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Staff ‘End of Year’ Picks

Jake Craney
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2013 was an excellent year for music. We saw brilliant releases by veteran bands & rappers, surprising new directions from some, and as always–some promising new musicians emerging onto the scene. The GS staff took some time and selected their favorite song, video, and album of 2013 along with their choice for ‘Artist of the Year.’

 

Jon Berrien

Favorite Song: The Neighbourhood – “Sweater Weather”

” Let’s have an adventure, head in the clouds but my gravity’s centered.” The catchy lyrics and melody had me hooked right away.

 

Favorite Video: Kitten – “Like A Stranger”

Shot in black in white – I really enjoyed the retro feel of early 90’s in this video. From the models to the panther it felt chic and timeless. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and track.

 

Favorite Album: Fitz & The Tantrums – More Than Just A Dream

Fitz and Noelle Scaggs outdid themselves! I Had this on repeat for quite some time! Every track flowed smoothly to the next without missing a beat. Couldn’t help but smile, dance, and feel good vibes every time this played.

 

Artist of the Year: Capital Cities

These guys have had an amazing breakout year! Ryan and Sebu know how to throw down good jams. They’re now Grammy nominated with their video for “Safe and Sound” and I wouldn’t be surprised if they become Grammy Winners. I can’t wait to see what’s next for these guys.
 
Jake Craney
 
Favorite Song: Arcade Fire – “Afterlife”
 
By far the toughest to pick. So many amazing songs it’s almost impossible to pick one. I went with “Afterlife” because it’s a lot more than a catchy song to sing along to. There were plenty of those this year, and plenty of damn good ones. “Afterlife” is different: it’s layered, powerful, and it evokes a deeper emotion in the listener. This song makes your head think and not just nod.

 

Favorite Video: Sir Sly – “Gold”

I chose this video because it’s pure entertainment. It’s a mini-movie that holds you til the end. I suppose it helps that this was one of my absolute favorite and most played songs of 2013 as well. Can’t wait to see what Sir Sly has in store for us.

 

Favorite Album: The 1975 – The 1975

 
“Wait, what did he say?” Who cares…it’s just so good.
 
Sometimes you definitely have to consult the lyrics in order to properly sing along, but this album has everything. If you are a fan of alternative, indie, or pop music I don’t see how you could possibly not love this album.
 
Artist of the Year: Tommy & The High Pilots
 
This all depends on what your determining factors are in naming an “Artist of the Year.” Strong arguments could be made for a ton of people and bands, including Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, HAIM, The 1975, Arcade Fire and plenty more. Why Tommy & The High Pilots? Because I couldn’t care less about how ‘big’ or ‘popular’ someone became. My “Artist of the Year” did a couple things I admired:
 
1. They put out a damn good album.
2. They worked their asses off.
 
They toured non-stop. Not “luxury bus 20-30 arena shows” type of touring. This is “driving in a van, playing 200+ shows, sometimes to only a handful of people” type touring. They did radio appearances, acoustic sessions, they were everywhere, playing for anyone who would take the time to listen. To top all of that off–they did all this with a positive attitude and professionalism. Great group of guys that I hope get more eyes and ears on them in 2014.
 
Tahsan Scott
Favorite Song: J. Cole ft. Miguel – “Power Trip”
 
This song has the slow bounce you can nod your head to. The production is simply amazing, and Miguel’s vocals always bring something fresh to a track. I love the storyline, and who hasn’t spent a night or two listening to slow jamz and love songs? J. Cole had a hit wit this one.

 

Favorite Video: Mayer Hawthorne – “Her Favorite Song”

 
I don’t really care for dogs, but I love this video. Who else has a video with a band of dogs? The cool club vibe and funny interactions between the dogs and girls is awesome. Bow wow wow. Great song too.
 

