In the style of Chiddy Bang, The Dean's List blurs the line between hip-hop and straight up pop. Check it out below, and download the entire mixtape, The Drive-In, here.
"Dear Professor" - The Dean's List
4.28.2011
New Track: The Dean's List
In the style of Chiddy Bang, The Dean's List blurs the line between hip-hop and straight up pop. Check it out below, and download the entire mixtape, The Drive-In, here.
"Dear Professor" - The Dean's List
4.15.2011
New Single: Justice
The "other" French electro power duo are finally back (wow, Daft Punk much?) with their best hit yet. Energizing and BIG are probably the two best words for "Civilization." It makes me think of an ancient Aztec sacrifice scene because the sound and lyrics are so primal but it's juxtaposed by the clear, clean electro effects. Look out for it on the best of 2011 list!
"Civilization" - Justice
3.30.2011
Time Warp(?): Fitz and the Tantrums
Michael Fitzpatrick and his Tantrums churned out their neo-soul album Pickin' Up the Pieces in 2010. Since then, they've gained traction with late-night show appearances, their throwback Motown feel and this gem:
"MoneyGrabber" - Fitz and the Tantrums
3.24.2011
Semi-New Stuff: Jessie J
Jessie J has already topped the charts in the UK for her anthem "Price Tag," but I'm still waiting for it to happen in the US. Have had this one stuck in my head for at least the past week.
"Price Tag" - Jessie J ft. B.o.B
2.07.2011
Best of 2010: Best Songs: 25-1
25, "In the Sun" - She & Him
24. "Dancing With a Ghost" - Valencia
23. "New York is Killing Me" - Gil Scott-Heron ft. Mos Def
22. "Barbra Streisand (O-God Remix)" - Duck Sauce
21. "Shutterbugg" - Big Boi ft. Cutty
20. "Boy" - Ra Ra Riot
19. "Dynamite" - Taio Cruz
18. "Crossfire" - Brandon Flowers
17. "One" - Swedish House Mafia
16. "My Best Theory" - Jimmy Eat World
15. "The Other Side" - Bruno Mars ft. B.o.B and Cee-Lo
14. "California Gurls" - Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
13. "Stereo Love" - Edward Maya ft. Vika Jigulina
12. "King of Anything" - Sara Bareilles
11. "Tighten Up" - The Black Keys
10. "Night by Night" - Chromeo
9. "Kids (Opposite of Adults)" - Chiddy Bang ft. MGMT
8. "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" - Arcade Fire
7. "The Ghost Inside" - Broken Bells
6. "Giving Up the Gun" - Vampire Weekend
5. "Airplanes Pt. II" - B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams and Eminem
4. "Stay Too Long" - Plan B
3. "Power" - Kanye West ft. Dwele
2. "Dance or Die" - Janelle Monáe ft. Saul Williams
1. "Fuck You" - Cee-Lo Green
Woohoo!
24. "Dancing With a Ghost" - Valencia
23. "New York is Killing Me" - Gil Scott-Heron ft. Mos Def
22. "Barbra Streisand (O-God Remix)" - Duck Sauce
21. "Shutterbugg" - Big Boi ft. Cutty
20. "Boy" - Ra Ra Riot
19. "Dynamite" - Taio Cruz
18. "Crossfire" - Brandon Flowers
17. "One" - Swedish House Mafia
16. "My Best Theory" - Jimmy Eat World
15. "The Other Side" - Bruno Mars ft. B.o.B and Cee-Lo
14. "California Gurls" - Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
13. "Stereo Love" - Edward Maya ft. Vika Jigulina
12. "King of Anything" - Sara Bareilles
11. "Tighten Up" - The Black Keys
10. "Night by Night" - Chromeo
9. "Kids (Opposite of Adults)" - Chiddy Bang ft. MGMT
8. "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" - Arcade Fire
7. "The Ghost Inside" - Broken Bells
6. "Giving Up the Gun" - Vampire Weekend
5. "Airplanes Pt. II" - B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams and Eminem
4. "Stay Too Long" - Plan B
3. "Power" - Kanye West ft. Dwele
2. "Dance or Die" - Janelle Monáe ft. Saul Williams
1. "Fuck You" - Cee-Lo Green
Woohoo!
