Lists & Rankings
Best of April 2012
This was a wonderful month of music. Why? Kanye West. A month highlighted heavily with hip hop and rap songs. First time we’ve had that kind of month in a while with my recent sensation for indie, right? This was also a month where I had over 50 songs to choose from and I had to leave it at 31 because I couldn’t decide. Whoops. The more the merrier though. Had to separate them into two different parts to decrease file sizes. Hit the jump for the track list for each part. Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD BEST OF APRIL 2012 Part 1
DOWNLOAD BEST OF APRIL 2012 Part 2
Jordan’s Top 5:
Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T, & 2-Chainz – Mercy
From Big Sean to 2-Chainz I can listen to this song all day long. This is turning into my “go-to-song” when I just randomly start reciting lyrics out of nowhere. The previous song was Big Sean’s “Ass.” Dare I say one of the top songs of 2012? Swerve. 2 CHAIIINZZZZZZ.
Kanye explodes. Compared to his Mercy verse, Way Too Cold is straight fire. His shots at Wiz, his remarks on Kim K, the fact that he could of gotten Kris Humphries released from the Nets. You go, Glenn Coco Kanye.
Hoodie Allen – No Interruption
This tweet sums of how I feel about this track. I’ll let that do the talking. Thanks, Arjun. Oh, and grab All American on iTunes. It’s dope.
ASAP Rocky & Theophilus London – Big Spender
This beats out ASAP’s single, Goldie, because I’m a fan of Theophilus London as well, and this instrumental is insane in the membraaaaaane. Ya dig?
Danny Brown is a weird case. At first, I couldn’t stand his voice, but now things are a little different. I featured this song on our 4:20 mixtape, and his speciality is weed music. Surprisingly, this is the number one played song in the playlist for me, so it squeaked it’s way into my top five. Who would of thought?
Honorable Mention: Logic, 5 & A Dime, The Neighbourhood, Ghost Beach, Kendrick Lamar, Eddy B & Tim Gunter.
Hit the jump for the track list for each part.
15 Songs For Summer!
You know the summer’s coming when you step outside and can smell the heat. The sun is out, people decide to eat lunch outside, your bathing suits start calling your name, and it’s pool time. Grab the margarita mix, grab the coozies, and grab your speakers — it’s time to party! Here are 20 songs perfect for your summertime playlist, compiled by all of the writers at Sunset in the Rearview. Get it.
(Right click and save file to download each song.)
- “Default” – Django Django
- “I Want It All” – Rich Kid Sound System
- “Closer Than This” (Viceroy Remix) – St. Lucia
- “Never Grow Up” ft. Loggy & Mike Stud – Timeflies
- “So Good” – B.o.B
- “Driving 90″ – August Coupe & The Interns
- “Summerlong” – Xylos
- “Ride With Us” ft. Cisco – Tayyib Ali
- “Work To Do” ft. Drake – Perfeck Strangers
- “City Lights” – Windoview
- “Pretty Lights vs Summertime” – Pretty Lights
- “Return of the Mack” (Viceroy “Jet Life” Remix) – Mark Morrison
- “Somebody” – Jukebox the Ghost
- “Payphone” (ft. Wiz Khalifa) – Maroon 5
- “All of Me” – Tanlines
[4:20 Mixtape] #FRIDAY
Today is a special day. It’s the holidaze! It’s a chance for everyone to relax, blaze with their homies, and embrace the day that is, April 20th. In celebration, I got together with fellow writer, Arjun, and we crafted for you a 20 song mixtape, called #FRIDAY, which is inspired by the clip below.
#FRIDAY has a certain swag to it. From start to finish, we take you on the journey of what it’s like to be high. We start you off with tracks that are fun to listen to while you’re at your “high” as we progressively get closer to your low where we eventually reach the “victory lap” and finish off with much slower songs. It’s like a rollar coaster. We have your build up, the actual ride itself, then the joints (pun intended) for when you’re getting off of the ride and want to call it a day.
Download #FRIDAY
SITR 420 Tips:
- Don’t mess up any type of rotation.
- No nasty lipping.
- Always have munchies on hand.
- Play this mix.
Hit the jump for the track list and a few samples!
Oh, and this video is pretty funny too.
