My favourite tracks of 2013.

If I wrote this post on a different day the list would probably be completely different, that's the thing about music, it's very mood depending and there's so much good stuff out there it's really tough to pick out solid favourites.

But, here goes.

10. Palma Violets - Best of friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjit0AuZNiE

There is still some part of me who is clinging onto my 15 year old self, when I loved anything a bit "punk" sounding or "grungy" - it was a time when I loved (and rightly so) The Clash, Nirvana etc. And Palma Violets embrace that teen angst in their raw sound. Listen and stay young for a bit longer.

9. !!! - One Girl / One Boy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyuWU_Gyu-s

I like to disco. This is the perfect funky disco song, it just makes me feel happy whenever I hear it, and makes me wanna go out dancing. 

8. Darkside - Paper trails
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZVPHzsRp_o

WOW, Darkside is Nicolas Jaar's project with Dave Harrington, and this track is immense, mellow & electronic with a blues feel. I bloody love it. 

7. Chvrches - The mother we share
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mTRvJ9fugM

I first heard this song a while before it's release way back in January, and even posted a link to it straight away on Twitter because I was so impressed. Chvrches have had a pretty good year and released some brilliant singles, this, though remains my favourite. 

6. Daft Punk - Get Lucky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NV6Rdv1a3I

This song needs no introduction or explanation, when it was released it completely took over, definitely the biggest single of the year; no one can deny it's catchy, disco, soul beats and what a great collaboration with Nile Rodgers and the king of catchy himself Pharrell Williams. FEEL GOOD MUSIC AT IT'S BEST. 

5. The National - Demons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N527oBKIPMc

A couple of years ago when I first gave listening to The National a go, I wasn't really won over, I just thought they were okay. I was wrong. They are one of the most incredible bands. If you're ever feeling lonely, listen to them and in their words and music you'll find a true friend. Their latest album is full of wonders but Demons is probably still my top choice, mainly because I can relate to it. Turn off your lights, close your eyes and really listen. 

4. Jagwar Ma - Man I need
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8KCPw9kYpo

Jagwar Ma's 2013 album 'Howlin'' has become one of my most listened to this year, and particularly this song, which I adore. It's lovely indie electro dance, with some decent use of synths. An instant winner. 

3. Disclosure - F for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TUIciKQzxI

What a year it's been for Disclosure, I personally think they should have won the Mercury Prize (as much as I like James Blake) but a nomination is pretty good anyway, right? The whole album is fun and get's you right in the party spirit. Experiemental and unique - this song has it all. 

2. Arctic Monkeys - Why do you only call me when you're high?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6366dxFf-Os

AM could be the best Arctic's album since their debut. It's bluesy, a bit more grungy and I like it. I struggled to decide on which of theirs to have here, it could have easily been 'Do I wanna know?' or even one of the amazing b-sides - "Stop the world I wanna get off" / "You're so dark", but in the end I decided on this gem. Any person who has ever got drunk (high) and called an ex or someone they're involved with can relate to this song, it's a song for a great British generation. Indie lives on, kids. (Also, I fancy Alex, a lot.)

1. Chris Malinchak - So good to me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrMl32cuC2A

And so finally, the number one spot, this song actually made it to number 1 in the UK charts, showing that the masses can get it right. I'm not really good at this whole winter lark and long for the summer. This song sounds like summer and was one I played a lot back during those months. Everytime I hear it it just gives me that feel good factor with it's soulful electro mellow vibes and gorgeous vocals. WINNER. 

* (Other bands/artists that probably deserve to be on the list - Jake Bugg, James Blake, Swim Deep, Rudimental and London Grammar and many more)

It's been a good year 2013 - thank you for the Music. Here's to another year of it.

Cheers! 

Merry Christmas

So, 1 week today and the biggest of anti-climaxes will be happening - Christmas Day. (how very Scrooge-esque of me!)

I do actually love the festive season, mainly for the extra partying, but also for sharing time with loved ones (awwwwww)

Anyway, Christmas songs - only a few get it right

and

!!! have - it's a bit cheesy, but it's funky and fun and bloody catchy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWjfVyjl9Wk

also, last year one of my favourite covers was Lucy Rose doing "Merry Christmas Everyone" - which, is in fact one of my fave Xmas songs of all time

this year.. surprisingly it's a cover of 'Last Christmas' - thanks Peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vX7tC_BWoA

MERRY XMAS TO YOU x

RECORDS ON REPEAT

*Listen* *Listen* *Listen*

I'm not normally bossy, but you MUST listen to these:

Cashmere Cat - With me
https://soundcloud.com/cashmerecat/withme

Majical Cloudz - Turns, turns, turns
https://soundcloud.com/majical-cloudz/turns-turns-turns

and

Toy - Endlessly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Yre4Gmb-E

They are all dreamy. Lay down, close your eyes and let the music take you there.

(*There... someplace, well, nice)

RECORDS ON REPEAT

Nile Rogers, Disclosure and Sam Smith. Utterly smooth, totally funky. This makes me happy -

https://soundcloud.com/methodrecords/sam-smith-x-nile-rodgers-x?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

I love finding new covers of songs, here's a great one of Galaxie's 500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpmPJgUUmXk

and

although I first heard this a while ago, it's only recently I've grown to love it so much.

Country can be good and Valerie June gets it spot on:
https://soundcloud.com/valeriejune/workin-woman-blues