Guest Spot Best of 2013 - 'The Swede'

Guest Spot Best of 2013 - 'The Swede'

BC Camplight Best of 2013 Bombay Bicycle Club Houndstooth Kiran Leonard Low The Swede

In the essence of our blog, we asked some friends from blogs that we follow to share with us the tunes that stood out for them in 2013. We love to hear what other people listen to and the reasons why they tick the right boxes musically and of course to hear the stories associated with them. Whilst also hopefully discovering things that otherwise would have passed us by.

Now we have  'The Swede' who is responsible for the brilliant 'Unthought of, though, somehow' blog.

We think of him as a real life version of Rob Fleming,

But that's enought from us, here is The Swede....

'Thanks to everyone at Tune Doctor for another 12 months of fine music and for once again inviting me to contribute to this end of year extravaganza. Here are 20 of my favourite tracks from 2013, which, with one exception, are in no particular order. 

Compliments of the season everyone!

The Stepkids - 'Sweet Salvation'
Yo La Tengo - 'Well You Better'
Micah Blue Smaldone - 'Time'
Wolf People - 'All Returns'
Eleanor Friedberger - 'When I Knew'
Cate Le Bon - 'Are You With Me Now?'
Ezra Furman - 'My Zero'
Midlake - 'The Old & The Young'
White Denim - 'Pretty Green'
Younghusband - 'Comets Crossed'
Robyn Hitchcock - 'Be Still'
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - 'Swim & Sleep (Like a Shark)'
Steve Mason, Emiliana Torrini And Toy - 'I Go Out'
Gaz Coombes - 'One Of These Days'
H.Hawkline - 'Telegram'

BC Camplight - 'Thieves In Antigua'

BC Camplight is the artistic nom de plume of  American singer-songwriter Brian Christinzio, who now resides in Manchester. 'Thieves in Antigua' has a spooky Beach Boys quality - oddly unsettling and hard to shake off once it has it's hooks in you.

Kiran Leonard - 'Dear Lincoln'

'Dear Lincoln' was written and recorded by Kiran Leonard in June 2010, when he was just 14 years of age. The song had been knocking about the internet for a while, before receiving an official release this summer. Kiran has a lot of music available to check-out via Bandcamp and Soundcloud, including an incredibly ambitious 24 minute prog epic, 'The End Times', but with 'Dear Lincoln' he says all he wants to say in 112 thrilling seconds.

Houndstooth - 'Ride Out The Dark'

'Ride Out the Dark' by Houndstooth is a subtle grower - an album, after several months, I still enjoy more with each successive play.  Lead track 'Canary Island' stutters, Neil Young-like, into life,  before blossoming into a thing of true beauty. 

Bombay Bicycle Club - 'Carry Me'

Usually, the earlier in the year that a track appears, the more time it has to burn itself into the consciousness and thus become a contender for an annual musical retrospective such as this. Not so 'Carry Me' by the Bombay Bicycle Club, which was only released a couple of weeks ago, but is already much loved by Mrs S & I. Whenever it gets a spin on the wheels of steel here at Swede Towers, we’re compelled to break into our own peculiar form of angular dancing...and this is before we've started on the Christmas booze!

Low - 'Just Make It Stop'

I'm notoriously reluctant to nominate singular favourites when it comes to year-end round-ups, traditionally preferring to offer a selection of titles 'in no particular order' to sum up the preceding 12 months. In 2013, however, I think we have a winner. Low may just have pulled off the coveted triple whammy of favourite gig, album and in 'Just Make it Stop', tune of the year.

sfw Pada 10:28 Komentar

TUNE DOCTOR'S - Best of 2013

TUNE DOCTOR'S - Best of 2013

Best of 2013 TuneDr's Playlists

We have painstakingly picked our favourite tracks that have made our year.  It's not a bad little playlist actually as there's something for everyone, the perfect soundtrack to bore your partners with, upset your Gran or make your party.  Trust us we've tried it!

