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 2012, Part 4

13. Constant Conservations (St. Lucia Remix) -- Passion Pit

I liked the Passion Pit track "Take A Walk," but it's now being heard everywhere, and I can see where it might get old fast. This St. Lucia remix of "Constant Conversations" brings the tempo of the original down a bit, allowing for a more haunting, yet anthemic, quality.



14. Losing You -- Solange

Apologies, Beyonce, but Solange may be fast becoming my favorite Knowles sister. Watching her energetically perform in various South African street scenes makes for a fantastic video, and pairs nicely with the unexpected sounds of "Losing You."



15. High For This -- Ellie Goulding

I could have picked a number of Ellie Goulding tracks for my end-of-year collection, with "My Blood" a close second. But there's something about Goulding's cover of The Weeknd's "High For This" that convinced me to go this route.



16. Trip -- Vacationer

Vacationer had me the second "Trip" opens with that Martin Denny, "Exotica"-like riff. Quick, dark song that makes me want to, well, take a trip.

Previously on Franklin Avenue:

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2012, Part 1

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2012, Part 2

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2012, Part 3