Sprawling cinematic leadoff track from Shadow’s terrific new album.
♩ DJ Shadow – The Mountain Will Fall [from The Mountain Will Fall]
NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich sums this song up perfectly – “…sounds like Smashing Pumpkins playing new wave.”
♩ Flasher – Destroy [from Flasher]
I absolutely love this track. The throwback harmonies and doo wops are spot on. I must say though, it’ a bit eerie how fitting this is for me personally.
♩Eric Bachmann – Mercy [from Eric Bachmann]
I can’t really explain it, but this track really speaks to me. I love it especially the chimes in this. Nice nod to The Cure’s “Plainsong.”
♩ Daniel Woolhouse – Map of the Moon [from What’s That Sound?]
Airy, pensive, and nostalgic alt-folk gem from the Australian native’s impressive debut LP. The dreamy vocals and steady build easily make this my favorite track from the record.
♩ Julia Jacklin – Hay Plain [from Don’t Let The Kids Win]
Fantastic b-side from brother-sister duo Madeline (of Cults) and Richie James Follin’s (of Guards & Willowz) debut. This track bleeds nostalgia and I absolutely love the wispy synths and atmospheric sounds. I can’t wait to hear more.
♩ Follin – Memories [from Follin]
It pains me to say this, but I don’t dislike Florida when I listen to this jolting, infectious, sing-a-long, danceable gem from Animal Collective’s 11th studio album (keep ’em coming boys!).
♩ Animal Collective – FloriDada [from Painting With]
Only someone like Lisa Hannigan can make a song about loss sound so beautiful.
♩ Lisa Hannigan – Prayer For The Dying [from At Swim]
Glitchy and rhythmic beats, along with melodic and soulful vocals, combine for one of the most accessible Moderat tracks in their catalog and one of my personal favorites.
♩ Moderat – Running [from III]
Even more of my favorite music videos from this past year…
♩ DJ Shadow – Nobody Speak (ft. Run The Jewels) [from The Mountain Will Fall]
Director: Sam Pilling
♩ Radiohead – Burn The Witch [from A Moon Shaped Pool]
Director: Chris Hopewell
♩ Kishi Bashi – Say Yeah [from Sonderlust]
Director: Geoff Hoskinson
♩ Sleigh Bells – I Can Only Stare [from Jessica Rabbit]
Directors: Alex Ross Perry and Derek Miller
♩ Justice – Fire [from Woman]
Director: Pascal Teixeira
Frank shocked the world with two big releases, basically back to back. Both are fantastic and deserve repeated listens. Like “All We Got” from Coloring Book (Chance The Rapper), “Nikes” is a perfect lead off track. Almost too perfect. It’s really quite infectious. I’ve listened to this track on repeat probably the most this year. The production is impeccable. Play. Enjoy. Repeat.
♩ Frank Ocean – Nikes [from Blonde]
Fuzzy slow-fi ode to letting go, taking risks, and putting yourself out their.
♩ bed. – Billy Joel [from klickitat EP]
Clocking in at a mere 1:26, the song is bursting at the seems and the perfect teaser for the band’s new LP (Terrible Human Beings, out 2/17).
♩ The Orwells – Buddy [single]