Top 100 DJ's poll: My 5 votes for 2010 and why

Once again music heads, welcome one and all to the most important day of the week for many people in the working world...FRIDAY! Everyone loves Friday. I'm not even working right now and I love Friday. Not really too sure what it is about today, but Fridays usually just radiate positive vibes, good energy, and all around good times considering most of the working world knows their work week is coming to a close and they can enjoy doing the things they actually want to do for the next couple of days in the weekend. What does that include for most people? Cutting loose, putting on some good tracks, enjoying a nice strong drink, and dancing the night away. And if that's not what you enjoy doing on a Friday night, well you should probably re-evaluate your extracurricular activities.

On another note...this day brings me to a more important topic. It has come now to that time of year where once again (drumroll please) the TOP 100 DJ POLL HAS BEEN RE-OPENED!! That's right ladies and gentlemen. For those that haven't been up to speed in the DJ world, this is the most prestigious and recognized ranking system for DJ's around the world to showcase who remains on top, who is having a great year, who is making a breakthrough, and who is generally relevant in the electronic music community. Put on by www.djmag.com and voting through www.top100djs.net, the system runs from now until September for music lovers to vote for their top 5 DJ's of this year. The system has a very legitimate way of verifying voting so there is as little spamming as possible, and usually the results come out around October to announce the full 100 lineup in voted order to show who has really made an impact this year. As you can imagine, my voting has already come full circle and I've cast my choices. Do you want to hear about them? Of course you do. These are my top 5 choices that I've cast in rank order.

A few things to remember:
-This is in no way an opinion on who I think are the BEST 5 DJ's in the world. I'm sure some of my choices could be considered inferior to some bigger names that have had a few years head start. This is mainly my voting on who I feel deserve the votes because they have impacted my music listening in 2010 in some way, shape, or form. Somehow these have been special. So don't take it personal if I didn't pick your favorite.
-Only 5 are allowed to go on your cast ballot. If 10 were allowed or 20 were allowed, I could include more of the DJ's I hold near and dear to myself. However, I can't, so only 5 can do.
-This is not simply a countdown on who is a good "DJ". This is an all inclusive list that incorporates their productions, live shows, DJing skills, and ability to maintain their fanbase.

Now journey with me...

5. Tritonal

The ever so energetic DJ duo from Austin, Texas has my vote for number five because of the amazing breakthrough they have accomplished and great year they have had so far. They haven't really come on my radar in the past, but I felt they deserved a vote this year because of the countless shoutouts they have been receiving from huge name trance DJ's on radio shows, compilations, and remixes. Their podcast "Air Up There" has also been gaining a great amount of steam with great cuts picked out on the regular. These Texas boys have good taste. Not to mention, how often do you hear of trance DJ's coming out of Texas?? That's almost unheard of to me. Very remarkable. There is some definite USA pride coming with this vote and I think they deserve it. They work hard. And from what I have heard, their shows showcase a great amount of energy as well.

Check out:



4. Ashley Wallbridge

Perhaps my favorite producer of 2009-2010, Ashley Wallbridge from the UK never ceases to impress me. His productions are flawless. I don't think I have listened to one of his tracks or remixes yet without being stricken with awe. I really don't think this man has made a bad or boring track yet (knock on wood). He deserves this vote because this has certainly been his year on the rise. He has become a work machine, pumping out track after track while still maintaining a hectic touring schedule all over the world and maintaining his podcast. You could say, he's kind of like an Armin van Buuren Jr., but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. I've witnessed some live footage of him on youtube and from what I can see, the man certainly does not disappoint in his live shows either. Perhaps my biggest regret of 2010 will be the fact that I missed his show in San Francisco at Ruby Skye. Oh well. If he continues on this path of success, I am sure it will be only a matter of time before he comes back.

