And that’s all folks! 2014 is about to pass into a distant memory, and 2015 is hot on our heels. And you know what that means… it’s time to PARTY! So grab your party poppers, party hates and get that champagne on ice. But what… aren’t we missing something? Oh, of course. Music! No party is complete without music, especially not a NYE party. And if it’s high fidelity, well, even better! But which music, might you ask? Well, if it’s hi-fi it has to be vinyl. That’s a given. So let us recommend to you the best vinyl albums to get the party started so you can get your 2015 off to a great start.
… well, as good a start as the music can offer. But we think that if you get the music right, the rest will follow suit. So pucker up, slip on your dancing shoes and get ready to rock. We have you covered with some cracking, audiophile grade LPs.
1. Basement Jaxx – Remedy
Nothing quite says party like a bit of House music, and Basement Jaxx are one of the first names in that very thing. But it isn’t just any House music, this is an album that brings together a bizarre yet infectious mix of Hip Hop, Ragga, Latin, R&B, Soul, 2-Step and Garage under the athemic House format. Play it at the start of the night to kick things off or crank it up when the party gets into full swing. It will lift up spirits and get people dancing and create the perfect ‘club’ atmosphere. ‘Red Alert’, ‘Bingo Bango’ and ‘Rendez-Vu’ are the pick of the perfect NYE tracks.
2. Eurythmics – Greatest Hits
When everyone has had a little too much champagne, you won’t be able to stop them singing along to Annie Lennox and Co. One of the best things about the Eurythmics is that their music permeates through the generations. Everyone will know these songs, word for word, and will belt them out at the top of their lungs. Great party pieces, great pop music and great mood-setters. You’ll be spoilt for choice for which tracks to select, but we’d recommend ‘Sweet Dreams’, ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’ and ‘Sisters’, to start with.
3. Michael Jackson – Bad
The King of Pop usually comes up whenever we compile a music list – but there’s a very good reason for that. Jackson created several NYE-worthy albums, but BAD will be our LP of choice in this instance. This follow up to Thriller is packed with easily recognisable singles which will get everyone singing along… and probably attempting their best MJ impressions on the dancefloor. There’s always someone who thinks they can moonwalk. Always. ‘Dirty Diana’ ‘Smooth Criminal’ and ‘Bad’ itself alone are enough to make your party one to remember, so you know what to do!
4. Pulp – Different Class
Ahh, Pulp. It isn’t a party without a little Brit Pop, and Cocker and the gang are one of the finest examples of that very genre. And this album is certainly one of the best to emerge! Great for that post-midnight lull, when everyone needs a little refreshing. And you don’t get much better than the likes of ‘Common People’ or ‘Disco 2000’ to revive those sleepy party-goers for the final stretch.
5. Extreme – Pornograffiti
A strange choice perhaps, but there’s nothing like a bit of athematic rock to wrap things up! The best thing about Extreme is they straddle the genres of pop and rock beautifully. Catchy and memorable – your guests will be surprised how many of these tracks they know off by heart – but with enough of an edge to raise a few eyebrows. Ditch the cheesy pop for a few reels and put this remarkable album on for a few spins. You’ll be surprised how well the likes of ‘Dance of Decadence’, ‘It’s A Monster’ and ‘Get The Funk Out’ will go down. Go against the grain… but not too far!
That’s it from us for 2014. Be safe, have fun and raise some audio hell!
Happy New Year and see you in 2015!