Best Music of 2013

Wow, how I never give my blog any love these days! And here I am making my annual "Best Of" post for 2013 this late. One barely needs to scroll down to see last year's on the same screen (say what!). Granted, I did a few private gigs last year that I couldn't share on my blog, but yeah...it's been a little quiet here.

Anyhow, I couldn't keep putting this off. This time around I decided to open up my selection to EPs in addition to full-length albums. So there's three favorite EPs of mine from 2013 on here. Looking forward to seeing 5 of these artists + all the other great talent at Coachella 2014 (Weekend 1) in a few months.

In no particular order, I present to you my Best of 2013 music releases followed by song selections to check out:

Kanye West - Yeezus "Black Skinhead"
Pusha T - My Name Is My Name "Numbers On The Boards"
Disclosure - Settle "Latch feat. Sam Smith"
Factory Floor - Factory Floor "Fall Back"
Junip - Junip "Line Of Fire"
Laura Mvula - Sing To The Moon "Can't Live With The World"
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)"
Cayucas - Bigfoot "Cayucos"
Big Black Delta - Big Black Delta "Side Of The Road"
Roosevelt - Elliot EP "Elliot"
Boys Noize - Go Hard EP "Starwin"
Empire of the Sun - Ice On The Dune "Alive"
Wild Belle - Isles "It's Too Late"
AlunaGeorge - Body Music "Attracting Flies"
Djrum - Seven Lies "Arcana (Do I Need You)"
Chrome Sparks - Sparks EP "Marijuana"

Honorable Mentions:
Phoenix - Bankrupt! "Chloroform"
Myron & E - Broadway "If I Gave You My Love"
Darkside - Psychic "Freak, Go Home"
Machinedrum - Vapor City "Don't 1 2 Lose U"

Previous "Best Of" lists:
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

Top 16 Albums of 2012

It's that time again! The world didn't end, so here's my Top 16 Albums of 2012. So much good music over the last 12 months, so little space to include it all. Frank Ocean & Tame Impala seemed to absolutely kill it this year on everyone's Best Of lists, and for good reason too. Check out my song pick for each record next to the respective entry. Cheers!

1. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Trouble listen
2. Tame Impala - Lonerism listen
3. Frank Orange - Channel Orange listen
4. Beach House - Bloom listen
5. Grizzly Bear - Shields listen
6. John Talabot - Fin listen
7. DIIV - Oshin listen
8. El-P - Cancer 4 Cure listen
9. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls listen
10. Jessie Ware - Devotion listen
11. Santigold - Master of My Make-Believe listen
12. Flying Lotus - Until the Quiet Comes listen
13. Kindness - World, You Need a Change of Mind listen
14. The Walkmen - Heaven listen
15. Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough? listen
16. XXYYXX - XXYYXX listen

Honorable Mentions:
Niki and The Dove - Instinct listen
Dan Deacon - America listen
Poolside - Pacific Standard Time listen
Allah-Las - Allah-Las listen

Previous 'Best Of' lists:
2011
2010
2009
2008

Top 16 Albums of 2011

Here's my personal Top 16 albums of 2011 list (+ my Top 10 dance tune picks here), accompanied by a song pick. I figured instead of bloating my post with commentary, you can listen for yourself. Check 'em out! I'm sure there were a handful of artists that came out this year that I won't discover until next year. Who did I forget this year?

1. Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx - We're New Here listen

2. SBTRKT - SBTRKT listen

3. Azari & III - Azari & III listen

4. Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix listen

5. My Morning Jacket - Circuital listen

6. James Blake - James Blake listen

7. Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise listen

8. Tiger & Woods - Through the Green listen

9. Metronomy - The English Riviera listen

10. Cults - Cults listen

11. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me listen

12. The Weeknd - House of Balloon listen

13. Radiohead - King of Limbs listen

14. The Drums - Portamento listen

15. Walls - Coracle listen

16. Chapel Club - Palace listen

Honorable Mentions:

