The past few years we have asked QuickCrit's annual survey takers to list their favorite songs from their favorite albums which has resulted in a "Best of the Best" playlist for the corresponding year. To spice things up, we have also been asking survey takers to submit a song or two that falls under some colorfully entitled category.
At long last, for your listening pleasure, below are the resultant Spotify playlists built from survey results and some editorial selections. The playlists should only cover music from albums released in 2015 and all are at least an hour long.
If you have any suggested additions to the playlists, please leave your recs in the comments section below. Happy listening!
So far, it has been a pretty solid year overall for albums and singles. I've been collecting my favorites here for you Spotify users, so you can catch up on a much deeper level if you like. For those of you with a quick attention span (our target audience), below are a few of my favorites as we pass the mid-point in 2015. Enjoy!
Life in Film - Here it Comes (2015)
I love this album -- It reminds me of the summer I spent working in bars in Santa Barbara immediately after finishing college attempting to force summer-jammy jam Brit Pop & Rock down every one's throats. The whole album just works and this track in particular makes you want to fiesta.
Bozgo - "This Kind of Love"
Gabe Lackner brings his unique touch to a collection of electro-lounge tracks that make you want to dance, chill, and workout... all at the same time. This track in particular captures the mystery and energy of a warm summer night where everything is possible and nothing is prohibited.
Summer Euro Jams
I spent two weeks touring the Europe earlier this summer and the common musical theme throughout was fun, upbeat, Euro electronic tracks. A solid pairing for days at the beach or nights at a loungy club. This isn't my favorite of those tracks, but it captures the mood and style pretty well.
Bop English - Constant Bop (2015)
I don't remember how or when I first started listening to this album, but 5 or 6 tracks off of the Constant Bop release are awesome and super catchy by any standard, including the one below...
March may be a little early for summer, but it is never to early for summer jammy jams. The summer sounds come early with the Soft Swells' self-titled release. The beachy-vibed indie rock is quite popular these days, and in some respects the Soft Swells could be considered California's response to Florida's Surfer Blood, with less reverb and more appealing vocals. Overall the album amounts to a well-crafted collection of pop songs, with shimmering vocals and rhythmic drums. Such attributes shine through on "Every Little Thing" and "Shake it Off." While every song is quality, there isn't a dominent single (in my mind) that needs listening to over and over again. More likely, one can toss this on with a couple other breezy indie pop albums, such as the latest Tennis, Drums, or Young Friends and nod along, imaging bare feet in the sand, sun on the face, and an ass in a comfortable folding chair. The combination of Brooklyn and Los Angeles roots reeks of hipster, but the tunes transcend any niche, too-cool-for pop culture genre or stylization. The Soft Swells bring great music and good times.
The long awaited, much anticipated debut music video for Scotch Howard's single "Hit the Wall" has hit the airwaves. We discussed the tantalizing elements of Scotch Howard's psychedelic electro-rock release some time ago here, and even still the album hasn't lost its je ne sais quoi. Shot in Los Angeles and directed by Scotch Howard himself, the video takes you on a psychedelic journey into the depths of a... rambunctious backyard dance party. The video is a winner -- not only capturing the trippy, hand-clappin' drive of the "Hit the Wall" song, but the feel-good tone of the entire album as well. Have a look and listen...
This is rock and roll... This is Howler. Their debut album, America Give Up, is vigorous and catchy much like one of my favorite bands of 2011, The Vaccines. The Drums, Surfer Blood and The Soft Pack (plug in other surf-rock influenced band name here) also come to mind, because the surf-rock trend is so hot right now. The 11 track album comes in at just over 32 minutes, which leaves each riff-laden, power pop track to come and go at a '70s punk pace. It is truly structured as an album from a different era. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised anymore due to all the musical virtuosos currently on the prowl, but I am still amazed by the fact that Howler is made up of mere kids. They pull together an amazingly mature and musically-educated sound, while keeping the songs and song-titles playful and carefree. This album is packed with singles, so take a half-hour out of your day, especially while the sun is shining here in California, and have a listen to some youthful summer jammy-jams.
Light For Fire - Yes indeed, they have been mentioned already; however, this album is certainly good enough for more than one mention here. If I may make one suggestion: shoot a proper video.
The Shuffle (Dance) - Say what you want about LMFAO, but they know how to rock a vampire dance party with a very fun and ridiculously over-simplistic runningman-esque dance move that can turn even a trip to Ralph's into a fun outing. So easy it is brilliant. Every music group should incorporate an updated dance move into their persona.
