Top 5 Special - CSC's Best of 2022

Despite the risk of upsetting Larry David, we're bringing our Top 5s back for a slightly belated roundup of some of our favourite videos from 2022, because we can't just let Hemmy do all the work.

Haters will say we're late but our official statement is that we've intentionally waited until the New Year passed just to make sure we didn't miss out on any videos that were released over the festive period - meaning we can officially claim the title of the most complete 'Best of 2022' list. Have that Quartersnacks.

We're keeping it simple this time and rounding up our favourite full-lengths (begging the question of 'what even counts as a full-length anymore?') of 2022, because let's be real: there's been way too much good shit in the last month alone, never mind the last year, to ever dream of condensing it into a Top 5. Plus, it also means I don't have to talk about Nyjah, Tyshawn or any of the associated SOTY bullshit. 

Sounds Like You Guys Are Crushing It

We might be biased because we were lucky enough to attend the premiere but we can't not include Polar's latest full-length considering how often it gets played in the shop (and I reckon Pontus needs some love after being publicly rinsed by Palace over the last week). 'Sounds Like You Guys Are Crushing It' has got it all: wholesome vibes, a bangin' soundtrack and even some niche historical references for the skate nerds. Polar have always produced the best skate videos but it's been nice to see their aesthetic brighten up and become a bit more cheerful over the years, which hopefully also reflects Pontus feeling a bit better. While it's sad to think this is the last video offering we'll be getting from one of the most influential minds of the modern generation, it's safe to say he's gone out in style.

The Sour Solution 3

This one's an easy one, we've always been big fans of everything Sour Solution do and they somehow managed to improve upon their impeccable formula for their newest video, 'The Sour Solution 3'. The additions of Tom Snape and Axel Berggren (who was also one of my favourites from last year) add some impeccable notes to the Sour Solution symphony thanks to Snape's classically trained ledge tech and the raw, unharnessed chaos that is Axel. Combine this with everyone else continuing to do their thing - Gustav being handsome, Albert Nyberg being a wizard and Simon Isaksson being Simon Isaksson - and you've got a video that's gonna be even harder to beat than their previous ones, but I'm sure they'll manage it somehow. 

Shrimp Blunt

While 'The Sour Solution 3' takes a more stripped-back approach to a full-length, allowing the skating to talk for itself, Beagle and the gang have gone in the complete opposite direction for Shake Junt's 'Shrimp Blunt' and embellished the already hectic skating with all manner of insanity. From the bizarre hip-hop mash ups, trippy animations and death metal slam montage to Theotis Beasley doing a cab flip up a 3-stair in a line, 'Shrimp Blunt' is excessive in all the right ways. Even the sheer number of skaters in the video is something only Shake Junt could get away with, or would even attempt. I guess sometimes more is more.

faith in bro

Ok, so obviously we've had a load of big name blockbusters this year, but what about something that isn't effectively an hour long advert? Well, if you're after something independent then Daniel Dent's 'faith in bro' is about as independent as it gets, with its niche soundtrack, obscure suburban spot selection and incredibly diverse lineup of international pros and local bros. I mean when did you ever think you'd see Jamie Platt, Jack O'Grady, Nelly Morville, Rowan Zorilla, Oski and Cooper Winterson in the same video? And what's even more mental is the fact that none of the household names have the ender. Combine this with a couple of nods to contemporary videos, like Chase Walker's 'Respectfully' and Dent's previous videos, and you've got an absolute treat for the modern, enlightened skate video enjoyer - so long as you don't get filtered by the soundtrack.

Welcome 2: Hell

Of course we can't forget about our good mates over at Welcome Skate Store who blessed us all with one of the best full-lengths to come out of the UK since Dan Magee's 'Cover Version'. 'Welcome 2: Hell' is another video that's been played in the shop every single day since it came out, and not just because of the never-ending K-hole that is YouTube's algorithm. This wholesome shop/scene video hybrid is one of the best representations of how wholesome the skate scene has become this year, with a solid lineup of UK legends - like Sam 'Blinky' Hutchinson, Dale Starkie, Will Sheerin and Dean Greensmith - alongside a load of the Leeds locals. It's a video with heart and a real sense of community, and it's pretty solid proof that you don't have to focus solely on doing the gnarliest tricks imaginable to make a top quality video. Although that's not to say that there isn't plenty of mind-blowing bangers; there definitely is.

That's enough chit-chat though. Head to the shop to buy the latest skateboard decks, clothing, shoes and more from CSC. Or, check out more of the latest news, videos, and product reviews on the CSC Blog. Safe.