For each of us this was a difficult task. How does one compare Postiljonen, Two Door Cinema Club and The Knocks? Each one feels so different and fills such a unique niche that we could debate their individual merits well into 2014. At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Fortunately, that is pretty much what we do around here which is how we made it through this harrowing experience.

Unlike my cohorts, I was unable to pare down my selection to fewer than twenty tracks. Anything less than that seemed unrepresentative of the wonderful tapestry of music that has passed through our collective imagination here at TMD. I hope you enjoy this installment and please let us know if any of your faves that were left on the chopping block (we all have some there, trust me). Happy holidays and enjoy!!!

The Spotify playlist is the unabridged version of my favorites from 2013. It is arranged in no particular order so shuffle might be the best way to enjoy it.

Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever (Story of the Running Wolf Remix)

Im partially embarrassed to be putting a Taylor Swift track on my Best Of list, but this remix is just so damn choice.  And to think our homies at SOTRW made it entirely bootleg…no stems, no nothin.

Nightbox – Burning

Nightbox, from Toronto, dropped this single back in Feb and toured briefly with Albert Hammond Jr. in the Fall.  We need to get them back to NYC for a show.

Henry Green – Electric feel (Gespleu downcast edit)

Every Best Of list needs a cover track that brings you back to a very fun time in your life.  This is my token throwback.

Great Good Fine Ok – You’re The One For Me

It’s the mystery behind this masterpiece that put it over the edge and onto my list.  Who’s in this band?  What is their live setup like?  What will their second single sound like?  If it’s as good as the first, will my head explode?  Answers to each will come in 2014.

The 1975 – Chocolate

I generally have a problem blogging layups.  It just doesn’t feel as good to tell people something they already know.  It’s like if a friend was coming to NYC for the first time, does he need to be told to visit the Empire State Building?  I tried to squeeze in a remix or cover to fit my The 1975 quota, but it just didnt work.  This track is amazing and needs to be on the list.

Kathryn Ostenberg – Hold On (Josh Money Remix)

Never in history has a DJ/producer found a more perfect home for such an exquisite vocal stem.  Listen to the original and you’ll know what I mean.

Klingande – Jubel

I think we can all agree that the US is way behind Europe in the EDM movement.  People are literally still choking on the build/drop movement over here while the French are busy inventing the next biggest thing…Jazz House…get involved.  Did you know this track is number one on German MTV?

Say Lou Lou – Julian (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Swedish model/artist twins meet the most relevant American DJ/producers in the game.  This has been on the list since day one.

Panama – Destroyer

Sometimes a band comes out with a single that’s so good people forget to listen to the B-sides.  Thats what happened here when Panama dropped Always over the summer.  Don’t sleep on this track though, its my favorite off their EP.

Vance Joy – Riptide

I was late to the Vance Joy party this year but got caught up quickly after hearing an amazing jazz house remix last month.  I have not seen this Australian act yet, but i’m really looking forward to their tour with Young The Giant in Feb.

St. Lucia – Elevate

I’ve probably listened to this track more than any other this entire year.  I can’t wait to see the show again in Jan.

Urban Cone – New York (Oliver Nelson Remix)

This is a perfect collaboration from two of Sweden’s best and brightest.

Ghost Beach – Miracle (Gigamesh Remix)

You would be right to call me out here given our label released this track in March, but I have no choice.  This track is incredible.  Now with Ghost Beach‘s debut album dropping March 4th and Miracle setting up to be the Summer 2014 anthem, I think this track is going to get a ton of play next year.

How do you boil down a year to 15 songs? In my case, you don’t. You make a soundcloud best of and a Spotify Best of list. We had a banner year personally, professionally and musically. A lot of firsts that I am extremely thankful for. Rather than sit here and wax poetic on what was definitely the best year of my life, why don’t you just sit back and listen to these tunes that helped make 2013 so special?

And then I made a totally different Spotify playlist so you got hours of music to listen to.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Here’s our lineup:

Strange Talk
Little Daylight
Joywave
Bad Suns
ASTR
Night Drive
Story of The Running Wolf
Badboxes

Lineup Breakdown:

Strange Talk We caught the Aussie rockers last year at CMJ and we were blown away by their live set. The energy is amazing and they might sound better live than they do on their albums. To say you’re in for a treat is an understatement. I’m honored and so stoked to have them be a part of our showcase!

We fell in love with Little Daylight at first listen. Based out of Brooklyn they are in the midst of taking over the electro pop world with their soaring synths and sexy vocals. Couldn’t be more excited to catch this set.

Rochester, NY based Joywave has been in our sites for a while now and when we had them play our sold out show two weeks ago, it was very clear that they needed an encore. Their unique brand of electro rock and hip hop is undeniably delicious and impossible not to dance to.

Bad Suns comes to us all the way from Los Angeles and I’m very excited for their live set. They remind me of a throwback to Incubus in only the best of ways. The first notes of their hit ‘Cardiac Arrest’ brought me back to a time and a place. Blending modern pop with late 90’s rock never sounded so god damn good.

What can I say about ASTR. They are as New York as it gets. They lit the internet on fire earlier this year with their haunting smash, ‘Operate’ and the rest is history. They blend hip hop, R&B and electro into a sexy new sound that has got Rihanna watching the throne. Don’t sleep on this.

What up Night Drive?! You may be familiar with the Austin based duo from our label when they remixed Steel Phantoms back in August. Or maybe you’ve copped their insanely good EP that was recently released. Either way, there is no denying their talent. I caught them at Glasslands on Friday, and when I say you’re in for a treat, that’s an understatement.

Story of The Running Wolf: I actually don’t know where to begin when talking about this LA duo. ‘Stratospheric’ is in the running for song of the year. And as for video of the year, it takes it in a land slide. We’ve been trying to get these LA homeboys to play the East Coast for almost a year. FINALLY they make their NYC debut. We could not be more thrilled to have them.

What can I tell you about Pittsburgh’s Badboxes? I can tell you that if you miss this set, you’ve failed. They played our August show and their energy is unmatched. Their debut single JSMN has been on loop for months now and it’s still as good as the first time I heard it. So excited to see these guys again. Trust, you need to be there.

But wait, there’s more. Just when you thought I was finished, I’m gonna punch you in the mouth with some Dart Party. Resident DJ to the stars. To say we’re lucky to have the enigmantic savant behind the ones and twos is to like saying I’m happy we have oxygen. It’s just absolutely CRUCIAL. His infectious sets keep the people moving and he’s building a strong track record for face melting after parties and bring the JAMS all night long. You’ve been warned. (I’m not really going to punch you in the mouth. That was just hyperbole.)

We’ve also got Deli Radio, Dos Equis, BK Booth & Solé Bicycles on board as some super rad sponsors to help really turn this thing out.

WHEN: Tuesday October 15, 7pm
WHO: All ages
WHERE: The Knitting Factory
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS