2011 Editor’s Picks: Gareth

Another year, another list and a chance to share what we thought were some of the highlights of 2011. Here music editor Gareth Owen picks his five moments from a momentous year.

In no order whatsoever a strictly personal selection of five things I enjoyed – mostly music. I loved the House of Balloons mix-tapes, Gang Gang Dance‘s kaleidoscopic Eye Contact, Frank Ocean, Zomby, Space Dimension Controller ( I could go on..) but you’ll find those names on lots of other lists.

Death Grips – Guillotine
Brutal, uncompromising hip-hop that bites of the head of Soulja Boy (Soulja Boy, I mean really, WTF?) and spits it down the toilet. Nuff said.

George Harrison Living in the Material World
Martin Scorses making a film about George Harrison – what is this, 1991 or something? The very definition of “eat your words”. Nearly four hours long and not nearly long enough.

Omar S
Take your pick as he released two amazing albums this year (and the number one worst cover of all time) as well as the epic ‘Here’s Your Trance Now Dance’ 12″. ‘Got the Drop on Dem’ alongside this are the ones for me however.

Invasion of the Killer Mysteron Sounds
This record is never more that two feet away from my turntable. Digital dub, that sounds like nothing else on earth. Check it.

Fatima Al Qadiri
This year my mind was opened up to a whole new dimension by Fatima Al Qadiri. I like Enya too before you even say it. Cosmic.

I was also digging

William Bennett Cut Hands
Call Super
Eliphino – ‘More Than Me’
The Boiler Room
Fat Dudes
Boddika & Joy O.
Throbbing Gristle Re-issues
Finders Keepers
Getting Engaged.
Noisy Ted – my gay dog.
The Quietus

Published December 20, 2011.