It’s time for the second part of our look back at the highs and lows of 2012. This time we’re running down our top ten singles from the last 12 months. No mean feat after all 2012 was the year that gave us new music from AlunaGeorge, St. Lucia, Yeasayer amongst others. As with our run down of the albums you can download the playlist over on iTunes now (buying it helps us pay our bandwidth fees and helps us to keep playing you new music).
2012 – The Singles Playlist (iTunes) (Spotify)
10. Niki and the Dove – DJ Ease My Mind
Bursting into our ears early in the year with a harsh and sharped edge sound, that had flashings of an anthemic dance track. Niki and the Dove have since dropped off the radar, but I like to think they’re hauled up in some remote log cabin in rural Sweden crafting a follow up to this belter.
9. Two Door Cinema Club – Sleep Alone
With a pounding beat that almost acts as a alarm to alert you to the fact that indie rock/poppers Two Door Cinema Club are back after what seems like a huge break. The opening track from their follow up to 2010’s ‘Tourist History’, is a return to form for the Irish three piece. Soaring vocal elements mixed with guitar riffs combine to create that familiar indie sound.
8. St. Lucia – Before The Dive
First featured on the Kitsuné’s America compilation, and quickly after was released as part of a self titled debut EP. A lazy sulking melody and beat are framed by soaring vocals to create one of the most upbeat sounds of the year.
7. NZCA/LINES – Okinawa Channels
Minimal beats and synths are what Londoner Michael Lovett aka NZCA/LINES does best and this track shows that off perfectly. With a beat thats delicate and synths that have a touch of the Casio about them. A gentle and serene track that sets up his debut album perfectly.
6. Poliça – Dark Star
After hearing the beauty of ‘Lay Your Cards Out’, ‘Dark Star’ is a bolt from the blue. A pounding pop beat kicks off the track before giving way to Channy Leneagh’s distinctive and familiar vocal. Not technically a single but definitely the one of the highlights of ‘Give You The Ghost’.
5. Chad Valley – Tell All Your Friends
The second release from Oxford’s Chad Valley’s new album ‘Young Hunger’. Marking the move from twee indie electro pop into a richer fuller and more produced sound. ‘Young Hunger’ also wins the award for the most collaborations from ilovepie’s favorite artists on one record … congrats Chad Valley, your commemorative tea cosy is on it’s way to you.
4. Jai Paul – Jasmine
Classed as a demo and still only the second track that Jai Paul has released. This track sent the hype machine into overdrive earlier in the year. Glitchy vocals and a chilled out RnB beat. Still no news about a full release from Jai Paul yet though.
3. Jessie Ware – Wildest Moments
The second track taken from Jessie’s rather successful album ‘Devotion’. Soaring, brooding pop vocal layered over a deep booming base combine to create a track that frames the rather off kilter lyrics perfectly, and is also my second favourite track after ‘Night Light’.
2. Rhye – The Fall
A relevantly recent release, from the Danish/Canadian Rhye. A haunting and chilled out track that has a beat that pulls you along, while the vocal has a scandi-pop feel. It’s a sound that a times seems familiar while being something completely new. And pair all that up with a rather sad and nostalgic video about a growing out of love and you have a very remarkable track
1. AlunaGeorge – Your Drums, Your Love
Our top spot goes to AlunaGeorge. Smooth sulky beats, paired up perfectly with Aluna’s vocal and George’s glitchy electro production, creating perfect pop music with a massive RnB flavour. AlunaGeorge have burst out of no where in the last year, and you can expect to see lots and lot more of them in 2013 including their debut featuring on next years top albums list. And if you get a chance to see them live we highly recommend it.