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Jason’s Favorites – 2014

Jason — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:32:59 +0000

It’s been an interesting year for the world at large, as well as for me personally. We had a World Cup, an Ebola outbreak, The Fappening, Ferguson, the Sony Hack and an Ice Bucket Challenge. Robin Williams, Maya Angelou and Philip Seymour Hoffman are no longer with us.

I watched a little girl become conscious of her surroundings and turn from a crying baby into an interactive little person. It’s was definitely a little more introspective and thought provoking for me and the songs here seem to reflect that. This list is more downbeat than last year but, if anything, they are more intense and emotional, creating a groove all their own. I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful New Years!

Unfortunately, Cape Lion isn’t available on Spotify so we’re one song short on this version.

Molly’s Top Tracks of 2013

Molly — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 16:28:34 +0000

Aw man. 2013 was so crazy for me! I have never in my life paid so much attention to new music, and this was an awesome year to start. So many good, fresh tracks came out that I had to start making myself weekly Spotify playlists to keep up to date. Infinite thanks to Tim and Max for bringing me on board as a contributor–friggen’ life changing! Not only did they and other TMD writers introduce me to most of what populates my favorite tracks list, but I also got to be a part of starting our mad successful live showcase series. Lemme just say, helping put a live show of some of your favorite bands together feels pretty badass.

Here are 13 tracks from this year that I feel really define my taste and are particularly groundbreaking in some way or another. I hope you find a band or two you really like from our collective playlists, that you keep up with TMD in 2014 for more badassery, and that you have a wonderful new year!

Jason’s Year in Review – 2013

Jason — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 08:27:23 +0000

Like the eighth night of Hanukkah or bedtime on Christmas eve, the end of our 2013 year in review lists has come too soon. Each one of us has enjoyed sharing some of our favorite songs with you this year. There were so many great tracks that were released that it was very difficult to pick just a few to represent what 2013 had to offer. The following are small selection of my favorites from the past year.

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.

CVIRO – Faded (The Kite String Tangle Remix)

Tim — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:14:43 +0000

I’m here to talk about CVIRO. This is some R&B that needs to be heard. I’m here to tell you that 2014 is going to be the year of rock and roll and R&B. This is right where it needs to be. I’m expecting a huge year out of CVIRO, who just came on my radar yesterday. I spent a good hour listening to his work and am nothing short of stunned. Insanely talented. He’s got that sound that’s totally relevant right now. Think Kendrick Lamar, Drake and then you’ve got an idea of where he’s coming from. Dark beats, synths with just enough ambient tones to take you away.

We’re talking about CVIRO because of a Kite String tangle remix, but really you need to listen to his entire catalogue cause it’s all top shelf. Looking for big things next year.

Thanksgiving Mix

Jason — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:17:15 +0000

During the holidays there are lots of people around, lots of cooking, lots of ~~interrogating~~ inquiring questions about your life and a few over-served uncles. For me, it always seems to be easier when you have some nice soothing music in the background. Maybe your family (read wife) doesn’t appreciate football color commentary all day.

Whatever your reason, a good mix is always something to have in your back pocket. I put one together that I think you’ll like. It’s very calm, soothing and has the warm feeling that Thanksgiving gives you (or the shots of Wild Turkey that Uncle Doug insists are a tradition). I’m sure you’ve heard a bunch of these songs before by some of our favorites: MS MR, Kite String Tangle, Postiljonen, Haerts, etc.

I am not reinventing the wheel here, just putting it together in a shiny, user-friendly package. I hope this mix brings you as much serene relaxation as it does me. If that doesn’t work just wait for the tryptophan to kick in and you should be all good.

If Spotify is your preferred delivery method here is the unabridged version. This is just what the doctor ordered, Thanksgiving Goodness.

Shy Girls – Second Heartbeat (The Kite String Tangle Remix)

Jason — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:43:41 +0000

Let’s take it down a notch. Perennial TMD favorite, The Kite String Tangle, has dropped another great remix on us and it seemed like something all of you should know about. Here he has taken Shy Girls excellent track, Second Heartbeat, and made it something different. The differences are subtle, but the threshold between good and great usually is. Here, the care and understated shifts and twists make all of the difference. Go on, hit play. OK, now your mind can go back to exploding.

The Kite String Tangle – Given The Chance

Molly — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:24:09 +0000

There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe how wonderful this track is. Our boy Jason sent me this song and he couldn’t post it because it just blew his mind to pieces. It sounds like a danceable, summery cross between MMX, Josef Salvat, and Active Child, plus the overwhelming relief you feel when you have a revelation about something. Yeah. It sounds like that feeling.

The Kite String Tangle is the experimental solo project of Brisbane’s Danny Harley, and I hope this track is just one of hundreds because this is amazing.

I’m not even exaggerating: This is my new favorite song.

UPDATE 7/15/13: This track is available for free download thanks to Triple J Unearthed!