The emotional electronic pop duo Hurts have been steadily working on a follow up to their impressive debut album Happiness. The 2010 release came coupled with extensive promotional work with headlining festivals, that catapulted Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson from low income mates (Adam openly admits to being homeless before the record, living on Theo’s couch)to sharply dressed, adored musical forces. March 11th, 2013 will bring an anticipated sophomore record entitled Exile and we’re just now getting a taste of two tracks that will be apart of this continuation of the two’s signature melancholic confessions.
Exile is currently demonstrated as a wild departure from the melodramatic productions of Hurts’ freshman release. “The Road” hints at delicacy, but quickly morphs into an industrial warfare at the chorus. Complete with a loud, intentionally distorted vocal line, this December 21st, 2012 promotional track references cold, penetrating metal and being alone in this world. Backed with a live, heavily reverberated drum section, the two bring the compositional obscurity of their “Judas” by Lady Gaga remix (YouTube) to the next level by incorporating destructive sounding synthesizer lines, programmed with vengeance and total rage. [YouTube]
Alongside the first offering off Exile, BBC Radio 1 premiered lead single “Miracle,” but where “The Road” built a brilliant gasp with concentrated anger, Hurts recalls the uptempo brooding that made them, on this follow up. Advancing toward rock influenced ground, the first proper single from Hutchcraft and Anderson throws a curveball that undeniably swings its way into Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto sonics. However, the track swiftly dips from becoming to close to their musical colleagues thanks to a positive open bridge/chorus, and a wonderful reverberated drum sample that abruptly ends due to being cut up, most likely through the mixing process or a uniquely programmed sample. [YouTube]
Hurts preservers wonderfully in these two samples of what’s to come from Exile. While Theo and Adam seem to have possibly taken a more tortured, treacherous route as a sophomore follow up, so far the appreciable humanistic pop image that made them and handsome, dapper image still illuminates and remains as the foundation upon the pavement of what comes next.
How did we miss this?! While streaming through related songs on Soundcloud.com, Etta Bond and Raf Riley’s “Boring Bitches” began to unexpectedly play from the speakers and a feeling of intense intrigue washed over the rest of the day. Emergency Room is a joint EP from the two that features this song alongside seven more glorious and dirty bangers that intertwine brash R&B, inklings of Dubstep, and heavily pays homage to the Grime genre. All of these genres and more are wrapped up into a twisted download that’s currently available for stream on Spotify and an under $8 download from iTunes.
“Don’t you care who’s watching her? She looks fucking crazy. She should be here sitting down and acting like a lady,” begins Bond amongst schizophrenic vocals being pitched up and down. In a way, though the line is an ironic piss take about the inside of a boring bitch’s head, it embodies the pure spirit of what Emergency Room is. It’s an unforgiving, traumatic blunt force blow to the aggressive hearsay from the dance floor and a brutal look at a wide range of imaginative club kid and active 20-something’s issues.
On “Boring Bitches,” Raf Riley combines a wide stereo image that relies on extreme vocal effects and a screaming synthesizer that rides at the high end frequencies of the mix. The synths and vocals are smartly executed through its composition by taking turns from when they’re presented and taken out through the song. When Bond unforgettably snarls “Everybody point ’em out! ..North, west, east, to the fucking south. Maybe you’ll be dancing now!” there’s minimal percussion at its duration as a means to strongly advise a no bullshit tolerance for a less than total command of what the track is about. To make up for it, a post-chorus breakdown follows through with pure bass & production groove. All in all, these two portions assault the mix while the final phrase of the chorus is playfully looped and tossed around the stereo image. For a track with such grit, it’s very sophisticatedly executed.
“Ask Me To Stay” finds Etta Bond sounding interestingly familiar to how Keri Hilson would phrase and execute her vocals. However, she strays into a lane as dark as something The Weeknd would perform. It’s a song that’s filled with a distorted beginning, 2-step verse melody, and lethargic rhythmic structure – an upper, downer, and a warped view of sorts.
The more progressive song on Emergency Room belongs to “Premeditated Murder” as it always seems to be structurally varying off into different territories and “One Way Train” chugs through a wonderful pad which folds and unfolds to make its way into one of the more straight R&B and highlights of the extended play.
Sometimes in a bit of a monotonous cocky tone, Etta Bond recalls a small touch of Lily Allen as well. But if it’s one thing she’s got for sure, it’s the incredible production techniques that Raf has supplied. They’re serious, they’re out for blood, and make for an incredible team on Emergency Room. Had we would have known this was such a great summer release, it would have found its way onto this blog much sooner.
If you’re not a boring bitch, you’ll download this record or give it a spin. Though it’s quite a loud record, with the iTunes download maintaining a 5dB average space of dynamic range, it’s a great record that shows how storytelling vocally can mix with the sonics of a record. It also has an impressive stereo image that could, quite possibly, send you straight to the emergency room.
Wow, guys. This year was insane and I don’t know how to put it into words much. But, I’m going to try. First and foremost, the album I’ve listened to and appreciated the most this year is Bloom by Beach House. Everything from the album packaging, to the songwriting/composition and production, to the engineering and overall presentation of the art for this record is absolutely phenomenal. It’s being named 2020k’s album of the year so pick up a physical copy, please. It’s stunning and impossible to be disappointed by!
