James Blake makes BBC hitlist

His latest single, a reworking of Feist & Chilly Gonzales’ Limit To Your Love, has made waves in press offices and broadcast studios since the promos were dropped onto desks.  Given the immediate accessibility of the pop sensibilities smeared over this electronic-blues workout, this isn’t surprising.

But there’s also plenty of innovation at work too. After all, it takes a bit of vision to make your basslines go this low. It’s the same production prowess he exhibited on releases for R&S like CYMK, and the reason why he’s up there with Mount Kimbie in terms of off-the-beaten-track dance music. Logical, then, that what is arguably the world’s most respected broadcaster has recognised the talents of the young (not to mention fresh faced) James Blake on the Sound of 2011 shortlist.

The Telegraph‘s criticism of the accolade, and the way Auntie’s ‘longlist’ of nominees is compiled to one side, we’d say it’s a definite good thing. After all, this is all about people who are going to make an overall impact on music next year- not just people that make great, pigeon-holeable tracks. And if the Blake-train’s current momentum is anything to go by, once the album finally arrives next year remix and production requests are bound to skyrocket. Though there are a couple of other names put forward to be part of the final ‘winners’ that might have something to say about all this.

Stadium dubsteppers Nero are in there, as is London’s Wretch 32, who could well dispel the myth that grime is on its way out. Meanwhile, Jamie Woon‘s rather obscure R&B sound will do well in the wake of crossover successes like Jamie Lidell (coincidence?), and has already found its way into Ramadanman’s studio. Then there’s also Jai Paul‘s filtered take on sparse glitch, which we’d have as our pick of the rest. Videos of these musical men are below, full details of all 15 acts in the running can be found at the BBC, and the top five will be announced daily from January 3rd. So get your guesses in quick, because the date is already imminent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zphhx5KZZ_c


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