5 Songs for Your Summer Shindig
As the warm months approach and sundresses and Nantucket Red shorts are beginning to appear amongst the ladies and the gentlemen, one aspect of summer get-togethers is often overlooked: your playlist. As much as you want it to, the playlist that you made for your house party last semester just isn’t going to cut it when it’s 85 degrees and the sun is out. But never fear, for here are 5 sure-fire mainstays for your summer-time playlist.
1. Hey Ma – Cam’ron ft. Juelz Santana
If someone asks you for a “chill hip-hop song” suggestion, you just can’t go wrong with this guy right here. The best half of Dipset created a club hit that’s very hard to hate.
2. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
Absolutely classic summer song, and shame on you if you haven’t heard it before. In addition to being a great sing-along track, it has a fairly comical and fairly inappropriate double meaning to it. This is definitely a must for whatever your summer get-together is.
3. Dancing with the DJ – The Knocks
“Dancing with the DJ” is a dance/electronic song that I’ve just recently discovered. Ridiculously catchy, this is a great song to throw on if any of the drunk girls at your house say something like, “I WANNA DAAAAAAAAAAAANCE!”
4. Swimsuits – The Cool Kids ft. Mayer Hawthorne
In my opinion, THE summer hip-hop song, even more-so than “Hey Ma.” A crisp two-and-a-half minutes long, Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks float all over the lead single to their debut album When Fish Ride Bicycles.
5. Loved You Tonight – John West
The first hit from the Def Jam up-and-comer. You might know him from his recent collaborations with GOOD Music artists Pusha T and Big Sean, but John West has a great R&B vibe that is perfect for the warm weather which he shows off with this track.
And there you have it. Pepper these puppies in between the standards (Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, etc.) and your music will be one less thing you need to worry about this summer.
Best of March 2012
This was a month of madness. March Madness! See what I did there? Basketball is my favorite sport, but unfortunately for us basketball lovers, this has nothing to do with basketball. This is just a playlist filled with what I think is the top 30 songs of this month. I’m also depressed because Ohio State lost last night. Fuck.
Download Best of March 2012
Jordan’s Top 5 (in no particular order):
This reminds me of why I fell in love with J. Cole’s music in the first place. This is pure fire. It’s ridiculous. Bonkers. Crazy. An anthem for his home. This is arguably one of my favorite songs from Cole. Yeah, it’s that good. Did I mention how good it is?
The production from Xaphoon Jones is always legit and Chiddy is consistent for the most part. This is a song for the car, yano? The type of song high schoolers blast with their windows down as they leave their high school’s parking lot. They got that vroom vroom, and their bass got that boom boom.
I mean, it’s new Frank Ocean. Pretty girls and sports cars, duh.
I found this gem via our submission email. One of my favorite indie songs currently on my computer. Keep in mind I don’t have that much indie since I’ve just become a recent fan, but still, this was good enough for a Tape Tuesday. That alone tells you the quality.
Avicii – Levels In Reverse (George Monev Edit)
If you follow me on Twitter, or just have some sense of who I am, you know Levels is one of my favorite songs of all time. I’ve spent countless hours listening to Levels. From the original to the infinite amount of remixes. This one, however, is the best Levels remix. This is the remix that should put any other past and future remixes to rest. Flipping the synths completely turns Levels into a brand new, more upbeat track, but it’s still not better than the original.
Hit the jump for full track list! Continue reading “Best of March 2012” »
Five Incredible Cover Songs For Sunday
Sunday morning. Feeling like shit? I have some stuff that might just make you feel a little better. Five covers that will blow your mind. Ready?
1. Young The Giant Covers “Ignition” (Remix) by R. Kelly
I’ve been telling myself for years that if I could sing, I would be sure to put on a fur jacket and do a cover of R. Kelly’s Ignition Remix at least once a day. What a fucking coincidence that Young The Giant came around and did the exact same thing. Whatttt?! Mind: blown.
[via P&P]
2. Niia Covers “BTSTU” by Jai Paul
Jai Paul’s “BTSTU” still gets multiple rotations on my iTunes, particularly when I’m driving to work and needing to get excited about the day ahead. What could be more excited than getting to sing “don’t fuck with me, don’t fuck with me” in a high-pitched voice? Nothing. Niia seems to think so too. She’s shared with us her sexy version of BTSTU, admittedly sexier than my car rendition.
