Monthly Mix: December 2014

The Smashing Pumpkins visit a Monument To An Elegy


     The presents were plentiful this December and the music world also handed out a few gifts of its own just before the clock struck midnight.
     Chicago Illinois alt-rockers The Smashing Pumpkins have been riding high on the waves of their new album Monument To An Elegy [December 5, via BMG]. The nine tracks are laced with synths, hard hitting guitars, and feature Tommy Lee on the drums. Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan says he's surprised by the muddled reviews his new effort is getting, but understands the critics said the same thing about his earlier releases. On the cut "Drum + Fife", an acoustic guitar and a scintillating synth-line lead to the album's best work. The band will play big slots at the Lollapalooza 2015 South America festivals in support.
     As the year winds down, its nice to reflect on all the great memories, experiences, and awesome tunes of course! The December Playlist may be the last one of the year, but it is still jam-packed with enough fresh tracks to keep the elves busy for next year.


December 2014 Playlist

1.  Soft Pyramids  -  "Around This Town"

2.  Modest Mouse  -  "Lampshades On Fire"

3.  The Smashing Pumpkins  -  "Drum + Fife"

4.  Rise Against  -  "Tragedy + Time"

5.  Max Frost  -  "Let Me Down Easy"

6.  Joywave  -  "Somebody New"

7.  The Kickdrums  -  "Breathe Again"

8.  Crescendo  -  "Call Cards"

9.  alt-J  -  "Every Other Freckle"

10.  Misun  -  "Penny"

11.  The Airborne Toxic Event  -  "Wrong"

12.  Vance Joy  -  "Mess Is Mine"

IN THE BONUS:

Here are Orbit Sound's Favorite Songs of 2014.


Favorite Songs Of 2014

15.  Tove Lo  -  "Habits (Stay High)"

14.  The Black Keys  -  "Gotta Get Away"

13.  Big Data  -  "Dangerous" ft. Joywave

12.  The War On Drugs  -  "Red Eyes"

11.  Mike Doughty  -  "Light Will Keep Your Heart Beating In The Future"

10.  Bleachers  -  "I Wanna Get Better"

9.  Weezer  -  "Back To The Shack"

8.  Jack White  -  "Lazaretto"

7.  Foo Fighters  -  "Outside"

6.  Bear Hands  -  "Agora"

5.  Cloud Nothings  -  "I'm Not Part Of Me" 

4.  Spoon  -  "Inside Out"

3.  Foster The People  -  "Coming Of Age"

2.  moe.  -  "Same Old Story"

1.  Tokyo Police Club  -  "Argentina (Parts I, II, III)"

There you have it folks, 2014 is in the books. Have a fun and safe New Year's Eve!

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: January 2014

Broken Bells stay After The Disco

    
    
     The new year is off to a fresh start with a pile of awesome mp3s that will most certainly keep the iPod going strong throughout these frigid winter nights.
     The duo of James Mercer and Danger Mouse, better known as indie-rock outfit Broken Bells are back in action with their new album After The Disco [February 4, via Columbia].  Mercer explains the new offering, "If you were to play the songs on a piano, they would sound pretty sad. But you add the beat and hooks, and then it becomes a party record." The title track "After The Disco" shows off Mercer's story-telling lyrical ability and Danger Mouse's trademark synths. An extensive tour kicks off late February in Minnesota and includes stops at Coachella and Governors Ball.
     January's Playlist kicks off the year strong with a fine blend of alternative rock and breezy dance numbers. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come as the music world continues to spin forward.


January 2014 Playlist

1.  Beck  -  "Blue Moon"

2.  J. Roddy Walston & The Business  -  "Heavy Bells"

3.  The Airborne Toxic Event  -  "Hell And Back"

4.  The War On Drugs  -  "Red Eyes"

5.  Crosses  -  "The Epilogue"

6.  Broken Bells  -  "After The Disco"

7.  Phantogram  -  "Fall In Love"

8.  Cymbals  -  "Erosion"

9.  Foster The People  -  "Coming Of Age"

10.  Chromeo  -  "Over Your Shoulder"

11.  Francis Lung  -  "A Selfish Man"

12.  Germany Germany  -  "Run"  ft. Brothertiger

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7