Top 100 Tracks of 2013 Part II
This is the continuation of Top 100 tracklist. If you haven´t already, check out the first fifty tracks here.
49. Pharrell - "Happy" (from Despicable Me 2 OST)
Hearing a original song with Pharrell and only Pharrell is something very rare nowadays. And it always is a great pleasure to see that he isn´t just the producer and backing vocals man of everyone in the industry. "Happy" might also be a good prospect of what to expect from his second solo album eschewing rap completely. 2014 just gets more and more exciting.
Also this song features a 24-Hour video: http://24hoursofhappy.com/
48. Moderat - "Bad Kingdom" (from II)
II by Moderat was one of the best electronica albums of this year. Being a collab of Appart and Modeselector, they can be considered a dream pairing of two genre defying artist in German electronic music. "Bad Kingdom" is a great example of indie like vocals working on a very straightforward dance track.
Interchangeable with: "Milk"
47. Gesaffelstein - "Duel" (from Aleph)
Gesaffelsteins blend of heavy techno music reminds me of dance club scenes in action movies where the music is turnt up when the fighting starts and people lose their lives. If one might say that metal might bring out aggression in man, "Duel" forces you to loose your shit and destroy something.
Also worth it: "Hellifornia"
46. PARTYNEXTDOOR - "Relax With Me" (from PARTYNEXTDOOR)
Drake has a great ear for exciting R´n´B music. Not only does he utilize it on his own accounts, but he also helps the world discover like-minded sounds. PARTNEXTDOOR was the first release on OVO Sound and while only being a half an hour long, was in heavy rotation for me. Even if some might not like this reference, the album and especially "Relax With Me" play as the Weeknd without the depression.
PARTYNEXTDOOR is free to download from Soundcloud
45. The Field - "Cupid´s Head" (from Cupid´s Head)
The Field has brought a new piece of music with him every 2 years now and every new release has some new tweak to it. While his 2011 Looping State of Mind hit a very radiant mood, Cupid´s Head goes down a dreary road. Not to be said that it is downbeat or sad but as the title track conveys, it is a headier and a more nocturnal listen.
44. Cocaine 80´s - "Ground" (from The Flower Of Life)
Uplifting, airy and enamoured - that is "Ground" and most of the Flower Of Life in the nutshell. This collective deserves to be checked out! Get their tape for absolutely nothing: http://cocaine80s.com/
Interchangeable with: "Lucid"
43. Deniro Farrar - "Nowhere To Run" (from The Patriarch)
This track falling under two minutes packs a punch. Deniro Farrars voice has pathos and draws you in with second one and Keyboard Kid´s production with the doleful male voice seals the deal of sorrow.
42. Hammock - "I Could Hear The Water At The Edge Of All Things" (from Oblivion Hymns)
Hammock for being a band that originally never intended to release any of their music, have been busy with continuous releases. But I´ll have to admit, that they lost me somewhere in the middle of them and I passed the instrumental death sentence of repetitiveness. But on Oblivion Hymns they complimented their sound with an orchestra and a choir. Yes a choir! "I Could Hear The Water At The Edge Of All Things" gives me the goosebumps as soon as the singing commences.
41. Factory Floor - "Two Different Ways" (From Self-Titled)
I must admit that Factory Floor don´t really stick out that much except maybe for the dead-pan vocals being really convincing. But I just love the throbbing rhythm and procession of "Two Different Ways" so I avert my eyes for the sake of enjoyment on this one.
40. Blood Orange - "Chamkay" (from Cupid Deluxe)
Devonte Hynes is the man behind my favorite track of last year; Sky Ferreira´s 80´s throwback "Everything Is Embarrassing". And throwback and doing things with a great sense of what came before is also the premise of "Cupid Deluxe". Many might feel that he dwells to deep in that matter and there is a lack of originality, but as "Chamkay" shows best, emotional depth can be found and either the vocals or the instrumentation don´t bore you like any oldie on the radio of that period might.
39. AlunaGeorge - "Attracting Flies" (from Body Music)
As we proceed to the top, the uplifting side of things will fall shorter and shorter. So I´m glad that AlunaGeorge exist and that their debut album Body Music was the sweetest and most lovey-dovey listen I enjoyed this year. The bubble gum vocals and detailed production blend for a long run in my library and "Attracting Flies" is the prime example of this.
AlunaGeorge 'Attracting Flies' from Pulse Films on Vimeo.
