This was supposed to be the year. The Mets spent a ton on high-priced talent but forgot how to play fundamental baseball. The Giants were coming off their best season in a while (and even won a playoff game last January), but who are these guys in 2023? And the Knicks? Well, they’re definitely on the rise, but with no championships since 1973, don’t hold your breath!
Thank God for the power of music to help overcome life’s heartaches. Can’t watch a miserable game anymore? Switch it off and crank up some tunes instead!
2023 brought us the return of some forgotten favorites (Peter Gabriel & Blur), debuts from newly discovered artists (Milky Chance, Flyte, Briscoe, Olivia Dean & Jess Williamson), and more gems from my usual suspects (Wilco, Spoon, David Gray & Ben Folds). I’ve also included a track released in 2022 (Sway Wild’s “Waves of the Wind”) that’s not technically from this year, but it’s so damn catchy, I had to include!
Happy holidays and all the best in 2024!
For Spotify users, click here for the playlist. You can also download a zip file of MP3s here. .
How does a guy with 25 years in advertising promote his blog post for 2022? Create a 60-second spot, of course! Rather than write a bunch of copy about the different bands and songs in this year’s collection, I thought I’d produce a little K-tel Records commercial of my own and let the 30-song playlist speak for itself. See what you think and I hope you enjoy. Happy holidays and all the best in 2023.
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Click here
The playlist order is based on each song’s release date:
“Tonight” – Phoenix (Nov. 4)
“Memory” – Windser (Oct. 28)
“All My Love” – Noah Kahan (Oct. 14)
“You and Me on the Rock” – Brandi Carlile (Sept. 28)
“Real Love” – Whitney (Sept. 16)
“Grace” – Marcus Mumford (Sept. 16)
“Here to Forever” – Death Cab for Cutie (Sept. 16)
“Isn’t it So” – Duncan Sheik (Aug. 26)
“Until I Found You” – Stephen Sanchez (Aug. 19)
“Training Montage” – The Mountain Goats (Aug. 19)
“Comes in Waves” – Dawes (July 22)
“About Damn Time” – Lizzo (July 15)
“Through the Echoes” – Paolo Nutini (July 1)
“Lavender Girl” – Caamp (June 24)
“Make a Picture” – Andrew Bird (June 3)
“Sidelines” – Bruce Hornsby (May 27)
“Hints” – Wilco (May 27)
“Bad Love” – Dehd (May 27)
“It Ain’t Over” – The Black Keys (May 13)
“Same Hurt” – The Head and the Heart (April 29)
“Ever Again” – Arizona Zervas (April 29)
“Jackie Down the Line” – Fontaines D.C. (April 22)
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been sharing my favorite songs for the past 22 years! Pre-2000, I used to love making mixed tapes. Then I learned how to record mixed CDs. This blog came along in 2008, and I was able to share MP3 files, videos and links to my playlists on Spotify. Well now it’s time to take the next step… Introducing my very first podcast!
To listen to my podcast, click here to download the MP3 file
Below are the 18 songs I dug the most in 2021 (plus a bonus oldie that should be used in a national public service ad 😀). Have a listen and let me know what you think of my DJ skills. I always wanted to be that guy on the radio who got to spin his favorite cuts for everyone, and now’s my chance. Casey Kasem, eat your heart out!
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Click here.
01. “The Hardest Cut” – Spoon
We had the chance to see Spoon in concert this year and they put on a great show! This is the first single off their forthcoming album (due in Feb.) and it delivers their distinctive sound in spades. Really looking forward to hearing more in 2022.
02. “I Don’t Mind” – Lindsey Buckingham
Love this guy and his signature guitar playing. A pop gem that is instantly hummable. Would you believe Lindsey recently turned 72? Still sounds as fresh as ever.
03. “Waiting on a War” – Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl and the gang make their first appearance on my “Best of” collection with this rocker that grabbed me immediately. Love the acoustic opening and slow build that culminates with the driving drums and Dave’s final snarl.
04. “The Kiss of Venus” – Dominic Fike (with Paul McCartney)
What a year for Paul McCartney. A new album, the “3,2,1” miniseries with Rick Rubin on Hulu, his 900-page “Lyrics” book, and the fabulous “Get Back” Beatles documentary on Disney+. This track was my favorite off “McCartney III Imagined,” which featured new interpretations of the songs from his new album. Listen to Paul’s original version and I think you’ll agree this is a huge departure (for the better!).
05. “Edge of My Seat” – Sway Wild
Sway Wild, who made my 2019 list, are back with another mellow melody that highlights their usual harmonies and Mandy Fer’s mesmerizing voice. Here’s hoping for another full-length album sometime soon!
06. “The Balcony” – Fruit Bats
Spotify told me this was my most played song of the year. Not surprising since it came out way back in March. Eric Johnson continues to churn out infectious folk rock that gets me going. This marks their 4th appearance here since 2005.
07. “No Pressure” – Field Music
Billy Joel belted out about it, Queen & David Bowie sang about being under it, but now Field Music (a veteran British band fronted by the Brewis brothers) croon about not giving pressure a second thought. A quirky little tune for sure, but I love the playful XTC-like sound and harmonies.
08. “Missing Piece” – Vance Joy
Vance Joy, the singer-songwriter from Australia, released this single back in May that’s reached gold status Down Under. A feel good, toe-tapper if I ever heard one.
09. “Stop Making This Hurt” – Bleachers
When he’s not writing songs and producing albums for other artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, Lana Del Rey and The Chicks, Jack Antonoff is the driving force behind Bleachers. This gifted pop maestro delivers another memorable anthem. According to Antonoff, “It’s a line that had been ringing in my head for years. I fell into a dark place after a loss and then started to have that feeling of rage toward the depression — which is when you know there’s a way out.” I’m sure this helped him move past it.
10. “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving” – David Bowie
David Bowie’s long lost “Toy” album (recorded in 2000) that his label refused to release finally saw the light of day this year and included this track, which Bowie originally recorded back in 1965 when he was known as David Jones. So great to hear new material from the late, great “Thin White Duke!”
