Song: Will To Believe Artist: Clarence Clarity Year: 2015 Why it’s Dope: Awesome sounds that are distinct, vivid, and spell-bounding, passionate singing that hooks the listener into this glitchy lair of emotional explosions, a kick-ass chorus that is anthemic and strangely uplifting, and an intriguing song progression that keeps you on your toes.
Song: Brute Artist: Colin Stetson Year: 2013 Why it’s Dope: Great production that captures the force and power of Stetson’s playing, a composition that is enthralling, cerebral, and dynamic, well placed vocals towards the track’s end, and otherworldly saxophone playing that defies convention in the most skillful way possible.
Song: Earl (Feat. Leland Whitty) Artist: BADBADNOTGOOD Year: 2012 Why it’s Dope: This jazzy cover of Earl Sweatshirt’s breakout tune is laced with fantastic production, great instrumentation that is energetic and confident, menacing synths that are vivid and fat, and a sick-ass saxophone solo from Leland Whitty.
Song: la imperial Artist: ｒｅｔｏｕｒ Year: 2016 Why it’s Dope: Punchy drum beat that has swagger and energy, wonderful synths that are ethereal and inviting, a nocturnal bassline that slithers with ease, and an ambiance that is irresistible and warm. P.S. this track is part of an EP: https://soundcloud.com/retourmusic/sets/pompeii
Song: Idol Artist: Smith Westerns Year: 2013 Why it’s Dope: Gorgeous production that has a retro feel to it, smooth vocals that add to the track’s surreal nature, good guitar lines that fill the track out, and a nice chorus that is easy-going yet memorable.
Song: Sometimes Artist: My Bloody Valentine Year: 1991 Why it’s Dope: Mind-bending soundcraft that is out of this world, beautiful melodies that are passionate, sincere, and intoxicating, heartfelt lyrics that delve into unrequited love, and softly sung vocals from Kevin Shields that fit the track perfectly.
Song: Too Raging To Cheers Artist: Mogwai Year: 2011 Why it’s Dope: Beautiful song progression that is patient, interesting, and dynamic, gorgeous organic keyboard textures, solid percussion patterns and sounds, and an explosive second half that ends the track with force.
Song: SAFE HEX 3 Artist: blank body Year: 2015 Why it’s Dope: Fantastic main melody that is snappy and agile, booming percussion that is powerful and well-textured, delicate synths that hang nicely in the track’s background, and great tune progression that is engaging yet not overwhelming.
Song: Peek 824545201 Artist: Aphex Twin Year: 1996 Why it’s Dope: Industrial sound textures that are lively, raw, and passionate, percussion patterns that are intricate yet VERY dance-able, synths that are filled with velocity and feeling, and an ambiance that provides me with images of an underground space bar.
Piece I made.
Song: trashed w/killedmyself Artist: harvest Year: 2016 Why it’s Dope: Honest guitars that are vivid with images of forest dew, solid percussion that is sinewy and confident, a vocal ad-lib that is smooth and soulful, and (very) soft vocals that add an extra dimension to the track’s second half.
Song: Hey Lover Artist: Blake Mills Year: 2010 Why it’s Dope: Great production that is warm and vivid, catchy chorus that is laid-back and fun, solid guitar lines that are memorable and relaxed, and interesting lyrics that add a worthwhile wrinkle to the tune.
This life shit bums me the fuck out…….
Song: Lost Artist: 神TRAPSIK様 Year: 2016 Why it’s Dope: Utterly fantastic sample that is vivid, colorful, and expertly cut, aggressive and booming percussion that perfectly juxtaposes the nautical and ethereal ambiance, a song progression that keeps the listener on their toes, and a solid ending to finish the track out. P.S. Have a happy holidays. Stay safe.
Song: Pray Artist: Soap&Skin Year: 2013 Why it’s Dope: Fantastic production that is raw, chilling, and strong, a piano melody that has emotion and power, a vocal performance from Anja Plaschg that reveals the darkest depths of humanity, and lyrics that are intriguing, bleak, and abstract.
Song: Cyborg Artist: M83 Year: 2003 Why it’s Dope: Deliciously gummy keyboard lines throughout the track, a well-placed guitar that sounds absolutely gorgeous, a vivid ambiance that truly envelops the listener, and a perfect second half(of the tune) bleeding with sounds that are memorable, anthemic, and have an otherworldly force.
