We asked some of the best independent record stores in the UK to tell us about their favourite ten releases of the year; be it what's sold well in store, what the staff have loved listening to, or both. Today's list is brought to you by the Bristol-based shop, Idle Hands, run by Chris Farrell.
Mr Beatnick - 'Savannah' EP [Don't Be Afraid]The third in a triptych of EP's from Mr Beatnick, which was recently compiled on CD. All the 12"s have been impressive, but this is my favourite of mine and includes what be my most played track as DJ this year; the hardcore sampling "Parallax Scroll". This is tastefully euphoric house music with a UK edge, on the consistently good Don't Be Afraid label.Etch - 'Rise' EP [Soundman Chronicles]There's been a lot of hardcore-referencing music this year, including this. It has a reverential feel, but for me also succinctly points a way forward for bass music. A lot of attention has drifted towards house these last few years, but artists like Etch along with Wen, Beneath, Hodge and Facta are bringing it back to the original, stripped-back dubstep sound.
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Kyle Hall - 'Boatparty' LP [Wild Oats]My favourite LP of the year, and one that I have been going back to again and again. Kyle has been putting records out for a few years now - all of which have been great - but this felt like the most fully realised version of his vision. It is easy to imagine him banging away on his sampler while listening to this. Rough, rugged Detroit house.Jabu - 'In Circles' 7" [No Corner]Part of the talented Young Echo collective, Jabu came through with what is, for me, the best single of the year. Not a dance single, but an emotive slice of Bristol melancholia. DJ Sotofett described it as "being like the hammer". I wasn't sure what he meant, but he's probably got a point.
Leif - 'Dinas Olieu' LP [Fear of Flying]I think we can all agree there has been a lot of dry, generic house this year. My mate Sean Kelly refers to it as "sample pack house"; an accusation that could not be leveled at this LP. Leif presents an immensely enjoyable take on the genre by bringing a hazy, almost pastoral vibe to proceedings. This could have somehing to do with his residency at the Freerotation festival maybe. He has definitely channelled some of that positive energy into this accomplished album.
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Ben 'Cozmo D' Cenac - 'Cozmic House' EP [Thug]One of the upsides of a renewed interest in all things house has been a whole heap of re-issued and previously un-released tracks being put out. These four tracks have been laying in an "archive" (or behind the sofa) for the best part of twenty years, and finally issued at the start of this year. In a period when deep house has been a buzz phrase, these are genuinely deep tracks from the "Newcleus" and "Dream 2 Science" producer.Andras Fox - 'Embassy Cafe' [Dopeness Galore]Another breath of fresh air from a young Australian producer. What could be merely an exercise in retro house, drawing heavily on the sounds and stylings of early house (just look at the Dream 2 Science referencing cover), is in fact a beautifully heartfelt, blue-eyed, soul-tinged house reord. I bought two copies.Henriq Bergqvist - 'Spin' [Aniara]Aniara is one of those labels you can believe in. They don't put out much stuff but when they do, it is always worth a listen. My girlfriend Becca alerted me to their brilliance and I'm now a keen follower. This is another track I have been playing out a lot this year. Lush, melodic tracks with a quirky feel.Pev & Kowton - 'End Point' [Livity Sound]Livity Sound are friends of mine and collectively, as well as individually, they have had a great year. I could have chosen any number of the productions they've been involved with but I've chosen this one; bass heavy music, the way it should be done.
Outboxx - 'Sunshine Mills' [Idle Hands]I know I put this out, but it is great. It always a great reaction when playing this out. I would like to thank everyone who has put out on the label this year; we will be keeping the pressure up next year with more 12"s, and another LP.