11. “Hypotheticals” – Lake Street Dive
This song pulls you in right from the start with a groove that the Boston Globe aptly described as “crisp ’70s pop-R&B, delivered with an appealing, straightforward certainty by lead singer, Rachael Price.” This is the second time this 4-piece band out of Beantown has made the collection (previously in 2018).
12. “Playing with Fire” – Crowded House
Neil Finn is a god. Yep, I said it. How the heck does he keep coming up with so many perfect pop songs?! After going solo for years, he regrouped with Crowded House in 2021 and even added his two sons (Liam and Elroy) to the lineup. In a Rolling Stone interview, Neil explained “This song was formed out of a Crowded House jam, live in the studio but then evolved its character through many twists and turns during quarantine in 2020. ‘Playing with Fire’ carries within it the contradiction I often feel on joyous occasions, the presence of hope together with an impending sense of doom.”
13. “Not Dead Yet” – Lord Huron
These four guys out of L.A. released their fourth album this year. Upon further reading about the band, I thought Wikipedia captured things best: “Lord Huron combines western, folk, rock and roll, and pop melodies with the high-lonesome sound of antecedents like the Band, Neil Young, My Morning Jacket and Fleet Foxes.” Easy listening for sure.
14. “Get You Down” – Sam Fender
27-year-old Sam Fender, out of the UK, was influenced early on by Jeff Buckley and Bruce Springsteen. I immediately thought of Bruce when I heard this track, complete with a Clarence Clemons-esque sax solo. Keep an eye (and ear) out for this chap!
15. “Rushing Water” – Sting
Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (now 70) shows no signs of slowing down with this catchy number. After dabbling in other recent musical projects, including his Broadway production of “The Last Ship,” Sting is back with his 15th studio effort that had me hearing echoes of his early solo stuff.
16. “Sleepwalker” – The Killers
Make that two years straight for The Killers. The boys out of Las Vegas quickly followed up last year’s effort with a new LP in 2021 that’s been described as a “quiet, poetic character study of small-town life.” And not to be outdone, they’re already working on album number 8. Striking while the iron is hot I guess!
17. “Stubborn Love” – Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
Remember Edie Brickell? She hit it big in 1988 with the radio-friendly “What I Am” but fizzled out quickly thereafter. Now married to Paul Simon, Edie and her bohemian buddies are back with a new album. As Brickell recently told Relix, “The way that I hear music is that I see images—I see stories and people. When I heard the beginnings of ‘Stubborn Love,’ I pictured this young couple at a bowling alley. I thought, ‘Well, I’m just going to tell this story about what I know to be the truth for a lot of young women.’ That story, to me, is not just one couple’s story—it represents so many people that I know.”
18. “Forbidden City” – Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
I know, you’re probably wondering how a Joe Strummer song can make this year’s collection if he’s been dead for 19 years. Well, a new compilation was released this year that included this song that I unfortunately missed when it was originally released back in 1999. So it’s new to me and I’m including it. Hey, my blog my rules! Love the reggae-like sound and a refrain that gets stuck in my head every time I listen.
19. “A Shot in the Arm” – Wilco
To wrap things up, here’s a bonus oldie that should’ve been included in a PSA to get all of us vaccinated. Originally released back in 1999, I kinda always knew Jeff Tweedy and the guys were ahead of their time.
“We need music to make us feel at equilibrium through hard times and good times.”
– Yo-Yo Ma
As I was getting ready to put together my collection of the best songs I heard this year, I saw this quote from the celebrated cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, and couldn’t agree more. To say 2020 was a difficult year is a huge understatement. But thanks to the power of music, I hope you had the chance to escape things from time to time and get lost in some moving melodies and uplifting lyrics.
Because it’s 2020, naturally I had to select 20 songs. Thanks to my friend Spotify, I lived for “New Music Fridays” and appreciated all of the different artists they suggested to me along the way. My list includes a lot of old favorites, but I was also turned onto a few new performers like Whitney, Low Cut Connie, Gerry Cinnamon and Mt. Joy. And to commemorate this unique year, I’ve also included three songs that were written in response to Covid-19.
I’ve included videos for each tune along with a little commentary. Have a listen and I hope you enjoy. Happy holidays and all the best in 2021. It’s gotta get better, right?!
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Click here.
01. “Bad Decisions” – The Strokes
Nice to see The Strokes release a new album after a seven-year hiatus. This was a strong contender for my favorite album of the year and one I played a lot during the early days of the pandemic. Anyone hear a little “I Melt with You” by Modern English in that opening guitar lick?
02. “The Steps” – HAIM
Speaking of opening guitar licks, I gotta hand it to the gals from HAIM for this tune that grabbed me immediately. Add in the thundering drumbeat and vocal harmonies and you’ve got something truly memorable.
03. “Can’t Cool Me Down” – Car Seat Headrest
These indie rockers, originally started as a solo project by frontman Will Toledo, released this funky, electronic tune that was the first single off the album. Previously known for their use of “lo-fi” aesthetics, this cut highlights their experiments with a brighter, electronic sound. And Toledo’s singing reminds me of Beck in certain parts.
04. “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” – The 1975
‘80s vibes abound on this track. Starting with a Tears for Fears-like opening, this quartet out of Manchester delivered a toe-tapping pop gem complete with naughty lyrics about taking off your clothes (oh my!). It even includes the requisite ‘80s sax solo. A definite earworm for me.
05. “We’ll Make It Through” – Ray LaMontagne
Time to slow things down a little and introduce the first Covid-19 inspired song in this year’s mix (although no one knows when Ray actually wrote it). Released in early May way ahead of his new album, it beautifully captures the sentiment we were all clinging to in the beginning of the pandemic. Love the Neil Young-like harmonica, too.
06. “Canter” – Gerry Cinnamon
Where’d this guy come from? And with a name like Gerry Cinnamon, really?! This Scottish troubadour is a local hero back home and can attribute his rise purely though word of mouth and social media. What the heck’s a “canter” you ask? According to Mr. Cinnamon, it translates to “easy peasy.” Love the acoustic guitar, playful lyrics and when the song really kicks in at the two-minute mark. Braw!
