The best of 2011

With my co-writer, Peter, who has joined the 365 lately, I have been thinking about and working on a yearlist of 31 songs. These 31 songs represent our personal preferences of the best music that came out in 2011. Most of these songs have been mentioned on this blog before, some however have not. The list is in random order, but If I had to make a top 5 for 2011 it would be the following list:

1. M83 - Midnight City -Great representative of the French electronic sound. Perfect kick, perfect hit.. Good song to energize and dream off with.

2. Studio Killers - Ode to the bouncer
Love it. Posted it 1.5 month ago and gets better every time I hear it.

3. Elbow - Lippy KidsAfter their brilliant performance at Lowlands this one had to be in (for 1,5 hour I just kept looking at the stage at which were playing) Great band that finally gets what they deserve

4. Jon Allen - Think of You
My personal favorite singer-songwriter. Great guy from the UK. Seen him for the third time this year in Amsterdam and again amazing. Guy that really knows how to touch me..

5. Jamie Woon - ShouldaSimple, but wonderfull and touching...

Have a great one tomorrow evening and we hope you're ready for some nice, fresh and energetic music in 2012 with 365singles. We will have a lot of nice surprises for you the coming year so stay tuned..

http://open.spotify.com/user/just_loon/playlist/2kAeaEyAyyzgaBJZ62M0Fe

Day 82: White Denim - Key's

Sometimes you find these songs from bands you never heard off before, but immediately make you happy, and are quite relaxing at the same time. Not really amazing, but just good, easy to listen to on your evening @ home. Today I found such a song, just chill, a little country orientated and sweet. It's from White Denim, a rock-band from Texas, who this year released their fourth studio album "D". They make with music with all kinds of influences and this is one of their new songs. Have a nice evening home.

The life performance below is the best I could find, so I also put the spotify link to the song over here:
http://open.spotify.com/track/17oRwH2Z1KmfN9jgD7eSWf




White Denim - Keys (live) door BlastroNetworks

Day 82: DJ Sandeman - Yearmix 2011

Today something different for a change. Today I would to like to make you aware of the Yearmix 2011 which has been created by DJ Sandeman, commissioned by 3 voor 12, a dutch music platform.

Every year, 3 voor 12, holds a contest at the end of the year, which song will be the song of the year. They do an internet pol and present the song mid december. During a special night, the whole top 100 of songs is presented (this was last Thursday) and at the end of the night, DJ Sandeman broadcast his yearmix. A mix in which he, within one hour, presents all the great songs of 2011.

I listened it in my car this afternoon and yeah, I was pleased, as I heard all the great songs of 2011 and came to realize that again it was a wonderfull music year. Have fun, listen to all the great stuff artists have been creating last year and enjoy it..

To download click: http://www.jaarmix.nl/2011/sandeman/
For a tracklist click here:
http://soundcloud.com/djsandeman/song-van-het-jaar-de-remix/download

And by the way, short before NYE I will present my own top 20 of 2011. I will soon post a poll on this site so that you can vote..

Day 81: Goodwill & Hook N Sling- Take you higher

Once in a while I post a nice house/ electronic dance song. And today it is happening again and when I read the quote below I knew this had to be a great song.

Quote: "What do Swedish House Mafia, Tiesto, Guetta, Cox, Kaskade, Oakenfold & Morillo have in common? They all love Private Jets & Hook N Sling."

And that's when my search for this dj started. I discovered that he has created loads of remixes for Miike Snow, Miami Horror, Fedde Le Grand, David Vendeta and many more (and these are actualy all on my favorites lists). And he apparently also has already travelled around the Globe performing in places like Ibiza, London, Melbourne. Wow, I am impressed...

But I become even more amazed when I found out that Goodwill is one of the most famous dj's of Australia. And that dj's like Axwell, Roger Sanchez and Kaskade choose him as their favorite to tour with.. Damn..

Together they produced this classic house hit, which reminds me a little bit of Fedde Le Grand, but it's slightly different. The music and text are written by Angus and Julia Stone (another good thing about this song).

I am really enthousiastic and I have a feeling... That tonight's gonna be a good night..

Day 80: Miike Snow - Devil's Work

One of my favorite bands from the last couple of years have just released their first track (not a single) from the new album that will be released in January 2012.

I discoved them in the spring of 2009 and was already quite enthousiastic. But after seeing them live on Lowlands 2010 (with my brother and a couple of really good friends in a brilliant setting, what a party this was, so energetic..) I became a huge fan.. This is the album I've listened too a million times and I just can't get enough.. Silvia, Animal, Burial.. All amazing songs.

Miike Snow is a Swedish trio that consists of Pontus Winnberg, Swede Christian Karlsson and Andrew Wyatt (singer). After their debut album in 2010 they have been busy with other jobs (producing for Britney Spears, co-operating with Marc Ronson on his Record Collection album together with the Business Internationals (brilliant album as well I have to say)).

But now, after spending some time in the studio, there's their new song, Devil's Work. It's a simple, but exciting, piano riff laid on a rigid rhythm section, combined with building up synthesizers, a bombastic horn section and a smooth layeof the voice of Wyat. New, fresh, but again so typical Miike Snow...

Unfortunately they haven't visited the Netherlands ever since. So I hope they will in 2012. And will it mean their breakthrough ? Who knows..

Day 79: Smith & Burrows - When the Thames Froze

Today a song from the best Christmas album of the year, Funny Looking Angels, by Smith & Burrows. The whole week I've been listening to this and everytime I am impressed again,I feel so wonderfull listening to this pearl. This album gives me the feel of what I think Christmas should be all about: Put yourself in pause mode, think about the things that do matter in life, spending your time with loved ones, being together, giving and sharing.

Smith and Burrows, formed by Tom Smith (Editors) and Andy Burrow (ex Razorlight), have launched their debut album on November 28th. The album contains 10 songs both songs written by the Tom and Andy and covers from Christmas and other songs. The first single (When The Thames Froze) is already big hit, at least in the Netherlands.

And if I may give you a hint for Christmas presents: give this to your loved ones.. they will like it.

Day 78: Arsenal - High Venus

Today a nice beat from a Belgian band called Arsenal. Until last week I never heard of them, although they are one of the most popular bands in Belgium and are also quite famous in the USA. They were mentioned by popular blogger Perez Hilton, Kanye West and one of their songs was featured in Six Feet Under.

Their style can be described as cheerfull summer songs with a nice beat and a little rap, but with a specific kind of darky feel that makes you a little melancholic. This single is from their fourth studio album called "Lokemo - summer never ends"

If you want to feel warm and think about great summer days and nights, listen to this one as "Summertime never ever ends".

--365 presents: Song nr 100 on 31-12 - 22 more songs to go before the end of the
year---

Day 77: Michel Teló - Ai Si Eu Te Pego !

Today a song which is already a big hit in southern Europe, actually people are going crazy on this song. It is from Brazilian singer Michel Teló.

The most interesting thing about this song is actually not the song itself but the interesting dance that goes with it. See video below. Soccer stars like Alexander Pato, Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva and Robinho have celebrated success on the footballl field with this dance. I honestly think that this song and dance will also become a big hit in Northern Europe soon. Wait for it..

The title of the song Ai Si Eu Te Pego means something like "If I am able to catch you" and the song is about the most beautiful girl he saw in the nightclub.. If he is able to cath her we don't know...

I honestly think the greatest thing about this song is that it makes me smile and happy so badly... I AM GOING CRAZY.. !!!

Day 76; Friends - I'm his girl

This was my song for the last couple of day's.. I put it on repeat at work, in the car, at home etc.. When I first heard it I actually thought it was from producer Mark Ronson but soon found out it was actually from Friends, a band from Brooklyn NY. It has also someting from Lykke Li and the Ting Tings so defintely my kind of song.

I especially like the bassline and the rhythm section combined with the dreamy vocal. The whole feel of the song is just great and I expeced to hear this one more often soon..

Now I need to listen to it get again cause I heard there is a great message on healthy relationships in here.. so I'll leave you with the song for now..



--365 presents: Song nr 100 on 31-12 - 24 more songs to go before the end of the year---

Day 75: Lo-Fi--FNK - Boom

Today a song that will refresh on this average Tuesday. The first few seconds you think.. "whats this, it's not that exciting, boring ?" But as soon as the beat kicks in, you know it, you feel it, you experience it... I have the feeling that song will be one that we are going to hear a lot on the radio this winter and maybe it will last untill spring 2012... Who knows

The song is from Lo-Fi-Fnk, a Swedish Electro Pop Band, who have just released their second album " The Last Summer"... And this single Boom is from that album.

