2011

PHOTO: LUCY TESCO

It's that time of year again, so without further ado, behold my 2011 top 10. (With an extra 2 notched on the end for kicks.)

1/ Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra
I think I've made my obsession with this record clear, more than once. 'Swim Good' being both my most played and most loved track of the year, I don't feel I need to say much more.

2/ The Weeknd - House of Balloons
Fucking and drugs and vocals oh so sweet. 'Wicked Games' is more than definitely the new 'Cry Me a River' (JT).

3/ Pure X - Pleasure (Acephale)
Heroin blast indeed. Fuzzed out and genteel, this is total blanket music, drown in it, smother.

4/ Alva Noto - Univrs (Raster-Noton)
Clearest production in this goddamn list. Hard and crisp, crystal stabs.

5/ Hype Williams - Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting reel (De Stijl)
This record is basically taking ketamine and drinking red wine in a warmly lit yellow walled room.

6/ Zomby - Dedication (4AD)
Gunshots, melancholy and impeccable style from this mystery electronic maestro.

7/ Nicolas Jaar - Space is Only Noise (Circus Company)
Refreshing and new, drawing from undeniable jazz influences doused in high octane electronics from the past twenty years. Guess he had his ears pricked from birth then.

8/ Tom Waits - Bad as Me (Anti-)
No I'm not biased but this is the coolest man in the whole world.

9/ Drake - Take Care (Universal)
He's clocked on to where pop music is headed and this album paces itself perfectly.

10/ Cosmin TRG - Simulat (50 Weapons)
This was pretty much all I listened to for a time.

11/ Wild Beasts - Smother (Domino)
Flawless, constantly flawless.

12/ Freddie Cruger & Anthony Mills are Wildcookie - Cookie Dough (Tru Thoughts)
Jazzy! Excellent and entertaining lyrical content, perfect listening for a Sunday afternoon while you're prepping your roast. Shimmeh shimmeh.