Daithí is an Irish music producer from Clare, who is also one half of Houseplants with Paul Noonan. This year, he released a new Daithí record entitled I’m Here Now.
Here are his 10 tracks, in particular order:
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1.
TEED – Blood In The Snow
This is a stunning return from one of my favourite dance acts, and a huge influence to me. The relationship between the lead synth and the bass line is so hypnotic, it just carries you along in such an engaging way.
The album When The Lights Go is also my favourite of the year.
2.
Peggy Gou – I Go (Dj Koze Remix)
You can’t really go wrong with a Koze remix, but I particularly love how simple this one is, so striking from the get go, and a beautiful pay off once the rest of the drum machine rhythm kicks in.
3.
Harry Styles – As It Was
The best pop song of the year by some distance. I’ve been obsessed with this track for a while now, and I think it’s because of its similarities with ‘Millionaire’ from Kelis, it’s scratching an old pop itch it a really exciting way.
4.
Fred Again.. – Danielle (Smile On My Face)
That scamp had to be in here somewhere! The great success story of dance music this year, it’s hard not to like everything about this journey. This song in the Boiler Room set was the one that gave me the most chills when I heard it, and that’s saying something.
5.
Steve Lacy – Bad Habits
Another huge song from this year, it’s one of those exceptional pop songs in the vibe of Blood Orange, Toro Y Moi & Washed Out, a masterclass in groove and atmosphere. The whole of Gemini Rights is amazing, really beautiful production.
6.
Arctic Monkeys – There’d Better Be A Mirrorball
This was the most contentious of tracks amongst my friends, the Marmite of the list. I loved the crooner vocal paired with the filmic visuals portrayed in the videos. It may not be what every Arctic Monkeys fan would want, but I love what it introduced to music this year. And I think we’ll see more of this feel in productions next year, it’s going to be influential.
7.
Daphni – Cherry
Dan Snaith never lets me down. This was the go to ’Staying awake on the drive back from the gig’ track this year, a vital song especially in a very busy gigging year. A masterclass in the hypnotic nature of dance music, and the simple adding of an element that blows your mind.
8.
Neil Dexter – Robert Wyatt
My favourite Irish release this year, Neil’s record I’ll be ready is really special. Produced by another of my faves David Tapley and the brilliant Stephen Dunne, there’s such a lovely mix of influences and ideas in here, you can feel the good time radiating out of the songs. This is a brilliant opener for the record, so explosive and fun.
9.
KH – Looking At Your Pager
Another massive one, it’s been an amazing year for dance music! This thing is equal parts euphoric and gritty, something Four Tet does so well. I have a feeling it’s going to be fear-inducing when played late in a house party probably by the second half of next year, but for now it’s beautiful, messy fun.
10.
Junior Brother – This Is My Body
I first heard this live and it’s one of those Junior Brother songs that just stops you in your tracks. Beautifully musical while the lyrics basically hit you in the face repeatedly. Sound for that Ronan, good man. No you’re grand, you’re grand, I’ll let you go, go on.
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