07. “Devils and Angels (Hatred)” – Rufus Wainwright
After taking an eight-year break from his pop career and delivering two critically-acclaimed opera releases, Rufus Wainwright is back with this track that is both haunting and uplifting. In his own words: “It’s an important song. It’s about what’s going on in the world today. We’re in the midst of a ‘war’ that has to be won and to do that requires a dog spirit, a triumphant attitude.” Love the refrain when he belts out “I’m gonna give myself away!” Classic Rufus. Glad to have you back where you belong.
08. “Texas Man” – The Chicks
Those of you who have been listening to my “best of the year” collections from the beginning know that I don’t usually dabble in country music. But this song from the controversial trio, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, caught my ear. They dropped “Dixie” from their name this year when they saw the Confederate flag described as “the Dixie Swastika” on social media. Nice job, ladies!
09. “A.M. AM” – Whitney
Together since 2015, this band out of Chicago delivered a covers album in 2020 that featured this re-do of a Damien Jurado song. The Guardian described the band as “think Bon Iver, with elements of folk and country, only given a Chicago soul makeover.” Pretty accurate I’d say. Another tune that helped calm the nerves this year.
10. “Level of Concern” – twenty one pilots
Covid song #2. This pop dittie came out in early April when the New York area was under lockdown and wondering when we could breathe again. You could call it a little pandemic love song complete with the lyric “Would you be my little quarantine?” So 2020.
11. “Down at the So and So on Somewhere” – The Fiery Furnaces
Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger, the brother & sister duo out of Brooklyn, reunited after a nine-year break to pursue solo careers. Only released as a single, what struck me most is the deep, driving bass line that never lets up. A strange song for sure, but also completely mesmerizing.
12. “Dreamsicle” – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
I guess this counts as country song #2 or maybe it’s a country/folk mix. Either way, this lovely track from Jason Isbell’s excellent new album tells the heartbreaking story of his parent’s divorce against the backdrop of summer when he was only fourteen.
13. “Caution” – The Killers
Brandon Flowers and the gang released their sixth album that includes this track, which features a solo by Lindsey Buckingham. A big fan of the band, Lindsey went on to say, “There’s such a strong center to what they’re doing. Their material is so well crafted that it cuts across a lot of generational lines.” Killer stuff indeed.
14. “Homecoming” – The Jayhawks
Like Wilco or Spoon, if The Jayhawks release something new, there’s a good chance I’ll include a cut from it. Such is the case for this song, which is classic Gary Louris and my favorite from “XOXO.” According to Gary, the track “grapples with climate change and the long-term costs of our shortsighted environmental destruction.” Leave it to The Jayhawks to make destruction sound so beautiful.
15. “2020” – Ben Folds
Covid song #3. Released back in June, Ben Folds crafted this timely number that sounds like it belongs in a Broadway show. Still scarred from all the horrific events and protests from this year? Watch the video below at your own peril.
16. “Private Lives” – Low Cut Connie
Straight out of Philly and formed in 2010, this tune from Low Cut Connie immediately reminded me of The Black Crowes. Wanting to find out more about them, I thought Wikipedia captured it best: “Frontman, pianist, songwriter Adam Weiner has been described as masterfully fluent in the foundational languages of Western pop, living at the crossroads where the church house meets the roadhouse, or where the Dew Drop Inn meets CBGB. Essentially a solo project for Weiner, the band is known for appearing on Barack Obama’s list of favorite songs (‘Boozophilia’ from 2012) and their association with Elton John, who has called the band one of his favorites.”
17. “Village” – Paul Weller
New material from Paul Weller? Enough said. But seriously, this guy could sing the phone book and I’d love it. Whether with The Jam, Style Council, or solo, he’s one of the greats and still going strong at 62.
18. “Unreal City” – M. Ward
Singer/songwriter Matthew Ward (aka M. Ward) out of Portland, OR has been going strong since 1999 and released his tenth album this year. This track is filled with a smooth synthesizer, little handclaps, and lots of da-da-das. Sounds like he’s having a blast to me. Fun video too.
19. “Strangers” – Mt. Joy
This five-piece group out of LA with roots in Philly released their second album, which included this standout. They began the year touring with The Lumineers before everything came to a screeching halt in March thanks to our friend, Covid-19. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these guys in the years to come.
20. “Why Would I Let You Go” – Sondre Lerche
Sondre’s latest effort featured a gorgeous song that wraps up this year’s collection. Slow, brooding and elegant, it hit all the right notes for me. Every time he sings “Here we are…” it reminds me of what we all had to endure this year isolated in our own spaces. Ready to let go of 2020? Uh, duh!
I said it back in 2009, and I’ll say it again in 2019, how will this decade be remembered in the coming years? First, we had “The Aughts,” and now what? “The Tens?” Strange times indeed. At least we had some good new music to help us along the way.
This year, I discovered my Top 19 Songs for ’19. I’ve included videos for each tune along with a little commentary. Have a listen and I hope you enjoy. Happy holidays and all the best in 2020. (Sure will be nice to get back to living in a decade that’s easy to remember!)
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Clickhere.
01. “Harmony Hall” – Vampire Weekend
A strong contender for album of the year, Ezra Koenig and Vampire Weekend made a big comeback this year and this track edged out some of the others. Love the lyric, “I don’t wanna live like this, but I don’t wanna die.” Apparently, the line was also used in 2013’s “Finger Back” from their Modern Vampires of the City album, offering a strong connection to the past, while simultaneously pushing us forward to the future.
02. “Everyone Hides” – Wilco
Another “Best of” collection and yet another cut from Wilco (love these guys). This song was first recorded by Jeff Tweedy and his son, Spencer, back in 2014 for the St. Vincent movie soundtrack. Now it gets the full band treatment!
03. “Chimney Fire” – Sway Wild
I discovered this trio out of Washington state haphazardly thanks to Spotify. Lead singer, Mandy Fer, also plays lead guitar. Bit of a jam band vibe in the long solo that fills up the middle of this toe-tapping gem.
