(AUS)
Release: Space Folk EP
Size: 96.7 MB
Sounds Like: Ambient, Glitch, Electronic, Experimental

Perth-based Brett Kelly, aka Vishnu, brings us our 15th release: a systematic approach to free thought and endless boundaries of sound. Fat bass swirls underneath daunting chords, while percussive maneuvers tend to sway in a slow manner. While remaining unique and individualistic, all of the tracks tie into one another with a common theme: Space Folk.

a. dense predestiny
b. karri
c. all the time in the world
d. armed calm
e. the hungry busker
f. surveillance
g. unison
h. mindtalking
i. soft served circuit break

direct download

archive stream and download

((enjoy))

doubtingthomas - promo mix for winter 2010

With two full releases on Two Circles and a discography of wonderful releases, London-based, French producer doubtingthomas has certainly found his own place in sound. More recently, dt has joined the Igloo-Rec family with a four-track release and several remix joints, including two for Mark Chambers on Snubb Records. With genre tags 'deep house' and 'minimal techno' increasing in both notoriety as well as repetitiveness today, Aurelien/dt has managed to wedge himself between the two and create a harmonious space all to himself. Syncopated rhythms and soft chords find their way to the helm of each track, yet each one manages to separate itself from the rest just enough to maintain originality. A sort of dark, jazzy atmosphere rises from within his music, so what kind of concoction would a studio mix bring upon? I'm glad you asked, because dt has created this wonderful, moody mix for any occasion.

stream or download on soundcloud

download on mediafire

Label of the Year: Unoiki

When taking on something as vast as picking a favorite label of the year, one has to not only consider content and artist roster, but also the label as a whole and how it is unified as one. With this simple yet specific idea in mind, no other label project defines this idea as does the Unoiki collective. With the original notion being organized by native Berliner, Dr. Nojoke, the whole idea behind the Unoiki project unfolded when artists of all mediums came together for a single purpose: to redefine the way the listener perceives music and distribution.

At first glance, Unoiki's Calendar Album is similar to a netlabel, with free monthly releases of a new song by a new musician. The collective aims to bring together all mediums of art under one music project, and the effort is not lost. With the same passion that tags along with a free music label, the collective presents a visual snippet of each release that compliments the mood of each artist rather well. Unlike most netlabels, each monthly song is part of the tangible calendar album that is available with beautifully designed artwork in two sensible packages. The Limited Edition calendar album set comes with unique, handmade packaging and includes both a CD and the ability to download the album in multiple file formats.

A Deluxe Box set is also available, which features full artwork for each song, one original hand drawing by label artist Jonathan Mangelinchx, and special black packaging unique to the box set. While both CD packages contain the same premise for music enjoyment, they are both still just a portion of how Unoiki has fashioned its platform.

In April of this year, Unoiki embarked on its second compilation project. The UNdefinition compilation was presented with the same ideas of presentation as the Calendar Album, giving talented electronic musicians an opportunity to create a combined piece of timeless art. Musicians from all over the world submitted their unique takes on electronic music, both maintaining individual freedom and defining unity.


[UI001] Various Artists - UNdefinition compilation - ltd to 100 copies!
by UNOIKI

Due up next from Unoiki as far as music releases are concerned, the Evaluation Compilation will see the light of day in January of 2011.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Unoiki's involvement with other mediums of creation seems to be the most intriguing aspect of the young label, tough. When browsing through the label's website, a communal sense of artistic direction seems to resonate boldly. Through existing projects and future collaboration endeavors, Unoiki reaches out to the common person who realizes the creative potential that lies within his or her own mind. The Silence Project calls to the individual interested to submit an idea in any form that relates to the idea of "silence", opening an almost endless realm of possibilities. Another featured idea centers around a strictly improvisational audio/visual team, comprised of Unoiki members Dr Nojoke and J-Lab, as well as Servando Barreiro. Their first performance took place at the 2009 netaudio showcase, whereas audio was compiled from field recordings and visuals were born from stills along the route of the former Berlin Wall. While such a political involvement in a musical setting is certainly no easy feat to accomplish, the TRIoon collective gives light to the nature of this idea.

The Calendar Album saw a full exhibition for its release, which featured the prominent display of each track's artwork. An installation of works is still being shown at the notated address in Berlin, something not seen very often with music label releases. This type of artistic involvement from all angles, from music to influenced structures, is gives new light and meaning to the word "label".

With this involvement of multiple artforms inside a music label, it was no doubt that Unoiki has captured my interest since its inception.

