Favorite MP3s of 2007

Choosing the best tracks from the dozens upon dozens of MP3s we posted this year was a tough job, but, after much debate and many listens, the web staff agreed on its 20 favorite tunes to grace XLR8R.com in 2007. Some tracks here, like “D.A.N.C.E.” by Justice and Digitalism’s “Pogo,” saw airplay on every music blog from San Francisco to Johannesburg, while others, like Odd Nosdam’s “Fat Hooks,” came from up-and-coming artists you’ll surely see more of in 2008. Cover stars Modeselektor, Tiombe Lockhart, and Battles made the list, as did Detroit hip-hop veterans Phat Kat and Black Milk. And, of course, our favorite IDM-via-hip-hop noisemakers, Daedelus and Flying Lotus. Enjoy, and be sure to clear some space on your iPod for more tracks to come in the new year.

Modeselektor “2000007 feat. TTC”

Turzi “Afghanistan”

Wiley “50/50”

Tiombe Lockhart and Waajeed “The Overtaking”

Justice “D.A.N.C.E.”

Escort “All That She Is”

Liars “It Fit When I Was a Kid (Crystal Castles Remix)”

Drop The Lime “Hear Me (Monster Mosh 4×4 Dub)”

Odd Nosdam “Fat Hooks”

Digitalism “Pogo”

New Young Pony Club “Ice Cream (Van She Remix)”

Phat Kat “Cold Steel feat. Elzhi”