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Have you ever:
Wished your iTunes would be more full than it is?
Been embarrassed by having too much (or any) Bruno Mars?
Wanted to sound like a snobby hipster by talking about bands that no one knows?
Wanted to feel something from listening to music?

If you answered yes to any of those questions. This blog is for you!

Monday, December 31, 2012

Top Songs 2012: 1-10


Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B


1. The House That Heaven Built
 This choice for me was a no-brainer. From the first time I heard this track I knew it would be my number one for 2012. Japandroids released their second album, Celebration Rock, in 2012 with "The House that Heaven Built" at the forefront. It sounds like a combination of Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping" and Andrew WK's "Party Hard". This song was written for someone with more of a vocal range than Brian King, but it seems fitting that while he's rocking out as hard as he can, he's still struggling to hit the notes. One of my favorite memories from 2012 was at Pitchfork in the crowd during this song being surrounded by thousands of kids yelling "You're not mine to die for anymore, so I must live" and "If they try to slow you down/ tell them all to go to hell." Lyrics like these remind us to be ourselves and pursue our goals no matter what. In 2012, "The House That Heaven Built" was any punk rocker's anthem.





2. Obedear - Purity Ring
Purity Ring understands what the brain wants to hear. Starting with their syth pop hook followed by their deep bass and perfected with lead singer, Megan James' ghostly voice. I love the lyrics "Oh but dear the sky is low" being sung with the high pitched starlike syth pings in the background. Seeing them live only ads to the endorphin rush with their floating shining orbs changing colors with the beat. Purity Ring is one of 2012's breakout bands. It's hard to put Obedear at number 2 without recognizing that the whole album is pure ecstasy. 





3. Pyramids - Frank Ocean
This song does not feel like it's actually 9 minutes long. So much is going on. Divided into three movements, each of which explains Cleopatra in a new way: first as a pharaoh, then as a stripper, and finally as a modern girl whom men become powerless around. With all of this happening lyrically, the song goes through different phases ranging from calming R&B to poppy hook to epic dance party. Frank's ability to combine all of these elements so fluidly into one track shows his greatness as an artist and the greatness of this track.






4. Lazuli - Beach House
Lazuli builds up from a calming sythpop bridge into a momentous burst of power. A burst of power released over and over throughout the track.  This colorful track brings more life to Beach House than anything seen on their previous album, Teen Dream. The intertwining lyrics at the end of the song sounds like the perfect way to conclude a dreamy song like this. Like Purity Ring, Beach House's whole album, Bloom, is amazing and if you like Lazuli you must check out the rest.






5. Stay Useless - Cloud Nothings
Dylan Baldi has come a long way from his previously released EPs. 2012's Attach on Memories is his best release to date and on the album, Stay Useless stands out. Time goes by too fast and all Baldi wants to do is for it to slow down so he can catch up. The fast punk rock pace of the song illustrates the speed of time and Baldi's lyrics yearn for it to stop. It’s a perfect song for any stressed out person who needs to blow off some steam. 






6. Swimming Pool (Drank) - Kendrick Lamar
In the Hip-Hop world, 2012 was Kendrick Lamar's year.  His album good kid, m.A.A.d city is regarded by many as the best album of the year and Swimming Pool (Drank) perfectly represents Kendrick's conflict. A conflict we all share. Kendrick wonderfully raps about the relationship between drinking and binge drinking from the perspective of a Compton native. I love the verse where Kendrick acts as his conscious and his struggle to understand his limit.






7. Kill for Love - Chromatics
Whenever I hear Chromatics I feel like they should always be playing in a small European nightclub.  The band beautifully combines 80s synth pop with modern rock. What especially gets me is the feeling behind the line "I'd kill for love." It's a reminder of the power of love with a poppy-electronic beat to make it not sound so scary. Also, what an amazing album cover.





8. Serpents - Sharon Van Etten
“Serpents” is Sharon Von Etten's most unique track yet. Serpents begins quietly singing about her troubles but builds into an angsty chorus about her conflicting mind and her dislike for someone in her life. She shows tremendous passion and angry unseen in her previous work and unseen by most others in 2012.






