Hard to believe we're nearing halfway through 2013 already. It's also hard to believe I haven't really listened to that much this year. Yep. Keeping it simple because nobody likes to read novels in blog entries.
#5. Autre Ne Veut - "Play by Play"
I've never listened to this project prior to Anxiety, and I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. What I got, though, might be my pick for my summer album. Specifically the opening track, "Play By Play" which comes off as extremely sexy and enthusiastic. Lavishing synth patterns swirling around 808 drums bleeds neon. The falsetto and female harmonies are extremely ethereal and transcends the track into a modern classic in synthpop. Possibly the most fun I've ever had with a track this year.
#4. Daft Punk - "Doin' It Right (feat. Panda Bear)"
My hype for Daft Punk's Random Access Memories was riding all on this one track. Those who know me are well aware that I am a huge Animal Collective and that I have a borderline homosexual crush for Noah Lennox, aka Panda Bear. The track doesn't disappoint. While fairly minimal compared to the rest of the album, the booming bass and vocoder background vocals set the stage for Lennox's angelic voice. I've yet to listen to finish the album without putting this one on repeat.
#3. The Knife - "Full of Fire"
I think it's safe to say that The Knife has never ventured this dark. The nine minute synthpop epic dropped to promote Shaking the Habitual showed that the Dreijer siblings were anxious to step out of their comfort zone. The tapping synth patterns, buzzing bass, stuttering drums, and the array of nightmarish ambient noise composes the track into one of the eeriest dance songs to come out in a long time. With Karin's uncomfortable vocal styling, it only makes it better.
#2. Justin Timberlake - "Suit & Tie (feat. Jay-Z)"
If you were to tell me a Justin Timberlake track were to be a highlight of my listening in 2013 last year I would have said you're full of shit. I can't honestly say I've been too much of a fan of his prior to The 20/20 Experience, but there's something about this track I can't get enough of. As a pop song, it's nice that it strays away from all the club hits and faux pas indie breakthrough acts. It's just so clean, so suave, so cool. The beat is addicting and so is Justin's lofty falsetto. Jay-Z does a great job, too.
#1. This Town Needs Guns - "Cat Fantastic"
This is a track I was surprised I liked so much. When first listening to 13.0.0.0.0, I thought it came off as safe. The band acquires a new vocalist and I thought this was a way for him to slowly put himself in place, but after multiple listens, it managed to hit a strong chord with me. This track channels everything emotional and atmospheric about Midwestern emo (particularly American Football) and sends chills down my spine. Collis' twinkly guitar rifts and Tremain's swooning vocals coincide beautifully and gets more addicting every listen.
#5. Autre Ne Veut - "Play by Play"
I've never listened to this project prior to Anxiety, and I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. What I got, though, might be my pick for my summer album. Specifically the opening track, "Play By Play" which comes off as extremely sexy and enthusiastic. Lavishing synth patterns swirling around 808 drums bleeds neon. The falsetto and female harmonies are extremely ethereal and transcends the track into a modern classic in synthpop. Possibly the most fun I've ever had with a track this year.
#4. Daft Punk - "Doin' It Right (feat. Panda Bear)"
My hype for Daft Punk's Random Access Memories was riding all on this one track. Those who know me are well aware that I am a huge Animal Collective and that I have a borderline homosexual crush for Noah Lennox, aka Panda Bear. The track doesn't disappoint. While fairly minimal compared to the rest of the album, the booming bass and vocoder background vocals set the stage for Lennox's angelic voice. I've yet to listen to finish the album without putting this one on repeat.
#3. The Knife - "Full of Fire"
I think it's safe to say that The Knife has never ventured this dark. The nine minute synthpop epic dropped to promote Shaking the Habitual showed that the Dreijer siblings were anxious to step out of their comfort zone. The tapping synth patterns, buzzing bass, stuttering drums, and the array of nightmarish ambient noise composes the track into one of the eeriest dance songs to come out in a long time. With Karin's uncomfortable vocal styling, it only makes it better.
#2. Justin Timberlake - "Suit & Tie (feat. Jay-Z)"
If you were to tell me a Justin Timberlake track were to be a highlight of my listening in 2013 last year I would have said you're full of shit. I can't honestly say I've been too much of a fan of his prior to The 20/20 Experience, but there's something about this track I can't get enough of. As a pop song, it's nice that it strays away from all the club hits and faux pas indie breakthrough acts. It's just so clean, so suave, so cool. The beat is addicting and so is Justin's lofty falsetto. Jay-Z does a great job, too.
#1. This Town Needs Guns - "Cat Fantastic"
This is a track I was surprised I liked so much. When first listening to 13.0.0.0.0, I thought it came off as safe. The band acquires a new vocalist and I thought this was a way for him to slowly put himself in place, but after multiple listens, it managed to hit a strong chord with me. This track channels everything emotional and atmospheric about Midwestern emo (particularly American Football) and sends chills down my spine. Collis' twinkly guitar rifts and Tremain's swooning vocals coincide beautifully and gets more addicting every listen.