SHELL HUNTER'S Best of 2011

SHELL HUNTER'S Best of 2011

Awolnation Best of 2011 Chase and Status Chris Brown Clock Opera Future Islands

It wasn't easy whittling down my extensive list of favourites to five but here they are. 2011 has been a real musical extravaganza! I'm not saying that this year has better music than any other year but for me, it saw me going to a record breaking 12 live concerts and of course becoming a contributor to Tune Doctor. I hear things differently, I don't write them off as quickly as I used to and I love to discover new genres and styles. Basically if it floats my boat, I'm happy! Bring on 2012!

'Blind Faith ft. Liam Bailey' - Chase and Status

My very first favourite song of the year and it still does it for me. My dubstep education began here and Blind Faith showed me it doesn't have to be angry and fast all the time. It can be cool, slow and dreamy. Seeing them at this year's iTunes festival was an experience to say the least. I don't think my heart beat has been the same since.

'Lesson No.7' - Clock Opera
This builds layer upon layer of sound until it reaches a chaotic and claustrophobic climax. Clock Opera are definitely a group to keep a very close eye on. Their eclectic style means they can't be categorised but in a good way and each song I've heard has the makings of an epic.

'Beautiful People' - Chris Brown ft. Benny Benassi
Symbolic of good times with good friends this year. Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it without fail and it makes me want to dust off my dancing shoes.

'Sail' - Awolnation
Proof that re-releasing is worth it. I missed this first time around and am so glad I got that second chance. The base came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face. Great backing that sounds like an eerie sea-shanty and I love the cool hectic drumming with a sprinkling of the ivories to top it all off.

'Before The Bridge' - Future Islands
My band of the year. If a song can inspire me enough to get the band's whole back catalogue, they must be that good. Think 80's synth, Joy Division/New Order style guitar, fantastically unique voice and steel drums. Done and dusted.

A special thanks goes to SFW, Flycasual, Old Pa and our Guest Spot contributors for getting me into music that I may never have otherwise heard. Cheers!

sfw Pada 16:55 6 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 06/11/11

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 06/11/11

10ft Ganja Plant Benny Benassi Burning Spear Chris Brown Gillian Welch Reggae Ting Thomas Dolby Tracks of the Week Tune Doctor

Remember, remember the 5th of November, ok so it's the 6th but here are some right fireworks for y'all to enjoy. Let us know if you have any for us!!

Old Pa's Corner:-
10ft Ganja Plant - My Roots feat Sylford Walker (2011)

I just felt like a nice bit of Reggae. Some days you just feel like that. You know what I mean, you wake up with a bit of a head and you are maybe just a pace or so, too slow. I had a search around and the name 10 Ft Ganja Plant sort of stood out! What sort of name is that? Is it a joke or something? I bet they are rubbish. Anyway, I gave it a go and wow! This really hit first time and was even better the second. This is good Reggae. It is as good as 'modern' reggae gets (what do I know) but its what I needed today. I hope it gives you a lift too and even better, a natural high.

I had to get that in. Sorry!

Down to earth

If you like it, check dis, Burning Spear's - My Roots, similar vibe and even better
Burning Spear - 'My Roots'



Flycasual:-

Thomas Dolby- Spice Train (2011)

My ears pricked up when I heard this exotic number on the wireless last week, with its Hot Chip-esque beats, Arabic strings and Balkan/Mexican brass (I can't decide which), needless to say I was intrigued as to who it was. I was surprised to find that it is none other than 80's electronic wizard, Thomas Dolby, with his first release in almost 20 years and even longer still since his classic, 'She Blinded Me with Science'.  It was so good that I bought it immediately. I kinda wanted to don a pith hat, a safari suit and smoke some Camels except I'd end up probably looking like a naughty Cub Scout, not a good look for someone in their late 30's. 

Shell Hunter:-

Chris Brown Ft. Benny Benassi - Beautiful People (2011)

After being force fed Kiss FM at work for several hours this song hit me like a sledge hammer. I love it when it happens. Over the hustle and bustle of ringing phones, walkie-talkies going off, photocopiers rattling and my co-workers making animal noises, I stood up and ran to the radio and turned it up. "What is this, I really like it?!" Thanks to the wonder of the Shazam's app, the mystery was instantly solved. It's got great head bob and toe-tap ability, not to mention it's uplifting feel. Goose bump city! I remember Benny Benassi's song 'Satisfaction' but hadn't heard anything else from him since so was pleasantly surprised to see his name. After looking into Chris Brown a bit more too, it seems he is a jack of all trades: singing, songwriting, acting and not to mention one hell of dancer! Anyone who's dance routines are compared to none other than Michael Jackson is okay in my book!

Sfw:-

Gillian Welch - Thats the way it will be (2011)

This track features on Gillian Welch's 2011 album 'The Harrow & Harvest' and incorporates Bluegrass, Americana. She's worked with Ryan Adams, Ani Difranco, Alison Krauss & The Decemberists to name a few and is perfect Sunday morning melancholy.




Penny for the Guy? No don't bother, just check out our other tracks of the week!

sfw Pada 01:34 7 Komentar