Really nice set! Once again all my favourites of the year are pretty much in your 50s.
I only discovered Blood Orange last night ("Chamakay" >), and of course London Grammar are a nice bonus!
As for your albums/EP list, I'm really glad to see Natalia, Bastille, Fall Out Boy, and Jhene. Again, I love the diversity of your lists!
Drake – Started From The Bottom
I hated this song and everything it stood for. But like every lead single of Drake, what was once considered underwhelming and try-hard to me finally catches on and I'm addicted. This goes!
049.
The Knife – A Tooth For An Eye
048.
The Walkmen – Dance With Your Partner
“Dance With Your Partner” was a session song released after their 2012 LP 'Heaven' by the end of 2012.It had to make the countdown, I've been raping the replay button since. It's a slow-building ballad with great build ups moody jumps and echo-y guitar.
047.
Tennis – Mean Streets
I was so excited to hear Tennis came out with an EP this year (2013). I've grown a huge liking for the duo's music over the course of two years. Alaina Moore’s vocals are so tender on this sweet and easy listening '60s inspired track.
046.
Grizzly Bear – gun-shy
045.
Fiona Apple – Hot Knife
Discovered this from a rate that I hosted, I was excited that it received video treatment in 2013 so I can slap this right on my countdown. The hitting drums and percussion, the scats and hollers and overlaps of various vocal lines into a series of voices - its too good.
You should check out Fiona's older stuff if you haven't already, especially her album "When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right"
Shout Out Louds – Illusions
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. “Illusions” is easily has the catchiest lyrics of their album. It's both upbeat and light-hearted and the song overall has yearning feeling. The chorus kind of makes the song for me and helps it get more replay, sounds like a nailed pop effort to me.
042.
Kate Boy – In Your Eyes
Forgot how I came across this gem but whenever I did I was hooked. It's slightly different and more of a slow-burner than their first single "Northern Lights"' but it still a blast to listen to. "In Your Eyes" almost has a Fever Ray/The Knife feel to it with a more pop spin.
041.
Duke Dumont – Need U (100%) (feat. A*M*E)
040.
Ciara – Overdose
Who would have known it would be Ciara to serve the main girls this year with a pop smash (that never happened). Aside from her urban smashes this is her most radio friendly, catchy, fresh and easy listening single in such a long time. This is just a taste of what she could bring if she went the dance route but I do appreciate her R&B tracks more.
039.
CHVRCHES – Recover
038.
Justin Timberlake – Tunnel Vision
037.
M83 – Wait
M83 squeezed in the final video to complete the trilogy of 'Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming' at the end of 2012. The video is visual stunning and the song is even better. It's a beautiful power ballad that I enjoy listening to when I want to space out and get away.