04. “No Bullets Spent” – Spoon
Like Wilco, Spoon’s latest single also makes this year’s list. It was featured on a Greatest Hits collection that the band hopes will serve as a retrospective of their strong back catalog. Gotta love the confidence when bands include brand new songs on greatest hits albums. Since 2009, Britt Daniel and company have only been left off my collection 5 times.
05. “A Tight Ship” – David Gray
When David Gray’s latest album came out back in March, I knew I had to include this pop nugget. “This was by far the toughest track to get right,” reveals Gray. “It has a quirky chord structure that keeps changing key and I’m singing in an almost Marvin Gaye falsetto, which is in no way comfortable for me.” Falsetto or not, love that distinctive voice.
06. “Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile” – The New Pornographers
A.C. Newman, Neko Case and company released their 8th album this year, which included this lead single. Music critic, Daniel Sylvester, said in his review, “It’s refreshing to see the New Pornographers, 20 years into their existence, still trying to swing for the fences.” Amen.
07. “Circles” – Post Malone
Tat-loving and controversial rapper/singer/songwriter, Post Malone, showed his softer side this year with this mellow cut off his latest release. Billboard described the song as being “backed by sunny acoustic guitars, swirling percussion and infectious melodies,” and that while it has a “funky feel, the meaning is a bit more somber, detailing a relationship gone cold.” It also reached the top of the Billboard charts in November (his fourth #1 song).
08. “Souvenir” – Johnnyswim
Another random find in 2019 thanks to Spotify. Johnnyswim is a duo (the husband and wife team of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano) out of Nashville, who first formed back in 2005. This duet sounds like two songs in one with the male and female parts offsetting each other nicely.
09. “Overnight” – Maggie Rogers
25-year-old sensation, Maggie Rogers, got her big break when her song “Alaska” was played to Pharrell Williams during a masterclass at NYU. Appearing on her debut album released back in January, this track features synths in the verses that are constructed from samples of glacier frogs. No wonder Pharrell liked her!
10. “Carlo’s Song” – Noah Kahan
Born in Vermont and raised in New Hampshire, newcomer Noah Kahan released his debut album in 2019, which features this acoustic anthem. Noah cites some of his inspirations as Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Counting Crows, Hozier, and Mumford and Sons. Keep an ear out for this guy!
11. “Can’t Find My Heart” – Broken Social Scene
Last appearing in my collection back in 2017, this Canadian musical collective released an EP back in February that caught my ear. Love the driving beat and ominous guitars.
12. “Young and in Love” – Ingrid Michaelson
New Yorker, Ingrid Michaelson, released her 9th album in June (“Stranger Songs”) which was inspired by the Netflix series Stranger Things. Guess I had to include a real teen pleaser somewhere in the mix?! Impossible to sit still to this one.
13. “Poster Child” – David Mead
If you haven’t heard of David Mead, you’ve missed a lot! Going strong since debuting in 1998, this Nashville-based singer-songwriter churns out some of the best pop songs around. Do yourself a favor and look him up on Spotify.
14. “Gold Past Life” – Fruit Bats
Holy Supertramp, Batman! Frontman Eric Johnson and the rest of the Fruit Bats are back with their 8th full-length effort. When referring to his musical style, Johnson says, “I started out a hippie, but I’ve always had that pop jones — and that’s been plenty revolutionary, at least for me.” The rest of the new album is pretty great, too.
15. “Thunderclouds” – Labrinth, Sia & Diplo
Collaborating with Labrinth and Diplo, Sia puts her distinctive voice to great use in this cut from their debut effort. Don’t miss the super trippy video!
16. “Faith” – Bon Iver
Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) is back with his 4th LP, which is up for an “Album of the Year” Grammy. Once again, he uses his unique songwriting formula to deliver a brooding, atmospheric and sonically-diverse wonder that is ultimately uplifting.
17. “No Such Thing” – Sara Bareilles
Ms. Bareilles, the multi-talented singer-songwriter and actress, released a new album in 2019 (“Amidst the Chaos”) in response to the 2016 Presidential Election, with the title being a reference to the presidency of Donald Trump. This song was written as an ode to president Barack Obama.
18. “Rose Leaves” – BAILEN
These NPR favorites based in NYC consist of fraternal twins Daniel Bailen (vocals/bass/synth/guitar) and David Bailen (vocals/drums), as well as younger sister Julia Bailen (vocals/guitar). This slow, lyrically-heartbreaking and absolutely gorgeous track appears on their debut effort, which was released back in April.
19. “Everybody Breaks” – Ivan & Alyosha
Ivan & Alyosha, also known as I&A, is a folk-pop, indie, rock band from Seattle formed in 2007 by Tim Wilson and Ryan Carbary. This song was released in August as a single ahead of an upcoming new album (likely to be released in 2020). The band says of the track, “’Everybody Breaks’ is a song reminding us that we are all on an even playing field. At the end of the day, we break sometimes, and that’s OK. The big question is, what do you do when things fall apart?” Love the chorus that ends the song and this year’s collection. ‘Til next year!
Growing up, listening to the radio was really my only way of discovering new music. Stations like WPLJ, 99X, WABC, WNEW and WLIR were my lifelines to all sorts of new songs and artists. Nowadays, finding new music has become more of a chore, quite frankly, and requires accessing different platforms like Spotify, iTunes, SiriusXM, YouTube, music blogs, and the good ol’ radio. While radio (especially WFUV) still helps plug new artists and songs, I like to cast a wider net and tend to poke around Spotify to do the discovery work myself. Or I might come across something new featured in a movie, TV show or commercial. Either way, I always keep my ears open for the next new thing – because you never know where it’s hiding!
Below are the 20 best songsI discovered this year. I’ve included videos for each along with a little commentary. Have a listen and I hope you enjoy. Happy holidays and all the best in 2019!
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Clickhere.
01. “High Horse” – Kacey Musgraves
Kacey deviates a bit from her country music roots with more of a pure pop sound. This song off her “Golden Hour” album was a favorite in our household this past summer. Love the Tame Impala-sounding guitar lick that kicks things off.
