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January 04, 2012
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Following on (belatedly) from Eclectic Eavesdroppings Favourite Albums of the year, here are my Favourite Songs of 2011. Compressing the musical year into a mere twenty-five songs is a tough task for a music junkie like myself. Listing the songs in order of preference is near impossible. But either way, I’ve done my best to get a list together and even though it’s incredibly subjective, it sums up a very good year in music. Stream it as a playlist on YouTube over HERE or download a copy of the whole mix over HERE. 25. Avicii: Levels  The soundtrack to my summer. House perfection from the next David Guetta. 24. Coldplay: Paradise Stadium sized pop/rock as it’s meant to sound. Coldplay got their mojo back. 23. J. Cole: Nobody’s Perfect The future of rap has the perfect formula: skilled lyricism with a killer hook.  22. DJ Khaled: I’m On One feat. Drake, Lil Wayne & Rick Ross Three of the best rappers around out do themselves on this space-age beat. 21. Sun Airway: Wild Palms Close your eyes for this blissful journey into a warm dreamscape. 20. Polarsets: Sunshine Eyes (Channel Swimmer Remix) The remix transforms this song from indie-rock into beautiful tropicalia. 19. Foster The People: Call It What You Want Virally infectious pop from some cool Californians. Quit hattin. 18. Young Jeezy: I Do feat. Jay-Z & Andre 3000 An unintentional follow up to International Playas Anthem. The ultimate complement. 17. Raphael Saadiq: Movin Down The Line Soulful swagger comes no smoother than this. Teleport back to the 1960’s. 16. Guillemots: I Don’t Feel Amazing Now Some under-appreciated pop from the English countryside. 15. Adele: Someone Like You Radio tried to overplay this song to death but its still achingly beautiful. 14. Smith Westerns: All Die Young A group of reckless romantics specialise in fuzzy guitar pop. Me like. 13. Florence & the Machine: Shake It Out Trademark booming vocals, catchy chorus and ethereal undertones. 12. Martin Solveig: The Night Out On an album of hits, this was the pick of the bunch. Infectious French brilliance. 11. Jay-Z & Kanye West: Niggas in Paris The euphoric anthem to any worthy night out. The very definition of swagger. 10. Drake: Over My Dead Body This song encapsulates everything I love about Drake and his latest album. Flawless.  9. Various Cruelties: Neon Truth Delightful pop/rock that went under the radar. Keep an ear out for these Londoners.  8. Los Rakas: Abrazame The original was pretty awesome but the Latino flavouring takes it to new found heights. 7. Star Slinger: May I Walk With You This song was the gateway drug to my addiction with this incredible remixer. 6. Bon Iver: Towers A lot of songs could have been picked from this beautiful album. This was my highlight. 5. Theophilus London: Why Even Try Oozing sexiness like no other. A timeless pop song with tropical synth tones. 4. The Weeknd: The Morning A mesmerising song that paints a pitch perfect image. The future of R&B. 3. M83: Midnight City This song has been on repeat for months, yet I’m still in love with it. Glorious. 2. Mayer Hawthorne: The Walk Never has ‘Fuck You’ been sung so sweetly. Both soulful and playful in the right doses. 1. Lana Del Rey: Video Games Screw the haters, this is a pop song for the ages. A beautiful beat combined with a magnificent piece of songwriting.

Following on (belatedly) from Eclectic Eavesdroppings Favourite Albums of the year, here are my Favourite Songs of 2011. Compressing the musical year into a mere twenty-five songs is a tough task for a music junkie like myself. Listing the songs in order of preference is near impossible. But either way, I’ve done my best to get a list together and even though it’s incredibly subjective, it sums up a very good year in music. Stream it as a playlist on YouTube over HERE or download a copy of the whole mix over HERE.

25. Avicii: Levels 

The soundtrack to my summer. House perfection from the next David Guetta.

24. Coldplay: Paradise

Stadium sized pop/rock as it’s meant to sound. Coldplay got their mojo back.

23. J. Cole: Nobody’s Perfect

The future of rap has the perfect formula: skilled lyricism with a killer hook. 

22. DJ Khaled: I’m On One feat. Drake, Lil Wayne & Rick Ross

Three of the best rappers around out do themselves on this space-age beat.

21. Sun Airway: Wild Palms

Close your eyes for this blissful journey into a warm dreamscape.

20. Polarsets: Sunshine Eyes (Channel Swimmer Remix)

The remix transforms this song from indie-rock into beautiful tropicalia.

19. Foster The People: Call It What You Want

Virally infectious pop from some cool Californians. Quit hattin.

18. Young Jeezy: I Do feat. Jay-Z & Andre 3000

An unintentional follow up to International Playas Anthem. The ultimate complement.

17. Raphael Saadiq: Movin Down The Line

Soulful swagger comes no smoother than this. Teleport back to the 1960’s.

