Choice Cuts Volume 23: Some of Our Favorite Tracks From 2024

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2024's playlists for my 23nd annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. And once again I am doing my Casey Kasem impression and turned it into a radio show as well. Here ya go: 

Michael Schneider · 2024 Choice Cuts Radio Show

Also, check out the Choice Cuts 2024 YouTube playlist here, or stream the full playlist on Spotify playlist here.

Or you can listen and watch each one below!

1. "Cinderella" — Remi Wolf

Last year's Choice Cuts comp featured Remi Wolf on a duet with Benny Sings, but this year we have her solo. The Palo Alto native released her second album, "Big Ideas," in 2024 , featuring her biggest hit to date, "Cinderella."  Let's go hang with her and the boys in the hotel lobby!

2. "Love Me Not (feat. Rex Orange County)" — Ravyn Lenae

The original version of Ravyn Lenae's track "Love Me Not" appears on her album "Birds Eye," which was released in August. She later released a remix of the song featuring new vocals from Rex Orange County. It's perhaps an unexpected collab, but their voices truly mesh.

3. "Cheerleader" — Porter Robinson

Born in Atlanta and raised in Chapel Hill, electronic music producer Porter Robinson crafted a fast paced, catchy tune for his first release in two years. A song about parasocial relationships, "Cheerleader" meshes emo with synthpop. It's pretty irresistable.

4. "Every Night Every Morning" — Maoli

Originally released by the country duo Maddie & Tae in 2022, the song "Every Night Every Morning" got a Hawaiian reggae makeover by the group Maoli, led by Glenn Awong. You couldn't escape this song in Hawai'i this summer, and for good reason. 

5. "DANCE NOW" — JOEY VALENCE & BRAE

No, it's not an old Beastie Boys track. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Joey Valence and Brae bring plenty of bravado and humor to a dope beat. We DIY, yeah we're Etsy.

6. "Take A Bite" — beabadoobee

We featured Beabadoobee's song "Talk" in our 2022 Choice Cuts mix. This time out we've got the lead single from her third album "This Is How Tomorrow Moves." Beabadoobee once again takes us back to the 90s with an another infectious tune, "Take A Bite," in which she embraces her chaotic side. Go ahead, take a bite.

7. "Starburster" — Fontaines D.C.

Formed in 2014 and based in Ireland, rock band Fontaines D.C. released their fourth album "Romance" in 2024 and hit it big with "Starburster," which was named song of the year by Spin and landed a Grammy nom for best alternative music performance. 

8. "Hell of A Ride" — Nourished By Time

Marcus Brown, a.k.a. Nourished By Time's 2024 EP "Catching Chickens" features the track "Hell of a Ride" which now feels a bit prescient... is it really about proclaiming the end of late-stage capitalism and the fall of America as we know it? Well, it has been a hell of a ride. Sigh.

9. "Love To Walk Away" — The Vaccines

Formed in West London n 2010, The Vaccines have already released six albums, including most recently 2024's "Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations." That title was inspired by Don McLean's "American Pie" as frontman Justin Young decided to make an album about the "loss of dreams." "Love to Walk Away" set that tone.

10. "Don't Forget Me" — Maggie Rogers

Maggie Rogers kicked off 2024 by releasing her third album "Don't Forget Me," and even sneak previewing the title track on New Year's Day. Turns out we didn't forget her this year.

11. "You Need Me Now? (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)" — girl in red

During Taylor Swift's lengthy Eras tour, both Girl in Red and Sabrina Carpenter served as opening acts. So it probably was inevitable that they would collab on their own track together. It was a big year for Sabrina Carpenter, and she's featured here backing up Girl in Red on "You Need Me Now."

12. "BODYGUARD" — Beyoncé

In yet another groundbreaking year for Beyonce, she played with various genres, especially of course country, on her eighth album "Cowboy Carter" and then ended the year breaking records as the halftime extravaganza during the Christmas Day NFL games. This was my favorite song off Cowboy Carter, the 70s-ish "Bodyguard."

13. "blindspot" — Charlotte Sands

Off her LP "Can We Start Over," Charlotte Sands channels the 1990s -- hey it seems to be a common theme here -- in "Blindspot." In the song, Charlotte opines over falling in love with a friend. Sands says she was inspired by artists like Michelle Branch and Jewel in "Blindspot." Take a listen.

14. "Just My Luck" — Obongjayar

Obongjayar is a Nigerian singer based in London, real name Steven Umoh. His music mixes soul, electronic music, hip hop influences, Afrobeat and more. And then there's that falsetto voice he uses in the catchy tune "Just My Luck." You won't be able to get him shouting "Lucky! Lucky" out of your head. But don't worry, it's just your luck.

15. "Lego Ring (feat. Lil Yachty)" — Faye Webster

Faye Webster and Lil Yachty were middle school pals in Atlanta, and then took different creative paths. And yet, Faye's indie folk rock and Yachty's trap and rap background both come from experimental places. So of course, it completely works to bring them together on "Lego Ring." Stay in touch with your childhood friends!

16. "Sexy to Someone" — Clairo

Clairo, the performing name for Claire Cottrill, received a Grammy nomination for her third album "Charm," featuring tracks like Sexy to Someone, a plea for love that is nevertheless bright and groovy.  

17. "Otherside (feat. Holly Walker) — Maribou State

Maribou State is an electronic music duo out of the UK featuring Chris Davids and Liam Ivory. But they regularly work with singer Holly Walker, who shows up here in the track "Otherside," off their upcoming album "Hallucinating Love."