02. “Lay It on Me” – Vance Joy
From his second album, this Australian singer/songwriter delivers a simple yet powerful cut that begins with clean acoustic guitar and ends with powerful horns. Oh, and did I mention this guy can really sing?! A bright future indeed.
03. “New Light” – John Mayer
Following up on his critically-acclaimed effort from last year, Mr. Mayer delivers this one-off single that quickly became one of his top 5 songs on Spotify. Pure pop bliss that Rolling Stone said crafted “a steady groove reminiscent of Eighties blue-eyed soul and tinged with disco guitars.” And a fun video, too.
04. “Baby Don’t Leave Me Alone with My Thoughts” – Lake Street Dive
Named after a street with many dive bars in Minneapolis, this Boston-based quintet first made a name for itself back in 2014. Now with their sixth album, lead singer Rachael Price belts out this toe-tapping number that hits on their two primary influences: classic pop and swing-era jazz. As one band member put it, “We want it to sound like the Beatles and Motown had a party together.” Amen.
05. “Forgive You” – Leon Bridges
Mr. Bridges, a soul singer out of Fort Worth, Texas, followed up his 2015 debut with this year’s “Good Thing” album. This track hit me the hardest even though it wasn’t tabbed as one of the three singles. Guess I just like the slower tempo that really allows his vocals to shine.
06. “Better Now” – Post Malone
OK, time to include something that the younger crowd may actually know. It was hard to escape this song on the radio over the summer. Born in Syracuse, NY and raised in Texas, Austin Richard Post apparently used a rap name generator to get “Malone.” So I gave it a shot too and it spit out “Sniper Tommy C.” Pretty dope.
07. “Graffiti” – CHVRCHES
This synth-pop trio out of Glasgow, dropped this powerful number back in May on their third album. Like the Leon Bridges song at #5, hard to believe this wasn’t one of the four singles they released. And in case you’re wondering about the odd spelling of their name, they needed to differentiate themselves from actual churches in online search results.
08. “All My Friends” – The Revivalists
An eight-piece band out of New Orleans, The Revivalists hit it big this year with their 4th album. Described as a “roots rock” group, this tune also adds a big bunch of brass and really highlights their affinity for soulful blues. A great “roll down the windows and drive” kinda song.
09. “Wait by the River” – Lord Huron
This waltz-like gem highlights the LA-based band’s third album. As music blog, Uproxx, wrote, “the track sounds like something you’d slowly sway back and forth to in close proximity with a special someone at a ’50s high school dance, like a more doo-wop Fleet Foxes.” Exactly.
10. “The River” – KT Tunstall
Welcome back, KT! Haven’t heard much from her since she had songs on my 2006 and 2007 collections. Truth is she’s been going strong ever since, but I must’ve not been paying attention. This track is the lead single off her sixth album and was described by NPR Music as “an inspirational, anthemic, emotionally-charged song that puts KT’s immediately recognizable voice at center stage.” Bingo.
11. “That’s a Lifestyle” – Dirty Projectors
Founded and anchored by David Longstreth, these indie rockers gave us this hard-to-describe sounding tune and its companion hand-drawn animated video. For the longest time, I couldn’t make out what the heck they’re singing with those high-pitched word jabs. According to Google, he’s singing “That’s a product, that’s a brand, that’s a lifestyle.” That’s some kind of a cool (and definitely odd) song!
12. “Throwback” – Jim James
My Morning Jacket frontman, Jim James, goes #TBT on us and yearns for the days before social media when we lived a less complicated, more enriching way of life. Music blog, Pitchfork, nailed it when they described the song’s sound as “capturing the action with all the corroded fidelity of a cassette bootleg of a live radio session. The ache in his voice says it all: This isn’t about nostalgia, it’s a cry for help.”
13. “Lottery” – Jade Bird
Jade Elizabeth Bird from Hexham, England only just turned 21 and is already making a splash worldwide. WFUV and other public radio stations helped fuel her success by putting this song on heavy rotation. Rolling Stone described her vocals as “raw and robust.” Kinda reminds me of a young Dolly Parton, one of her biggest influences.
14. “Rings” – Pinegrove
Gotta send a shout out to my old roommate, Swetters, for introducing me to this group. Formed in 2010 out of Montclair, NJ, their third studio album included this lead track that grabbed me immediately. Simple guitars, drums and vocals all add up to a good ol’ atmospheric folk rock song that sounds like it was recorded live on the very first take. You really feel like you’re in the studio with them.
15. “Dancing in the Street” – Stephen Day
All credit for this find goes to Laurie. Relative newcomer, Nashville-based Stephen Day, delivers a pop nugget reminiscent of his biggest musical influence, John Mayer. Traces of Michael Bublé, too. And maybe a hint of Journey with those references to streetlights and people? Okay, I’ll stop now.
16. “Waiting for You” – The Aces
Newcomers, The Aces, are four girls out of Provo, Utah who have been playing together since they were pre-teens. According to the band, a friend told them back in 5th grade that a band name had to consist of a color and an object. So they followed the equation and “The Blue Aces” was born (they only just recently dropped Blue). Off their debut effort, this piece lays down a bass-driven finger snapper complete with a sing-along chorus and hand claps.
17. “Hallelujah” – Years & Years
This electro-pop trio out of London, caught my ear this year with a dance number that reminded me a lot of Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson. One of those great songs to work out to and hard not to wanna break out into some serious Dad dance moves. Not something you’d want to see; watch the video instead 🙂
18. “Backwards Women” – The Jayhawks
Originally written with The Wild Feathers over 5 years ago but never recorded, this track features that trademark Jayhawks’ guitar sound and harmonies. But the title seems a little off during the recent #MeToo movement. A classic case of a song showing its age. Don’t they know the future is female?!
19. “Lifer” – Wye Oak
A girl/guy duo from Baltimore, Wye Oak got its name from Maryland’s former state tree. This is their sixth album since forming in 2006 and includes this quieter, more reflective tune that calms and invigorates all at once. Jenn Wasner sings lead vocals and plays electric or acoustic guitar, while Andy Stack plays both drums and keyboards, playing the drums with his feet and right hand, and the bass line with his left hand.