9. Grown Up - Danny Brown
Danny Brown showed a new side of himself in Grown Up. While we know it's still him with his Adderall jokes and lines about sour patch kids; Danny Brown sounds nostalgic of the 90s as seen through the beat of the song sounding like something A Tribe Called Quest would use and his lines about Captain Crunch and skipping out on homework. But at the same time, nostalgic because of his gratitude to how his past in Detroit brought him to where he is today. The point is very well articulated in the music video, which happens to be my favorite of the year.






10. Hands on The Wheel (feat. A$AP Rocky) - Schoolboy Q
Hands on The Wheel sounds like the best pregaming song of 2012. Not only is its Kid Cudi based chorus incredibly catchy, but the A$AP and Schoolboy raps about doing all the crazy things partiers have to deal with (drunk driving, taking uppers and downers, and getting high just to name a few) tell us that either these two are partying enough for the rest of us or we need to get on their level. And most importantly, who can forget the awesome line "Got the purple drink/ got the yellow drink/ and we mix it up/ Call it Pikachu."


Top Songs 2012: 11-20

Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B


11. Angels - The xx
The xx came out with their second album in 2012, Coexist. While the album as a whole was a disappointment relative to their debut, Angels is an exception. One of my favorite songs to wake up to in 2012, Angels has all the classic xx elements including their minimalist beat and romantically quiet lyrics. 





12. Man on Fire - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Like the xx, Edward Sharpe’s new album was not as good as their debut, but also like the xx, they had an exception. Man on Fire shows a new side of the band. While their previous hits like "Home" sounds like happy love songs, Man of Fire reveals a more personal side to the band. A lonely side that Edward believes can be fixed through dance. I love how this song shows glorifies the idea that dancing can change everything.





13. Jasmine (Demo) - Jai Paul
Only the second song produced by Jai Paul. Remember last year's hit BTSTU? Well he did it again. Jasmine wonderfully combines the classic (can we really call it classic after two songs?) Jai Pail bass thuds with his electronic bridges and falsetto vocals. At this rate, he will have completed his first album in about 8 years.





14. Emmylou - First Aid Kit
This song is an ode to Gram Parson, Emmylou Harris, June Carter, and Johnny Cash. This Swedish folk duo angelically harmonizes this track. If the song wasn't already great enough, the video was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, one of my favorite places. It was ridiculous that they played at noon at lolla this year, but they aren't going anywhere. 





15. Adorn - Miguel
This song may sound cheesy on the surface, but all Miguel wants is to show his love and I don't know of many better ways than an R&B track like this. I have to give credit to Christie Capper who showed me this track. Anyways, Miguel pisses off every boyfriend in the world for not being able to show their love as well as him.





16. Belispeak II (feat. Danny Brown) - Purity Ring
This song combines two of my favorite parts of 2012, Danny Brown and Purity Ring. The original Belispeak is already an amazing track, but Danny Brown's rap over the syths brings the song to a new level. 





17. Thinkin Bout You - Frank Ocean
After Novacane, Thinkin Bout You, brought Frank Ocean into the spotlight. Frank sings about "thinking about forever" which must be the anthem for too many high school indie couples. While it may not be as loud or intense as any of his Odd Future counterparts, Thinkin Bout You is definitely more powerful.





18. Constant Conversations - Passion Pit
 Passion Pit came out with the second album in 2012, Gossamer. Constant Conversations sounds different from the rest with its R&B feel, but it very well represents the album as a whole. While the melodies might sound happy and poppy, lead singer Michael Angelakos uses this track to ask forgiveness from a past girlfriend for his drunken mishaps. In my opinion, the most "real" Passion Pit song recorded to date.





19. Lines (feat. A$AP Rocky & Phantogram) - Big Boi
This song has so many amazing features. A$AP starts with an awesome verse, then indie band Phantogram sings a beautiful chorus and then Big Boi continues with a classic Big Boi verse. This compilation really combines many aspects of the music industry including the alt-electro beats of Phantogram and the new vs. older hip hop styles of A$AP and Big Boi.





20. Cherry Blossom - Stumbleine
 Virtually unheard throughout the year, very few electronic tracks this year were able to produce such emotion in a 4 minute track. Stumbleine's blend of deep bass syths with the high falsetto vocals produces a wonderful piece.

