January -
Start of the new year, which can be best represented (in retrospect) with Divna (Дивна) - "I ti ne mojesh da me spresh". She may be a teenager but she lays it down in the song and video, saying how you cannot stop her. I had my first presentation for my job and lost 15 pounds in a month, so honestly, I felt pretty badass, haha. Who knew that was just the beginning of a new perspective?
Other songs from January: Amadou & Mariam featuring Santigold - "Dougou Badia" - While they laugh and shake their head, still we coming in. Clazzi - "LoveHate" - So I am crossing over love and hate. Keepaway - "Cake" - Lazy and the obvious, no cake for the curious. Miryo - "Dirty" - A person like you is typical - you're dirty dirty. MNDR - "#1 In Heaven" - The first of many merry men before the flood.
The album for January was probably We Have Band - Ternion (Spotify link). "Watertight" was a wonderful single that got me way too excited for the album majority of the month and then as soon as it came out, I had to listen! I was so glad to find that the rest of the album didn't sound like the one song I was obsessed with, including two of my other favorites from the album: "Steel in the Groove" and "Rivers of Blood."
Feburary -
Ah, yes, best song to represent this month was probably Of Monsters and Men - "Little Talks" because a close friend of mine recommended this song, and then I noticed it a lot more on the radio. It almost seems appropriate for how I usually feel during this month, as well as how the song makes me feel. "Don't listen to the words I say," when the song is so upbeat and the lyrics are semi-sad.
Other songs from February: Ariana Grande - “Put Your Hearts Up” - If we give a little love, maybe we can change the world. David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj - "Turn Me On" - My body needs a hero, come and save me! Miike Snow - "Paddling Out" - There’s someone here who laughs too hard at everything. <-- That's me, btw. Regina Spektor - "All the Rowboats" - In glass coffins they keep coughing. They’ve forgotten, forgotten how to sing Ting Tings - "Soul Killing" - If you always have to wait, well, in this morning we'll be gone.
The album for February was probably Grimes - Visions (Spotify link). "Vowels = Space And Time" was played on NPR's All Songs Considered podcast and described as completely different from the album. I figured that meant the album would not be good enough but when they described how she essentially used her vocals as an instrument, and you could tell from the song, I was really intrigued. Each song is unique and there's something about the way the album makes me feel about her style. I guess I haven't explored enough when just the concept of her making sounds to aesthetically alter the song gets me, haha. Other good songs from the album are "Oblivion" and "Be a Body."
"#1 In Heaven" was one of my January favorites too and "Vowels = Space And Time" is the most playful song on Visions. There are other songs that are playful too, but they maintain a certain level of seriousness that's totally left behind in that song.
Ke!!! Happy that you have started your year-end! You never take the conventional route in making your list. It is always a new, different take on how to do a great year-end list, and it's always one of the year-ends I look forward to most each year.
I like how each month has their own songs, albums, music videos, etc. And a great variety of music included, as always. Let's see, I love that you included the Dragon Tattoo opening titles. One of the best opening titles sequences in a while! And it is very much like its own music video for "Immigrant Song," so its inclusion makes perfect sense. Beyond that, I haven't heard anything from the January set, though the Amadou & Mariam song with Santigold sounds very interesting. In Feb, glad that you included the "Bad Girls" video! I also love "All The Rowboats" DOOF! DOOF-DOOF-DOOF! DOOF-DOOF-DOOF-DOOF-DOOF! I love the song on its own, but the Doof's just send it over the top for me. And I also like what i've heard from the Grimes album!
A great collection of things I enjoy, and things I ought to listen to. Which really, that's what makes for a great year-end. If I knew everything on your list, it would be great, but it would be boring, as I would have nothing new to check out. Now I do! Hooray! Looking forward to March and April!
March -
The song that I probably played the most in March was Zammuto – "Too Late To Topologize." I had way too much fun playing this in my car. The way that the beats built up, the weird vocals... the reactions my friends gave me, haha. It was just so relaxing and appropriate, since I was way too excited for Spring Break.
Other songs from March: Cassie - "King of Hearts" - You are the Prince of Charm, seduction is your art. Charli XCX - "Nuclear Seasons" - I worry you're all alone in the field of lies, I won’t go home. Kat Grahaam - "Put your Graffiti On Me" - Put Your Graffiti On Me. Tag me. iNDEED - "Black Tears" - Life is lemonade like simply. Saint Etienne - "Tonight" - Check my make-up and check my watch again, I can hardly wait.
