Track Marked

Top 10 Tracks of 2013

2014-01-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

2013 was another fantastic year of music and although it was extremely tough narrowing things down to the top 10 this year I have finally done so. Will include the rest of the top 50 later but without further ado here is my official top 10 of 2013:

10. James Blake - Retrograde

There isn't much else to say other than James simply owns in this track. Going to be tough for him to ever top this.

9. Woodkid - Iron

Such a refreshing change of pace to the music scene. He specializes in directing music videos so this one isn't even fair. You'll find out later how this isn't even the best track to the album which should be hard to imagine..

8. Mogwai - Remurdered

Don't let the track title fool you, this is one of the more accessible Mogwai tracks to date. Not that they are ever really hard on the ears per se, their lack of lyrics usually limit the number of fans they will obtain. This particular track is a fantastic achievement in musical composition in which they utilize a bit more 'Daft Punk' then post-rock influences in this one and it comes across brilliantly.

7. Julia Holter - Horns Surrounding Me

I see the term 'hauntingly beautiful' thrown around quite a bit but this is a rare case where it is definitely warranted. The combination of her voice, driving cello, and the right amount of saxophone make it the perfect musical cocktail that will shake you to your core.

6. The National - Don't Swallow the Cap

The Album of the Year is almost impossible to pick which tracks are the cream of the crop. This particular one sticks out to me because it's a slight departure for The National which is quite refreshing. All of the underlying instruments are quite uplifting and the lyrics are quite uplifting. The lyrics themselves are open to interpretation (some of them may be negative) but whatever take you have they seem to be trending in a positive direction.

5. Regina Spektor - You've Got Time

Lorde is probably going to OWN the Grammy's, which is fine, but 1:02-1:30 is arguably the best vocal performance of the year. The interlude following this is just as incredible and if you've ever watched "Orange is the New Black" you know that this is the opening track which could not be a more perfect fit for a fantastic show.

4. Foals - Bad Habit

I had not seen the video to this until now, holy smokes. This wasn't what I had envisioned but I guess anything will go well with this track. Not all great songs these days need to necessarily be centered around a main chorus but this is probably the best chorus of the year. The build up into the crescendo that is the final chorus starting at 3:00 is what sets this track apart from the rest.

3. Daft Punk (ft. Panda Bear) - Doin' it Right

The one and only Panda Bear absolutely steals the show with his ridiculous ability to create the perfect pitch/cadence/lyrics to make you get lost within the song. I would relate this to a 4 minute dream where your thoughts wonder to whatever your synapse drive-by shooting in your brain can produce and then when it's all over you are brought back to the sober reality of your mind. Let's just hope that state isn't so bad or else you may need to have this on repeat.

2. The National - Graceless

I had mentioned earlier that the National's "Trouble Will Find Me" is so flawless that it's sort of tough selecting which tracks are the cream of the crop. Well, "Graceless" managed to rise above all of the rest and is one of the best track in their entire catalog. I'm glad they made the video to be as much fun as the song is. The track itself has a sort of vibe to it that just makes you want to have some great times to so that when you listen to it years down the road it acts as a time capsule as to the great times you had while listening to it.

1. Woodkid - The Golden Age

Here is your #1 track of the year. The video does an incredible job encapsulating the theme of the track...the end of childhood. All of the ET and Neverending Story clips do quite a number on me considering those were movies that I watched during my particular childhood. The crescendo that begins at 1:35 is what really sets this track above all the rest this year. Music has an amazing way of capturing the human emotion and triggering it with a few instruments. If it is composed right, it can transcend that into something even greater, and this track manages to achieve just that.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#10-1)

2013-03-07T20:33:00.002-08:00

You can follow the Spotify playlist of the top 100 tracks here: Best of 2012

10. Jonquil – It's My Part
What was the top track of the summer kicks off the top 10 tracks of the year, Try to listen to this and not feel pleasant, I dare you.

9. Santigold – Disparate Youth
One of those tracks that will just become a part of you, if you allow it. The backing guitar and synth are perfect contrasts to her singing in this one. Great track to lose focus of your surroundings and focus on something meaningful to you.

8. The xx – Swept Away
From 1:10 to the end of this track is the best groove of the year. If you are unaffected by this one someone probably needs to check your pulse.

7. Dirty Projectors – Gun Has No Trigger
I am going to use this track in my first indie-action movie. It's going to start playing towards the end of the last scene through the credits and it's going to bee awesome.

6. Antony & The Johnsons – Cut The World
This track is simply amazing and the video just might be the most beautifully haunting music video ever created. Oh and keep in mind that this track is LIVE...incredible.

5. Beach House – Wild
The opening track from 'Bloom' and the #1 opening track of the year.

4. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Mladic
Godspeed needs no explanation. If you have 20 minutes of spare time to have a track in the background to have life-changing experience than you should give them a chance. Their songs are so complex and deep that you may have a different experience every time you listen to one...it is always incredible though.

3. Anberlin – God, Drugs & Sex
The song title mentions 3 of the most controversial topics in society at the moment. They have described the meaning as with all of the technological advances of our generation most people don't have time to sit down and really THINK. Because of this we are pretty apathetic over most things because we simply don't reflect enough. This track seemingly makes you reflect on things that are important to you by it's wonderful composition. It doesn't get much better than this ladies and gentleman.

2. Beach House – Myth
The #1 track for most of the year was 'Myth' by Beach House. It is such an incredible soundscape and truly one of the best songs in the last decade. Victoria's vocal range in this track is unearthly and the guitar seems to have a human-level of emotion to it throughout the entire track.

1. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – We Drift Like Worried Fire
The greatest track of 2012, period.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#19-11)

2013-03-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

19. Beach House – Troublemaker
Another great track of the already "classic"-status album Myth. A typical sounding Beach House track with clean guitar, drum machine, and plenty of keyboard. What really sends this track into the stratosphere is Victoria's erupting with passion during the chorus.

18. Animal Collective – New Town Burnout
A very simple track with many, many layers. That sort of redundancy is what drives people away from AC but at the same time causes those that "get them" to adore tracks such as this one.

17. The Temper Trap – Need Your Love
Teach me how to Dougy! No seriously, Dougy Mandagi has one of the best vocal ranges in music today. This track he basically shows off how he can turn a simple "ooh" into the best form of it ever heard in a song, ever.

16. Grimes – Oblivion
It should be illegal to combine a heavy synth-bass beat with her squeaky clean voice. Well she did it and there is nothing anybody can do about it now.

15. Lana Del Rey – National Anthem
It seems a bit ridiculous how many of hr songs made the list but I am not apologizing, especially for this one. This very well could be the perfect track for a nice warm summer day, especially for the Fourth of July.

14. Beach House – Lazuli
Victoria Legrand simply knocks this one out of the park with her singing. The second half transition of this track is what makes Beach House simply amazing. If you are reading my synopsis still without pressing play on this track then you my friend a bigger fool than me.

13. Animal Collective – Today's Supernatural
This track hits you like a bucket of ice water to the face in your sleep and doesn't let up. It almost feels like you are stuck in some twisted carnival maze and trying to find a way out...but don't want to by the time the track ends. You begin to embrace the crazy, because hey...crazy is fun.

12. Cursive – The Cat and Mouse
In what is Cursive's best track in some time, they seem to go back to their Ugly Organ roots. The break down at 1:00 would fit right in and the ending is vintage Cursive.

11a. Grimes – Genesis
Amazing.

11b. Lana Del Rey – Born To Die
Equally amazing.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#29-20)

2013-03-07T19:25:00.001-08:00

29. Best Coast – How They Want Me To Be
While most of their songs are about the beach or her cat...this is Best Coast's most heartfelt track to date. They show that they can craft a perfect little ballad here.

28. Anberlin – Innocent
Such a great all around track. Every single instrument is composed to perfection to create what is definitely a top 30 track type of the year caliber song.

27. Soko – First Love Never Die
Running out of words to describe the amazing tracks able to reach the top-30. This is a very chill track that will grow and grow on you.

26. Santigold – The Keepers
In case you haven't noticed, 2012 was a year where women in music really took over. Santigold was one of the key ones that really hit her stride this year. Her ability to create an infectious chorus is clear in this track.