Favorite Album: Justin Timberlake – 20/20 Experience

 
Justin Timberlake…man oh man. We’ve waited 7 years for a new album and it was worth the wait. Having Justin back on the scene, and having Timbaland back in the studio producing as he should, it brought back something we had not had in a long time. I totally love the way songs segue into one another, it’s hard to do well, but they did it so well. Not to mention the roll-out to the album was pretty intense from a business perspective.
 
Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
 
He brought competition back to Hip-hop. He was featured on songs and albums across different genres. He elevated the level of lyricism and storytelling in the rap world. He was on tour with Yeezus. The “Control” verse.
 
Brendon Goldwasser
 
Favorite Song: Kurt Vile – “Wakin On A Pretty Day”
 
This might be a bit of a surprise to some, because it’s not a song by Drake or Kanye West, but this song just had a really strong effect on me this Summer and for most of the year. And I can’t be the only one in love with this track, seeing as it has racked up about 1.5 million views on Spotify. Not only is this track and every song on the album Wakin On A Pretty Daze mixed and produced to perfection, but this song is a perfect 9 and a half minutes long, and somehow that is still not long enough. I just want it to keep going. The calming, gentle vocals from Kurt and the clean guitar, and twangy guitar effects are so mesmerizing and relaxing.

 

Favorite Video: Jamie Lidell – “Big Love”

I posted about this video on GroundSounds a few months ago and it is still one of my favorite music videos of the year, not only because it was shot in my beautiful home state of Ohio, but because of how creative the concept was. The fact that Jamie Lidell wanted to go to Cincinnati, OH and shoot a young girls dancing squad doing a routine to his funky song is just brilliant. The video is just overall really inspiring, showing shots of a boxer training and the girls training to dance and their overall lifestyle.

 

Favorite Album: Daft Punk – Random Access Memories

Ummm, DAFT PUNK! My favorite artist of my existence thus far, Daft Punk, made a timeless, funky, soulful, disco-oriented album. Then they got the most talented producers, musicians, and songwriters of our time to throw down, making this album relevant and familiar. No doubt, my favorite of the year.

 

Artist of the Year: Lorde

I remember when I first heard ‘Royals’ and I thought, “Holy shit! This is like pop, but hip-hop, but also electronic and melodic!” It had so many different elements, but it was also lyrically stimulating and relevant. After hearing her debut album and then seeing her perform at the Belasco Theatre in Downtown LA, there was no doubt in my mind that she was going to have a long, fruitful career in the music industry. It’s not even a matter of how old she is, that is awesome, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t care if she’s 7, 17, or 70, she rocks and for me, she is my favorite artist of the year.

 

Emily Vargas

Favorite Song: Fitz & The Tantrums – “Out Of My League”

I had the pleasure of seeing Fitz and the Tantrums at Weenie Roast back in May. Watching their set was just one giant dance party. During their closing number “Out of My League” there was so much charisma and rawness in just them and their instruments and not relying on extra sound engineering and effects. And still no matter when I hear this song it brings me back to the memory of that dance party and I never get tired of hearing it.

 

Favorite Video: Mumford & Sons – “Hopeless Wanderer”

This video shows that Mumford and Sons are very self aware of how ridiculous they may look to the outsider looking in, but they embrace it. Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, Will Forte, and Ed Helms make cameos as the members of Mumford and Sons. As the song progresses the scenarios become more and more outrageous, eventually leading to a banjo chorus line with the guys dressed as vaudeville actors. It’s a fun music video that is a reminder of how music videos are not a dead art form.

 

Favorite Album: Tegan and Sara – Heartthrob

Heartthrob is Tegan and Sara’s 7th album. The 10 song album makes the listener feel up beat and energetic on of songs about passion and love as well as longing and heartbreak. Heartthrob proves with each album the Quin sisters put out they bring a new evolution to their music while still capturing their essence and staying true to the style their fans, including myself fell in love with.

