So its that time again. Time for everyone and their mother to share their countdowns, top 10’s, lists, etc… I guess I could have followed suit (I have an opinion too!) but I wont. One thing that I think the large majority of the music bloggers, music geeks, DJs, and producers would agree that the once “pudgy” now “hulk-like” Timbaland is the producer of the year. He owned this year. Justin Timberlake’s “My Love” is a high point. There was sooo much buzz when that shotty leak of the track hit the net. Everyone from the indie hipsters to the electro house heads had it in their playlists once it got a proper release. Then it was remixed by every producer known to man (interestingly enough some of the bedroom productions were the best). Dont get me wrong, there was some quality production work done across all genres in 06. It was a good year for music. I would give Switch a close second vote just to name one. I think the thing that set Timbo apart from the rest (aside from consistency and innovation) was the sheer volume of hits. Multiple tracks he produced from various full length albums became hits. Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake both owe their millions to Timothy. So, without further a due, I give you a glimpse into the genious that is Timbaland:

As a Christmas present to all…. I give you Thomas Bangalter live and direct from the recent Ed Banger/Institubes party in France. A rare appearance without the robot gear. Cheers!

Ed Banger is finishing the year strong.  Their Xmas party must have been rediculous!  First, the much blogged about teaser from Justice called Phantom.  Not the full track but it goes to show that their full length is going to be interesting.  From what I hear the album is done and will be released in Q1 of the new year.  Next up a great re-rub of Testarossa Overdrive by Sebastian.  Heard this remix for the first time in the set that Justice did at I Love Techno.  Couple of iffy blends in the mix but good track selection makes up for it.  A good chunk of the set provided below. 

Justice - Phantom

Kavinsky - Testarossa Overdrive (Sebastian Remix)

Justice - Live at I Love Techno 

Lots of new and old hitting the rotation over the past couple of weeks.  Thought I would share some highlights.  Kicking it off with a mini mix from the runner up for Producer of the Year (right behind Timbo in my opinion), Switch. This thing is stocked full of new remixes by the current heavy weight champion of house music.  Next, a recently released dream-like synth track by Kris Menace and Fred Falke called Fairlight.  Also, a flash back of sorts with an incredibly catchy pop song from a few years ago by Benjamin Diamond.  For those who cant pinpoint his voice, click here.  To cap it all of, a new mix of an old track by a couple of producers that I followed pretty closely for a few years, Jess & Crabbe.  Peep recent post on these guys here.

Switch - Mini Mix (from Pete Tong’s Essential Mix 12-8-06)

Kris Menace & Fred Falke - Fairlight

Benjamin Diamond - Fit Your Heart

Jess & Crabbe - Big Booya  (Yard Rock Mix)

Heard this track for the first time in a DJ set from Switch.  Pitched up a bit with that wobbly bass line….I was hooked!  Herve has been releasing some quality production on Dubsided as well as On The Brink Recordings this year.  Not to mention the bangers that he and Trevor Loveys are releasing as Speakerjunk. 

Herve - I Can Get Down