25. Dum Dum Girls – Lord Knows
Continuing with the girl power trend, I present you the Dum Dum Girls. A smooth, steady groove that is very difficult not to listen to on repeat.

24. Fun. – Some Nights
The moment I heard this song I knew it was special. It definitely erupted by topping the charts so it's very likely you have heard it before (many times). This doesn't take away from the fact that it positively influenced the state of music in 2012.

23. Soap&Skin – Wonder
Calling this a 'song' probably doesn't do it enough justice. This 'hymn' was so delicately crafted it's almost too fragile for ones ears.

22. Imagine Dragons – It's Time
Another song that most people have probably heard by now. It should not be overlooked on any 2012 lists because this is one of those great tracks that acts as a time capsule for all of the moments, thoughts, and memories you had from last year.

21. Lana Del Rey – Radio
Unless you have been brainwashed into hating her (like Nickelback...only they are pretty terrible) there is no reason this song won't hit you in the feels.

20. Of Monsters And Men – Little Talks
This track most likely concluded the 'hey, I've heard this song before' portion of this year's list. And what a fun track this is...the male/female dual vocals in this one is something of beauty.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#39-30)

2013-03-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

39. Bat For Lashes – Laura
No need to blab about it...just listen to it and hear her haunting tale with her incredible voice.

38. The Vaccines – Teenage Icon
Just a simple pop-punk song; nothing more, nothing less - which makes it that much better.

37. Soap&Skin – Boat Turns Toward The Port
The much anticipated follow-up by Soap & Skin by the handful of fans she has (which is a shame). It was going to be tough for here to match her debut but she definitely succeeded.

36. Fun. – We Are Young - feat. Janelle Monáe
It seems like the Grammys actually beat me to the punch on this one (and had it ranked WAY higher). It's really hard to not love this one.

35. Beach House – Other People
The first of many tracks from Beach House's 'Bloom' that made the top 40. Every listen of this track is an amazing experience.

34. The xx – Tides
Hooooly shit. Just wait until the 1:00 mark when the bass kicks in.

33. Animal Collective – Monkey Riches
It was really tough not to have this song higher, but that just goes to show how good the top 30 is. This track is fucking amazing on a much deeper level than your average pop fan can hear on first listen.

32. Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built
The aggressive pop-punk anthem almost everyone can enjoy.

31. Anberlin – Self-Starter
Opening track from Anberlin's 'Vital' and is definitely a 'Self-Starter'. If you happen to be short on coffee and need a jolt just give this track a listen, it will surely get you going.

30. Soap&Skin – Vater
This track has more layers than a slice of tiramisu. When the wheels start to come off the track around 2:45, this track builds up and up until it reaches a crescendo of a wonderful mixed bag of piano riffs that Beethoven himself may be jealous of.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#49- 40)

2013-03-04T20:10:00.001-08:00

49. The xx – Sunset

The LP 'Coexist' by The xx is one of the definitive LP's of 2012 and some would argue this is actually the top track from it. Just goes to show the best is yet to come...

48. Grizzly Bear – Sleeping Ute

Such a dynamic use of powerful chords followed by intense/concise plucking of said chords. A very versatile band that features two lead singers in a way that keeps their sound always fresh.

47. Sharon Van Etten – Serpents

She has the type of voice that would be able capture an entire room of people that haven't heard her before. This particular track has got it all going on for it.

46. Lana Del Rey – Body Electric

Seeing her preform this track live really amplifies how seductive she intended this track to be.

45. Hammock – Hiding But Nobody Missed You

You could still consider this another "instrumental" by Hammock in the top 100. The singing is simply meant to be another instrument and it is a different adventure every time you listen to this track and have a refreshing moment of daydreaming during it.

44. Local Natives – Breakers

Local Natives have proved to not be 1 album wonders. 'Breakers' was the definitive track from their follow-up LP and the background riff beginning at 1:20 is what takes this track to another level.

43. Zebra Katz – W8wtf

Definitely the weirdest track on the entire list. If you happen to listen to it a few times you will wonder why the hell it is stuck in your head. Then eventually you will just have to hit 'play' one more time to get your fix of 'W8wtf' for the day.