Enjoy it and think about "Those crazy summernights...

Day 74: Studio Killers - Ode to the Bouncer

It's Saturday.. Which means weekend.. And time for some great songs from 365..

Today a little treat from a virtual band called the Studio Killers, consisting of three animated characters, from Copenhagen Danmark. So far they have had quite some success in Danmark and now it's time for the Netherlands.

I just love the beat of this song called Ode to the Bouncer.. A beat from the 80's with a 90's feel over it... Amazing... Winning I would say... Let's go out and celebrate the bouncer..

(and watch the amazing animation as well... It's great..)

Day 73: M83 - Midnight City

Just a short description of a great song, as I am spending the weekend in beautiful Prague; but I still wanted to share this great song with you.

It's from M83, a indie pop band from France, founded in 2001. I would describe their style as dreamy electronic (can be compared to MGMT, Depeche Mode). This single was released on July 18th and it's from their 6th album "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" (released on October 18). And when you think, this sounds familiar.. You may know it from the Victoria's secret commercial.

Nice, beat, nice sound, great feel.. What do you want more on this beautiful Sunday.. ?

Day 72: Crystal Fighters - Champion Sound

I have introduced you to this band earlier, so need to spend much text on this great collective from the UK existing of a multicultural collective from UK, Spain and the US.

This is their third single in the Netherlands, and although heard it couple of times before I still think it's worth sharing with you. The special sound that the music of this band has is again respresented by this song. It's danceable, energetic and it gives me a holiday feeling.. A good one to break the week into two and celebrate..

Day 71: Mat Kearney - Hey Mama

I think it is time for a happy song, to share some happiness with the world now that the temperature in NL is falling and experiencing that the amount of sunshine is way too low to keep our moods happy.

It's from, Mat Kearney, an American musician from Eugene, Oregon, USA. He has already produced 4 albums, and had some chart hits in the States but only with this single from his most recent album he made it to the dutch radio.

I am quite enthousiastic about this song, it's just nice to listen to, not too difficult.. Just makes me smile.. Enjoy

Day 70: Fool's Gold - Wild Window

Today a song for your ipod for the coming week. To which you listen to when you're bored, when you feel tired or when you just want to hear some nice music. A song that you can listen to all over and over again.

It's from Fool's Gold, an LA collective that have been around since 2007 and who combine western pop with african music influences. You may know them from their song the dive, also posted below as a little double treat for this great sunday. Todays other song is from their second album 2011 called "Leave no Trace" and it's great as well.. Enjoy Wild Window

Day 69: Fedde le Grand vs Sultan & Ned Shepard ft. Mitch Crown - Running (Original mix)

TGIF.. So weekend and time to relax, chill, dance, party and have a good time... This song will certainly help you with it... Saw Fedde two times this year and both occurences were amazing.. Pacha in NYC and Loveland in Amsterdam.. Got some more stuff to do tonight but as promised another great song to listen too.. (especially from the third minute). Enjoya... !!

Day 68: Superheavy - Beautiful People

A couple of weeks ago I found a new cd on the internet and was immediately interested. It's from a new supergroup called SuperHeavy existing of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, A.R. Rahman and Damian Marley.

The band wanted "Superheavy to be a convergence of different musical styles with music ranging from reaggae to ballads to Indian genre.

Beautiful people is one of the songs of their new self titled album (just released on September 19) and it's the first song I listened too. It combines the greatness of Jagger with the amazing soul voice of Stone and the reggae of Marley. Wow.

Really looking forward to my weekend with this album in my cd player...

Day 67: R.E.M. - We all Go Back to Where We Belong

Unfortately, at September 21, they made a decission to quit, after more than 30 years of making great music. I don't want too waste a lot of words describing the great music, I just want to introduce you their last single.

I think honestly this is a great goodbye song. Perfect feel, heartbreaking, an amazing tribute their entire career. And the timing..

A perfect song for a unfortunate moment.

Thank you Mike, Peter, Michael and Bill

Day 66: Coldplay - U.F.O.

From their new cd Mylo Xyloto this song made the biggest impression on me.