Craft Spells - Idle Labor listen

Gardens & Villa - Gardens & Villa listen

Siruismo - Mosaik listen

Vostok-1 - Outer Space Disco listen

Previous 'Best Of' lists:
2010
2009
2008

Best of 2010: My Top 25 Albums

It's been a few months since I've posted anything on here, but as I've been doing every end of the year for the last 10 years (granted over about 5-6 different blogsites) here's my top 25 favorite albums from 2010:

1. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
Parts cosmic & psychedelic, superb stoner-esque indie rock from Australia. The vocals, guitar reverb and overall vibe of this record sends my mind to a different plane of consciousness. (Check out: "Alter Ego")

2. Best Coast - Crazy For You
Not a fan of their earlier EPs that mostly lacked percussion & proper production, but this album blew everything else before of out of the water. More stoner rock but on a throwback, lo-fi & surf rock tip. (Check out: "The End")

3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
This band never puts out a bad record. A few updates to their sound, but the band's latest masterpiece in crafting epic albums. (Check out: "Ready To Start")

4. The Black Keys - Brothers
The albums this blues-rock duo puts out keep getting better and better. Sharp production, great guitar work and melancholy vocals. (Check out: "The Only One")

5. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
A little more softer than previous albums but providing a super-eclectic journey into orchestral, choral, hip-hop, rock, dub & electronic compositions. Awesome arsenal of guest artists to boot. (Check out: "Empire Ants feat. Little Dragon")

6. Vampire Weekend - Contra
Still can't knock on this band. I'm a sucker for afro-pop and indie rock marriages. A close second to their debut. (Check out: "Cousins")

7. Grum - Heartbeats
Highly underrated electronic/dance effort (or too quickly forgotten?). Heavy italo-influence with a retro-future vibe. Equal parts Giorgio Moroder, Mylo, Les Rythmes Digitales, Discovery-era Daft Punk. (Check out: "Can't Shake This Feeling")

8. Owen Pallett - Heartland
I jumped on the Final Fantasy/Owen Pallett bandwagon a little late, but it's obvious Pallett has a great knack for vocal & string arrangements. A very lush & pretty album. (Check out: "Midnight Directives")

9. Here We Go Magic - Pigeons
Much more accessible than the last album in terms of a more recognizably rock record. Lots of lo-fi, psychedelic folk & rock throughout. Dreamy, other-worldly music. (Check out: "Collector")

10. The Soft Pack - The Soft Pack

Catchy garage, punk & rock from San Diego. Great record to sing along too. A nostalgic yet totally fresh sound that makes me feel like a teenager again. (Check out: "C'mon")

11. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Melodic surf-rock with a tinge of '90s indie rock vibes, a sound from a band all the way from Florida no less. Why this band is not any bigger is beyond me. (Check out: "Swim")

12. Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
One of the best new bands on the scene, doing dance-rock right where others have so often failed at as of late. Youthful, energetic and highly infectious tunes. (Check out: "Undercover Martyn")

13. Toro Y Moi - Causers Of This
A wide melange of eclectic urban & electronic sounds, inspired by the past and future. Dreamy, electronic indie-pop. (Check out: "Talamak")

14. Wavves - King Of The Beach
Another band I jumped on late in the game; with a new rhythm section (ex-Jay Reatard), clean production and a (hopefully sober) frontman brimming with potential, this is one of the best poppy, lo-fi, punk & rock records I've heard all year. (Check out: "Post Acid")

15. Caribou - Swim
Another artist who also could not put out a bad record, this time attempting to create organic dance music. The such unconventional sounds (for dance/electronic music standards) used on this record and its results are phenomenal. (Check out: "Sun")

16. Sleigh Bells - Treats
If a team of only two can make arena-size, noise-rock anthems with swag like this, I'm totally in! Sonic guitar stabs, drums with marching-band intensity, sweet but bratty vocals...this is how pop music should aspire to sound like. (Check out: "Run the Heart")

17. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
Like countless other hip-hop albums in the past decade, this one was on the shelf for a few years. 2007 or 2010, this album would've definitely made my list regardless. Super 808 elements, dirty southern twang & heavy bass corralled by Big Boi's great delivery and off-beat flair. (Check out: "Shutterbugg")

18. Twin Shadow - Forget
Do believe the hype; if I didn't for this artist, I wouldn't have discovered how much I surprisingly enjoyed this album. Musically and vocally channeling '80s (English rock) revivalism. The tempos & moods shift back and forth between tracks, but for a one-man band, mighty fine compositions. (Check out: "Slow")

19. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
Not my favorite James Murphy record, but for his last (and since I'm a huge admirer) this is a pleasant farewell. Much more rock-based this time but with equal intensity and attention to detail that is expected from Mr. Murphy and his endless musical influences. (Check out: "I Can Change")

20. She & Him - Volume Two
One of the few (more classic-sounding) country/rock records I can stand. And I'm also a huge fan of M. Ward in general. With my Zooey Deschanel infatuation, the vocals always grab me by the soft spot in my heart. (Check out: "Thieves")

21. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
With the prospect of a collaboration between The Shins' singer and wonder-producer Danger Mouse, it's a no brainer they would knock it out of the ballpark. More of a low-key album, but each track is well put together and emotional. (Check out: "Mongrel Heart")

22. Hot Chip - One Life Stand
I got a more tongue-in-cheek vibe from the band with this record (though of course this has been part of their agenda from the start). A bit heavier exploration in electronic/house sounds, but you can tell they had fun putting this together. (Check out: "Hand Me Down Your Love")

23. Tobacco - Maniac Meat
I wouldn't even know where to begin with describing this album, but if you're familiar with Black Moth Super Rainbow (this being a side-project), you'll know what to expect. Short but sharp bursts of electronic/noise with punchy beats and funky electro vocals. (Check out: "Fresh Hex feat. Beck")

24. Holly Miranda - The Magician's Private Library
Superb dream pop & indie rock from a very talented songwriter & vocalist that I sadly do not know much about. With production by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio, this album is a tight, lush package as a soundtrack for your dreams. (Check out: "Waves")

25. Shit Robot - From the Cradle to the Rave
Last but not least, I was drawn to this DFA release because it shows how subversive the artist & label remain in the dance music game (and at the same time not trying to mimic everyone else). A combination of classic techno, house, rave, electro, kraut-rock & synth music with a touch of playful kitsch. (Check out: "I Got A Feeling")

Previous lists:
Best of 2009
Best of 2008

Happy New Year!

The Hype Machine's Music Blog Zeitgeist 2009

So I was just on The Hype Machine and noticed they posted their final results for top songs/artists/albums compiled via music blog submissions. I almost forgot I submitted my list last month. Three of my selections were counted among their Music Blog Zeitgeist's Top 50 Albums list. Check out the links below and see the entire list for yourself:

#1 - Miike Snow (Hype Machine's #32)
#3 - Mos Def (Hype Machine's #28)
#6 - The Horrors (Hype Machine's #23)

Pretty sweet. I guess sometimes you can't underestimate the P of the I.M. ("Power of the Internet, Mister!"--Tiga)!

My Favorite/Best 16 Albums of 2009

1. Miike Snow - Miike Snow

A very close tie with Little Dragon (who's at #2). "Animal" was like the gateway-drug (song?) for me that led me to the rest of them album. It's some of the best dark pop songs I've ever heard. And hella catchy!

2. Little Dragon - Machine Dreams


I completely skipped the band's first album but was sucked in after hearing "Blinking Pigs" on the radio. This album is the ultimate electronic soul/r&b soundtrack from the future (notice I didn't say for--yes, from!). It's other-wordly, haunting, and beautiful.

3. Mos Def - The Ecstatic


Another artist I didn't follow for the first few LPs, but after hearing "Casa Bey" I had a feeling the rest of the record was going to sound like nothing any other hip-hop artist would release this year. Mos Def is most definitely a renaissance man & great artist.