 

Artist of the Year: Imagine Dragons

With a world tour and their debut album, Night Visions going platinum Imagine Dragons are definitely the breakout band of 2013. Even though Night Visions came out late 2012 they have really gained exposure this year and with chart toppers like “Radioactive,” “It’s Time,” and “Demons,” Imagine Dragons are putting Alternative Rock back on top.

 

Tim Gadient

Favorite Song: James Blake feat. RZA – “Take A Fall For Me”

Old school meets new school in this track off of JB’s Overgrown. James Blake lays down a hauntingly dope instrumental, while RZA drops some dark rhymes. The track plays out like a love letter written too late. Hoping to see James do some more of these type of collabs in 2014.

 

Favorite Video: Pretty Lights – “Around The Block”

Real creative visuals to go along with Pretty Lights’s dope production. It’s gets especially rad during the breakdown after Talib Kweli spits his verse. The NYC streets serve as the backdrop, and PL uses his music to control and distort the city through his music.

 

Favorite Album: Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge – 12 Reasons To Die

This album tells the story of an ambitious gangster on the rise, played by Tony Starks (Ghostface). As he begins to ascend the ranks within his crime family, his own crew turns on him. He is murdered and his remains are burned and melted into 12 vinyls, that when played back resurrect him as the Ghostface Killah. He then goes on the attack, seeking violent revenge on his former crime associates. How dope a concept is that? Close your eyes and listen to this album, it plays out like a short film. Ghost delivers his razor sharp and visceral storytelling skills, and Adrain Younge provides the soundtrack: a 1960’s Italian-noir crime score. This album is too dope and was also mad slept on, so do yourself a favor and give this a listen.

 

Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar

Still riding off the success of his 2012 release, and destroying every track he was guest featured on, Kendrick wins my pick for artist of the year. Kendrick outshines just about every rapper that he collabs with. His verse on Big Sean’s “Control” was one of the greatest things to happen to hip-hop in a long time. He created a worldwide rush to the lab, calling out every relevant rapper and demanding that they step up their game. Kendrick is one of the dopest and most disciplined rappers in the game right now, and I’m guessing he’s got some major bombs to drop on us in 2014.

 

Tessie Navarro

Favorite Song: The Ceremonies – “Land of Gathering”

This is a little difficult…far too many songs to just pick one! So I’ll pick a favorite from some LA locals.  If you like beautiful harmonies and a chorus that will make you want to sing along, this one’s for you.

 

Favorite Video: Paramore – “Still Into You”

I’m a sucker for a good pop song. What’s even better is a sweet video to compliment said pop song. With such gorgeous set design, the video looks like something straight out of a dream. What? You’ve never dreamt about waking up in a room full of cake or sitting in a row boat in a sea of balloons? Is that just me? Hayley Williams’ improvised dancing amidst a group of ballerinas has also gotta be the cutest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Just watch the video and try not to smile, I dare ya.

 

Favorite Album: Twenty One Pilots – “Vessel”
This was a tough one for me. 2013 was a great year for music and I had to think back on releases past the recent months. An early 2013 Fueled By Ramen release, Twenty One Pilots’ “Vessel,” settled it for me. Many of the tracks on the album tackle issues of depression and suicide with rather dark lyrical content throughout, containing a –well, to quote vocalist Tyler Joseph — “hopeful undertone.” I think what makes me love this release so much is the fact that it goes beyond my listening comfort zone. I’ll admit, initially, I wasn’t sold on the duo’s fusion of rap and synthy/piano pop. However, after listening to the album in its entirety I got it, and I was hooked. Just listen to “Holding On To You,” and you’ll understand.

 

Artist of the Year: The 1975

To say 2013 was a big year for these Manchester rockers would be an understatement. The band teased us for a good year, releasing four EP’s each just as good as the last before dropping the flawless work of art that is their debut self titled album. With excellent guitar work, lovely accented vocals, and lyrical content reflecting on the band’s adolescent years, I (along with everyone else) was hooked on first listen. 2013 was just the beginning for the band and I’m excited to see them really break through in 2014.