18. "Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)" — Waxahatchee

Waxahatchee, the band project from Katie Crutchfield, wowed critics this year with "Tigers Blood," her sixth album. Nominated for a Grammy as best Americana album, "Tigers Blood" features the power collab between Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman. Inspired by classic country duets, "Right Back to It" was named one of the best singles of the year by the New York Times. Let's get right back to it.

19. "squabble up" — Kendrick Lamar

You'd think winning his battle with Drake via the instant classic "Not Like Us" would make enough of a victorious year for Kendrick Lamar. But in November he dropped the surprise album "GNX." That album immediately cemented Kendrick's MVP status in 2024; the track "Squabble Up" I particularly love, of course, thanks to the "When I Hear Music" Debbie Deb sample.

20. "Pretending" — FLETCHER

Fletcher, real name Cari Elise Fletcher, released her second full-length album this year, "In Search of the Antidote," featuring the track "Pretending." Fletcher says the song is about having that person at that back of your mind who makes you keep wondering, " Is it going to be us that end up together one day?" For now, we'll both keep on pretending.

21. "Good Luck, Babe!" — Chappell Roan

When Chappell Roan announced the release of her single "Good Luck Babe," she described it as the "first song of the next chapter" and she was most certainly right. It was a big year for the singer, although that did come with plenty of controversy over her struggles with fame. I try not to include too many mega hits on this list, but NPR named it the best pop song of the year and "Good Luck Babe" continues to be a grand, anthemic listen.

22. "Nothing Would Change" — The Linda Lindas

They've come a long way from the LA Public Library. You heard the Linda Lindas' hit "Growing Up" this summer in "Inside Out 2," and more recently the Linda Lindas released their second album, "No Obligation." As they prepare to embark on a North American tour in 2025, the Linda Lindas are truly growing up. And this track, "Nothing Would Change," takes another melancholic look at how growing up means that, well, everything changes.

23. "Crown" — Billie Marten

UK singer songwriter Billie Marten has been playing the song "Crown" in concert for some time, but finally released a recording of the song, which Billie describes as "a song of longing, of accepting who you are, a truthful interlude." Try on this "Crown."

24. "Girl, so confusing (featuring lorde)" — Charli XCX

This may be one of my favorite music moments of the whole year. The original "Girl, So Confusing" appears on Charli XCX's album "Brat," which took the world by storm. In it, she talks about her rivalry with another musician. In this remix, we find out who it is: Lorde, who adds a verse as the two air out their issues -- and promise to break the Internet in the process.

25. "God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat. Yazmin Lacey)" — Yazmin Lacey & Ezra Collective

For their third album, "Dance, No One's Watching," Ezra Collective partnered with London singer Yazmin Lacey to give us the smooth, jazz-infused groove "God Gave Me Feet For Dancing." Bandleader Femo Koleoso says the song is meant to look at dancing in a more spirtual capacity. "It's our God-given ability to share away the badness of life and dance instead." Something to remember as we head into 2025.

Choice Cuts Volume 22: Some of Our Favorite Tracks From 2023

 

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2023's playlists for my 22nd annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. I've been doing this annual "Best of" mix every year since 2002, but this is the first year I turned it into a radio show too. It was a lot of fun, and although perhaps not every song is for everyone, I hope you'll enjoy listening to some tracks perhaps you hadn't heard before -- while I do my best Casey Kasem impression. Here ya go:

franklinavenue · 2023 Choice Cuts Radio Show

Also, check out the Choice Cuts 2023 YouTube playlist here, or stream the full playlist on Spotify playlist here.

Or you can listen and watch each one below!

Listen and watch each one below!

1. "Back on 74" — Jungle
Jungle, the electronic music group founded in London in 2013 by producers Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland. Off their third album “Volcano,” “Back on 74” was the fourth single to come out this year from the group. This is Lydia Katto on lead vocals. What a way to kick off the album. Go ahead and groove, I dare you not to.



2. "Lil Boo Thang" — Paul Russell
I mean, how infectious is this sample of the Emotions’ 1977 classic “Best of My Love”? Updated for the TikTok generation – literally this is where “Lil Boo Thang” exploded – Paul Russell has one of the most infectious tracks of the year.



3. "Loving You" — Cannons
I’m usually not a fan of whistling on songs… and yet, Cannons wins me over from the very start of “Loving You.” The kick-off song from their latest album “Heartbeat Highway,” “Loving You” continues the trend of Cannons having perhaps the best music of this century for roller skating. Now, to be fair, maybe I was inspired by the video to “Fire for You,” which was on my 2021 Choice Cuts and filmed at Glendale’s famed Moonlight Rollerway. Whatever they’re doing with their smooth grooves, I’m happy to have more Cannons on this mix.



4. "Lipstick Lover" — Janelle Monáe
“I like lipstick on my neck.” Janelle Monáe, getting seductive on her latest album, “The Age of Pleasure,” and the track “Lipstick Lover” in particular. The video to this song, ooh, let’s just note that there are two versions, since one of them would not be safe for MTV… if there still was an MTV. “The Age of Pleasure” was nominated for album of the year and best progressive R&B album at the Grammys, and these reggae tinged sounds on “Lipstick Lover” made Monáe’s first studio album in more than five years a welcome return.