Check out:



3. Dada Life

These party boy Swedes most definitely have amazed me this year. I had the pleasure of seeing them twice at the same event! Seeing their name on the lineup for Electric Daisy Carnival had me do some investigation on their tracks and where they are from. Considering this has been a huge year for house, Dada Life has enjoyed some success in 2010 stemming from their big releases, remixes, and guest DJ remixes of their own track for maximum exposure. I really dig their style of producing. Whether they lean on the more electro or progressive side of things, their tracks always have a groove that immediately has your head bobbing to the beat. What really makes them stand out however, is their live show. Their set at EDC completely rocked me because of the insane amount of energy these two have live. Most importantly for me, they rock it because they honestly look like they are having fun while they are spinning the records they love! I think this is important because a sour DJ will never have the crowd in their pocket. These two are incredible fun and always bring out surprises at their shows (inflatable bananas and champagne bottles anyone?). Their sense of humor has also been able to crack up their follow DJ's with the likes of twitter. I can see big things coming for Dada Life. Do the DaDa!

Check out:



2. Benny Benassi

The Italian Stallion himself, Benny Benassi certainly belongs on this countdown for me because of the amazing year he has been having so far. We all have known him ever since his smash hit "Satisfaction" in 2003, however what has made him relevant ever since then and this year especially, is his ability to re-invent himself to once again bring something new to the fold. When a DJ has a big single like "Satisfaction", that sort of success can either make or break you. In the latter case, many DJ's like Darude and Dirty Vegas have scored a one hit wonder and fizzled out with time due to their lack of a follow up hit and inability to translate that style into momentum. Benny Benassi has kept up as a work-a-holic with countless remixes, releases, and compilations to prove to the masses that his staying power is without question. Switching up the style in 2010 to include hip hop artists and R&B singers, he has still been able to be considered a purist by many because of his producing style having the ability to evolve and bring something new while being able to snag the attention of newcomers to house music. Simply put, he can do it all. On a small side note...his live shows are simply amazing. His set at Electric Daisy Carnival this year proved to me that Benny Benassi will be a name that might never be rid of in the house music world. His transitions, song choices, stage theatrics, guest apperances, and overall show flow made him one of my favorites at EDC without a doubt. Bow down to the Italian Stallion.

Check out:



1. Armin van Buuren

The man, the legend, the already 3 time top 100 #1 DJ winner once again is a candidate for #1 for me without question. Armin van Buuren is THE icon of trance in today's electronic music scene. How has he been able to do it? We all know the reasons why: his globally popular "A State of Trance" radio show, his incredible live shows, his amazing ability to connect with fans, and powerful productions & remixes. But I think the main reason why I think that Armin has been able to remain on top while others like Tiesto and Paul van Dyk have slowly decreased in rank is because the man is a complete and utter work-a-holic. He's a machine. Ever since I began following him in 2007, I'm not sure he has ever really taken time for himself. The radio show alone and global touring schedule is enough to be considered a 200% full time job, but he still manages to consistently crank out full artist albums that rock the trance community. I could honestly write a whole column on Armin van Buuren and why he is the best (which I think I will do someday), but for now let's just say that the man has been and most likely will be #1 for a reason. He knows what he's doing and he's remained humble all throughout. He has a way of connecting to people that I don't think any other DJ can do at this particular moment in time. I should also mention he has a new album due out in September called "Mirage". Some more classics to turn up on there I am sure. Cheers mate, you earned this one again. 4 times the king!

Check out:



...and that's it boys and girls! What do you think? Do you agree with these 5 choices? Do you disagree with these choices? What would your choices be? I think these are 5 solid candidates that deserve all the props they get for their hard work and expect to see great things come out of each and every one of them throughout the rest of the year; especially in competing for that grand prize of being crowned as the #1 DJ of the world. I'm certainly excited to see how the polls turn out. Let the games begin! GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!!!!

~Dr. M

#MusicMonday: My 10 Favorite Rap Songs

What's going on music heads? Happy #MusicMonday to everyone yet again. Hopefully everyone had a good weekend, I certainly did. Union Street Fair in San Francisco, for those that don't know, isn't necessarily any specific important festival that involves music or anything. It's mainly an excuse to start partying in the morning and that is exactly what we did. Not to say necessarily that music wasn't involved, because it always is. How could one have a party without music? It never happens...so I heard some good tunes over the weekend for sure. Some good local bands and of course club hits in the bars. Things to get the party started you know. However, what brought me to this week's list was listening to Sirius radio this past week.