[via P&P]
3. Niia Covers “Mad World” by Tears for Fears
While we’re on the topic of Niia, she also created a beautiful cover of Tears for Fears’s “Mad World.” By adding a harp, a harder beat, and a bit of speed, Niia might have just created the best cover of this oft-covered song that I’ve heard yet.
4. Benjamin Francis Leftwich Covers “Look at Miss Ohio” by Gillian Welch
Benjamin Francis Leftwich doesn’t have a shortage of balls. Wait…that’s weird. Um…what I’m trying to say is that he doesn’t fear covering superstars. He recently covered The Beatles and now he’s taking on Gillian Welch, who might as well be folk music’s superhero. Subtle and sweet.
5. Bon Iver Covers “Coming Down” by Anais Mitchell
One of the best thing about Bon Iver covers is seeing the instrumentation. This cover features piano, guitar, and a saxophone. It’s really beautiful, as you may have come to expect from a Bon Iver performance. This is a video clip from a visit to Triple J Radio studio in Australia where he chose to cover a song by a friend of his, Anais Mitchell. He says he chose this one because “there is no way not to have feelings about it.”
I’ve never been so high, I’ve never been so high, I’ve never been so high, I think I’m coming down. I’ve never laughed so loud, I’ve never laughed so loud, I’ve never laughed so loud, I think I’m coming down. Nothing going to stop me now, nothing going to stop me now, nothing going to stop me now. Please, don’t leave, easy feeling. Don’t leave me like that. Not yet. Don’t set me free. Free.
3 (Free) Projects to Get Acquainted With
I think we take free music for granted. I mean, I’m pretty sure if you try hard enough you can find any song on the Internet for free. Most of the time, this is illegal and heavily frowned upon (by someone probably). Sometimes, however, artists give their music away for free legal download. While this generally isn’t out of sheer kindness (but instead a hope for more online popularity and future purchases), it still is nice and is something that shouldn’t go unacknowledged. The following artists recently dropped free projects that you should get acquainted with.
1. HAIM – Forever
These sisters are unique (they actually are sisters; I’m not weirdly patronizing them). With the three songs on Forever, they show off their indignant, retro flare and 90′s era sass. And I love it. I especially like how they sneaked “fucked” into “Better Off.” Check them out below. Seriously. Don’t be weird.
MP3: “Better Off” – HAIM
MP3: “Forever” – HAIM
Download ‘HAIM – Forever’ here.
2. Kendall Elijah – Eli Dynamite
It’s cool when young rappers like Kendall Elijah produce their own music. It makes their projects completely DIY, which gives the listener a unique introduction into the artist’s mind and imagination. What Kendall created on his Eli Dynamite EP plays kind of like a vintage movie soundtrack screwed into a hip hop album. I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy, but when I listen to it (like right now) I can see the movie play out in my mind. There’s something cinematic about this assortment of songs, and I really like it. Check out the EP below along with the music video for “The Wild.” [via Mostly Junk Food]
MP3: “Early Bird” – Kendall Elijah
MP3: “The Biscuit Will Save Us All” – Kendall Elijah
MP3: “The Wild” – Kendall Elijah
Download ‘Kendall Elijah – Eli Dynamite’ here.
3. BASTILLE – Other People’s Heartache
You may remember Bastille from the City High cover (“What Would You Do?”) that we posted last October. Just a few weeks ago, the band released a mixtape full of dramatic interpretations of modern indie classics. I think it’s really cool that Bastille chose to do this, appeasing fans with free new music while conjointly working on their original material (watch the music video for new song “Overjoyed” here). I just hope this inspires more and more indie bands to venture down the mixtape path.
MP3: “What Would You Do?” – BASTILLE
MP3: “Of The Night” – BASTILLE
MP3: “Falling (ft. Ralph of To Kill A King)” – BASTILLE
Download ‘BASTILLE – Other People’s Heartache’ here.
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Best of February 2012
I probably say this every month, but February was ridiculously good. A lot of indie, and quality hip hop on here. You know the drill…download below, my top 5, followed by the track listing!