5. "No California" — Ilsey
California songs are a genre in themselves, and Ilsey added a must to those West Coast/best coast playlists this year with “No California.” Full name Ilsey Anna Juber, believe it or not her grandfather was Sherwood Schwartz. That’s right, the creator behind “The Brady Bunch” and “Gilligan’s Island.” There’s nothing more California than that. From her debut album “From the Valley,” “No California” is a worthy listen.



6. "Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood" — Yves Tumor
Originally from Knoxville, Tenn., Yves Tumor – born Sean Lee Bowie – came out with perhaps the most exciting song of the year to me, the beautifully experimental “Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood.” This epic journey sounds like it could have come out of another Bowie. Tumor’s latest album is titled “Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds).” It’s ambitious, including this song.



7. "Don't Let the Devil (feat. El-P)" — Killer Mike
We’re up to a song that technically isn’t from Run the Jewels, but it sort of is. From Killer Mike’s sixth studio album (but his first in 11 years) “Michael,” the track “Don’t Let the Devil” features El-P with Killer Mike – and even a shout out to their group Run the Jewels. Killer Mike says the latest album was influenced by gospel, soul, funk and hip-hop, and you hear it in “Don’t Let the Devil.”



8. "Pyjamas (feat. Remi Wolf)" — Benny Sings
Dutch pop musician Benny Sings has been crafting pop gem after pop gem, sticky songs that stay with you. That was especially true with his two collabs with Remi Wolf. “Young Hearts” is a bop, sure, but “Pyjamas” is irresistible. In a year where bossa nova influences are everywhere, “Pyjamas” marries those groves with some equally catchy lyrics. I mean, we all love wearing pajamas. And Havaianas.



9. "Weightless" — Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks somehow manages to pop up on my end of year mixes annually these days. In 2022, it was “Softly.” In 2021, it was “Green Eyes.” This year, we moved on to the British singer-songwriter’s second album, “My Soft Machine,” and the single “Weightless.” It’s bright and boppy, and I like it.



10. "Evolution" — Braids
Originally from Calgary and now based in Montreal, Braids released their latest album, “Euphoric Recall,” this year. The track “Evolution” is the kind of groove we need right now.



11. "Empty Mansions" — Local Natives
Local Natives is another band that tends to land a slot in my year-end mixes, but how can I not. The group, which I’ll never forget was the last live show I saw before the pandemic shut down concerts for a long time, continues to produce music that is the soundtrack of our lives living in Los Angeles. The group’s latest album, “Time Will Wait for No One,” features some great singles. Interestingly, “Empty Mansions” wasn’t one they they released… but to me it was their dreamiest.



12. "Circus Maximus (feat. The Weeknd)" — Travis Scott
I’ve gotten to the point now in my life where my kids have their own musical tastes and are frequently inspiring me to get into certain artists or songs. My eldest was really into Travis Scott’s “Circus Maximus” album this year, including the film of the same name. This one is a controversial choice, I know critics were mixed on it – particularly because of its similarities to Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead.” But I sometimes can’t help what I like, and the powerful drums and contrast with The Weeknd’s voice – and the synth at the end of it — just made it interesting to me. Sorry!



13. "Psychos" — Jenny Lewis
OK, let’s move back from those aggressive drums to something Joyful, y’all. Literally: Jenny Lewis’ latest album is titled “Joy’All,” and the kick off song is “Psychos.” She’s a rock and roll disciple in a video game.



14. "Pretty Girl" — Ice Spice
Out of this world like sci-fi. It’s been quite a year for Ice Spice, including an appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” where she first performed this track, along with Nigerian rapper/singer Rema. “Pretty Girl” is quite simply, pretty.



15. "No More Lies" — Thundercat & Tame Impala
Tame Impala, aka Kevin Parker, has become equally famous for his collabs alongside his own songs. In 2021, we included his “Breathe Deeper” remix with Lil Yachty. This time out, it’s “No More Lies,” his track with Thundercat that may be the funkiest thing on this year’s mix.



16. "Show Me How" — Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters returns to shoegaze for “Show Me How,” a song about loss — made all the more poignant by the inclusion of Violet Grohl on vocals with her father Dave. From their 11th studio album, “But Here We Are,” the introspective song refers to the death of Dave’s mother, and Violet’s grandmother. Where are you now, who will show me how?



17. "Headlights On" — Wild Nothing
Formed by Jack Tatum in 2009, Wild Nothing released their fifth studio album, “Hold,” this year. “Headlights On” is the first single, featuring guest vocals from Hatchie. Jack Tatum, by the way, co-wrote Japanese Breakfast’s signature song “Be Sweet,” a previous Choice Cuts selection.



18. "Nothing Left to Lose" — Everything But the Girl
It’s confusing to me how Everything But the Girl had been inactive since 2000, given that Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt have been a real-life couple for decades. But maybe working on separate projects was the secret to them staying together all this time. Nonetheless, the arrival of new Everything But the Girl music in 2023 was a welcome homecoming. Their new album is titled “Fuse,” leading off with “Nothing Left to Lose,” featuring Thorn’s rich vocals, of course.



19. "Heavenly" — Sputnik Sweetheart
Based in Canberra, Australia, Sputnik Sweetheart released the EP “Far From You” earlier this year, the heavenly “Heavenly” is a standout single.



