The year was full of amazing songs and some equally amazing videos. It was tough to narrow it down to just a few but here are my 17 favorite video clips from 2017.
1. The Psychotic Monks "It's Gone"
The band name says it all as "It's Gone" is truly one of the most intense tracks and videos you will come across anywhere. The Paris based dark psych unit are a relentless force to be reckoned with and this lead single from their album "Silence Slowly and Madly Shines" is sure to melt faces with each and every listen.
2. Palehound "Flowing Over"
Damn this is a good song from an amazing album and who couldn't love a video made up of footage from "The Boston League Of Women's Wrestlers". Brilliant in every sense of the word.
3. Death Valley Rally "Until It Melts Away"
Fresh off a west coast tour with Citrus Clouds Virginia's Death Valley Rally have been impressing audiences new and old with their latest album "Northern Lights". Lead single "Until It Melts Away" creates the perfect combination of indie pop and shoegaze while the captivating video draws you in and gives you even more of a sense of what this band is all about.
4. Citrus Clouds "Life Happens"
Delightful from beginning to end Phoenix Arizona's Citrus Clouds impress again with this devastatingly beautiful video clip for "Life Happens" directed by Anthony Sziklay.
5. Ty Segall "Break A Guitar"
A most impressive riff and a relentless rock n roll stance throughout are what makes me come back to this clip time and time again.
6. Washed Out "The Mister Mellow Show"
Incredible record and unbelievable visuals/art/animation that is just mind melting. I've watched this countless times and am happy I got to see this performed in a live setting as well.
7. TIMO ELLIS "SCANNERD"
Timo Ellis is one of the most talented and most proficient musicians going today and I love everything he makes be it the dirge driven "atomic punk"/metal with The Netherlands or this amazing solo track and frantic video that literally never lets up till the very end.
8. Elora "Carlo"
I couldn't be more proud of these guys. "Carlo" from their latest album "Dembitsky" is one of my favorites from the record and this video makes me miss my days being out on the road all over the USA with these guys.
9. The Morelings "Before"
Beautiful thought provoking track with visuals that accompany things perfectly. Come dive into their world of mysterious shoegaze bliss.
10. Klute "Far From You"
I can't get enough of this bands 3 chord, catchy punk rock madness and I love the grit and grain of this video. Taken from their new album "No Youth" these guys show no signs of slowing down when it comes to making some of the most inspiring rock n roll on the planet.
11. Potential Red "Broken"
A delightful track that merges indie pop and shoegaze in fine form. The stunning visuals and chiming guitars blend together so well.
12. Benjamin Gibbard "The Concept"
A great take on the classic Teenage Fanclub song by Deathcab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard. I love the simplicity of this animated video and all the little nuances and details it puts out.
13. Lee Ranaldo ""Circular (Right As Rain)"
I read a lot of interviews where Lee talked about how much of an enjoyable experience making this record was and besides this being an incredible song I also love the video because it captures so much of that recording experience in it and all of the fun the people who made it were having in the studio.
14. This Blinding Light "Star"
Taken from their latest E.P. "Mountains", "Star" is an infectious blast of no frills rock n roll that's backed by an undeniable groove and laced with traces of dark psych and shoegaze sensibilities. This colorful and hypnotic video enhances the performance even more.
15. La Terminal - Besando El Suelo (con letra)
A crushing blast of no frills post punk rock n roll backed by a simple yet enticing video that stirs up plenty of mystical vibes.
16. Waxahatchee "Silver"
Clearly one of the best songs of 2017. Amazing lyrics and big dynamic guitar sounds throughout. I love the lulling effect that the video gives off as it captures the band performing but also adds a sense of peacefulness to the presentation that works really well.
17. faUSt "Lights Flickr"
From their latest album "Fresh Air", "Lights Flickr" features the lyrics "Lights Flickr as I blink my eyes to the beat to the beat to the beat" as a frantic saxophone and sea of feedback blast over top of a thunderous beat. Simply put the video is equally as INSANE. What more could you ask for???
Check out Episode 3 of Custom Made Music Radio featuring tracks from ELORA, PORCH, The Orange Kyte , Lillet Blanc, Klute, Citrus Clouds, Mudhoney, J Mascis, Tad, Low, Ballad of Geraldine, Loving You, This Blinding Light and Adult Colour.
Join us for the premier episode of the Custom Made Music Radio Podcast hosted by Dave Allison (Custom Made Music/Last Remaining Pinnacle) and Dave Dembitsky (House Of Lou Studios/Last Remaining Pinnacle). Episode 1 features tracks from Mayflower Madame, Citrus Clouds, You People, A Deer A Horse, Hands That Work, Last Remaining Pinnacle, Elora, The One2's, Juliana Hatfield, The Foreign Resort, Boris The Sprinkler, This Blinding Light, Clustersun, Spirit System, Creepoid and Clifffs.
