These Go To 11 Awards: Top Mixtapes

8

Chrissy Murderbot: XLR8R Podcast Watch Video Free Download

Ok fine this is technically a podcast not a mixtape, but whatever – you still want it. Chicago’s Chrissy Murderbot killed it this year with his super fun, high energy set, and there’s no one else quite like him. Check out the video for his debut album, Women’s Studies, and you can also check out his label Sleazetone Records. XLR8R bring us this podcast from their always spot-on series, and it features Mr. Murderbot in top form, presenting his raved-up dancehall, electro, techno, and booty-bass in an hour long mix.

7

Clams Casino: Instrumentals Watch Video Free Download

This mix came out early in 2011, just as Clams was starting to make a serious name for himself with the likes of Soulja Boy, Mobb Deep’s Havoc and Lil’ B – though he’d never actually met any of them. Or eaten clams casino. Back then he was living with his mom in NJ, studying to become a physical therapist, and making beats on the side. At this point I think the physical therapy might be on the back burner. His production is beautiful if often a touch melancholic. Full of synth and often layered with lush vocals and sparkling samples, these instrumentals stand firmly on their own.

6

Al Lover: Distorted Reverberations Free Download

Heads up rock n roll fans: Al Lover sent us this one and boy are we glad. A journey into the depths of fuzzed out boom bap chaos, it’s a collection of current garage / psych rock tunes from the likes of Jeff The Brotherhood, Thee Oh Sees and Shapes Have Fangs, chopped up into tweaked-out, instrumental hip-hop slabs. Inspired by the revitalized garage / psych scene in SF, Lover takes his own approach incorporating an MPC and guitar pedals to very sexy effect.

5

Meat Katie: Vibrate Free Download

Ok, this one is a banger. London-based DJ/producer Meat Katie (Mark Pember) has built up a bit of a reputation for laying waste to whatever dance floor he presides over, and this mix does not disappoint. It is complete and utter wickedness: main room, 3am, gritty bass-lines, hard breaks and a 100-minute set that is sure to get your blood pumping.