As a warm-up to a “Best of 2013” discussion – which you can hear on Summer Music 101 this Saturday – the Music 101 team share their favourite tracks of 2013.
Emma Smith – Music 101 Host
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – ‘So Good at Being in Trouble’
I wonder how much Ruban Nielson’s visual art background feeds in to his music. There’s something so painterly about his songs – his clear melodic shapes, the light and shade of the keys he uses, and the warp and wear of his textures.
This psychedelic gem, from his latest album as Unknown Mortal Orchestra, II, is strange and familiar all at once, and – once you know where it’s going – impossible not to sing along to. “Who am I-igh-igh-igh-igh to de-ny-igh-igh-igh-igh…”
Drake – ‘Hold On, We're Going Home’
In 2013 Canadian artist Drake ascended to the rap pantheon that holds Jay Z and Kanye West, a position he claimed by identifying a sweet spot between hip hop and R&B. Although he can shape-shift between the two better than anyone since André 3000, Drake’s at his best when he zeroes in on one or the other. On ‘Hold On, We're Going Home’ he goes full-pop with a light-as-air two-step that would have sounded as at home in an early-’80s discotheque as it did on the pop charts this year.
Kirsten Johnstone – Music 101 Producer
Lorde- ‘Tennis Court’
A video stunning in its simplicity. Lorde stares straight at the camera, powdered face, dark lips and meticulously braided hair, stopping to sneer when the song’s “Yeah” arises. It’s hypnotic to watch, and perfectly backs up the lyric “Showing people how little we care”. Yeah.
Zen Yates-Fill – Music Selector
Star Date 5.14pm 24 December 2013:
Emma: Hey, um, Zen – can you choose a standout track of 2013 before you go?
Zen: (aside) WTF!
I couldn’t nail one but I could do three.
Emma: But we only got to pick one. Okay, okay – but you go last.
King Krule – ‘Easy Easy’
Archy Marshall captures the spirit of Joe Strummer, Mike Skinner and Billy Bragg in his anthemic urban street ballad.
Jungle – ‘The Heat’
Mysterious UK production outfit unleashes an infectious roller-skating slow jam for the 21st Century.
Rhye – ‘Open’
Canadian-Danish duo melting hearts from Los Angeles to Levin – including my daughter Honey, who named it her favourite song since she was born just yesterday.