Listen to the playlist below - remember to check out other Tune Doctor Playlists on Playlists.net

sfw Pada 03:07 Komentar

Guest Spot Best of 2013 - 'C'

Guest Spot Best of 2013 - 'C'

Best of 2013 C Johnny Marr Mat Zo Parra For Cuva Suede Yeah Yeah Yeahs

In the essence of our blog, we asked some friends from blogs that we follow to share with us the tunes that stood out for them in 2013. We love to hear what other people listen to and the reasons why they tick the right boxes musically and of course to hear the stories associated with them. Whilst also hopefully discovering things that otherwise would have passed us by.

And here we have the thoughts of 'C', who is responsible for the excellent blog Sun Dried Sparrows, where you can find a melange of music, art and fantastic nostalgic stories!

But that's enough from us, 'C'..... the floor is yours

'This year my musical tastebuds have been tickled by the unexpected. But the unexpected didn't come in the form of Polynesian nose-flutes or mathcore, instead I was surprised to find that the songs I liked were mass-market; they were getting into the charts.... sometimes even to Number 1. Oh god! This must be the first time that has happened to me since the Pistols' 'God Save The Queen' made it to the top (even if it was never acknowledged that it could have outsold Rod Stewart at the time – we know it did, don't we?!)

I mean, I was absolutely swept off my feet by John Newman's 'Love Me Again' and I fell in love with Nile Rodgers' guitar style all over again on Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' ft. Pharrell Williams. Both would have to make it into my list of favourite tracks of the year, even though there's that little part of me that is niggled by the thought that they are probably on a million other people's lists as well, both being Number 1 singles. Oh I'm too old for elitism now!

Another unexpected delight came in the form of the new Suede album, 'Bloodsports'. Not because I didn't expect to like it – I thought and hoped I would, I just never thought they'd actually make another. It was brilliant to see them perform on various TV shows too – haven't they aged well?! Picking one track from the album is difficult, though, as they all stand up so well.

One further surprise for me this year has been my newly developed penchant for a bit of dubstep. It's strong, uplifting and makes me want to dance, and that's a lovely way to feel on a damp, English, winter night.

Anyway, all of the above feature in my tracks of the year. I can't possibly put them into any order, that all depends on what mood I'm in and what time of day it is, what I've had to eat and the phases of the moon etc etc. So I hope you'll just enjoy these five picked fairly much at random for starters.  Have a great 2014!'

Suede – 'Sabotage'

Here's the live version... a great rendition and the first time I heard it before the album's release.

Mat Zo ft. Rachel K Collier – 'Only For You'

 

From the album 'Damage Control'.  Doesn't it just make you feel good?!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs ft. Dr Octagon – 'Buried Alive'

No visuals for this I'm afraid, but such a great track from the album 'Mosquito'

Johnny Marr – 'New Town Velocity'

Such a good single, and the video reminds me of somewhere I used to live!

Parra For Cuva ft. Anna Naklab – 'Wicked Game'

Wicked Game is just one of those songs which I can't imagine ever being covered badly.  I especially love this fairly minimal take on it.  Shame about the video, though...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My current top 10 in absolutely no particular order....

John Newman – Love Me Again

Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams – Get Lucky

Ray Foxx ft. Rachel K Collier – Boom Boom (Heartbeat)

Suede – Sabotage

Mat Zo ft. Rachel K Collier – Only For You

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Buried Alive

Johnny Marr – New Town Velocity

Parra For Cuva ft. Anna Naklab – Wicked Game

British Sea Power – Loving Animals

Klangkarussell ft. Will Heard - Sonnentanz

sfw Pada 22:00 1 Komentar

Shell Hunter's Best Of 2013

Shell Hunter's Best Of 2013

Best of 2013 Josephine Junip Night Engine Pearl Jam Robert Delong Shell Hunter

Bye bye 2013, unlucky for some but not me. I've visited new places like New York, Jamaica and Benidorm(!), and experienced a fantastic music festival, Latitude (see you next year!). What made these experiences extra special were the recommendations of songs and bands that made up the many playlists I've created and loved on my travels. Thank you guys for taking the time out to share your favourite tracks and memories and giving me your two pennies worth on mine. Here's to a renewed zest for the same in 2014!



Josephine - 'Portrait'

One that cuts a little too close to the bone about true self reflection that I struggle to listen to without shedding a tear. That coupled with a beautiful nostalgic voice makes for an unforgettable and meaningful song for me.