Top Songs 2012: 21-30

Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B

21. Affection - Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles came out with their third album this year with their most original title yet (III). Affection has their classic electronic sound, but it includes a new dreamy element. One of the best shows I saw all year, Alice Glass kills herself at every show. 




22. After Light (feat. AlunaGeorge) - Rustie
AlunaGeorge is one of this years best new artists and their compilation with Rustie is fantastic. I love the poppy vocals with the electronic beat. Also the drop after 2 minutes kicks ass. 




23. Wandering Star - POLICA
One of the most unique sounds all year. I love Polica's high pitched ghostly vocals combined with their deep bass and quirky instrumentals.




24. Dance All Night - Free Energy
Free Energy has always produced some classically clean alternative tracks and Dance All Night might be one of their best. Free Energy says the album was influenced by Tom Petty, but its pretty apparent through the video these guys miss the 90s.




25. Every Single Night - Fiona Apple
I love the introduction to this song: simply self-reflective.  I also love Fiona's vocal fluidity from whispering to yelling and back to quivering.




26. Rella (feat. Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis & Tyler, The Creator) - Odd Future
While 2011 may have been a better year for Odd Future (except for Frank Ocean), Rella shows the world that these LA punks are not leaving the spotlight. Rella's first two verses from Hodgy and DG are pretty good, but once Tyler spits his verse you know these guys are going nowhere. 




27. Jungle - Emma Louise
 Emma Louise reflects on her state of mind in Jungle. I love how she starts off quietly wanting her lover and then the song continues into the chorus which sounds as confusing as her emotions.




28. Goldie (prod. Hit-Boy) - A$AP Rocky
2012 marked the beginning of Harlem native A$AP's greatness pinnacled by his hit Goldie.  A$AP's future looks very bright starting with his new Interscope album LongLiveA$AP followed by his world-tour with Rihanna. I don't think it'll be better than his tour this fall with Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q, but at least now his audience will definitely expand.




29. Andreja 4-Ever - Elite Gymnastics
Who would have thought that Cartoon Network's adult swim would discover one of 2012's best songs. Elite Gymnastics accomplishes a nostalgic love feel through their perfect combination of piano, synths, and harmonica.




30. Billboard - S-Type
S-Type made my favorite workout track of the year. Perfect music to finish your run too with awesome bridges and an escalating beat that brings a constant feeling of excitement throughout the song.

Top Songs 2012: 31-40

Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B



31. The Art of Peer Pressure - Kendrick Lamar
I love the story told in this song. Kendrick raps about dealing with peer pressure in central LA from a new perspective: as a kid who hardly drinks or smokes. I love how he says "me and the homies" because on the one hand, they're the kids he knows and loves, but they're also the kids who could get him in trouble.




32. Counting - Autre Ne Veut
Arthur Ashin wonderfully combines his falsetto with a smooth R&B-Electronic background. In an interview he said that this song was written for his dying grandmother.




33. I Love It - Icona Pop
Possibly the best pop song of the year. I have yet to listen to this song without wanting to dance all night. I Love It is the perfect pop song for kids in their 20s who don't give a shit and just want to have fun.




34. Lullabies - Yuna
On a very different note, Malasian singer/songwriter Yuna sings one of the most beautiful love ballads of 2012.




35. From Nowhere - Dan Croll
Liverpool artist Dan Croll wrote a song that's hard for me to define. It has elements of alternative and electronic that blend really beautifully with his catchy chorus.




36. How Beautiful You Are - Lovers
This song reminds me of Daniel Johnston's True Love Will Find You in the End. Both tracks are produced very simply, but their message is very impactful: love is very much alive!




37. Henrietta - Yeasayer
While I was not a big fan of Yeasayer's new album Fragrant World, Henrietta is a big exception.  It starts with a the typical Yeasayer electro-pop sound for the first part of the song and then after 2 minutes or so, I love the way they repeat the line "Oh Henrietta, we can live on forever."




38. Open Your Heart - The Men
In 2012, The Men, similar to Japandroids, made fun songs to rock out to.  The moshing crowd at Pitchfork belting the lyrics and air drumming looked as if they were some of the hardest alt-rockers in 2012, second to Japandroid fans.