U.F.O. It's so pure, so beautifull, it made me quiet. I can keep listening to it again and again.. It reminds me of the songs of their first albums. Don't need a lot of words to describe the greatness.. Just listen.. And you'll be amazed..

Lord I don't know which way I am going
Which way river gonna flow
It's just seems that upstream, I keep rowing
Still got such a long way to go

Day 65: Mads Langer - Riding Elevators

A great new song from Mads Langer. Listen to it and let your thoughts take you away. This one will certainly be added to my favorite singer/songwriter top 20 of 2011. A song that sometimes describes my life.. Doors are opening, doors are closing, people come and go, but I am still riding elevators.. And let's think about that.. Now sleepy time...

Day 64: The Chevin - Champion

Early on a Sunday morning it's time for a great song to start the day with. The first time I listened to this song I actually had the idea that it was Keane, but on the other hand I wasn't sure, it was too energetic. Looking it up resulted in finding out that it was from The Chevin, a Leeds based band, that just released their first single. Internet reviewers compare the music with Two Door Cinema Club, Killers and also Keane. I think it's a mix of all of this.

It's rock, it's energetic, it's cool, it's really just good and therefore I put them on my promises list of 2012. Watch them and you'll be surprised.

And another thing. Like you may have noticed. After 1,5 week of song-absence, we're back, and we're going for a challenge: 365 single 30 day marathon. So, stay tuned and great songs will follow.

Day 63: Neon Indian - Polish Girl

While listening to the radio on Sunday afternoon I heard this song and felt happy straight away. This was the song I had been waiting for a couple of weeks. The electronic song I longed for. And this Sunday afternoon, wearing my sunglasses and enjoying the beautiful weather outside, the moment was there. A great new song for my blog, that I am really enthousiastic about.

It's from Neon Indian, an indie electronic band from Texas, USA, which started in 2009. In the USA they have already played quite some prominent music festivals but now it's time for Europe. They just released their album Era Extraña (a Spanish language title, literally "Strange Era" or "She Was Strange," depending on the context) on September 13 and this is one of the songs from this album.

What to expect from this single: Game Music, eighties feel, MGMT and Whitest Boy Alive alike, dreamy, nice tune, computers, holiday..

And this one's special for my roommate Eric..

Day 62: Oh Land - Sun of Gun (Jacob Plant Remix)

Dubstep producer Jacob Plant has already remixed some of the biggest names in urban music, including Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah and Modestep.

And now he made a great dubstep remix of the song "Sun of a Gun" by Oh Land (which is a nice single on its own already), not too special but just great. Amazing to listen to over and over again. Enjoy your Sunny Sun of a Gun day.

Day 61: Mayer Hawthorne - The Walk

While I was in high school, and the first years after that, I was a huge fan of soul & jazz. I still played the saxophone and just loved improvising on stage.

This slightly went away while the years in University passed by. I became more interested in house, techno and other electronic music. The last few years however my interest and love for soul and jazz returned. I started listening to artist like Otis Reading, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield

And now, in the 21st century, there is a new soul hero. A young guy from LA, California. Andrew "Mayer" Cohen who grew up in the "Hawthorn" street in Michigan and now is a singer, songwriter, producer, audio engineer, DJ, rapper and multi-instrumentalist. That's what I like... "Just go for it and learn all the skills you want to learn". I saw him on Lowlands this year and his performance was one of the best of that weekend. With his soul he knew how to make the people dance. And that's what me and my friends did.

This single "The Walk" has just been released (August 2011) and appears on his album "How Do You Do" that has just been released. It is a classic already, great voice, nice horn section, nice backing singers. It perfectly fits in my "classic soul" list that I created in spotify. Damn. I Like. Enjoy your saturday.

Day 60: Morning Parade

After their single under the stars, Morning Parade, a five piece band from Essex, UK now released their single Us & Ourselves. I heard it on the radio last Monday and I must say it immediately caught me. The tune stayed in my head and I enjoy it even more every time I listen to it again. Nice beats, good voice and rocking.. definitely my kind of music.

Unfortunately the official video is not available on youtube yet so today a video from one of their live performances. Enjoy..

Day 59: Jamie XX - Far Nearer

From Jamie XX, an English music producer, most known for being a member of the band "the XX". Together with singer Gill Scott-Heron he produced the album "I'm new here", which came out in february. If you have the chance you should definitely try this album. It's great, absolutely incredible, not what you expect, but definitely worth listening to.