1. The 2020k Facebook page hit 100 fans in April (to which I celebrated by giving away a few iTunes gift cards) and more recently the page has hit the 200 mark. Thank you. I wouldn’t be blogging if it weren’t for the support that’s been given to me from the readers. When the Facebook page hits another number, there will be another giveaway. The number is predictably secret.
2. Some of those likes came as a result of my music. This year was outrageous for me. I played two wonderful shows in Pittsburgh, PA that was met with a surprisingly warm response each time. In fact, the crowd at the second show was basically demanding an encore! I would’ve gladly given it to you, but time constraints with the venue prohibited it. My apologies for those who came out to that event..the show was cut short. But, if the opportunity to play again arises, then you’ll all be the first to know.
3. As a result of the show, I was able to release two music videos. One for “Slightest Touch (2020k Remix)” in which I used stock footage from a public domain film called Sex Madness and “Transends” by Kinesthetiac from his record Fields of Thought. Are you ready for a little announcement? The video for “Contagion” is being released in late winter or early spring. Daggervision Filmshas officially hopped on board for direction and production of the video and we’re going to start filming and editing extremely soon.
5. Speaking of Ross, I got to interview him too (mainly about his Wet Eyes releases) as part of a double sided interview project. Along with him, I spoke to and held giveaways with Origamibiro and Esthero. My favorite giveaway though was the Iamamiwhoami kin giveaway. All of the responses were wonderful and as someone who looks at what they’ve accomplished in two years in awe, it was great to see you all on such an in depth page.
6. So what’s next? Well, aside from a new website I just launched for 2020k and the above announcement “Contagion” video, there will be a Remix EP released for the song as well. Wet Eyes, Kinesthetiac, and Kamas have hopped on board for reinterpretations of the songs and will be released in late winter. There’s also a more polished version of the track that will be included, as well as a new take on the concept of the song.
After that? Hopefully a lot more. I’ll be making the move to Los Angeles with some friends in the summer in continuation of music and the audio industry. There’s been a few entries on this blog where I’ve been quite sad at the lack of opportunity in the Pittsburgh area so I am ready to assault California with all I have to offer. Ilia Darlin has already promised me a scrumptious cupcake! It’s all gearing up to be a fresh & great start and I hope to have a lot to blog about along the way!
Once again, thank you. Thank you is not enough. Happy New Year.
This just in: YouTube has deleted all but five videos from Universal Music’s YouTube account and has deleted all of Sony Music’s videos. Yes, you read that right. All of them.
Why is this? It’s no secret that some sort of system was being set up where fake views were being counted toward major signed artist’s videos. Not only did this cause a falsified sense of high view count on an artist’s given project, but more importantly, it’s quite possible that ad revenue was wrongly collected for each time an applicable advertisement was played during one of these fabricated views.
This is all reportedly being said that the increased view-counts were pulled together through “Black-Hat” boost attempts, where hackers are able to increase likes and view counts of a specific uploaded video.
YouTube announced: “This was not a bug or security breach. This was an enforcement of our view-count policy.”
Can you imagine being an executive at these two companies right now? Happy New Year, I guess.
Regardless, we’re a bit upset for the artists who have had their videos taken down because of this dishonest technique. It’s not their fault, but the artist’s always seem to be the ones suffering at the habit of bad business practices. Our condolences to them.
We hope the musician’s art is able to be uploaded once more – this time without having to deal with these sorts of issues.
Editor’s note: Sincerely, this article isn’t meant to point fingers or bash anyone in particular. We also hope the labels work this out as well so they’re able to take virtuous control of their respected channels again. However, I’m still glad to see this.
As stated in Part One of The Top 40 Songs of 2012, 2020k thinks the reason that so much good music was released this year was in part because the end of the world was supposed to happen on the 21st. Well, looks like we’re still kicking and if this is what has to happen every year for the forty artists noted in our list this year, we hope there’s a doomsday threat every year! The caliber of music released this year is mesmerizing. 2013 Grammy nominations are the best they’ve been in years, Beyonce is performing at the Superbowl in February, Boards of Canada might release a new record, and we’re taking this all as a sign that the universe spared us because there are many, many great things to come in the music and audio world in the next coming years.
As stated previously, each song has a brief description and a listening link. If I wrote something about them this year, the number associated with the song will be clickable.
An asterisk represents an artist that will be featured on an upcoming 2020k single release (early 2013).