38. Julianna Barwick - "The Harbinger" (from Nepenthe)
I heard Julianna Barwick for the first time this year and was surprised how I could have missed out at such an great artist for so long. Her approach of creating her own choir by layering her voice is stirringly beautiful. "The Harbinger" feels like a lucid dream and is perfect for shedding a tear or two.
37. Dizzy Wright - "Verbalizing" & "World Peace" (from The Golden Age)
I know, actually these are two separate songs thus making this list one of 101 tracks. But "Verbalizing" served as an intro to Dizzy Wright for me and I listened to those short two and a half minutes almost daily for some months until I got myself his previous discography. With "Golden Age" he delivered an extensive mixtape with many great tracks and a high replay value. "World Peace" has everything I enjoy about his music, a great laid-back vibe and Dizzy delivering his words of encouragement and introspection. He seems a good example of what people might only label weed-rap, elevating itself.
36. A$AP Rocky - "PMW (All I Need)" feat. Schoolboy Q (from LONG.LIVE.A$AP)
Working on my list, I almost forgot that LONG.LIVE.A$AP was released this year. "PMW" brings us the great pairing of Rocky and honorary A$AP Q. Maybe not with much content but if anything brainless, let it be those two.
Interchangeable with: "1Train"
A$AP Rocky - PMW Ft. ScHoolboy Q from P4VH on Vimeo.
35. The Weeknd - "Kiss Land" (from Kiss Land)
The first listen to The Weeknd´s first commercial effort left me somewhat indifferent. But after repeated listens I came to the conclusion that his changes where subtle and not non-existent. Some praise his poppy "Wanderlust" but "Kiss Land" shows Abel at his best in his own lane of gloomy R´n´b.
(Sadly, the video cuts the first part with the subtle twinkle very short)
The Weeknd - Kiss Land (Official Video) from The New Layout on Vimeo.
34. Gilbere Forte - "Pray" (from Pray)
Pray predates 2013 a little, but this is the year his mixtape was released and this one deserves huge praise. How Forte´s producer Raak flips the sample of "Every Single Night" by Fiona Apple is just pure art and Forte´s bravado can definitely take him places.
Gilbere Forte - PRAY from Gilbere Forte on Vimeo.
33. Recondite - "Still" (from Hinterland)
Two Germans released a album titled Hinterland this year and Recondite definitely takes the lead over Casper. Inspired by his home Bavaria and utilizing many field recordings, he crafted a catchy but subtle piece of music.
32. Lorde - "Ribs" (from Pure Heroine)
Lorde took the world by storm and rightfully so. As almost everyone praises "Royals" in their year´s end list, I just have to opt for my biggest favorite from Pure Heroine, "Ribs". The simple story, the trancy undertones and sweet ending make this a standout.
31. Rainer Veil - "Wade In" (from Struck)
Can´t say a great many things about Rainer Veil. Their Struck EP was a great piece of EDM with a wide array of influences and being part of the Modern Love imprint seems very fitting for them. Lose yourself, "Wade In".
Interchangeable with: "Struck"
30. Kelela - "Floor Show" (from Cut 4 Me)
It took a month or so until I remembered that Cut 4 Me was on my list of things to listen. Kelela definitely deserves to be talked about as much as she is right now. The beats on Cut 4 Me are some of the best this year and I´d say with FKA Twigs she is a good representation of the darker and enigmatic side of R´n´b when it comes to female vocalist this year. "Floor Show´s" somewhat oriental feel pops up in the back of your mind and urges to hit play again and again.
29. Colin Stetson - "Brute" (from New History Warfare Vol 3: To See More Light)
"What is happening here?" might be your first reaction to Colin Stetson´s unique way of torturing sound out of an saxophone. "Brute" plays by it´s name and might be considered sax metal; deep grunts included.
28. Casper - "Ariel" (from Hinterland)
Casper is the only German song on this list. His Hinterland deserves checking out, especially if you want to hear someone rap from Germany without being bored - especially considering his genre defying nature.
27. Abul Mogard - "Tumbling Relentless Heaps" (from VCO 017 Drifted Heaven)
The VCO series continues to deliver forward-thinking electronic music. The soundscapes of Abul Mogard - apparently a old Serbian factory worker - are the most atmospheric and creative of the series. "Tumbling Relentless Heaps" is a crushingly dark example of this.