39. Mercy - Kanye West
Their are few songs of 2012 that I've heard sung so much. Not only is the chorus catchy as fuck, but also who can resist all the awesome puns rapped by Big Sean.  Kanye is transitioning from an artist to a producer and he is doing it very well.




40. Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Thrift Shopping has never been cooler on college campuses thanks to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Macklemore's story is a really fun one to follow as a local unsigned Seattle kid selling out all across the country and having his debut album reach number 1 on iTunes. Also with Ryan Lewis, the two produce some great music videos including a touching video for their song "Same Love."

Top Songs 2012: 41-50


Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B


41. Sweater Weather - The Neighborhood
I love this local LA band. They sound like the future of alt-pop.




42. Gone Tomorrow - Lambchop
One of the sweetest songs of the year. Absolutely worth listening to all 7 minutes.




43. Simple Song - The Shins
I wasn't too thrilled with the album as a whole, but after 5 years of waiting The Shins produced a wonderful arena filling alt-pop song.




44. Ridin (feat. Lana del Rey) - A$AP Rocky
This song is a great combination of the last two years. Lana ruled in 2011 and A$AP came to power in 2012. Also, Lana rapping?




45. Werkin' Girls - Angel Haze
One of the most impressive raps I heard all year. Dare I say I like her more than Azealia Banks?




46. Paper Forest (In The Afterglow of Rapture) - Emmy The Great
I love Emma's voice. A wonderful breakup song.




47. Ancient Mars - The Zolas
One of my favorite alternative songs of the year. The Zolas sound like the Shins or Rilo Kiley did back in 2007.




48. Fitzpleasure - Alt-J
This album was one of the most popular alt-rock albums on iTunes. I love its combination of grunge and alt rock.




49. At Home - Crystal Fighters
This song is super catchy. Also, Passion Pit made a pretty sweet remix of it.




50. Backlines - Stars
I'm glad this song just made the cut. I love Stars' sound. Very alt-poppy.

Top Songs 2012: Honorable Mention

This year as I tried to make a list of my top 50 tracks, the difference between my likeness of track 50 and 65 was very small, I decided to make an honorable mention list before publishing my top 50 of the year. Enjoy!

Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B


I Don't Like (feat. Lil Reese) - Chief Keef




There He Go - Schoolboy Q




Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe - Kendrick Lamar




Chum - Earl Sweatshirt




Wildest Moments - Jessie Ware




Fuckin' Problems (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) - A$AP Rocky




Ground Up (feat. Wiz Khalifa) - Domo Genesis




The Only Place - Best Coast




You Know You Like It - AlunaGeorge




Cherokee - Cat Power




Oh I - Jupiter




Heaven - The Walkmen




Pull Me Down (Prod. by Clams Casino) - Mikky Ekko




Paradise - Wild Nothing




I Agree - Red Wire Black Wire

Monday, December 10, 2012

December 2012

Everyone has their procrastination tactics. Some stare at memes, scroll back years on their Facebook pages, or watch way to many videos of adorable cats. All of those sound like awesome times, but I prefer ranking music. So here is my pre-finals playlist! Big Boi has a new album dropping very soon and every single that he's released so far has kicked ass. Lines is my favorite so far. He collaborated with A$AP and Phantogram! What a combo! Chromatics dropped their first single since Kill for Love and it sounds like more of the same, which is all we can ask for. Good luck studying for Finals everyone!
Top 3: Lines, Counting, Insane (feat. Moon Holiday)

Red - Pop
Blue - Electronic
Green - Alternative
Orange - Hip hop
Pink
- R&B


1. Lines (feat. A$AP Rocky & Phantogram) - Big Boi



2. Counting - Autre Ne Veut



3. Pull Me Down (Prod. by Clams Casino) - Mikky Ekko


4. Fresh Eyes - Nautic


5. Sex - The 1975


6. This Fire - Birds of Tokyo


7. Insane (feat. Moon Holiday) - Flume


8. Cherry - Chromatics


9. Knot In My Heart - The Zola


10. In My Arms - Fryars


11. Coming True - Guards


12. Blue Ice - Shout Out Louds


13. Day & Night - Diamond Rings


14. Ballad of the Golden Hour - Windowspeak


15. Defenders - Tilly & The Wall