William has a wonderful soft spoken voice that sits beautifully atop an electronic bed of warm currents produced by Pink Ganter.  This remix can be found on his 2010 release, ” Derivatives”.

William Fitzsimmons – So This Is Goodbye (Pink Ganter Remix)

10. Crookers – Remedy (ft. Miike Snow)

Yes, I have a love affair with Miike Snow.  For those that remember my 2009 list, I had Miike Snows’ track Cult Logic as my top pick for 2009.  So once again Miike Snow is in top 10 list for 2010, however this time joining forces with Crookers.  Crookers released their Tons Of Friends LP which saw them joining forces with the likes of Roisin Murphy, Kid Cudi, Soulwax, will.i.am, and others on a massive 22 track album.  However, the standout for me was this track.

Crookers – Remedy (ft. Miike Snow)

9. Ceo – Come With Me

This was the first single from CEOs’ full length album, “White Magic”.  I was so hyped on “White Magic” based on this single.  However I was disappointed that the rest of the album didn’t come near the magic of, “Come With Me”.  ”Come With Me”, is a really well crafted track that makes creative use of a string sample.  It’s just the right amount of twist on the sample that makes this track stand out.  Ceo is the solo project of Eric Berglund of The Tough Alliance.

Ceo – Come With Me

8. Hot Chip – I Feel Better

From Hot Chip’s 2010 full length release, “One Night Stand”, is a beautiful melancholy piece of music.  This track also produced one of my favorite music videos of 2010:

Hot Chip – I Feel Better

7. Flight Facilities – Crave You (ft. Giselle)

Has that cool deep house flavor but is propelled with Giselle’s sweet vocals.   This track  is soooo smooth and chilled, it was guaranteed to be in my top 10 this year.  This track also sits nicely next to Phonique’s track, “You, That I’m With (Ft. Ian James Whitelaw)”

Flight Facilities – Crave You (ft. Giselle)

6. Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime

Great mix of pop and progressive house that makes for a perfect blend.   I like the way Adrian uses the guitar samples in a rather odd fashion but gels so nicely in the arrangement with the vocals.

Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime

5. Jai Paul – BTSTU

Yes, this is the track I was tipped off to by Dan Black via his tweet.  This is track sounds so fresh, made for the next decade.  Jai Paul sets his delicate vocals against a dark throbbing bass, and a diplo-esque beat.  Think Burial meets Prince and you’ll be about 90% there.

He signed to XL records at the end of 2010 and his debut album is expected to drop next year.

WARNING: This track starts off really quiet, so hang-in there for about 15 seconds.

Jai Paul – BTSTU

4. LCD Soundsystem – I Can Change

The lovely synth drenched “I Can Change” is an ode to all 80′s synth music lovers.   If there was one sound that was revisited in last few years in music, it was the sound of all things 80′s.  So are we to expect more 90′s type genres making a revisit for the next decade?   For example Grunge or better yet, Trip Hop?  Mhhh… only time will tell.  But one this is for sure, LCD Soundsystem’s album “This is Happening” was a solid release for 2010.  By “solid”, I mean you should really go out and get this album.

LCD Soundsystem – I Can Change

3. Caribou – Odessa

In effort to make music sound like water, Caribou produced one hell of a track in Odessa.  Something so unique and beautiful it took me on a journey the first time I heard it.   Somewhat psychedelic in approach, but electronically reverent for 2010.

Caribou – Odessa

2. Trentemøller – Even Though You’re With Another Girl (ft. Josephine Philip)

The Location: A Dark Cabaret
The Story: A vampire who is morning her lost love
The song: Trentemøller’s, “Even Though You’re With Another Girl”
If ever there was a track that conjured up a movie in one’s mind, this is it.  So atmospheric, brooding and dark lined with the ting of lost love. This track can be found on Trentemøller’s second full length album entitled, “Into the Great Wide Yonder”.  Did I mentioned I love, love, love this track?

Trentemøller – Even Though You’re With Another Girl (ft. Josephine Philip)

1. Mark Ronson – Bang Bang Bang (ft. MNDR & Q-Tip)

Mister Mark Ronson, thank you sir for providing not only my favorite track of 2010 but also producing my favorite video of 2010.  MNDR’s  vocals on this track took me back to the days of listening to Missing Person’s  ”Walking in LA“, but the use of the synth stabs and the vocal stylings of Q-Tip just took it up a couple more notches.  Really love how Mark produced the drums on this track by giving it an unconventional drum line in the verses, something you don’t hear everyday.

