2009 has been quite a year for us all here at Cosmic Disco…

After having the pleasure of playing at Glastonbury on behalf of The Guardian it seemed like the music world had picked up on the ‘Cosmic Disco’ bandwagon and pinned the label onto everything from underground club nights (Every flyer seemed to have the word ‘Cosmic’ as a genre you could expect to hear.) to pop princesses (Little Boots et-al) so after playing the music we have loved and collected for years (More than we’d like to remember…) our website title became somewhat of a by-word in the current music media zeitgeist.

We are more than aware that trends come and go, and no doubt the ‘Cosmic’ backlash has already begun but regular readers of the site will know that we feature many more styles of music than just ‘Cosmic’ however subjected we may be to our domain name…

In more important news we were saddened at the loss of the most influential entertainer of our generation (If not ever) in Michael Jackson, we witnessed Barak Obama elected as the first ever black president of the United States with the world watching to see how he would lead the world out of the continued struggle post 2008 ‘Credit Crunch’. The British workforce also took a hammering after the initial predictions that swine flu could kill off an entire continent, thousands of the ‘Infected’ would self diagnose, obtaining a sick note from a pre pubescent agency worker reading details from a script via a call centre somewhere on the outskirts of Gateshead.

Our selections as featured in the our annual behemoth ‘Best of’ article (As chosen by Niles, Baggy and Silvestre) hopefully encompass the styles of music we feel passionate enough to write about, to the point you find both useful and informative, giving you the motivation to go investigate further, maybe even purchasing some of the music as a result.

ALBUMS

It’s been great to see such a high number of quality long players still being released, especially considering we are currently experiencing what is considered within the music industry to be the death of the ‘Album’ as a format, as artists concentrate on releasing singles no doubt driven by the general public being able to cherry pick individual tracks via the services of ITunes. Luckily for us we don’t consider ourselves ‘Joe Public’ when it comes to our musical selections so many artists we have picked up on this year are still going to the effort of working on albums and so may this continue. Here is what has warranted our attention over the last twelve months (In no particular order):

AIR – Love 2
Air return after a 2 year hiatuous with a quirky, polished and hugely listenable downtempo affair. Leaning more towards Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides OST than their more prog rock orientated recent outings this is a collection of electronic lounge music which sits perfectly amongst their previous, impressive discography.

LCD Soundsystem – 45:33 Remixes
Any remix package that features Prince Language, Prins Thomas, the Revenge, Theo Parrish and Pilooski (Shit, did I mention Padded Cell, Trus’me etc.) is going to be a heavyweight competitor. Add in the fact that the remix package in question is LCD Soundsystems glorious A-side lengthed Space Odyssey 45:33 and you know you’re in for something special. All of the remixer took the task on with awesome results but the Theo remix is the one that really stands out. A 10 minute spaced out disco epic as only Theo can do this one is an absolute classic and will destroy dancefloors for years to come.

Empire of the Sun – Walking On a Dream
Although this was released in their native Australia in 2008 it wasn’t until this year that we got to hear the antipodean take on modern Fleetwood Mac-esque 80′s power pop ballads and dancefloor slow burners. The singles have made a big impact over the course of the summer and, like the french band, Phoenix, their modern take on the mid 80′s MOR rock genre should see them enjoying cult success and possibly bigger things over the next couple of years.

Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Ridiculously titled 4th album from the Parisian hipsters moved back towards their Yacht Rock, mid 80′s inspired fare that dominated their first two LP’s. Whilst Phoenix never really capture their amazing live performances on disc this is nonetheless a thoroughly listenable hour of pop and rock.

Black Devil Disco Club – The Strange New World of Bernard Fevre
They sound like they were beamed directly from the late 70′s and make music from another planet. Ethereal lunar dance tracks which are brought to us by two old French Library producers. That they are still making music like this today is great, great news and for fans of ‘Cosmic Disco’ quite literally, this is a must have LP.

Bottin – Horror Disco
Taking it’s lead from Italian horror soundtracks of the late 70′s and early 80′s Bottin created a 70 minute journey into a sinister disco with an element of danger round every corner. John Carpenter, Claudio Simonetti, Fabio Frizzi all get a tip of the hat on yet another impressive album from the people at Bearfunk. Salut!

Desire – II
Italians Do It Better have been pretty much the most consistent underground label over the last few years so when we saw that Jonny (Glass Candy etc.) had teamed up with Nattie from Chromatics with a singer in Megan, whom they plucked from obscurity whilst in Montreal, there wasn’t any second thoughts on picking up this album of exquisite electro-pop ‘Jewels’ (See what we did there…).