16. Guillemots: I Don’t Feel Amazing Now

Some under-appreciated pop from the English countryside.

15. Adele: Someone Like You

Radio tried to overplay this song to death but its still achingly beautiful.

14. Smith Westerns: All Die Young

A group of reckless romantics specialise in fuzzy guitar pop. Me like.

13. Florence & the Machine: Shake It Out

Trademark booming vocals, catchy chorus and ethereal undertones.

12. Martin Solveig: The Night Out

On an album of hits, this was the pick of the bunch. Infectious French brilliance.

11. Jay-Z & Kanye West: Niggas in Paris

The euphoric anthem to any worthy night out. The very definition of swagger.

10. Drake: Over My Dead Body

This song encapsulates everything I love about Drake and his latest album. Flawless. 

9. Various Cruelties: Neon Truth

Delightful pop/rock that went under the radar. Keep an ear out for these Londoners. 

8. Los Rakas: Abrazame

The original was pretty awesome but the Latino flavouring takes it to new found heights.

7. Star Slinger: May I Walk With You

This song was the gateway drug to my addiction with this incredible remixer.

6. Bon Iver: Towers

A lot of songs could have been picked from this beautiful album. This was my highlight.

5. Theophilus London: Why Even Try

Oozing sexiness like no other. A timeless pop song with tropical synth tones.

4. The Weeknd: The Morning

A mesmerising song that paints a pitch perfect image. The future of R&B.

3. M83: Midnight City

This song has been on repeat for months, yet I’m still in love with it. Glorious.

2. Mayer Hawthorne: The Walk

Never has ‘Fuck You’ been sung so sweetly. Both soulful and playful in the right doses.

1. Lana Del Rey: Video Games

Screw the haters, this is a pop song for the ages. A beautiful beat combined with a magnificent piece of songwriting.

Tags: Best of 2011 lana del rey Mayer Hawthorne M83 the weeknd theophilus london bon iver star slinger los raskas Various Cruelties drake jay-z kanye west Martin Solveig florence + the machine smith westerns adele guillemots raphael saadiq Young Jeezy Andre 3000 Foster The People sun airway polarsets Lil Wayne Rick Ross j. cole coldplay avicii

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December 22, 2011
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Eclectic Eavesdroppings Favourite Albums of 2011

Music bloggers love lists and regrettably, I’m not different. So to give the year some closure, it’s only right if I list off my favourite musical moments of the calendar year. I’ll start off with my 15 Favourite Albums of 2011 and then in a couple days time I’ll put up my 25 Favourite Songs of 2011. Just to reiterate, this is merely my humble opinion; nothing more, nothing less. I’ve only got one set of ears and simply can’t listen to all the excellent music to justify any hyperbolic claims. The over-saturation of the online musical scene makes it tough to keep track but I do my best to pick out the gems amongst the rough. So without further ado, Eclectic Eavesdroppings fifteen favourite albums:

15. Mayer Hawthorne: How Do You Do

The smooth and soulful crooner from Detroit has the magic Motown recipe. On his second album, he successfully brings back that 1970’s R&B nostalgia with a series of retro classics. Not bad for a white guy.

Mayer Hawthorne: Henny & Ginger Ale

14. ASAP Rocky: LiveLoveA$AP

This latest internet rap sensation out of NY can back up the hype with a perfect blend of effortless style and southern lyricism. His much anticipated mixtape didn’t disappoint and sets the scene for the full debut next year.

ASAP Rocky: Out Of This World

13. Raphael Saadiq: Stone Rollin

Rolling back the years in his swagged out manner, this latest collection of soulful reinventions is slightly more eclectic. He may have been born in the wrong era but the musical quality and variety is undeniably excellent.

Raphael Saadiq: Just Don’t

12. Florence & the Machine: Ceremonials

Topping her debut was never a feasible possibility but Florence Welch does incredibly well with this second effort. Booming vocals, dark undertones and catchy choruses are all in place for mass appeal.

Florence & the Machine: All This and Heaven Too

11. Arctic Monkeys: Suck It And See

The British foursome’s style is still in tact but they managed to find the right combination between rock-n-roll numbers and guitar pop melodies on this fourth album. All the funner for it.

Arctic Monkeys: Piledriver Waltz

10. Frank Ocean: Nostalgia/ULTRA

The most refreshing new R&B star in the game announced himself via a free mixtape. It’s sample heavy but acts as a platform for his silky smooth vocals which are both sensitive and heartfelt. Watch this space next year.

Frank Ocean: Stawberry Swing

9. Adele: 21

The worldwide best selling record also turns out to be pretty good. Shock horror. The London songstress dominated the pop scene this year with her incredible mix of sincere songwriting, crashing choruses and delicate vocals.

