Whoa, time really slipped away from me at the end of the year.
After I wrote my mashup of favorite books/fave music, I intended to whip up a quick post with some of my other favorite songs from 2018. (Basically everything that couldn’t fit in the original post). And I just didn’t do it.
Anyway, I’m here now. I have a mug of matcha, the dog is snoring at my feet, and my precious child who should be napping is hosting a demolition derby in his room. Or maybe that’s just what it sounds like. The point is, this is as peaceful as it gets around here. Let’s do this.
Cayucas • Jessica WJ
I love anything that sounds even vaguely reminiscent of the Beach Boys (see: The Drums), which is why I love Cayucas. Their sound is beachy, summery, and nostalgic, like I should be sunning myself on a beach and fondly remembering a furtive kiss at my high school reunion.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise • Fever Pitch
I can’t get enough of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, mostly because I can’t wrap my mind around their sound. It’s soulful and folksy, like Appalachian hip hop. Is that a thing? Please let it be a thing. Listen for yourself and you’ll see why.
Miley Cyrus • Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
I think I only like this because it sounds Dolly-esque.
Robyn • Honey
I have been desperate for a new Robyn album, and Honey was everything I wanted. The title song is particularly complex and hypnotic, sex and heartbreak wrapped in an infectious pop package. It’s like dancing while crying.
Toro y Moi • Freelance
Even though I’m a longtime Toro y Moi fan, this shouldn’t be a song I like, since it features almost everything I actively dislike: AutoTune, an overdone retro beat, restrained, monotone vocals. But it works. Plus it speaks to me as a freelancer (“Nothing’s ever worse than work unnoticed …”) and has a good chance of becoming my anthem for the next few months.
Little Dragon • Lover Chanting
There’s not much substance here, but I’m such a sucker for giddy, saccharine electro-pop. Also the video couldn’t be more fun.
Father John Misty • Mr. Tillman
Is it even possible for me to make a best-of list without Father John Misty? Thankfully we’ll never have to find out.
What I especially like about this song is that it falls into one of my favorite micro-genres: The jaded songwriter who is burned out on the industry.
What were some of your favorites last year? What did I miss?
If you’re curious, here are my lists for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011.