2020k’s Top 40 Songs of 2012. Part One – Songs 20 through 1
20. Ilia Darlin – Hit Me – Greek pop artist and major label signed Ilia Darlin has become a critically acclaimed success around the blogosphere and if “Hit Me” is any indication on what she can do, we’re all ears. Crafted by Darlin herself, alongside Sunny Berhane, Djahmyne Stewart, Billy Mann, David Schuler, and Tonie Nielson, the January released buzz single is a straightforward, honest, and triumphant anthem that has nothing to lose. [Vimeo]
19. Santigold – Disparate Youth – One of the most fiercely crafted rhythmic sections in a long time lies within “Disparate Youth” by Santigold. In fact, the song carries along some of the most substantial compositional and lyrical content we’ve seen this year. The singer’s delivery sounds drone-like in the best way possible, holding an emotional delivery while beat changes subtly around the track and bounces through hip-hop, pop, and guitar tinged firestorms. [Youtube]
18. Boreal Network – Scream Blue Vein – Something infrasound artist Boreal Network has always been good at doing is creating lo-fi Electronic music that’s surrounded and pounding with dark underlings and creating a throw back nostalgic vibe that recalls the sounds of the 1980’s and before. Fitting right into her discography is “Scream Blue Vein,” which is a one-off release while the follow up album is prepared for 2013. Last year, we praised Means Business (see our review here) and we’re more than ready for the next round of Network’d sounds. [Bandcamp]
17. Kanye West – Mercy (Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T, & 2 Chainz) – There are only a handful of artists keeping Rap & Hip-Hop alive and Kanye West is one man who has yet to let the genre down. A notable Fuzzy Jones vocal sample opens “Mercy” and interpolates itself into being one of the most frantic and unique sections of the track. Heavy kick and bass provide the backdrop for pads, rhythmic and melody samples to flourish while West and the featured artists cipher relentlessly. “Most rappers taste level ain’t at my waste level. Turn up the bass ’till it’s up in your face level” becomes the epitome of the track as it unfolds to be the perfect follow up to last year’s bombastic “Niggas In Paris” and demonstrates yet another notch in Kanye West’s forever progressive catalog of music. [Youtube]
16. Deadmau5 – Telemiscommunications (Featuring Imogen Heap) – The glitch inspired “Telemiscommunications” is a step in the right direction for both artists. As if they weren’t flawless enough, Joel Zimmerman paves the most minimal and delicate offering on his recently released >Album Title Here< alongside do-it-all musician Imogen Heap. At the climax, Heap asks “Did I tell you I loved you today?” and we’d like to let both artists know that this song says enough. It’s a complete throwback to the Imogen & Guy Sigworth collaboration project Frou Frou and since Details is arguably one of the best Electronic Pop albums to be released in the last decade (yes, Details turned 10 this year) we’re all for this technology inspired, ambient-esque and piano based lament. [Youtube]
15. Wet Eyes – The Let Go (Featuring Cecelia Erholtz) – Ross Auger, better known under the alias Wet Eye is one of the more versatile musicians to make himself known on the independent scene. After an Infrasound article and artist on artist interview with him, it’s the un-quantized percussion, the warm bass, and beautifully reverberated and delayed guitars that cause “The Let Go” to kick off the top 15 of this years list. Everything is wonderfully layered and carved out in the mix, but distinctly indistinct and a vastly textured incorporation of evolving sounds. [Vimeo]*
14. Perfect Sound Forever – Blue Sunshine – The One On Twoismseries has been buzzing about as a means for fans of the chilled out, alternative Electronic music scene to come together and create compilation discs inspired by the community Warp Records artists Boards of Canada have pulled together. “Blue Sunshine” is the first full track on the fifth installation of the compilation series and singlehandedly puts together flowing pad textures and low snare/hi-hit stereo image. With relaxation vocal samples and a rumbling kick/bass line, Perfect Sound Forever lives up to his moniker in the best way possible through this track. “Close your eyes, breathe deeply, relax completely”. [Twoism.org]
13. Lana Del Rey – Ride – It’s quite a proclamation to combine American nostalgia with 21st century swagger and the line “I’m tired of feeling like I’m fucking crazy,” but that’s exactly the combination of sparks that make Lana Del Rey the perfect national anthem. Although the dynamic range on the Rick Rubin produced “Ride” is a bit squashed, it’s still a wonderful lament of insanity and flawless song composition that takes you on a journey, rather than a ride. [YouTube]
12. Kinesthetiac – MindCastles– Infrasound artist, 2020k collaborator, and the most talented under eighteen artist in the Electronic music community unleashed two wonderful albums this year, but it was “Mind Castles” off Fields of Thoughtthat sealed the deal. It’s electrifying in its song structure and unique composition. Once the middle, chill out portion of the song unfolds, it’s a serious and hard look into the luxurious castle of a mind that is musician Jared VanMartre’s. [Youtube]*
11. Flamingo Pudding – Cardboard – The unknown downtempo brilliance of the year undoubtedly belongs to Flamingo Pudding’s “Cardboard”. It’s straightforward production, ironic lyrics, and catlike calls hold together a track that laments being attacked by a cardboard shark. This track was released on Flamingo Pudding and the Gravis Reazm and the European based artist’s firstrelease to be featured on iTunes & Spotify, And the Zeta Blaster. We highly recommend the more gritty version of the track on the Gravis version and then make your way over to iTunes for underground/unsigned artist support! [Dropbox]
10. Passion Pit – Take A Walk – Passion Pit makes some of the most densely layered, lovely and bouncy Electronic music on the scene. In fact, Michael Angelakos has admitted to producing songs until he has no room to add more voices in his Digital-Audio-Workspace of choice. While celebratory on the surface, the majority of Passion Pit songs drive themselves into a dark place and “Take A Walk” is no exception. Relationship and unstable financial situations work themselves into the lyrics of this lead single from Gossamer and its marching beat and driving chorus are the only things holding the song from a complete honest despair. Instead, showing pure beauty in the breakdown. We highly recommend taking a look at OTM Blog’s review of the record. [Youtube]