20. "La Bachata" — Manuel Turizo
Colombian singer Manuel Turizo Zapata, who just goes by Manuel Turizo professionally, won the Global 200 Latin Song of the Year, the Airplay Song of the Year and Tropical Song of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for his single “La Bachata.” Bachata is a Dominican genre that drives this tune, which became Turizo’s biggest hit ever.



21. "Drive Me Crazy!" — Lil Yachty
I mentioned Lil Yachty earlier, and now here he is, with a track from his 2023 release “Let’s Start Here.” A bit of a departure for Lil Boat, there’s a lot of psychedelic rock and singing on this album, and I’m here for it. “Drive Me Crazy!” is an upbeat bop that he performed on “SNL” earlier this year, in his performance debut on the series.



22. "Wretched" — Bartees Strange
Bartees Strange kicked off last year’s Choice Cuts, and he’s back again with “Wretched,” off the album “Farm to Table.” Technically from 2022, but I was still listening a lot to Bartees this year, and this song is just too moving not to include. ““This song is about the people who’ve always stood by me, even when I was wretched. When I was trying to be something other than myself—they saw me even through that and held me down,” Strange said in releasing this track.



23. "All I Want" — Lane 8
Daniel Goldstein is the Denver-based producer and DJ better known as Lane 8. His latest album “Reviver” was also released in 2022, so it took a while for it to hit my ears. Apparently it shows up on the FIFA 23 soundtrack, which is perhaps how it spread wide this year. “All I Want” features Arctic Lake on vocals, filled with need and desire. Just wait for that drop.



24. "Not Strong Enough" — Boygenius
You hear “supergroup” bandied about a lot when people bring up Boygenius, the “supergroup” made up of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. We finally got a full record from them this year, called of course “The Record.” Since then they played Coachella, toured the world and performed on “SNL.” (Wow, a lot of SNL musical guests on this year’s mix!) And they ended the year with seven Grammy nominations, including album of the year and record of the year. “Not Strong Enough” was strong enough to receive three of those nods.



25. "Lovesick" — Laufey
Remember when I said it’s the kids who are now inspiring some of my music choices? Never has that been more clear that Laufey, the pop/jazz artist that both my sons absolutely adore. So much that I believe I was nominated for dad of the year because I managed to get them tickets to see her at the Ace Hotel this fall. From her album “Bewitched,” Laufey’s “Lovesick” feels like the perfect way to wrap up 2023’s Choice Cuts.

Choice Cuts Volume 21: Some of Our Favorite Tracks From 2022

 

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2022's playlists for my 21st annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Listen and watch each one below!

1. Bartees Strange, "Heavy Heart"
Real name Bartees Leon Cox Jr., now known as Bartees Strange, he came on strong in 2022 with the album "Farm to Table." But Strange already had a bit of a hit in 2020 with "Mustang," off his previous album "Live Forever." Strange is the son of a military father and a mother who's an opera singer, hence being born in England before growing up in Mustang, Oklahoma (hence that "Mustang" song title). Now based in Washington, D.C., Strange has toured with Phoebe Bridgers, Courtney Barnett and The National, among others.



2. Mitski, "Love Me More"
Mitski appeared on our 2016 Choice Cuts with her fantastic track "Your Best American Girl" and last year former President of the United States Barack Obama included "The Only Heartbreaker" in his list of top songs of 2021. Not saying we were there before Obama, but clearly Mitski makes an impression. She nearly quit music in 2019, but thankfully in February 2022, she released the new record "Laurel Hell," which includes the track "Love Me More."



3. The Go! Team, "Whammy O"
I am truly obsessed with the unique songs that The Go! Team, from Brighton, England, puts out. The group mixes samples, live instrumentation, chants and original beats to come up with constant earworms. In 2015, "The Scene Between" was on my Choice Cuts playlist, and just last year I fell in love with "A Bee Without its Sting," from the album "Get Up Sequences Part One." Now, from the upcoming "Part Two," take a listen to "Whammy O." (And as a bonus, enjoy the found footage style video, sampling clips from bizarre, obscure 1980s TV clips.)



4. The 1975, "Happiness"
Hailing from Manchester, The 1975 has been on a roll; the band also appeared on last year's Choice Cuts playlist, for their song "Bagsy Not In Net." And in 2018, I opened up the mix with "Give Your Self a Try." The band, made up of Matty Healy, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald and George Daniel, continue to garner fans for their mix of electropop and indie rock; their fifth studio album, 2022's "Being Funny in a Foreign Language," also became the band's fifth consecutive No. 1 album in the UK.



5. Holly Humberstone, "The Walls Are Way Too Thin"
When the pandemic halted tours and stopped live music for a period of time, I made a vow to start seeing more shows again. (It helps that the kids are older and its easier for us to duck out on date night.) And I feel like we have, to some degree. I still do a poor job of keeping track of who's in town, but among the artists I had tickets to see last year was Holly Humberstone... well, until she had to cancel the day of the show due to COVID. The challenges of touring in a pandemic world haven't ended, obviously. Humberstone showed up in my 2020 mix with the track "Overkill," and in 2022 was given the award for "rising star" at the Brit Awards. That's right, an ongoing theme so far: Plenty of UK artists on this year's Choice Cuts; Humberstone, who just turned 23 on December 17, hails from Grantham, England.



