Our Favorite Songs of 2013 (So Far), Part Two

“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk

It’s a catchy tune with “disco vibes” yet resurrects Daft Punk as a band. However, its true strength is its ability to present the human desire for a soul mate in a creative manner not done in today’s market for singles. Chris Hutton

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“IV – The Drone of Earth” by Jay Tholen

Jay Tholen’s new album is one of his darkest works, a fairy tale concept album about the loss of faith. It’s also one of his best, musically, as he moves beyond the chiptune sounds of his earlier pieces towards something far more progressive and ambitious (listen here). Jason Morehead

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“Home Recording” by Mount Kimbie

I will have a hard time not comparing everything that Mount Kimbie does to their brilliant 2010 album Crooks & Lovers. But their new LP Cold Spring Fault Less Youth starts off with this brilliant track, a groovy downtempo, ambient tune with a perfect use of subtle vocals. Mount Kimbie vocals are like dialogue in a Tarkovsky film: sparse and impactful. Nick Rynerson

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“Made to Stray” by Mount Kimbie

This is a sprawling, complicated song with an electric, almost majestic vibe. “Made To Stray” could be played at a dubstep club or in a quiet study and feel just right. It’s almost symphonic in its vast audio storytelling, and again, the captivating vocals of these talented Brits act more as instrumental majesty than anything. Nick Rynerson

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“Always” by Killswitch Engage

I don’t think I have to say anything. The song’s brutally epic beauty speaks for itself. Derek Rishmawy

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“Relatively Easy” by Jason Isbell

This is a well written, catchy, emotionally vulnerable Americana tune off of Jason Isbell’s new album Southeastern. Also, I’ve never heard anyone rhyme prescription drugs with normal words so well. Nick Rynerson

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“Fathers Be Kind” by Ivan & Alyosha

The only thing better than the melodic, pleasant vibes of Ivan & Alyosha is their deep, intelligent songwriting. This is one of the most well-written songs I have heard this year. This song takes simple themes and adds a profound weight to them… and a really catchy hook. Nick Rynerson

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“The Night Before The War” by Ronnie Fauss

This is my favorite song off of one of my favorite albums of the year so far. It’s a great, straightforward alt-country song with one of my favorite choruses I’ve heard in a long time. Fauss nails this song. Nick Rynerson

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“Ya Hey” by Vampire Weekend

The title of this song is a play on “Yahweh” and retells the story of Moses meeting God in the burning bush. I think the song is about how hard it is to believe in a holy God. Drew Dixon

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“Wander” by Jay Nash

The vocals Nash lay down on this track are simply beautiful. It sounds like this song was recorded in an old barn with haunting acoustics. Accompanied by a pleasant, memorable riff, “Wander” would be the perfect track for the climax of a smart romantic comedy. Nick Rynerson