Favourite Songs of 2013

YES. So I've finally got around to doing this. It may come off as somewhat disappointing, as it's probably not the flamboyant, juicily-detailed post I made you anticipate for almost two months.

It is exactly what I said it would be: My favourite songs of 2013.

It's strictly a 2013 list, so it's a shame a great number of awesome songs won't show up here.

Also, I tried to include only one song per artist, sadly. Thankfully, I included a number of notable mentions for each artist where needed.

Before we proceed, I must point out that I'm writing this list from most favourite to least favourite. This is against the rules, but what the hell.

Also, I may have made some factual errors, so if you spot any, please draw my attention to it. Thank you.

Okay, so let's get right into it.

1.) Arcade Fire - Normal Person

This song gives me life. It embodies everything I believe in. Sometimes, I feel like Win Butler knows my very thoughts.

Sonically, it starts with a regular guitar chord riff, turns real crazy at 1:07 when that lead guitar comes in during the pre-hook, then proceeds to become increasingly awesome from that point on.

Lyrically, Win explores themes of rebellion, criticism of our degrading society, and refusal to bend to the desires of the Normal Person. Basically, rejection of what this Reflektive Age embodies.

I especially like how he starts with the ironic, “Aw man, do you like Rock and Roll music? 'Cause I don't know if I do.”

It's the fifth song on their fourth album, Reflektor. If you're into Alternative Rock (and even if you're not), buy it! You'll love it!

Some of my other faves are Porno, Reflektor, Joan of Arc, Oh Orpheus.

2.) Alt-J (∆) - Breezeblocks

Yes, I know, this was originally a 2012 song, but the band found time in early 2013 to hit the studio and record an iTunes session EP which includes remakes of all our An Awesome Wave favourites!

This was a hard pick obviously, because Tessellate, Fitzpleasure, Taro, Buffalo and a host of other eargasmic songs.

I like how towards the end, Joe (and probably Gus) switched to the delay-layered, “Please don't go”s.

3.) Vampire Weekend - Hanna Hunt

This is definitely my favourite song off the album. It's sonically minimalistic, and lyrically explores themes of religious doubt, possible betrayal, and a drive to fix the broken. Actually, the lyrics are pretty complex. You might do well to search for an online breakdown.

I especially like the change in mood and tone at 2:40. The strain in Ezra's voice seems to depict some sort of desperateness. Then the drums come in at 3:22, and together with some sort of synthesized choir-sounding instrument, give a befitting end to a deserving song. 

Other notable mentions are Obvious Bicycle, Ya Hey, Diane Young, Unbelievers. Just, get the album - Modern Vampires of the City.

4.) London Grammar - Feelings

They are a relatively new band, and this is their first song I ever heard. It's a non-album single. I liked the minimalistic, stripped down, spaced out sound immediately. Reminded me of The xx, but with Florence Welch/almost-Celine Dion-like vocal richness and mastery.

Then came their Metal & Dust EP, and If You Wait debut album, all in one year. Make sure to get them both. They are a great band, you won't regret it.

Also, the (electronic?) bongos really made this song come alive. Proper Art Rock.

5.) The Internet - Red Balloon

Ooh, I especially like this one. It's mellow, shoegaze-y. It's a ballad dedicated to a lost love, whom Syd vows to up and follow as soon as she builds up the strength to. I absolutely love it, love it!

6.) Laura Mvula - Make Me Lovely

This one was a very hard pick. See, she makes the best Soul/Neo-Jazz out of England right now, in my opinion.

STUNNING, UTTERLY CAPTIVATING VOCALS over the smoothest accompaniments. Believe me. I would name all her other songs I fancy, but it would be a longgg list.

Get. Her. Bloody. Album.

It's called Sing to the Moon.

7.) Arctic Monkeys - Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High

This is off their album, AM. If you listen close enough, you'll notice that this and two other songs—Do I Wanna Know? and R U Mine—have rather similar riffs. It was a hard choice, but this was my favourite. Plus, the video totally bought me!

