Cosmic Tiger's tunes of 2021

We take a look at some of our favourite releases from the past 12 months

It’s been another difficult year on the planet we call home. We see no sense in revisiting the obvious here, so instead of focusing on the tribulations we’ve collectively experienced in 2021, we’ll cut directly to the chase and dive into some of the most memorable music we’ve enjoyed during these trying times. Of course, this is not an entirely comprehensive list and we’re certain to have missed some pearls when attempting to digest the mind-boggling volume of releases that we’ve been vibing to. One thing is for certain, however, every title contained in this list contains more than enough magic to render it worthy of inclusion. As ever, there have been plenty of incredible re-issues given new life this year, but we’ve opted to highlight original work in our rundown.

Happy new year to all of you, sending peace, love and positive vibrations to the universe and beyond.

Los Hermanos ‘Another Day’ (Mother Tongue)

UR alumnus Gerald Mitchell dropped this gorgeous devotional house gem at the top of the year. Simple, elegant, and powerfully soulful, it’s a guarantee to lift weary spirits — something all of us can benefit from right now.

Somachrome ‘W.O.T.O.S.’ (Periodica)

Slap bass-infused cosmic funk from the always dazzling Periodica camp. Arrived as part of the wonderful ‘Electro Romantica’ EP which was bursting with highlights, but this one just about edged it for us.

Arp Frique ‘Nyame Ye’ (Rush Hour)

Taken from Niels Nieuborg’s most recent Arp Frique album, ‘The Seed’, this unabated feel-good jam bursts with Cape Verdian luminosity and life-affirming dance energy. The whole album is killer, but it’s hard to see past this one when choosing a favourite.

Nu Genea ‘Marechia’ (NG)

This is pure gold from the artists formerly known as Nu Guinea. Though currently residing in Berlin, the talented duo are among the brightest of Napoli’s dazzling new wave of meta-disco purveyors, and this bi-lingual anthem burst with shimmering Mediterranean heat.

GALXTC ‘Life Is A Mirror’ (Space Grapes)

The magnificently secretive Space Grapes label hasn’t put a foot wrong with its small but impeccable release portfolio so far. Apparently hailing from France, GALXTC’s joyous Brit-funk revival piece ‘Life Is A Mirror’ is every bit as powerful as the best of the suddenly en-vogue genre’s heyday. We know precious little about the project, but can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.

Lord Of The Isles ‘Nufinx’ (Kimochi Sound)

Taken from the exquisite ‘Acceptance’ EP which marked Chicago label Kimochi Sound’s 50th release, this gorgeous electro meditation once again sees Scottish producer Neil McDonald flexing in gloriously fine fettle. Deep, abstract and utterly immersive analogue waves from this wonderfully enigmatic artist.

Khruangbin & Felix Dickinson ‘Time (You & I) (put a smile on DJs face mix) (Dead Ocean)

Taken from the remix album of Khruangbin’s excellent ‘Mordechai’, Felix Dickinson steals the show with his cosmically-charmed interpretation, re-imagining the original as a psychedelic funk epic.

Cole Odin & Eddie C ‘Little Boxes — 40 Thieves version (Leng)

This one ticks so many cosmic boxes. 40 Thieves’ sprawling, psychedelic rework of Cole Odin & Eddie C’s ‘Little Boxes’ proved an instant hit when the needle first hit the record earlier in the year, and we’ve not stopped playing it since. Kaleidoscopic prog-disco at its very best.

Cocculuto ‘Go Goblin’ (Soul Clap)

A masterclass in dancefloor deviance from the late, great maestro, Claudio Coccoluto. This was taken from the wonderful ‘Italo Funk 2’ which was curated by Eli Soul Clap, featuring tracks from Stump Valley, DJ Rocca, Lele Sacchi, Rollover DJs, our very own Rocco Universal and more. An incredible collection that once again shines a light on the funk-flecked topography of Italy’s sublime underground music scene.

Esteban Adame ‘Still Here’ (Yaxteq)

Former member of Los Hermanos, Esteban Adame is an artist who we feel deserves to garner more recognition than he currently receives. His raw but emotionally-charged house music is endowed with so much feeling, combining floor-focused energy with heartfelt melodies and stripped, Detroit-tinged production. This is one of our secret weapons.

Dego ‘What’s An Inferiority Complex’ (2000Black)

UK rhythm master Dego brings the bounce on this fiercely propulsive slice of broken funk. Taken from his ‘The Negative Positive’ LP, the track fuses instinctive musical intelligence with street smart swagger. A maverick producer in a class of his own, Dego once again flexing in style.

Tommy Rawson ‘Illusion’ (Bergerac)

This Brit-funk powered leviathan very nearly didn’t see the light of day, but thanks to label boss Red Rack’em’s persistence, the world was this year able to marvel at the space-synth power of Tommy Rawson’s classic-in-the-making. A wonderful piece of genre-spanning dance music that’s sure to stand the test of time.

Mameen 3 ‘Dada Glitter’ (Fauve)

This off-kilter disco-not-disco jam has been a key feature of our late night living room sets since the promo arrived in our inbox earlier in the year. Composed by DJ soFa and Cheb Runner, this delightfully deviant number arrived on a split EP alongside some equally impressive work from Indonesian underground icon, Dea. The clubs may be shut here, but this saucer-eyed jam has fuelled all kinds of heads down shuffling in our ends this year.

LeRon Carson ‘Under The Conditions’ (Sound Signature)

Theo Parrish uncovered an album of previously unheard material from the sadly departed Leron Carson. An artist who released a handful of raw and undeniable Chi-town house jams during his all-too-short career, all of his published work arrived via Sound Signature. The bulk of the posthumous album was recorded in the late ‘80s on rudimentary equipment, and each track brims with a sincerity that much of the current crop of house releases is sadly bereft of.

Cosmic Tiger Presents: Messages Volume One (Cosmic Tiger)

Yes, we’re biased, but we wanted to show love to all who contributed to our debut compilation aimed at shining light on the Asian underground while rasing funds for local charities. Big love to Max Essa, Robin Lee, Isaac Aesili, Romain FX, Munir, Ryota OPP, Intriguant, Martin Denev, Gold Suite, Scott Hess, Maarten, DOTT, Elaheh, and Sarayu for your wonderful music.