Hip-Hop Nation (Channel 40) had a special guest rapper on the air to break down his 10 favorite rap songs of all time. I believe his name was Laws. I don't know much about him but he ran through a pretty decent list of songs. It really got me thinking; If I had to choose my 10 favorite rap songs, what would they be? That seems like a pretty big task considering all the great hip-hop that is out there, but I managed to sit down and meditate on this idea and came up with what I believe are my 10 favorite rap tunes of all time. This doesn't necessarily mean I think they are the best or I think they are the most groundbreaking. Hell, they might not even be good at all to some, but for one reason or another, they are very very special to me. I could play these songs forever and a day from here until death and I will still love them. So let's run through it...

My 10 Favorite Rap Songs

10. "Paid In Full" by Eric B. & Rakim

The classic track that everyone has heard one time or another even if they didn't realize it. Covered time and time again, "Paid In Full" might have the most replicated bassline in hip-hop history. The attitude and rhymes are just fierce. Eric B. & Rakim wanted to let everyone know how serious they were about making a killing in the rap game and this was the boldest statement they could have made. Rakim revolutionized rapping in the 80's and created a whole new style that helped shape the east coast rap of the 90's.


9. "Role Model" by Eminem

Slim Shady was going to be a superstar, there was no doubt about it. A white dude with enough crazy antics to fuel music critics for all eternity could sell and create controversy, but this cut off of his major label debut stood out to me because it showed that he was first and foremost a rapper. The lines are brutal, the rhymes are great, and it showed off just how crazy Em could be while still making it sound great. It really showed off the talent that Dr. Dre saw in him.



8. "You Know How We Do It" by Ice Cube

All I gotta say is..."daaaamn". It doesn't get more west coast than this people. The track is hot all on its own, but Ice Cube really came correct with this jam at a time where Dr. Dre and the rest of Death Row were completely dominating the charts and west coast hip-hop as a whole. Instead of trying the one up, Cube just did what he does best and that's just be himself. The beat juts put a vision in my head of cruisin' down an L.A. street in a convertible '63 impala watching a pretty sunset. This is always a great summer jam for me. Props to QDIII for the beat, even though I didn't anything from him after this.


7. "Ten Crack Commandments" by The Notorious B.I.G.

Who better to tell you the rules of the crack trade and rhyme it so perfectly in a story than Biggie Smalls. Selling crack being his main source of revenue before breaking it big in rap, Biggie knew what he was talking about. However, what makes this song so great to me is the way it was articulated so perfectly. The man always could tell great stories with his raps, but ten commandments about how to sell crack and succeed? Awesome. It only sounds perfect on a DJ Premier beat as well. Biggie was spittin' crack before it was even referred to as that.


6. "Playaz Club" by Rappin' 4-Tay

Even though I am a Bay Area native and specifically born in San Francisco, I wasn't going to throw in a Bay song into my favorite rap song list lightly unless it really earned its place. "Playaz Club" did exactly that. The way "You Know How We Do It" really captured the essence of being from Los Angeles, this song really captured the essence of what San Francisco and the Bay Area as a whole was all about when it came to rap. The whole song has incredible style and Rappin' 4-Tay really brought the heat.


5. "N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas

Brutal! Grimey! It doesn't get more gutter than "N.Y. State of Mind". I almost feel like I'm from the ghetto when I listen to this. The entire Illmatic album could have filled up any top 10 list, but this track stood out to me simply because of the mood it created. Down the scratchy vocal recordings and choppy production, it really created the scenery in my head of the dangerous environment that Nas was coming from. Nas is also amazing when it comes to telling stories with his rhymes. DJ Premier strikes again with the beats!