- JDimerrr
Download Best of February 2012
Jordan’s Top 5:
KiD CuDi – Teleport 2 Me, Jamie & Dose of Dopeness
It wouldn’t be fair if 2/5 songs were KiD CuDi, so I combined them into one! Teleport 2 Me, Jamie will probably go down as Cudder’s best “rock” song because most people enjoy it and some fans haven’t been to excited about his upcoming release in WZRD. Oh, and it also doesn’t hurt to have over 100 plays in one month… Dose of Dopeness was an urban legend that finally saw the light of day and this song provides the main reason why people started to fall in love with this guy back in 2008.
Carousel is my favorite indie band. I’m new to the indie world, and with only a few songs, Carousel has taken me to a whole other side of music. Open Road is an adventure that will get you movin’ and groovin’! Songs like these? They just “make it eaassssyyy!”
Oh, look! Another indie song in my top 5! Are you catching a pattern here? Arjun dubbed them “2012′s Foster The People” and I hope he’s right. Looking forward to watch Walk The Moon progress this year.
Instantly fell in love with this. Don’t know too much about Rhye, but this one works best on a rainy day. Try not to sing and snap along with the instrumental? Yeah, slightly impossible.
These songs are in no particular order, but the last one listed was the one I had problems with. I wasn’t sure who was going to take it. Meg Myers, Wildcat! Wildcat!, B.o.B, Timeflies, G-Eazy, The Dean’s List, and I didn’t know what to do! To settle the tie breaker, I went to the play count and Timeflies won. Under The Sea is arguably their best Timeflies Tuesday and when they finally released a full version, they left everyone wet. Am I allowed to say that or is that too much?
Honorable Mentions: Meg Myers, Wildcat! Wildcat!, B.o.B, G-Eazy, The Dean’s List, Domo Genesis, Kendrick Lamar, 2Am Club and many, many more.
Hit the jump for full track listing
Top 5 Songs From My Weekend
It’s Sunday night. The Oscars just ended. I just had the beautiful realization that I live on the West Coast, so when I say The Oscars just ended, it’s only 8:45 PM. What better time to go digging through the music I discovered this weekend to pick the top 5? Part of me hopes you don’t read this until Monday, so we can all get our weeks started the right way. But then again…some people say weeks start on Sunday. I say those people are stupid.
1. “Mississippi” – The Griswolds
Young Australian band The Griswolds were just introduced to me today, and I’m already digging them. Tell me this beat doesn’t get you excited right off the bat. I’m going to be sure to keep my eyes on these guys.
You’re making a mess of me…
2. “I’ll Never Know” – Charli XCX
I’ll be honest. When I first heard of Charli XCX, I wasn’t into her. At all. I told myself I would ignore her rising popularity among the bloggers and refrain from posting her music on the site, because it would go against the morals of only posting music that I truly love. But then she won me over, damnit. It’s poppy as hell, but it’s catchy. And it’s cool. And tropical. I want to be on the beach drinking a pina colada. How is this goth chick making me want to be on a beach? Ugh, life is so twisted.
3. “Cookie Coma” – Hodgy Beats
I feel like I’ve been slacking on posting hip-hop lately. Trust me, it’s weird to me too. That’s why I started this blog in the first place. But sometimes I’m in a different place and need different music. Today, though, I’m here to share some quality hip-hop from Odd Future’s very own Hodgy Beats. He just released a mixtape and I have a feeling it’s going to be getting multiple spins on my end. [via TV]
4. “Already Gone” – Milano Sun
I never cease to be amazed by the Scandinavian bands that pop up left and right as though they’re here to take over the world of music. Today it’s Milano Sun doing this for me. This song is so intriguing–the low bass line, the surf-like sounds, the whistling, the acoustic guitar–these noises are coming at me from all angles and every single one of them is drawing me in further and further. Love it.
5. “Primitive Girl” – M. Ward
Primitive Girl by M. Ward
It’s always exciting to see that a new M. Ward track has come out. He’s one of the more unique-sounding indie artists I’ve heard in my day, with that raspy voice that’s always paired with such enjoyable background music. Today’s song is no different than the usual–catchy, fun instrumentals set to the tune of M. Ward’s alluring voice–and I’m loving it just as much as I expected. [via ATG]
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3 Folk EPs For Your Upcoming Week
Outside it’s raining. Inside I have some hot chocolate, a blanket (too embarrassed to admit that it’s actually a Snuggie), and this music. It’s a Sunday, and I’m not quite ready to start a new week. If you’re dealing with the same sorry predicament, this post is for you. Below is some relaxing folk music that will warm your soul and help you deal with the turmoils of the upcoming week. That’s the idea at least.