09. Solange – Losing You – The True EP was released digitally in 2012 and will be out physically in 2013 (we’ll review the project pending a lossless copy) and it’s the lead single off the project, “Losing You” that’s held our attention since its November release. It’s African shot video is something to take a look at and the 80’s inspired synthesizer lead, complete with warm bass is enough for the repeat button to be hit in infinite fashion. Solange laments through one of the most forward based breakup songs in R&B infused music this year with up front lines such as “I’m not the one that you should be making your enemy. Tell me the truth, boy, am I losing you for good?” [Youtube]
08. Metameta – Color Pattern – This guitar based, Electronic-tinged, and overall rock influenced Yonderosaproject has held our focus all year long. Unfortunately, due to a backlog of articles the 2020k blog has acquired it’s not been reported yet, but Metameta is one of the best projects to release an underground project recently. The first track off the mid-2012 release, “Color Pattern” has our undivided attention as grueling guitars demand the forefront of a mix while brainchild Evan Miles Anderson lets us know in folk-influenced fashion that he gets this way every so often. [Bandcamp]
07. Beach House – Myth – From the use of lo-fi percussive instrumentation to express rhythmic structure and reverberated, harmonizing guitar layers, Beach House crafted quite the record with Bloom. “Help me to name it..” Victoria unforgettably cries out on the “Myth” chorus and states “if you built yourself a myth, you’d know just what to give. What comes after this..momentary bliss. The consequence of what you do to me.” It’s a story of melancholy, but told in the most dream-pop based, well produced records of the year. [Youtube]
06. Iamamiwhoami – Idle Talk – 2020k reviewed each track from Iamamiwhoami’s kin in extreme depth. Taken from the review of “Idle Talk”: The synthesizer work is exquisite on “Idle Talk” – specifically one of the main bits of instrumentation that glides downward to create what sounds like a defeated melody that emotionally assaults the listener and battles within itself to continue the notes it’s meant to perform. Lyrically, the song actually sounds like it could fit in with Jonna Lee‘s solo projects from before the Electronic music took off. It’s heartfelt and poetic, honest without metaphors to be discussed upon hours. [Youtube]
05. Burial – Kindred – The entire Kindred EP by Burial is jaw dropping. It’s drawn out, late night alternative dance music that pounds the listeners ear with moments that teeter between beauty, drive, anxiety, and delicate features. The project is composed with changes and layers that rival classical music sophistication with Electronic emotion and the title track guides the listener through several movementsthat each sound completely different, derive from one another, and create landscapes that weave themselves in and out of each other with precise cohesion. “Kindred” is one of Burial’s greatest accomplishments throughout his on-growing catalog of music. [Youtube]
04. Esthero – Everything Is Expensive – 2020k has flooded its website with Esthero information over the last couple of months and its because her latest record is tearjerking and empowering. It’s catchy and smart. It’s intelligent and emotionally moving. Every single soul involved in the making of Everything Is Expensive deserves a pat on the back and an abundant worth of opportunities. The audio work, musicianship, songwriting, compositional craft, and dedication to this project truly shine and the title track to the album is everything you could ask for and more from Jenny-Bea Englishmen. It was all worth the wait. This life may have gotten pricy, but this album and this are both 100% priceless. [Pledgemusic]
03. Kamas – Child – Christopher Kamas released Cerulean through Bandcamp earlier this year and quickly became a mildly celebrated release throughout fans of the project. Its ambient, warped analog feel recalls the best of alternate Electronic music and “Child” quite possibly embodies one of the finest short musical pieces on the album. Following an eight minute track (which is quite epic in itself), “Child” fades in using a slowly oscillating synthesized instrument and interpolates sampled vinyl scratches and trip-hop-esque rhythmic aspects. A warm, overpowering bass compliments the tripped out atmosphere and by the time the purposefully distorted, stereo oriented and main melody line works itself into the mix, goosebumps and emotional outlets will pour.* [Bandcamp]
02. Fiona Apple – Every Single Night – It’s a no-brainer that life can sometimes be considered a Fiona Apple song. Every single track in her small, sprawled out discography contains a hard, shockingly virtuous outlook on the songwriter’s current endeavors. Her pen to paper, voice to microphone brutality is impossible to be ignored and is explored on “Every Single Night” from The Idler Wheel… Every single night’s a fight with her brain and it’s known through fragile moments incorporated with warrior-like call outs. It’s minimal, but it’s strong and a daring, experimentally intimate look into the sparse sonics of this release. “I just want to feel everything” Apple proclaims. She does and we sure as hell do as well. [Youtube]
01. Grimes – Oblivion – Sometimes, artists change the way you look at things. Claire Boucher, better known as Grimes does this. She’ll complete a song in a day, she’ll use extensive looping skills, become a one woman band on stage, and craft projects that incorporate standard techniques and use them in wildly creative ways. Visions isn’t the most layered album, it isn’t he most pristinely produced but it’s what adds to the charm and makes it one of this years best releases and a career catalyst for the artist. “Oblivion” fought with “Genesis” but eventually won out in the end for this year’s top spot in the 2020k Top 40 Songs of 2012 because of its pop accessibility, mixed with Electronic motives and clear sonic approach that’s expressed within the mix, and presented emotionally. Plus, it’s difficult to pass up a song which states “cause when you’re running by yourself it’s hard to find someone to hold your hand” and “I need someone now. To look into my eyes and tell me girl you know you gotta watch your health. To look into my eyes and tell me..la la la la la.”
We won’t see Grimes on a dark night, we’ll see her and all those sexy boys in her video on all the nights.
We’re skipping the technical jargon for this article and just letting you know about two wonderful Christmas projects from The xx and Nikki Jean. While Mariah Carey, Frank Sinatra, TLC, and Run-DMC classics blast from the inside of your favorite United States mall store, these two widely respected artists have recently released these songs for the 2012 holiday season. And they sure do earn their spot next to Wham’s “Last Christmas”.