4. Calvin Harris - Ready For The Weekend


The first single ("I'm Not Alone") and also my first complete listen of the album gave me a disappointed first impression, until I came back to it and soon realized the superstar angle and how fun the music was ("Flashback" & "Ready For The Weekend" are the bomb).

5. Discovery - LP


I don't really care if this record really was a joke because two dudes (from Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, respectively) were being ironic & funny. Like the pop-sensibilities I liked about Miike Snow and the electronic r&b funk of Little Dragon, this collaboration was doing something different and unexpected from their usual musical fares.

6. The Horrors - Primary Colours


Talk about a 180! This record definitely turned me around after a disappointing debut. Some dislike the new direction but I totally back it. My being partial to 80's UK post-punk & rock probably has a lot to do with that. These guys channel all those bands from the past perfectly.

7. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic


While I do have to admit that I feel like half the record (which is pretty short itself) is more noise/ambience than identifiably structured songs, the "normal songs" that are present are pretty amazing stuff. I just wish more of the album was like "Fangela", but overall it is indeed a magical composition.

8. The Whitest Boy Alive - Rules


Much more polished-sounding than the debut. The band is definitely and sadly too underrated and overlooked by many. Like my feelings with Mos Def's album, this one reflects a side of indie/guitar music that most other artists aren't exploring, or at least doing this good.

9. Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young


Regardless of my bias with The Strokes, you can't say this effort was a disaster, unnecessary, or a complete disappointment. Of all of the solo projects from the band's members, Julian's is hands down the most unique, diverse and bold. It definitely marks a new maturity for Casablancas - personally, artistically and professionally.

10. Bishop Allen - Grrr...


Yet another artist/group I didn't follow early on album-wise (I didn't even realize they were one of those bands that came into people's attention through a TV ad). I have to admit I don't know a whole lot about the band, but I'm easily drawn to the catchier/poppier side of indie rock, and this album does not let down in that dept.

11. Tiga - Ciao! Tiga


It's grittier and rawer than the last album, incorporates tons of old-school influences, and wouldn't be anything without "Mind Dimension". This is the record Tiga should've put out during the electroclash era of music, but not to say that it sounds outdated (it doesn't). James Murphy & Soulwax co-production? Count me in!

12. The Bloody Beetroots - Romborama


If Basement Jaxx is the epitome of mutant house, the Beetroots are the epitome of mutant "electro". It shouldn't even be classified as electro since Bob Rifo blurs the plethora of his influences perfectly. It's like the new Prodigy. Another great artist on this list, if it wasn't for his creativity & dedication to his craft.

13. The xx - xx


When I started following the buzz with this band, I had my doubts. And plus they looked like four average goth kids going to high school. Then I heard the music and understood I was horribly mistaken. Hope these guys are around long enough to keep making more great music.

14. Florence & The Machine - Lungs


When I first heard Florence & The Machine, there was definitely something very familiar. Aside from all the comparisons that are thrown her way, her voice & music are both mesmerizing, and the production on this album is excellent.

15. Metric - Fantasies


Metric has always been a quality indie band, and although I can't get over how much I will always love Old World Underground, this album sounds so meticulously produced that you can tell the band put a lot of work into it. No matter how remixable they are, nor how awesome I think the remixes from this album's singles are, the originals still hold their own. Love that voice too.

16. Linkwood - System
I spent the least amount of time listening to this album vs. everything else on this list, yet from the second "Tears" made fireworks go off in my mind, I had to keep listening. Each song plays like a 12" single from a producer who shows a perfect consistency and continuity when bridging disco/funk/house/electro together, without sounding aimlessly random.

Honorable Mention:


J Dilla - Jay Stay Paid
A more perfect Donuts. Scrapped together by Pete Rock. Who could ask for more! Couldn't ask for more than to see releases like these continue the spirit & artistry of J Dilla. God bless.


The Juan Maclean - The Future Will Come
Don't get me wrong, great album. Definitely more disco/house/new wave influence permeating through than the first record. It's like the 21st century Human League (who I love!).

