So here it is, in my 'not so much thought out' best and worst of 2011.......
So lets start with the worst.....
#1_The_Death_of_Amy_Winehouse
I will be honest I was never her biggest fan, however she did reignite an interest in Northern Soul and Soul music in general that only an artist like Amy Winehouse could do, so hats off to her. Deaths of stars at a young age are always romanticised by many an emo indie fan however in my view its still a massive waste of talent and life. The public meltdown of such a star fuelled by a sick fascination by the British Tabloid media to publicly destroy celebrities is a depressing thought as it only makes a mockery of addiction. Definitely a low point of 2011.
#2_The_Break_Up_Of_LCD_Soundsystem
Yes this was my Take That moment that shook me to the core and sent me crying hysterically into a box of cleanex while on the phone to some charity support group. On February 5th 2011, a statement was posted on the band's website announcing a farewell concert in Madison Square Garden. LCD Soundsystem in my view are one of those bands that only come along once in a decade. They have shook the indie/dance scene with the most funkiest well written tracks, that express the amazingly creative mind of James Murphy and his love of historic party scenes in decades gone by. The only positive thing is DFA as a label is still rocking and the other two members of LCD Soundsystem are still making similar music in the form of The JuanMaclean. A documentary on the band and their last show is due for release in 2012 entitled 'Shut up and play the hits' watch this space for date of release. Check out the video below which is a dedication to the New York James Murphy loves and hates, great song and great lyrics...
#3_The_Death_Of_Nilish_Patel
Probably one of the most prolific mastering engineers of all time, sadly this year he has passed away losing his battle to cancer. Patel worked at The Exchange in London working his magic with an endless number of artists such as Air, Bjork, Daft Punk, Pulp, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Felix Da Housecat, Dave Angel, Erasure, the list goes on and on of the classics he has worked on. This guys work is seriously worth checking out...
#4_Mayor_Rob_Fords_Battle_On_Graffiti_In_Toronto
While Toronto has faced economic uncertainty in terms of public expenditure in 2011, Mayor Rob Ford has hired 3 extra police officers specifically to combat graffiti in the city. Its such as a shame as it is one city in my view that celebrates graffiti in a unique way. Many businesses in the city encourage artists to use there properties to express themselves and the result is amazing. No matter where you go in the city, there are walls upon walls of amazing works that add colour and vibrancy to otherwise mundane streets. A great example of business working with artists is at the new Bloor Street Condos site, the entire old catholic school building is a spray painted advertisement for the new condos being built next year. Why destroy something that is being celebrated very effectively in the city. Especially when budget cuts are coming into effect all over the city...don't invest in trying to stop something that is impossible to stop, Ford has now encouraged a resistance from the artists using him as there inspiration for new works, personally I cant wait to see more...
#5_The_Death_of_Gary_Moore
Not many people know who Gary Moore is so here's a brief Bio. Gary was an Irish guitarist and solo artist who's style varies from Jazz, Blues, Country, Electric Blues and Hard Rock. Born in Belfast Gary moved to Dublin when he was 16 and began making ripples in the local scene, he went on to work with world class artists such as Phil Lynott, George Harrison, Jimmy Nail, Keith Emerson, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, The Beech Boys and Andrew Llyod Webber to name just a few. Gary died in February from a heart attack.
And onto the best.......
#1_Factory_Floor_with_'Two_Different_Ways'
With tints of Joy Division and hints of Detroit Techno, Factory Floor are fast becoming my favourite band of 2011. With an unbelievable dance floor filler released on DFA in the form of 'Two Different Ways' this band are bound for big things in 2012, wait and see, check out two different ways, what a tune. http://youtu.be/n4T2K-dkxA4
#2_Amon_Tobin_ISAM_Tour
My biggest regret of the year was definitely missing out on this show when it came to Toronto in October. Possibly one of the most visually spectacular shows on the planet today' Amon dishes out a 3D like visual extravagant show which incorporates an amazing array of displays in conjunction with a unique electronic sound. If you do one thing check these visuals out.. http://youtu.be/WWai4UZ0OqI Just announced at Coachella 2012, trying my hardest to get tickets..
#3_The_Return_of_The_Rapture
I've been waiting for this for almost 5 years, yes the return of one of my favourite bands 'The Rapture. They came back in 2011 with the amazing 'In the Grace of Your Love' album with the amazing first release of 'How Deep Is Your Love', which charted as Bill Brewster's number one track of 2011 no less. Yet another reason to get tickets for Coachella.
#4_The_Rise_and_Rise_of_Dubstep_in_North_America
Having lived in Toronto for the past year I cant help but get infected by Dubstep, its everywhere here. I have never seen a music scene or any other scene take off so fast in my lifetime and its crazy. I remember back in April 2011 acts like Zeds Dead and Feed Me were selling out small venues like the 'Mod Club', and within a year there playing all the major festivals including Coachella (another reason to go) and selling out venues of upwards of 3000. The shit is crazy here right now, more Canadian artist like Excision from BC are taking over, even Mixmag 's December 2011 issue is based on the north American Dubstep revolution which pinpoints Toronto as a focal point. Hats off to Bassmentality that runs every Wednesday night in the Wrongbar, they have spawned the likes of Zeds Dead and the Killabits. Viva La Revolution!!!!
#5_Discovering_After_Hours_in_Toronto
So I moved to Toronto in April 2011, and what a night life. Originally I thought closing time was 2:30am however the place is full of after hours. This place reminds me of New York in the 80's, all these clubs are sketchy as fuck but the buzz is unbelievable, check out one of my favourites the CZ (Comfort Zone) on Spadina and College. (The Boondock Saints was shot there 'The Silver Dollar' is the 'Silver Peso' in the Movie.).
Sugar Sugar Sugar
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