Hits you may have missed: top indie tracks of 2015
by Taylor Ysteboe | @discoysteboe
While you all were listening to “Hotline Bling” and “Hello,” there were dozens of A+ songs that could have slid under your radar. You may not have heard some of these gems because they’re produced under more intimate, independent record labels, giving artists flexibility to do whatever the hell they want. And whatever the hell they want is incredible. Without further ado, here are my top ten tracks from independent artists from 2015. Happy listening.
10. “Exeunt” — The Oh Hellos
A brother and sister duo from Texas, the Oh Hellos give life and spirit to their folk rock songs. “Exeunt” is from the Oh Hellos’ latest record, “Dear Wormwood.” This song starts gracefully, and it transforms into a punchy tune that is divided with quick shots where all the instruments clang together. Though set at a brisk tempo with a plucky guitar, “Exeunt” is telling a tale of how the singer must leave his love.
9. “The Way You’d Love Her” — Mac DeMarco
“The Way You’d Love Her” is a song fit for one of those indie films where the girl wishes she was in the ’80s and the boy just wants to hold her hand. The mellow song dissolves all over, and the twang of the guitar melts into DeMarco’s delicate vocals. Still, though, the song remains swiftly flowing, even giving room to a sassy guitar solo.
8. “Pretty Pimpin” — Kurt Vile
The long-haired Philly singer is gritty. Gritty in his words. Gritty in his guitar playing. Kurt Vile, an ex-War on Drugs member, released his sixth solo album this year. The first track, “Pretty Pimpin,” conveys a feeling of disembodiment. Though the lyrics convey this disconnection, Vile seems to be one with his guitar. The grinding beat keeps the song moving as the reflection delves deeper and deeper.
7. “Sad Screaming Old Man” — Jeffrey Lewis
The title alone is a little odd, I’ll admit. But, this song is bound to impress. It has an almost otherworldly vibe to it that is instantly addictive. From New York, Jeffrey Lewis has a Lou Reed sensibility and a B-52s factor. His music has a bit of an edge and is always insanely clever. I really never know what’s going to come next with Lewis, but “Sad Screaming Old Man” is a thumping tune that conveys a hefty message of one’s own mortality.
6. “Cool Slut” — Chastity Belt
This has been said before, and I want to reiterate it again: Chastity Belt is not a great girl band. They’re just a great band. Nestled in the middle of their second album, “Time to Go Home,” this song is a bold testament saying that it’s totally fine to dress how you want, to have sex with whomever you want and to have fun the way you want. A mellow guitar and snappy drumming drive “Cool Slut.” This song gives off a chill Seattle vibe while delivering an awesome message.
5. “Paint You Like a Rose” — The Slow Show
I had a difficult time picking a single favorite from this English band’s debut album, “White Water.” Each song is beautifully orchestrated and intimate. I finally chose “Paint You Like a Rose” based on its gentle and stirring waves of words and notes. While the atmosphere of the song is almost theatrical, the baritone vocals and the profound lyrics ground the piece and invite the listener in.
4. “Darlin’” — Houndmouth
Listening to this song, I imagine a dimly lit bar where a few couples are swaying to this sultry tune. The final song on “Little Neon Limelight,” this song slowly drags itself across your heartstrings where it lingers and fills you with whiskey warmth. With its smooth guitar and the haunting keys, “Darlin’” is a plead to let love in.
3. “Non-Verbal Communication” — Tom Rosenthal
I’m going to take a moment to praise Tom Rosenthal. He is incredibly witty and hyper aware of his own work and the world in which his music circulates. He also has an amazing ability to sing about a range of topics, from delicious summer fruit to one’s fear. This darling song features Rosenthal on the ukulele and singing about how love is always nearby. What more do you need?
2. “Lousy Connection” — Ezra Furman
A’50s doo-wop undercurrent plus a playful guitar riff and a suggestive saxophone make “Lousy Connection” undoubtedly fabulous. Released on the album “Perpetual Motion People,” this track showcases how Ezra Furman can effortlessly slide from graceful singing to a rugged roar. This upbeat tune will have you grooving and singing to yourself all day.
1. “4th and Roebling” — The Districts
This Pennsylvania band infuses red-blooded energy into this soulful song, making it the number one track of 2015. The track kicks off The Districts’ second album “A Flourish and a Spoil.” You can practically feel the buzzing spirit bubbling beneath the resonant guitar line until it bursts to the surface in a rousing finale. The vocals, guitars, and drums cascade together in a beautiful frenzy. “4th and Roebling” is filled with gusto and packs a punch.