4. "So Many Tears" by 2pac

Classic, classic song. This is 'Pac showing off his sensitive and soulful side. Up until this point we were used to all this talk about thug life, aggressive panther politics, and getting around. This was him showing off a little bit of vulnerability; that he's a person too, he's got feelings, and he's suffered the heartbreak of a hard life. This is the kind of song that makes you value all the good things in life. Friends and family especially. I was actually pretty surprised to see that Shock G produced this great beat.


3. "C.R.E.A.M." by The Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang was a posse to be reckoned with, and it was because of tracks like "C.R.E.A.M." that showed the rest of the hip-hop universe that they were unmatched at what they did. On perhaps the greatest beat that RZA has produced, Inspectah Deck really encapsulated in his verse what growing up in the ghetto was like. Method Man's hook on this song is also one of the most widely recognized in hip-hop history. Who doesn't still say "dolla dolla bill y'all" these days? I know I still do. Cash certainly does rule everything around us. Wu-Tang wasn't kidding.


2. "Deep Cover" by Dr. Dre & Snoop Doggy Dogg

Who would have known that this solo debut of Dr. Dre introducing us to a brand new Snoop Doggy Dogg would be the first step to the creation of arguably the greatest partnership in hip-hop history? "187 on the undercover cop"; yet another of the most widely recognized hooks in rap. This song tells a great story between verses from Dre and Snoop about how much undercover police aren't appreciated in the least. From the very beginning of the intro dialogue, this song never quits in terms of quality. Still sounds great so many years later. Imagine if Warren G had never introduced Snoop to his cousin Dr. Dre? Rap might look a lot different these days; especially on the west coast.


1. "Above The Clouds" by Gang Starr f/ Inspectah Deck

How many times does DJ Premier show up on my list? I'm not sure, but it's a sign. DJ Premier makes the best beats in hip-hop in my humble opnion. This song is no different. I think the beat is what single handedly makes this my favorite rap song ever since I first heard it. It's soothing, it's calming, it's catchy, and I'm pretty positive can sway even the most stubborn hip-hop critic. Guru and Inspectah Deck also deliver great verses in this song to further supplement this great showcase of rap quality at its pinnacle. Can it get much better than this? I'm not sure, but I'm not convinced rappers from today's age can do it like this anymore. Very sad about Guru's recent passing, but it is in amazing tracks like this that legacy lives on. True artists don't fade.


And that's all for my list of favorite rap songs. What do you think? Do you agree? Am I completely off base for liking some of these tracks? What would your list consist of? Leave a comment and let me know. At the very least, I hope this column gets you digging through your old rap records and discovering some great tracks. Until next time...PEACE!!!

~M

#MusicMonday: The 25 Most Ridiculous Band Names

Happy #musicmonday out there to everyone out there on twitter and all the music heads around the world. What are you bumping out there in cyberspace? Leave a comment and let me know! Or hit me up on twitter @markymark925. Anyway, in true #musicmonday fashion, let's see whats up with another list. As I was writing last week's article on the 5 biggest douchebags of rock, Fred Durst ran into that list and it made me think of Limp Bizkit and how stupid that name was for a band. Honestly...Limp Bizkit. Let's take a second to think about that and how ridiculous it sounds even letting it roll off of your tongue. Then again, I couldn't expect much more from the brilliant mind of Fred Durst. But reflecting on how dumb that band name was made me think of the other stupid band names that exist out there in the world of rock. I ran along some of my iTunes bands and wanted to come up with a list of 10 that I thought were the worst. However, I stumbled upon a good read when I googled band names in my pursuit of writing my list. This definitely put whatever list I was going to come up with to shame, increasing the list from 10 to 25 and including explanations and history to each band name. This is a funny read and I pretty much agree with the results. Take a minute and check it out HERE.

Ones I especially despise:
Limp Bizkit
Sum 41
Def Leppard
Stone Temple Pilots
Panic! At The Disco

A few missing from the list:
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Led Zeppelin
Strawberry Alarm Clock (*This one especially takes the cake)

What else do you music heads think? Anything Cracked.com or myself missed? Let's hope bands in the future don't do anything this dumb or at least pull the Zeppelin route and back up their ridiculous name with some amazing music. Rock on!