42. Best Coast – The Only Place

The ultimate west-coast pride pop anthem.

41. Jai Paul – jasmine (demo)

No... his music isn't as weird as his picture above - check it out.

40. Cursive – The Sun and Moon

One of the greatest singer-songwriter of our time, Tim Kasher has another classic tale to tell you in this fantastic track.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#59-50)

2013-03-04T19:36:00.002-08:00

59. Anberlin – Other Side
Thee first track from Anberlin's incredible LP 'Vital'. Top notch blend of emotion and rock in this track.

58. Grizzly Bear – Yet Again
Grizzly Bear never cease to amaze and this year's release 'Shields', was no different.

57. Purity Ring – Fineshrine
I feel like this is the track on the list that is the line in the sand for where the tracks listed go from great to incredible. Such an amazing balance between her sweet voice and a haunting beat.

56. Sigur Ros – Varúð
What better band to kick-off the 'incredible' half of the list. Such a beautiful intro that leads you safety to the end of the track. It's pretty much impossible to describe any Sigur Ros track without using the word beautiful because it's true.

55. Now, Now – Oh. Hi.
The intro just sets up the fantastic riff starting at :27. Feel like it is one of those riffs that defines 2012 and the wonderful composition in the second half of the track ties it all together.

54. Ghost Beach – Tear Us Apart
A very M83 sounding track where the chorus is more about the singer being an additional instrument. Such a catchy tune that is much more complex than it's simple/catchy chorus.

53. Hammock – Cold Front
The first purely instrumental track on the list. Such an experience every time to get lost in your own thoughts while listening to this. Makes it a special listen every single time.

52. Imagine Dragons – Radioactive
A confident track that is the perfect mix of in your face with a sing along chorus.

51. Lana Del Rey – Ride
After she appeared in the top 10 of 2011 it can't be a shocker to see her peppered in this year's list after her LP release (and subsequent EP late in the year). As you know, I don't get caught up in the pop culture aspect of music and only focus on the actual product. This track is the first example of one of many tracks that she released this year that is of supreme quality.

50. Anberlin – Type Three
Another amazing track off of 'Vital' that uses more emotion than rock compared to other Anberlin tracks. They are exceptional at creating the perfect blend of the two in a way that most people will appreciate.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#69-60)

2013-03-04T19:07:00.001-08:00

69. The Lumineers – Stubborn Love
One of those track where you love it or hate it. I can't imagine too many people feeling the latter though, such a heartfelt track that deserves as much attention as it can get.

68. Sigur Ros – Ekki múkk
Another jaw droppingly beautiful track by the band that specializes in creating such tracks.

67. Animal Collective – Applesauce
It is very hard to rank the tracks from this album but this is the first track featured from Animal Collective's 'Centipede' on this year's list. The pre-chorus transition is orgasmic to say the least.

66. The Mars Volta – Aegis
Mars Volta is incredibly smooth at slowing things down only to eventually rock things out in their typical fashion such as this one. It's a shame that this seems to be the last track featured by them since they decided to shut things down as of 2013.

65. Bloc Party – Octopus
The last few bands seem to dominate past Top Track lists and Bloc Party is no different. It has been awhile since they released new tracks after Kele tried to establish his solo act. This track has a very 'Silent Alarm' feel to it.

64. Fiona Apple – Every Single Night
Wow. Just let Fiona's lyrics drive you through this track like Mr. Toad's Wild ride only to have her run you over with a freight train.

63. Hop Along – Tibetan Pop Stars
Frances Quinlan has the quintessential 'Indie' voice. The first 2/3 of this track is a well crafted balance between straightforward instruments with lyrics that are anything but. The last 1/3 is when you can almost hear her heart bleeding out of her mouth.

62. How To Dress Well – Cold Nites
Atmosphere. That is what this track makes a significant achievement in creating.

61. Lemonade – Neptune
Another track that creates a wonderful atmosphere and lyrics that pair up with it like milk & honey...or Lemonade in this case I guess.

