Say what you want about the first half of 2017, but it’s been great year for new music. Here are 13 of my favorite tracks so far. Enjoy!

Listen to the entire playlist HERE or below:

 

Freedom Is Free – Chicano Batman
Chicano Batman released what was an early favorite for my top album of the year. The LA based foursome have created this incredibly unique, funky, soulful sound that also perfectly showcases their Latino roots. The funky bass line and the beautiful backup vocals really pull this tune together for me.

Electric Abdomen – Landlady
Landlady’s style is an eclectic, funky, energetic form of pop-y rock music. I was lucky enough to catch these guys live in a tiny venue earlier this year, and this song in particular grabbed me. I dig how the song so easily goes from quietly delicate to an almost raucous rock number.

Self Made Man – The Dig
Gentle falsetto vocals laid nicely on top of simple stripped down drums, riffin’ rhythm guitar and well timed powerful guitar interjections make for a solid tune. This song has a catchy chorus and was a favorite of mine from an altogether well done album.

Spaceman – Ty Richards
Austin, TX based Ty Richards definitely blasted me off the tracks with this song. The heavy synthesizer is the foundation of a great melody on top of which Richards spacey vocals just soar. The instrumental interlude towards the end has a great build and the song finishes off so strong. Makes me wish I could wake up a zillion miles away!

Feel It Still – Portugal. The Man
When I first heard this track, I knew PTM was heading for success. By the time I’m writing this, the song has become a legit hit, and I can only see it growing from here. I’ve been a fan of this band for some time and they’ve never seemed to catch on in the mainstream for some reason. This may be the one where the mainstream starts to feel it.

Ain’t Got It Like That – Earl St. Clair
The first time I listened to this tune, I immediately rewound and started it again from the top. And then again. And again. In fact it was on repeat in my ears for quite some time. Earl St. Clair emulates a vintage funky soulful sound but manages to keep it hip and edgy at the same time. The verse sung by PJ fits just seamlessly and her voice is perfect. I sure hope he does finally get paid, so long as he keeps dropping tunes like this one.

Got Soul – Valerie June
Soul? Valerie June certainly has got that and much more. The Memphis based singer boasts a beautiful, rich voice and this song exemplifies her talents. I’m not sure there’s any other way to describe her other than soulful. Her twinge of southern influence is in full effect, and this song impressively incorporates horns, strings and a fantastic set of background singers that all build to an great crescendo to finish out the tune.

Sorcerer – Tonstartssbandht
If you know me, you know that I love a long jam as much as any, and Sorcerer is one of those tracks that gets out there but keeps me interested throughout. Brothers Andy and Edwin White showcase their talents as they instrumentally sound like much more than a duo. It almost feels as if their shared DNA allows them to keep their playing on a different level.

No Coffee – Amber Coffman
The former Dirty Projectors singer/guitarist released her first solo after splitting with the band and is a blissful collection of heartfelt songs about moving on from love, in this case with her former bandmate. The album has a very nice flow to it, and No Coffee is a fun, easy listening tune that gives the feeling Coffman is on to better things, both romantically and musically.

Safari Song – Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet is a quartet of teenage brothers and cousins who have been playing music together literally since they were toddlers. Their commitment has paid off. Fresh out of high school, these guys flat out rock. Their sound is so reminiscent of Led Zeppelin to me, particularly the Plant-esque vocals. Still, they manage to give it a fresh feeling where it doesn’t sound quite like an imitation but is clearly inspired. Having only released a 4 track EP, I can’t wait to see what else these guys can do.

On the Level – Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco has been around for a few years, but has grown to some fame as of late. On the Level isn’t the most typical of his songs on the album, but I really dig it’s slow-jazz, funky-backbone style and the synth melody during the chorus pulls me into this one. Not to mention the depth of DeMarco’s spacey, echoing vocals, which fit quite nicely.

Can’t Take That Away – Brother Ali
I had to give a nod to my hometown Minneapolis with Brother Ali’s latest release after a several-year hiatus. The album is loaded with that unique Rhymesayer’s sound and They Can’t Take That Away is an inspiring tune with a fantastic beat.

Carolina – Harry Styles
Yes, you can count me amongst those who somewhat embarrassingly were wowed with Harry Styles’ album this year. It’s a big shift in styles (pun-intended) for the former boy-band ringleader, and has a vintage 60’s/70’s stripped down rock and roll vibe. I could have chosen any number of tracks from the album, but Carolina is an upbeat, sing-along worthy number and I love how the energy flows and builds in this one. I say keep heading in this direction, Harry!