Best Songs of 2014: Honourable Mention (Part 1, A-D)

As I seem to mention every year, crafting a strict Top 100 Songs of The Year list is an impossibility for me, because I listen to and like way more than 100 songs. So in order to shine a light on some of the songs that are still very good but don’t crack my top 100, I’ve issued lists recognizing the “honourable mentions” the past couple years. This is the first of those lists for 2014. More than anything though, these lists serve as a record keeping endeavour, so when I look back at 2014 some years down the line, I’ll be able to re-visit all the songs I was into. Having something neat and tidy to refer to at any time appeals to me, and that’s a big reason why I compile these lists. If anyone else who reads them discovers/likes something new, that’s great too.

Without further ado, here is the first of four lists detailing the best songs of 2014, Honourable Mention style, in alphabetical order.

Allie X – Prime

 

alt-J – Nara

 

alt-J – The Gospel of John Hurt

 

Ariana Grande f. The Weeknd – Love Me Harder

 

Avid Dancer – I Want To See You Dance

 

Balance and Composure – Enemy

 

Basia Bulat – It Can’t Be You

 

Basia Bulat – Tall Tall Shadow

 

Bear Hands – Giants

 

Betty Who – Lovin’ Start

 

Bleachers – Rollercoaster

 

Britney Spears – Alien

 

Broken Bells – Holding On For Life

 

Broods – Coattails

 

Cloud Nothings – I’m Not Part Of Me

 

Darlia – Queen Of Hearts

 

Deers – Bamboo

 

Duck Sauce – NRG

 

Duke Dumont – Mumble Man

 

Dum Dum Girls – Rimbaud Eyes

Top 20 Songs of September 2014

Mind-blowing hits. Amazing covers. September was a blast. Here are my favourite songs from an amazing month in music, described in ten words or less. (Use more words? In this economy!?)

20. ILOVEMAKONNEN f. Drake – Tuesday

Club goes up, squad goes in. Freedom is a Tuesday.

 

19. Bleachers – Rollercoaster

Reminds me of The Boss. Glory days on a rollercoaster.

 

18. Sam Smith – Life Support

He could sing the phone book and it’d sound fantastic.

 

17. Ed Sheeran – One

Sheeran slays often with melodies so strong. And that voice!

 

16. Flume – Sleepless

Relatively old, but new to me. Loopy, punchy, electro goodness.

 

15. Tom Odell – Another Love/Another Love (Zwette Remix)

Not sure which version I prefer. Here’s both.

 

 

14. Say Lou Lou – Instant Crush

Quite like this slightly dark, doom portending Daft Punk cover.

 

13.George Ezra – Budapest

The launch of a star? Who knows. Great tune though.

 

12. Manchester Orchestra – Escape

Yes I like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain.

 

11. Shad and Holy Fuck – Cy Borg (Pt 1 & 2)

Click the link below to hear this unique, immense collaboration.

Holy Shad Explain The Legend Of Cy Borg (Watch & Listen)

 

10. Merely – Princess Hervor

Merely mesmerizing, fiery fervour. So easy to get lost in.

 

9. Alvvays – Archie, Marry Me

Occurred to me recently, this song is pure, unadulterated brilliance.

 

8. Hozier – Like Real People Do

Beautiful, tender. We should just kiss like real people do.

 

7. Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

She’s on fire. Massive pop hit after massive pop hit.

 

6. alt-J – Intro

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.

 

5. Enrique Iglesias f. Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona – Bailando

Enrique’s best song in more than 10 years. Absurdly catchy.

 

4. The New Pornographers – Champions of Red Wine

I love Neko-led New Pornographers songs. This is amazing.

 

3. The Madden Brothers – We Are Done

Thought it was an awesome 70’s song. The Madden Brothers!?

 

2. The Tea Party – The Maker

One of the best covers I’ve ever heard. Completely floored.

 

1. alt-J – Bloodflood pt. II

Rivers of the soul, exsanguinated. Blood on the canvas, art.