DJ Teridactyl

I decided to continue from last year with my list of my favorite songs to dance to in 2010. As like before, this list isn't based on any charts or radio play. It's simply my biased opinion of the best songs made in the last year to get you to want to get on the dance floor!

Once again, here they are in ascending order:














5. Usher - OMG (ft. Will.I.am)
I always loved the anthem quality of this song, and was really happy to hear Usher finally make a hit as equally good as 2004's Yeah!














4. Carte Blanche - Do! Do! Do! (ft. Kid Sister)
With two European DJ's and Kid Sister in the mix, it's hard to go wrong with this one!














3. Willow Smith - Whip My Hair
No matter whose daughter she may be, no one can deny the talent Willow Smith has shown to make a hit song like this at only 9 years old!














2. N.E.R.D. - Hypnotize U
This one by N.E.R.D. literally creeped up on me. After a few listens, I decided I actually liked the creep factor, and now can't help but want to groove to it whenever it's on! Plus, the song is produced by none other than Daft Punk!!














1. Rihanna - Rude Boy
Rihanna did not receive a lot of praise earlier this year from her Rated R album. But I got to say, this song alone is so amazing on it's own, it makes any other song on that album forgivable. For as long as you hear this song playing in a club, you'll see me dancing to it!

DJ Earworm has done it again! He's taken the Top 25 Hits of 2010 (according to Billboard Magazine), and produced an awesome mashup!

This Canadian Indie Electric Pop duo have actually been around for a few years now, and have a handful of albums under their belt, but since they are new to me, I assume they may just be new to you too. In skimming through their releases, it was actually hard just to choose one single to post here. "Parallel Lines" was released off their latest album Begone Dull Care, and has a sound similar to something you'd hear in Nine Inch Nails.

And if you dig that, then I'd also recommend checking out their video for "In the Morning."

Hailing from Denmark, Nanna Øland, or Oh Land to you, is one of the slew of eccentric, female singer-songwriters (à la Little Boots, Lykke Li, and Florence + The Machine) to grace the music scene. But as all those ladies have managed to find a voice of their own, so has Oh Land. No word yet on a debut album, but check her out in her first video for "Sun of Gun."

I keep saying it, when will anyone start believing it?: Damon Albarn can do no musical wrong. Need more proof? Just watch the video above for an amazing, and touching cover of The xx's "Crystalized" by none other than Albarn and his Gorillaz crew.

I'm new to Adele, but luckily I'm just in time for the upcoming release of her sophmore album, 21. Not necessarily a dance tune, but you got to appreciate how this Brit can belt it out!

Carte Blanche is the side project of two European DJ's: DJ Medhi and Riton. They've released a 4 track EP entitled Black Millionaires, with one of the songs being this one, featuring one our favorites, Kid Sister! Check out the fun video that's just been released for the song!

Heard this tune for the first time on the radio yesterday, and was surprised to see a video was already made for it. I have to say, it sounds (and looks) like a song Pharrell would have made on his own, rather than with N.E.R.D. But I'm diggin' it all the same!

I guess I'm a week behind on this one, but even if you've seen it already, I know it's worth watching again! The movie does look awesome, but a huge draw for me will definitely be to hear all the sounds Daft Punk has crafted for it. Can't wait!!

Over the weekend I DJ'd a wedding reception at Maggiano's, a swanky Italian restaurant in Woodland Hills. It was short and sweet, and everything went smoothly! Congrats to the happy couple, and a big thank you to them for trusting me to handle the music :)

A slightly off-beat choice for pick of the week, but if you've seen the movie, you'll know that the musical score for The Social Network helped make the movie what it is. I admit, I was already a fan of Trent Reznor's instrumental work with Nine Inch Nails, but his work here with Atticus, takes it to a whole other level. Sorry I couldn't post a preview of the entire album, but enjoy my favorite track from the album below!

In Motion

Am I the only one amazed that she's only 9 years old!? People are starting to call her "Baby Rihanna," and I can see why! Enjoy Willow Smith's just released video for her single "Whip My Hair".

I stumbled upon this album last week when I heard one of Sleigh Bells songs play on Jonesy's Jukebox here in LA on KROQ. They sound similar to Crystal Castles, although Sleigh Bells utilizes more guitars than synth. They're signed to M.I.A.'s N.E.E.T. label, and their riffs have even been sampled into her music. Sleigh Bells has managed to win me over with their debut albumTreats. What about you?

