Best Music of 2017 (Part 2, Grizz — O)
After the roaring success of my last post, here’s the much anticipated follow-up! 25 songs that’ll have you wanting the last part of my list maybe:
Grizzly Bear — “Losing All Sense” (Painted Ruins)
An old favorite, the grizzly bear crew knows how to pump out ear worms. Harmonizing vocals and melodic riffs make this songs easy to repeat over and over and over again.
Hundred Waters — “Particle” (Communicating)
Such a great mix of late 90s techno and Sylvan Esso-style vibes. A new artist to me, I’ll be keeping my EAR out for more music from her.
Japanese Breakfast — “Machinist” (Soft Sounds from Another Planet)
Dark 80s beats and light auto-tuned singing blend into a dreamy dance tune. Plus sax. Maybe this song is about that weird movie?
Jaychef — “Do What It Do” (Do What It Do)
Just a really fun, bouncy track to blast on a Friday night.
Jens Lekman — “What’s That Perfume That You Wear?” (Life Will See You Now)
He’s a one man Hot Chip, with the steel drums and slappy beat.
Kendrick Lamar — “DNA.” (DAMN.)
I couldn’t stop listening to this album when it came out. I know it’s probably beating a dead horse, but this album was my number one with a bullet for 2017. Every song is great in its own way, and they all meld together to tell a story about Kendrick’s life. This man must not stop making music.
Kendrick Lamar — “HUMBLE.” (DAMN.)
This was my favorite song off my favorite album (and my favorite music video too). I loved To Pimp a Butterfly and thought he was going to have a hard time topping it, but holy shit-tits I was wrong. I can’t wait for more.
Knox Fortune — “Lil Thing” (Paradise)
Druggy summer tune that’s super catchy and fun.
Kygo, Sasha Sloan — “This Town” (Stargazing)
Kygo is not known for acoustic songs, but she really pulls it off well in this one. Her voice is highlighted for most of it, and she shines. The lyrics speak to a young Jake about everyone getting married and feeling trapped by the social norms of it all.
LCD Soundsystem — “call the police” (american dream)
Someone call the police because they’re back (I’m sorry)! This couldn’t be more of an LCD Soundsystem album if it tried, and I do think they’re trying.
Lila Iké — “Biggest Dub” (Biggest Fan)
This is a classical-style, concert with falsettos and — just kidding, it’s a dope reggae tune.
Litany — “Bedroom” (4 Track EP)
The chorus in this song is serious head-bobbing material. More steel drums. Maybe I have some weird fetish?
London Grammar — “Oh Woman Oh Man” (Truth is a Beautiful Thing)
Her voice sends chills up my spine and tears down my cheeks. Not real tears cuz I’m a tough alpha man though.
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Mac DeMarco — “Still Beating” (This Old Dog)
This isn’t anything out of character for DeMarco, but what he does, he does so well.
Mansionair — “Astronaut ” (Astronaut (Something About Your Love))
DAHB DAHB DABADUBADBAD. I feel like there’s a niche need for someone who can put beats to text. Please reach out to me if that’s you.
Methyl Ethel — “Ubu” (Everything Is Forgotten)
“Why’d you cut your hair?” is a question we’ve all asked someone at some point right? And let’s all admit that Methyl Ethel is a great band name.
Miami Horror, Poolside — “Leila” (Leila — Poolside Remix)
The piano, triangle, and I assume coconut shells create a happy cacophony of sounds that turn into a shoulder-shaking dance song.
Middle Kids — “Edge of Town” (Middle Kids EP)
NO I didn’t just pick this because I’m a middle kid (but it may have helped). Just the right amount of grunge rock with her almost-country vocals create a unique and wonderful blend.
Mister Heavenly — “Makin’ Excuses” (Boxing the Moonlight)
The voice from Man Man, Islands guitarist/vocalist, and the drummer from Modest Mouse/Shins form this indie super group. Such a great mix that produces something that sounds like none of their origins. (Bonus Jon Daly in the music video!)
MØ — “When I Was Young” (When I Was Young EP)
The drops in this put my head in some moulin rouge space, but they’re surrounded by her quiet singing. This gives everything more contrast and pop.
MUNA — “Loudspeaker” (About U)
Another 80s style dance song, I feel like the 2010s are turning out to be an upgraded 80s with less cocaine.
Niki & The Dove — “Coconut Kiss” (Everybody’s Heart Is Broken Now)
I can’t help but smile when this song comes up. It’s such a delightful, tropical song, and N&tD keep putting out songs that end up on my favorite lists.
Nite Jewel — “2 Good 2 Be True” (Real High)
This song, while a bit House-y, is light enough 2 be great. Although using 2 for 2 different forms of “to” is a bit much.
NXWorries — “Cant’s Stop” (Yes Lawd!)
Getting a J-Dilla vibe from this song, and I’m not complaining. If you’re a fan of that style of music, you’ll love this one. Plus it has a Rick & Morty drop in it.
Overcoats — “Leave the Light On” (Young)
Gospel meets techno in this amazing fusion. Their voices harmonize beautifully and give their music a haunting quality.
Part 2 is now completed! If this list is teaching me anything, it’s that my ability to describe music is…lacking. Maybe for the last part, I’ll get a thesaurus or something. Anyways, here’s the list:
