2013 Favourites: Top 10 Songs First Heard in 2013

I know that my musical tastes generally don't align with that of most readers, but this is the one time of year that I try to push my favorites like a free sample to the street drug buffet. Give them a listen, on the off chance that you stumble upon something you like but never would have discovered on your own!

10. Trombone Shorty - Buckjump:
    The energy in this chart is irresistable.


9. Bird and The Bee - Man:
   I can't resist a good Bird and The Bee track, and the harpsichord in the background doesn't hurt.


8. Outkast and Janelle Monae - Call the Law:
   After I started listening to songs similar to Caro Emerald, this song popped up on Pandora.


7. La Roux - Tigerlily:
   The spoken word at the end is rather silly, but the rest of the song is pretty fun.


6. Metric - Raw Sugar:
   This is a different sound than I normally seek out, but I couldn't help giving it a Thumbs Up on Pandora.


5. K-OS - Crabbuckit:
   Just a fun, catchy song.


4. Dirt Poor Robins - Nightingale:
   The Dirt Poor Robins are filing the void of groups that perform every song as if it were The Most Profound Song Ever Written and I like the harmonies here. The video in the link has nothing to do with the song, but the only other copy on the Internet sounds like it was recorded while swimming in a fishbowl.


3. Caro Emerald - Back It Up:
   I like the mix of Swing sensibilities over a more modern beat. It's the style of Bitter:Sweet, but with more infectious rhythms.


2. Nappy Roots - Sholiz:
   Rebecca and I had some serious Nappy Roots love this year, after discovering them through their Mark Ronson collaborations.


1. Paloma Faith - Upside Down:
   I love unique-sounding voices that don't seem to match the visual image of the singer, like Gabriella Cilmi and Joss Stone. Throw it over an interesting arrangement and I'm sold.

Honorable Mention

• Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - How Long Do I Have To Wait For You:
  This song is pleasant enough, but the descending guitar line that sounds like someone is playing a cat is exceedingly catchy.

Previous Picks: 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012