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Best of 2017: Patrick Blinkhorn’s Picks

Best Remix

The Shapeshifters, “Lola’s Theme Recut (Dr. Packer Remix)” 

Dr. Packer’s remix of “Lola’s Theme Recut” on Glitterbox Recordings was a good addition to the Lola’s Theme Recut release. The remix has the right balance of energy over the course of the track, making it a winner to play out in sets. I expect “Lola’s Theme Recut (Dr. Packer Remix)” to remain in my rotation in 2018.

Honorable Mention

James Rod, “Doctor Pleasure (Pete Herbert Remix)”

 

Best LP/EP

Looky Looky, Part Flamingo

After I was introduced to Looky Looky’s music at Club Toilet over Movement Weekend in Detroit, I was on the hunt for more of their music. Their Part Flamingo album was the only full-length album I bought in 2017, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The album features compelling Italo disco vibes throughout that give the listener a satisfying experience.

Honorable Mentions

Brian Eno, Reflection

Dr. Packer, DJ’s Delight, Vol. 3

Floorplan, Let the Church EP

 

Best New Artist

The Last Trip to Gandahar

The Last Trip to Gandahar first caught my attention with his late 2016 release, Echoes of Paradise, on Better Listen Records. I’ve played out “Bartz Groove” from that release a lot over the course of 2017. I look forward to hearing more from The Last Trip to Gandahar in 2018.

Track of the Year

Brian Eno, “Reflection”

Brian Eno’s “Reflection” is a one-track ambient album. The single title track on the album is 1:05:25 long, yet each listen provides an enjoyable experience. One of the beauties of “Reflection” is that you can listen to as much or as little of it as you’d like, and either way, it produces a satisfying effect. I often listen to “Reflection” to relax or when I’m working on a task that requires a good deal of concentration, but the track has many other applications as well.

Honorable Mentions

Karizma, “Work It Out”

Rubb Sound System, “Cast a Spell”

Floorplan, “Made Up in My Mind”

Dr. Packer, “Wanna Phunk”

 

Artist of the Year

Black Loops

Black Loops consistently turned out quality music in 2017. Whether considering his For The Lovers, Red Light – EP, or Higher releases, there are groovy jams on each release he had this year. Black Loops has been a go-to artist in my 2017 DJ sets, so I’m looking forward to finding more tracks from him in 2018.

Favorite Show of the Year

Looky Looky at Club Toilet 2017 – Detroit 

I wasn’t planning on going to Club Toilet at this year’s Movement, but thanks to Looky Looky, it ended up being my favorite show of the year. On top of the party’s perfect vibe, Looky Looky played some outstanding jams. Read more about Looky Looky’s Club Toilet show in my full show review here.

 

Label of the Year

Toy Tonics

Similar to my pick for Black Loops as Artist of the Year, Berlin/Munich-based label Toy Tonics has been all about consistency this year. It seems that I’ve purchased tracks from Toy Tonics more than any other label this year, and for good reason — they’ve put out a ton of quality music over the past year. Keep up the groovy house vibes, Toy Tonics.

DC Artist to Watch

Outputmessage

Outputmessage is a seasoned DC-based musician and he’s about to have a standout year. Besides the good music Outputmessage creates, I love that he stays true to his sound and taste. Look out for a new Outputmessage album later this year.

Honorable Mention

Enamour