It has become increasingly more obvious that when Led Zeppelin sang, “It’s been a long time. Been a long time. Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time,” they were referring to the lapsed moments between my blog updates. To those going through withdrawal: I’m sorry. To those NOT going through withdrawal: Stop lying to yourselves.
Given it may be another 12 months before I post on here again, I figured I might as well share my favorite 15 songs of the year. Here they are in all their glory:
Beirut – East Harlem – Well-crafted music tough to place in a box not labeled “awesome.”
Kendrick Lamar – Rigamortus – One of hip-hop’s finest young spitters going H.A.M. over horns.
Alabama Shakes – Hold On - New band poised to make a splash in 2012. I’ve heard lead singer Brittany Howard described as a more soulful female version of Jack White…sounds about right.
Alex Winston – Sister Wife – Catchy enough to make polygamy cool again.
Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside – Danger – My jam of the summer. Had the chance to catch these guys live and marvel over the contrast between Ford’s mild-mannered personality and wrecking ball of a voice.
Star Slinger – Dumbin’ ft. Reggie B (Diplo Remix) – The audio equivalent to M. Bison’s sonic boom.
Cults – Go Outside (Menahan Street Band Remix) – Indie darlings get the Daptone treatment.
Cosmo Jarvis – She Doesn’t Mind – Definitely a hummable tune, but it’s Jarvis’s wit that really grabs you.
The Streets – Lock the Locks – Could this be the swan song for the British dude with the wonky flow and catchy hooks? I hope not. Nobody sounds like Mike Skinner.
Cass McCombs – County Line – It’s like he’s daring us not to sing along to the “Whooa, whooa, whooa, whooas.”
Action Bronson – Buddy Guy - Classic NY hip-hop slow-cooked over a soulful vocal sample. Obscure food references are a welcomed bonus.
Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks - Beautiful and a little raucous at the same time.
Middle Brother – Million Dollar Bill - Probably the best track from my favorite album of the year. The lyrics on this slow burner are immaculate.
Michael Kiwanuka – I Need You By My Side - This guy sounds like Ben Harper at his best. I’m (not so) patiently waiting for his debut full-length due March.
Drake – Take Care ft. Rihanna I loved “Headlines,” but it’s the honesty and depth of this title track and others that make “Take Care” stand out.
Take care of each other. I will see you in a year.
