JOKER x TRON

GOOD VIBE FRIDAYS #4

BASSANDKICKS.COM x TOP 10 DUBSTEP TUNES OF 2009

bassandkicks.com presents
the top 10 dubstep tunes of 2009
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2009 was a pivotal year for the dubstep world and there's no real way to narrow the "best" tunes from this year down to just 10. However, below are my personal top 10 picks of the year. I did pick these songs based on the hype and attention that the releases got prior to the actual release, tunes that I feel were different and ahead of it's time, and the overall quality of the songs - also factoring in the songs that I feel pushed and paved the genre in '09. Needless to say, it was hard and I tried to pick from all the various styles of dubstep but a lot of these are obvious picks.

1. Emalkay - When I Look At You (DUB POLICE October 2009)

Obvious favorite of mine as well as many others. I agree... they took way too long to release it and seemed "over-hyped." But we're the ones who hyped it in the first place and the music speaks for itself. This tune has the perfect balance of grit and melody and is an absolute floor-smasher in the club. Deny and hate all you want, but this is a classic.


2. Reso - Beasts in the Basement (CIVIL MUSIC July 2009)

MONSTROUS. This song showcases the techy style of dubstep and is R-A-W. Intense buildups and apocalyptic drops, thick basslines, hypnotizing melodies, and glitchy drum work make for a pretty damn good song.

3. [DL] Chase and Status - Saxon (RAM January 2009)

I guess this tune technically got released way back in January. Everybody and their mom has heard of "Eastern Jam" and I feel that this one is equivalently as massive. Now only if they'd put out some more of this type stuff...

4. Rusko - Mr. Muscle (SUB SOLDIERS June 2009)

Rusko is the gateway to dubstep and pretty much on top of the game right now. This is one of MANY tunes that he put out this year - I swear he's got new tracks almost every week. He's one of few who is pushing the genre and actually trying different things with "the sound". Props to the man for doing what he wants to do and not worrying about internet shit-talk from dweebs.

5. Sukh Knight - Jewel Thief (NASHA December 2009)

Definitely one of the most consistent producers in the game. Though if you've listened to Sukh Knight before, you know what you're getting. This track is serious business and a great release to end the year. Dark, moody, and HOT on the dance floor.

6. Giant - Drumstick (HENCH August 2009)

Here's another crowd-pleaser from Russian TRIO Giant. This is one of those songs I hum in my head all day.

7. Trolley Snatcha - The Future (DUB POLICE September 2009)

Yet another release from Dub Police. I remember the first time I heard this song, it was absolute madness inside my head... like a brain tornado. Trolley Snatcha is the king of filth. RAH RAH!

8. [DL] 16Bit - Tale of the Exploding Fist (AUDIO PHREAKS November 2009)

16Bit delivers again with another hard-hitting tune full of kung-fu samples and terrorizing drops.

9. [DL] Joker & Ginz - Re-Up (KAPSIZE May 2009)

10. [DL] 501 - Mind Control (OFFROAD April 2009)

501 is definitely one of the more interesting new artists from this year. Keep an eye out for this guy!

Can't wait to see what new sounds 2010 brings us! Enjoy.

AC SLATER x JOKER x GTRONIC

As you've probably noticed, I've been on a pretty massive dubstep kick lately. Which is awesome because I love sub bass more than life. However as a DJ, the truth is that unless you've got a room full of bass-obsessed people who share the same love for dubstep, you're going to get mixed reactions and a lot of confused faces when dropping certain tracks.

I can't speak for those living overseas of course or probably for those of you out in LA or NY. However, I'm currently located in the dirty South where dubstep is still a very foreign thing - so this post will be focused more on "dancefloor friendly" tracks.

AC Slater remixes are pretty much always a go-to. I have no idea who "The Grand National" are, but this remix is catchy and contains a very low bassline that flows throughout the song. Pretty chill, nothing too crazy but definitely a track I wouldn't think twice about dropping.

[DL] The Grand National - By The Time I Get Home (AC Slater Remix)

More dubstep producers such as Joker have been remixing more popular groups such as Simian Mobile Disco who've just released their 2nd full length Temporary Pleasures. You know you're getting into some funky melodies with a Joker track - I like this one a little more than the rest.

[DL] Simian Mobile Disco - Cruel Intentions (Joker Remix)

GTRONIC is one of few producers I've been following closely. He definitely has a signature sound and has gotten play and support from acts like The Bloody Beetroots. He's got that raw, straight-to-the-point bass synth that sticks out amongst the sea of weak, half-assed basslines. This song is hard as nails and perfect to drop at the peak of a party to take the intensity to the next level.

[DL] GTRONIC - Cameltoe

JOKER x DIGIDESIGN

Joker has a distinct sound of his own and though I'm not the biggest fan of all his work, the melody in this track just hits the spot.

[DL] Joker - Digidesign

- S.

SUB KULTURE

Mark your calendars if you're in the central Arkansas area on the 8th of August and prepare your ears and faces to be brutally damaged by BASS!

Here's some music.

[DL] Bar 9 - Coalescence
[DL] Freeland - Do You (Joker Remix)
[DL] Dre Skull - I Want You (AC Slater Remix)

- S.