Go to my Tumblr to sample some tracks + revisit my 2008 list here!

Happy New Year + Best Of 2008

I'm already ballin' over so much music in my iTunes to go through, I have a mix I need to record that I was hoping to finish before the year was over, plus another one I'm starting to collect tracks for for a '09 kick off mixtape.

Also, I give you my best of/favorite albums of 2008:

1. Vampire Weekend - s/t
By now the band may have worn out their welcome with indie fans but when this first came out, trust me you and I were both feeling this like whoa.

2. Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Besides having an amazing title single, after a few spins the album creeps up on you by surprise.

3. Foals - Antidotes
I've posted about this guys before on my old blog, the first time I heard this in its entirety I couldn't shut it off. Great dance-y math-, post-rock rhythms.

4. Hot Chip - Made In The Dark
Always looking for a familiar sound in subsequent records can be a killer. At first listen I didn't understand what they were doing, but now I know the band is destined for great pop genius.

5. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
This album brought out the darker 80s influences with a matured sound, topped off with a splash of MBV. I love Cut Copy to death.

6. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
The album is this low on my list despite their hype but that's also the reason. Nonetheless a solidly produced record all around.

7. Hercules & Love Affair - s/t
Haunting vocals and excellent disco house journeys. These guys deserve all the acclaim they get. Plus I'd listen to Kim Ann Foxman's voice forever if I could.

8. Lykke Li - Youth Novel
No wonder I liked this album so much, one of the guys from Peter Bjorn & John produced the record! This makes up for their 2008 album sucking so much. And I can't forget Lykke Li's charming vocals of course.

9. Dr. Dog - Fate
My only issue with this album is that it sounds like it was unmastered, or my headphones are broken. Otherwise these guys have a great 60s/70s pop-rock sound, extreme catchiness, that I don't think anyone else could pull off.
(Thanks Dane)

10. Friendly Fires - s/t
I heard these guys produced their stuff DIY, if so cheers to them. I hate to drop their name (yeah I'm one of those people) but think early Bloc Party and throw it in a punk-funk-disco blender for sharp dance rhythms and good times.

11. Walter Meego - Voyager
A band I kind of ignored at first (and should've stayed to see when they opened for Cut Copy), then rediscovered after hearing a few tracks here and there and asking myself "I know this..who is this?". Trust me, put the album on and people will be asking about them too.

12. Flight Of The Conchords - s/t
Although it's not new material and missing a few classics, the pair are extremely talented and funny and how could anyone not like this record?

13. Late Of The Pier - Fantasy Black Channel
Fuck the nu-rave/Klaxons comparisons, with the help of Erol Alkan this band has produced the most unique sounding album of 2008 from the UK indie scene.

14. Mr. Oizo - Lambs Anger
On the surface it sounds half-assed at times, like Oizo threw some loops on repeat, but if you're familiar with his music all the way from Analog Worms Attack (maybe even earlier), this guy is an amazing producer. Overall its the Oizo album I've been waiting for since the last (which I was sadly disappointed by).

15. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
This album reminds me of what J Dilla (RIP) was going for with The Shining (which was one of my favorite albums of '06). It's not perfect, but compared to other comeback/aging hip-hop icons, Q-Tip did an excellent and cohesive job. The Dilla-produced track "Move" has been on repeat for me for a while now.

16. Dodos - Visiter
Refreshing yet sadly underrated indie folk-rock, musically reminiscent of Animal Collective at times (and I say this loosely), with a vintage sound like the aforementioned Dr. Dog. The album reminds me of my college radio days.

Honorable Mention: Skatebard - Cosmos
This is my fave space disco shit of the year, and although somewhat formulaic and repetitive, I think Skatebard is headed in the right direction for the recognition he deserves.

P.S.
Here's a link to my Best Of 2007 on my old blog (R.I.P. Dancefloor Heart Attack).

P.P.S.
The "Far Away" b-side on Cut Copy's latest single, "Sands of Time", is dooope. For sure going on the next mixtape...cop that ish!