6. Gabriels, "One and Only"
Gabriels mixes gospel, soul, jazz, R&B and more for their unique sound, which I first stumbled across in 2021 with their track (and EP) "Love and Hate in a Different Time." Their debut album, "Angels & Queens," came out in 2022 and spawned "One and Only" among the tracks. Continuing our UK trend, the group is actually both British and American; members Jacob Lusk, Ryan Hope and Ari Balouzian first met in Los Angeles in 2016. The band is named after St. Gabriels Avenue, a street in Sunderland, England.



7. Fancy Hagood feat. Kacey Musgraves, "Blue Dream Baby"
Fancy Hagood, real name Jake Hagood, experienced one of those dream scenarios in 2015 when he was signed by producers including Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta, and began recording with the likes of Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande. But after his songs went nowhere -- and an ill-advised teaser campaign, in which the artist was billed "Who Is Fancy" -- Hagood was dropped by those producers. But the story doesn't end there. In 2022, the queer Southern pop/country artist released the bop "Blue Dream Baby," with Kacey Musgraves backing him up on vocals. It comes with a saucy animated video -- actually, there are two versions, one censored and one uncensored -- and perhaps now people finally know who Fancy is. Appropriately, the song was released on International Pride Day. “It might be love, no way it’s nothing.”



8. Meg Myers, "HTIS" (Ft. Luna Shadows & Carmen Vandenberg)
Perhaps Meg Myers was running up that hill too soon, or too late. Her 2019 cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up that Hill" was a hit, and made it to heavy rotation on alternative rock stations. But this year, when the original version re-entered the scene thanks to "Stranger Things," Myers' (solid) version was pretty much forgotten. Originally from Tennessee and now based in Los Angeles, Myers has been percolating for a while with breaking through for a while now, most recently with the 2021 album "Thank U 4 Taking Me 2 The Disco." In 2022, she released the single "HTIS" -- which stands for "Hiding That I'm Sexual" -- along with Luna Shadows (who has regularly performed with Choice Cuts favorites The Naked and Famous) and Carmen Vandenberg.



9. Arlo Parks, "Softly"
Another U.K. artist, another returnee from 2021. Last year, Arlo Parks broke through with her acclaimed album "Collapsed in Sunbeams," which earned the Mercury Prize for best album. It was hard to choose a track from that album to include in last year's Choice Cuts, but we settled on "Green Eyes." In 2022, Parks released the standalone single "Softly," an irresistable track that gets the London-based artist back on the 2022 Choice Cuts.



10. Jim-E Stack, Lucky Daye, "Next To Me"
Originally from San Francisco but now based in Los Angeles, James Harmon Stack -- aka Jim-E Stack -- previously popped up on our 2020 Choice Cuts with "Sweet Summer Sweat," which featured Dijon. Stack has also worked with the likes of Bon Iver, Kacy Hill and Empress Of; his non-album single from 2022, "Next to Me," features New Orleans-based singer/songwriter Lucky Daye. Daye also had a good 2022, landing his album on the Billboard charts and winning a Grammy for his EP "Table for Two."



11. Bob Moses, "Love Brand New"
No, let's make this clear, Bob Moses is not a person. (Well, it's the name of a jazz drummer, but that's not who we're talking about here.) It's a two-man band from Vancouver, featurng members Jimmy Vallance and Tom Howie. The group, actually named after New York urban planner Robert Moses, hit it big in 2015 with their debut album "Days Gone By" and the hit "Tearing Me Up." "Love Brand New," from their album "The Silence in Between," has been their biggest hit in the U.S., making it to No. 1 on the U.S. alternative chart and No. 11 on the U.S. dance chart.



12. Caroline Polachek, "Sunset"
Caroline Polachek keeps popping up in the most interesting places. She collaborated with Blood Orange in one of my favorite tracks of his, "Chamakay," which made it to my 2013 Choice Cuts, and has been on my monthly mixes going back to 2010, when she collaborated with Guards on the song "Trophy Queen." In 2021, she was behind memorable songs like "Bunny Is a Rider," and this fall I started hearing Polachek's flamenco-infused "Sunset" all over the radio (well, at least on The Current and KCRW) and it stuck with me. It will be a part of Polachek's 2023 album, "Desire, I Want to Turn Into You."



13. Tate McRae, "she's all i wanna be"
Tate McRae was a one-time finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance," so it's no surprise the video for "She's All I Wanna Be" mimics a music/dance competition. At just 19, the Calgary native is off to a tremendous start to her career, including the debut in May 2022 of her debut album, "I Used to Think I Can Fly."



14. SEB, "seaside_demo"
Is this really a demo? It sounds pretty polished to me, or perhaps it just feels that way since this song was a bit of a sensation when it first came out in 2021. (So OK, this is a bit of a cheat, since it's technically not a 2022 song, but that's when I started vibing on it.) SEB, who's now based in Los Angeles, made waves by mashing "Seaside_demo" with Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar." But I like the original just fine.



15. Dylan, "Nothing Lasts Forever"
From Suffolk, Dylan has been busy creating singles including ‘Girl Of Your Dreams’ from the EP ‘No Romeo.’ In October she released the mixtape "The Greatest Thing I’ll Never Learn," which included "Nothing Lasts Forever."



16. beabadoobee, "Talk"
Beabadoobee (real name Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus) is known for her throw-back 90s rock sound, and it's funny that she's also a fequent collaborator with The 1975. It feels like a pretty good fit. You remember how her 2017 debut single "Coffee" was used on rapper Powfu's single, "Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head)," which became a surprise hit in 2020. Her 2022 album "Beatopia" kicked off with the lead single "Talk," which we feature here.