2.06.2011
Best of 2010: Best Songs: 50-26
50. "Bottled in Cork" - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
49. "The Curse" - Josh Ritter
48. "Tenderoni" - Kele
47. "Blue Blood Blues" - The Dead Weather
46. "Na Na Na" - My Chemical Romance
45. "Not Afraid" - Eminem
44. "You Be Killin' Em" - Fabolous
43. "One Life Stand" - Hot Chip
42. "Rules Don't Stop" - We Are Scientists
41. "The Blackest Lily" - Corinne Bailey Rae
40. "Quiet Little Voices" - We Were Promised Jetpacks
39. "Texico Bitches" - Broken Social Scene
38. "Letters from the Sky" - Civil Twilight
http://www.divshare.com/download/13980478-bdb
37. "Zebra" - Beach House
http://www.divshare.com/download/13980479-096
36. "Yeah (3x)" - Chris Brown
35. "Heartbeat Song" - The Futureheads
34. "Swoon" - The Chemical Brothers
33. "Would It Kill You?" - Hellogoodbye
32. "Yeah Yeah Yeah" - New Politics
31. "Erase Me" - Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West
30. "DJ Got Us Falling in Love" - Usher
29. "Repo Man" - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
28. "Stylo" - Gorillaz
27. "Everybody Else" - Daphne Willis
26. "Written in Reverse" - Spoon
49. "The Curse" - Josh Ritter
48. "Tenderoni" - Kele
47. "Blue Blood Blues" - The Dead Weather
46. "Na Na Na" - My Chemical Romance
45. "Not Afraid" - Eminem
44. "You Be Killin' Em" - Fabolous
43. "One Life Stand" - Hot Chip
42. "Rules Don't Stop" - We Are Scientists
41. "The Blackest Lily" - Corinne Bailey Rae
40. "Quiet Little Voices" - We Were Promised Jetpacks
39. "Texico Bitches" - Broken Social Scene
38. "Letters from the Sky" - Civil Twilight
http://www.divshare.com/download/13980478-bdb
37. "Zebra" - Beach House
http://www.divshare.com/download/13980479-096
36. "Yeah (3x)" - Chris Brown
35. "Heartbeat Song" - The Futureheads
34. "Swoon" - The Chemical Brothers
33. "Would It Kill You?" - Hellogoodbye
32. "Yeah Yeah Yeah" - New Politics
31. "Erase Me" - Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West
30. "DJ Got Us Falling in Love" - Usher
29. "Repo Man" - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
28. "Stylo" - Gorillaz
27. "Everybody Else" - Daphne Willis
26. "Written in Reverse" - Spoon
Best of 2010: Best Albums 10-1
Woohoo! Down to the top ten albums!
Keep in mind that this list does not include mixtapes or EPs, and the songs for each album WILL NOT appear on the Top 50 Songs list.
10. The Orchard by Ra Ra Riot
Ra Ra Riot collaborated with Death Cab for Cutie and Vampire Weekend for their latest LP and it's naturally chock full of catchy, polished jingles. Bright melodies and an even brighter cello makes the album pretty irresistible.
"Too Dramatic" - Ra Ra Riot
9. Transference by Spoon
Spoon's blend of garage indie rock made an impact once again and they never fail to write about awesome, if not wild, stuff. Spoon = solid, solid indie rock.
"The Mystery Zone" - Spoon
8. Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
Gorillaz has always been able to evade categorization into a genre, and it's because they do everything so well. R&B, indie, rap, electropop are all inadequate descriptions. To top it off, Damon Albarn is the master of concept albums, having carried this story through 3 albums.