Speaking Wham!, we tweeted earlier this year that “Last Christmas” is probably the best holiday song ever, and a couple of weeks later The xx turned it into a euphoric counterpart on their cover version. It’s a live version, promptly presented on the prestigious BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge and contains the same somber and reverberated atmosphere and guitar plucks that’s made The xx an indie-household name.
“La Di Da Di Da”, said Nikki Jean (that’s a reference!) and she’s surely making the sun shine with her unique takes on classic Hip-Hop instrumentals like “The Art Of Storytellin’ (Part 1)” by OutKast and “One Beer” by MF Doom. What transpires out of them are hip-hop inspired takes put together with Mic the Drumas a Christmas EP in support of a Kickstarter program to raise money for a Cookie Social in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For those who didn’t follow Nikki before the release of her debut Pennies in a Jar (2020k review & interview), Nikki would (and sometimes still does) bake cookies and bring them to her shows, mail them to her fans, and would make YouTube videos of her making them in her home. The Cookie Social has been done before and now, thanks to your contributions, she’s doing it again! Anyone in Philly? Go get some Nikki Jean cookies and travel on over to Pittsburgh, PA so you can bring us some goodness and light!
What’s better than streaming these songs? What if they were free?! Well, they are! Download them through their respective Soundcloud links.
Well ROYGBIV, guys, there’s good news and bad news. The obvious good news is that we’ve all survived the apocalypse! But, are you ready for the bad news because I don’t think you’re going to want to hear it (even though you’ve already read it in the subject of this article).
Well, since you’ve chosen to continue reading, 2020k will get right down to the harsh reality: The bad news is that the theories were wrong and we’re still waiting on a new Boards of Canada album.
Early 2012 brought hopeful news by Peter Serafinowicz from BBC Radio 6 which mentioned a possible double record from the Sandisons. But, in the end Warp Records responded that they knew nothing outside of “they are definitely working on new material.” Then, to add more vague fuel to the anticipated fire, the official Boards of Canada Facebook page responded “yes” to a fan asking if the rumors of a new album are true. Beyond this, a few appreciated comments from Hexagon Sun representative MDG, and small updates to the duo’s Twitter and Youtube page, it’s been radio static.
The last widely spread rumor was that the new record would fall on the incorrectly reported end to the Mayan Calendar: 12/21/2012. But, we don’t see a new record. Do you?
It’s not like we had much to go off of, so we shouldn’t be too let down.
Currently, there’s a 268 page thread on Boards of Canada fan message board Twoism.org that chronicles all aspects of new album speculation and wildlife anaysis. From season solstice to symmetric-calendar date releases and surprise release dates, it’s all been thought up and it’s all started because of a strange black box that appeared on the discography back of the band’s website.
What’s interesting about the Twoism thread and social media outlets elsewhere is the amount of love and optimistic support the two musicians receive throughout the confusing wait. Sure, there may be a few dozen comments that immaturely focus on the selfish need of a fan’s want for a new record that fogs the focus of substance, but at the core there is extreme dedication and loyalty. It’s an enthusiasm that anyone on the receiving end would look to with matching admirability.
5,000 replies and and more than 400,000 views later there is no definitive answer in regards to a new record. But, whether it be back catalog vinyl re-issues, re-mixed & remastered early material, or continued vocal approaches by Solange, there’s a healthy feeling of wait while Boards of Canada’s modest discography remains on heavy rotation from individuals who respect and enjoy Michael and Marcus Sandison’s artistry.
Take your time, boys. We’ll all await for the next chapter. From One Source All Things Depend and the day will come when new Boards of Canada material will be released.
Then, when that day comes, we’ll all come together and recite one simple sigh of relief: orange.
We’re not going to walk on eggshells here. Esthero’s not featured on part one of 2020k’s Top 40 songs of 2012. Want to know why? It’s because the top 20 songs of the year will be unveiled later on this week and we’re 500% sure she’s featured somewhere near the top of the list. After all, Everything Is Expensive is one of this year’s best recorded, produced, and engineered albums of the year.
What this album marks is the third proper LP release from one of the most eclectic artists in the world today. Whether she’s proclaiming herself to be a Wikked lil Grrrl on her own records or getting caught in the Undertow on a Timbaland/The Fray feature or just being Human by writing for Brandy, she’s a constant force to reckon with. A creative entity that knows no limits.
IN FACT, WE’RE GIVING AWAY TWO PHYSICAL EDITION COPIES OF EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE BY ESTHERO!
So, how do you get this album alone? Well, watch the video below of Esthero flipping through the gorgeous and minimal album packaging, then scroll down to read the rules.
First way to enter: Like us on Facebook and leave a comment on the page at this article telling us your favorite Esthero song or collaboration.
Second way to enter: Follow us on Twitter and tweet the phrase “#Everythingisexpensive so give me a copy of the #Esthero album, @Twenty20k!”
Third way to enter: Leave a comment on this post (make sure you enter a valid email address) letting us know your favorite Esthero song or collaboration.
Two winners will be selected on December 27st, 2012 and will be contacted via email so we can gather shipping information and send out these copies! What are you waiting for?! If you don’t enter, we’re Never Gonna Let These CDS Go. What kind of close to 2012 would it be without the Esthero album!? Give us your submission A.S.A.P.