17. Unusual Demont, "Sugar"
Real name Demontcea Howard, Madison, Wisc. native Unusual Demont turns 23 on January 19 but is already making a name for himself. That nickname comes from a group he used to be in, named Unusual, and Demont now carries it forward. With influences like Tyler, The Creator, Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, Ariana Grande and more, Unusual Demont's music is as eclectic and unique as his name.



18. Flume feat. MAY-A, "Say Nothing"
Real name Harley Edward Streten, the Australian DJ who goes by the name Flume won a Grammy in 2017 for best dance/electronic album and was nominated again in 2020 for "Hi This Is Flume." His third studio album, "Palaces," came out in 2022 and featured collaborators like Caroline Polachek, Damon Albarn and MAY-A, an Australian singer-songwriter whose real name is Maya Cumming. Their track, "Say Nothing," was nominated for Best Pop Release, Best Video and Song of the Year at the 2022 ARIA Awards.



19. Marian Hill, GASHI, "little bit"
Sense a trend here? Just as Bob Moses isn't a person, it's a band, so true with Marian Hill. The Philadelphia duo, consisting of producer Jeremy Lloyd and singer Samantha Gongol, first met in high school. The alt pop band's third album, "Why Can't We Just Pretend?" was released in April 2022; it included this track, "Little Bit," with hip-hop artist GASHI.



20. Jimetta Rose, "Ebb and Flow"
Hailing from South Los Angeles, Jimetta Rose has been a major part of the underground beats, R&B and hip-hop scene for years. Her experience and background in hip-hop, choir, soul, jazz and gospel can be heard in "Ebb and Flow." Rose has been prolific as of late, releasing "The Gift: Around the Way Queen" in February 2022, followed by "How Good It Is," along with her hand-picked choir the Voices of Creation, in August. "Ebb and Flow" isn't on either of those releases, however; it came out as a single toward the end of the year.



21. Trombone Shorty, "Come Back"
New Orleans-based Troy Andrews has played trombone from the age of 4, when I suppose he really was a trombone shorty. Now the artist, who also plays trumpet and does vocals, may have the most eclectic career of anyone on this list. From appearing in "Treme" to regularly performing with the Foo Fighters to recording the theme song to CBS' "The Odd Couple" remix... the most interesting thing on his resume may be voicing Miss Othmar and other adults in "The Peanuts Movie." Trombone Shorty released is first album in five years, "Lifted," in 2022. And "Come Back" is an absolute joy.



22. The Linda Lindas, "Growing Up"
Who doesn't love the story of the Linda Lindas? The four young women, all brought together as kids to create a punk band as a one-off project, turned out to be good. So good that they were soon opening for Bikini Kill -- and recording music for Amy Poehler's film "Moxie." But it was a viral video posted in 2021, by the Los Angeles Public Library of all things, of the Linda Lindas performing songs like "Racist, Sexist Boy" at a teen event there. The band was soon signed by Epitaph Records; in February 2022 came that album, "Growing Up." This is the title track from that release.



23. LODATO & Janice Robinson, "Dreamer"
Janice Robinson has gotten quite a bit of mileage out of "Dreamer," and good for her. Robinson was the vocalist of the 1990s hit by Livin Joy, and then recorded her own solo version of the song in 2005. Robinson then appeared on "The X Factor" in the U.K. in 2018 and performed the song as a contestant, to the delight of the panelists who hadn't recognized her. In 2022 came yet another version of "Dreamer," this time with Robinson and U.S. based DJ Salvatore Lodato, aka LODATO. And the song is still a banger.



24. The Weeknd, "Gasoline"
In the discussions over the best albums of 2022, it's odd to me that The Weeknd's "Dawn FM" didn't get more attention. Yes, I love the radio references on it, but I'm also a sucker for its 80s-inspired new-wave and funk sounds. The Weeknd's fifth studio album, "Dawn FM" dropped in January 2022 on digital, prior to a physical release -- and I wonder if that hurt it to a degree, as fans couldn't race out an buy a copy (in particular vinyl, which wasn't available until the spring). Interestingly, only four singles were serviced for "Gasoline," with "Take My Breath" the most successful. "Gasoline" wasn't a single, but it resonated the most for me.



25. Ripe, "Settling"
Formed in 2011 by a group of Berklee College of Music students, the Boston-based Ripe is known for their fun-pop grooves. The group is set to release their first album in four years, since 2018's "Joy in the Wild Unknown," with "Bright Blues," which comes out March 10, 2023 and features tracks including "Settling." The band consists of singer Robbie Wulfsohn, guitarist Jon Becker, drummer Sampson Hellerman, and trombonist Calvin Barthel. (Yep, many trombonists on this year's Choice Cuts, go figure!)

Hot Chicken, Hop Hippin': Best of 2021 Playlist

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2021's playlists for my 20th annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Let the entire playlist play via YouTube above, or listen and watch each one below!


