Best of 2005 Pt. 1

A few of my favourite tracks from 2005 - part 2 next week.

Title - Artist - Album - Label

1. 'Welcome To Jamrock' - Damien "Jnr. Gong" Marley - 7" (Ghetto Youths)
Bob Marley's son gives us a dancehall monster. Using a classic, driving Sly & Robbie rhythm (from Ini Kamoze's "World Of Music"), and with very catchy lyrics, it will be difficult to get this one out of your head.

2. 'Tickle Me Dub' - Stromba - 'The Sitting Room' (Fat Cat)
Fat Cat have a knack for releasing interesting music, whether it's pounding dancefloor tracks or ethereal pop. Stromba's debut album 'The Sitting Room', is a lesson in eclecticism. Dub rhythms, twisted jazz and afro beat all combine to make a coherent, solid listen all the way through.

3. 'Heartical Dub' - Jah Warrior - 'Deep Space NYC Vol. 1' (Deep Space Media/Wave)
A small taste of Francois K's popular party in NY, featuring an impeccable and eclectic mix of tribal house, heavy dub, lush techno, nu disco and a touch of drum n' bass, as well as excellent new productions by Francois K.

4. 'Kule Kule (Reprise)' - Konono No.1 - 'Congotronics' (Crammed Discs)
The traditional African instruments used by this 12 piece Congolese band were modified with used car parts, old amplifiers, and other parts found in the junk yard. The result being music that sounds like nothing else. Raw, distorted, highly infectious and very danceable. This album is truly remarkable.

5. 'Dust' - Recloose - 12" (Peacefrog)
The debut single from Recloose's 2nd album is funky as hell. A bumpy, off kilter house track with hints of afro-funk and lush vocals. A party tune, that will get everyone on their feet.

6. 'Not Like Crazy (Quentin Harris Remix)' - Jill Scott - 12" (Shelter)
2005 was a prolific year for Quentin Harris. It seemed like he had a release or remix every week and all consistently good. Crossing genre boundaries, this is not your run of the mill house remix. Just as good, if not better than the original version.