2015 was an incredible year for music and I'm so happy I got to experience so much of it. There were many many bands worthy of being on this list so it was hard to break it down to just 40 tracks but I wanted to share a collection of songs that really inspired me this year. I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do. Looking forward to another music filled year in 2016.
1. Blessed Child Opera "We Can't Be Rivals Of God"
The stunning first single off of the new Blessed Child Opera album "The Devil & The Ghosts Dissolved" is a dark, emotional journey and one of the most intense songs I have ever heard. You can feel the passion in the voice of BCO mastermind Paolo Messere and the power that is harnessed throughout this track is simply immeasurable.
2. Clustersun "Antagonize Me"
Although this track has not been officially released yet, Clustersun played it regularly during their U.S. tour this past Spring. I had an incredible time with them as they played shows throughout the North East and wowed new fans with the warm atmospherics and energy showcased throughout this song. Excited about their new album due out in early 2016.
3. Elora "Fuego"
My favorite song from the bands debut album "Tu". I got to spend three wonderful weeks with these guys on tour in the U.S. this past October and the highlight of every show was getting to hear them blast this one out in fine form sending the audience home happy each night.
4. Terra "I Fold"
Hands down the best melodic punk rock n roll song of the year. From their high energy E.P. "Couldn't Save This" these guys emerged as one of 2015's best new bands with a sound that echoes the spirits of Wire, The Cure and Killing Joke.
5. Blue Movie "Kuroi Karasu"
Certainly one of the most breathtaking tracks of 2015 London's Blue Movies made their mark with this beautiful and enigmatic song that takes you on a psychedelic journey of epic proportions.
6. Mayflower Madame "Into The Haze"
This psychedelic mind bender creates a vibe that is intense, dark and down right haunting. The thunderous bass, driving drums, ethereal guitar tones and cold vocal attack harness an amazing combination of post punk, goth and psych sounds to create a style all it's own.
7. Monarch Mtn "At Dawn Three Michael's"
A truly moving song from this Colorado based singer songwriter. The flourishing guitars accompany Logan's voice perfectly and create a blissful and breathtaking mood that's uplifting and warm.
8. Comasummer "Out Of The Sun"
A magical track that merges a classic psych sound with a melodic garage rock approach and shoegaze tendencies to bring a fresh take on no frills rock n roll.
9.Animal Holograms "Hello My Dark"
A brilliant balance between moody and blissful territory. The grinding, dirge like sounds shift into a bright, beautiful stretch of dreamy shoegaze that is simply phenomenal.
10. Hot Glew "If I Let You Inside My Mind"
Can't say enough good things about this track. It's like an experimental take on a classic 70's pop song. Rich atmospherics, an infectious beat and mysterious vocals that take you on a thought provoking ride one listen at a time.
11. ATOMBOMB "When the Spirit Wanes"
Stellar guitar work and passionate vocals backed by a top notch rhythm section make this one of the stand out tracks of the year. It's full of intensity as the song builds and builds to a euphoric peak that's colorful and free.
12. The Red Shift "Perfume"
A wonderful offering of stripped down pop punk that reminds me of Jawbreaker, J Church and early Husker Du. Brilliant!!!
13. Howling Cloud "Acid Rain"
A track that defines experimentation. The minimal piano and ambient tones that surround this piece are truly inspiring. I hear something different with each listen. The perfect soundtrack for the opening of a brand new world.
14. Everyone But Me "Say Farewell"
My favorite track from this new shoegaze/dream pop units debut E.P. The blissful guitars and looming vocals sound like they are being beamed down from outer space. A wonderful track that sits well next to some of my favorite shoegaze classics.
15. Shark Logic "Penny"
A dark abrasive industrial tinged track that's hard hitting and cold. "Penny" is both soothing and harsh at the same time and really sets the pace for a band that should be making incredible music for years to come.
16. She Rides Tigers "Roll With It"
Simply put this is one of the most catchy and infectious songs of the year. The fuzzed out guitar tone, rolling bass line and pounding drums are top notch and and the song writing is damn near perfect. A true indie rock anthem.
17. Jen Hingley "It's In Your Eyes"
An amazing blast of 90's inspired indie rock bliss. The pounding drums and sonic guitar tones sit perfectly alongside Hingely's inspiring voice.
18. Future Women "Demille"
One of the most aggressive songs I've heard in some time. This Chicago psych/shoegaze unit add a bit more grime to their sound than most. The vocals and guitars move as one with the crushing rhythm section to make an intense blast of sonic rock n roll mayhem that destroys anything in it's path.
19. Wild Wants "Regret Collector"
A delightful indie pop number with surf and psych undertones. The hooks are undeniably catchy and this song just makes you feel good.
20. Oblio "Florida"
Inspiring track from this Oakland unit that has it's own unique sound and charm. Played this one a lot this past summer at high volume to much delight.
21. Edward Jakenssen "Teleor"
One of Edward's more stripped down lo-fi tracks that works so well. I've been hooked on it since the first listen. Bravo!!!