Linkwood – System
This long awaited Prime Numbers triple LP was only released recently and man was it worth waiting for. Linkwood’s influences range from 80′s boogie, disco, Detroit house and techno, which can all be heard in what is one of the best house long players (Dare we say it) since Metro Area’s self titled release back in 2002. Stunning.

The Crepes – What Else?
Dan Lissvik (Of ‘Studio’) goes pop. After remixing Fever Ray and producing Taken By Trees, Lissvik teams up with Frederik Linson of The Embassy for an album that is as idealistically pure as it gets, showing just why the Scandinavians still rule pop world.

Animal Collective – Merryweather Post Pavillion
After witnessing them live in the flesh at The Park stage at this year’s Glastonbury, never before having actually heard any of their music (Unbelievable considering this is their 8th release!), they proceeded to blow us away. Fusing electronics with beautiful vocal harmonies these guys are the modern take on the Beach Boys and Merryweather Post Pavillion is not only their breakthrough album but for us is their Pet Sounds. Widely regarded as THE album of the year in many end of year charts, it’s easy to see why.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band – The Phenomenal Handclap Band
After much hype around the internet we decided to check these guys out at Manchester’s Deaf Institute and were suitably impressed with the NY ensemble created by DJ’s Daniel Collas and Sean Marquand. Led by the standout single ’15 to 20′ the band take on psych-rock and soul bringing it bang up to date for the noughties.

Smith and Mudd – Le Suivant
Claremont 56 could well be the label of 2009 after having standout releases in a variety of formats, whether it was showcasing long players for individual artists/groups, compilation CD’s (Huge respect for the awesome ‘Originals’ series) and 12 inch records that included a number of superb remixes. Here Smith and (Label owner) Mudd take on a horizontal slant with what is the most Balearic album of 2009. Perfect for Sunday mornings, lazy afternoons or poolside lounging we guarentee that after absorbing to the cleansing sounds heard on this album you’ll be feeling re-energised. Wherever you may be, keep a copy of Le Suivant close to hand.

Subway – Subway II
This kraut/cosmic inspired album was recorded using analog equipment in a home studio in East London, creating sounds that reflect cityscapes such as Berlin, Detroit and Paris. Not aimed at the dancefloor, we advise you pop on your headphones, light up a doobie and melt away to the mediative rhythms that have a constant beat at their heart.

Lindstrom and Prins Thomas – II
Two of the busiest artists/producers of 2008 once again collaborated to produce their follow up album in this much more organic effort, due to the more evident use of live instrumentation that merge elements of italo, krautrock and disco into a production that feels warm and polished. Released in the summer of 2009 ‘II’ provided the perfect soundtrack to those long, hazy days.

AMO1 – Institute of Joy
After releasing some of the best tracks of the last few years, British ‘Balearock’ kings A Mountain of One, returned to release the standout pysch-rock album of 2009 as their epic creations look back to reveal the future. A modern classic in every sense of the word. Essential.

Andrew Wetherall – A Pox On The Pioneers
The debut solo album from Mr. Weatherall where he does his best impression of Prince. Well, if Prince was into roots, rockabilly, house and techno… Strong lyrical content and guest vocal performances from the likes of Bobby Gillespie ensures this album more than warrents your attention. Has been getting plenty of airplay during our bar sets.

JAZ – I Played Sports
JAZ has been a huge favourite at Cosmic Disco since we conceived this very site and we have had the pleasure of hosting a number of his amazing mixes (Check them out in the mixes section…), the results of which have cost us small fortunes tracking down the tracks! ‘I Played Sports’ extends on these mix-tapes by showcasing JAZ’s impeccable musical selection and years of digging the crates, bringing to the fore a number of rarities and editing them to perfection. Disco dynamite.

Max Essa – Continental Drift
Another contender for title of ‘Balearic Album of 2009′, Max Essa’s ‘Continental Drift’ features shimmering guitar work, live drums and bass guitar layered with stunning keyboards which results in a glossy and superbly produced sound that on tracks such as ‘Slo-Mo Sapien’ groove their way to your core. Another album that’s stayed on our turntable since it’s release.

Sorcerer – Neon Leon
Another Cosmic Disco fave over the last few years, Dan Judd returns on Tirk for a typically ‘Sorcerer’ sounding album but this time aims more for the dance-floors and does a great job at keeping us there. Boogie influences and even a vocal appearance (On ‘Raydio’) from Dan himself marks his departure from previous efforts.

