2017 was the first year in a long while when I bought singles and not just full albums or EP’s, so I thought I’d keep track of my favorites. Here’s the first half of the list!
#10 – Marlon Williams – “Vampire Again”
Not only does this song have the sexiest groove of the year, it also has a great backstory. Marlon Williams was bored on Halloween night in L.A. and noticed a local theatre was showing Nosferatu with a live orchestra performing music for the silent film. He got high, dressed up as a vampire, and went to the event only to discover he was the only one in costume. This is the story of that night.
#9 – Bebel Gilberto – “Creep” (live)
When my wife and I saw Bebel Gilberto in 2016, she played this song and mentioned that she was “thinking of releasing it.” “Please do!” I yelled from the middle of the amphitheater. She did, along with her wonderful EP Live at the Belly Up. This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
#8 – Honey – “Dream Come Now”
Honey‘s fiery single “Dream Come Now” was one of the most exciting tracks I heard all year. The opening guitar chaos made me immediately want to buy their album, New Moody Judy, which wasn’t available for another few months. It was well worth the wait.
#7 – Ty Segall – “The Main Pretender”
This wild, groovy bit of soul-punk from Ty Segall is jaw-dropping, especially with the wicked saxophone work from Mikal Cronin. This is like a lost Captain Beefheart track and a great example of Segall‘s love of multiple genres.
#6 – The Moonlandingz – “Black Hanz”
Weird, trippy, funky, and catchy, the Moonlandingz released “Black Hanz” and I was immediately hooked on them. The chorus roots into your head and the song warps into a crazy dream sequence at one point. It’s my favorite psychedelic track of the year.
Who’s in the top 5? Tune in tomorrow, friends!
Keep your mind open.
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