As we enter into the last week of the year it’s a time to reflect on all the musical wonders of the past year, including the major hits (Adele, Justin Bieber, Drake) and breakthrough artists (Seinabo Sey, Alessia Cara). While we’re looking back at 2015 one final time, the new music machine rages on, which includes Christmas songs from Fetty Wap and the previously retired LCD Soundsystem.
Though the list only includes forty songs this week (as opposed to the usual fifty), it’s still jam packed with flavored freshness. Head over to Spotify for full access, and check out New Music Friday All Stars for a playlist format with hits of weeks past.
9. The Deep by Coyote Kisses
With a name, color scheme, and vibe primed for dance parties of the desert, it’s no surprise that Coyote Kisses totally killed their set at Coachella this year. The Deep takes you back to the intimate scene of the Do Lab stage, the beat building then ebbing and flowing, making you feel like you’ve cannonballed into a pool of technicolor. Here’s hoping the boys will be on the Coachella lineup again when it’s announced in early 2016.
8. Exit 353 by Damien Jurado
There’s an indisputable rainy vibe on Exit 353, as if Damien Jurado is taking Exit 353 out of his native Seattle to even damper parts of Washington. The indie rock/Americana maverick puts it all on the line, appearing to be searching for something more as he harmonizes “Aren’t we all not lost in song?” Easy to do so here. You’ll also find traces of classic rock influences like Chicago or The Moody Blues infused here.
7. No One Says You Have To by Kevin Devine
Having cited him as an influence before, Elliot Smith’s presence is clear here, albeit a decidedly more cheery Smith. The guitars and melody are gentle, blending perfectly with the singer’s tender voice, and highlighting the song’s simple message: “I say I can’t race forever, can’t raise the rock so hard/She said no one says you have to/Let go and take your time.” No one says you have to listen to the track, but you’ll be a lot happier if you did.
5. Blanket by Oh, Be Clever
There’s times when you just feel like pulling blankets all around you and staying in bed, and that’s precisely the vibe that is captured on Blanket – even if Brittney Shields laments “I can’t keep on pulling the blanket over my head.” It’s an indie-tastic wail of a song, grappling with issues of dealing with unpleasantness in dark times. Perfect for playing during the cold days in the depths of winter.
4. Bitter by I Am Karate
A self described Swedish unsigned electro pop duo, this duo with very Swedish sounding names – Erika Sold Ahlström and Marta Pettersson – still manage to create a very polished and engaging sound. Bitter starts out with electric whistles and pounding bass (as all good electro pop tracks should) and continues on as an ode to complicated feelings and relationships, wrapping it all up with an not so simple question: Why Keep It Simple?
3. Dirty Mind by Flo Rida, Sam Martin
Though the track has been out since the first week of December, it’s still hard not to get caught up in the infectious quick rhymes and easy hooks on Dirty Mind. The pace here takes on the flow of Flo Rida; easy to pick up on, and the soulfully sweet sounds of Sam Martin in the background help to give the song its distinction. Engaging guilty pleasure mode: Don’t cha love it, don’t cha love it? YEAH.
2. A Wonderful Life by Brian Fallon
Channelling his inner Springsteen (as all good Jersey boys are wont to do), the lead singer of The Gaslight Anthem kicks off his solo project with a spirited, uplifting track, declaring “I want a life on fire, going mad with desire/I don’t want to survive I want a wonderful life.” And who doesn’t want a wonderful life during the holidays? Fallon is about to go mad with touring, kicking off his North American tour on January 7th. Click here to find a town near you.
1. Magic Hour by RAC, Little Boots
Having already had a spectacular 2015 with plenty of hits and great tracks, RAC took to social media recently to say “it’s only fitting to close out the year with one more single.” Enter Magic Hour, of which RAC smartly decided to pair up with the angelic sounds of Little Boots. The best thing about Magic Hour is that it gives you an idea of when that Magic Hour is to occur, but really it could be anything: happy hour, early Sunday morning with no obligations, the first hour of the weekend; it’s all up to you, and the spirited rhythm of the track will take you there.
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