Steve Kotey and Max Essa Presents Soiree – Zim Zim, Zah Zah
Bear Funk head honcho Steve Kotey teams up with fellow disco stalwart Max Essa for this heavyweight tag-team effort. Serious music with not so serious lyrics reminds us of music once produced so uniquely by the likes of Ian Dury as title track ‘Zim Zim Zah Zah’ kicks things off in this vein and sets the bar high. Solid throughout ‘Synth Inside Her’ also deserves notable attention. A highly enjoyable listen.

Who Mad Who – The Plot
Another group who seem to effortlessly combine tongue in cheek humour with serious musical ability. electronic elements emanate from drummer Thomas Barford aka Tomboy which should immediately warrant your attention. The Plot is a more refined, sophisticated effort than their debut with overt nods to Paul McCartney, Led Zep, ELO and The Human League. A killer slice of electronic-pop and a superb live band to boot.

KZA – DAE (Dig and Edit)
Force of Nature’s KZA releases his first solo effort and is widely regarded as being the owner of one of the deepest record collections in Japan so no prizes for guessing the inspiration for the title of the album. Literally digging through his records for obscure samples KZA took the raw materials into the studio and produces a totally original body of work that stands out head and shoulders above the glut of bog standard ‘Edits’ currently flushing the market.

12″s / Singles / EP’s

Not only can we list our favourite single releases but with the help of many a web-nerd uploading tracks to YouTube you can also hear what we have given heavy rotation to this year:

Other singles we have loved over the last 12 months, not available via YouTube:

• Radiohead – The Reckoner (Johnny Miller Remix)
• Lugnet – Vol 1 and 2
• Mike Burns – Everybody’s Mantra
• G&S – Show Me The Good Times
• Eddie C – You’re Welcome
• The Fitzcarraldo Variations – Black Cat
• Patrick Cowley and Jorge Socarras – Soon
• Elias Rahbani And His Orchestra – Liza/Dr. Hook and The Medicine Band – Penny
• King and Hound – The Horseman
• Magnus International – Undulat
• Ronny and Renzo – Me Myself, Good
• Pink Stallone – The Six

COMPILATIONS

Like albums but with all the best tracks from loads of different artists featured for the price of your standard LP – Bonus! There has been some cracking comps out this year and here are our favourites:

Madonna – Celebration
We shouldn’t really need to explain why a compilation of Madonna’s music from the past 30 years made it into our top albums of the year but La Isla Bonita, Everybody, Lucky Star, Holiday, Vogue, Into the Groove, Material Girl, Hung Up….. If you only own 5 albums this should be one of them.

Pepe Bradock Presents Confiote De Bits
The elusive deep house legend has only ever released one LP and a smattering of 12′s so the excitement upon receiving a double CD of his remix work was massive (thanks BBE). CHEEK Venus, Iz & Diz, Charles Webster & more all get the quirky gallic house treatment to create a fantastic picture of a man seen less in public than Lord Lucan.

Dimitri From Paris Presents NightDubbin’
(Silv) Both Baggy and Niles introduced me to boogie since I met them. This slowed down kind of disco music really got me. Specially those instrumentals and b-sides. How great that Dimitri left the vocal garage/disco on one side and dedicated some time to curate this superb collection. They are all fundamental tracks. All precious dubs that to some may sound familiar. To me, and surely, to new generations, these ones are gems to be appreciated. The included Francois Kevorkian liner notes are great source of knowledge and referencing.

Matthew and Jolyon Presents Originals Vol.4
A selection of obscurities and not well known tracks. We’ve favoured this compilation over volume 1 and 2 since it is more approachable; less ‘Beardy’. We are still waiting for volume 3 (Sean P’s selections) which apparently is having some trouble due to copyright issues. Although they are old and some unsung tracks, they all sound fresh and pleasant; playable and danceable. Full of synths and cosmic energies. You should just go out and buy this for the Escape From New York’s ‘Fire in My Heart’ cut and has been just (re)released (Booted?) on a one single-sided 12 for vinyl fans.

DJ Koze: Reincarnations The Remix Chapter 2001-2009
Since 2000′s release of ‘Music Is OK’, a collection of remixes and edits of hip-hop and house songs by always surprising DJ Koze, I (Silv) have been following his productions. This German genius has great sense of humour and originality. His remixes are of exceptional quality in the sense he reinvents the originals given and excels them. Imagine not only the same levels of quirkiness as those of In Flagranti, but also a mixture of playful minimal sounds together with glimpses of Gonzales’ humour.

5 Years of Hyerpdub
Academics were riding high this year and they all seem to come from the University of East London. Tim Lawrence published an essential and long due biography on Arthur Russell. Steve Goodman, a Music Culture lecturer, long time junglist, and now closer to the darker side of the evolved genre originating from 2 Step and London Garage is working under the alias of Kode9 and has put together a seminal compilation of releases on his highly influential London label Hyperdub. 2009 consolidated dubstep as a genre to pay attention to giving us cosmic gems such as Darkstar’s ‘Aldy’s Girl is a Computer, Joker’s ‘Digidesign’ or Pangaea’s Memories.

