Brooklyn-based dj/producer extraordinaire who cuts music with so much class did it big in 2008, especially with with full-length collab with Cousin Cole “Tambourine Dream” (Flamin’ Hotz Records). Now it’s time for a look on what he feels was hot in 2008 .

1. Electric Feel (Prince Language Remix) – MGMT

This original was big this past year and got a few high-profile remixes, however Language’s version is my favourite. His arpeggiated synth work is always great.

2. I’m On Fire (Cousin Cole Remix) – Bruce Springsteen

I gotta rep for the homey! Cuz Cole’s version of this classic song is great and Tambourine Dream was a big release for us in 2008.

3. Township Funk – DJ Mujava

Man, I love this track. The melody is simple, but infectious and the rhythm is dope. The video is great too. I’m glad that some of the new African music is getting bigger exposure by a great label like Warp.

4. Paper Planes – MIA

Who new this song was gonna blow up so big!? It’s an all-around great track and it deserves all the airplay. Shouts to the Clash for a dope sample!

5. Little Bit – Lykke Li

My Swedish crush! If Feist is like a cool auntie then Lykke is like your cool older cousin. I’m feeling the Drake remix of this song too.

6. White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes

These last few years of the early 2000s will go down as the “beard years” for indie music. FF captured a combinate sound of choral harmonies and Americana that I really enjoy.

7. Blindsided – Bon Iver

Wow! The entire Bon Iver album was on constant repeat from day one. It’s so tricky to create an album of heartbreak and not to fall into hackneyed musical laments. I can’t wait to hear the new EP next month.

8. Love Lockdown – Kanye West

Yeezy surprised me (and everyone I think) with 808s & Heartbreak. There have been a lot of arguments about the merits of this album. I think it’s a pretty interesting musical statement on such a grand pop level. Can you be heartfelt (emo) and still be street? I say “yeah” to ‘ye!

9. L.E.S. Artistes – Santogold

Santi White is another crush of mine. She’s breaking the perception of what a young black woman can do in music. More please!

10. Can’t Believe It – T-Pain

The Top hat donning AutoTune Master! I had to pick a few popular cuts for my list and this slow jam makes the grade. Lil’ Wayne’s garbled verse is crazy as can be expected.

11. Half Full Glass of Wine (Canyons’ Drunken Rage Mix) – Tame Impala

Look out for Hole In the Sky Records in the year(s) to come! The dudes Down Under are making great music and seem to have a sensibility in-line with my tastes. Canyons do a great job in reworking this psyche heater (not too much and just enough).

12. House Jam – Gang Gang Dance

Gang Gang make us NYers proud. The new record is a bit more symmetrical and dancier. This song is a “jam.”

13. 21st Century Life (DJ Mehdi Secret Disco Dub) – Sam Sparro

I first heard this on Fairtilizer, so I’m glad you all are around. Mehdi is one of my favourite DJs/producers and this version gets many plays from me. Sam Sparro has got a great voice too.

14. iamundernodisguise – School of Seven Bells

I saw School play at CMJ this past year and they were great. The album is varied in its sound and this song stood out to me. I’ve got an edit of this song I play out in my beardo sets.

15. Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix) – Hercules & Love Affair

2008 was a big year for DFA disco. I remember hearing Antony for the first time at a Lou Reed show years back and thinking, “this dude would sound amazing over a house track.” Fast-forward to ’08 and we have H&LA. This Frankie remix is so good too and my favourite version of the song.

16. Can’t Be Beat – Quiet Village

The entire QV album was on repeat this year. I dropped this track into my slower sets whenever I had the chance.

17. William’s Blood (Aeroplane Remix) – Grace Jones

I can’t believe this remix didn’t get approved! I heard that GJ didn’t approve any of the remixes for this song. She’s a true icon (however difficult) and Aeroplane are definitely on the ascent (bad pun!) This remix allows me to include two of my favourites.

18. Hold On – Holy Ghost!

More DFA disco! The production ethics of this label are topnotch. Besides the obvious disco style, these are well-written songs. I’m all for more tunes from the DFA camp.

19. I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (The Twelves Remix) – Black Kids

I like the original song, but since I’m a proponent of a good remix I had to pick this version. I definitely think that the Twelves will be doing more great remixes. The song is catchy as hell even if it’s a tad sophomoric.

20. Drum’s Not Dead (Pocketknife’s großer Kessel Remix) – Liars

I’m not one to toot my own horn, so I’ll beat my drum instead (final pun, I promise). Canyon Dancing came out on Halloween this past year and it was something I kinda released for myself. The remixes aren’t necessarily for the dance floor, but it’ll get the bonfires raging.

Visit Pocketknife Fairtilizer profile
Visit Pockerknife Myspace