60. Animal Collective – Wide Eyed
The second track featured from 'Centipede Hz'. This song showcases Deacon's return to the band with a bang.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#79-70)

2013-03-04T18:43:00.001-08:00

79. Yeasayer – Henrietta
Typical Yeasayer hit that has driving bass along with a chorus that is catchy as hell.

78. Danny Brown – Grown Up
His lyrics may be pretty silly at times but the beat here is silky smooth.

77. Purity Ring – Obedear
Such a great atmosphere created in this track that is easy to get lost in.

76. Dirty Projectors – Dance For You
Off-beat ballad with a clean guitar cautiously plucking at chords while the driving bass and light drumming play off each other.

75. Real Estate – Exactly Nothing
Real Estate create another classic road-trip style track. You can just imagine listening to this while driving down highway 101 with the windows rolled down.

74. Crystal Castles – Pale Flesh
This track isn't supposed to make you feel comfortable. With the screeching synth riff and Alice Glass' singing sounding like she's trapped in a basement asking for help. There is an underlying beauty to this track when everything seems to line up in sync with the beat and the calm nature of the track before the impending synth comes back in.

73. Passion Pit – Take A Walk
A much more commercial sounding Passion Pit is not necessarily a bad thing. This actually took a bit longr to get used to than their previous work because it was a tad more mainstream. Their maturing sound is a sign of more good things to come.

72. Hot Chip – Night And Day
This is a track that fits right into the Hot Chip greatest hits catalog. Driving beat, catchy lyrics, and weird sounds that lead you to believe there would be no other way to compose this track the more you listen to it. The breakdown starting at 3:04 is classic Hot Chip.

71. Kanye West – Mercy
I don't know how they dreamt up this track but it definitely works and the beat is killer.

70. Bat For Lashes – Lilies
Natasha Kahn has one of the most underrated voices in all of music. She is able to elicit so many different emotions in each of her lyrics it's uncanny.

Top 100 Tracks of 2012 (#89-80)

2013-02-15T18:01:00.002-08:00

89. Crystal Castles – Affection
CC at their best. Pre-gaming song for hipsters.

88. Right Away, Great Captain! – Blame
Song by Andy Hall, who was responsible for 2011's Song of the Year, Simple Math.

87. Fiona Apple – Werewolf
Fiona is back and her superior singer/song writer skills are showcased here.

86. Julia Holter – In the Same Room
A very odd song that teeters on the edge of being above average to amazing.

85. The Mars Volta – In Absentia
The ending of this track almost feels like The Mars Volta setting like a sun at dusk, creating the very image they chose to represent their final album.

84. alt-J – Tessellate
This song has a serious deal with it sound to it.

83. The xx – Try
How many great subtle guitar riffs are in this track, no seriously?

82. Rick Ross – Stay Schemin
Rick Ross & Drake seem to reach their pinnacle anytime they collaborate, but hey... we weren't with them shootin' in the gym, so what do we know?

81. The Shins – Simple Song
No year is complete without a classic Shins track.

80. Hop Along – No Good Al Joad
Emo music is short for 'emotion' and boy is this song full of Emo.

Top 100 Songs of 2012 (#100-#90)

2013-02-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

100. Bear In Heaven - Sinful Nature
Creates a great atmosphere of coked out proportions. Although nothing will ever strip Destroyer's "Kaputt" for that title.

99. Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love
Great dance beat and even better bass diddies throughout the song. Recommended for anyone that likes Passion Pit.

98. Fighting With Wire – Didn't Wanna Come Back Home
Early 00's sounding track. Very catchy and easy to get into but not much more than that. Heavily inspired by Foo Fighters.

97. Bloc Party – Day Four
You know it's a good year in music when I have a Bloc Party song ranked in the 90's. Classic chill Bloc Party track.

96. Frank Ocean – Pyramids
Very refreshing track and nearly clocks in at 10'. Not only dos it have a good beat(s) but features better guitar towards the end than most 'rock' songs these days.

95. Burial – Loner
Burial is above average background music and this is the most accessible track on his latest release 'Kindred'.

93. Of Montreal – We Will Commit Wolf Murder
The bass on this track is ridiculous and a great summer track. Runs a couple minutes too long though.

