Sharon Van Etten – Your Love Is Killing Me
Sharon Van Etten’s ‘Your Love Is Killing Me’ is probably the darkest, most most hard-hitting track of 2014. The heartbreaking story of a painful breakup, ‘Your Love Is Killing Me’ features a haunting chorus in which the singer would rather hurt herself than feel for her former partner. Don’t tell Jack White, but this is real pain. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Alt J – Every Other Freckle
The “other” single from Alt J’s 2014 follow-up This Is All Yours, ‘Every Other Freckle’ is the Australian quartet’s audible way of expressing “Let’s fuck.” Whereas the sound is soft and playful, the sentiment is upfront and raw. “I’m gonna bed into you like a cat beds into a bean bag / Turn you inside out to lick you like a crisp packet,” might be my favourite couplet of 2014. I don’t know if I will think of an empty chip bag in the same way ever again. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
King Tuff – Demon From Hell
Like the aforementioned ‘Madness’, Kyle Thomas’ second submission to LYFSTYL’s Top Tracks of 2014 is another shameless celebration of the King Tuff moniker and the lifestyle it embodies. Say what you want about the devil, he has a thing for giving out righteous guitar skills to those he meets. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Mark Ronson – Daffodils ft. Kevin Parker
Mark Ronson combined with Tame Impala creative force Kevin Parker to create this psychedelic jam to jump-start his upcoming release Uptown Special. Parker can be heard all over the track, providing layered vocals along with his signature guitar tone. Written by Kevin Vanstone
Death From Above 1979 – Trainwreck 1979
Awoken from the dead, Death from Above 1979 reformed and released this massive track. It was like the 2 man band from Ontario started where they left off. Play this loud in your car and you’ll come to appreciate just how head-banging this tune really is. – Written by Mark Midiang’a
Yelawolf – Till it’s gone
Prior to this song, Yelawolf never made it to my radar and honestly I didn’t expect that he ever would. The lyrics of “Till it’s gone” speak of defiance, self-realisation and life-lessons learned the hard way. The characteristics do not stand out in the rap-world but the delivery is refreshingly unique. The flow and backwater, guitar riff convey who Yelawolf is; or as he would describe it Slumerican. – Written by Mark Midiang’a
Hozier – Take Me to Church
It’s hard to mention 2014 without speaking of this wildly, popular song. Although Ireland is not known for Gospel music, Hozier is the Irish musician behind this Gospel track. Given the commercial success of the song, the video may catch many off guard but lyrics found in the verses speak of his intentions; ultimately, I think some people were drawn to the chorus more so than the verses. To be honest I wasn’t a fan of Hozier’s self-titled, debut album; however, I am impressed by his musical abilities and hope to hear more from him in the future. – Written by Mark Midiang’a
J. Cole – No Role Modelz
http://youtu.be/_k6a9W20lY4
Cole dropped his latest album less than a month ago and it’s already been creating waves. It’s a homecoming and strong performance from the rapper. At times, I was frustrated in hearing his go-to topics of heartbreak and disappointment but the overall track list proved to have deeper emotions; No Role Modelz is one of those gems. I love the beat as well as the delivery. It’s not an articulate analysis of degenerative behaviour; it’s J. Cole’s perspective of the former. Listen to the track and check out the fan video done by Vxery to get a vivid outlook. BTW, I love the mid-song interlude with a famous slip up from George W. Bush. #Can’tFoolMe – Written by Mark Midiang’a
Selah Sue ft. Childish Gambino – Together
The Belgian Belle is back and it’s been too long. Her last album came out in 2011 and it’s been a long wait to hear her latest musings. On this track, Selah Sue collaborates with Childish Gambino to bring together a more pop-oriented song than her previous work. It’s a departure from her reggae/ska inspired music that came out in her 2011 album, Selah Sue; however, it’s well done and I like it.
Pigeon John – All The Roads
The whimsical lyrics and high-pitched voice of Pigeon John has never appealed to the masses but the L.A based rapper has had commercial success in France. Having said that his latest album has one of those minimalist songs that invokes emotion with its words; one of those songs that Pigeon John sings and performs effortlessly. Listen to this All The Roads when you reminisce about a time spent with that special someone. – Written by Mark Midiang’a