"Superfast Jellyfish" - Gorillaz ft. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul
7. Brothers by The Black Keys
The Black Keys really make the basics shine. Everything is a rudimentary rock chord progression, and the lyrics are in the style of traditional blues artists. They're like a modern day Bo Diddley, and Brothers is the album to make kids like the blues again.
"Howlin' for You" - The Black Keys
6. Broken Bells by Broken Bells
'Tis a beautiful thing when two completely different artists produce a happy collaboration. Danger Mouse is an old pro when it comes to harmonious partnerships, and perhaps that's why it is so surprising that James Mercer's soft indie rock is more prominent in their sound. We're happy for it, of course!
"The High Road" - Broken Bells
http://www.divshare.com/download/13765015-c33
5. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire has always been dramatic, even when you just consider the twenty-some instruments they play. Each and every track of The Suburbs is a grand theatrical experiment. Each song vastly different from the next. Some are written from the teenage soul, some from the middle-age, and all written with trembling respect for the integrity of music itself.
"Month of May" - Arcade Fire
4. The Defamation of Strickland Banks by Plan B
One of the best concept albums in the past ten years. Sure there are a couple plot holes here or there, but the fact that Ben Drew completely refashioned his style from rap into high grade soul is impressive alone.
"Free" - Plan B
3. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West
Kanye is so creative in his execution and so passionate in his delivery (but not like the always angry Eminem). He's got this expansive range of emotion and style and takes it to the limit in the best way.
"All of the Lights" - Kanye West
2. Contra by Vampire Weekend
Early in 2010 Vampire Weekend's sophomore album impacted with force. Songs without (vocal) choruses, songs with autotune, and songs with every kind of influence imaginable. The album feels full to the brim.
"Cousins" - Vampire Weekend
"California English" - Vampire Weekend
1. The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Monáe is the whole package - she's an entertainer. She's that person you hate because she excels at everything. Dancing, R&B, Rap, Soul, Pop, covers, drama, collaborations, the concept album. And it all comes together in her live show. The music videos are a nice consolation though. Actually, just get the album.
"Tightrope" - Janelle Monáe ft. Big Boi
"Cold War" - Janelle Monáe
Keep in mind that this list does not include mixtapes or EPs, and the songs for each album WILL NOT appear on the Top 50 Songs list.
10. The Orchard by Ra Ra Riot
Ra Ra Riot collaborated with Death Cab for Cutie and Vampire Weekend for their latest LP and it's naturally chock full of catchy, polished jingles. Bright melodies and an even brighter cello makes the album pretty irresistible.
"Too Dramatic" - Ra Ra Riot
9. Transference by Spoon
Spoon's blend of garage indie rock made an impact once again and they never fail to write about awesome, if not wild, stuff. Spoon = solid, solid indie rock.
"The Mystery Zone" - Spoon
8. Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
Gorillaz has always been able to evade categorization into a genre, and it's because they do everything so well. R&B, indie, rap, electropop are all inadequate descriptions. To top it off, Damon Albarn is the master of concept albums, having carried this story through 3 albums.
"Superfast Jellyfish" - Gorillaz ft. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul
7. Brothers by The Black Keys
The Black Keys really make the basics shine. Everything is a rudimentary rock chord progression, and the lyrics are in the style of traditional blues artists. They're like a modern day Bo Diddley, and Brothers is the album to make kids like the blues again.
"Howlin' for You" - The Black Keys
6. Broken Bells by Broken Bells
'Tis a beautiful thing when two completely different artists produce a happy collaboration. Danger Mouse is an old pro when it comes to harmonious partnerships, and perhaps that's why it is so surprising that James Mercer's soft indie rock is more prominent in their sound. We're happy for it, of course!
"The High Road" - Broken Bells
http://www.divshare.com/download/13765015-c33
5. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire has always been dramatic, even when you just consider the twenty-some instruments they play. Each and every track of The Suburbs is a grand theatrical experiment. Each song vastly different from the next. Some are written from the teenage soul, some from the middle-age, and all written with trembling respect for the integrity of music itself.
