David Slater - Top picks of 2009

There have been other contributors to this site and David Slater's opinions, support and service to the (underground) unsigned band network has probably been second to none. He has a splendid philosophy towards this scene - not only does he comment and encourage the artists he comes across but he BUYS the artist tracks, which is something we should all maybe do.

In the UK there has been an 'X factor' backlash with independent minded people refusing to buy the winner's song and buying a track by 'Rage Against The Machine' instead. This anarchistic approach is something we (as independent artists) should praise - I will be taking a leaf out of David's book and I will be buying more of the tracks we review.

Below are his top 5 picks (I don't think he can count).

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These are faves, maybe not surprising to you, just amazed at how this can get MISSED in mainstream!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/jimrobson Pull my Reverb stats, he's my No1. From his new stuff, all the way back to the 80's, that he has posted!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/strobegirl Just love the voice! LONELY LKE ME just sticks in my brain, and the remix was amazing! (purchased)

• http://www.reverbnation.com/janesilence SMOKIN' hot music, should be Top Of The Pops good! IN BETWEEN just amazing! (purchased)

• http://www.reverbnation.com/blindskunk Love this guy! Great imagination when it comes to put video to his music. Is new track MONTY ON THE RUN from the old C64 days, is super cool, with a 1903 movie sync'd in!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/thiswindow Can't leave this out! AGAIN is killer, rhythmic. Have to listen in different ways, just to pickup the subtle background sounds. There's a lot in just one song! (purchased)

• http://www.reverbnation.com/atomicskunk The experimental aspect is what drew me to this, found in a tunepak. The mix of everyday sounds, with electronic track, just draws you in. FOREST FOR THE TREES is a very ambient track, one of my faves.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/double6project Can't remember how I got here, but glad I did. Great mix of WORLD beats and sound with electronica working it's magic. RIDING THE DUNE is a good example.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/spice Juan Diaz has a classical and a world feel, but his treatment of the WHOLE sound is incredible. RUINS OF UR is a perfect example.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/dalegoodie GREAT surprise on my music travels! His acoustic track EVERYONE'S GOT STORIES just proves this guy has talent. And he's only an hour down the highway!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/adarose Another surprise! These kids will hopefully get to the next level. They have a fair bit invested, along with there parents! INFAMY shows off Charlie's vocals!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/yourfavoriteenemies These guys have a great MySpace following, just getting going on RN, but they are connected on the webs so well! Video Blogs, chats, news letters, everything to get the word out. But take a listen to the OPEN YOUR EYES, and you see why they are working, needs to be heard. The VIDEO for this track is awesome.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/spaceshipdays Love these guys. Very simple POP music, with great vocals. Telling great stories!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/musicodyssey PARTIAL to Electronica, what can I say. Glad I found this one! A little Ambient with a Dance beat.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/dahliawakefield Not partial to Country per se, but heard 'I' on the first Windows promo, and hit the FAN button! Great vocals on a POP/ALT-Country track. Another that needs some AIR PLAY.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/endomeso Found through a tunepak. TRIP-HOP has a cool vibe. THE DROP sounds like a 50's thriller, with a 21st century wrapping!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/gavinmart KILLER VOCALS! Take a listen to HERIWOOD. Makes the hair on the back of my stand up! Lot's of feeling, with a great story.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/stationsstories There has to be a LABEL on the sound, but this has a sound all on it's own. CITY LIGHTS needs a highway driving video behind it, just for the trip!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/johnorrfranklin Found from a NING site. PROG ROCK still has a place. Melodic guitar telling a story, that is just amazing, could listen all day.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/polycat If this is the music in the here after, I'm ready to go, the vocals are heavenly.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/frankjoshua These guys are amazing, CRY BLUE is a winner in my book!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/adrianandthesickness GIRLS ROCK! Nuff said!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/bumslie Another from the WINDOWS promo. Partial to Reggae. Maybe that's why THE POLICE are on RN? ;-)

• http://www.reverbnation.com/aisforape Another WINDOWS promo. SKA! Just so up beat!

• http://www.reverbnation.com/eggshellegoz From PLAYLIST7, easy JOYRIDING music, with a catchy beat.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/phaseshift180 TRANCE, maybe, but ELECTRONICA wins me over.

• http://www.reverbnation.com/pixieguts Can't forget PIXIEGUTS. Addictive beats. Also part of CWTCH (purchased)

I better stop! Too many to list! And more to find! ;-)