Top 10 Dance & Electronica

by Gair "Dev79" Marking

1 Durrty Goodz
Ultrasound
(Awkward Music)

I love all these records, so I picked my 10 and then flipped a coin to determine the order. This one's a really solid album from one of grime's long-standing MCs. Durrty shines over a variety of beats, from more traditional grime to some fresh directions. I love "Upset Me."

The latest in the line of U.K. garage offshoots, "funky" is the sound sweeping across London and the world. This is a massive three-CD set of continuous DJ mix action, showcasing the style's defining syncopated tribal percussion and R&B vocals (and, of course, lots of bass!). Here you get a great sampling of funky, with some of the years' biggest and best tunes.

Killa! That's right, Cam is back and damn this album was the joint he really needed to drop. I'm not gonna call this some comeback shit, but he's def proven that he's still on top of the game. Tracks like "Cookies-N-Apple Juice" and "Woo Hoo" lay it down with some classic lyrics and bumpin' beats. Dipset what!

Going 29 tracks deep, this disc is some of the rawest grime on the road in London this past year. A mix of anthems and plenty of exclusives make it a good listen for everyone. These tracks make me stank face and head nod.

Both of these cats have been creepin' on the underground the last few years and they really caught fire in '09. Gutter-house sounds blend for a unique style on this record, which also marks the final release for this always excellent label, and includes a bonus mix CD by label boss Jackmaster.

This is my smoked-out pick, so blaze up and dig in. A sick two-CD collection, featuring classics (many of which previously appeared only on vinyl) plus new exclusive material. Dubstep and future bass music to make ya chest rattle.

Lots of thick 'n' juicy boom-boom goin' down. B. Rich had a great year of releases and this one is no slouch with some heavy dope production that remains fun and friendly for the dancefloor.

Brooklyn artist drops his debut album (with, full disclosure, some help from my Seclusiasis label). This record was a li'l different for me at first, but after a few listens it just vibes so well. True hybrid music that melds indie pop with electronica and a hip-hop attitude. Some really nice hooks in here.

9 Toddla T
Skanky Skanky (1965)

The last couple years have been huge for the crossover of dancehall reggae and electronic/dance music, especially with acts like Major Lazer makin' serious waves. Despite some odd R&B-infused numbers, Toddla T comes correct with this timely showcase of a wide variety of electro-tropical styles in one cohesive package.

It seems I listened to a lot of DJ mixes in '09: The lure is you get to experience songs in ways you may not have imagined and also get exposed to tracks you may not have heard otherwise. My boy on the streets, Starkey, dropped this bleeding-edge chunk of bass action, with some real heated numbers in the mix from Joker, Pacheko and Raffertie, among others.

(gair79@citypaper.net)