20. “Sweet Scorched Earth” – Eels
Another comeback artist that delivered a strong new album this year is Eels, who you may remember best from his “Electro-Shock Blues” album in 1998. Essentially a one-man band with session helpers, Mark Oliver Everett (or just simply “E”) delivered a lovely, orchestral love song in this era of devastating climate change and pollution.
Another trip around the sun and time again to post my collection of the songs that caught my attention most in 2017. While Spotify has certainly helped introduce me to more music than I could ever have imagined, I still find myself hoping some of my old favorite bands will debut some new stuff that I’ll really love. But whether it’s an old artist or a new kid on the block, it all comes down to whether a song strikes me as “Best of” worthy or not.
This year, I only discovered 12 tunes that fit the bill. I’ve included videos for each song below along with a little commentary. Have a listen and I hope you enjoy. Happy holidays and all the best in 2018!
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Click here.
01. “Hot Thoughts” – Spoon
Ah, new stuff from the boys from Austin, Texas. And it doesn’t disappoint. Probably my favorite album of the year with this one as its standout track – replete with groovy guitar licks, background bells and Britt Daniel’s hushed vocals. This marks the ninth Spoon song I’ve included in my annual collection – more than any other artist. Guess I like ’em.
02. “On Hold” – The xx
Originally released at the very end of 2016 as the lead single of The xx’s new album, this duet between Jamie xx and Romy Croft is a slow burn with a great sample of Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That.” A real departure from their quieter, more serious early stuff.
03. “Emoji of a Wave” – John Mayer
Off John Mayer’s terrific new album, this track about love and heartbreak was a real standout this summer. A powerful ballad that was fun to sing out loud in the car, especially when he cries out “oh, honey!” Give it a try!
04. “Prom” – SZA
Solána Imani Rowe, better known as SZA (short for Sovereign Zig-Zag Allah), broke big this year with her “Ctrl” album. While not one of its singles, I really liked this cut about growing up (at least that’s what I think it’s about). Fun fact: SZA has written songs for the likes of Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. Nice company!
05. “Feel It Still” – Portugal. The Man
Immediately catchy, I knew right away this song was “Best of” material and I filed it away for later listening. But then it happened – I started hearing it EVERYWHERE – on the radio, in commercials, in movie trailers. So am I sick of it now? A little. But it’s too damn catchy not to include.
06. “I Miss Those Days” – Bleachers
Also appearing in my 2014 collection, Jack Antonoff returns with a real pop anthem that speaks to the power of nostalgia. Ah, the good ol’ days.
07. “Skyline” – Broken Social Scene
Seven years since their last release, this Canadian group features a rotating cast of musicians (including members of Feist and Stars). While a bit repetitive lyrically, the shimmering acoustic guitar and drumbeat throughout is what hooked me at first listen.
08. “Second Nature” – Neil Finn
As an unabashed fan of anything by Crowded House, front man Neil Finn’s new solo effort is unique. Each track was recorded live in the studio in one take with Neil at the piano along with the other musicians, string section and chorus singers belting out this toe-tapping number about young love. The video shows the recording session.
09. “True Feeling” – Galantis
Galantis is a Swedish electronic dance music duo consisting of Christian Karlsson and Linus Eklöw, who have been together since 2007. This song, off their second album release, is a slow burn at first, but then kicks into gear with a beat that dares you to stay off the dance floor. Pure pop bliss.
10. “No Distraction” – Beck
Beck is back with one of his sunnier compilations to date. Recorded with producer Greg Kurstin, Beck and Kurstin ended up playing nearly every instrument themselves. Lots of good tracks to pick from, but this one hit me the hardest. From its Fixx-like opening to its Bruno Mars-like chorus, it sounds like he’s having a ton of fun.
11. “Friends” – Sure Sure
My random find of this year’s batch. Sure Sure, a four-man group out of L.A., put out this single that sounds like a fun, barroom sing-along. Love the plunky piano and the feedback-heavy bass & drums. Real simple stuff that tickles my “pop” funny bone.
12. “My Mind Is for Sale” – Jack Johnson
Someone had to be first. In the wake of last year’s presidential election, Jack Johnson penned a tune with his thoughts about our new Commander in Chief. No matter which side you’re on, I think we can all agree he crafted a fun, bouncy single nonetheless. A fitting song to end this year’s collection. Cheers!
In a year when we lost so many talented music legends (so long to Bowie, Prince, Sir George Martin, Glenn Frey, Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice White, Leonard Cohen and more), maybe it’s fitting that I’m thinking to myself “Where has all the good music gone?” 2016 was not a great year for new music discoveries (or presidential elections), but I’m happy to share the 14 songs that did make me sit up and take notice. A real hodgepodge of new artists and old favorites. I hope you enjoy.
You can click on the videos below to hear each track, or if you’re a Spotify user, feel free to listen to my playlisthere. Happy holidays and all the best in 2017!
1. “Humbug Mountain Song” – Fruit Bats
This little indie band out of Chicago, who first made my collection way back in 2005, makes a welcome return to form with this foot-stompin’ ditty. Love the twangy banjo and mysterious lyrics. Pass the moonshine!
2. “Midas Tongue” – Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop
Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam pairs up with Jesca Hoop for this slightly spooky duet. With its plucky guitar beat throughout, I’m not quite sure what they’re singing about, but it works all the same.
3. “Off the Ground” – The Record Company
This good ol’ fashioned bluesy rock song – not known for its lyrics (a bit repetitive I’d say) – would feel right at home on any Classic Rock station today. The three-man group out of L.A. reminds me of the band Morphine with that bass-heavy guitar.
4. “Atomic Number” – case/lang/veirs
A super group of sorts with Neko Case, k.d. lang and Laura Veirs but not a power number. Instead we get a soft, acoustic gem that features the lead singing of Ms. Case (one of my favorite female voices out there). Here’s hoping her next collaboration is back with The New Pornographers.