1. A Bee Without Its Sting — The Go! Team


2. How Not To Drown (feat. Robert Smith) — CHVRCHES


3. Be Sweet — Japanese Breakfast


4. Silk Chiffon (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) — MUNA


5. Heat Waves — Glass Animals


6. 4Runner — Rostam


7. Breathe Deeper (Lil Yachty Remix) — Tame Impala, Lil Yachty


8. Beggin' — Måneskin


9. Feel the Sunshine (feat. HIRIE) — Kolohe Kai


10. Meet Me At Our Spot (Live) — THE ANXIETY, WILLOW & Tyler Cole


11. Stop This Flame — Celeste


12. The Mission — Bakar


13. Record Player — Daisy the Great, AJR


14. Immune — Jensen McRae


15. Witchoo (feat. Aaron Frazer) — Durand Jones & The Indications


16. Fire for You — Cannons


17. Where Is My Mind? — Tkay Maidza


18. Like I Used To — Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen


19. Green Eyes — Arlo Parks


20. Peach — Future Islands


21. that's what i want — Lil Nas X


22. simple times — Kacey Musgraves


23. Bagsy Not In Net — The 1975

Holy Guacamole, We've Got Hits: Best of 2020 Playlist

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2020's playlists for our nineteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Listen and watch below!

1. I Know Alone — HAIM

2. What Am I — Jordan Mackampa

3. Good Bad Times — Hinds

4. Lockdown — Anderson .Paak

5. Blinding Lights — The Naked and Famous

6. i see america — Joy Oladokun

7. Your Love (Déjà Vu) — Glass Animals

8. White Boy — Jensen McRae

9. Be Kind — Marshmello feat. Halsey

10. Lemon (feat. Sharon Van Etten) — Local Natives

11. Black Dog — Arlo Parks

12. Sweet Summer Sweat (feat. Dijon) — Jim-E Stack

13. I Just Wanna Live — Keedron Bryant

14. Kyoto — Phoebe Bridgers

15. Hit Me Up — Omar Apollo, Dominic Fike, Kenny Beats

16. Overkill — Holly Humberstone

17. Can I Believe You — Fleet Foxes

18. Someone — Gabriel Garzón-Montano

19. What I Do... — Taylor Janzen

20. Monsters You Made (feat. Chris Martin) — Burna Boy

21. rock bottom — MisterWives

22. People, I've been sad — Christine and the Queens

23. Fight The Power 2020 — Public Enemy feat. Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, Jahi, YG, Questlove

Hummus The Hits: Choice Cuts 2017, Part 4

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2017's playlists for our sixteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the final five:

18. The Game — Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Have a heart like a tangerine!

19. Holding On — The War On Drugs

Hold on to the past, or find a way to move on? The War on Drugs gives us a lot to chew on here.

20. Quiet — MILCK

An anthem for #MeToo and Time's Up, and also for anyone looking to find their voice.

21. May I Have This Dance (Remix) — Francis and the Lights feat. Chance the Rapper

Come for Francis and the Lights' Phil Collins/Genesis vibe, mixed with Chance's mellow rap, but stay for their dancing in the video.

22. This Song — RAC

Wrapping up the 2017 Choice Cuts, Rostam's back -- along with the high energy of a RAC mix.

Hummus The Hits: Choice Cuts 2017, Part 3

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2017's playlists for our sixteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the next five:

13. Land Of The Free — Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$ is a bad ass, and "Land of the Free" is the perfect example of that. "The first step in the change is to take notice/ Realize the real games that they tried to show us/ 300 plus years of them cold shoulders/ Yet 300 million of us still got no focus/ Sorry America, but I will not be your soldier/ Obama just wasn't enough, I just need some more closure/ And Donald Trump is not equipped to take this country over/ Let’s face facts 'cause we know what’s the real motives."

14. So Tied Up (feat. Bishop Briggs) — Cold War Kids

Cold War Kids' Nathan Willett and Bishop Briggs go toe-to-toe, and I'm here for it.

15. Solo Si Es Contigo — Bombai feat Bebe

We heard this catchy tune non-stop while driving through Spain over the summer, and it became a must to include on this mix.

16. Ran — Future Islands

Future Islands boasts the best 1980s combined synth/bass/drum sound of 2017.

17. Fool — Fitz and The Tantrums

The Blogger Kid 2.0 couldn'y get enough of this song for a period of time in 2017, and it's not hard to see why: it's boppy, poppy fun.

Final picks tomorrow!

Hummus the Hits: Choice Cuts 2017, Part 2

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2017's playlists for our sixteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the next six:

7. The Gold — Manchester Orchestra

A beautiful song, and it's all about that harmonic chorus one minute in.

8. Noise Pollution (Feat. Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Zoe Manville) — Portugal. The Man

Everyone was all about Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" this year, but "Noise Pollution" was the much more interesting song — especially the vocals by Zoe Manville and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. This song takes on all the lies and propaganda coming out in the new, polluted environment. A year later, it's only worse.

9. Silence — Marshmello feat. Khalid

Khalid boasts so much soul for a singer so young. Add in Marshmello's signature drops, and this is a killer track.

10. The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness — The National

The National: dad rock at its finest.

11. Good Woman — Jade Bird

Rock on, Jade Bird!

12. Hard to Say Goodbye — Washed Out

The perfect song to simultaneously groove out on and also tap into your inner ennui.

More tomorrow!

Hummus The Hits: Choice Cuts 2017, Part 1

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2017's playlists for our sixteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the first six:

1. Empires On Fire — BANNERS

This should be the theme song of 2017 — and on, as we continue to do very little to solve our climate change problem. Of course, it could double as an anthem to describe all of the horrible things happening right now under the Trump administration. Our empire is on fire, indeed.

2. Look At What The Light Did Now — Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White

There's something hypnotic and fascinating in the contrast between Matthew E. White's gruff vocals and Flo Morrisey's high-pitched response. I love how Matthew throws to Flo with a simple, "Flo?"