Breezy Summer Jammy Jams - I feel like there has been a fantastic showing for the beachy / bbq tunes this year. The Vaccines, Tennis, Foster The People and Cults all released tracks that sound better with the warm sun on the back and a cold beer in hand. Granted, they all have their own sounds and styles, but I can't help but think of riding a cuiser to the beach when any one of those albums are on.
Dolorean's The Unfazed - Not to be confused with Delorean, the Portland-based band is a verifiable go-to for early mornings, quiet evenings and tender moments. The lyrics are perfect for a heartfelt singalong and the music pulls you in close with its soft sway.
The First Six Months of 2011 - In addition to the bands already mentioned, there have been many other artists that I have really been impressed with in the first six months. Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists are all names many people already know and have shown us impressive stuff thus far; however, bands like U.S. Royalty, Magic & Fur, Scotch Howard, The Cave Singers and The Rural Alberta Advantage have surprised me with amazing albums as well that need to be heard.
I've been revisiting this album over and over since I first heard it in February, and everytime I find something new that resonates. It bears mentioning that I saw Kurt at a festival in Big Sur a few years ago and wasn't all that impressed. When you go in to an album with the attitude of an established non-fan, it takes twice the talent and good song writing to turn the listener. Good show, Kurt.
2. Henry Miller Memorial Library, Big Sur, CA
Attended maybe my 3rd show at this venue a few weeks ago, and I must say, it's becoming one of my favorite places ever. Great outdoor venue with very relaxed (read: non-existant) policeis towards bringing in your own food and drink. The sound is great, and as the sun sets among the redwoods, you begin to debate just sneaking off to the hills in the background and never coming back.
3. Walk The Moon - "Anna Sun"
Stumbled across this on a playlist my friend Jeremiah put together. Lots going on, many layers, all infectiously fun.
4. Lord Huron
This fella has released 2 EPs, recorded entirely by himself. In a much deliberated breakdown, Lord Huron is: 50% Animal Collective, 30% Fleet Foxes, and 20% Vampire Weekend. Pretty winning ratio!
5. The Generationals - Actor-Caster
This is, straight up, my summer band this year. Think a slightly more polished showing from The Drums.
Few can deny that Foster The People's "Pumped Up Kicks" is a killer single, building upon the chill psychedelic dance pop MGMT perfected on their first album, but subsequently left behind. Actually, all three songs off the EP are terrific. "Houdini" and "Helena Beats" recapture the joy of Passion Pit's indie dance party with big electronic beats and shimmering keyboards. Given the indie pedigree of the EP, it's no surprise that the rest of the songs off their debut full length, Torches, don't generate the same level of buzz. However, given a couple of spins, it becomes clear that there isn't a bad track in the bunch. "Color on the Walls (Don't Stop)" recalls the Dandy Warhols at their most tight and catchy. The lilting ballad "Waste" snaps along briskly, while "Warrant" brings everyone back out on the floor for one more sweaty spazz attack. Overall, it's a fun, breezy album, packed with plenty of hooks and hip shaking beats, no doubt perfect for summer nights.
Sad-sack mopers beware, The Vaccines' new album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? is relentlessly upbeat and fun, so you might as well just slip on your shorts, grab a six pack, and head for the water. Released just in time for the warm weather, the album is packed with summer indie rock jammy jams. The surf rock vibe driven by the reverb-soaked guitar riffs and pounding toms recalls Surfer Blood's Astro Coast, which kicked off last year's summer, but with a touch more pop punk a la The Drums or The Soft Pack. Most of the songs are short, catchy and laden with enough surf and beach references to actually convince the listener that the band has spent a few summers away from London. The hook-filled "Westsuit" is the most obvious example. The album feels young and free-spirited, like on the opener "Wreckin' Bar," which mixes a propulsive beat with a bad ass high school fight song. Overall, they keep it simple and relatable on songs like "Post Break-Up Sex" and "If You Wanna," the later a playfully open offer to an ex-lover to reconsider her decision, creating a refreshingly laid-back and enjoyable album.
The Vaccines will be on tour with Artic Monkeys in May.
One of my favorite feelings related to music occurs when a new(ish) album randomly happens to find you and it is exactly what the mood calls for at that particular moment in time. I happened upon The Record Summer when I needed something mellow and conducive to writing, and the tracks off of Race To The Bottom fit the bill. By way of Minneapolis and New York, Bret Rodysill's band, The Record Summer, weave radiant melodies and sanguine instrumentation with occasional electronics to create a summery record that can help brighten the day as we trickle into winter. The electronic pop moments reflect an approach similar to Sufjan Stevens and are never overbearing on the tight, lyric-centric songwriting. A few jams that stand out are the catchy "Television in America," the soothing "An Enormous Anger Grown in Brooklyn" and the poetic "Boys and Girls in the Modern Age."