With doomsday approaching in just a few days, I decided to start compiling a definitive list of songs released during the last twelve months of humanity as we know it. Last year, 2020k easily released the Top 20 songs of 2011, but, this year was different. I’m not sure if more artists started releasing really good music because the end of the world was coming or not, but it was impossible for me to narrow this year’s favorites down to just 20. So, the list doubled.
In fact, there’s more than 40 songs that were originally in the running for this list, and while they were all highly debated over, some of them just missed the mark for the final cut. They’re honorably mentioned below, with streaming links, and the rest of the flawless tracks follow them. Each song has a brief description and a listening link. If I wrote something about them this year, the number associated with the song will be clickable.
Enjoy and leave your thoughts below or give a shout over at Facebook or my Twitter profile with your comments and favorites.
HONORABLE MENTION TRACKS What these honorable mentions have in common is that they are five fantastic pop songs that have pushed boundaries in their own right. Taylor Swift’s intimate song diaries challenge the state of an impersonal mainstream society, while Natalia Kills’ experimental video compliments the song’s sociological lyrics. “Looking Hot” interpolates No Doubt’s signature ska sound with their wonderful pop additions. Little Boots’ “Every Night I Say A Prayer” was so close at kicking off the top 40 list.
45. Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together [Youtube]
44. Nelly Furtado – Parking Lot [Youtube] 43. Natalia Kills – Controversy [Youtube]
42. No Doubt – Looking Hot [Youtube] 41. Little Boots – Every Night I Say A Prayer [Youtube]
2020k’s Top 40 Songs of 2012. Part One – Songs 40 through 21
40. Fun. – Some Nights Intro/Some Nights – This Jeff Bhasker produced track is a highly emotional indie rock song that blasts the listener in the face with highly compressed rhythmic and vocal sections. The honesty of “What do I stand for? Most nights I don’t know” assault the auditory system in the purest way possible. Lead vocalist Nate Ruess recalls the theatric vocals of Freddie Mercury and where Fun. takes us in the future is highly anticipated. [Youtube]
39. Origamibiro – Ballerina Platform Shoes (Proem Remix) – Proem completely turned Origamibrio’s “Ballerina Platform Shoes” on its head by stripping out the innocence it contained and fueled it with a dark synth bass melody. It’s full of panned Electronic elements and beautiful melodies that morph through the song, carrying it in different directions. There is a 2020k interview with Origamibrio that’s quite introspective. Reading it is highly recommended. [Soundcloud]
38. Gotye – Easy Way Out – “Easy Way Out” doesn’t even clock in at 2 minutes, but it’s beautiful. While the song holds an average of 6dB of dynamic range, which is (sadly) average for a record nowadays, it starts off strong and chugs its way along distorted guitars and excessive percussion and vocal layers. It also holds a nostalgic angst that laments “some feelings have a habit of persisting even though you wouldn’t let it show.” [Youtube]
37. M.I.A. – Bad Girls – It’s a bit obvious that the “Bad Girls” re-release and video was a subject of being chosen by Madonna to join her and Nicki Minaj on stage for 2012’s February NFL Superbowl performance, and we’re glad it happened! Not only does the commercial release of this song run circles around the version included on Maya’s VICKI LEEKX mixtape, but its accompanying music video contains some of the most badass cinematography we’ve seen in a while. It’s a bit noticeable that the final verse was recorded in a different recording session, but who’s looking? [YouTube]
37. Tori Amos – Flavor – The orchestral record Gold Dust that compiled songs through the entirety of Amos’ career was met with extremely conflicting reviews. 2020k teamed up with OTM Blog in a way to combine these differing sides through their collaborative review of the album, but one thing is for certain: “Flavor” is one of Tori’s most versatile tracks in a long time. Along with it’s Gold Dust appearance, it’s original arrangement was featured on Abnormally Attracted to Sin and dance musician Peter Rauhofer recently released a remix EP of the song. They’re all wonderful and raining icing flavor all over the place. [Youtube]
35. Carmichael – Physical – The Olivia Newton-John version of “Physical” remains one of the most campy, quintessential 80’s pop laughs of that decade and was turned into the hypnotic and sexualized anthem it should have been with infrasound featured artist Carmichael’s cover. It’s available over at iTunes for $0.99 and is worth the purchase for the unique vocal production and and guitar layers alone. It’s quiet, it’s raunchy, it’s perfect pop bliss. [Youtube]
34. Trent Reznor – Theme From Call Of Duty Black Ops II – Cinematic themes have worked well for Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor lately. Nine Inch Nails has always had an underlying emotional atmosphere within their musical compositions and it’s strongly shown and demonstrated through Reznor’s solo theme song for the video game series Call of Duty. Electronic aspects, bottled tension, and triumphant marches weave their way through brass and guitar focal points and instrumentally create one of the most intricate and interesting offerings that recall both With_Teeth and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo vibes. [Youtube]
33. Garbage – Automatic Systematic Habit – The first track on Garbage’s comeback record Not Your Kind of People is pretty minimalistic in composition, but you wouldn’t know that unless you downloaded the multitracks and made a remix of the song, which is exactly what I did. The song is now uploaded and available for free download by clicking here (Merry Christmas..you’re welcome), and is a complete opposition in take from its original upload. “Automatic Systematic Habit” is an attack on a compulsive liar who tries to keep his lovers as dirty little secrets. Is Shirley Manson having it? No. Is Garbage having it? No. Is 2020k having it? Fuck you. Are we loving this track? Hell yes. [2020k Remix Download]
32. Kiks – Tell Her (Featuring Amber Clara) – We first reported on Kiks in an infrasound article. In it, the London musician made a statement that ultimately describes the essence of dance track “Tell Her”. “My number one priority in every track I make is to have a catchy vocal hook. Those make or break songs and if I haven’t written a vocal line that sticks in my head and drives me crazy, then the song needs more work.” With repetition of the song’s title in the majority of the lyrical content of “Tell Her,” the dance, house, and dubstep influenced track works flawlessly. Tell her that you’re sorry, but only if you really are (because what kind of person says they’re sorry when they’re not?)..then dance with her to this track. [Youtube]