26. Light Bearer - "Silver Tongue" (from Silver Tongue)
I´m glad Light Bearer exist. They produce the kind post-metal that not many bands can pull of as vividly and enhancing. The comparison doesn´t suffice, but they can be considered spiritual successors of everything Isis represented. Except maybe for them openly talking about their work and putting out the context and meaning as much as possible. "Silver Tongue" is the closer of a huge arc spread over three releases and I still haven´t wrapped my head around completely. For everyone put off but the harsh vocals, just wait for the reward of the sweet bardish spoken word. Incredible!
Get Silver Tongue as a name your price over at bandcamp.
25. Young Fathers - "I Heard" (from Tape Two)
"I Heard" drew me towards Young Fathers. For their usual genre mashing of hip hop, this ballad is the odd one out. Beautiful lyrics and delivery let this song shine in melancholy.
24. Flatbush Zombies - "Palm Trees" (from Better Off Dead)
Flathbush Zombies continued to make waves with their second mixtape Better Off Dead. "Palm Trees" was the first cut from this and and combines everything that makes the Zombies who they are: Meechy Darko´s gruffly voice, Juice bringing his odd flows and Eric Ark Elliot, joining as a full member now, bringing splendid production and verse.
23. Milosh - "Slow Down" (from Jetlag)
Milosh and his very delicate voice caught my attention through his work on Rhye. Bringing his own solo album in the same year was a great treat. "Slow Down" shows his vocal strength much better with only him and a piano. This is the best love song this year!
And the video is especially beautiful with it´s minimal approach.
22. Sigur Rós - "Hrafntinna" (from Kveikur)
After last year´s Valtari and the departure of long time member Kjartan Sveinsson, I wasn´t sure if Sigur Rós would deliver something as great as their past works. But maybe feeling the same stagnancy as others did in their music, they decided to break the circle and created Kveikur. Many call this "a more aggressive" way for them, but I guess it is just a natural step after the more accessible work and even the result of them acting as an three piece. "Hrafntinna" brought out the desolate and gloomy side and whilst not being aggressive in any way, you can feel conviction and straigthforwardness in here as well as in the rest of Kveikur.
21. Editors - "Honesty" (from The Weight Of Your Love)
"What´s Next?" was the great question I asked myself after the first three albums with different approaches by Editors. They did the best thing possible and returned to the more rock oriented vibe previously heard on An End Has A Start. As "Honesty" shows this was not a mere regress, but a more mature and bombastic engagement from songwriting to production overall.
Proceed to the top 20 tracks
49. Pharrell - "Happy" (from Despicable Me 2 OST)
Hearing a original song with Pharrell and only Pharrell is something very rare nowadays. And it always is a great pleasure to see that he isn´t just the producer and backing vocals man of everyone in the industry. "Happy" might also be a good prospect of what to expect from his second solo album eschewing rap completely. 2014 just gets more and more exciting.
Also this song features a 24-Hour video: http://24hoursofhappy.com/
48. Moderat - "Bad Kingdom" (from II)
II by Moderat was one of the best electronica albums of this year. Being a collab of Appart and Modeselector, they can be considered a dream pairing of two genre defying artist in German electronic music. "Bad Kingdom" is a great example of indie like vocals working on a very straightforward dance track.
Interchangeable with: "Milk"
47. Gesaffelstein - "Duel" (from Aleph)
Gesaffelsteins blend of heavy techno music reminds me of dance club scenes in action movies where the music is turnt up when the fighting starts and people lose their lives. If one might say that metal might bring out aggression in man, "Duel" forces you to loose your shit and destroy something.
Also worth it: "Hellifornia"
46. PARTYNEXTDOOR - "Relax With Me" (from PARTYNEXTDOOR)
Drake has a great ear for exciting R´n´B music. Not only does he utilize it on his own accounts, but he also helps the world discover like-minded sounds. PARTNEXTDOOR was the first release on OVO Sound and while only being a half an hour long, was in heavy rotation for me. Even if some might not like this reference, the album and especially "Relax With Me" play as the Weeknd without the depression.
PARTYNEXTDOOR is free to download from Soundcloud
45. The Field - "Cupid´s Head" (from Cupid´s Head)
The Field has brought a new piece of music with him every 2 years now and every new release has some new tweak to it. While his 2011 Looping State of Mind hit a very radiant mood, Cupid´s Head goes down a dreary road. Not to be said that it is downbeat or sad but as the title track conveys, it is a headier and a more nocturnal listen.