Artists:

Andrés Marcos (CH)

Choenyi (USA)

Christian Epple (GER)

Dr.Nojoke (GER)

Horror Vacui

Humeka (FR)

J-Lab (UK)

Jonathan Mangelinckx (BE)

Keinzweiter (GER)

Marianne Klausen (GER)

MRZ (CH)

Storlon (CH)

Sven Laux (GER)

Sul.a (CA)

Ten and Tracer (USA)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You can check out more pictures of the Unoiki release party here

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mr Fingers - Can You Feel It (performed by Christian Prommer's Drumlesson)

Posted just over 3 years ago, this wonderful rendition of the classic Larry Heard tune "Can You Feel It" comes to life in a new meaning, thanks partly to the Christian Prommer's Drumlesson

Derek Plaslaiko: Snowprayers 002

One of the more exciting podcasts to arise in this last quarter of the year is Derek Plaslaiko's Snowprayers series. As a proficient master behind turntables, Derek's Detroit upbringing aided in the development of style and taste that has set him apart from the rest of the pack. After holding down a number of top quality residencies in NYC over the last decade, Plaslaiko has recently set out to conquer Berlin and call it his home.

Already in its second edition, you can subscribe to the below feeds to stay on top of any future releases in the series.

Snowprayers Podcast #002

December 5, 2010

Download / Stream

Compiled by Derek Plaslaiko in Berlin on December 3rd, 2010. More info at snowprayers.net

subscribe via Atom or RSS

Red Bull Music Academy: Robert Hood

Red Bull Music Academy's ironically named Train Wreck Mix has given us some truly fantastic mix sets from the world's best djs over the past few years. While many arguments can be made among the sunken eye and techno elite crowd, there is no dispute here that Detroit-born Robert Hood is the modern innovator of minimal techno.

Growing up with an immediate family closely tied to the Motown movement, Robert learned the art of sound at an early age. But Hood's sound was different than other techno producers in the Michigan area. Taking what he heard from those around him and transforming that established music into his own, he birthed a new movement for techno enthusiasts. It wasn't long until Robert hooked up with other local favorites Jeff Mills and Mike (Agent X) Clark, forming the now legendary Underground Resistance brand and label. Throughout the 90s and into the new millennium, Robert Hood has remained one of the most influential DJs and producers in his respective field. Recorded live at Elevate Festival earlier this year, this RBMA podcast features everything weird and organic that Hood's music has developed to over the years.

Robert Hood - Live @ Elevate Festival
Red Bull Music Academy

Stream available here

[miniatura050] VA - Miniatura 2007-2010 Midnight Row

Miniatura celebrates twice its 3 years anniversary, giving a place to all these different dancefloor approaches, from the most experimental textured approach to the most old schoolish orthodox; always being characterized by our minimalist point of view.
Thanxs to all artists from the crew. Also we want to add an special mention to those who also run netlabels as: Christian Walt (Interdisco, CH), Dr. Nojoke (Unoiki, DE), Seq & Neroh Wassa (Doma, ES), Datatraxx (Tonkultur Berlin, DE), Blurix (Diggarama, CT), Jonathan (Nulabel, ES); also from our previous release: Grifin´(Silicate, FR), D.Soul (Tropic, DE) and Revy (Bleepsequence, US).
Thanxs for your support!

more info: Miniatura.net

Direct Download(.zip)

Sorted - Seasons Change Volume 2 (DnB)

The other day I received an email notification that this blog had been flagged for posting copyrighted material. Being such a large proponent of Creative Commons licensing and posting strictly music that can be traded here, this was both confusing and disappointing. The post that had been flagged was actually a mix a good friend had compiled two years ago, so the subject matter and delay in time seemed to add to the frustration.

Fortunately for us, that very DJ has brought us a new mix as the seasons change. Local Atlanta favorite Jamie Andersen, aka Sorted, brings us this soulful drum and bass collection in his own personal "Seasons Change" mix series. Thanks to our friends at Percussion Lab for the file host.

Direct Download

Patrice Scott - Sistrum Showcase

Thanks to an extraneous work order on my home laptop, I haven't been able to update this space as much as I'd like to. With all of the new music and mixes coming out, it would be futile for me to play catch up on the last month's worth of sounds. The end of the year is drawing closer, and this blog will feature several best of categories for 2010. With just a few more releases and events to round out the year, be sure to check back in frequently for news on what's going on in the world of house and techno.

Patrice Scott recorded this mix on Berlin's RTS.FM earlier in November for his label, Sistrum.


Patrice Scott (Sistrum Showcase) - RTS.FM Berlin - 05-11-2010 by R_co