Best of the Month
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.
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” »
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
Best Songs of January 2012
My top 30 songs for January to kick off 2012. A lil bit of variety on this edition from the looks of my top 5. As usual, my top 5, download link, and track-list below. I encourage all comments whether it be “I love you,” “this playlist sucks,” or “rack city bitch, rack, rack city, biiiiiitch!” Enjoy!
Download Best of January 2011 Here
Jordan’s Top 5 Songs -
Hulkshare: “Sirens” – Skizzy Mars
Let’s be honest, is it any surprise how much love Skizzy gets from us here at Sunset? No. Sirens is his first “actual” chorus in a song since probably “Douchebag” and at this point, Skizzy has everyone wondering two things. 1. What was up with this picture he tweeted? 2. When is his debut mixtape dropping?
Hulkshare: “Last Night (LVRS ANTHEM)” – Theophilus London
Every time this hits shuffle on my computer, my roommate asks me if this is KiD CuDi. I say no, but damn, it really does sound like him. Now, I’m not taking anything away from Theophilus London as this is as good of a rager track as they can get. This has already been added to my pre-game playlist.
Hulkshare: “Know It’s Right” – Carousel
Ah yes, Carousel cracking the top 5. This indie-electro band has been impressive lately and they’re getting love from all over the blog world. You’ll be swaying and singing along in a matter of minutes. “Know It’s Right” is only the second song I have heard from them, but to be able to say you’re addicted after two songs? Touche, Carousel. Touche.
Hulkshare: “Marathon Runner” – Yellow Ostrich
Honestly, I know nothing about Yellow Ostrich, besides that G-Eazy likes them, and “Marathon Runner” is really, really good. If you haven’t noticed, hip-hop/rap is my forte so to have this song crack the top 5, let alone, make my top 30 songs of the month is saying something. “Marathon Runner” kind of makes me feel like I can do anything. This is one of the many reasons I love Sunset. Thank you, Lydia, for introducing me to Yellow Ostrich.
Hulkshare: “Believe” – One Room
We still have no idea who One Room is, but I think we can all agree on one thing that they know what they are doing in the studio. As Arjun said, “[t]hey produced two of top tier singles last year (here and here) and are looking to take 2012 by storm. Look for The EP to drop this year, and please, until then…”
Hit the jump for the track-list!
Top Songs of December 2011
Football on all day today? Playoff scenarios all over the place? I’ll take it! Hopefully your teams come out victorious!
I’m rollin’ this one out a little early because I will be away for New Years. Since this is the last “Best of” for 2011, I’m gonna do this one a little differently. This kind of has like an accolade type thing going on. You’ll see what I mean as you read on. As for the album cover? I got bored and just figured I’d make a collage of the artists. Enjoy!
Download Best Songs of December 2011
Best Song & Most Likely To Take Lydia Out For A Romantic Sushi Dinner:
Skizzy Mars – Shangri La (Skizzy had a better month than CuDi)
Best Verse: Dylan Owen – Dreams
Best Word Play: Tinie Tempah ft. Big Sean – Lucky Cunt
Best Pick Up Line: Mike Posner – Looks Like Sex
Best New Artist: Carousel – The Thrill
Weirdest Song: Steve Aoki ft. KiD CuDi & Travis Barker – CuDi The KiD
Best Chance of a Midlife Crisis: Rich Kid Sound System – I Want It All
Best Concert To Attend This Month: G-Eazy – Lost In Translation
Best Mashup: Sex Ray Vision – Turn Up The Love
Best Sample: Hendersin – Keep Ya Head Up
Best Tuesday: Timeflies – Space Jam
Underdog Alert: Y LUV – Keep It Rollin
Most Controversial: Lana Del Ray – Off To The Races
Best Chance of Annoying People Around You: Skrillex – Levels Remix
Most Likely To Make Women All Hot & Bothered: Collin McLoughlin – Is It Love
Best Song Not Released In December: Youth Lagoon – 17
Okay, maybe I did just pick random songs and give them an accolade? Ah well. Have fun and stay safe on New Years! See you for Best of January!