~Dr. M

#MusicMonday: The 5 Biggest Douchebags in Rock

Happy Monday to all the music heads out there! More specifically, it is #MusicMonday. Are you confused as to what the hell #MusicMonday is? Well then obviously you aren't on twitter. However, Monday is a day where for whatever reason, people tweet about the music that they are listening to or whatever music they like. Pretty much just an appreciation for the sounds and beats that they love and want other people to hear. So in the spirit of this, considering this blog already gets an almost daily posting on all things music anyway, I decided to do something special for Mondays. The idea is to make a new list every Monday of something in relation to music. Whether it be a top 5 or top 10, or bottom 5 or bottom 10, it will be new and interesting. Nothing is off limits, so we shall see where this goes. So in the spirit of the new list, here it is...

The 5 Biggest Douchebags in Rock

Although everyone loves music and we're all passionate about what we like to listen to or create musically, some figures in music take it a little too far and believe themselves to be far superior to their peers and fans in the music world. Respect, appreciation, humility, and substance are all missing from figures like this. In my opinion, here are the biggest douchebags of rock and roll.

5. Noel Gallagher

Opinionated snob and a loudmouth to the Nth degree, the older brother of the Gallagher brothers of Oasis has cemented his well deserved spot in rock and roll infamy by his anger filled antics and rants and belief that he is nothing less than the greatest thing to happen to rock (something that all of these men share). Nobody has been off limits to Noel, criticizing his artist peers and even his own bandmates in every way. According to him, nobody is as musically inclined, fashionable, better looking, or as intelligent as him. Sadly his opinions have resonated and his bold statements have actually gained some followers. What's the kicker for me? His very well documented verbal and physical battles with his own brother on and off stage. If even your own brother can't stand you; that is a statement all in its own. As of 2009, Noel Gallagher has quit Oasis because he had the nail in the coffin final fight with his brother that told him there was no place in the band for him anymore. Maybe the world will now see less of him. We can only hope so. In his own words.. "I represent power, musical power. I am fucking brilliant every night I go out there. I could give a fuck about anybody else in the band. They look after themselves. But I am always cooking on a solid eight-and-a-half out of 10." -Rolling Stone. That same interview he said all he wanted out of his most recent US tour with Oasis was 5 million dollars and nothing else. 'Nuff said.


4. Axl Rose

As the frontman of the loud, dirty, and grimey hard rock/hair metal band Guns N' Roses in the late 80s/early 90s he had a reputation for being a selfish bastard with his "don't give a fuck" attitude and easily sparked temper. A Rolling Stone article chronicling the 20th anniversary of the release of their Appetite for Destruction album in 1987 described the band space where they lived before getting signed as a tiny complete shithole with trash everywhere that the entire band shared except for the immaculate private room that Axl reserved for himself. The general consensus: he was a loose cannon with possible bi-polar disorder. After he was so unbearable to be around, Guns N' Roses fell apart as all the band members left...however, according to Axl, he was the band. Guns N' Roses still "continued" with new members and no album for 20 years until Chinese Democracy was released in 2008. Mr. Rose kept fans of the Guns waiting for over 15 years for a complete waste of 70 minutes of their lives that Axl had called "legendary" up until its release. His self righteous antics continue to live on as does his watered down incarnation of the band that made him famous. Really...what kind of a weirdo gets in a fight with Tommy Hilfiger?


3. Fred Durst

If you were in junior high or high school around the time of the nu-metal & rap-metal movements, you couldn't turn on mtv or the radio for 10 minutes without hearing the choppy rhymes of Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst. Clearly nobody loves fame and attention more than this man. Taking every opportunity to get on camera, taking every opportunity to get on magazine covers, talking as much controversy as possible, calling out rival bands on stage, getting in fist fights with fans, spilling his guts to gossip mags about the famous broads he nailed, and still having the nerve to say that the music industry is out to get him and he doesn't deserve all the hate and criticism coming his way takes some serious balls. Does Fred Durst love himself and want the entire world to love him? I don't know, I think the cover of the band's Results May Vary album tells that story. Who names their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water? Fred Durst does, kids. Thankfully Limp Bizkit and Mr. Durst have traveled the downward spiral into irrelevance in the music scene. However, there's talk of a comeback. Please say it aint so. All the rap-metal kids might have to dust off their red Yankees hat and cut off jean shorts for that reunion concert.