5. “All We Ever Knew” – The Head and the Heart
After breaking through in a big way back in 2011, this Seattle six-piece group delivers the poppiest sing-along of the year replete with a syrupy chorus of “la-la-las.” What can I say, I love pop songs and this one sure fits the bill.
6. “The Bird” – Anderson .Paak
One of the newcomers of the year. Born as Brandon Anderson Paak, he first hit the scene in 2012 as Breezy Lovejoy, but changed his name again to Anderson .Paak with this breakthrough album. A jazz/hip-hop hybrid undoubtedly influenced by Stevie and Marvin. Love the smooth piano and trumpet bits woven underneath a solid bass line. Mmm.
7. “Cool Papa Bell” – Paul Simon
While we may have lost such legends as Bowie and Prince, thank God we still have living legends like Paul Simon. At the ripe ol’ age of 75, Rhymin’ Simon’s still going strong with his ever-evolving sound. Love the wordplay in this one (especially his sly use of profanity) and nod to Cool Papa Bell, one of baseball’s fastest players ever. Wall-to-wall fun!
8. “Midnight. Hallelujah.” – Jonatha Brooke
After treating fans with her first ever one-woman musical called “My Mother Has 4 Noses,” Jonatha returns to her roots with this gospel-driven hymn. Taut songwriting from another one of my favorite female voices. It’s a crime she’s not more well known.
9. “If I Ever Was a Child” – Wilco
Another year, another Wilco song makes my collection. Almost a given it seems. This go-round, “front man Jeff Tweedy is at his most low-key and wistful with vocals that sound like they were recorded with a baby sleeping in the next room.” (Rolling Stone)
10. “One More Night” – Michael Kiwanuka
Following up on his terrific 2012 debut effort, Michael Kiwanuka is back with the same soulful punch. A simple, straightforward song that grows on you with repeat listenings.
11. “In a Drawer” – Band of Horses
With backing vocals by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. fame, Ben Bridwell and his Band of Horses deliver this bouncy number about finding it. Kind of a silly song, but damn if I don’t love the hooks!
12. “Longer” – Lydia Loveless
A pop/rock nugget with a country vibe from Ms. Lawless, who’s making a name for herself this year after 8 years in the biz. As the Boston Globe puts it, “Loveless continues to manifest a remarkable combination of bruised vulnerability and desperate longing, alongside a tough, self-deprecating resilience.” That about sums it up for me.
13. “White Ferrari” – Frank Ocean
Last appearing in my 2012 collection, Frank returns with this mood-shifting ode from “Blonde” that includes a line right out of The Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere” to help recapture a joyride at age 16. Mesmerizing tune. And listen for a cameo from Bon Iver toward the end.
14. “Drive It Like You Stole It”– Sing Street Soundtrack
Last but not least, a fun song from the “Sing Street” movie soundtrack. Written by Gary Clark, one of my favorite singer/songwriters from the ‘80s (anyone remember the band Danny Wilson?), it’s played toward the end of the film and really captures the sound of that decade (reminiscent of Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis and others). If you haven’t seen it yet, you can find it on Netflix. Definitely one of my favorite films of the year (directed by the guy who also gave us the music-driven movies “Once” and “Begin Again”).
As 2015 winds down, it’s time again to reflect upon the year that was. And, boy, what a year. Team Crimmins took on the Big C and finished strong, while the Mets took on the rest of the league and finished second best. And in the world of music, some old favorites and solid newcomers reminded us that we should never underestimate the healing power of listening to your favorite songs at full blast.
Here are my favorite 15 tunes of 2015. The ones that made me tap my toes, air drum, sing in the shower, and help forget about whatever crap was trying to bring me down. Powerful stuff.
You can click on the videos below to hear each track, or if you’re a Spotify user, feel free to listen to my playlist here. Either way, I hope you enjoy this year’s collection. Happy holidays and let’s go Mets!
01. “No Room in Frame” :: Death Cab for Cutie
From its opening words, “I don’t know where to begin…” this seemed to be the perfect first song for this year’s collection. Death Cab has made the cut in previous years and the combination of Ben Gibbard’s voice and a relentless beat that builds throughout is what gets me every time.
02. “Silent Movies” :: Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear
One of the newcomers of the year, Madisen Ward and his Mom, Ruth (The Mama Bear), gave us this fun foot-stomper that would sound perfect in just about any bar in the world. That’s Mama Bear on the guitar (at the ripe ol’ age of 63). You go girl.
03. “Random Name Generator” :: Wilco
So Wilco puts out a super secret album this summer (“Star Wars”) and just about every critic out there goes gaga over it. Not me. It sounded a lot like a random collection of leftovers that they just wanted to record. But the opening guitar riff of this track stayed with me, and Jeff Tweedy’s playful lyrics seemed to fit perfectly with the title.
04. “South” :: Hippo Campus
Another relative newcomer, Hippo Campus released this cut from their second EP. The 5-piece band out of St. Paul, Minnesota has supported such acts as My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse. Now it’s their turn to shine.
05. “I Can’t Think About It Now” :: Dawes
At 6 minutes 15 seconds, Dawes wins longest song of this year’s assortment thanks to an extended guitar solo. But it’s the singing right after the solo that really grabs me (at the 5:08 mark). Truly memorable.
06. “The Less I Know the Better” :: Tame Impala
This number challenges Wilco’s track for opening guitar riff of the year. And the singing reminds me of a cross between Phoenix and Alan Parsons Project. Right up my alley.
07. “Big Decisions” :: My Morning Jacket
I was really looking forward to hearing this album, but other than this track, the album mostly disappointed. Great sense of melody by Jim James and the gang. Love the driving drum beat, too.
08. “Look It Here” :: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
These guys came out of nowhere this year with their single “S.O.B.” that received a ton of airplay. But it was this cut that appealed to me even more. A real Motown throwback complete with the requisite horn section.
09. “Losing Touch” :: Albert Hammond, Jr.
A welcome return to the collection for Mr. Hammond, former guitarist for The Strokes. And he puts the guitar to good use on this one. I hear a cross between George Harrison and Fountains of Wayne.
