My top 10 recording artists of the year

Ok... so my top 20 songs from 2010 were pretty rad, aye? Well, watch out... here's my top 10 recording artists of the year...

10. Markus Schulz

I've been a fan of Markus Schulz for a long time... ever since he released Without You Near... a classic. But this year's "Do You Dream" album was his best work yet! Last Man Standing blew me away, and was in constant rotation... but "Not the Same" featuring Jennifer Rene was just as good. What I like most about Markus is that he mixes emotional synths with 100% energy... so even when he's crafting a slow track, there's intensity to it. So... here's the deal... if you don't have "Do You Dream"... go right now to iTunes and get it!

9. Yes Giantess

Ok, so I've written about Yes Giantess before... but, the big deal in 2010 was the fact that their debut album "Siren" was finally released on iTunes. So at long last, I was able to buy it... instead of having to stream their songs on their Myspace page. Then add to this good news... that Fear of Tigers remixed The Ruins... making an amazing track, even more amazing. I really recommend looking into this band, if you haven't already... they're fun, poppy, and clever... a lethal combination in the right hands!

8. Lady Gaga

Yes, yes... Lady Gaga... the media sensation, the chart topper... it's all a bit obvious to celebrate the top 10 in 2010 with her, ain't it? Ugh. But here's the deal, "Alejandro" was a massive song. And I couldn't stop listening to it all year long! Those heavy synths that drag Alejandro along are so awesomely wicked, that I just had to turn the volume up to 11 (ha!) every time it came on my iPod. Plus, she was lucky enough to have the amazing Sound of Arrows to remix it... making Alejandro the perfect party song of the year.

7. Jes
The vocalist to Motorcycle (remember? "As the Rush Comes in"... don't ever forget it... brilliant), had a seriously awesome year. With several singles released over the year, I had Jes in nearly constant rotation. "Awaken" was my favorite... but her techno-rock cover of The Cure's "Love Song" was amazing. I also love, love, loved her collaboration with BT... "every other way"... and she then closed the year with "Closer" which was just excellent... check the video on YouTube if you haven't (JES "CLOSER" VIDEO). One of electronica's most precious artists, I just can't wait to see what she has in store for 2010.

6. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool

At long last "The Golden Year" was released in September. But it was all too late... in August tragedy struck the band with the lead singer's suicide. I remember being terribly upset and shaken when I read the news. I loved this band (see my previous posts)... and now the fate of their future remains kept under wraps. But, I can't recommended "The Golden Year" enough. It's unbelievable, powerful, and just great. Outside of the known singles, you gotta check out "Curtain Falls", "Our Lives", and "Next to Nothing"... they've been my soundtrack for the past three months. Charlie Haddon... thank you for your music. God Rest.

5. Nadia Ali

As a long fan of her music, it comes with no surprise that Nadia Ali would make my list. She had a big year... with three remix albums, collaborations with Dresden & Johnston, Chris Reece and Schiller. My favorite was her work with Schiller... "Try"... which was accompanied with a killer video (click here to check it out!!! NADIA ALI "TRY"). Like most great songs, iTunes still has yet to add "Try" to their store... ugh!!! that's so frustrating!!! But, never-the-less, don't miss out on picking up her "Queen of clubs" remix albums... they come with three killer covers (art that is)... and amazing remixes... Here's hoping she tours the USA in 2011!

4. Fear of Tigers

Nearly everything Fear of Tigers touched was gold this year (like last year too!). Hands down the best remix was their electrifying of "Waterfall" by Rosanna. From the instant the electronics kick off on the track, it never stops... so brilliant, so perfect. In 2010, Fear of Tigers generously made their debut "Cossus Snufsigalonica" for free download... and WOW what an album! Follow the link below, and get it now! And... if I can be a bit hopeful for 2011... I'd love to see Fear of Tigers remix Hurts (please, if you're reading this... do it!!!). Visit the following link (Soundcloud) to download their album: FEAR OF TIGERS ON SOUNDCLOUD

3. Hurts

How can Hurts's debut album not be available in the USA???? This album is the best release of the year. The haunting "Wonderful Life" is the only song currently available on iTunes... but it's a remix... by the amazing Arthur Baker... but still... where the David Beckham are the original tracks??? So, here's what I'm going to do for you... below is a set of links to the three videos Hurts released in Europe this year... my favorite... "Stay"... so elegant and gorgeous.

Stay video Wonderful Life video
Better than love video

2. BT
BT released "These Hopeful Machines" this year, which was then supported by several EPs featuring the remixes of the lead singles... "Suddenly," "Emergency" and "Every other word." The main album was awesome, and showed that BT continues to be the undeniable prince of electronica. My favorite, as mentioned earlier, was "Every other word." In 2009 the Armin remix of "every other word" was the first taste of what would become one of the most romantic songs trapped in a blistering blizzard of electronics ever recorded. Perfection.

If you haven't seen the video for the song... check it here: BT "every other way (featuring Jes)"

1. Robots with Rayguns

The best! Remixes for Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Timbaland, and (my favorites) Nightwaves... is just part of the Robots for Rayguns story. The other part, and perhaps the even better part, is their own music... in particular their trax Sugarbaby and The Distance off of their self-released Electro isn't Dead debut are wicked. Like Fear of Tigers, you can get their album for free... so instead of rattling on and on about how great they are... just go check them out! Robots with Rayguns on Soundcloud.