"Month of May" - Arcade Fire
4. The Defamation of Strickland Banks by Plan B
One of the best concept albums in the past ten years. Sure there are a couple plot holes here or there, but the fact that Ben Drew completely refashioned his style from rap into high grade soul is impressive alone.
"Free" - Plan B
3. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West
Kanye is so creative in his execution and so passionate in his delivery (but not like the always angry Eminem). He's got this expansive range of emotion and style and takes it to the limit in the best way.
"All of the Lights" - Kanye West
2. Contra by Vampire Weekend
Early in 2010 Vampire Weekend's sophomore album impacted with force. Songs without (vocal) choruses, songs with autotune, and songs with every kind of influence imaginable. The album feels full to the brim.
"Cousins" - Vampire Weekend
"California English" - Vampire Weekend
1. The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Monáe is the whole package - she's an entertainer. She's that person you hate because she excels at everything. Dancing, R&B, Rap, Soul, Pop, covers, drama, collaborations, the concept album. And it all comes together in her live show. The music videos are a nice consolation though. Actually, just get the album.
"Tightrope" - Janelle Monáe ft. Big Boi
"Cold War" - Janelle Monáe
1.13.2011
Best of 2010: Best Albums: 20-11
Honorable Mentions: Brandon Flowers, Broken Social Scene, Chemical Brothers, Katy Perry, Robyn, Usher and Wu Tang Clan. All were good, but the following 20 are truly elite.
20. God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs get so country and folksy they're almost funky!
"Beg, Borrow or Steal" - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
19. The Adventures of Bobby Ray - B.o.B
After all the hype he generated with his mixtape, B.o.B didn't fail to deliver. He shows emotion, without the uncontrolled anger. He plays multiple instruments on his albums and at his concerts and he's quite plainly a great entertainer.
"Magic" - B.o.B ft. Rivers Cuomo
18. What to Say - Daphne Willis
Daphne Willis is delightfully innocent and heartfelt. Her music is easy to take in and usually happy and optimistic. Who doesn't want to experience music like that? That's not to say that she is in any way disingenuous, on the contrary, but it does mean that this deserves several listens, and earns a spot on the Top 20.
"What to Say" - Daphne Willis
17. Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty - Big Boi
Big Boi made his understated return with Lucious Leftfoot in July of 2010 after disputes with his ex-label, Jive. The innovative sounds on the album are awesome, but of course, the best part is Big Boi's lyricism.
"Shine Blockas" - Big Boi ft. Gucci Mane
16. Kaleidoscope - Sara Bareilles
This album has perhaps the greatest opener and closer pair of any other album on this list. Obviously that's not the only reason this album is on this list, but her talents that are featured on both are. Both showcase her voice and simple, but beautiful writing. That fact that it's good pop is a happy coincidence.
"Uncharted" - Sara Bareilles
15. Business Casual - Chromeo
The Chromeo duo put out their third and best LP in 2010. They artfully manage synth beats and the talk box into an electrofunk club beast. It's the soundtrack to the Saturday night full of dancing, club-hopping and seduction.
"Don't Turn the Lights On" - Chromeo
14. The Sea - Corinne Bailey Rae
The Sea was a really important LP in Corinne Bailey Rae's career. Written while she was coming terms with her husband's accidental overdose. It's the same voice from "Put Your Records On," but you can feel the pain and the strength.
"Feels Like the First Time" - Corinne Bailey Rae
13. Volume Two - She & Him
After they generated so many expectations with Volume One, this perfectly balanced group rose to the occasion and put out this sunny, summery album. They're folksy in their ability to tell stories, funky with his guitar and bluesy with her vocals - and then they blur the lines.
"Ridin' in My Car" - She & Him
12. Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager - Kid Cudi
Sure, all he talks about is weed, but he's still got that appeal that reaches beyond just stoners. The ethereal beats and his sarcasm are easy to chill out with.