8.) Kavinsky - Nightcall

I've often said this: “Kavinsky is my Daft Punk.” I'm not saying he's greater than them or even as good, I'm just saying I absolutely love him. Sick producer and composer, and don't even get me started on his electronic/robotic vocals.

Nightcall is a great song, so much so that London Grammar couldn't resist doing a cover and putting it on their debut album.

I also like Odd Look, to which The Weeknd did a remix. He's a relatively new act, please support him by buying his music. You can start with his album, Outrun.

9.) Queens of the Stone Age - The Vampyre of Time and Memory.

This was a really tough pick, because, If I Had A Tail.

Lyrically, this song is something like what a blend between Radiohead's Subterranean Homesick Alien, Climbing Up The Walls and No Surprises would sound like.

It sees Josh Homme longing for better, quieter days, and wishing God would swoop down and take him away. He defeats/gets over his demon(s)—The Vampyre—, and then proceeds to ask, “Does anyone ever get this right?”

10.) Gotye - Hearts A Mess

From what I gather, this is not a new song, as it was on a previous release, circa 2007. However, an extended version of it appeared on the OST for the film The Great Gatsby, and I have to say I was very impressed. From the slightly detuned acoustic guitar to the rhythmic drumgasms to the emotive vocals, this is a perfectly composed song. It has no single flaw. It's almost a story in itself even, complete with strife and suspense.

11.) Lady Gaga - Aura

This is pure electronic Pop with an ironic tinge to it. Lyrically, Gaga is seen purposely trying to trivialise the obvious deepness her latest fashion choices have portrayed. It's almost desperate; pretentious even. What's not to love about it?

12.) Iman Omari - Energy

I just want to thank God for Solange Knowles. Without her, I might never have stumbled upon the beauty that is this act.

With the Saint Heron compilation last year, my faith in Neo-Soul/Alt-R&B was revived.

This Energy song is one of a number of totally awesome songs off the record. Look out for other acts such as Kelela and India Shawn. 

13.) CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share

I LOVE THIS SONG!

What I absolutely love about CHVRCHES is how they make digital/laptop music come ... well, alive. Even more interesting is how they can make proper Alt Pop/Rock with few or no guitars. Plus, their live performances are very fun to watch.

Oh, plus they're from Scotland.

14.) Smallpools - Over & Over

This was another tough pick, because, Dreaming.

Smallpools is a relatively new American Alternative Rock band who caught the attention of the internet with their Dreaming single (which has the best video I've seen in a while) and ultimately, their eponymous EP. They are a very promising band, and I really hope they make it big.

15.) The Neighbourhood (NBHD) - Afraid

They are an American Pop band. I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong. They're not your basic Pop band. They have a really dark sound, with almost Rock-like lyrics. They garnered public attention with their single Sweater Weather. Their debut album I Love You. is fairly good. I recommend you give it a listen.

16.) Florence + the Machine - Over the Love

I just want to take out a moment to bless the good Lord again for the The Great Gatsby film. If not for anything else, for it's awesome soundtrack. Jay Z deserves proper props for arranging this thing.

Over the Love sees Florence Welch lamenting that which was and could have been with her rich and sterling vocals over a calm but assertive piano background and well arranged drums.

17.) Beyoncé - Superpower feat. Frank Ocean

This is my favourite song off her latest eponymous offering. It's the perfect duet, and sees Frank Ocean harmonising his mellow baritone-to-tenor registers with Queen Bey's compelling soprano.

18.) Maroon 5 - Come Away To The Water

Thanks to the The Hunger Games movie adaptations, we've been blessed with 31 or so lovely songs so far, of which this is a Top Five mention.

It's Country Rock, and sees Adam Levine calmly exploring themes of salvation and sacrifice over acoustic strings and a subtle percussive background. Also, the choir-like backup singing gives it a complete feel.

19.) Avicii - Hey Brother feat. Dan Tyminsk

This is House at its best. Avicii's True album will always be remembered as one of the best things to happen to music in 2013.

20.) Lily Allen - Somewhere Only We Know

As if the original version wasn't tear-plus-nostalgia-inducing enough, Lily Allen just had to put her own shaky-voiced twist on it. We all know she has great vocals, and so it wasn't difficult converting this song into hers. With nothing but simple piano accompaniment, a couple or so listens to this song will have you missing your ex from junior school.

I thought to stop here, but I just couldn't. So, as a bonus I decided to add ten more songs to this list. It's really a non-exhaustible list, so it was hard work trimming it down. Bear with me, Forrest.

21.) The Weeknd - Love in the Sky

Abel Tesfaye has always made emotive songs with perfectly strained affectional vocals over experimental beats, and this isn't very different.

Lyrically, he explores themes of developing both drug-induced legitimate emotional feelings and erotic pleasure for/with his partner.

22.) Frank Ocean - Bad Romance (Lady Gaga cover)

I prefer this to the original, and I'm not sorry. It's acoustic, much milder, has smoother vocals, and is a Frank Ocean song.

23.) Fall Out Boy - The Phoenix

I chose this over The Art of Keeping Up Disappearances. Instrumental-wise, it's aggressive, intense screaming Rock 'N' Roll at its best, and the vocals are very impressive. I like how one moment I hear screaming, next I hear a much calmer register pre-hook. Also, impressive falsettos.

Meanwhile, their Pax-Am Days EP is particularly fascinating because it's the first almost-album-length EP I've come across, but with a slight twist: songs slashed in half.

24.) Imagine Dragons - Who We Are

One word: DRUMS!

25.) Ed Sheeran - Swim Good (Frank Ocean cover)

For some reason, I prefer this to the original version. It's basically acoustic, stripped down, and features Ed's unsure, almost timid vocals.

26.) Paul McCartney x Nirvana Reunion - Cut Me Some Slack

ROCK AT ITS FINEST! 

Paul's screaming vocals, combined with Dave Grohl's insane guitar/stick-work is already enough to make the perfect Rock song. Throw in a couple other members of the band, and it's heaven.

Also, Paul's On My Way To Work is a notable mention. Get his New album. (Heyyy, see what I did there?)

27.) David Bowie - The Next Day

This man is an enigmatic phenom. He has been making music since the 70s, and it doesn't seem like he's going anywhere anytime soon. This is what Rock feels like. Conscious, lively, scary, sinister. He's a real queen.

28.) Elton John - Home Again

This man is king on the piano. Since the 70s also, he has been making music so good, The Queen knighted him for his services.

His latest offering sees him in usual form, combining almost moanful vocals with impeccable piano accompaniment.

29.) Yuna - Rescue

Malaysia's Yuna Zara'ai and her band released two albums in 2013, and of the two, Nocturnal garnered more critical acclaim.

It's an Alternative Pop album, and this is one of the more catchy songs off it. Totally worth more than a couple listens.

30.) Banks - This Is What It Feels Like

Dark R&B is what this is. Some (myself included) have called her the female The Weeknd.

Off her second EP, London, this is a great tune, which I immediately fell in love with. The sound is somewhat airy and spaced out, akin to The xx's signature.

Okay. There. I'll leave now. Cheers.

Loool, psyche! I must mention:

The Flaming Lips' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (The Beatles cover), 

Willis Earl Beal's Black Beauty ( Lana Del Rey reply),

Disclosure's Help Me Lose My Mind (feat. London Grammar),

Marina & The Diamonds' Electra Heart,

Coldplay's Atlas,

Volcano Choir's Acetate,

Django Django's Default,

Sky Ferreira's Boys,

Charli XCX's I Don't Know Your Name,

Ellie Goulding's Hearts Without Chains,

Lorde's Buzzcut Season,

Jessie Ware's Wildest Moments,

Blood Orange's You're Not Good Enough,

Rizzle Kicks' Skip To The Good Bit,

OneRepublic's If I Lose Myself, ...

... and a host of others!

Cheers now.

