This one was harder to compile than I initially thought. Many of the tracks I wanted to include are either demos, unreleased, or obscurities that I somehow felt would cheapen the list by including such heat with those songs that had proper releases and exposure. It will, however, make for a great list in 2009 when the songs actually do see the light of day.

That said...


...thes songs are good, really good.

10. Florence and the Machine – Kiss With a Fist
Her squiggly vocals in the acoustic beginning precede a staggering and fierce drum bumping. At 2:14 in length, it’s a little slice of perfection.

9. Menya – Ripe
It’s dirty, synthy, and frankly, these talented 21 year olds are making much better electro and hip-hop than a majority of the pros in the game right now.

8. Electric Youth – Replay (Bestrack Remix)
Having the privilege to interview hot new up-and-comers, Electric Youth, earlier this year was a treat in and of itself. And then they went and sent over the Bestrack remix to their already immaculate track, Replay.

7. The Kills – Sour Cherry
An immediate standout on their album, Midnight Boom, The Kills, er, killed it with their raw grunts and moans on this track. Makes me want a certain boom of my own.

6. Kylie Minogue – In My Arms (Chris Lake Mix)
Sure to catch flak for being somewhat a pick out of left field, you cannot tell me to stop moving to this track, no matter how hard you will me with your mind from across the subway car, madam. The breakdown starting around the 1:14 mark until it smashes in your face at 1:24 might be my favorite ten seconds in dance music this year alone.

5. Immortal Technique – Mistakes
Holy balls this song is gorgeous. Containing a sample from Bob Marley’s I Made a Mistake, you won’t hear another track spit with so much anger that brings you to the verge of tears. Beautifully executed when performed live as well.

4. Thunderheist – Suenos Dulces 2k8
Sample Eurythmics Sweet Dreams and I immediately have my doubts. Unless you hail from Canada and create a boss banger worthy of your ears and time spent sweating on the dance floor.

3. Santogold – Anne
Use the phrase “Jesus pieces” and you’ve gained yourself a guaranteed spot on this list. Santogold had bigger and broader hits from her self-titled debut, but this haunting, dark, and echo-y track remains my favorite.

2. Pnau featuring Ladyhawke – Embrace (Fred Falke and Miami Horror Remix)
Longest song title to grace this list. Also, one of the most beautifully constructed arrangements we’ve heard, hell, even in the past 3 years, let alone solely in 2008. It’s demure enough in the opening to transport you to a nifty cocktail lounge and then heftier kicks and beats abound, transforming the track into a guaranteed dance floor filler.

1. Little Boots – Stuck On Repeat
She's been lauded and applauded by NME and The Guardian and without a doubt, is destined for greatness in the new year, but 2008 saw the emergence of Little Boots as a pop dynamo, short on stature but big on hooks. I first heard the track Stuck on Repeat back in February of this year, and instantly knew it would be played, well, repetitiously. It's a perfect blend of soft vocals with a thumping bass and tons of electronic acoutrements. Many a blogger/writer praised the subsequent remixes as eclipsing the original, and while they are equally special, nothing will match my love, admiration and utter obsession with this track. Victoria Hesketh has outdone her own genius on this one.


And with that, I don't want to think about best individual songs for the rest of the year. This one hurts the head, but soothes the soul.