Best of 2018 | Patrick Blinkhorn’s Picks

Best Remix

Marco Giannone – “Lonely (Funkatron Remix)”

Funkatron’s remix of Marco Giannone’s “Lonely” did well for me in DJ sets I played this year. I think the remix has the perfect amount of energy without getting cheesy — there are noise sweeps in the track, something I often detest in productions. But the noise sweeps introduced in this remix are tasteful. And oh man, that bassline is undeniable. Looking forward to hearing more of this from Funkatron in 2019.

 

Best LP/EP

Brian Eno – Music For Installations

Brian Eno hit the spot yet again with his Music For Installations. The 2018 work clocks in at 5 hrs and 25 min total and throughout the entire listen, Eno demonstrates his capacity to make remarkable ambient music. If you’re looking for an excellent piece of music to work to or simply appreciate, there is plenty to find in Music For Installations.

 

Best New Artist

Keepsakes

Originally from Auckland but now based in Berlin, Keepsakes isn’t new to techno, but he first came onto my radar in 2018. Keepsakes’ Perspectives From A Sterile Hellhole forcibly grabbed my attention with his aggressive form of techno. The release offers a proper bludgeoning through and through, which is exactly how I like my techno these days.

 

Track of the Year

Keepsakes – “Pick ‘em Till They Bleed”

“Pick ‘em Till They Bleed” is an enjoyable assault of the ear drums. Listen and hear what I’m talking about 🙂

Artist of the Year

Autechre

Autechre has consistently proven themselves as musical innovators. This past year, they released NTS Sessions 1–4, which is an immense body of work totaling up to 8 hrs of music. Autechre exhibited an astonishing level of artistry with the NTS Sessions.

Favorite Show of the Year

Late Night Mischief, Early Morning Love | Friday, April 6: Aaron Sparks, Fred Everything, and Team Zapata

Changes in my life and work schedule kept me from going out as much as I had in previous years. Out of the shows I attended in 2018, I had a really great time at the Late Night Mischief, Early Morning Love this past April. Aaron Sparks surprised me with a few classics from artists such as Dexter Wansel in his slow burning opening set. All in all, I had a good time and look forward to more ELM parties in 2019.

 

Label of the Year

Warp Records

Warp Records had quality releases per usual in 2018, but I’m naming them as my Label of the Year because Warp Records’ discography had a significant impact on me this year. About 6 months ago, I set off on a mission to listen to Warp Records’ complete discography; as of a few days ago, I have completed just that. I listened through 4,306 songs in Warp Records’ available catalog over 6 months. I plan to do a longer post on Blisspop about this listening experience.

 

DC Artist to Watch

Kev Brown

Kev Brown had a phenomenal 2018 musically. Over the course of the year, Kev Brown released 3 full-length albums. On top of that, he’s started 2019 strong, dropping yet another album on January 1. Keep an eye on Kev Brown — I’m sure there are big things coming from him in 2019.