Junip - 'Line Of Fire'

Brings me back great memories of lounging on the grass on a very sunny Sunday afternoon at Latitude Festival, shades on and cold cider in hand, watching one of the most perfect bands for the mood. Junip fast became a favourite group of mine, thanks to the push from SFW. My track of the year.

Pearl Jam - 'Sirens'

This one came out of nowhere (actually London Scouser's TOTW) and absolutely blew me away. One of the most romantic rock songs I've heard in a very long time, rivalling even my favourite 'All Night Thing' by Temple Of The Dog which was sung by fellow band mate Chris Cornell. Eddie Vedder could melt even the coldest of black hearts with this best example of his fabulous voice. Worth reading the lyrics here.

Robert DeLong - 'Global Concepts'

Brilliant and innovative with drumming that I can't get enough of. I look forward to hearing more of what Robert can do. Some may sneer at the dropping of the 'F' bomb but I think it's essential. I always imagine being in a packed club in LA, that line blaring out with the beat kicking in and me getting swallowed up by the crowd loving it!



Night Engine - 'Seventeen'

These guys were a big part of my music year ever since I found out a friend from college was in the band. Full of guitar funk with excellent synths, their energy is infectious and if ever a band was worthy of being signed it's them. Keep you're eyes on them, I know I will.

Have a listen to the rest of my Top 20 below!

sfw Pada 11:22 2 Komentar

Flycasual's Best Of 2013

Flycasual's Best Of 2013

Best of 2013 Flycasual John Grant Kurt Vile Owiny Sigoma Band Queens Of The Stone Age Young Fathers

Another year goes by and I'm entering my 40th year, I should be having a midlife crisis right about now but since I can't afford a Ferrari, I'll stick to blogging. It's been a another fruitful musical year, predominately thanks to my fellow TuneDr bloggers and contributors and for that I'm am eternally grateful.

 

 

Owiny Sigoma Band - 'Lucas Malore'

 

'Lucas Malore' is an ingenious blend of traditional Kenya and dancefloor London, taken from one of my favourite albums of the year, the aptly titled Power Punch, completely addictive and essential listening.

 

 

 

John Grant - 'Black Belt'

 

Witty lyrics, fantastic beat, it's definitely not something I would have expected from John Grant but his Pale Green Ghosts album certainly made my DIY hell just a little bit more bearable earlier this year.

 

 

Q.O.T.S.A. - 'If I Had A Tail'

God knows how many times I have heard this track this year and I still can't get enough. The reason is that it's probably my four and half year old son's most requested track. Whilst he's fixated by the 'vampire hugging' on the album cover, I was captivated by the immaculate drumming and the Rock n Roll swagger from a band on top of their game.

 

 

Young Fathers - 'I Heard'

 

Like Andy Murray in Tennis, Young Fathers were my Scottish musical champions. Releasing two mini albums this year, the Edinburgh trio effortlessly blended the likes of De La Soul and Massive Attack to create their own unique sound. 'I Heard', was one of many standouts, dark, soulful and with the coolest hotel lobby keyboard you're likely to hear this side of Lanzarote. Big ting awaits.

 

 

Kurt Vile - 'Wakin' On A Pretty Day'

 

Undoubtedly my track of the year. Even though it's over 9 minutes long, it's one of those songs you just don't want to end. With Kurt Vile's cool, laid back drawl, it was the perfect soundtrack to a memorable weekend spent with family when the sun finally came out this April.

 

 

 

Subscribe/listen at your pleasure to my best of 2013 spotify playlist here....

 

 

sfw Pada 13:05 2 Komentar

OLD PA'S Best Of 2013

OLD PA'S Best Of 2013

Best of 2013 Darkside Jim James Kurt Vile Old Pa's Corner Phosphorescent The Deep Dark Woods

Oh! boy what a year for music and thanks to my fellow mates at Tune Doctor and our fellow bloggers at Grown up Backwards and Unthought of, though, somehow, my ears have had the pleasure of some great varied sounds. I have discovered much new music, that I would not have found on my own and for that I would like to thank all my Pals. Thank you Pals!

