Anthony Augustine

Winnipeg Free Press Best Albums of 2011

1. Art Department, The Drawing Board

This Toronto duo seem like they came out of nowhere, but Jonny White and Kenny Glasgow had been quietly paying their dues on their own until they got together in the studio, released a couple of monster singles and a stunning debut album that made everyone else take notice. Their dark, stripped-down, vocal heavy tech-house vibe is just what electronic music needed.

2. ASAP Rocky, LIVELOVEA$AP

2011 seemed to be the year of the mix tape and nobody made bigger waves than Harlem MC ASAP Rocky. The mayor of Swaggerville dished out a taste of his New York state of mind with stoner slow rhythms, hazy melodies and boastful proclamations getting served up with effortless ease on the near perfect debut.

3. Explosions in the Sky, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

More than just the band that provided music for Friday Night Lights, this Texas instrumental act is the best at what they do. Take Care, Take Care, Take Care takes you on an emotional roller coaster that gets more rewarding every time you hear it.

4. F—ked Up, David Comes to Life

5. M83, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

6. J Mascis, Several Shades of Why

7. Cannon Bros, Firecracker/Cloudglow

8. The Weeknd, House of Balloons

9. Police Teeth, Awesomer Than the Devil

10. Diamond Rings, Special Afflictions

November 24th - Uptown

Red Bull Thre3style: Canadian Finals
 After a fierce battle against 10 of Canada’s best party rockers, Eh! Team DJs’ member Hedspin was crowned the Canadian Red Bull Thre3style champ, edging out defending 2010 winner Drastik and Toronto’s own Mensa, who came in third. DJ Hipnotic represented the 204 but wasn’t able to break into the Top 3. You can judge how the DJs did for yourself — all of the 15-minute long mixes are available on-demand via Mixcloud.com. Hedspin will be on home turf and surrounded by supporters when he battles 18 of the best turntablists from around the globe at the World Red Bull Thre3style Finals at the Commodore in Vancouver on Dec. 17.

Drinkify
Who knew that Fugazi went best with Dark Havana rum and grapefruit juice? Drinkify is a new site that tells you what you should be drinking based on what you’re listening to. Not only does the site offer up suggestions on what to tip back, it streams music from the artist it matches. 

5 Dollar Auction Deals
Trying to keep your Christmas spending on budget after dropping all your cash on Jets season tickets? Unsure about what to buy for that stupid Secret Santa exchange at work? 5 Dollar Auction Deals pulls deals from eBay that are five bucks and under.

MP3 of the Week: LOL Boys – Lookout Presents Mix
 LOL Boys will make their first appearance in the city on Nov. 26 when they bring their genre-jumping blend of modern electronic beats to Osborne Village’s latest hot spot, The Greenroom. Check out the DJ duo’s mix for Lookoutpresents.com for a taste of the acid-dipped, bass-heavy sound you can expect from the Boys at the launch of Strange Brood’s new night, †∑MPL∆†∑. Footwerk, Rawdman (The Hosers) and Dirty Teez are also on the bill. Pictures by Pull Teeth. Cover: $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after.

Video of the Week: Art Department – I C U

While red-hot Toronto tech-house duo Art Department might seem like it’s enjoying overnight success, its members have been paying their dues way before they got together to form the group. Kenny Glasgow is one of the city’s well-known techno veterans and Johnny White has been doing his own thing for the past decade. Taken from Art Department’s critically acclaimed debut album, The Drawing Board, I C U is the group’s second video and is directed by Annikki Heinemann.