Cosmic Tiger's Favourite Tunes of 2020
Some of our musical picks from a bastard year
Words by Rocco Universal, cover image by Luca Dimola.
Approximately one year I was happily sat at my desk compiling my best of 2019 Cosmic Tiger chart, brimming with optimism for the year ahead which, at the time, offered so much to look forward to. By early 2020, the writing was well and truly on the wall, and what for most of the known world has proven to be the archetypal annus horribilis began to unfold. Rather than complain about the many tribulations of the year gone by, I'd like to send out all the love I can muster to the true creators out there who've found a way to pursue their respective sonic quests, adding a necessary dose of harmonic vibration to the universe. The following list, though by no means exhaustive, represents some Cosmic Tiger favourites from the year that dancing was, to all intents and purposes, forced to stop. All of the music included is original material. There have been some wonderful re-issues and edits this year, too, with exquisite work from the likes of Admas, Jimmy Blanche, Raphäel Toiné, and Eros lovingly resurrected – but our focus here is on music birthed in 2020. Sincerest peace and love to every one of you, and massive thanks to all who sent in music, got in touch or visited the site. You’ll find the buy links in the chart players at the bottom of the article (and in case you’re wondering, no, we don’t see any commish). Roll on 2021!
(In no particular order)
Sault 'Free'
Forever Living Originals
Enormous amounts of love going out from Cosmic Tiger HQ to the mysterious Sault players. Throughout 2020 their output has been prolific, consistently excellent, and at times provided much-needed social commentary. Their admirable approach of stepping back from the limelight to allow the music to do the talking is utterly refreshing at a time when it feels like most of the world is disappearing into some kind of narcissistic feedback loop of carefully-curated and well-manicured meaninglessness. The chorus of this one floors me everytime I hear it, and the sentiment is one that touches me profoundly.
Rhythm Of Paradise 'In My Mind'
Cosmic Rhythm
Rhythm Of Paradise is fast becoming one of my favourite producers of house-related music. The Bari-native served up this sonic gift in the springtime, and I've been lucky enough to see it enliven dance-floors when playing it out during covid-free windows here. The music gently explodes from the speaker stack, and this is one I've been asked to ID on multiple occasions.
Theus Mago ‘Apache Nights’ (Chicken Lips Malfunction)
Futureboogie
This psychedelic joyride from Theus Mago and remixers Chicken Lips is an absolute weapon. Fantastically freakish and cosmically -inclined, this is such a delight to hear played loud on good speakers. Cosmic-prog of the very highest order, and an inspired pairing from the Futureboogie-ists.
Mount Liberation Unlimited 'Madame Of The Magic Mushroom'
MLU Private Press
Tripped-out dubby rhythm questing on this late-night workout from Swedish duo Mount Liberation Unlimited. This came courtesy of their newly launched Private Press 'vanity project' at the top of the year and has been on regular rotation here at Cosmic Tiger ever since.
Quiroga 'Martinica Feelings' (Whodamanny Reinterpretation)
Hell Yeah!
Whoamanny showing cosmic Italo-funk in abundance on this delightfully musical rework from Quiroga. It's virtually impossible not to smile when this tune is playing, and this is one of a very long list of highlights from the ever-reliable house of Hell Yeah!
Mytron 'Draai' (Ft Dreems)
XXX
Mytron has had an excellent output this year, thanks to collaborations with long-term wingman Ofofo as well as his solo work. Stripped-back and deliciously deviant, 'Draai' is built for late nights in the backroom, and has worked wonders on the floor for me on the rare and happy occasions I've been able to play to dancers this year.
Kooshin 'Yurub'
Little Axe
This one came in as a tip-off from refined digger, Cosmic Benji. This breathtakingly beautiful work from Somalian artist Mohamed Kushin was released on Canadian label, Little Axe, and as far as I'm aware this is the first time this music from the kaban master has been published. Certainly worth tracking down.
Locussolus 'I Want It' Lindstrom & Prins Thomas remix)
Harvey's General Store
Whimsical, sleazy, and funky as fuck, this infectious rework of 'I Want It' from Harvey's Locussolus is instantly memorable and a guarantee to shake rear-ends.
Omar S 'Gonna Luv You’
FXHE
There's nothing especially groundbreaking about this raw as fuck jam from Omar S, but he again shows the world he has as much juice in his little finger than most of those who currently produce what passes for house music these days. This ghetto number came as part of the extension of his 'Fuck Resident Advisor' album (Still Fucking Resident Advisor), and I dig the sentiment just as much as the music.
Soma World ft Falle ‘Want This’ (Ray Mang Remix)
Adventures in Paradise
Ray Mang shows all his class with his epic interpretations of Soma World’s striking original. Mang’s versions make the most of the instrumentation and Falle’s yearning vocal while extending and steadily morphing the track into a blissfully progressive sunset trip.
KX9000 'Millennium Civic' (Grand Plane Arial remix)
Apparel Music
The rousing tempo of this splendid remix immediately grabbed my attention, hitting me like some kind of bastard disco rhinoceros when it burst from the speakers. Live drumming, accomplished musicianship and a hearty sense of fun.
Max Essa 'Tombolo'
Hell Yeah!
Maximum love to Yokohama-based cosmic missionary, Max Essa for this and all his other work. Here we have a subtle departure from his trademark sunset sound, upping the tempo along with the energy levels for this cultured dance-floor jam.
Rocco Universal ‘Insieme (Live Jam)’
Midnight Riot
Now, I can’t in all good conscience say whether or not this deserves to be entered alongside such fine company, but this one came out as part of an EP I put together for the Midnight Riot family. The music came complete with a smashing remix from disco legend Pete Herbert, and I thought I’d take the opportunity for some self-promotion here (albeit with a dollop of shame).
Sound Support 'Europe' (Prins Thomas Diskomiks)
Internasjonal
Perhaps the highlight of an excellent debut release from (newly renamed) Dam Swindle's Lars Dales and keyboard virtuoso Lorenz Rhode. Prins Thomas' mix added just a little dirt and cosmic charm to the original version, and in truth, the whole EP is well worth a good listen.
Crue 01A (Kyle Hall Remix)
Crue
Sub-aquatic deep house manoeuvres from one of Detroit's new breed. Gliding chords, tough drums and understated soul abound on this slick remix.
A Separate Reality 'The Seagull' (Hare Krishna)
Our Starry Universe
Meditative voyaging through the power of audio vibrations on this star-gazing piece from the Brooklyn-based Nick Chacona and Tim Wagner. Could this be the soundtrack to your self-actualisation? It worked over here!
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