Daniel’s Top 10 Songs

Selection and words by Daniel E

So when I was asked to compile this list my immediate thought was that 2014 wasn’t a vintage year and that I would struggle to make this list. I then started picking my favourite tunes and ended up with 40 and listened to the tunes a few times before settling for this top 10 which represents what I have been listening too in 2014. This list is in no particular order.

Action Bronson – Easyrider

Action Bronson’s lyrical flow is second to none and this track is proof of that. The production on this is also pretty epic and has that 60/70’s American rock vibe about it. The video is also a classic. Bronson whizzing around in a Harley in the dessert whilst playing an electric guitar.

Len Faki & Johannes Heil – Happy 808

I only became aware of this tune a few days before compiling this list but damn this is a heavyweight techno banger of the highest order. I can listen to this tune, close my eyes and I can instantly feel as if I was in Berlin or back to Space in Ibiza. Turn the speakers up on this one.

Patrick Topping – Forget

This summer I experienced Ibiza for the first time and this tune along with Finder by Ninetoes were the anthems during my time there. Every time this got played the crowd response was hands in the air euphoria. 2014 was Topping’s breakthrough year and was a resident for Jamie Jones’ Paradise night at DC10 on Wednesdays. I was lucky enough to be there for Paradise which was one of my standout nights of 2014.

Skepta ft JME – That’s Not Me

“Grime Revival” is a term that I’ve heard all year long and is one that annoys me as I feel grime never went away. I think Grime has been suppressed by the media and not given the credit it should have got. This tune is by far the Grime tune of the year. Catchy hook and fire on the bars with a simple Grime beat. The fact the video cost £80 is a slap in the face to industry people who spend thousands on videos. These grime guys are sticking two fingers up at these people and are doing things independently without all the bullshit.

Fekky ft Dizzee Rascal – Still Sittin Here

Another grime tune makes the list, this one slightly darker and raw. Fekky and Dizzee spitting pure fire on this one reminding us of the Boy In The Corner days. The allstar remix features pretty much every grime don in the game doing a 16 bar each, pure madness.

Schoolboy Q ft BJ The Chicago Kid – Studio

Schoolboy Q’s much anticipated debut album Oxymoron featured many big tunes like Man Of The Year, Yay Yay and Break The Bank but this one for me was the one. Heavy beat, and a style that that fuses hip hop and rnb. There have been numerous versions of the tune including a remix with Nas.

Sango – Por Do Sol Parte 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBu_jxT1PkA
I was made aware of the Soulection crew in the early part of the year by an American guy I met in Tel Aviv after exchanging music recommendations. Massive shouts to David for telling me about Soulection. I’ve been listening to all their artists and radio shows ever since. This tune by Sango is my pick of the bunch. The Brazilian influence is very evident in his productions from Samba to Funky Favela. This particular tune is a chilled out affair and represents their sound of tomorrow message.

Raury – Woodcrest Manor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYN62-zwnEY
Raury was another recommendation, this time by my Whatever Session partner in crime Hark. Another artist that has been quietly getting a lot of hype this year, Raury released Indigo child earlier this year and praised for his mellow sounds. This tune is the best one on the album. Keep your eyes peeled for this guy in 2015.

Paleman – Beezledub

Paleman was doing some big things in 2013 and this tune really got him some well deserved recognition. Newly released on Swamp 81, I spent the first half of year wondering what the name of this tune was. The trumpets and the spooky sounds reminded me of the boss levels on Super Mario back in the day. Swamp 81 always pushing new sounds.

Lil B – No Black Person Is Ugly

This one makes my list for the poignancy of the lyrics. This tune touches on race issues which, sometimes feels like society is going backwards with regards to the ability to embrace each other regardless of skin colour, culture or religion. When this tune came out Lil B was probably one of the last rappers I would expect to come out with something like this. Lil B has been known to create quite a stir for his lyrical content so it was great to see a tune like this get praise.