FEATURE: Top 10 Tunes Of 2012 (So Far)

Considering we’re over half way through the year already, it would be fairly safe to say that 2012 is shaping up to be quite remarkable. We’re sticking by our prediction that this will be the year when Glasgow really makes itself heard, and with new labels, new projects and new artists all rising to prominence, that prediction is becoming ever more realistic. So, following on from our highly popular ‘Top 20 Tunes of 2011’, we decided it would be a nice idea to take stock and look back over the year so far....

1. RUSTIE FT/ NIGHTWAVE - SURPH (Warp) (Buy)

When Rustie decided to add vocals to the already gleaming ‘Surph’ he created what can only be described as pop perfection. A firm favourite at Radio 1, the novelty of hearing this instantly gratifying slice of future-funk on daytime radio never grew old. Of course debut album ‘Glass Swords’ has already been recognised as a modern classic, so it would appear that from here on in things are only going to go in one direction.



2. MIA DORA, HAHAHA & RAKSHA – HIGH SHEEN (High Sheen) (Buy)

High Sheen may only just be getting started, but when they unveiled this collaboration as the label’s first release it was obvious that things were about to get very exciting. Combining warping basslines, shifting drum patterns and a breakdown which is nothing short of mind blowing; this simply delivered on so many levels.  If you want to hear what the future sounds like then turn the volume up to ten and press play.



3. MILTON JACKSON – DSI (Freerange Records) (Buy)

When it comes to Deep House, Milton Jackson is on another level. Still sounding hot some five months on after its original release, ‘DSI’ is smooth, hypnotic and completely essential for those who work the more sophisticated end of the dancefloor. It was a firm favourite for us during the two spells of ‘summer’ we had earlier this year and we can see it standing firm as we head into July and August.



4. ANDREA – WORK THE MIDDLE (GROBBIE REMIX) (Free Download)

Following on from his first official release on Tuff Wax and a series of exceptional free downloads; this remix from Grobbie on Andrea really hit the mark. Fusing a delirious mixture of shuddering sub-bass and delicate melodies, ‘Work The Middle’ hints at a producer who can romance the dancefloor as easily as he destroys it. Look out for more from Grobbie soon.



5. SLOW IT DOWN & ROB ETHERSON - CRUSH (Retrospective) (Buy)

After months of anticipation, the superbly feel good ‘Crush’ finally got a release as part of the chart-topping Retrospective All Stars compilation. Having heard the demo last year we were fully prepared for this to tick all the boxes, so on hearing the final version it came as no surprise to find it had surpassed expectations as one of the hottest jams of 2012.



6. AUNTIE FLO – HAVEN’T GOT ANY BODY (Huntley’s & Palmers) (Buy)

It was difficult to choose just one track from Auntie Flo’s blissful ‘Future Rhythm Machine’, so we decided to opt for album opener ‘Haven’t Got Any Body’ - a perfect representative of what is an incredibly vibrant listen from start to finish. Emanating all the flavour of a Caribbean fruit salad, this saw us leave Glasgow for somewhere altogether more exotic.



7. WHITNEY HOUSTON – IT’S NOT RIGHT (MIRRORS UKG MIX) (Free Download)

With the untimely death of Whitney Houston came the opportunity to remix some of her biggest songs, and after a great start to the year with the Local Hero grabbing ‘Dip You’, Mirrors continued to impress with this exceptional Garage mix of  ‘It’s Not Right’. Slaying the dancefloor from every angle, it’s all about that drop at 01 30 – the girls love it.



8. YUTANI FT/ ZAYN – DOLLHOUSE EFFECT (Free Free Download)

This is the one. Glaswegian Hip Hop has really captured our imagination this year, and when the emotionally charged Zayn collaborated with Yutani on ‘Dollhouse Effect’, the stage was set for one of the biggest tracks of the year. Working in perfect harmony, Zayn realised the reflective nature of the beat perfectly, delivering a balance of uncertain promise with fading hope.



9. OOFT! – MAZIN’ (House Of Disco Records) (Buy)

Something that we’ve been playing for well over a year as a free download finally got the attention it deserved when picked up by House Of Disco. OOFT! really does have a gift when it comes to identifying a groove and on this achingly slick edit he delivers one of his finest yet. Building ever so slowly to a satisfying climax, this is simply dancefloor gold.



10. SEI A – JUS APPRECIATE (Turbo) (Buy)

Released way back in January as part of the hard-hitting Flux EP, Sei A’s ‘Jus Appreciate’ encapsulates everything that we love about the atmospheric Glaswegian producer. Centred around a heavily processed vocal sample which is unnerving to say the least, this will slowly suck you in only to spit you back out as a quivering wreck. Gothic Techno is what we’re calling it, but really Andy Graham’s sound is in an underworld all of its own.



*Please note that only tunes released officially or by the artist for free download were considered, with particular focus on obscure releases as well as major.