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.

Dwntwn is one of my favorite things to come out of the west coast, and I have been patiently waiting (read: tweeting at them every month) for a new track to pop up so I could get my fix. Patience is rewarded kids!!! Remember that! Chocolate is one of the best songs of the year, and Dwntwn’s cover is a perfectly dreamy interpretation that for some reason just WORKS. SO. WELL.

Wanna get intimate with Dwntwn? First off, download this track for FREE! And then listen to See My Eyes or Stood Me Up on Spotify – awesome songs. Awesome band.