Top Tracks: Part 10 of the Best of 2014

As 2014 comes to a close the LYFSTYL Music Blog will be counting down our top tracks of the year. Follow along every day as we release ten more of our favourites building towards our top-100. In no particular order, here’s what we at LYFSTYL were listening to this year with numbers 91-100.

Bearcubs – Touch (Panda Remix)

An absolutely beautiful gem of a remix from a favorite UK producer trio, Panda, came out in November setting up for a mesmerizing winter jam. They took Bearcubs’ jungle oriented original and added layer upon layer of shimmering synths to take it into majestic territory. I can’t stop playing this on repeat especially with its contemplative allure which is perfect for long, winter nights. – Written by Rupa Jogani

Shlohmo & Jeremih – No More

We waited for this EP for so long after Shlohmo and Jeremih initially hooked up on their glorious collaboration for ‘Bo Peep (Do U Right).’ My mad Chicago pride mixed with deep love for Shlohmo’s dark production style couldn’t be contained once their No More EP was finally released. Alas, the EP as a whole wasn’t very strong BUT ‘No More’ lived up to the hype and made me stunt for months to come. – Written by Rupa Jogani

Spectre Waltz – fffocusss

Chicago native by way of Connecticut picked up his quiet, musical reins this year with releases around the clock. My personal favorite was this little doohickey which pulls hyper experimental hip hop infused beats with floor rumbling bass synths to close it out. Both blissed out and dark in nature, this track made legitimate sound waves appear, much to the dismay of strangers around me. Keep your eyes on this dude in the coming year. – Written by Rupa Jogani

Torus – 2 Faced

“What just happened to my speakers?” was the first reaction I had to the bass shattering track by Torus. ‘2 Faced’ is one of those songs you have to turn up and let destroy your rib cage otherwise you’re not doing it justice. Malevolent in its kindest moments and soul crushing in its darkest, ‘2 Faced’ will reverberate from your mind for days to come. – Written by Rupa Jogani

Sam Sure – Hunger

Sam Sure came onto the scene in 2014 with his huge collaboration with UK producer TCTS. His first solo song to go live was the painfully sweet, ‘Hunger.’ His clean lyricism and gentle croons are intoxicating and makes me wanna seduce someone. The background vocal samplings complement the track well, creating a poppier sound in an otherwise darkly tinged song of love and longing. – Written by Rupa Jogani

Les Sins – Why (feat. Nate Salman)

Chaz Bundick, better known by his moniker Toro Y Moi, released his debut album for his DJ side project as Les Sins. The album teeters between exploring his dancefloor ready ideas and continuing to embody his carefully curated sound as Toro Y Moi. Consequently, this weakened the album as a holistic piece, but his single ‘Why’ with Nate Salman stood out as a clear winner. It has the classic funk vibes we’ve grown to expect and love, seriously dance appeal, and the music video features Bundick as the cutest dude around. – Written by Rupa Jogani

Julio Bashmore – Simple Love (feat. J’Danna)

This was one of the best feel good songs I heard in 2014 which continually graced my playlists. The hi-hats and methodical kick drum set with simple and clean synths made for a truly beautiful song. J’Danna’s vocals are sweet and complimentary adding extra depth to an already gem of a track. Julio Bashmore, you’re a damn fine producer. – Written by Rupa Jogani

St. Vincent –  Digital Witness

While it doesn’t morph into a guitar-rock scorcher like ‘Huey Newton’, the next track on St. Vincent’s excellent self-titled album is as infectious as its predecessor. The music video is where ‘Digital Witness’ especially stands out, featuring a host of automatons working their way through director Chino Moya’s pastel future. – Written by Kevin Vanstone

Vince Staples – Fire

Vince Staples makes it very clear on ‘Fire’ – the dude gives no fucks. Or at the least, he has none left to give by the time he’s done this two-verse blast. A gansta-rap anthem for Crips in all its glory. – Written by Kevin Vanstone

Action Bronson – Easy Rider

OK, I’ll admit it. I kind of chose this one for the music video. But hey, a track is a track. And this one was OVER THE TOP. Watch and listen as Action Bronson does his best Dennis Hopper / Hunter Thompson / Slash impression in this ridiculous mini-movie. Outrageous rap braggadocio at its best. – Written by Kevin Vanstone