Music Discovery Mondays - What Will Be This Year's Summer Anthem?

Image Source: FactMag 

What makes a summer anthem?  To most, summer symbolizes long hazy sunny days, vacation, weddings, bbq parties, beach parties....really just parties in general.  With that said, a summer anthem needs to typify our social gatherings.  It needs to be decidedly catchy and danceable.  I have selected three contenders that could easily qualify as this summer's anthem.  Let me know which song you think will be the song of the summer.

1.  Wow - Beck

Beck's music is like an eclectic box of chocolate.  You never know what you're gonna get.  After winning a grammy for his somber and reflective 2014 album 'Morning Phase', Beck is ready this summer to 'giddy up' and take on the responsibility of turning out infectious grooves.  His latest single 'Wow,' is no exception.

2.  Frankie Sinatra - The Avalanches

The Avalanches, an Australian electronic group earned international appeal with their 2000 album 'Since I Left You.'  Since that time, however, The Avalanches haven't left us with any new albums to enjoy...until now that is.  After a sixteen year hiatus, the Avalanches are back with a new album 'Wildflower,' and a new electro/calypso single titled 'Frankie' that will surely earworm its way into your noggin.  

3.  Can't Stop The Feeling

I never thought I would select a Justin Timberlake ditty on my blog, but it is so apparent he wants this year's 'Song of the Summer' title so badly.  With a feel-good vibe and music video that heavily resembles Pharrell Williams' 2013 hit 'Happy,' Timberlake is practically asking you to place this track on your summer wedding playlist.  

Music Discovery Mondays - French Pop Edition

The French have always had a sophisticated air about themselves.  Their pop music truly resembles their au courant attitude.  I've included a few (modern-ish) French pop artists that are worth checking out even if you aren't planning a lavish trip to Paris anytime soon.


1.  Garra - Tahiti 80

Founded in 1999, this French pop band from Rouen knows how to pen irresistibly catchy tunes.  With six consistently solid albums under their belt, Tahiti 80 has no signs of waning.  Check out the single Garra, and then backtrack their entire catalog.




2.  Time of the Assassins - Charlotte Gainsbourg

Film star and singer/songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg has won the French pop genetic lottery.  Her dad was Serge Gainsbourg, one of the most important French pop figures.  Having worked with the musical likes of Air and Beck, Gainsbourg knows how to use her breathy voice to evoke soul-searching contemplation.





3.  Too Young - Phoenix

By now, most Americans are familiar with the Versailles band Phoenix.  Perhaps the fact that the group is named after an American city certainly doesn't hurt.  (It also doesn't hurt when your lifetime partner is Sofia Coppola).  Listen to their 2000 single 'Too Young' which would later become featured on the 'Lost in Translation' soundtrack.





Go ahead and create your very own French pop playlist while you munch on some macarons.  :::Bon appetite:::

See also: Music Discovery Mondays - Brit Pop Edition


Photo credit: Rock Made in France
Macarons French Made

Music Discovery Mondays

I didn't catch the Grammys this year.  In fact, I probably haven't watched the Grammys since 1998 when Paula Cole flashed us with her unshaved armpits.  It makes me sad when the Grammys instill nearly everything I despise when it comes to the music industry: lack of class and artistry.  To further my point, in what world is it acceptable for a singer to gracelessly interrupt an acceptance speech inferring that the winner isn't deserving of their craft?

Despite my hatred of the Grammys, I was elated when I heard that St. Vincent won for Best Alternative Album, as well as Beck's win for Album of the Year.  Below I have included some tracks from artists that deserve proper recognition either from the Grammys or elsewhere.

1.  British folkster Laura Marling already has three critically acclaimed albums under belt all at the tender age of 25.  Despite her youthful glow, her voice speaks as a woman with enough sage to command our attention and contemplation.




2.  Kitty, Daisy & Lewis is a sibling trio responsible for reviving the old timey genres of R&B, Rock n Roll, Western swing, and country....but with a modern edge.  In fact, The Clash's Mick Jones has stepped in as the band's first producer.  Listen to their latest track here:

 


3.  Fleet Foxes fans may be scratching their heads wondering when they can expect a new album from their favorite mountain men.  In the meantime, fans can revel in the fact that Foxes' drummer known publicly as Father John Misty has steadily maintained a solo career of his own with two hauntingly beautiful albums to show for it.

Top Albums and Singles of 2014

2014 has proven that the traditional music business model is officially doomed.  Taylor Swift is the only artist that has reached platinum this year.  What does the future hold for the other thousands of musicians barely surviving?

I appreciate the fact that we now live in a DIY age where nearly anyone can produce, release and distribute their albums independently.  The only problem is that there is almost too much talent lurking about, and not an easy solution to filter all of the noteworthy acts flying just below the radar. 

That is why I believe that it is crucial for all music enthusiasts to contribute their favorite musical discoveries via the Internet or through word of mouth.  I don’t believe every artist that has “made it” is necessarily talented.  Sometimes fame is coincidental or based purely on luck. This year, I want to give a shout-out to my favorite albums and singles that may or may not have had the exposure it rightly deserves. With that said, here are my favorite albums and singles of 2014:

Top Albums of 2014

1.  Morning Phase - Beck

2.  St. Vincent - St. Vincent

3.  Give the People What They Want - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

4.  My Favorite Faded Fantasy - Damien Rice

 5.  Phonovisions Symphonic Orchestra -Wax Tailor

 

  Top Singles of 2014

1.  Strange Weather - Anna Calvi and David Byrne

2. Almost Like The Blues - Leonard Cohen

3. It Will End in Tears - Phillip Selway

4. Algiers - Afghan Whigs

5. Duvan - Amason

6. Careful You - TV On The Radio

7. Stay Awhile - She and Him

8. Coconut Sofa - Jaded Incorporated

9. Do You - Spoon

10. Am I Safe - Ryan Adams

11. Late Bloomer - Jenny Lewis

12. Digital Witness - St. Vincent

13. Low Key - Tweedy

14. Lucky Guy - Sondre Lerche

15. The Bend - Real Estate

16. Alone In My Home - Jack White

17. Silver Lining - First Aid Kit

18. Brill Bruisers - New Pornographers

19. Everyday Robots - Damon Albarn

20. No Sir - The Both

21. Someone New - Hozier

22. Pools - Glass Animals

23. Rainy Day Woman - Kat Edmonson

24. It Takes a Lot to Know a Man - Damien Rice

25. Stranger To My Happiness - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

26. Going Out - Hospitality

27. Wave - Beck

28. Me at the Museum, You in the Wintergardens - Tiny Ruins

29. Wolf - Lily & Madeleine

30. 1999 - Hollie Cook

31. Artifact #1 - Conor Oberest

32. Avant Gardener - Courtney Barnett

33. You Will Return - Quantic ft. Alice Russell

34. If I'm Unworthy - Blake Mills

35. Passing Out the Pieces - Mac DeMarco

36. Ojai - Ray LaMontagne

37. How Can You Really? - Foxygen

38. Turnaround - Dru Chen

39. Ben's My Friend - Sun Kil Moon

40. Sometimes - Wax Tailor

What are some of your favorite picks from this year?