Number 1 here:
The 49ers and ZDW!? - Touch the Sky (Feat. Acharu)
My favorite song of 2011, this piece oozes style. A remix of an already great LEMs song, this version fully fleshes out the original. Smooth delivery of heartfelt lyrics juxtaposed against funky vocals, a crunchy beat laced with complex instrumentals, and sporting the most incredibly up-beat feel, this is definitely my favorite song of 2011. Happy listening!
Number 2 here:
IU - Teacher (feat Ra. D)
With a driving acoustic guitar backing her ethereal voice, IU showcases her amazing dynamic range and increasing finesse as she becomes more and more mature as a vocalist.
Number 3 here:
ArtOfficial - Don’t Hold Your Breath (feat. Miami Symphonic Strings)
From Miami’s finest comes this collaboration between local hip-hop sensations and Florida’s premiere string ensemble that features the synergy of both groups. Violins flying through their parts, a lone growling saxophone backed by other woodwinds, and a pair of dope emcees showcasing their unique flow, this song is really one of a kind.
Number 4 here:
Nujabes - Prayer
This song from Nujabes’ album Spiritual State is a perfect example of the rest of the album. Minimalistic, raw, rough around the edges, but still jazzy to the core, the album wasn’t finished before Nujabes’ death.
This has been blowing up my newsfeed on facebook. Although the entire video wasn’t shot in one take, it’s still impressive and the complexities required to execute some of the parts of the song were pretty incredible.
Just a quick list of my favorite 5 songs of 2011. Number 5 here:
Emilio Rojas - Champion (Feat. Laura Reed and Voodoo)
A DJ Lantern production featuring the slickest lyrics I’ve heard all year.
A bit late on this, but Audeze is releasing a new top of the line planar headphone. Even more pricey than it’s already indulgent predecessor, the newest model boasts comfort upgrades, technical enhancements, and even a new wood. List price is $1945 from Audeze.
Current goals for audio:
Headphones:
1) Sony MDR-F1 - soon (Spring 2012?)
2) Stax SR-007mk2 - eventually (a long time from now)
Headphone Amp:
1) B22 (2 channel or balanced) - Next summer’s build project
2) KGSS - when I get SR-007
Source:
1) Lavry DA11 - When I get SR-007
Speakers:
1) Pluto 2.1 - January 2013 (next save project)
2) Orion version “x” - Eventually (very long time from now)
Speaker Amp:
1) AMB B24 - When I get Pluto’s