10. “Chateau Lobby #4” :: Father John Misty
I really enjoyed this album and this track in particular. Not quite sure what the song is about, but it sure is pretty. Love the Mavericks-like Spanish horns towards the end. ¡Arriba arriba!
11. “A Little Smile” :: Joe Jackson
Joe’s back! Yep, the guy we all thought was done back in the ‘80s makes a welcome return with this little ditty. Good to hear he hasn’t lost the knack for churning out pop gold.
12. “Sedona” :: Houndmouth
The quartet out of Indiana has been around since 2011, but I only discovered them this year. This folksy sing-along pays homage to the city in Arizona when it was known as “Little Hollywood.”
13. “Jules Verne” :: Korey Dane
Stumbled across this one from this rookie’s debut effort. An energetic acoustic standout from a guy out of Long Beach, CA. His lyrics get a bit garbled at times, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Kinda like Michael Stipe in the early days—you couldn’t tell what the heck he was singing and you didn’t care.
14. “10,000 Emerald Pools” :: BØRNS
The collection ends with two bands with the Scandinavian vowel letter ø. Go figure with this singer-songwriter, who hails from Michigan. His real name is Garrett Borns. Here’s his explanation: “I think the O with the stroke looks like a zero and I like that because it goes along with the concept of ‘borns’ and re-birth and zero as a number of no resistance.” Aha, now I get it 😉
15. “Trustful Hands” :: The dø
OK, at least this duo is actually French/Finnish, so the slashed “o” makes sense. According to Wikipedia, the band’s name is derived from the first note of the solfège scale and is pronounced as the English word “dough.” It is written with the letter Ø and the “D” often in lower-case to resemble a half note. Sounds logical to me. All I know is they also borrowed part of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Listen for it.
It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since I decided to post my annual “Best of the Year” collection online. Not only has it allowed me to share my favorite songs with a wider net of folks, but it’s also saved the world from more @#$%! plastic (all those CDs and jewel cases).
I’ve culled through my list of potential selections for this year and am happy to share my top 14 for 2014. Pop continues to bubble underneath throughout (what a surprise), but, hey, at least I’m consistent.
Here’s hoping you enjoy what you hear and discover some new artists in the process. Happy holidays!
You can listen to these songs on Spotify. Click here.
“Seasons (Waiting on You)” — Future Islands
Coming out of nowhere, Future Islands (a trio from Baltimore since 2006) introduced this infectious synthpop number that seems to be a staple on everyone’s Top 10 list this year. And rightly so. Love the driving bass line and the lead singer’s gravelly voice.
“Do You” — Spoon
Along with Wilco, Spoon ranks way up there as one of my favorite groups. And 2014 saw them deliver this damn-close-to-perfect pop confection that packs a wallop. Impossible not to toe tap to this one.
“Back in the World” — David Gray
A return to form for David Gray after a four-year break. Not only is he back, but back with a bang with this acoustic/electro anthem. “The only way to be” indeed.
“Latch” (featuring Sam Smith) — Disclosure
Unquestionably one of the breakout stars of 2014, Sam Smith lent his silky voice to the UK duo known as Disclosure. Originally released in late 2012, the song rode Mr. Smith’s popularity wave here in the U.S. and became a sleeper hit almost two years later.
“Shadow” — Bleachers
A secret side project of Jack Antonoff’s while on tour with his band Fun., “Shadow” played on heavy rotation in my car this summer. Said Mr. Antonoff, “Except for a small group of people, most of which happened to be members of my immediate family, no one was aware that this music, or this album even existed…even though it existed so deeply to me.”
“Wrong” — Pablo Nouvelle
My random find of the year…I’m still not sure which music blog featured this one. This Swiss producer samples snippets from Lianne LaHavas’ “They Could Be Wrong” with Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to create a slow-burning piece that conjures up emotions of tenderness, angst, and wonder without ever singing a word himself.
“Take Me to Church” — Hozier
Andrew Hozier Byrne, a 24-year-old Irishman who goes by his middle name on stage, broke through in a big way this year thanks in part to a viral hit on YouTube. But what’s the meaning behind the catchy chorus? According to Hozier, “It’s about electing some new form of worship—something worthwhile. Something that’s worth loving. Something that’s tangible and real.”
“Gotta Get Away” — The Black Keys
Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are back with a great road trip tune that evokes old classic rock hits from the ’70s. And you can tell they’re having a lot of fun with this one. I mean with lines like “I went from San Berdoo to Kalamazoo just to get away from you,” what could be better?
“Luna” — Bombay Bicycle Club
Thanks to an introduction from my daughter, Haley, this track from the four-piece band out of London took me back to the sounds of the ‘80s. Shades of OMD anyone? Electro-pop at its best.
“Are You Getting This Down?” — Jonatha Brooke
One of my favorite female singer/songwriters, Jonatha changed things up a bit this year by opening her one-woman, off-Broadway play “My Mother Has 4 Noses” in NYC. Although I missed the show (dumb!), the soundtrack featured this poignant ode to her Mom and her struggles with dementia.
“Blue Moon” — Beck
Appearing in the collection again after a 9-year hiatus, Beck’s lush and folksy first single from “Morning Phase” was met with more critical acclaim. Slow and brooding, it provides a moment to pause, reflect and revel in Mr. Hansen’s first work since 2008.
“Fever Dream” — Young Summer
DC-based singer/songwriter Young Summer (born Bobbie Allen) released this moody, synth-driven number that the folks from Noisetrade introduced to me this summer. Holy tribal drumbeat, Batman!
“In Conflict” — Owen Pallett
First appearing in the collection back in 2010, Mr. Pallett (out of Montreal) returns with another electronic/orchestral mix that directly strikes my pop funny bone. Especially when the chorus kicks in around the 1:45 mark. “There is nothing to lose” with this one.
“They Want My Soul” — Spoon
I told you I loved Spoon. So much so that I had to include this second helping (the title track from their latest album). Yep, Britt Daniel and the boys out of Austin, TX have my soul.
The "Best of the Year" Collection 