I realized that I haven't given much mention to Little Boots on this blog, and figured it was about time. Her debut album Hands, was released earlier this year in the States, and is a perfect meld of Electronic and Pop. Plus, you have to respect the fact that the girl can write and compose her own music!

Rye Rye garnered quite a bit of attention when she was the first artist to be signed to M.I.A.'s N.E.E.T. record label over two years. She's finally preparing to release her first full-length album, Go! Pop! Bang! next year, with "Sunshine" being promoted as the first single. It's a chill song with some sassy lyrics, check it out!

Rye Rye - Sunshine (Featuring M.I.A.)

The follow-up to my first dance mix has arrived! I went with a theme for this one, can you guess what it is?

Rude Gurls (Continuous Dance Mix, Vol. 2) by DJ Teridactyl

One of the best DJ's to hit the dance music genre in recent years released a compilation mix album this week, and it does not disappoint! The album consists partly of remixed Kaskade tracks, as well as other musician's music, remixed by Kaskade himself, or others. All I can say is that some of what's on here is going into my setlists, ASAP!

I wouldn't normally look towards late night TV for an educational lesson, but when Justin Timberlake came onto Jimmy Fallon last night, they performed a rather enlightening medley of all the best Rap and Hip-Hop in the last 3 decades. Watch it and get schooled!

When I first heard this song a few months ago, I instantly decided to start spinning it in my sets. I'll admit that the video leaves a little more to be desired, but I'm just happy to see it officially released as a single. Such a lovely song! And I must say, those "C.I.A.R.A." earrings are pretty fierce!

It's hard to go wrong when your producer is Pharrell Williams. Chiddy Bang are an Alternative Hip Hop duo from Philadelphia, with a debut album dropping next month titled Chiddy Bang: The Preview. If their first single, "The Good Life," is any indication of things to come, expect to hear a lot more of these two in the months to come!

Unlike most of her Disney alumni who have chosen to break out as solo artists, Selena Gomez wanted to start her musical career by being part of a band. The group released their second album this week, and it's pure pop goodness! Yes, there is some auto-tuning, but if you can look past this, you'll find some catchy songs. The title song "A Year Without Rain" is definitely the strongest offering, but the album as a whole is simply a fun, pop listen.

Stumbled across this British songstress today, and was quite taken by her music, which currently only consists of two officially released tracks, including this one for the song "Louder." Sounds pretty solid for a debut offering, don't you think? I know I'll be looking forward to hearing more from Katy B!

I was hoping to post up Brandon Flowers new album Flamingo this week, but then I was never made out to be much of a Killers fan, and sadly could not be won over by his solo material either. Which is why I'm recommending an album that was released earlier in the year by Phantogram, a new band out of New York. Their debut effort, Eyelid Movies, is reminiscent of such bands as The xx, with sparse vocals mixed in with electronic rock. Not necessarily music to dance to, but a good listen nonetheless.

Some of the ingredients for my next continuous dance mix! I'm really excited about this one, and can't wait to share it!

(You can sneak a peak at the track list by clicking on the photo!)

If you know me, then it shouldn't be any surprise that Interpol's new, self-titled album would be my album pick of the week. Their hypnotic rhythms and Paul Banks' profound lyrics combine to create a sonic force truly unique unto themselves. It's definitely an album you'll want to listen to more than once to appreciate, but then their music always sounded best on repeat to me!

Rihanna divulged today that her follow-up album to last year's Rated R will be titled Loud. With the news comes the debut of her new single, "Only Girl." Check it out below:

RIHANNA: Only Girl

If you're a fan of Electronic Dance music, then Tiesto should be a name you already know. This album is a complete remix of his album Kaleidoscope, which was released late last year. Basically, it takes all the songs from the original and turns them up a notch!

Although I've known about Selena Gomez, her music hasn't really peaked my interest until I heard this song, "A Year Without Rain," which was made with her band, The Scene. I love these types of heartfelt dance tracks! Check out what I'm talking about with the debut of their video for the song, above!

Kylie Minogue's video for "Get Outta My Way" off her latest album, Aphrodite, debuts today. Simply put, it's a fun video for an up beat dance song. Enjoy!

Considering my recent updates of Katy Perry, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that I would select her new album Teenage Dream, as my album pick for this week. I honestly was not a fan of Katy's after hearing her first album, but her 2nd effort is undeniably a much stronger offering. "Teenage Dream", "California Gurls", and "Firework" are all songs you'd actually enjoy (and expect) to hear on the radio. And although "Peacock" isn't a lyrical masterpiece, it still has an awesome enough beat that you can forgive Katy for her thinly veiled euphemism.