Hit more for the full tracklist
[Mixtape] Best Songs of November 2011
Dear Sunset Viewers,
Whether you are new to the site, or frequent fliers, you’re the best. Pay it forward, and share the awesomeness we offer on this site. Download link, and my top 5 below.
Sincerely,
P.S. – I jacked Lupe Fiasco’s mixtape cover.
Download Best of November 2011 (32 songs)
Jordan’s Top 5:
Hulkshare: One Room – I Want You/Wait
Who the fuck is One Room? It’s a mystery.
Hulkshare: Skizzy Mars – Another World
Kid just continues to keep on impressing everyone. He may be young, but god damn, he gets better with each song.
“I get love, don’t give it back. That’s the way they do it on Cinemax.”
Hulkshare: WZRD – Brake
People will have their opinions. People will say wah wah blah blah, where’s the rap! Ask me if I give a fuuuuuck, cause I don’t. I will ride with CuDi and die with CuDi. Dramatic? Eh, a lil bit. As Lydia said “I still wish it had the beat of a hip hop song that I know Dot Da Genius can bring to the table, but I always thought that Cudder was a better singer than rapper. Hearing him lay a melody on a track is something I always wished for more of, so it seems we might be on the right path.”
Hulkshare: 2AM Club – Reach Down Deep
Love, love, love this song. Always puts me in a good mood. Catchy, relaxing, and a melody that sounds like a combination of Fergie & Jesus.
Hulkshare: AudioDax – Smile
With their top 5 debut, and I believe Sunset debut as well, I got here a nice little tune that reminds me of some Shwayze type ish. I’ve had AudioDax on my radar for a little over a year now, and I’m hoping this track will get you Sunset viewers hooked.
Hit the jump for the tracklist! Continue reading “[Mixtape] Best Songs of November 2011” »
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Best Songs of October 2011
Hope your Halloweekend was a blast!
This is monumental for me. This marks the three year anniversary since I started the “Best of” series. From my days running DatNewMusic to being apart of something special at Sunset In The Rearview, each month since October 2009, I’ve provided with what I feel to be the best songs of that month. I’ve had playlists to where there would be over 100 songs, and playlists now on Sunset where they have 25-30. Overall, it’s been fun, and I’m glad I’m still doing it.
I won’t lie to you, October sucked, in terms of the quantity of songs. The quality though? Top notch. I had a hard time with the top 5, as I usually do, because of the quality of these 26 songs.
25 songs + a bonus track (not really, just sounds cool). Enjoy!
Jordan’s Top 5:
Hulkshare: Timeflies – iTribute
This was a no brainer. By far, one of the best tracks (and Timeflies Tuesday) that Timeflies has done. A dedication to Steve Jobs sampling the iPhone ringtone, Steve Jobs voice, and other sounds, followed by a catchy chorus and clever lyrics, this was by the best song of the month by a mile.
Hulkshare: Common – Blue Sky
This track served as the title for one of Arjun’s Tape Tuesdays “Mr. Blue Sky.” This track also serves as one of my favorite tracks of the month. This is the second single off of Common’s upcoming album. God damn, I missed his shit.
Hulkshare: 5 & A Dime – #BASSMOB
D. Prep gets credit for this one. What happens when you combine Levels with almost anything? Greatness. But with Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass?” Can’t even say anything. 5 & A Dime does an awesome job with this mix.
Hulkshare: The Fray – Heartbeat
The Fray? Yes, The Fray! Maybe not the genre you were expecting on this playlist, but just like Common, I missed The Fray too. The Fray have been absent for a few years and this is the first taste off of their next album slated for February. Probably my second favorite on this playlist behind iTribute.
Hulkshare: Wale ft. Big Sean – Slight Work
Crazy. Bananas. Diplo on the production. This instrumental sounds like a Big Sean track, which is why it was a smart move for Wale to recruit him for the feature. Watch me go nuts if this ever plays at the bars/clubs.
Best Songs of September 2011
It’s that time of the month! I’m trying to keep it at 30 songs, but I stretched it to 35. It’s stressful deciding who doesn’t make the cut. I have relationships with all of the songs! Those extra 5 songs I put on because it was a really good month. I know, I know, I say something along those general lines every month, but what can I say! I love music. Anyways, here’s the dealio: Download link below, followed by my top 5. Enjoy!
Download Best of September 2011
Jordan’s Top 5:
Hulkshare: The Dean’s List – Kryptonite Sanity Room
This was an early favorite. Dropped right when Best of August came out so it’s been a strong candidate for that Top 5 spot for a while. Honestly, this song is great in so many ways. Sonny takes it to another level and I can’t get enough of it.
“This ain’t even a song really. I’m just talkin’ to the people.”
Hulkshare: YONAS – Pumped Up Kicks Remix
“Pumped Up Kicks” has been around for a while. Remixes have flourished the music scenes, but this one really stands out to me. The singer and rapper does his damn thing on it to create this dope ass remix. One of my favorite remixes to the famous Foster The People track.
“I took a song by Foster The People and fostered it into YONAS’s anthem.”
“I never chose my gift. My gift chose me.”
Hulkshare: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Make That Money
One word: Amazing. True lyrics. Always on-key with those instrumentals. One track a month will always finds it way into the Top 5.
“Change the game. Don’t let the game change you. I forever remain faithful. All my people stay true.” <—-and that’s just the chorus…
Hulkshare: Timeflies – Turn It Up
This was one I was debating about. Don’t get me wrong, “Turn It Up” is a great song, but with the release of Timeflies “The Scotch Tape”, “Turn It Up” fell to the back of the pack with the brand new material. However, I base the “Best Of Series” from singles and individual tracks I download. Not from picking songs from albums, thus “Turn It Up” gets the nod in the Top 5 because Cal and Rob are the shit.
Hulkshare: DOSVEC – Sunshine Lights (Ellie Goulding vs Avicii/David Guetta)
A mashup in the top 5? Really? Yes. Spotted this one on one of the famous “Mashup Monday” posts and I’ve been in love since. Ellie’s voice/lyrics fit perfectly with the dope instrumental from the power group of Avicii & David Guetta (they really should form a power group). Get those fists ready to pump!
Best Songs of August 2011
Keeping this short and sweet! It’s my birthday so when Thirsty Thursday rolls around tomorrow, stay thirsty my friends! 30 songs. My top 5 below. Download link below that. Stream player below that. Enjoy!
Download Best Songs of August 2011
Jordan’s Top 5 Songs
Hulkshare: Timeflies – Stunner
I think it’s quite obvious on how I feel about Timeflies. They’re the best. I’m actually driving an hour to watch them perform in early October. Make sure to check out their interview that we just had with them!
Hulkshare: Drake – Headlines
No one has had a better summer than Drake. His features, choruses, and then his lead single. He’s on top of his game right now!
“Too strung out on compliments, overdose on confidence. Started not to give a fuck and stop fearing the consequence.” And yes, I know 98% of the lyrics in the song.
Hulkshare: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Can’t Hold Us ft. Ray Dalton
I was actually introduced to this duo via Sunset and I gotta say I’m really impressed with the few songs I’ve heard from them. With that being said, welcome to the top 5 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis! For anyone that doesn’t know, this is the CDQ version of the song. Earlier in the month there was a post with the radio rip of this song.
Hulkshare: Shawn Chrystopher – Too Cold
#TooCold. One of my favorite rappers Shawn Chrys goes in!! This acts as the lead single for his next project dropping in September. He also just got listed to go on tour with Big Sean. It’s his time to shine!
Hulkshare: Avicii & David Guetta – Sunshine
Avicii + David Guetta = Heaven.
Download Best Songs of August 2011
3 songs had errors uploading to the stream player.
Yonas – I Need A Dollar, Lil Eddie – Douchebag, e-dubble – My Last Dream
Follow me on Twitter: @JDimerrr
Best Songs of July 2011
What a better way to start off your Sunday morning than with this bad boy? After 31 days, we have 67 songs that have been dubbed the “Best of July,” by me, Jordan. All genres as usual. RnB, house music, dubstep, hip hop, rap, weed music (I consider it a genre) and probably some that I’m forgetting. Same deal as usual. My top 5 songs are below, followed by the download link to the mixtape, then followed by the Grooveshark player to stream the songs. As always, leave a comment if you have an idea to improve the “Best of” series! Enjoy!