(Here's a special one for you, Forrest: St. Vincent's three new 2014 singles. Some fine Art Rock.)

You Were Somewhat Wrong, Wangy

It was a hot June afternoon, and I was really tired. It was almost 4 P.M., and I was walking back from school with a group of friends. I was eleven years old.

Like any other student living in the Staff Quarters at the time, the idea was to spend as much time on the road chatting, each person trying to get his fair share of words in before getting to his designated branch-off.

We got to this major junction where three of us were to branch off, so we stopped to rest (and to at least complete our present line of conversation before having to leave).

I had just dropped my bag on the grassy roadside and sat on it when he pulled up beside us. Wangy. He staggered out of his blue Golf, smelling like weed, cigarettes, alcohol and whatnot. He glared at us through bloodshot eyes for what seemed like a whole minute, then walked past us. Needless to say, all conversation ground to a halt.

I don't think I have to mention that he was one of the most (in)famous yahoo boys living in the Staff Quarters at the time, the Golf was enough to tell you that: it was their trademark car at the time.

Wangy stepped into the nearby store, and came out a few minutes later, trying to balance several satchets of dry gin, an equal number of packets of both cigarettes and condoms, and two bottles of wine in the cradle of one arm, while struggling to hold his sagging trousers in place with the other hand.

He got to his car, opened it and made to enter it, then suddenly stopped and turned to face us. After some more awkward(ly quiet) glaring, he suddenly burst into loud laughter. He kept laughing and laughing till his eyes teared up, and he must have realised no-one else got the joke, because he sputtered to a sudden stop.

“Una sabi wetin wank be?” 

We kept quiet.

“Una no fit talk?”

“Sorry sah,” one of my friends managed.

Again, “Una sabi wetin wank be?”

“No sah.”

Again, he burst into that awful(ly loud) laughter. Suddenly, Mr Wangy started making loud groaning noises, and with his trouser hand, started making the jerk-off motion. Do you know what this means? This means his trousers dropped to the ground in the process, revealing his boxer-briefs. Till this day, the memory scars me.

Suddenly, as if jolted into 'consciousness', he comported himself. Lifting his trousers into place, he suddenly switched to clear Queen's English and left us these words which I'll never forget: “You'll find out soon enough.”

I didn't find out till seven years later.

A Practical Representation of a Recent Happening on Nigerian Twitter

I'm walking along on the road.

I see some random person on his own, sharing his opinions to some people gathered around him.

I stop, haul insults at, and strongly berate him for sharing such opinions, in one breath.

Next breath, I tell him I never have and never will give a shit about anything he ever has and ever will have to say.

I leave onlookers very confused.

A Ramble On Music and Whatnot

You know what is a killer duet idea? Nate Ruess of fun. and Clayton Stroope of Thriving Ivory/Midnight Cinema coming together.

 Or maybe Nate Ruess and Joe Newman of Alt-J (∆).

Or all three should just come together and bless us with a killer trio.

Okay, Ed Sheeran and James Blunt. #KillerDuetIdeas

JMSN and The Weeknd, easily. #KillerDuetIdeas

Frank Ocean and ... Justin Timberlake? The-Dream? Ah, maybe Chris Brown?

That last option seemed silly, till I heard Chris Brown's cover of Somebody Else. He totally killed it.

Obviously, Ed Sheeran's cover of Swim Good was better than the original piece too.

Turns out every Frank Ocean cover I've heard was better than the original song. I don't understand why.

I mean, come onnn, even Sojay gave him a run for his money with that Thinkin 'Bout You cover.

Oomph; Its Probably Strange Origin

There's something strangely peculiar, *arousing even, about the word "oomph".

Of course, if you know the meaning, then you realise it's somewhat onomatopoeic.

But then, how on earth can one tell what energy/enthusiasm/sex appeal sounds like? Here's how: We can't. We just know that it sounds like oomph, and that's probably how the word came to be, and came to be given such meaning.

Interesting, isn't it?

So what is it then; an imaginative reverse onomatopoeia?

(*You got me, this was totally intended.)