Mark Ronson Ft Q-Tip / MNDR – Bang Bang Bang

Mark Ronson – Bang Bang Bang (ft. MNDR & Q-Tip)

17. Miami Horror – Holidays

Hard edits and a  funky house beat go a long way with a brilliant vocalist.  For some reason this track has a early Micheal Jackson feel to it.  Perhaps it’s that driving kick and snare ala Billie Jean.   Whatever the case, I get lost in the groove of this track.

Miami Horror – Holidays

16. Bloodgroup – My Arms

Its funny how a finding a track can change my whole day.  It’s like falling in love at first sight.  You feel a glow radiate from the center-out and can’t contain the excitement of it all.  Such was the case of finding the beautiful heart wrenching track from Bloodgroup.  Now technically, this was released in late 2009, but your’s truly didn’t stumble upon it till late 2010, hence the inclusion on this list.

If you like melancholy vocals, minimal electronic elements, and a heartbeat beat, then you are in luck.

Bloodgroup – My Arms

15. Chew Lips – Play Together

Releasing a rather well produce album is Chew Lips at the 15 spot on the list.  Up front vocals and fx treated synths lay in store on this track.  Semi-rock, semi-pop, but very much melodic electronic pop.

Chew Lips – Play Together

14. Graffiti6 – Stare Into The Sun

The sweet sound of northern soul married with rock pop sensibility is a win-win in my book.  Graffiti6 is a collaboration of music producer Tommy D and singer songwriter Jamie Scott.

Graffiti6 – Stare Into The Sun

13. Vampire Weekend – White Sky

After gushing over Discovery last year (Discovery is  the side project of Vampire Weekend’s keyboardist/arranger/producer, Rostam Batmanglij, and Ra Ra Riot frontman Wes Miles) it should come as no surprise that I would have a soft spot of this track.   On this track Vampire Weekend expands their palette to include more synths and electronic textures, and I just adore Ezra’s vocals.  So this is a slam dunk in my book.

Vampire Weekend – White Sky

12. Yadi – Guillotin (Demo)

What a beautiful and striking voice and well crafted song to boot.  The melody on the chorus is just so damn good.  If you like Marina & The Diamonds, then is something you don’t want to sleep on.  This is just one of three demo’s that make my best of list this year!

Yadi – Guillotin (Demo)

11. Telekinesis – Dirty Thing

Yes, I know I label this list as “Top 25 Electronic Pop Singles of 2010″ but this indie pop track couldn’t be denied.  Every element is placed in perfect concert in the track.   Love the bass and tambourines with the organ stabs, just so delightful.  Telekinesis is a Seattle based band and this track was taken from their latest ep on Morr Music called, “Dirty Thing”.

Telekinesis – Dirty Thing

25. The Count & Sinden – After Dark (ft. Mystery Jets)

This track just has that 80′s Culture Club vibe on it that I dug all year.

The Count & Sinden – After Dark (ft. Mystery Jets)

24. Drop and Solo – Never Saw It Coming

Self indulgent, yes.  DO I CARE?  No.   So let me illuminate the situation.   I am one half of Drop and Solo — me being the “Solo” part and was quite proud of this demo, so it makes the list.  It features Will Curry on vocals and has a chilled house vibe to it.  So please enjoy and share!

Drop and Solo – Never Saw It Coming
Drop and Solo – Never Saw it Coming by oddyear

23. FM Belfast -  I Can Feel Love

Ahh, it’s been said one too many times, but yes i’ll say it again, FM Belfast is a modern day Human League, but from Iceland.   This track is taken from  2010 full length release, ” How To Make Friends”.

FM Belfast -  I Can Feel Love

Oops was written by Tweet and Missy Elliott (produced by Timbaland) for Tweet’s 2002 debut album, Southern Hummingbird. Theophilus had this to say about this cover track and his mixtape, “I Want You”:

Was a hard one covering this track. Def. wanted to cover an edgy song on “I WANT YOU” Shouts to Hudson Mohawke for killing the sounds

Theophilus London – Oops (Tweet Cover)

Also check out Theophilus on Maximum Balloons’ track, “Groove Me (ft. Theophilus London)

Taken from thier critically acclaimed debut, “Dry Land” is a haughting electronic fused track.  If you’re into Miike Snow like I am, I’m sure this will be an instant hit with you.