44. Cocaine 80´s - "Ground" (from The Flower Of Life)
Uplifting, airy and enamoured - that is "Ground" and most of the Flower Of Life in the nutshell. This collective deserves to be checked out! Get their tape for absolutely nothing: http://cocaine80s.com/
Interchangeable with: "Lucid"
43. Deniro Farrar - "Nowhere To Run" (from The Patriarch)
This track falling under two minutes packs a punch. Deniro Farrars voice has pathos and draws you in with second one and Keyboard Kid´s production with the doleful male voice seals the deal of sorrow.
42. Hammock - "I Could Hear The Water At The Edge Of All Things" (from Oblivion Hymns)
Hammock for being a band that originally never intended to release any of their music, have been busy with continuous releases. But I´ll have to admit, that they lost me somewhere in the middle of them and I passed the instrumental death sentence of repetitiveness. But on Oblivion Hymns they complimented their sound with an orchestra and a choir. Yes a choir! "I Could Hear The Water At The Edge Of All Things" gives me the goosebumps as soon as the singing commences.
41. Factory Floor - "Two Different Ways" (From Self-Titled)
I must admit that Factory Floor don´t really stick out that much except maybe for the dead-pan vocals being really convincing. But I just love the throbbing rhythm and procession of "Two Different Ways" so I avert my eyes for the sake of enjoyment on this one.
40. Blood Orange - "Chamkay" (from Cupid Deluxe)
Devonte Hynes is the man behind my favorite track of last year; Sky Ferreira´s 80´s throwback "Everything Is Embarrassing". And throwback and doing things with a great sense of what came before is also the premise of "Cupid Deluxe". Many might feel that he dwells to deep in that matter and there is a lack of originality, but as "Chamkay" shows best, emotional depth can be found and either the vocals or the instrumentation don´t bore you like any oldie on the radio of that period might.
39. AlunaGeorge - "Attracting Flies" (from Body Music)
As we proceed to the top, the uplifting side of things will fall shorter and shorter. So I´m glad that AlunaGeorge exist and that their debut album Body Music was the sweetest and most lovey-dovey listen I enjoyed this year. The bubble gum vocals and detailed production blend for a long run in my library and "Attracting Flies" is the prime example of this.
AlunaGeorge 'Attracting Flies' from Pulse Films on Vimeo.
38. Julianna Barwick - "The Harbinger" (from Nepenthe)
I heard Julianna Barwick for the first time this year and was surprised how I could have missed out at such an great artist for so long. Her approach of creating her own choir by layering her voice is stirringly beautiful. "The Harbinger" feels like a lucid dream and is perfect for shedding a tear or two.
37. Dizzy Wright - "Verbalizing" & "World Peace" (from The Golden Age)
I know, actually these are two separate songs thus making this list one of 101 tracks. But "Verbalizing" served as an intro to Dizzy Wright for me and I listened to those short two and a half minutes almost daily for some months until I got myself his previous discography. With "Golden Age" he delivered an extensive mixtape with many great tracks and a high replay value. "World Peace" has everything I enjoy about his music, a great laid-back vibe and Dizzy delivering his words of encouragement and introspection. He seems a good example of what people might only label weed-rap, elevating itself.
36. A$AP Rocky - "PMW (All I Need)" feat. Schoolboy Q (from LONG.LIVE.A$AP)
Working on my list, I almost forgot that LONG.LIVE.A$AP was released this year. "PMW" brings us the great pairing of Rocky and honorary A$AP Q. Maybe not with much content but if anything brainless, let it be those two.
Interchangeable with: "1Train"
A$AP Rocky - PMW Ft. ScHoolboy Q from P4VH on Vimeo.
35. The Weeknd - "Kiss Land" (from Kiss Land)
The first listen to The Weeknd´s first commercial effort left me somewhat indifferent. But after repeated listens I came to the conclusion that his changes where subtle and not non-existent. Some praise his poppy "Wanderlust" but "Kiss Land" shows Abel at his best in his own lane of gloomy R´n´b.
(Sadly, the video cuts the first part with the subtle twinkle very short)
The Weeknd - Kiss Land (Official Video) from The New Layout on Vimeo.
34. Gilbere Forte - "Pray" (from Pray)
Pray predates 2013 a little, but this is the year his mixtape was released and this one deserves huge praise. How Forte´s producer Raak flips the sample of "Every Single Night" by Fiona Apple is just pure art and Forte´s bravado can definitely take him places.
Gilbere Forte - PRAY from Gilbere Forte on Vimeo.
33. Recondite - "Still" (from Hinterland)
Two Germans released a album titled Hinterland this year and Recondite definitely takes the lead over Casper. Inspired by his home Bavaria and utilizing many field recordings, he crafted a catchy but subtle piece of music.