(Sorry I couldn't provide an album preview on this one, Amazon was acting glitchy).

Just 2 weeks away from the release of their self-titled album, Interpol graces us with their latest video for "Barricade." I miss Carlos D., but still awesome to see the rest of these boys back in action!

It’s been five years since we've heard from Jamiroquai, but frontman Jay Kay announced earlier this week that they're set to release a new album entitled Rock Dust Light Star, before the end of the year. Along with the news comes a new single, "White Knuckle Ride." Sounds like Jamiroquai at their best!

Jamiroquai - White Knuckle Ride

Usher's new video off his Versus album, has landed! As evidence by the video, "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" (featuring Pit Bull) is a song that pretty much begs to be played at the clubs!

Jill Cunniff's name may not ring any bells, but her voice may sound familiar. As a founding member of 90's Alternative Pop group, Luscious Jackson, Cunniff wrote and provided vocals for a majority of the band's music. Seven years after the group disbanded in 2000, Cunniff resurfaced with this solo album, City Beach. Perfect to listen to on a laid back, sunny day, Cunniff's first solo effort is a welcome follow-up to the sonic legacy left by her former band.

New Zealand must be on the brink of a musical renaissance, because another Kiwi caught my ear this week with her new music. Similiar to Feist or Lykke Li, Kimbra appears to have a presence of her own in the Pop Alternative spectrum. No info yet on when we may be seeing a debut album from Kimbra, but you can enjoy her video for "Settle Down" for now!

This track by Lauryn Hill had been making the rounds recently, even showing up on the Billboard Charts. What's unclear though is if "Repercussions" is a new effort, or a previously unreleased song. Based on the way it sounds, my vote is that it's an old track, although I sincerely hope to be proven wrong, since it would be great to have her back. Do you think the song could be new?

If La Roux grew up in New Zealand and looked like Karen O, I think she would have become Zowie. Calling herself a "Bionic Pixie," Zowie aims to bring us electro-pop with an edge. No word on when her debut album will be released, but based on this teaser trailer, and the songs up on her MySpace page, I'd expect to be hearing a lot more of this Kiwi in the near future!

Not exactly a new album, but one that was new too me this week. Quadron is a musical duo from Denmark, and their self-titled debut album is a satisfying hybrid of electronic music and soul. They're definitely worth the listen!

M.I.A.'s video for "XXXO" has landed! Not sure what to make of it, but I still dig the song. Enjoy!

Katy Perry's music video for "Teenage Dream", off her upcoming album of the same name, was released today. It isn't as strong a track as "California Gurls," but it's still a reasonably catchy and cute song.

I discovered this cool little widget program on Amazon that provides pretty good previews of songs and albums. I was inspired to use it as a way to share with you new (and possibly old) albums that I recommend you check out each week.

To introduce my first pick, may I quote the words of @Billy Corgan's twitter: "I believe in my heart that @LadyGaGa is going to positively help shift the world for the better. She is a messenger OF God's Love and Grace." Amen!

It's good to hear Kanye West take a minute away from his nonsensical rants to get back to his music. The just released video for "Power" is a shortened version of the single, which will be featured on his upcoming new album. Hope it'll have more good songs like this one on it!

I'm a little new to Kid Sister, but if she's got more jams like this, than she's an MC I can get behind! Enjoy her just released video for "Big N Bad," off her album Ultraviolet.

I had a blast DJing my friend Eric's Neon Birthday bash last night. Thanks to everyone who ripped up the dance floor!

Not sure what Candyland has to do with California, but anyways here's Katy Perry's just released video for "California Gurls" featuring Snoop Dogg.

DJ Earworm is at it again, this time giving us a summertime flavored mash-up featuring fifteen artists that will perform at Wembley Stadium in London for Capital FM's Summertime Ball.

And if that weren't awesome enough, he's offering the mash-up as a free download HERE.

Yesterday was the final night of my DJ Residency at Far Bar. Thank you to everyone at Far Bar, my friends & family, and even the passersby who showed support every other Sunday that I was there. It was a great experience, but the time has come to move on to bigger and better things!

