As the title of this blog indicates, I've compiled a list of 5 songs that I could of been featured on my previous list but faced much competition. Therefore these five songs should be given some credit as I guilt tripped myself into mentioning them. They were so close to making it but didn't up making the cut.
5/ Ty Segall Band - Wave Goodbye
Now this guy is a hero. Probably one of the most prolific songwriters of his generations, Ty Segall has churned out 3 albums this year (one as a solo artist, one in collaboration with White Fence and this one here). What's remarkable is that each album sounds completely different to the last, jumping from garage rock to psychedelia to grunge, this guy just never stops. This song in particular subscribes to the last genre. Beginning with a an almost tedious but ominous bass line, the song kicks into a flurry of heavy guitar and crashing cymbals. The song exemplifies everything about Segall. Brilliant songwriting, catchy riffs and ever changing sound that even in his bridge, you can tell he can't help but keep the garage rock out. A terribly underrated artist, this guy is slowly gaining the recognition he's deserved all of these years.
4/TNGHT - Higher Ground
TNGHT is the lovechild of eccentric dance producers Lunice and Hudson Mohawke (commonly spelt as Lunice x Hudson Mohawke). This colloborative effort has created one of the best dance tracks of 2012, combining hip/hop, trap and dance in one gigantic mesh. The songs starts off with a repeated vocal sample accompanied by aggressive handclaps leading to a powerful bass that sounds like a possessed tuba. Nonetheless, this song is not only one of the best dance songs of the year but I'm my view, one of the best songs of the year. Described as "futuristic hip-hop", maybe this will be the future template for rappers...
3/ Maths Time Joy - Always
I know that my lists have been slightly hipster orientated but none of that will compare with this. Maths Time Joy is an artist who I only discovered last week yet thankfully in that time he's released his first EP for free and I'm glad he has. Taking inspiration from the likes of James Blake and Flying Lotus, this producer is still very much in the underground (forgive me for the expression) but it's true. He'll be clawing his way to the top soon especially with this awesome track that exemplifies his greatness. Warm basslines, spastic drums and interesting vocal samples only characterise the first part where it eventually leads into a wonderfully timed chord sequence that expresses how much rhythm is important to this guy, and how good he is at it. Do listen to him because he does need the views and support.
2/ Angel Haze - Werkin Girls
Only one word can characterise this song. Badass. Terrifying beat that sounds like a horror movie soundtrack, in your face lyrics, and so much swag that would make Tyler, The Creator jealous. Called the new "Azealia Banks" (as she has since fucked her career since "212") but better, Angel Haze claims that one of her biggest idols is Nicky Minaj. This is something that angers me but I'm willing to let it fly because she sounds like everything Minaj wishes to be. Whether talking about boys and pastors, diarrhoea, insanity, her lyrical flow is seriously impressive for someone who is only 20. You can tell she's extremely confident and will fuck with anyone in her way which once again reminds me of Tyler, The Creator first ventures into the hip/hop. It seems like what most rappers take years to develop (solid lyrics, good flow and general talent), she has already perfected it, on her first EP.
1/ Alt-J (∆) - Tessellate
I first saw this best in December 2011 in Islington when they supported well known Chill Wave (and now psychedelic funk) artist Toro y Moi. At the time, I had no idea who they were but after their performance, I was seriously impressed (they even performed a better set than the headliner). Even though this song did come out in 2011, it was re-produced for their first album "An Awesome Wave". Beginning with a chilling and reverberating piano, a slick drum pattern comes in to give the song that extra edge where from that point, you know the song is going to be good. Smooth basslines, harmonious vocals and finger licking good guitar parts, this song is brilliant as it manages to coincide experiment with convention. Despite the slightly pretentious lyrics about triangles (which is now the unofficial logo of the Hipster and bane of my life), the song is a typical indie song with that a tinge of difference which makes it so special.
I was annoyed with myself that I didn't include this on my previous list but then again I don't think they're going to mind, seeing as they're Mercury Prize winners.
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