Jordan’s Top 5 – There are so many to choose from!! However, this is what I’ve settled on. I could easily replace one of them with another song, that’s how many songs I love on this.
Hulkshare: Pusha T ft. Tyler, The Creator – Trouble On My Mind
It’s a masterpiece in my opinion. This was the only for sure top 5 song out of all of them.
“I’m a fuckin’ walking paradox, and a really shitty rapper in my favorite pair of sox.”
Hulkshare: Avicii – Fade Into Darkness (Vocal Mix)
It’s Avicii! Must I say more?
Hulkshare: Radical Something – Escape
Radical Something has 3 songs on this playlist. All of them amazing. This is my favorite one though. Also note this is the second month in a row these guys have been in the top 5 songs. “Word to ya motha!”
Hulkshare: Timeflies – Just Can’t Get Enough
It might be just a cover, but because of them, Tuesday’s have become awesome. #TimefliesTuesday
Hulkshare: Wale ft. J. Cole – Bad Girls Club
Wale’s first single. J. Cole with the production is simply outstanding. “She’s a star if I’ve ever seen one.”
Same thing as what happened with the past two months. Grooveshark likes to have errors while uploading a few of the songs. Those songs are the following: T.I. – We Don’t Get Down Like Ya’ll, J. Cole – Can’t Get Enough, Skizzy Mars – Houdini, Timeflies – Just Can’t Get Enough.
Seriously, if someone knows of a better “stream player” where I can easily upload these songs for you to listen to, leave a comment and let me know!
[Mixtape] Best of June 2011
And 30 days later here we are at the Best of June mixtape! Really happy about how this one turned out and I’m doing things a little different. First, I will give you my favorite 5 songs off of it and do a little write up on that. Then provide you with the actual media player and download link for Best of June, then, there will be a separate download link for close to 20 songs that were on the verge of making Best of June, but I decided to leave off. Feel free to comment on how you think we can make the “Best Of” series better! Enjoy!
Jordan’s Top 5 Songs
*No particular order*
Radical Something ft. Kinetics – Be Easy
The vibe and feel to this song is amazing. Radical Something is really special. Loggy, Josh Cocktail, and DJ Big Red are the members of Radical Something and is joined by Kinetics who provides the best on the song in my opinion. So sit back, relax, and be eaaaaasy.
J. Cole – Lost Ones
I sat here for a little bit trying to decide which of the several J. Cole songs that hit the nets this month was going to be my favorite. At first it was Cheer Up, but then one last listen to Lost Ones completely changed it. The production and lyrics are off the charts. Softer side to Cole. So pumped for 9/27 Cole World!
Shwayze ft. The Cataracs & Dev – Love Letter
I was unaware, but Shwayze had his own version quite a bit ago, but this one with The Cataracs & Dev is just so addicting! One of my favorite songs of the summer by far. And I won’t lie, Shwayze & Cisco are summer music. This one has constantly been on repeat.
Upper West – I Won’t Grow Up
This was a REAL tough choice. It was like a battle royale between this song and another sampled one (no names incase that song gets jealous). This one takes the cake though simply because of the outstanding sample. Upper West is definitely a group to look out for as they’ve had a few solid joints in the past few months. This one will get you moving. Not a party song, but will get you up and going!
Kanye West – Mama’s Boyfriend
And finally, the oh-so-facebook-internet famous track by Mr. West, Mama’s Boyfriend. I’ve heard several theories behind this. One, it’s the actual version. Two, someone hacked the acapella from Ye and production was added to it. Either way, this is the old Kanye flow that NEVER gets old. The production is still amazing, even if it’s not supposed to be the actual production for the song. No matter what theory, this song is a Kanye classic.
*This will take a lil long to download. I recommend doing it while you’re sleeping or away from the computer.*
Download Best of June 2011 Leftovers – Tracklist
As before, a few songs didn’t make the media player, but are on the download link. Yonas – A Reason To Breathe, Radical Something – Be Easy, J. Cole – Cheer Up, IanJ – Hey Girl, Zak! Downtown – Toast. Blame Grooveshark for this…
