And just like that, 2013 is half over. In short, it was an incredible six months of music, and as I do around here, I’ve decided to round up all my favorite songs of the last six months. Instead of putting them all out at once, I’ve decided to group them in five groups of ten(ish), and roll them out one-by-one this week and next. For all of our sakes, I’m going to keep my write ups short and sweet.
Our first group is basically the stragglers. They didn’t really fit into any of the rest of the categories, but they were too good not to write about.
Lil Snupe
“Melo”
804 R.N.I.C. (self-released)
Jonesboro, LA
We start this countdown on a tragic note. In the early hours of June 20th, Meek Mill-protégé Addarren “Lil Snupe” Ross was gunned down in Winnfield, LA. He was only 18 years old. While the passing of any 18 year-old is a tragedy, Ross seemed to have the world at his fingertips. After signing with Meek Mill’s Dream Chaser label, Snupe seemed ready to breakthrough. His debut mixtape, 804 R.N.I.C, showed his incredible promise as a lyricist and a storyteller, harking back to Louisiana’s rich hip-hop history. “Melo” serves as both an example of his tremendous potential that will never get to be fulfilled and a chilling window into the grim reality the fresh-faced teenager spent most of his life, and ultimately death, in. Terribly sad. RIP.
Jens Lekman
“Olivia and Maddy”
Digital Single
Gothenburg, SWE
Though he’s put out three exquisite albums (one of which was my favorite album of last year), Jens Lekman is really at his best on little one-off singles like this. Released just after Hurricane Sandy hit New York, he tells a beautiful little story about a simple act of kindess from two friends. This is just about perfect.
Ace Hood
“Bugatti” (f/ Future, Rick Ross)
Trials & Tribulations (We The Best, YMCMB)
Port St. Lucie, FL
Mike WiLL Made It and Future are usually a pretty formidable combo, especially when you throw in the ever-menacing Rick Ross. And while the beat is insane and the hook is immense, the 25 year-old Ace Hood is actually the unexpected star of the show, lacing his ravenous, loquacious flow over WiLL’s menacing synths and Future’s affected crooning. The result is one of the best rap songs of the year so far. TURNUP, k thx.
DJ Rashad
“Let It Go”
Rollin (Hyperdub)
Chicago, IL
The Chicago juke legend is finally getting the national attention he deserves. “Let it Go” is a frenetic, swirling cut that highlights Rashad’s signature complex, intricate percussion and a vocal sample chopped up into intoxicating perfection. A direct hit.
Justin Timberlake
“Blue Ocean Floor”
The 20/20 Experience (RCA)
Memphis, TN
Though it may not thump quite as hard as the rest of his all-conquering third solo LP, the closing track from The 20/20 Experience shows what a versatile, accomplished songwriter JT is. Over seven heady minutes, the 32 year-old’s vulnerable falsetto wanders aimlessly in the mist, searching for the one voice that can guide him home. It’s a personal, affecting conclusion to a massive statement from a truly unparalleled artist.
Savages
“Shut Up”
Silence Yourself (Matador)
London, UK
Coming off more manifesto than pop song, the explosive leadoff track from London quartet’s equally explosive debut LP is an exhilarating throwback to London’s punk past. Jagged guitars, crashing drums, vocalist Jehnny Beth’s ever-present sneer…Panic on the Streets of London, indeed.
Toro y Moi
“So Many Details”
Anything in Return (Carpark)
Columbia, SC
The first single from Chazwick “Toro y Moi” Bundick’s excellent third LP proved that there was, indeed, life after Chillwave. “So Many Details” is a break-up jam that sees the perma-chill 26 year-old finally get a little hot under the collar, resulting in a sweltering slice of 80’s synth-pop. Delish.
Mount Kimbie
“You Took Your Time” (f/ King Krule)
Cold Spring Fault Less Youth (Warp)
London, UK
After their (arguably) genre-defining debut LP, Crooks & Lovers (2010), Kai Campos and Dom Maker had some serious expectations to meet. Instead of trying to recreate the sublime minimalist electro of C&L, the duo branched out, bringing live instruments and vocalists into the mix. This is the most potent collaboration on the very good album, as Krule’s gravely groan is a perfect match for Kimbie’s reflective, urbane soundscapes.
Slava
“Girl Like Me”
Raw Solutions (Software)
Brooklyn, NY via Moscow
The eclectic footwork/house producer’s debut LP is a powder keg of combustable, captivating dancefloor pleasers. Its best moment is its first single, “Girl Like Me.” Balasanov twists a simple Ciara sample into a disorienting, Chipmunk-y web and deftly surrounds it with the kind of rapid-fire percussion that would make aforementioned genre legend, DJ Rashad, proud.
Dawn Richard
“Tug of War”
Golden Heart (Our Dawn)
New Orleans, LA
The central theme of Goldenheart — Dawn Richard’s tour de force, sophomore LP — is battle. The 29 year-old styles herself as a 21st century Joan of Arc, fighting against all the things that stand in her way (shitty boyfriends, haters, Diddy). While there are many high points, nothing quite touches the triumphant “Tug of War,” as Richard defiantly declares that she will “be the champion.” It’s a victorious moment on an album that doesn’t shy away from disappointment, loss, and regret, and though she’s still yet to convince many mainstream listeners, you’d be hard pressed to bet against her achieving the success she so badly wants.