32. Lorde - "Ribs" (from Pure Heroine)
Lorde took the world by storm and rightfully so. As almost everyone praises "Royals" in their year´s end list, I just have to opt for my biggest favorite from Pure Heroine, "Ribs". The simple story, the trancy undertones and sweet ending make this a standout.
31. Rainer Veil - "Wade In" (from Struck)
Can´t say a great many things about Rainer Veil. Their Struck EP was a great piece of EDM with a wide array of influences and being part of the Modern Love imprint seems very fitting for them. Lose yourself, "Wade In".
Interchangeable with: "Struck"
30. Kelela - "Floor Show" (from Cut 4 Me)
It took a month or so until I remembered that Cut 4 Me was on my list of things to listen. Kelela definitely deserves to be talked about as much as she is right now. The beats on Cut 4 Me are some of the best this year and I´d say with FKA Twigs she is a good representation of the darker and enigmatic side of R´n´b when it comes to female vocalist this year. "Floor Show´s" somewhat oriental feel pops up in the back of your mind and urges to hit play again and again.
29. Colin Stetson - "Brute" (from New History Warfare Vol 3: To See More Light)
"What is happening here?" might be your first reaction to Colin Stetson´s unique way of torturing sound out of an saxophone. "Brute" plays by it´s name and might be considered sax metal; deep grunts included.
28. Casper - "Ariel" (from Hinterland)
Casper is the only German song on this list. His Hinterland deserves checking out, especially if you want to hear someone rap from Germany without being bored - especially considering his genre defying nature.
27. Abul Mogard - "Tumbling Relentless Heaps" (from VCO 017 Drifted Heaven)
The VCO series continues to deliver forward-thinking electronic music. The soundscapes of Abul Mogard - apparently a old Serbian factory worker - are the most atmospheric and creative of the series. "Tumbling Relentless Heaps" is a crushingly dark example of this.
26. Light Bearer - "Silver Tongue" (from Silver Tongue)
I´m glad Light Bearer exist. They produce the kind post-metal that not many bands can pull of as vividly and enhancing. The comparison doesn´t suffice, but they can be considered spiritual successors of everything Isis represented. Except maybe for them openly talking about their work and putting out the context and meaning as much as possible. "Silver Tongue" is the closer of a huge arc spread over three releases and I still haven´t wrapped my head around completely. For everyone put off but the harsh vocals, just wait for the reward of the sweet bardish spoken word. Incredible!
Get Silver Tongue as a name your price over at bandcamp.
25. Young Fathers - "I Heard" (from Tape Two)
"I Heard" drew me towards Young Fathers. For their usual genre mashing of hip hop, this ballad is the odd one out. Beautiful lyrics and delivery let this song shine in melancholy.
24. Flatbush Zombies - "Palm Trees" (from Better Off Dead)
Flathbush Zombies continued to make waves with their second mixtape Better Off Dead. "Palm Trees" was the first cut from this and and combines everything that makes the Zombies who they are: Meechy Darko´s gruffly voice, Juice bringing his odd flows and Eric Ark Elliot, joining as a full member now, bringing splendid production and verse.
23. Milosh - "Slow Down" (from Jetlag)
Milosh and his very delicate voice caught my attention through his work on Rhye. Bringing his own solo album in the same year was a great treat. "Slow Down" shows his vocal strength much better with only him and a piano. This is the best love song this year!
And the video is especially beautiful with it´s minimal approach.
22. Sigur Rós - "Hrafntinna" (from Kveikur)
After last year´s Valtari and the departure of long time member Kjartan Sveinsson, I wasn´t sure if Sigur Rós would deliver something as great as their past works. But maybe feeling the same stagnancy as others did in their music, they decided to break the circle and created Kveikur. Many call this "a more aggressive" way for them, but I guess it is just a natural step after the more accessible work and even the result of them acting as an three piece. "Hrafntinna" brought out the desolate and gloomy side and whilst not being aggressive in any way, you can feel conviction and straigthforwardness in here as well as in the rest of Kveikur.
21. Editors - "Honesty" (from The Weight Of Your Love)
"What´s Next?" was the great question I asked myself after the first three albums with different approaches by Editors. They did the best thing possible and returned to the more rock oriented vibe previously heard on An End Has A Start. As "Honesty" shows this was not a mere regress, but a more mature and bombastic engagement from songwriting to production overall.
Proceed to the top 20 tracks
Comments
Post a Comment