1. The Arcs – “Put a Flower in Your Pocket”
If you haven’t heard of Dan Auerbach’s side project, The Arcs, then I highly suggest you take a listen. Their debut album “Yours, Dreamily” is centered on Auerbach’s love for boxing, but trust me there is no need for you to love boxing in order to love this song! It has the bluesy side of The Black Keys mixed with an old school reverb that is just the perfect dreamy blend for any Monday morning.
2. Tame Impala – “The Less I Know The Better”
Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker has created yet another masterpiece with his latest album Currents. This song in particular may not have been the hit single but it’s definitely my favorite song from the band yet. The looping guitar riff will keep you humming for days on end and, like most Tame Impala songs, the bass hook will grab ahold of your soul and spit you back out as a changed man 3:40 minutes later. Also, if you didn’t know Tame Impala could make you weep, think again. Whoever the woman is that broke Kevin Parker’s heart I would like to say you must be insane, but also thank you for fueling the best heartbreak song of the summer.
3. Mark Ronson ft. Kevin Parker – “Daffodils”
Okay, okay just one more Kevin Parker song and then I’m done. The duo of Mark Ronson’s sensational groove backing Kevin Parker’s soulful Australian voice is easily one of the best collaborations I’ve heard in a while. This song is sure to get your feet tapping and your hands busting out every awful ‘70s dance move you can think of. I wish more than anything that this song was created when Austen Powers was filmed because it could have easily been the theme song, or at least worthy of the ending credits tune. If you end up becoming as violently obsessed with this song as I am, then I suggest you take a peak at the duo’s live version on Australia’s radio station Triple J. You’ll thank me later.
4. Holy Holy – “You Cannot Call For Love Like A Dog”
If we’re keeping the Australian theme alive here, then Holy Holy is definitely next on the list. They’re an up-and-coming band from down under that has only one song on Spotify and that’s this jam right here. “You Cannot Call For Love Like A Dog” is one of the best songs of 2015. I say this because of the incredible guitar work throughout the song and the lead singer’s ability to captivate you with his voice and make you feel as euphoric as ever. It’s a brilliant song with a brilliant video to accompany. Enjoy.
5. Lapsley – “Falling Short”
This song is enchantingly beautiful. It’s virtually just Lapsley’s soothing voice accompanied by a simple piano progression and a few finger snaps. There is nothing more simple but wonderful. It’s a perfect pick for those certain days where everything is incredibly melancholy or when nothing is going right. You’ll feel a whirlwind of vibes, emotions, and feelings that can aid those situations perfectly.
6. FIDLAR – “West Coast”
Now to turn this mixer up a bit, here is one of FIDLAR’s newest songs. If I could live inside the music video for “West Coast” forever then my life would be complete. This song may not be as raw as some of FIDLAR’s past songs, but it still has the rebellion we love from them and a chorus that absolutely rules. This is a song for which you turn the volume up to 100 when you’re with your best friends driving fast down the highway, or doing anything thing else you consider wildly liberating.
7. Courtney Barnett – “Aqua Profonda!”
Courtney Barnett is one of the raddest girls in the music industry right now. I’m sure you’ve heard her name circulating for her comedic lyrics or her garage band/kickass-type performances. But if you haven’t gotten around to listening to her quite yet, here is your chance! In fact, you should listen to the whole album right now. I know I specifically picked out the track “Aqua Profounda!” but the link above is for the whole album Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I just Sit. You’re welcome. However, the song I chose is quite possibly the laziest, most hysterical and realistic song ever composted. It’s guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.
8. Thunderbitch – “Leather Jacket”
Speaking of badass girls in the music industry, Brittany Howard is number one on the list. You probably know her as the massive soulful sound in Alabama Shakes, but now she’s also graced us with her solo project called Thunderbitch. Normally I’d say that name is a little unnecessary, but after one run through of her album you’ll see how the name is actually essential. “Leather Jacket” is the definition of Rock’n’roll. She swears, yells, talks about drugs, and the perfection of a gnarly leather jacket in life. What is more badass than that?
9. Wolf Alice – “Giant Peach”
One of my favorite bands right now is Wolf Alice. They’re a rock band that is bringing back the hardcore sound with the unexpected female singer’s wild pipes and the guitar’s screeching riffs mixed with heavy, sinking progressions. “Giant Peach” is like Sonic Youth in 2015. What’s not to love about that?
10. Best Coast – “California Nights”
This track is easily the biggest sound from Best Coast yet. The lead singer, Bethany Cosentino, brings her California beach vibes to the next level with huge vocal projection and an epic song drop in the beginning that is nothing like any Best Coast song ever recorded. This is some next level business. It’s the definition of growth for such a lovely band and is the perfect chill-out song for any and every Monday.