92. Death Grips – Hacker
If songs received an MPAA rating this would definitely be NC-17. If you aren't in for extreme music do not listen to this track. On the flip-side, if you like things a little hardcore/explicit then this track is for you. Great track.

91. Hot Chip – Look At Where We Are
For a band that is known for releasing some of the catchiest pop songs of the last decade this definitely classifies as a ballad. They manage to add in some of their unique elements to make it catchy as hell.

90. By The Sea – Dream Waters
Just a great track that seemed to stick with me after every time I listened to it. Definitely a great song to listen to while driving by the coastline.

Track Of The Day

2012-11-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

Anberlin – Self-Starter

Track of the Day

2012-11-02T17:07:00.001-07:00

Best Coast – How They Want Me To Be

Track of the Day

2012-11-01T23:10:00.003-07:00

Zebra Katz – W8wtf

Track of the Day

2012-10-31T14:38:00.003-07:00

Bloc Party – Hunting For Witches

Track Of The Day

2012-10-30T09:29:00.002-07:00

Mogwai – Acid Food

Track of the Day

2012-10-27T09:32:00.002-07:00

Lana Del Rey – National Anthem

Track of the Day

2012-10-26T13:51:00.004-07:00

Santigold – The Keepers

Track of the Day

2012-10-22T20:49:00.002-07:00

By The Sea – Dream Waters

Track of the Day

2012-10-21T19:19:00.003-07:00

Ghost Beach – Tear Us Apart

Track Of The Day

2012-10-20T12:50:00.002-07:00

WU LYF – We Bros

Beach House - Bloom

2012-10-20T12:47:00.002-07:00

Beach House

Bloom

Sub Pop; 2012

A

Beach House is the type of band that doesn't "wow" you right off the bat. This seems to be the trade off these days for albums that have long term re-play value. It's the catchy, simple sing along songs that tend to get stale rather quickly and we tend to look back at them as being certain "phases". In Beach House's, Bloom, we have an album that could be easily overlooked after the initial listen. It's a shame really considering the more you listen to this, the more of it that gets uncovered each time and it seems to get better overtime.

The album opens up with "Myth" which is arguably the best track on the album and quite possibly the best track of 2012. It feels odd being placed as the album opener and I feel it would work better as a closing track since it's rather slow opening and powerful ending. You could also make the case that it is the perfect opener considering the tone the song sets for the rest of the album. "Wild" is the next track up and what I would consider to be a better opening track since it's a bit more aggressive and draws you in to their music. Beach House does a fantastic job transitioning their tracks in halves and always builds up to a second half of the track where Victoria LeGrand really dazzles with her sultry lyrics.

As if the start of the album can't get much better they have to place "Lazuli", another highlight track, as the third song. This track packs a serious punch and offers one of the better second half transitions, I mentioned earlier, on the entire album. While most of the tracks you only really nod your head to, "Other People" may be the only one you might find your self humming to the lyrics as it has a definitive chorus that is rather catchy. "The Hours" is one of the more up-beat tracks while "Troublemaker" is one of the more passionate ones. Seeing Victoria belt out the chorus for "Troublemaker" is worth the price of admission.

"New Year" is a driving track that creates the typical atmospheric sound of Beach House. "Wishes" is a slow building track with the typical second half payoff. "On the Sea" and "Irene" are perfect closing tracks to a perfect album.

Sometimes music acts as something to sing along to in the car, dance to in a club, play at a wedding, play at a funeral...but great music creates an atmosphere for you to experience while listening to it and Beach House's Bloom does one of the better jobs with that that you will ever hear.

Highlight Tracks:
"Myth"
"Wishes"
"Troublemaker"
"Wild"

Other Review(s):

Pitchfork: 9.1 of 10
Pop Matters: 10 of 10
Filter: 8.8 of 10

Track of the Day

2012-10-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Grizzly Bear – Yet Again

Track of the Day

2012-10-18T08:05:00.001-07:00

The Temper Trap – Need Your Love

Track of the Day

2012-10-17T16:41:00.001-07:00

Grimes – Genesis