Top 30 - Best Tracks of 2015 - with comments

Dudley Strangeways - Back Room Dub

Dub Techno is a genre so dearly beloved by many (including me) but let's be honest, it has long been stagnated which is no wonder when you think of its 20+years history. So it is always a joy when a track comes across that shakes you to your bones. This tunes simple but clean cut and bass heavy production and House-leaning timbre is what it makes it stand out. The bass line is one for the ages and the dub chords simply bring in the best of the genre. A well deserved number one for 2015!

Sekt E Ron

Sekt E Ron was this years track that I have never skipped when it came on in my car or elsewhere. Its quite a simple tune actually, all rhythm and a few samples but it manages to create such a special atmosphere, almost like laying on the beach with your eyes closed and a Rave going on nearby. Also, the airtight beat gives me goosebumps.

Tropic of Cancer

This is a memorable track for so many musical and, unfortunately, personal reasons. The Nutcracker Suite sample seems cheesy at first but creates the proper somber atmosphere for the topic. Panda Bear is undoubtely one of my favorite artists of all time and cements this with this years album.

Junun

World Music is a touchy subject for so many people. You really have to look behind the New Age-isms of the more popular streams and get dirty to get to know the really great stuff. I have had no contact with Indian, Arabian or Pakistan Music before but this whole album leaves me excited. The title track is one grimy bastard that incorporates everything from Jazz to Drum Machines to craft the most infectious beats.

Talatone

Despite being a constantly interesting artist, Blawan has gone quite some time without releasing a proper banger. This one came on the first record on his own label. Talatone bursts with energy and is incredibly playful. Add that to the other tracks on this EP you realize how well ballanced it is. One of my very favorites.

Larus Canus

2015 was the year for Skee Mask. While his first EP managed to turn heads, Junt was an instant favorite of so many people from all backgrounds. Larus Canus was one of four perfect tracks but it is also fit to be a future classic, appearing in many mixes and managing to blur the lines between Club Music and Home Listening.

All The Same

The opener of Deerhunters heavyweight last album sticks out like a sore thumb. With its earworm-ish vocals and simple structure it is an instant favorite in the band's oeuvre. The lyrics are golden, too.

Over and Even

This breezy and atmospheric cut was my introduction to this incredible artist. The universal lyrics and the lush guitar playing makes this one an instant favourite.

The Kind (Original Mix)

By far my favorite releases from Pawlowitz come out on Power House. Even though modern classics like Rave tend to overshadow other releases, I can find something in every one. The Kind (Original Mix) is a bit different from the usual floor fillers. There is no Kick during its running time, so it doesnt rely on the usual build up and release. It is absolutely pumping, however, and completes a fantastic single.

Like a River

Despite the odd exception on every album, I have lowered my expectations with every release from the band since when Z came out. A certain magic was missing. So I was absolutely blown away by this piece that has an aura quite in sync with the cover of the album. Serene.

Sei A - Hyper Venom

This fantastic dynamic banger always brings me back to what I love about electronic music. It can evoke total ecstasy and lets you listen closely at the same time. Masterpiece #2 from this constantly entertaining producer (the first being Hawk Tone..listen people!)

Morning

Four Tet is a great artist. I know there are people who despise him but I think that everything that he touches is at least interesting. His LPs are a special treat. The Morning side of his recent album is an especially high mark in his career, mixing his usual step beats with layered synths and Arabian vocals to a great effect.

Anipintiros #1 (Cadans Remix)

Another list entry for Cadans who will surely be more in the spotlight in 2016 after these two tracks. His Tripeo remix easily overshadowed the other two mixes on this EP from seasoned producers Blawan and Ben Sims with its quirky energy and oddball rhythm.

Temple Sleeper

Look no further than the Discogs release page to get a glimpse of the controversy surrounding this record. A one track Single which heavily borrows from past Rave records with a mere running time of about six minutes. True, Temple Sleeper mimics the style of his past EPs in a small format but its just so much fun to listen to.

I Wanna Go Bang

I Wanna Go Bang set dancefloors on fire all over the world but it also caused quite some controversy. Many people hated the simple arrangement and cheesy vocal sample and cited other tracks as more sophisticated, better thought out. They simply missed the point of this track: sometimes you feel like, you gotta go bang.

Fiedel - Back Door (Tallmen 785 Remix)

This breezy tune came from two excentric producers that joined forces to create a seminal peak timer that appeals to Techno people as well as a more commercial oriented House crowd.

Inverted (Original Mix)

This is an absolutely smashing EP with four different artists taking on the titular track in their own way. Every version is great but the dark, nightmarish Original Mix takes the cake. Can this man do any wrong?

Willow - Feel Me

Workshop 21 turned heads when it was released, first and foremost because of how great every single track was. The opener Feel Me is my personal favorite. It totally embodies the sound of the label: incredibly deep, bassy, underground House.

Lottarump

How can one actually decide between the two perfect tracks on this record? What ultimately tripped me over is the unmistakeable and feverish groove of Lottarump that barely leaves you room to breathe.

001.1

The mysterious producers second EP was an all around solid affair but its epic, over ten minutes long, opening track was its center. CNCPT doesnt pull any new tricks on it but the smooth, subtle synth and hypnotic groove pulls you in.

Rush

Number four in a series of flawless 12"s for the label, FJAAK's records are always a highlight in 50 Weapons. This is no exception. While the A side, as much of the bands material, relies heavy on vintage samples, Rush was a breath of fresh air for the band, especially the sharp synth tone combined with the unusual chord progression.

Cosmonaut

A fitting epitaph for 50 Weapons, this album had so many great tracks. Cosmonaut is one of them, starting at full throttle and suddenly introducing super smooth synth stabs while keeping the high energy. Benjamin Damage has been a favorite since his first EP for the label and this is his masterpiece so far.

Machine

Andrea's Outlines would rate much higher if this was a listing of the best EPs or albums of the year because its a near perfect Techno record. If I was pressed to name a standout it would be the brutal 4/4 stomper Machine. A must have from this constantly great producer.

Ad Astra

No best of list without one of Locket Pundt's Deerhunter contributions or solo efforts on it. This one here sounds like a slowed down Gary Numan number while still pushing all the right Shoegaze buttons.

Jonathan Ritzmann & Marius Krickow - Orbit

This EP was chock full of quality heavy House tracks with dubby flavours. This track is the stand out with its extremely tight and compressed beat.