Now to change things up a bit. Any of these songs could have landed on the “best” side of things, but they didn’t fit the overall feel of that playlist. That means this line-up has a slightly different energy, but is equally enjoyable. Under the right circumstances, of course.
I know I sort of shortchanged you with no comments in Part 1. I’ll try to do better.
Download the .zip file for Part 2 right HERE.
Big Kenny & Little Mike – Chino Man // What else it there to say? Nothing really.
Skrillex – First of the Year (Equinox) // With Skrillex’s grammy nomination this year, I think it is safe to say that 2011 is the year that dubstep went mainstream. If you are unfamiliar with this genre, prepare for an assault on your eardrums.
Architecture in Helsinki – Contact High // I used to think this song was about the standard usage of the phrase “contact high.” I don’t think it means that.
Foster the People – Helena Beat // So Foster the People soared to fame with their single Pumped Up Kicks. Before it was played to death, I sort of like it. Fortunately, I like a few of their other songs.
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Yellow Missing Signs // No idea what the band name means. Or the song title. Or the song lyrics.
Phantogram – Don’t Move // “all you do is shake, shake, shake / keep your body still”
Tedashii – Dum Dum (feat. Lecrae) // Like it or not, I heard this song about a thousand times this year.
M83 – Midnight City // As always, we all need more synth in our lives.
Coldplay & Rihanna – Princess of China // So in case you didn’t hear, Coldplay released an album this year. More or less typical Coldplay stuff. Which means good. This song received lots of criticism for the Rihanna collaboration. I sort of like it.
Mat Kearney – Hey Mama // Don’t want no drama.
Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out // “I am done with my graceless heart / So tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart” Word.
Manchester Orchestra – Apprehension // I think these guys came to town, and I missed it. Dang.
Houston We Have a Solution – Gun and a Grandfather Clock // I’m probably this group’s biggest fan.
That’s No Moon – Grey Haired Prince Charming // Ditto above.
The Morning Benders – Last Night (Strokes Cover) // Think I’m about done with comments.
Ben Ottewell – Lightbulbs
The Naked & The Famous – Girls Like You
Bon Iver – Michicant
We Were Promised Jetpacks – Act on Impulse
Generationals – Ten-Twenty-Ten
The Roots – The Other Side // We got started with a rap song (of sorts), so it seems fitting to end with one. Sorry about the profanity, I guess.