1. Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"
As a long-time follower of these guys I'm really quite pleased to see the direction they're going. I remember resisting the step-up in production values (what can beat a basement recording of the sweetest blues?), but I am now a happy convert. As a music video: amazing.
2. Washed Out - "Within and Without" (album)
The vibe of this album perfectly describes my 2011: it was a year of travel and movement and tracks like Amor Fati and Eyes Be Closed seem to communication a sense of limitlessness and spatiality that seem both filled and devoid of emotion.
3. College feat. Electric Hero - "A Real Hero"
How can you not love this track? I went to see Drive at the cinema with my boyfriend and after five minutes we both had ridiculous smiles on our faces. Brutal in places, yes, a little slow, but shit, you can't fault the acting, the classic hero role, and certainly not the soundtrack.
4. Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know"
I can't think of anyone more deserving of recognition than Wally De Backer. As a proper nose-to-the-grindstone musician, Wally began sampling and recording music as Gotye in 2001, releasing Boardface, and also drumming and singing with his band The Basics. Five years later he released Like Drawing Blood and finally, this year his album Making Mirrors has gained him international recognition and three ARIA awards. Kimbra, the kiwi singer featured on this track, compliments him perfectly on this track and her album Vows, is super impressive (check out Settle Down).
More soon!
