Pulse Radio's Favourite Tracks of 2011

Well it's that time of the year again, where across the internet ether online music publications are putting out their 'best of' lists, sharing all the music that tickled their ear drums most favourably throughout 2011. It's a great opportunity not only to be reminded of the music that stood out and shaped the year, but also as a chance to discover some gems which you may have missed.

Here at Pulse we're joining in on the action, but keeping things simple by skipping over albums, labels and DJs and asking our staff in New York, Sydney and London to select their favourite track of 2011. A hard task for sure, singling out just the one tune from an entire year of great music, but hey, it had to be done!

We want to know what your most loved tune of the year was too, so be sure to let us know in the comments section below. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year x

Greg Paulus - Nightime (Crazy P remix) [Wolf + Lamb]

I first heard this on my way to a gig back in February time and have played it in every single set since. It literally never fails and I have never bored of hearing it. It's that much sought perfect combination, being both an instant winner and an enduring favourite.
- Helen Smith

Luca C, Brigante Feat. Ali Love - Different Morals (Clockwork Remix) [Southern Fried]

Ali Love has had a big year and released a ton of memorable music, but I still find myself most in love with the treatment he gets on Clockwork's remix of Luca C and Brigante's track. The lyrics seem to perfectly encapsulate the grey area we sometimes occupy with people we're fleetingly attracted to and it's hard not to sing along. Set to a deceptively simple but jackin' house beat with a bell melody that dances along hauntingly, what's not to love?
- Alex Fish

Martin Dawson feat. NRG - Think About It (Maceo Plex remix) [Pets Recordings]

I first heard this in one of Maceo's recent mixes, can't remember which one, but I had to hit repeat and skip back to the start of the track over and over again. Having a little dance at my computer now to it. Just a cracking tune. The message is something I need a lot of the time too; think about it...first! Can't fault Maceo at the moment.
- Kristen Marconi

Solomun - Daddy's Jam [Rebellion]

I love the change up towards the end making it sound almost like two tracks in one. Have seen it destroy every dancefloor it's played at. Perfect afternoon sizzler.
- Wade Cawood

Playing the AGWA after party, 'someone' lay under the DJ booth with his head on a monitor speaker as a makeshift pillow, kicking me repeatedly until i played it. Memories.
- James Huxley

Wolf + Lamb vs Soul Clap - Lonely C [Studio !K7]

I love this track. Wolf and Lamb played it in the rain on the Agwa Yacht Club. Despite the shit weather, the crowd went off dancing in the rain. It was quite a moment.
- Simon Beckingham

SBTRKT - Sanctuary [Young Turks]

This song always puts me in a good mood! I really love the album and it is constantly on repeat in my car. Was devastated that I missed SBTRKT's set at Musica, but hoping I can catch him when he's back in Sydney next year.
- Tara Blancato

Rustie - Ultra Thizz [Warp Records]

After chatting to Lunice at Musica festival about his interview for Pulse Radio, he dropped Rustie's Ultra Thizz halfway through his excellent live set; just ten days after it was released and the first time it was played on a proper system in Australia. I went berserk in a contortion of 80s power dancing meets white boy crunk. To quote a comment from one of our listeners, Rustie's new LP Glass Swords is 'like a slap in the face' - a really welcome one - easily the most innovative and fun club album of 2011.
- Sean Taylor

Mario & Vidis feat. Ernesto - Changed [Future Classic]

I love the duality of this release. Part song, part dance track, moody and atmospheric yet groovy, perfect for home listening but can still move a dancefloor and featured in sets from house DJs like Dirt Crew right through to the more electro inclined Rex The Dog. I didn't think Mario & Vidis would top last year's excellent I'll Be Gone, but I stand happily corrected. Released on Future Classic (who appear incapable of putting a foot wrong), it couldn't have had a more fitting home.
- Henry Johnstone

TV On The Radio - Second Song [Interscope Records]

This is the band's fifth album and the Brooklyn band has to be one of the most musically unique around; a perfect mix of lo-fi and electronic. The buzz in the crowd at Harvest Festival was palpable as everyone "ooh ooh ooh"-ed to the live sax. A sad year for TVotR with the passing away of Gerard Smith.
- Emily Tullock
 

Floating Points - Myrtle Avenue [Eglo]

Cutting things a touch fine for track of the year, but this has probably received more plays from me in the month since it's release than any other track from 2011. Any track on the Shadows EP puts many producers to shame, but Myrtle Avenue is something else. A bassline that doesn't drop for four minutes, a riff that gets in your head and it untouchable on a good system. Before i heard it, a friend described it as life changing and i laughed.
- James Huxley
 

Listen to Maceo Plex on Pulse Radio

Listen to Solomun on Pulse Radio

Listen to TV On The Radio on Pulse Radio

Listen to Rustie on Pulse Radio

Listen to SBTRKT on Pulse Radio

Listen to Soul Clap on Pulse Radio

Listen to Crazy P on Pulse Radio

Listen to Floating Points on Pulse Radio