3. Stardust — Ásgeir

This is one where I already loved the light, Icelandic pop of Ásgeir. Add in the video, which seems straight out of a Wes Anderson film, and I love it even more.

4. First Time — Kygo & Ellie Goulding

A deeply personal song by Kygo, as voiced by Ellie Goulding.

5. Bike Dream — Rostam

Great track by Rostam about a complicated love affair, and breaking barriers along the way as he naturally sings about being gay and in love.

6. Never Give Up On Me — MisterWives

Catchy power pop from MisterWives, with a song that should have been a big hit.

More tomorrow!

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2016, Part 4

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2016's playlists for our fifteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here's the final group:

16. "Pink + White" (Ft. Beyonce) --  Frank Ocean
Off Frank Ocean's album "Blonde," this song about lost love features a very subtle contribution by Queen Bey.

17. "Every Songbird Says" -- Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop
Songwriters Sam Beam (the man behind Iron & Wine) and Jesca Hoop collaborated on their album "Love Letter for Fire," which features this gem.



18. "Powerful" (feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley) -- Major Lazer
Put together two strong voices like Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley, and how could you not call this track "Powerful." Another song that was actually released in 2015, but it became a frequent listen for me in 2016.



19. "What If I Go" -- Mura Masa
British electronic music producer Alex Crossan, who performs as Mura Masa, pulls off a jam featuring Bonzai on vocals.



20. "Worry" (feat. Anderson .Paak) -- Jack Garratt
I'm regretting not putting a separate track by Anderson .Paak on this mix, but I just ran out of room. A compromise: This collaboration between Garratt and .Paak is fire. Above, they perform it live for MTV.



21. "I Need A Forest Fire" (feat. Bon Iver) -- James Blake
The appropriate way to end a 2016 mix: The quiet storm of James Blake and Bon Iver. Burn it all down.

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2016, Part 3

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2016's playlists for our fifteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the next five:



11. "Adventure of a Lifetime" -- Coldplay
Another elaborate Coldplay video (this one using motion capture) that the Blogger Boys fell in love with. Evan became a huge Coldplay fan in recent years, and I even took him to his first major concert (Coldplay at the Rose Bowl) this summer -- so I had to include this one!



12. "I Have Been to the Mountain" -- Kevin Morby
The video doesn't really do it justice, but Morby's "I Have Been to the Mountain" was inspired by the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the NYPD. "And have you heard the sound/ Of a man stop breathing, pleading?"



13. "Go! (Original Mix)" -- M83 feat. Mai Lan
French singer Mai Lan and guitar legend Steve Vai add the necessary touches to yet another 80s-inspired track from M83.



14. "On Hold" -- The xx
Mix together The xx's signature melancholy with a looped sample from Hall & Oates... add in a moody music video shot in Marfa, Texas... and "On Hold" is pop perfection.



15. "Peace Of What" -- RJD2
From those opening strings to the power of singer Jordan Brown, "Piece of What" has something to say.

The next five songs tomorrow!

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2016, Part 2

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2016's playlists for our fifteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the next five:



6. "Conrad" -- SOHN
"I can feel it coming, we can never go back... we're dinosaurs living in denial." Powerful, catchy and thoughtful. A song that alludes to climate change, and one that should haunt you.



7. "Best to You" (feat. Empress Of) --  Blood Orange
Dev Hynes -- the artist known as Blood Orange -- has become a favorite, and he's landed past tracks on my end of year "Choice Cuts" compilation. This year, he hands most of the vocals to Empress Of, and comes back with the marvelous "Best to You."



8. "Mountain At My Gates" --  Foals
This song and video actually came out in 2015, but I only discovered it until 2016 -- and it was enough of a memorable experience to end the year here.


9. "Your Best American Girl" --  Mitski
One of my favorite moments in any of this year's Choice Cuts tracks is when Mitski lets it rip on the guitar, midway through this track. She doesn't need to conform to any of your closed-minded expectations!



10. "The Outsiders" --  Kweku Collins
Hailing from Evanston, Kweku Collins is a young talent to keep an eye on. A deeply personal track of discovery as he works his way up in the world -- and killer references to "The Outsiders," the novel. Stay golden.

The next five songs tomorrow!

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2016, Part 1

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2016's playlists for our fifteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. Here are the first five songs:



1. "Never Going Back" -- Caveman
Kicked off this year's Choice Cuts mix with a catchy tune by Brooklyn-based Caveman. "Never Going Back," the lead single from their third album, "Otero War," has been accused of sounding too much like War On Drugs' 2014 track "Red Eyes." But I think it sounds just fine on its own.



2. "Rising Water" -- James Vincent McMorrow
Powerful song made even more profound by this video. From McMorrow's third album, "We Move."



3. "Fountain Of Youth" -- Local Natives
"We can do whatever we want!" our local natives, Local Natives, sing. Great performance here, recorded at KCRW's basement studios.



4. "Blood On Me" -- Sampha
Off his new album "Process," U.K. artist Sampha weaves a story of paranoia and action in this complex tune.



5. "Here in Spirit" -- Jim James
A song for our times. Jim James' "Here in Spirit" evokes the Black Lives Matter movement in this video (shot in downtown Los Angeles), but the song also speaks to the power of resistance, and needing to speak up in a time where injustice is all around us:

If you don't speak out
We can't hear it

The next five songs tomorrow!