Top 10 Dance/Electronic

by Gair 79

The style that has dominated my taste this year has definitely been North London's bassline house, also known as "niche." Despite a number of cheesy tunes, this three-CD compilation is chock-full of club bangers that serve as a great overview of the sound dominated by raw synths, chopped-up R&B and that garage bump.

2. Re-Up Gang

The Clipse plus Philly's own Sandman and Ab-liva — you just can't go wrong. It's sure-shot heat on that gangsta gangsta tip. A sick entry in this fine mixtape series. Long live coke rap.

3. The Blackout Movement

I'm sorry to say I have no idea how you can get a hold of this proper, but this riddim is, hands down, the hottest dancehall reggae to drop this year. Versions by Red Rat, Munga and the sickkkkkkk "Hate" by Mr. Vegas. Dig for it.

4. Starkey

My main man pumps out a searing debut full-length release on Mu-Ziq's label. This is some future hybrid music shit. Think dubstep meets shoegaze meets glitch hop meets street bass meets Starkville.

5. AC Slater

Slater has been killin' it with a slew of big-room remixes and originals, and this jawn is no exception with its straight-fire onslaught. The Jack Beats remix alone would put it in my top 5. Bump this shit loud and let your body take control.

6. Kardinal Offishall

I've always rated Toronto's Kardi and it seems like he's finally delivered that breakthrough record to make people pay attention. There's a good balance of street, club and radio appeal on this joint.

7. JME

In a year where grime was very uneven, the boy with the serious flow has made a really slick and solid album, so shuuuut ya mouf.

8. Flying Lotus

This record really got a lot of hype this year but ya know what? It's deserved cuz it's a really well-executed slab of boundary-pushing music. Smoke a blunt and head nod with it.

9. A1 Bassline

I'm feelin' the vibe here. It's a nice blend of heavy and catchy electro. A1's been a blog darling this past year and def a hot producer to keep an eye on in '09. This is good drunken late-night fucking music.

10. Wideboys & Dennis G

I can't get enough Wideboys, and this revamped 2001 classic is good example of what they serve — infectious, bassed-up dance music. This maxi-single has a plenty of flavors with the Agent X remix standing out.

(gair79@citypaper.net)