2. Billy Corgan

The biggest crybaby in rock, bar none. The dynamic creative musical force behind the alternative juggernaut The Smashing Pumpkins. The only main that has been more psychologically affected by fame more than Kurt Cobain, Billy Corgan has always wanted everyone to know that he is not a happy soul. I have my disagreements on how millions of dollars and being internationally recognized as a rock and roll icon could be a bad thing, but Billy never seems to satisfied, and that is the problem. He said his life sucked before hitting it big in music, and then, his life became just that much worse being in the limelight. He has an album called Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness; the album that made him the most money after he was already rich. However instead of blowing his brains out, he decided to keep crying on a larger scale with every album and every interview. However, his crying didn't/doesn't come without a dash of opinion here and there. He believes he is an alternative icon that deserves to be recognized even though the music industry is flawed and fake. Don't get me wrong, the man has more talent in his little finger than most artist these days have in their entire being, but a man who claims so many problems yet is renowned for his difficult nature and self righteousness can't garner much sympathy. If a man can't even have faith in his own bandmates and largely recorded albums himself, there's no need for a band. Cue the solo career. And it's not about the money, yet after an 8 year hiatus keeps the band rolling on with an entirely different lineup. I thought that's what the solo career was for? Something doesn't add up. Could it be that a ticket for a "Smashing Pumpkins" album and tour would get more sales than a "Billy Corgan" album and tour would? A band is more than one person Billy. Get with the program. Unfortunately for him, his mouth and lack of creative steam have caught up to him. The new plan is to release a 44 track new album called Teargarden by Kaleidyscope for free; to be released song by song. Good luck Billy! "Do I belong in the conversation about the best artists in the world? My answer is yes, I do,” he says. “I’ve been too productive for too long, and despite what anybody wants to strip away from me, I am influential. I am. So all the Pitchforks in the world can try to strip me of every ounce of dignity, but I belong." - Billy Corgan


1. Trent Reznor

Why is Nine Inch Nails called a band yet is basically centered around one person who constantly changes band for live performances and tours? Because Trent Reznor took the Billy Corgan route a little bit further and understood from the get-go that he was a complete pain to work with. Maybe he decided to make a solo project and call it a "band" since it would take more than one person to play his "industrial rock" nonsense in a live setting. Or maybe he didn't want to seem like the only one at fault for creating loud noises and mumbo jumbo. Either way, NIN's success will always be one of the biggest mysteries in modern rock to me. So much so that somehow the band operates now without a record label thanks to their loyal and drugged out fanbase. Kind of like how Kid Rock calls himself "Rock and Roll Jesus". A term like that is simply because Trent Reznor couldn't think of it first. But mark my words, you know he believes it. From his success in the 90's, a well publicized drug habit, and his hard road to recovery...he's wanted to let everyone know that he always reigns supreme and he is "above the music industry." Everyone is fake, music today is horrible except for his, and music is always in a slump until the next Nine Inch Nails album is released. A perfect world for Trent Reznor would probably be a lot of little big haired fat unpopular kids spitting their hate for the modern world and society while filling up his pockets and ego. Lately he's filled his time with creating probably another 8-disc "album" and spitting his hate mongering on twitter. Actually, he "left" twitter because people didn't necessarily enjoy his tweets about how much other artists are inferior to him. The glass is always half empty for this man.


That's all for now. Hope y'all enjoyed it. Did I miss anyone? Am I wrong? Whether you agree or disagree. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks to these guys for showing what a class act in music truly isn't. Til next time!

~Dr. M