Top 89 Staff Picks: Luke Taylor, Digital Producer
by Luke Taylor
December 24, 2013
It's difficult to rank songs, especially from such a formidable list. But here are my top picks from the past year, in alphabetical order by artist:
Daft Punk, "Lose Yourself To Dance" feat. Pharrell Williams — I'm a horrible dancer. Even at weddings. Maybe especially at weddings. But when this song comes on, the chorus is a welcoming invitation to do exactly as it suggests. I can't resist grooving to this awesome dance tune: big beats, 70s disco guitar and Pharrell Williams' vocals? If this song doesn't make you start dancing, please check your vital signs.
Har Mar Superstar, "Lady, You Shot Me" — The best blue-eyed soul since The Commitments.
Jim James, "A New Life" — The earnest, warm vocals on this track are really beguiling. Plus, it's interesting to see Jim James stretch himself beyond the Southern rock of My Morning Jacket — is it just me, or does the organ outro on this song recall the 1962 tune "Telstar" by the Tornados?
Lorde, "Royals" — From the outset, I was captivated by the minimalism of this song. It's since gone on to fascinate just about everyone, from my friends' 8-year-old daughters to Puddles the Clown to Bobby Moynihan's "Drunk Uncle" character on Saturday Night Live.
Lucius, "Turn It Around" — Confession: When this band walked into The Current's studio back on Oct. 24, I hadn't heard of them; when they finished their session, I was a fan. Absolutely fantastic vocal harmonies with excellent instrumental arrangements.
NONONO, "Pumpin Blood" — Can a song get much more life-affirming than this one?
Phoenix, "Trying To Be Cool" — Phoenix don't burden themselves with the deeper meanings of words or even syntax. They just put together words and phrases that sound good — a sort of impressionist word mural daubed richly on a canvas of soaring music.
The Replacements, "I'm Not Sayin'" — OK, here goes: 1) It's always great when a band take a cover tune and elevate it; 2) the release of this song blew everyone's mind, not only because it happened but also because the tune is awesome; then 3) the Replacements announced their Riot Fest gigs, everyone's minds blown again; and 4) they pretty much did it all in support of their buddy, Slim Dunlap.
Thao and The Get Down Stay Down, "We The Common (For Valerie Bolden)" — Thao Nguyen is a preternatural conjurer of infectious pop songs. The instrumental and vocal arrangements as well as the dynamics on this tune are just irresistible.
Wild Belle, "It's Too Late" — A straight-up ska tune that would make the Specials, the Selecter, et al, very proud.