"Mojo So Dope"
11. The Lady Killer - Cee-Lo Green
"Fuck You" really kind of stole the spotlight away from the rest of this album. Cee-Lo Green is one hell of a soul singer, and the album itself is dramatic and old-school.
"Bright Lights Bigger City" - Cee-Lo Green
Top Ten coming up soon!
20. God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs get so country and folksy they're almost funky!
"Beg, Borrow or Steal" - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
19. The Adventures of Bobby Ray - B.o.B
After all the hype he generated with his mixtape, B.o.B didn't fail to deliver. He shows emotion, without the uncontrolled anger. He plays multiple instruments on his albums and at his concerts and he's quite plainly a great entertainer.
"Magic" - B.o.B ft. Rivers Cuomo
18. What to Say - Daphne Willis
Daphne Willis is delightfully innocent and heartfelt. Her music is easy to take in and usually happy and optimistic. Who doesn't want to experience music like that? That's not to say that she is in any way disingenuous, on the contrary, but it does mean that this deserves several listens, and earns a spot on the Top 20.
"What to Say" - Daphne Willis
17. Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty - Big Boi
Big Boi made his understated return with Lucious Leftfoot in July of 2010 after disputes with his ex-label, Jive. The innovative sounds on the album are awesome, but of course, the best part is Big Boi's lyricism.
"Shine Blockas" - Big Boi ft. Gucci Mane
16. Kaleidoscope - Sara Bareilles
This album has perhaps the greatest opener and closer pair of any other album on this list. Obviously that's not the only reason this album is on this list, but her talents that are featured on both are. Both showcase her voice and simple, but beautiful writing. That fact that it's good pop is a happy coincidence.
"Uncharted" - Sara Bareilles
15. Business Casual - Chromeo
The Chromeo duo put out their third and best LP in 2010. They artfully manage synth beats and the talk box into an electrofunk club beast. It's the soundtrack to the Saturday night full of dancing, club-hopping and seduction.
"Don't Turn the Lights On" - Chromeo
14. The Sea - Corinne Bailey Rae
The Sea was a really important LP in Corinne Bailey Rae's career. Written while she was coming terms with her husband's accidental overdose. It's the same voice from "Put Your Records On," but you can feel the pain and the strength.
"Feels Like the First Time" - Corinne Bailey Rae
13. Volume Two - She & Him
After they generated so many expectations with Volume One, this perfectly balanced group rose to the occasion and put out this sunny, summery album. They're folksy in their ability to tell stories, funky with his guitar and bluesy with her vocals - and then they blur the lines.
"Ridin' in My Car" - She & Him
12. Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager - Kid Cudi
Sure, all he talks about is weed, but he's still got that appeal that reaches beyond just stoners. The ethereal beats and his sarcasm are easy to chill out with.
"Mojo So Dope"
11. The Lady Killer - Cee-Lo Green
"Fuck You" really kind of stole the spotlight away from the rest of this album. Cee-Lo Green is one hell of a soul singer, and the album itself is dramatic and old-school.
"Bright Lights Bigger City" - Cee-Lo Green
Top Ten coming up soon!
1.11.2011
Best of 2010: Mixtapes
We love artists that give away free music, but even more so, we love artists that give away awesome free music. Big ups to these artists in 2010:
5. Lazerproof by Major Lazer and La Roux
Major Lazer and La Roux teamed up for this Mad Decent mixtape. Some new verses, lots of new beats and some creative mashups of songs from the albums La Roux and Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do.
"Independent Kill" - Major Lazer and La Roux
4. More About Nothing by Wale
Wale continued his streak of awesome mixtapes in 2010 with this compilation of awesome lyrics against solid, if not mainstream-appealing, beats. There are some great collaborations in this one...
"Black N Gold" - Wale ft. Sam Sparro
3. The RE:Union Mixtape by Reflection Eternal (DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli)
You wanna talk bomb lyricists? Let's talk Talib Kweli. Wanna talk badass traditional beatsmiths? Let's talk Hi-Tek. This thirty track masterpiece hits hard on old school hip-hop, but it doesn't ignore contemporary and cutting edge aspects of the genre. RE:Union is the history album.
