(Cody Lekush, Zeds Dead and I are somewhere in front of the stage in this one)

Dubstep has had a defining impact on my year in music. As basslines became the focus, and feeling your chest rumble became an expectation, Dubstep moved out of dark cramped rooms and onto the main stages of Toronto. From Rusko blowing the soundsystem at The Social (turns out it was really a blown fuse), to Skream and Benga, Caspa, and Joker making the Function One soundsystem at Wrongbar rumble, the genre has come a long way this past year. This list is in no way conclusive, or inclusive of everything the genre has to offer. My personal taste is not inclusive and leans towards the tones of certain specific artists. Regardless, one thing this list has, its bass.

La Roux – In For The Kill (Skream’s Lets Get Ravey Mix)

This list is in no particular order, other than this track being at the top. If there as one song that gave Dubstep a chance to be played in any club, at any time, for any crowd, it was this remix. The opening synth is so easily recognized that though the tempo was about to slow down, everyone is ready to get blown away by the bass.

Chromeo – Night by Night (Skream Remix)

While I have to give the nod to to his In for The Kill remix as the top remix of the year for this genre, this remix of Chromeo’s “Night by Night” might have to take the crown as far as my own personal favorite remix of his. The haunting synths, the rumbling oscillating bassline hits your soul and the poppy vocoded vocals are unforgettable.

Bat For Lashes – Pearls Dream (Skream’s Pour Another Glass of Champers Remix)

The drums, oh how I love these drums. The musical sophistication with which Skream approaches his remixing is unparalleled and this song is a prime example of that sophistication.

DeadMau5 and Kaskade – I Remember (Caspa Remix)

One of my favorite summer jams, the haunting vocals soft, but deep bassline and signature DeadMau5 synths make for an unbelievable medley of harmony and heavy. Caspa is on this list twice, and while Rusko has been the one to garner the most attention out of the former tag team, this artist, another godfather of the genre is right behind him.

Miike Snow – Black and Blue (Caspa Remix)

Miike Snow has been one of the best remixed band this year and Caspa’s remix of Black and Blue is one of the best re-interpretations of his music out there. The exceptional quality bassline that is smooth yet edgy and hits you where your heart is.

Simian Mobile Disco – Cruel Intentions (Joker Remix)

With one of the best signature synths in electronic music,  Joker has been the breakout artist of 2009. The G-Funkmaster of Dubstep turned everything purple this year. This was easily one of my favorite tacks of the year. There is no synth out there that compares to Jokers.

The Heavy – How You Like Me Now (Joker Remix)

A remix of a band that I saw by chance at Lees Palace a couple of years ago. This re-interpretation of The Heavy brings that same killer sonic synth. Darker than the Cruel Intentions remix, the accapella is blended with his melodic mixing of synths, bass and everything necessary to give his music a full, and complete sound.

Fever Ray – When I Grow Old (Bassnectar Remix)

A musical masterpiece, this song grows and builds into a powerful mix of amazing drums backed with killer bass,  heart wrenching synths and the haunting vocals of Fever Ray. The man himself killed Wrongbar for an eclectic crowd of entranced fans.

Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)

The only remix by Jakwob that stood a chance of making this list. I know other people might disagree but this is the only Jakwob track I’ve listened to that really resonates with me. It made the Grindin top 20 songs of 2009, a list that I respect more than Pitchfork itself.

Barletta – Panther (Zeds Dead’s Salacious Sound Remix)

It was between this and their remix of Blue Foundation, but maybe I let a little bit of bias come into play. Zeds Dead is the most personal choice on this list. From hearing their music in my friends living room before it ever made it into the bass bins at Wrongbar to finding out that Skream himself played their music in his Stella Sessions mix, seeing their evolution has been a pleasure. I’m sending out my love to these two guys who have infinite potential. I picked this remix over some of their other work because of its sentimental value. Easily the best song to come out of all of the remix competitions we have done, it managed to topple a very competitive contest by being the most imaginative re-imagination of Barletta’s Panther.

The Marvelettes – Please Mr. Postman (Cragga Dubstep Remix) *honorable mention

This song’s use of the originals vocals alongside its dramatic buildups and drops made it a last minute addition to the list.

White Lies – Death (Chase and Status Remix) *forgot

Somehow I forgot this, I would put this in the top 10 and remove Skream’s remix of Bat for Lashes. This song resonated on my speakers for the majority of the summer. Was the sole reason my roommate began listening to dubstep, and was one of the best remixes of this year, regardless of genre.

La Roux - In For the Kill (Skreams Lets Get Ravey Remix).mp3
Chromeo - Night By Night (Skream Remix).mp3
Bat for Lashes - Pearls Dream (Skream's Pour Another Glass of Champers Remix).mp3
Deadmau5 and Kaskade - I Remember (Caspa Remix).mp3
Miike Snow - Black and Blue (Caspa Remix).mp3
Simian Mobile Disco - Cruel Intentions (feat. Beth Ditto) (Joker Remix).mp3
The Heavy - How You Like Me Now (Joker Radio Edit).mp3
Fever Ray - When I Grow Up (Bassnectar Remix).mp3
Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix).mp3
Barletta - Panther (ZEDS DEAD's SalaciousSound Remix).mp3
Cragga - Please Mr Postman (Dubstep Refix).mp3
White Lies - Death (Chase and Status Remix).mp3

Related Articles

10 (+4) Tracks Popular With You and I This Week