I wasn't much of a fan of Katy Perry's first album One of the Boys, finding most of the songs on it just plain annoying. I was happy to hear today however, this first single off her next album Summer Starts Now. The song, "California Gurls" features Snoop Dogg, and is an instant pop hit that will have you wanting to sing along after just one listen. Hear it yourself now at http://www.katyperry.com.

I never thought I'd find myself posting up a Miley Cyrus video, but I have to admit that she delivers in this one. The Robert Hales directed video for "Can't Be Tamed" is the first one off her upcoming album of the same name. It does look like something Britney Spears might have come up with a decade ago but instead of just mimicking her, Cyrus manages to make it her own and have it feel new. What do you think?

I wasn't aware that Beyoncé had any more singles to promote off 2008's I Am… Sasha Fierce, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she could turn what was merely a bonus track on that album into a hit of it's own. Dressed as a 1950's homemaker/pin-up, Beyoncé asks "Why Don't You Love Me"?

Christina Aguilera's first video off her new album Bionic has landed! The Hype Williams directed video for "Not Myself Tonight" definitely improves on the song, but it looks like Christina is doing a lot of posturing in it. Almost as if she's acting like someone else. Hey wait...

I've been eagerly awaiting a solid release by Esmée Denters ever since I heard that she was signed to Justin Timberlake's label, Tennman Records. Unfortunately, her debut album Outta Here is still not available in the U.S., but we can enjoy her singles, and the music video above with Justin Timberlake for the song "Love Dealer." Hopefully we'll be hearing more of her stateside in the near future!

Kelis has come a long way since her "Milkshake" days. Her new video "Acapella," off her soon to be released album Flesh Tone, features Kelis as a futuristic warrior woman, and gives us a glimpse into her new electronica inspired sound. The visuals are a bit odd for me, but I dig the song. Do you think this new direction works for her?

Just a heads up that I won't be at Far Bar this Sunday spinning my usual set, because I've been booked to DJ a private party instead. But you can look for me back there again, April 11th!

Lady Gaga's epic new video for "Telephone" is here! Clocking in at over 9 minutes, the Jonas Åkerlund directed video has Gaga sporting more outrageous fashions, gives a nod to Quentin Tarantino, and brings Beyoncé along for the ride! The video also includes some female brawl fighting, skimpy outfits, strong language, and a crotch flash courtesy of Gaga herself, so needless to say NSFW.

For those wondering about the results of the competition last Friday, I'm afraid I don't even know them! I was placed at a major disadvantage though when I had to use both a different set-up and program than what I'm used to practicing on. So my guess is that I didn't advance, but just because of that doesn't mean I'm out of the competition yet. You can still vote me in as "Fan Favorite" until March 19th, by going HERE.

Above is the video I first submitted as my entry into the contest.

I entered KIIS FM's "So You Wanna Be A DJ" contest earlier this week, and they just called me today to say that I've been chosen as 1 of 5 semi-finalists who will be competing this Friday at Club DV8 in Hollywood for a spot in the finals!

Details are in the flyer above if you'd like to come out and support Friday night!

Update: The actual competition will be held from 10:30 -11pm.

I had a great time DJing the premiere party for "The Life & Times of Tim" last Friday night. It was held in Downtown LA (check out the skyline in the back)! Hope you tune into the show, it's a good one!

Timbaland's video for "Carry Out" has just dropped. Despite Justin Timberlake's contribution, it wasn't my favorite song off Shock Value II, but it's starting to grow on me!

Rihanna channels M.I.A. in her latest video for "Rude Boy." I'm really crushing on this song right now!

Beginning Feb. 14th (Valentine's night), I'll be DJing the Far Bar in Little Tokyo every 2nd & 4th Sunday. Come out, have a drink, and enjoy the music!

Tim's showing some DJ Teridactyl love on his shirt! Watch The Life & Times of Tim every Friday night on HBO beginning Feb. 19th at 9:30pm.

Christina Aguilera has one of the best dance tracks ever in my book with "Dirty." But I've never considered any of her other songs that danceable until now. The first single off the soundtrack Burlesque to hit the web is "Spotlight"- a thunderous, big band stomper that begs everyone to hit the dance floor! Check it out HERE.

Okay, tell me I'm not to only one out there excited about this? The first single from Gorillaz forth coming album, "Plastic Beach" has hit the web, and it's a goodie! Maybe not for the dance floor, but a laid back track with a nice beat + Damon Albarn (can anyone say "genius"?). Just do yourself a favor and go to http://www.gorillaz.com, and listen to their new track, "Stylo" on their front page.