"Revolutions per Minute" - Reflection Eternal
2. All Day by Girl Talk
Girl Talk strikes gold once more with this massive mixtape released in November of 2010. With numerous artists and just as many titles, this 90 minutes track on repeat is the only thing you need for a party.
Clip from "All Day" - Girl Talk
1. Air Swell and The Preview by Chiddy Bang
Chiddy Bang's combined output this past year in the form of Air Swell and The Preview has been phenomenal. The Swelly Express (released in 2009) tells the "fictional" story of two kids from Philadelphia trying to break into the music industry, and Air Swell and The Preview continue to build hype for a real album. These guys are obviously interested in indie bands and their ability to take songs and make it their own is delightful. Keep an eye out for these guys in the coming year.
"Truth" - Chiddy Bang ft. Passion Pit
Albums and Songs of 2011 to come SOON!
5. Lazerproof by Major Lazer and La Roux
Major Lazer and La Roux teamed up for this Mad Decent mixtape. Some new verses, lots of new beats and some creative mashups of songs from the albums La Roux and Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do.
"Independent Kill" - Major Lazer and La Roux
4. More About Nothing by Wale
Wale continued his streak of awesome mixtapes in 2010 with this compilation of awesome lyrics against solid, if not mainstream-appealing, beats. There are some great collaborations in this one...
"Black N Gold" - Wale ft. Sam Sparro
3. The RE:Union Mixtape by Reflection Eternal (DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli)
You wanna talk bomb lyricists? Let's talk Talib Kweli. Wanna talk badass traditional beatsmiths? Let's talk Hi-Tek. This thirty track masterpiece hits hard on old school hip-hop, but it doesn't ignore contemporary and cutting edge aspects of the genre. RE:Union is the history album.
"Revolutions per Minute" - Reflection Eternal
2. All Day by Girl Talk
Girl Talk strikes gold once more with this massive mixtape released in November of 2010. With numerous artists and just as many titles, this 90 minutes track on repeat is the only thing you need for a party.
Clip from "All Day" - Girl Talk
1. Air Swell and The Preview by Chiddy Bang
Chiddy Bang's combined output this past year in the form of Air Swell and The Preview has been phenomenal. The Swelly Express (released in 2009) tells the "fictional" story of two kids from Philadelphia trying to break into the music industry, and Air Swell and The Preview continue to build hype for a real album. These guys are obviously interested in indie bands and their ability to take songs and make it their own is delightful. Keep an eye out for these guys in the coming year.
"Truth" - Chiddy Bang ft. Passion Pit
Albums and Songs of 2011 to come SOON!
12.21.2010
Best of 2010: Superlatives Pt. 1
The beginning of our year wrap-up fun!
Best Comedy Album
Bo Burnham
Words, Words, Words
"Oh Bo" - Bo Burnham
Best Cover Song
The Tallest Man on Earth
"Graceland" by Paul Simon
from The Wild Hunt B-side
Best Remixes
Pink Ganter
"So This is Goodbye" Original by William Fitzsimmons
from Derivatives
Best Remix/Cover
A-1 ft. Justice
"Electric Feel" Original by MGMT
from Thrash & Groove
Best EP
Junip
Rope and Summit
Best Collaboration
Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver
"Monster"
from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Best Comedy Album
Bo Burnham
Words, Words, Words
"Oh Bo" - Bo Burnham
Best Cover Song
The Tallest Man on Earth
"Graceland" by Paul Simon
from The Wild Hunt B-side
Best Remixes
Pink Ganter
"So This is Goodbye" Original by William Fitzsimmons
from Derivatives
Best Remix/Cover
A-1 ft. Justice
"Electric Feel" Original by MGMT
from Thrash & Groove
Best EP
Junip
Rope and Summit
Best Collaboration
Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver
"Monster"
from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
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