22. Absent Sound "Meaniac!"
This is one of the most complex tracks I've ever heard. From the beat that seems like it's constantly evolving to the layers of sound that weave through your mind like a hypnotic daydream this track is cunning and intense.
23. Dog, Paper, Submarine "New Light"
These guys can flat out bring it and "New Light" is a prime example of the high energy rock n roll Dog. Paper. Submarine. create with fury. Blazing guitars, pounding drums and maniacal bass lines matched by quirky and charming vocals that tie it all together.
24. A Deer a Horse "Fighter"
A Deer A Horse are the complete package that take no prisoners when it comes to making straight up no frills rock n roll. "Fighter" is tops!!!
25. The Gooch Palms "Slow Burner"
"Slow Burner" is absolutely stellar from the pounding drums to the ripping guitar riff to the anthem like vocals I can't get enough of this one. A wonderful combo of garage rock, doom rock and synth pop.
26. Jack Hardy "Hole In The"
New Orleans based musician Jack Hardy delivers big on this guitar driven lo-fi masterpiece from his 2015 E.P. "Slipped". One of the best up and coming artists going today.
27. Chayce Halley "Agoraphobia"
This song always makes me think of a psychedelic carnival as it has a mystical element to it that's other worldly. The experimental sounds that dance around Chayce's vocal delivery are simply incredible.
28. Tuval "Washingmachine"
A triumphant piece of experimental bliss. Really inspiring track from this Brighton UK artist that's not afraid to push the envelope.
29. Lazy Queen "Wouldn't You Rather Know Yourself?"
Loud, chaotic and high energy shoegaze/alt rock from Brooklyn backed by an aggressive beat, in your face vocals and thick fuzzed out guitars.
30. Twin "Exponential"
An intense track from this indie folk duo that never cease to amaze me each time I play this track. The vocal delivery is off the chart and the musicianship is top notch.
31. Spirit System "Cadence Of Commotion"
Excellent track from the bands "Afterblume" E.P. It's dark, catchy and uplifting and features one of my favorite vocal performances of teh year alongside some seriously menacing guitar work and one of the best rhythm sections in the game.
32. Night Shapes "Nocturnal Flight"
An incredible fusion of dark psych, art rock and experimental mayhem.
33. Pain In The Yeahs "Esoterica"
My favorite PITY track yet. The pulsating drum machine beats and dark hooks throughout are both crushing and infectious.
34. Aura Blaze "It's A Ride"
Amazing psychedelic pop that channels ELO, The Beatles and Tommy James. Amazing musicianship and songwriting and brilliant production.
35. Kromo "AC 10 Infinite"
An inspiring ambient piece from one of my favorite new artists. The colorful textures that are created throughout are both haunting and beautiful.
36. Ballad Of Geraldine "I Want You"
Another one of my favorite new bands out of Germany. No frills rock n roll backed by a pounding hypnotic groove.
37. Leaf "Wait Until"
Awesome song from this Los Angeles based band that brings to mind the likes of Dinosaur JR. and Buffalo Tom. The drums and bass lay a smooth foundation for the nasty fuzzed out guitar and laid back vocal approach.
38. Loyebyrd "Shot From The Sun"
This is just a fun song all around. Classic psych/pop that will have you singing along in no time. Also love the phaser driven guitar that flows throughout the track.
39. Seven tin Stars "Skyline To Reorder"
Soothing shoegaze/dream pop that flows through you with each listen. A truly blissful song that's highly textured guitar work and mysterious vocals a the perfect track for a long walk on a refreshing Spring day.
40. Farewell Fox "Alone"
I love the elements of chaos and mystery that surround this song. It's experimental it's psychedelic and it's a song you should be listening to right now!!!
Based in Barcelona Spain, Elora make guitar driven indie rock that is intricate, atmospheric and full of energy. Their latest release "Cada Dia Es Asi" is available now through CMM on CD. The band sets out on their first U.S. tour starting October 9th in New York City. Vocalist/Guitarist Marco Morgione shares some of the bands favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first check out the video for "Cada Dia Es Asi".
Can “Moonshake”
Think about any cool element of any artist you might like. Can did it all that before… those artists were born.
Primal Scream “Accelerator”
Our bass player used to listen to this daily on his way to the University. He says it was better than coffee. The guitars were recorded by MBV’s Kevin Shields and are just his heaviest and most aggressive ever, more than any other he has made. One of our references, without question.
Sparklehorse "Ghost in the Sky"
The late Mark Linkous was a sad person who put an impressive vital energy in his music. This is a great example that sadness makes the world turn.
Magnetic Fields “California Girls”
We love this song because we can feel the California sun as Claudia Bonson sings how much she hates them. We love the songs that are about hating something.
Cocteau Twins “Sugar Hiccup”
All indie groups look up to Cocteau Twins and what they did in songs like this one. Even the bands that have never listened to them.