Whittling it down to 5 tracks is always so hard and I wish it could have been 20 tracks. Anyway I hope you like my choices :

DEEP DARK WOODS - East St Louis 

I fell in love with this first hearing, a group to watch, with a hint of the Beach Boys thrown in!

 

JIM JAMES - A New Life 


What a voice, a slow build up to a crescendo to whistle or hum along and die for!

KURT VILE - Walking on a Pretty Day

A happy time in April spent with Flycasual with Kurt providing the sound track! 

DARKSIDE- Paper Trails (RA Sessions)

Knocked me out! This session version is equal or better than the album take. Eat your Heart out Pink Floyd!

   

PHOSPHORESCENT - Song for Zulu

This gets me every time. 'Love is a burning thing'. Say no more!

Subscribe or listen at your pleasure to Old Pa's Best of 2013 playlist here...

sfw Pada 00:23 1 Komentar

OLD PA'S Best Of 2013

OLD PA'S Best Of 2013

Best of 2013 Darkside Jim James Kurt Vile Old Pa's Corner Phosphorescent The Deep Dark Woods

Oh! boy what a year for music and thanks to my fellow mates at Tune Doctor and our fellow bloggers at Grown up Backwards and Unthought of, though, somehow, my ears have had the pleasure of some great varied sounds. I have discovered much new music, that I would not have found on my own and for that I would like to thank all my Pals. Thank you Pals!

Whittling it down to 5 tracks is always so hard and I wish it could have been 20 tracks. Anyway I hope you like my choices :

DEEP DARK WOODS - East St Louis 

I fell in love with this first hearing, a group to watch, with a hint of the Beach Boys thrown in!

 

JIM JAMES - A New Life 


What a voice, a slow build up to a crescendo to whistle or hum along and die for!

KURT VILE - Walking on a Pretty Day

A happy time in April spent with Flycasual with Kurt providing the sound track! 

DARKSIDE- Paper Trails (RA Sessions)

Knocked me out! This session version is equal or better than the album take. Eat your Heart out Pink Floyd!

   

PHOSPHORESCENT - Song for Zulu

This gets me every time. 'Love is a burning thing'. Say no more!

Subscribe or listen at your pleasure to Old Pa's Best of 2013 playlist here...

sfw Pada 00:23 1 Komentar

SFW'S Best Of 2013

SFW'S Best Of 2013

Best of 2013 Daft Punk Dustin Tebbutt George Ezra Jeff Tweedy Mavis Staples Pharrell Seryn

Do you remember the long hot summer? Neither do I.  but let me take you on a brisk walk down memory lane, stopping off for some mince pies, mulled wine and and my top 5 Tracks of the Year.

Tracks of the Year!

Daft Punk - 'Lose Yourself To Dance' (2013)


I can honestly say that 2014 was the year that Daft Punk (with Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams help) brought disco back.  It's safe to say that until their input, disco would only be played in 'over 40s' theme nights and weddings. An instant classic.

Just in case you missed it, this unofficial video was a highlight - and it's not too late to be using the moves at your Christmas party.


Mavis Staples - 'Jesus Wept' (2013)


Stax legend Mavis Staples became reborn with the input of Wilco's Jeff Tweedy in the producers role. Their collaboration on the album "One True Vine" brought Gospel into the 21st Century. Every song carries a gravitas and emotion and could easily bring you, and jesus, to tears. Spellbinding.

Seryn - 'Ivory Black' (2013)


Texan 6-piece Seryn knocked me out with the gorgeous, Ivory Black.  Rich harmonies, subtle layers and a fine blend of tenderness and emotion. Listen to the live or studio versions of this track and the result will be the same - it will flatten you like a runaway rhino.

George Ezra - 'Did You Hear The Rain' (2013)


Bristolian, George Ezra was one of my musical discoveries of the year. I first heard when I saw him support Tom Odell in March and I immediately thought he was some sort of "Woody Guthrie-meets-Ray Lamontagne". Ignore this baby faced assassin (with a voice of a 50 year old) at your peril. If he was around in the 60s, he'd probably be as well revered as the other Greenwich Village gang. One to watch!

