This week’s digest is packing some heavy punches. Kicking things off with Kelela’s stunning new track High, followed by Beyoncé producing/writing Boots and his second solo cut. Little Dragon premiered a track from their new album this week, and it is mind blowing. A few new artists are followed by a cover of Dreams and Chvrches taking on the Arctic Monkeys.
Listen to this playlist in the privacy of your plastic home, in the cold, dead arms of your plastic boyfriend. Stroke your straw hair as you gaze into the productive innovation, lyrical stimulation, and star power of these tracks. Rearrange your useless furniture, sit your ass down on your uncomfortable sofa. Let the sound waves bounce off the shiny corners of your tiny mansion and trickle into the empty crevices of your ears.
It’s been an amazing year in music, and while so far I snubbed more popularly rotated albums for The 10 Best Underplayed Albums of 2013, here you’ll see an all inclusive list. From Lady Gaga to Chvrches to James Black and Rhye- consider this a year in review, or maybe just a collection of songs you need to hear if you haven’t. So based on a combination of personal opinion (like including a track off Ra Ra Riot’s latest album which was severely critiqued), popularity, and merit, here are the 25 best tracks of 2013. Subscribe to the Spotify Playlist at the bottom of this post!
At the end of this past summer X priest X came buzzing out of sunny Florida with the track Samurai. What was great about the song is it managed to utilize the shallow sounding production of 80s electroclash to create a pop track with depth. The production sounds like synths funneled through a styrofoam cup, with a tiny lady dancing and singing at the bottom. Continue reading
This week’s playlist reflects that strange pleasurable nostalgia that accompanies amazing Fall weather. Pawws debuts a new track and it’s the nail on the coffin for me (as in, I’m hers). Lyrically it’s as gorgeous as the other two tracks, but instrumentally she’s taken her music to a new level by simplifying it. MØ premiers a ballad, also making her a top contender for favorite new artist; it successfully establishes her versatility and talent. Flicker from Shivum Sharma is heart breakingly beautiful. I have to apologize for including such a slow song, but in its nuances and simple melodies a universally emotive track rises (give it a chance). Mood change- Jessica Agombar delivers a hot ass summer dance track! Get down to that.
Finally the last three songs are covers: Say Lou Lou covers Tame Impala, ASTR covers Drake, and Chvrches cover Whitney Houston. It’s obvious I’m a big Chvrches fan, and It’s Not Right But It’s Okay is one of my all time favorite songs. That being said, I love the instrumentation for the track, but Lauren’s vocals are disappointing… Especially when she sings, “You were making a fool out of me”. What was Whitney’s money making moment is Lauren’s last call.
Anyway, enjoy 🙂
XOXO
Forget the entire ‘Roar’ vs. ‘Applause’ ordeal; this is the Pop act to be raving over. Chvrches debut is overflowing with catchy melodies, intuitive songwriting, and chilling synths.
With The Bones of What You Believe’ Chvrches has given us a solid crossover record, full of hit making melodies above 80s synth driven loops, drawing directly on a lineage pioneered by the likes of New Order and Depeche Mode. The songs seem simple but reveal layers in both intention and instrumentation, and while the melodies may seem tame, they support lyrics that are surprisingly dark, even emotionally grotesque in their vulnerability. Matching that attitude Lauren Mayberry is the perfect front-woman: adorable yet vicious, outspoken yet frivolous. She understands what drives synth pop and how to deliver something catchy yet meaningful, and DAMN these songs are catchy.
The internet was all abuzz this week with some fantastic new releases. Chvrches have released another single ahead of their full length debut (due out in September) entitled Gun. This is my favorite track from them so far. It’s more in the vein of The Mother We Share than the Recover EP, and it’s perfect for summertime pop. Continue reading
Here’s a selection of my favorite tracks from what’s been circulating the internet this week. Enjoy 🙂
Kaiotic Music 