Bloodgroup – My Arms

bio from last.fm

Having released one of the very best albums of 2009 in Iceland according to critics and others alike, Bloodgroup have risen from making simple electro pop in run-down houses in East-Iceland to something much bigger.

Bloodgroup is made up of three talented Icelandic siblings, Halez, Raggi and Lilja, and Faroese techno mastermind Janus. This four-piece band is known for sensational live shows, their captivating melodies and powerfully crafted brand of electronic music. Bloodgroup released their debut album, Sticky Situation, in November 2007. The album was very well received, and Bloodgroup were considered as one of the most interesting bands in Iceland following its release. The next two years were spent mostly on touring, playing festivals like SXSW in Austin, Texas, NXNE in Toronto, Canada, Roskilde festival in Denmark, CMJ in New York, Eurosonic in the Netherlands and Iceland Airwaves.

Bloodgroup’s second album, Dry Land, was released in Iceland on December 2nd 2009. It has been one of the most successful albums in Iceland since its release, praised by critics and the first single, My Arms, has done extremely well on Icelandic radio. Dry Land received the Icelandic independent “Kraumur” Album awards and has been called “the best album of the year” by most critics in Iceland, and has been described as a big step forward for the band.

This RAC remix of “Walking On A Dream” is the best remix of this track and I think it’s just a hair better than the original itself. The sound of the kick on this track is to die for, quite envious.

Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream (RAC Mix)

Duran Duran is in studio with mega producer Mark Ronson who is determind to get the boys back to their original sound that made them world famous.   Mark has stated that he was focused on getting Duran Duran back to their “Rio” sound.   I for one am anxiously awaiting this return to form from Duran Duran.

Duran Duran – All You Need Is Now

You can also check out a 30 second sneak peek at another track called Blame the Machines here.

I just finished two remixes which you can listen to on soundcloud.  I did them both for Color Theory‘s new remix EP titled, “The Silence.”

Color Theory – Song Named After a Girl (Odd Year Remix)

The single off the album and a track I approach with a more “bare-bones” mentality.  This was done mostly with the bassline that runs throughout and minimal synths except for the chorus sections.  I am not a fan of the typical remix, i.e., just speed up the vocals or only use a snippet of vocals and then slam a house beat underneath.  I usually take the approach of re-visioning it and asking myself what I would do if I had Brian in the studio to record a new track.  I like the stark contrast of a deep bass with Brian’s voice and really wanted to highlight the melody he wrote for the chorus.  Hope you all enjoy.

Backseat:

I fell in love with Backseat off of Color Theory’s latest release, The Sound and when the opportunity arose to remix it, I couldn’t resist.  This track has the classic depeche mode melancholy to which I wanted to do a more “widescreen” edition of.  Hence the rain and thunder efx on the track.

Color Theory – Backseat (Odd Year Remix) by oddyear

Color Theory is the music outlet for one Brian Hazard, who is also known for his mastering production house, Resonance Mastering.

Hitting a perfect mix of indie/alt pop mixed with electro/dubstep is Conner Youngblood, an artist based out of Dallas Texas.  On this track Conner sounds a bit similar to TV on The Radio infused with some electronic elements. This track is one of the best things that has hit my inbox in weeks, so thank you Conner and keep it up.

Conner Youngblood – Monsters

Myspace

Soundcloud

Jango

In preparation of  a best of compilation due later next year, we have a brand new electronic pop single from Ladytron, “Ace Of Hz”.  This is one of two that will be on the compilation when it’s released via Nettwerk.

Ladytron – Ace of Hz

Taken from Seelenluft‘s 2008 full lenght titled, “Birds And Plants And Rocks And Things” is a cover from a classic 1970′s America tune called “Horse With No Name”.  Seelenluft manages to keep this classic track and add just the right amount of electronic elements to breath new life into it.

Seelenluft – Horse with no name (ft. Florian Horwarth) [America cover]

Adrian Lux mixes electronic, pop, and progessive house to a “T”.  This melancoly house track is not to be missed.

Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime

Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime (Axwell Remix)

Video for Teenage Crime:

Morgan Geist under his new moniker, “Storm Queen” has just released one the best house tracks I’ve heard in quite some time.  On “Look Right Through”, Morgan has enlisted the vocal talents of Damon C. Scott. Great mix of analog tech with disco flare to light up any dance floor.

Storm Queen – Look Right Through (ft. Damon C. Scott)  Removed per request

Reminiscent of Robyn and italo disco mixed with some sixties pop sensibilities is Florrie, a twenty one year old former in-house drummer for Xenomania production house.   As of 2010, she has focused her energy on a solo career as a singer songwriter for pop and dance music.

One point of interest for me is that she has made available all of her music for free from her website.   Not only is the music high caliber, and features various high profile remixers you can also chose the format you prefer to download.  Big round of applause from me on that last two points.

So take these two tracks for a spin, and if you enjoy them go get some more Florrie here.

Florrie – Give Me Your Love

Florrie – Fascinate Me (Fred Falke Edit)

Lyrics for Give Me Your Love:

You’re playing with dangerous
No stranger trust
Your mind can set you free
You’re playing with dangerous
Won’t pay for love
I’ve got you on your knees
Oh oh forget my name
I’ve played my game
No escape back down

No I’m not the same
I’ve made my claim
Get your feet back on the ground
Oh won’t be the one that got away
You know it baby
Oh I’ve got you hooked this time and
Predator catches it’s prey

Give me Give me
Give me love love
Give me Give me love
Give me Give me Give me love boy
Give me some love Give me your love

You’re giving me Giving me
You’re giving me love love
You’re giving me Giving me love
You’re giving me Giving me
Giving me love boy
You’re giving me love Give me love
You’re giving me giving me Giving me love boy

Give me some love
Give me your love
You’re giving me giving me
Giving me love boy
Give me some love
Give me your love

If love had a price I’m sold
Not giving it up
They say I’m losing my touch

Oh oh

You like it so I’m told
I’ll give you some luck
Babe if you give me some love
Oh oh

You’re giving me giving me
Giving me love boy
Give me some love
Give me your love

You’re giving me giving me
Giving me love boy
Give me some love
Give me your love

You’re giving me giving me
Giving me love boy
Give me some love
Give me your love

You’re giving me giving me
Giving me love boy
Give me some love
Give me your love

Lifting the very famous bass riff from Peter Gunn theme, Tricky is back with an all new album called, “Mixed Race”.   This particular track is a cover version of a dance hall hit from Echo Minnott.

Tricky – Murder Weapon (ft. Franky Riley)

Original Track from Echo Minott:

Echo Minott – Murder Weapon

Here is an indie pop track with dark flare.  Seattle based band Telekinesis has just released their latest ep on Morr Music called, “Dirty Thing”.

Telekinesis – Dirty Thing
Bio from last.fm
Telekinesis is Michael Benjamin Lerner, an indie rocker based out of Seattle, Washington, United States who is currently signed to Merge Records.

Lerner signed to Merge Records in early 2009, and shortly afterward released the eponymously named debut album Telekinesis! on April 7, 2009. Recorded in September of 2008, the album was produced, mixed, and engineered with the help of Chris Walla (guitarist for Death Cab for Cutie), recording one song per day on analog tape.

While on tour, Lerner is joined by Chris Staples (electric gtr), David Broecker (electric / acoustic / bass gtr), and Jonie Broecker (bass gtr / keyboards) to make up the touring band.
Official website: http://www.telekinesismusic.com

This track is taken from Miami Horror’s first full length album titled, “Illumination”.  Has that Daft Punk house sound to it mixed with a little bit of the prince funk.

Miami Horror – Holidays

Solo debut from Radiohead drummer Philip Selway was just releases this August.  Familial, is the title of the album.
The track is disturbed and creepy, much like the album art, with its broken loop machine sounds and whispered vocals.

Giving credit where it’s due, I just heard this on one of my favorite music blogs, Aurgasm.us.

Benjamin Duterde (aka Ben L’Oncle Soul (‘Ben the Soul Uncle’)), is a French nu-soul singer from the town of Tours.   His cover of White Stripe’s Seven Nation Army was included in his ep, “Soul Wash” EP, which was released in 2009.

Ben l’Oncle Soul – Seven Nation Army