Dustin Tebbutt - 'The Breach' (2013)


Dustin Tebbutt's The Breach came from nowhere.  The Breach was like a musical mammoth that appeared on the tundra after a snowstorm, I loved it then and I love it now. My Track of the Year.

Want a handy playlist? Subscribe to my top twenty tracks of the year. All are winners.  

sfw Pada 00:09 Komentar

LONDON SCOUSER'S Best Of 2013

LONDON SCOUSER'S Best Of 2013

Alice In Chains Best of 2013 Black Books Dan Le Sac Imagine Dragons Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Neal Scroobius Pip

This has been a great year with 2 notable events.... A future King of England was born, but more importantly, I joined the Tune Doctor team as a regular contributor. I haven't checked the official statistics, but I believe I have had almost as much press coverage as baby George. Seriously though, I have really enjoyed choosing tracks to share every week and I look forward to contributing many more.

These are my 5 absolute standout tracks of the year, in no particular order.

Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - 'Stunner'

When I chose this as my TOTW back in August, I said that I was eagerly awaiting the release of their 3rd album 'Repent, Replenish, Repeat' and I wasn't disappointed. Despite only having 9 tracks, it has everything I have come to love about the boys. Clever and meaningful lyrics with Dan Le Sac's excellent beats holding the songs together. 

This time I will dedicate the song to a certain Shellhunter because as far as I'm concerned, 'The world don't revolve around you but it should'

Black Books - 'Favorite Place'

I first came across this 5 piece band from Austin, Texas when I was offered a free song on my mobile phone through my Google Play account. That song was 'White Noise' and it featured on an EP called 'Aquarena'. I was instantly impressed and could hear influences that to me ranged from 'Arcade Fire' to 'Embrace'. The standout track however was this song which also features on their self titled debut album. In May,they were in the UK supporting none other than 'The Flaming Lips' and Shellhunter and I caught them at their first ever UK headline gig at The Barfly just after they had played 2 support gigs at The Roundhouse. They played a great set and afterwards I spoke with the band at the bar and they were a bunch of nice guys to boot. I look forward to seeing them again in the near future.

Actual setlist taken off of the stage post-gig

Imagine Dragons - 'Radioactive'

I chose this as my first TOTW way back in January, and despite it's popularity (108 million plus views on You Tube) I haven't grown tired of it. The video still makes me smile with all of the cuddly-wuddlies gaining their revenge. The rest of the album was slightly poppier than this but I enjoyed it. I never got a chance to see them when they played over here earlier in the year, but I'm sure they will be back soon.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Feat Wanz) - 'Thrift Shop'

When I first heard this track on Scroobius Pip's xFM show, I didn't realise how huge it was going to become. I don't have much else to say other than to quote some of  the lyrics ' This is f#@$ing awesome'

Having been a fan of Alice In Chains since the 90's I was really happy to hear their new stuff this year which did not fail to disappoint me whatsoever. Shellhunter and I saw that they were playing over in the UK and when the dates were announced we were dismayed to see that they were playing in London at the Alexandra Palace (see here for why we were upset) I saw that they were also playing in Birmingham, and I arranged to stay with some family up there, but never got around to buying the tickets and missed seeing them play. However, imagine my excitement when at work one mundane morning, a colleague handed me a plectrum and asked me if I had heard of this band.Upon studying it, I thought I read the signature as Jerry Cantrell...I then turned it over and saw the dinosaur logo that featured on the cover of their latest album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' by now I was speechless and shaking. I eventually managed to tell my colleague that this was one of may all time favourite bands. She insisted that I go and speak with them, which after taking a few minutes to gather myself together, I did. The bands tour manager, Chuck Randall looks an imposing figure, but he is the epitome of 'looks can be deceiving' as he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. he introduced me to Jerry and Mike Inez who were equally nice and spoke with me for a few minutes while I gushed about being a huge fan etc. This didn't put them off though as they agreed to have a picture taken with me. I promise that next time they are over here, I will 100 percent be seeing them.

Spot the nerd amongst rock gods

Subscribe to London Scouser's Best Of 2013 Spotify Playlist below!

sfw Pada 22:00 3 Komentar