The album for March was probably Kimbra - Vows (Spotify link). My gosh, I liked her cameo on "Somebody I Used To Know" but then everytime I watched anything with her, I just came to love her even more. She seems like a smart, funny, girl and her videos seem to work so well with her songs. The first song that I heard from the album was "Settle Down," which is still wonderful. I know the album was released last year but I remember just wanting to wait until this year to put it on my list, especially since U.S. just got their release this year. She has done a marvelous job with her two singles this year, "Warrior" and "Come In My Head."
April -
What's the point of writing entries when you don't know what you're talking about in the future? I have no idea what was going on in April. I do know that I played Girl's Day - Oh! My God wayy too much. I think this may be the last month with Korean pop but I blame my friend's housemate, who just kept introducing me to kpop! I just think this song is so adorable! Yes, I do know there is a song here that is jpop, not kpop, but I was just stating kpop stuff on my list will stop after this month.
Other songs from April: Ambassadors - “Unconsolable" - You said you are unconsolable. Jack White - “Sixteen Saltines" - I eat sixteen saltine crackers then I lick my fingers. Lecca - “Jammin'the Empire" - Show me your flag, lady. Lumineers - “Ho Hey" - I dunno where I went wrong, but I can write a song. Nu'EST - “Face" - [The bursting out] jackpot – [till we finish,] we can’t stop
The album for April was probably Santigold – Master of My Make-Believe (Spotify link). When "GO! (featuring Karen O.)" came out, I was super psyched for new Santigold but then "Big Mouth" came out and I was really disappointed. I like "Big Mouth" now but it took a darn long time to grow on me, because it just seemed so unoriginal at first, even with the video. Then, most of this month was spent obsessing over "Disparate Youth," and so my excitement went back up for her album. I was definitely not disappointed from the album. Depending on the time of the year, different songs took over. I'd say overall, my favorites are "God From the Machine," "Disparate Youth," and "The Keepers."
April: Jack White and "Ho Hey" but I didn't know that song at that time, I'm just getting into that song since 2 months ago
Need to listen to that Santigold album in full
Another great set, filled with things I like (Jack White, Santigold) and the things i'm not aware of yet (basically the rest). Love it! I also continue to love your format. I know I wouldn't be able to do a very good job with figuring our which songs/albums I liked in certain months. So, I continue to be very impressed by your list.
May -
I have been obsessed with Mike Posner as of late. It started last year and just got really bad after school was out, which is why Mike Posner - "A Perfect Mess" is the song for May. It was the end and a new beginning, as well as some empty time that was a lot harder to handle. Too bad it was just the start.
Other songs from March: Adam Lambert "Runnin'" - My heat's beating faster, I know what I'm after. Daddy Yankee "Lovumba" - [We put feeling into rhythm and movement, living the moment once and again.] Grace Potter & the Nocturnals "Never Go Back" -I cant take it no more, these scratches on my soul. Hot Chelle Rae "Honestly" - Honestly you did it to yourself, so don't blame me. Neon Hitch "**** U Betta" - Can she love you and touch you until you go oh?
The album for May was hands down Electric Guest Mondo (Spotify link). As far as I remember, I was told that Danger Mouse was working on the album with these guys. I thought they had a very... old-ish sound, with their debut single "This Head I Hold." The rest of the album continues carrying that sound, but just so the album remains a feel-good album. I wish I knew how to dance because this album would be perfect for dancing! My favorites include "Under The Gun," "Amber," and "American Daydream." I think I officially trust Danger Mouse after this year.
June -
This month was a bit odd. It was a lot like the previous summer, but with an adult twist. It started to dawn on me how things were going to change, but I just wasn't sure how to anticipate what I did not know. I do know that it was the full month where I had a lot going on without actually a lot going on. The song that best represents this month is probably Conor Maynard - "Vegas Girl", because the girl in the video made me think of Norah Jones and the singer made me think of someone I knew. I sang this song way too much.
Other songs from June: Avidan & The Mojos - "One Day / Reckoning Song (Wankelmut Remix)" - Think of all the stories that we could have told. Fiona Apple - "Every Single Night" - Every single night's a fight with my brain. Katy Perry - "Wide Awake" - You made it so sweet 'til I woke up on, on the concrete. Shiny Toy Guns - "Waiting Alone" - Do you really never see me when you come home late at night? The Sound Of Arrows - "Conquest" - I'm gonna try my best and find a way on the conquest.
The album for June was Norah Jones - Little Broken Hearts (Spotify link). Granted, I played this way more on Spotify than actually getting it on my own. The first song that caught my ear was "Say Goodbye" but all of her singles have been wonderful. I don't have much to say about her because if you don't love her or appreciate her awesome cameos in songs, then I don't know what I'd think of you. Granted, I don't want to know. I mean, if not for Norah love, it's another album that is produced by Danger Mouse, making this a Danger-ous end to the academic year! Har har. Some other songs that I enjoyed were "Travelin' On" and "All A Dream."