Because some days here at Sunset in the Rearview all we want is some softer folk music.
1. Wake! Owl – Wild Country
This EP is a collection of 5 really catchy, well-executed folk songs. Each one follows a flawless, four step formula: begin with the strumming of a guitar, then add some soft singing to it, then burst into infectious harmonies, and then quietly close by fading out into nothingness. I honestly think I could listen to this all day and not grow tired of it. These songs are meant for a rainy Sunday.
2. The Oh Hello’s – The Oh Hello’s
The Oh Hello’s create a similarly relaxed atmosphere. I don’t know how to describe it, but their music just sounds like home: cozy, warm, reliable. Also, I’m a sucker for male-female vocal pairings. Like Stars–that’s my shit. But I digress. Listen to and download the four tracks below and try not to square dance (?) during the second and fourth tracks.
3. Milo Greene – The Hello Sessions
Milo Greene is going to be a big deal; the only question is when. In The Hello Sessions, they created four powerful folk songs that sit in a realm of simplicity and perfect execution. If anything just listen to that moment before the chorus sets in on “Silent Way” when one of the four lead singers sighs, “When we are older can I still come over?” That’s the moment I knew this was a special band.
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5 Beautiful Songs For Your Wednesday
Valentine’s Day is over, so those of us without official Valentine’s dates can quit our moping and continue falling in love with some beautiful new (some of them are new, anyway) songs. Male or female, there’s no denying the beauty in some of these songs. It’s also the middle of the work week. Maybe some of us are in need of a boost to push us through. Here it is.
Also, I’d just like to mention that “Plastic” by Midnight Lion has been one of my favorite songs of the past few months? I’ve been contemplating how to release it to you guys, and this seems like the perfect method of release. The build of the song, and the explosion when they hit the chorus toward the end of the song is one of the more orgasmic sections of a song that I’ve heard in a long time.
Today’s 5 Songs:
- “Plastic” – Midnight Lion
- “You Got A Lot To Learn” – CA Smith
- “Sa Sa Samoa” (ft. Julianna Barwick) – Korallreven
- “Brooklyn With Your Highest Wall” – Denison Witmer
- “Little Talks” – Of Monsters and Men
oh it’s good to be home/ stood barefoot in my own little portion of the river/ and i’ll take you with me/ if that’s alright
5 (New) Songs to Listen to on Valentine’s Day
The meaning of Valentine’s Day changes as you grow up. When you’re little, it means free candy and those little cards from your friends with notes that their parents’ probably wrote for them. In middle school, it becomes this awkward situation where you hand the girl you “like-like” a mix CD (featuring your “cool” indie rock bands i.e. Death Cab for Cutie and The Shins) and hope she likes it and is able to notice the blatantly high amount of love songs on it. In high school, girls become even more weird and sensitive. Half the female population is like “fuck Valentine’s Day” like reasonable human beings. The other half is like “if my boyfriend doesn’t fucking rent out the top of the Empire State Building AND do the iconic scene from Dirty Dancing then I’m dumping him for his best friend.” Demands are reaching new heights as the years go on, and peoples’ feelings toward the “holiday” are becoming increasingly polarized. Now, if you want my opinion on the matter, well, here you go. Yes, Valentine’s Day is a totally made up holiday created by the gods of money and marketing, and yes, it is totally unfair that the guy generally has to perform these outrageous romantic gestures. But, that being said, why wouldn’t you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Even if you do something little, it’s the thought that counts. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to do something romantic for the one you love? I don’t understand how people can answer that question honestly. But maybe that’s because I’m young and don’t understand life yet.
Here are five new-ish songs that you should put on repeat during V-Day (whether you recognize the holiday or not). Maybe even add them to that CD you want to give that one person (your mom).
1. “Church” – The 2 Bears
2. “Starling” – This Many Boyfriends
3. “Heartbreak” – GIRLFRIENDS
4. “Mrs. Friend” – Leonard Friend
Download: Leonard Friend – Mrs. Friend
5. “I Got You Babe” – Bahamas
Download: Bahamas – I Got You Babe
You know very well that I love you now,
But still I’m gonna bare my soul and sing it for you now,
I love your pretty face and your tough determination,
I love your body, too, let’s mate and make a nation.
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