Young The Giant just released their digital self-titled debut album and the initial impressions are all positivo. This is more summer jammy-jam than Halloweekend material, but with the sun out it seemed appropriate. Nice location for a music video.
When one of Free Energy's songs randomly comes up on shuffle I immediately smile, turn it up, and try to rate it higher than I already have. That is probably close to the definition of a "feel good hit". These songs stand out from the rest of the classic rock cribbing crowd in part because the band allows the songs room to breathe, preferring to strut rather than sprint. The solos are restrained and administered sparsely. "Dream City" kicks off with a T.Rex groove before down shifting to almost a ballad, even incorporating a little E Street saxophone at the end. I've loved the summer anthems "Hope Child" and "Free Energy" since when I first heard them last year, but the charging "Light Love" and the simple and catchy "Bang Pop" aren't far behind.
I'm not sure how this got overlooked on our QuickCrit lists. The Drum's Summertime! EP is fantastically catchy and a perfect remedy to the gray winter blues. It's just six songs of casually melancholy retro pop with plenty of hand claps. What's not to like? The two standouts, "Saddest Summer" and "Let's Go Surfing" (mp3) set the tone somewhere between between foggy groggy Girls and the poppier Surfer Blood. They have a couple other great songs floating around, so I imagine we can expect an album in 2010. I can't wait.
Looking ahead to 2010, Surfer Blood's album Astro Coast is set for a January 19th release date and if advance blog chatter is an indication of an albums potential success, consider Surfer Blood soon to be platinum artists. We all know, however, that hype can be misleading, so I prefer to turn to cold, hard evidence. Exhibit A: Their first single "Swim (To Reach The End)" is the kind of anthemic catchy pop rock that is worth looking forward to. Soaring vocals hover above power pop chords with intermingled riffs that are reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, although the bands shouldn't be directly compared. If "Swim" is representative of what the rest of the album will offer, save a slot on your "summer short list" because I have a feeling the album will be packed with summer jammy-jams. Just think, you could be the first kid on your block rocking these tunes at your late January barbecue. Ultimately, there is good stuff here and if the nine other tracks follow the "Swim" direction, I think that Astro Coast will be one to tap into come 2010.
I stumbled across this video this morning and can't get it out of my head. I don't know anything about these guys, except that the video features some sweet dance moves. So here you go.
Throw Me The Statue's Creaturesque delivers on the potential of last year's Moonbeams, with "Dizzy From the Fall" probably being the closest in tone, catchiness, and just general awesomeness to "Lolita" (mp3). Or the spirited "Waiting At The Shore". Or... well, suffice to say the rest of the album is just as good. Overall, its way more polished and consistent than the debut. It's clear that they have mastered summertime indie pop, balancing light and wistful lyrics with bouncy drums and cheap tinny keyboards. "Hi-fi Goon" (mp3) and "Ancestors" (mp3), two more of my favorites, both feature simple catchy riffs and singalong choruses. All the handclaps, hooks, and well-placed whoops add up to a very fun album.
I have been looking for some new summer jammy-jams for barbecuing and roof deck lounging since my relentless over-playing of Portugal. The Man's The Satanic Satanist back in early June, and I think I may have found such goodness in the Fruit Bat's The Ruminant Band. Fruit Bats have been around in some for or another since the late '90s, but with the release of their first album in over four years, this is the first time I have paid any heed to their exceptional oft-acoustic indie folk rock. Eric D. Johnson's vocals and guitar work, plus the folky instrumentation from the talented backing musicians (Gibson, Sherman, Lewis, Wagster) weave together an album that falls in line with Fruit Bat's Seattle brethren and Sub Pop cohorts, such as The Shins (of which Johnson is a member), Band of Horses, and Fleet Foxes. There is also a taste of Led Zeppelin III folkiness, that is especially prevalent on the title track. The whole album is very good, but here is a vid for the very excellent "Ruminant Band."
I loved the Office's lo-fi glam on their last album, Putting On The Ritz. However, on Mecca, they have mostly ditched the glam in favor of upbeat indie rock. And as good as Ritz was, this one is better. For the most part, the album bounds along, bursting with hooks. Only occasionally does it slow down, like for the beautiful "Enter Me, Exit You" with its chirping xylophone and soothing vocals. slowing down. There are a couple great songs, like "Nobody Knows You", which rides a bright, shinny chorus and thumping drums straight into summer and the short "Dr. Drako", which wraps surf guitar and a chant-along chorus around rapid, tightly-wound vocals. Cryptically dark lyrics provide a bit of contrast, but are delivered with such enthusiasm that they rarely alter the buoyant mood. Oh, and you can download the album free from their label Quack! Media. Check it out!