Adele: Rolling In The Deep

8. Foster The People: Torches

These californians may lack musical depth but more than make up for it in catchiness. The numerous singles are undeniably brilliant pop/rock that acted as the soundtrack to many of my summer adventures.

Foster The People: Houdini

7. Smith Westerns: Dye It Blonde

Four young and reckless romantics from Chicago teamed up to make a flawless album of fuzzy pop/rock. It strikes the perfect balance between rock-out guitar moments and subtle pop melodies.

Smith Westerns: Dance Away

6. Theophilus London: Timez Are Weird These Days

The most stylish man in the game and a personal favourite of mine finally let loose his debut album after a string of exceptional mixtapes. There were some wonderful moments as it seamlessly morphed the worlds of hip-hop and pop.

Theophilus London: I Stand Alone

5. Jay-Z & Kanye West: Watch The Throne

Two of the best rappers alive teamed up for joint album of bombastic proportions this year. Expectations were sky-high but the quality is apparent as the superstars trade verses about wealth, power and success.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: No Church In The Wild

4. The Weeknd: House of Ballons

Out of nowhere, this mysterious Toronto singer popped up with his own distinct brand of avant-garde R&B. The mixtape is destructively dark, full of self-loathing and sexual undertones…yet it’s intoxicatingly awesome. I can’t wait to hear the next installment in the series.

The Weeknd: High For This

3. J. Cole: Cole World

This South Carolina rapper has been bubbling round the surface for a while and on his debut he struck gold by discovering the middle-ground between accesible commercialism and skilled lyricism. Wise beyond his years, this man is in it for the long run. Keep an ear out for him.

J. Cole: Lost Ones

2. Bon Iver: Bon Iver

Having become the mainstreams favourite indie artist, there was even more pressure on to deliver second time round. Fortunately the sophomore lives up to ‘For Emma, Forrver Ago’ and even manages to expand his beautiful musical range. A top effort.

Bon Iver: Holocene

1. Drake: Take Care

This second album from the Canadian rapper/singer displays great beat selection, improved song-writing skills and a range of emotions varying from boastful arrogance to brutal honesty to lonely self-pity. What’s apparent, is that he approached the album with a clear vision that rings true throughout the seventeen tracks. Instead of taking the easy mainstream radio route, he toned his game and focussed on genuine artistry. Drake, Eclectic Eavesdroppings salutes you and your Record of the Year.

Drake: Take Care feat. Rihanna

There have been so many great albums this year that I’ve enjoyed and others that I sadly wasn’t able to get round to. Honourable mentions go out to Wild Beasts, The Antlers, Cults, Cut Copy, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar who all released great LPs that just missed the cut.

Tags: Mayer Hawthorne ASAP Rocky raphael saadiq florence + the machine arctic monkeys best of 2011 Frank Ocean adele Foster The People smith westerns theophilus london jay-z kanye west the weeknd j. cole bon iver drake

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July 03, 2011
4 notes
It’s amazing how quickly 181 days go by but we’re already half-way into 2011 and it’s time for Eclectic Eavesdroppings 2011 Half-Time Report. Keeping up with the incessant stream of new music from the latest buzz bands isn’t always easy but I do my best to keep afloat in the overcrowded ocean of music bloggers. In the name of fairness, I have included both albums and mixtapes in my selection as it’s tough to distinguish the difference these days. This is only the half-way point so lots will change but for what it’s worth, here are Eclectic Eavesroppings ten favourite listens of 2011 so far: Adele: 21 Reigning supreme since the beginning of the year is Adele, the queen of R&B/pop. 21 has almost been overplayed to death but it’s a great album that shows off both her booming vocals and sincere songwriting. Bon Iver: Bon Iver Havnig become the mainstreams favourite indie artist, the pressure was on Bon Iver to deliver second time round. Forunately it lives up to For Emma, Forever Ago in every eay possible and even manages to expand his musical range. Bon Iver - Holocene Cut Copy: Zonoscope This foursome from the land down under sure know how to make disco-inspired electro. Zonoscope is their third album and is probably their best one to date as it ozzed with psychedelic synths and joyous choruses. Cut Copy - Hanging Onto Every Heartbeat Foster The People: Torches What these Californians lack in musical depth, they more than make up for in catchiness. Torches is light around the edges but the singles are undeniably brilliant and will certainly act as the upbeat soundtrack to many a summer road trip. Foster The People - Waste Frank Ocean: Nostalgia/Ultra Representing the softer side of the alternative rap group Odd Future, is R&B crooner Frank Ocean. Nostalgia/Ultra is his sample heavy mixtape that shot him onto the scene and saw him cover artists like Coldplay MGMT and The Eagles. Frank Ocean - Swim Good Gorilla Warfare Tactics: Premier Mixing old school beats with some incisive lyrical content worked a treat for these young New Yorkers on their debut mixtape. They are still at college when this was recorded so who knows where their sophomore year will take them. Gorilla Warfare Tactics - Temptations Raphael Saadiq: Stone Rollin The king of old-school soul returns with a fourth album that shows off his versatility with a variety of fast and slow songs. He should have been born in the swinging 1960’s but I’m sure glad we have this retro crooner around today. Smith Westerns: Dye It Blonde This group of four young and reckless romantics from Chicago have the perfect formula for fuzzy indie-pop/rock and aren’t prepared to share it. Dye It Blonde is their second album and it’s great from start to finish. Dance Away by Smith Westerns Wild Beasts: Smother This slow burner has gradually grown on me with its beautiful whispers and sexual undertones. The English quartet are in good shape and this mysterious album is well worth your time if you give it a chance. Wild Beasts - Lion’s Share The Weeknd: House of Balloons House of Balloons may be a mixtape is arguably my favourite release of the year and comes as a surprise because six months ago I knew nothing about The Weeknd and this new R&B movement. It’s dark, self-loathing and sexual but is intoxicatingly awesome at the very same time. Loft Music by The_Weeknd There have been a lot of great albums this year my ears aren’t able to cover all bases, so some honourable mentions go out to Cults, The Antlers, Fleet Foxes, James Blake, Noah & the Whale, Big Sean and Theophilus London.

