by Marisa Ruiz (@MarisaVictoria)
There are absolutely songs that didn’t make it to this Best of 2011 playlist that were outstanding. It’s important for me to say there’s a difference between drafting a list and creating a playlist that needs to flow in a certain way. Some of those other gems just didn’t have a place in the collection – but hopefully these winning tracks joined together will find a place in your life as they have in mine. Enjoy!
———> You can listen to all 16 tracks consecutively as a YouTube playlist here.
———> It’s also on Spotify, but three of the tracks aren’t on there, which gave me a sad face. : (
1. “Little Talks” – Of Monsters & Men
A beautiful balance of sweet male & female vocals playing off each other, much like the best we’ve heard from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
2. “Midnight City” – M83
Without dispute, one of the most catchy songs of the year. It captivates you with an energy that is both restrained and celebratory at the same time.
3. “Safe and Sound” – Capital Cities
I learned about this song using the Shazaam app on my phone while shopping. So upbeat that it hooked me right away.
4. “DNA” – The Kills
No official video of this online, but here’s a live performance showing the sexy, gritty approachable darkness of The Kills.
5. “Bass Down Low” – The Cataracts
I heard this song while getting my makeup done at MAC one day. It’s a straight up jam to add to your work-out playlist.
6. “Abducted” – Cults
Right after I downloaded this song, I kept hitting repeat. And I love the her story / his story delivery of the lyrics. Men can be bastards, dude.
7. “Lions in Cages” – Wolf Gang
Saw Wolf Gang at SXSW in a small Austin venue. Heard this song & immediately thought it was a hit. So much good music out of the UK.
8. “Houdini” – Foster The People
Hands-down my favorite song on Torches. I never actually cared much for “Pumped-Up Kicks” – but this acoustic version of Houdini is especially magical.
9. “Moneygrabber” – Fitz and The Tantrums
One of my best memories of the year was watching this band turn Schuba’s inside-out when performing this song at their Lollapalooza after party.
10. “Shuffle” – Bombay Bicycle Club
For years now, I’ve had a playlist on my iPod called “Happy” – and this just fits right in.
11. “Post Break-Up Sex” – The Vaccines
This English indie rock band has only been around 1 year and has already opened for Arcade Fire & Arctic Monkeys. They’ve been blowing up in the UK.
12. “Starry Eyed” – Ellie Goulding
Goulding appeals to the party goer in all of us because she can really energize a dance floor with her upbeat trackcs–but she can also stop time with the naked beauty of her voice. This track encapsulates her ability to do both.
13. “Trembling Hands” – Explosions in The Sky
The buzz about this all instrumental band was non-stop after their set at Lollapalooza. They raise rock to a level of symphony previously unknown.
14. “Why Am I the Only One Laughing” – Blah Blah Blah
The only local Chicago band to make it to the playlist this year. They capture the essence of The Smiths and have me totally enamored with this song.
15. “Season’s Trees” (featuring Norah Jones) – Danger Mouse, Daniele Luppi
Dreamy & soothing, it was a no-brainer to wind down this playlist with the velvet of Norah Jones’ voice against a marvelous audio sky.
16. “Perth” – Bon Iver
I’m pretty sure a part of my soul was crying when I first heard this song. Drenched in love and angst in equal measure, it’s a bittersweet masterpiece.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Broke Hipster Music Blog! May 2012 bring you good times, great adventures and outstanding MUSIC!
-MV