Alexis Le-Tan and Jess Presents Space Oddities Vol.2 – A Psychedelic Journey Through Libraries
Paired together for their second outing scouring through the complexity that is library music, the guys go for a more psychedelic approach on this volume although still usable for a dancefloor orientated crowd. Featuring tracks from KPM, Telemusic, Sonimarge and Cardium (To name only a few) this album is a mind expanding odyssey that flows perfectly from beginning to end. What a trip!

Various – Ze 30. The ZE Records Story 1979-2009
Strut continue to prove they are still king of the compilation albums. Now ran by !K7, Strut continue with their winning formula of educational musical content with superior linear writing. This ZE compilation focuses on 30 years of no-wave, mutant disco and pioneering punk-funk as big hitters sit side by side with some of the labels lesser-known tracks.

Various – Hibernation Vol.1
The first in a series of new Bear Funk compilations, taking a ‘Best of’ approach to the labels output over recent months as Bear Funk showcases it’s cutting edge slant on today’s disco spectrum. So much music, so little time…

Various – Disco Discharge
Harmless released this stunning 4-double CD collection of out and out disco from various ends of the disco spectrum (Euro/Hi-NRG and gay/ladies and classic disco). Not 100% devoted to rarities and obscurities this compilation is all the better for being so. A brilliant package worth picking up alone for the inclusion of Mike Mareen’s – Dancing In The Dark.

Various – Spacial French Disco 1975-79 Vol.1 and 2
Being huge fans of French spacial disco and library music we jumped on these compilations without the need of checking the track list. The Telemusic players (Chantereau, Dahan and Pezin joined by Sauveur Mallia) were million selling artists as their lush production values married with the glamour of the emerging disco scene. Tubetracks Records concentrate on the rarer library releases with these two compilations, which have been fully remastered and available on vinyl!

DJ Spinna Presents The Boogie Back: Post Disco Club Jams
Anyone looking for places to start researching the post disco/boogie genres can do no wrong in starting with this compilation. When disco sucked, black based dance music went back underground and became all the better for doing so. Featuring a selection of electronic jams, disco not disco jerkiness and mid-tempo groovers DJ Spinna has compiled an album that will save you £’s buying the original twelves. Worth picking up for the Chemise track alone.

Various – Tirk02
Similar in approach to the Bear Funk compilation, Tirk02 follows up on the acclaimed Tirk01 by showcasing their work with some of the world’s most acclaimed modern artists wether it may be Todd Terje chopping us Chas Jankel, Acos Coolkas creating ice cool house or Kelpe taking down glitch to a slo-mo bath, Tirk have yet again proven why they are one of the most influential labels on the scene today.

Voyeur – Voyeurism
This mysterious collection of European cosmic disco edits had us scratching our heads as to the original source of the music but there is no doubt that the content is of a very high standard as disco, boogie and cosmic combine to provide on the most usable comps we have played out all year. Recommended.

Various – Electric Minds Vol.1
Another label that’s in our top 5 of most influential output. Label owner Dolan Bergin compiles this album of recent label content (Also a mix is included, created by Dolan himself) as the last 10 twelve inch releases get priority here. The likes of Yam Who?, Ilja Rudman and Lil’ Tony have their tracks showcased for those who may have missed the original vinyl have this chance to hear the eclectic nature at Electric Minds.

Various – Balearic Sound Volumen Uno
This first release from Spanish label Musica Sol Y Mar showcases some of the most beautiful music to have been played on the white isle over the last 30 years. Deeply influenced by Jose Padilla, this album provides a beautiful snapshot of the spiritual vibe unique to Ibiza.

MIXES

A source of much inspiration as well as a drain on our finances, we have not only been sent some stunning mixes this year but have discovered a great deal more from around the web. Here’s what selections have been on constant rotation throughout. Thanks for the music guys!