31. Morgan Page – Body Work (Featuring Tegan and Sara) – Tegan and Sara are no strangers to the dance scene. Being featured on a Tiesto album and having your own Remix EPs released are pretty cool feats for an sister-indie-duo act, and having a beautiful and critically praised feature on a Morgan Page record isn’t that bad either. We remember Morgan Page before he was big, posting on an Imogen Heap message board talking about an unofficial “Hide and Seek” remix he did when the song first came out, and we’re happy to report that our love for Page has stayed and grown from the beginnings to now. He has our pulse working overtime. [Youtube]
30. How To Destroy Angels – Ice Age – Mariqueen Maandig, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Rob Sheridan decided to take it back to a stripped folk era with “Ice Age” off their recently unveiled EP An Omen. It’s simple, with simple guitar and underlying synth pad layers providing a backdrop for Mariqueen’s lyrical focus that begins “I find it looks the same but everything has changed. I find remembering gets harder every day.” It’s a flawlessly executed seven minute track that never tires, despite its stagnant approach. [Youtube]
29. Paul Van Dyk – The Ocean (Featuring Arty) – Progressive trance veteran Paul Van Dyk never disappoints and especially not on his early 2012 album Evolution. It’s an overflowing, long record that foresees dance music’s roots before the mainstream overhaul. Parallel compression and gorgeously arpeggiated synthesized bits create a backdrop for this aggressive, but sometimes ambient inspired dance track that features Arty on vocals. It builds, and builds, and builds before breaking down several times during the song’s run and combines incomprehensible, but important lyrical content. [Youtube]
28. Crystal Castles – Plague – We recently reviewed Crystal Castle’s (III) which features “Plague” as their opening track, and rightfully so. It’s the duo’s most mature and dark offering yet. Political and social injustices are tackled without fear through the entire run and “Plague” is the most disturbingly honest offering yet. Alice Glass and Ethan Kath went for a pure punk approach to their Electronic music, by recording the majority of the songs that went on the record in one take. Sometimes, the record drags, but this track? It is the Plague and its Jacknife Lee assisted synths will haunt you for days on end. [Youtube]
27. Clark – Tooth Moves – We get scared when Warp recording artist Clark releases a record because sometimes the dynamic range is disgustingly small. “Tooth Moves” and the majority of the tracks on Iradelphic are not. In fact, they’re melodically guitar based, unique in their use of obscure recording techniques, and blend into each other in the best way possible. The beginning of “Tooth Moves” barrows from the ending synth of the track before it and interpolates it in suave passion before unleashing wonderful guitar layers and a wicked synth solo. [Youtube]
26. Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen – “Anything Could Happen” is an important pop track. It’s one that’s slowly rising up Billboard’s Hot 100 charts, but should already be at the top. It’s brutally approached in one of the most interestingly accessible ways a pop song should be written. Without paying attention, it’s happy, bouncy, and full of hope with a chorus that repeats the song’s title in circles, but listening un-hinges thoughts of post-breakup tears. “After the war we said we’d fight together. I guess we thought that’s just what humans do,” Goulding recalls at the second verse. “Letting darkness grow as if we need its palette and we need its color. But now I seen it through, and now I know the truth.” It is produced to sound pristine and perfect, but it doesn’t need it. It’s perfect even on stripped down performances and on sheet music and paper. [Youtube]
25. Flying Lotus – See Thru To U (Featuring Erykah Badu) – First of all, we’re highly upset that we didn’t receive the two albums Erykah Badu said were coming out this year, but we’ve learned that Erykah talks the talk more than she walks the walk when it comes to a release schedule. It doesn’t matter though and everyone laughs it off (because when she delivers, my God does she deliver), and the collaboration with Flying Lotus is enough to hold us off. It’s Electronic-Jazz, with a noise floor that’s heard through the entire track. It’s a busy track that has Badu lamenting “I can’t make it grow. I know, I know, I know, I know I know, let it go – I can’t make it grow.” What does grow is both Erykah and Flying Lotus’ artistry with this track off Until The Quiet Comes. [Youtube]
24. The xx – Angels – Minimalist is something The xx has become known for and the opening track off Coexist, “Angels,” does its job at portraying the band in the best light possible. It’s heartbreaking to listen to, but it’s a love song. Make sense? We didn’t think so, but does love? The hook changes periodically through the track but comes back to the protagonist being as in love with you as I am through the song. “Angels” is love and beauty personified through song. [Youtube]
23. Norah Jones – Good Morning – We’ve heard Norah Jones sad before, but not as sad as she’s been on her 2012 Danger Mouse produced …Little Broken Hearts record. A euphoric synth and lone guitar opens the track and stays glistening through the composition as extremelypowerful portrayal opens this song. “Good Morning. My thoughts on leaving are back on the table, I thought you should know. And maybe powerful actions or powerful feelings keep me from going.” It’s one of the most melancholic albums released this year, praised for its change in Jones’ eclectic discography. [iTunes]
22. Frank Ocean – Thinkin Bout You – With an experimental video, “Thinkin Bout You” quickly catapulted Frank Ocean’s already extremely acclaimed praise into light. The Channel Orange song brings back the R&B and soul that is desperately declining in today’s music scene. The song refuses to die on the Billboard Charts, has racked up a ton of award nominations and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that this sort of soul music makes a return. It won’t ever get old. Not in our soul, not in our spirit, keep it alive. [Vimeo]
21. Black Moth Super Rainbow – I Think I’m Evil – These Pittsburgh, PA (hey, guys. I’m here too! Let’s be friends!) natives have done a lot for the underground Electronic scene by letting the music do the talking and it’s never done as much talking as it has on their latest release Cobra Juicy. “I Think I’m Evil” combines the band’s signature vocal stylings with an indie electro feel and pop influences to create a track that asks us to run with them because “running makes everything alright.” It’s true, isn’t it?
