The best tracks of 2010, and the best moments of those tracks, chosen by U Street Music Hall co-owner Brian Billion
1. Kingdom – “Fogs”
The moment when everything goes hollow at 1:27
2. Azari & III – “Reckless (With Your Love) (Tensnake remix)”
At 0:08 when the beat drops and you realize it’s going to sound exactly like the summer of 1991 and nothing like anything else in 2010
3. Massive Attack – “Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto remix)”
When the Morricone-style guitar comes in at 2:36 and it goes from being a great track to a great and unpredictable one
4. Midnight Magic – “Beam Me Up (Jacques Renault remix)”
Not only do you get a great octave bassline, muted trumpets, piano vamping, and a great hook, at 2:44 you get verses, too? So generous!
5. Tensnake – “Coma Cat”
1:26. Was there any doubt?
6. Alvin Risk – “Wave”
This track starts with a panoramic scope and sets really high expectations for the climax with a big build. From 2:53-3:48 it absolutely delivers.
7. Nicolas Jaar – “Time For Us”
At 3:04 when even the vocal decides it’s going to move like molasses. This is the lazy new world that ketamine house promised.
8. Bart B More – “Brap”
There’s an unhealthy arms race on for the biggest drops. At 2:01, Bart B More wins.
9. Flight Facilities feat. Giselle – “Crave You”
It’s a shame when great melodies and lyrics get dragged down by bad production. It’s relief when the drums come in at 0:39 and it becomes clear they made all the right choices.
10. Active Child – “When Your Love Is Safe (Classixx remix)”
No bass until 2:19 for that real request line R&B feel, Jam & Lewis would be proud.
11. Storm Queen “Look Right Through”
12. Jay Shepheard – “Add Arp”
13. Lee Foss – “U Got Me”
14. Skwerl ft. Paul Randolph – “Best I Can Do”
15. Kaine ft. Kathy Diamond – “Love Saves The Day (Mario Basanov vocal mix)”
16. Fugitive – “Crush (Nadastrom remix)”
17. Justin Martin & Ardalan – “Mr Spock”
18. Lewie Day – “That’s The Thing”
19. Zev – “Don’t Break It”
20. Velour – “Booty Slammer”