Mark Seven – Salute To The Men of Vauxhall
After bringing Mark to Manchester for his NW debut back in December 2008 this special limited edition 3-cd mix from Oki-Ni (Exclusively limited edition, included with their copies of MK7′s Travelogue 12inch release) is based on a live set Mark played at Horse Meat Disco and is in tribute to the kings of disco such as Tom Severase et-al and shows just why he is revered as a modern day equivalent of one of the legendary disco DJ’s. Brilliantly mixed and more importantly superbly programmed this is the best mix we have heard in the last 12 months. It may well be one of the best mixes we have ever heard, it’s that good. (Listen HERE, scroll down the page to LEXX72′s post to download links)

Ronny and Renzo – Cosmic Disco Exclusive Mix
We had been chasing RandR for some months before we managed to get an exclusive mix and interview from the guys and this mix is evidence of why we kept perservering. Nothing short of an education in crate digging the guys left us scratching our heads in amazement begging for a number of I.D’s. With yet another lesson in programming these guys know how to produce a mix-tape that is as good as one of their productions. Awesome. Listen HERE.

Alexis Le-Tan – Audible Visions
Produced in conjunction with design studios Ill-Studios, this mix CD comes lovingly presented in stunning bubble wrap styled packaging. This isn’t style over substance however as the music contained on this mix clearly exemplifies why Alexis is considered one of France’s most revered record collectors. A concept where sounds from the past meet ideas from the future this is one mix that is guarenteed to give you sonic hallucionations.

Purple Brain RVNG Mx7 Mix
This mix is absolutely crazy and all the better for being so. An exclusive mix that came as part of the Purple Brain Mx7 release, it has been molested by Andre Bumrocks and Kason Convict! to absolute perfection. Afrobeat, freaked-out pysch, experimental electronica and soul combine to provide one of the most enjoyable listens you can drop onto your media player.

Belson – Psychic Soul II
18 months ago Belson posted Vol.1 of his ‘Psychic Soul’ mix series on DJH, which included a selection of folk rock, downtempo soul grooves and pysched out sounds. Niles then proceeded to procure this latest mix as a pre-xmas treat. Niles was correct, it’s a belter. Listen HERE.

Baggy – El Diablo’s Social Club Mix
Now, were not one for promoting our own mixes but Niles has insisted so here it is. Baggy provides a guest mix for pals over at El Diablo’s Social Club. Tops off.

Moonboots – Wonderful Sound Libraries
The legend that is Moonboots provides another consistently brilliant mix for the guys over at Wonderful Sound (Download here). Controversially, dig around the blog and you will even find a tracklist for this mix!

Marcello Giovanni – Lagos Boogie
Focusing on the Nigerian boogie sound of the 80′s (1982-86 to be precise), mixing rhythmic drum patters with wild synths basslines, Italo Deviance’s Marcello Giovanni gives you this stunning mix of African aesthetics. Get it HERE.

PARTIES/EVENTS

We also played hard this year. We have been lucky to have played the brilliant Guardian Lounge at the world’s biggest and most famous festival, a number of legends stopped off in Manchester to perform live and club promoters have been working as hard as ever, especially as the underground dance music scene has become even more intimate, back to basics, basement parties have been the way forward. Bring on 2010!

• Glastonbury 2009 – Has to be top of the shop this year really. The world’s most famous festival blew our minds with so many great acts, atmosphere and of course, just a little bit of mud. Check out our pics from the festival in addition to the recording of 6hrs of our set which opened the Guardian Lounge.
• Cosmic Disco and Cutloose Present Felix Dickinson – Our infrequent joint partis with Manchester’s best club night continued as we brought ‘Foolish’ Felix Dickinson to Manchester for his first ever appearance in our rainy city. Acid house vibes ensured the roof was promptly torn off The Roadhouse. Massive shout out to Felix’s sidekick Jason who did his best to get us kicked out of our own venue. Legend! Check out this interview and guest mix with Felix, which was in prep for this party.
• Grace Jones at Manchester Apollo – Touring her 2008 album Hurricane we went to what was the standout live performance of 2009 back in January. A diverse crowd and example what it means to be a true diva left us without doubt that Grace could easily show today’s performers just how to hold a crowd. Check our review and video highlights.
• Andrew Wetherall at Naive Melody 4th Birthday Party – Naive Melody have been putting on some of the best parties in Manchester from their Chinese Karaoke/triad hangout venue for the last 4 years. With a forward thinking approach to their DJ bookings they went to the past to reveal the future as stalwart Andrew Wetherall gave us all a lesson in electronic mastery. His warm up section was a true lesson in how to chug a crowd into a frenzy.
• David Byrne Eno Tour – Talking Heads frontman stops in town as part of his world tour showcasing the material he wrote with Brian Eno, which meant a shit-load of Talking Heads material getting a much welcomed airing. Bryne still has the chops in the vocal department and his alt/avant-garde approach to stage performance was a breath of fresh air. Check out our review and video HERE.

Wow, that’s everything (We think!). If 2010 is half as good as 2009 then we are in for another great year. Have a fantastic New Year and we very much look forward to pushing things forward in 2010.

Happy New Year!!
x