It’s amazing how quickly 181 days go by but we’re already half-way into 2011 and it’s time for Eclectic Eavesdroppings 2011 Half-Time Report. Keeping up with the incessant stream of new music from the latest buzz bands isn’t always easy but I do my best to keep afloat in the overcrowded ocean of music bloggers. In the name of fairness, I have included both albums and mixtapes in my selection as it’s tough to distinguish the difference these days. This is only the half-way point so lots will change but for what it’s worth, here are Eclectic Eavesroppings ten favourite listens of 2011 so far:

Adele: 21

Reigning supreme since the beginning of the year is Adele, the queen of R&B/pop. 21 has almost been overplayed to death but it’s a great album that shows off both her booming vocals and sincere songwriting.

Bon Iver: Bon Iver

Havnig become the mainstreams favourite indie artist, the pressure was on Bon Iver to deliver second time round. Forunately it lives up to For Emma, Forever Ago in every eay possible and even manages to expand his musical range.

Bon Iver - Holocene

Cut Copy: Zonoscope

This foursome from the land down under sure know how to make disco-inspired electro. Zonoscope is their third album and is probably their best one to date as it ozzed with psychedelic synths and joyous choruses.

Cut Copy - Hanging Onto Every Heartbeat

Foster The People: Torches

What these Californians lack in musical depth, they more than make up for in catchiness. Torches is light around the edges but the singles are undeniably brilliant and will certainly act as the upbeat soundtrack to many a summer road trip.

Foster The People - Waste

Frank Ocean: Nostalgia/Ultra

Representing the softer side of the alternative rap group Odd Future, is R&B crooner Frank Ocean. Nostalgia/Ultra is his sample heavy mixtape that shot him onto the scene and saw him cover artists like Coldplay MGMT and The Eagles.

Frank Ocean - Swim Good

Gorilla Warfare Tactics: Premier

Mixing old school beats with some incisive lyrical content worked a treat for these young New Yorkers on their debut mixtape. They are still at college when this was recorded so who knows where their sophomore year will take them.

Gorilla Warfare Tactics - Temptations

Raphael Saadiq: Stone Rollin

The king of old-school soul returns with a fourth album that shows off his versatility with a variety of fast and slow songs. He should have been born in the swinging 1960’s but I’m sure glad we have this retro crooner around today.

Smith Westerns: Dye It Blonde

This group of four young and reckless romantics from Chicago have the perfect formula for fuzzy indie-pop/rock and aren’t prepared to share it. Dye It Blonde is their second album and it’s great from start to finish.

Dance Away by Smith Westerns

Wild Beasts: Smother

This slow burner has gradually grown on me with its beautiful whispers and sexual undertones. The English quartet are in good shape and this mysterious album is well worth your time if you give it a chance.

Wild Beasts - Lion’s Share

The Weeknd: House of Balloons

House of Balloons may be a mixtape is arguably my favourite release of the year and comes as a surprise because six months ago I knew nothing about The Weeknd and this new R&B movement. It’s dark, self-loathing and sexual but is intoxicatingly awesome at the very same time.

Loft Music by The_Weeknd

There have been a lot of great albums this year my ears aren’t able to cover all bases, so some honourable mentions go out to Cults, The Antlers, Fleet Foxes, James Blake, Noah & the Whale, Big Sean and Theophilus London.

Tags: Adele bon iver cut copy foster the people Frank Ocean Gorilla Warfare Tactics raphael saadiq smith westerns Wild Beasts the weeknd