As of two days ago, pop musician Stephen Carmichael is a college graduate. As of December 9th, he has a debut on the ARIA charts at 26 for a song by Jono Fernandez that features his vocals. What’s more is the song, titled “Someone To Love (MYNC Stadium/Instrumental Mix)” was played by internationally renowned DJ and dance artist Tiesto.
It’s safe to say that this 20 year old Australian artist is having a pretty good year.
On top of these accomplishments, the chart position and solo releases come unsigned and almost fully self-produced. He’s a writer, producer, engineer, and singer who performs, paints, vlogs, and is involved in more artistic endeavors at the moment that would be bound to cause schedule clutter in the worst way. He handles it well, bouncing between interactions on Facebook and Twitter, occasionally emailing back and forth with 2020k, and causing a stir in the underground pop scene with his 80’s wave throwback vibe, mixed with modern fashion extremes and 21st century polished influences.
“Falling For You” was the catalyst for a lot of things. A song released earlier this year has so racked up over 15,000 hits on it’s official music video as of December 2012 and found itself remixed by Gavin Edom and Matt Laming on an EP of the same name. The record itself is a four minute look into the beginnings of an artist willing to incorporate aggressive instrumentation, combined with a great mixing job and mastering finish (mastering by Dave Neil). Traditional song structure surrounds “Falling For You,” with accessible lyrics and simple hook that laments being hypnotized toward the end of the track, Carmichael pridefully calls out “It never felt so good to be lost in the thrill. But, I’m falling (x3), I’m falling for you.” Simple, but glorious and rightfully infectious.
A guitar driven b-side “Time” shows slight reverberation layers with a focus on vocals at the forefront. Alarm clock buzzes are also uniquely used for emotional input and while the track stands at just over a minute, it satisfies. A blueprint of euphoric mixing techniques is shown on this track, which proficiently provides a grand introduction in the broad spectrum of music Stephen walks upon.
One of the most fantastic aspects of Carmichael’s releases are his unique approach to covering another artists music. Sly vocal rephrasing and complete instrumentation revamps obliterate the notion of cover songs being sub-par. Instead, the tracks burst with charismatic originality that’s few and far between in an age where the average computer user can turn on their camera and broadcast their car-karaoke. He’s approached numbers by Lady Gaga, Gotye, Maroon 5, and Britney Spears in a unique form that derives completely from his own sonic space, breathing new and fresh air into some of today’s biggest smashes. What’s more impressive are his 80’s throwback tracks, specifically his cover of “Tainted Love” (Soft Cell) which interpolates “Falling For You” into it.
Even more precise and creative is his take on Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” which turns the campy 80’s minimalist synth pieces into seductive territory. Noticeable reverberation flourishes over top of the rhythmic kick and clap as stuttered vocals lay out the foundation for background crackles and melodic guitar to thrive. Where the original song’s vibe provided danceability, Carmichael demonstrates an extreme opposition. The intimate restaurant and suggestive movie mentioned in the song’s first verse contain a delicate charm and emotional complexity during Stephen’s version, never letting go of the slight sexy approach and finally subtly unveiling it during the pumping chorus that proclaims “let me hear your body talk.”
What causes Carmichael to work so well is his approach to honesty. Pop artists come and go during 2012 and very rarely does one come into the spotlight that’s just in it to make the music and art that they’ve always felt like doing. This comes across in pure form through all of the projects we’ve seen from this Brisbane located individual. With an announcement of a full album and steady stream of social media outlets and industry breaks, it seems as though his versatility and unique style is bound to be a favorite to critics, listeners, and fans.
Sometimes industrial looking, always wonderfully textured, Stephen’s videos are a wonderful visual accompaniment toward his musical releases and we’ve included his cover of “Physical” below. Listen, then follow, like, subscribe, and purchase.
Quite frankly, we’re falling, we’re falling, we’re falling, we’re falling for Stephen Carmichael.
The emotional electronic pop duo Hurts have been steadily working on a follow up to their impressive debut album Happiness. The 2010 release came coupled with extensive promotional work with headlining festivals, that catapulted Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson from low income mates (Adam openly admits to being homeless before the record, living on Theo’s couch) to sharply dressed, adored musical forces. March 11th, 2013 will bring an anticipated sophomore record entitled Exile and we’re just now getting a taste of two tracks that will be apart of this continuation of the two’s signature melancholic confessions.
2020k 