DTMD – Untitled
This is the best new hip hop song I have heard in ages, probably this year. Whilst that is less of an accolade than it might seem (I find myself somewhat disillusioned with the current scene) this is still pretty great and I have been feeling it all week.
The supreme hook is so fresh and catchy and the rhymes are by Oddisee, a favourite I highlighted earlier in the year. A pretty winning combo.
/RjK
Los Hijos del Sol – Linda Muñequita
One of the biggest surprises of the year for me has been my growing affection for world music. It has literally come from nowhere.
I know virtually nothing about these guys (they may be from Peru) and even less about what they are singing about (feel free to enlighten me if you are able). However, this has been stuck in my head since I heard it on Tom Ravenscroft’s 6music show last week. The jangly guitar is completely infectious.
RjK
Gene Chandler – Duke of Earl
This is classic early soul with something of a doo wop sound. The vocal is remarkably good.
RjK
Steve Arrington – Feel so real
This is a classic, upbeat 1980’s tune. It is my last Saturday in London in 2011 and I intend to mark it with a bang. This is the kind of song I want as a soundtrack.
RjK
Fleet Foxes – Blue Ridge Mountains
This seems a fitting song today as it was relentless freezing from the moment I stepped out the door on my way to work this morning into driving sleet and snow until now as I strive to maintain feeling in my fingers as I write this before bed. I am unsure why but I associate these guys with cold weather.
This is my favourite track from their eponymous 2008 debut album. It has an expansive, echoing sound and makes me think of a stoic, frozen expanse. They seem to have blazed a trail as I have heard quite a bit of similar sounding so-called ‘chamber pop’ music of late, most notably Loch Lomond and Dark, Dark, Dark.
RjK
Jimmy Ruffin – What becomes of the broken hearted?
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Round and Round
This was one of my favourite tunes of last year. I first listened to it because of the intriguing band name but there is something more to it than that. It has a really pleasing retro sound, like a dreamy forgotten favourite from the 70’s.
The utterly random video here is also pretty enjoyable. John Travolta? Check. Aerobics? Check. Naturally. Hipster enough for you? It strangely works well with the song though.
RjK
How to dress well – Decisions
Edwyn Collins – A girl like you
This guy came up in conversation last night when I was at a buddy’s house for dinner. What an interesting (and prolific) life he has lead. I didn’t know he was the lead singer of 80’s favourites Orange Juice or that he had recovered from a stroke in 2005 and managed returned to performing.
More than anything though, this is a fantastic song. I first heard right about the time I was becoming conscious of music and it sounded like nothing I had ever heard before. It is dark and brooding and has a great retro sound. Also, what KILLER guitar?
You’ve made me acknowledge the devil in me. I hope to God I’m talkin’ metaphorically…
RjK