On June 6, he also released his EP Far Nearer/ Beat For. Far Nearer is a song that just stays in your head. Great beat and terific use of the steel drums which give the song some happiness. You like James Blake --> YOU LIKE THIS !!

A youtube user described this song as:

"This song makes me wanna go buy a gold fish and watch it all day long"

Perfect description for the feeling that the song give you. I cannot do more than just agree with that... Enjoy.

Day 58: Wilco - One Sunday Morning

Last week I was listening to this new cd by Wilco and it just amazed me. I noticed the great review on platomania (nr 1 in their album top 30) and decided that I should give it a try.

Wilco, an American alternative rock band from Chicago Illinois, with lead singer Jeff Tweedy, has already been making music since 1994 and they just (september 27) released their 9th album "The whole love".

This song, one sunday morning, is just beautiful. It only contains 3 chords, incredible isn't it ? It's quiet, intimate, epic, just wonderfull. I just keep on listening to it. And you know what's even greater: the song lasts for almost 12 minutes (and even the last 1,5 minute have a little surprise for you..)

Have fun with the single (but please also give the album a try)

Day 57: Jamie Woon - Shoulda

One of the best electronic albums (Mirrorwriting) of 2011 from a magnificient new artist of 2011: Jamie Woon. Seeing him live @ Lowlands was one of my greatest moments of 2011. Being there with good friends, watching the sunset and enjoying his music; WOW

Today's song is perfect to chill out with this nice weather.. I can keep listening to this track on and on.. This is one of the rare songs that makes you a little confused and makes you think. But also makes you enjoy the moment. Now, no more words.. just enjoy.

Day 56: Olly Murs feat. Rizzle Kicks - Heart Skips A Beat

There's an advantage of travelling by public transport (compared to driving a car). You can actually do something while travelling. Today I've got that advantage and I really like it. I even got time to make a post. I defintely will do this more often, so more good posts from me.

Olly Murs, the runner up of Great Britain's X-factor 2010, is a giant star in the UK but in the Netherlands, we haven't heard a lot from him yet. That is gonna change with the release of his second studio album on November 28 2011: "In Case You Didn't Know". Today's single is from that album. It has been produced in cooperation with the Rizzle Kicks (rap duo from the UK) and has already hit the nr. 1 position in the UK. Now, it's time for the Netherlands.

Good beat, funky, catchy chorus.. Interesting rap by the Rizzle Kicks, nice breaks.. Just a really good song for the radio for this autumn. It makes my heart skip a beat..

Day 56: Lime Cordial - Say It

Goodmorning World. On this beautiful sunny Sunday I present you a fresh song to start your day with. It's from Lime Cordial, a band from Sydney, Australia. From their "mutual love
of all things pop and their desire to create original and exciting music" they started to make music and this is their first single.

I find it fresh, creative and exciting and it really makes some endorphine flowing around. It's good. And you.. ?
I'd recommend: Go out today, enjoy the weather, and talk with people about your dreams, your passion, just say it, say it ... ;-)

Day 55: Kimbra - Good Intent

We all now her from her magnificient contribution to "Somebody that I used to know", together with Gotye, but now Kimbra has her own single as well. It is from her debut album Vows that came out this year. It didn't surprise me that she is from New Zealand and now lives in Melbourne, Australia. As a lot of the musical goodness comes from Australia this year.. Doesn't it.. ;-)

This song is really good. It has a nice jazzy feel, it is groovy, it is exciting and the way that this women uses her voice... Wow.. I AM IMPRESSED. It has been described as a perfect song for a crime movie, and I think it would even better fit to a a James Bond film. I just can not wait to start listening to the rest of the album. Brilliant.

Day 54: Drapht - Rapunzul

And goodness from Australia again. An awesome track from hip hop singer Drapht, who has been making music since the age of 13. His first single was released in 2003 and now, 8 years later he is releasing his fourth studio album called "The life of Riley". This is the first single, which reached the Australian charts already in 2010, but it didn't reached the European continent (or at least me ;-) until now..

This song would fall in the category.. "Driving through a busy city on a sunny day in your cabrio with your sunglasses on and looking at the beautiful people around while bouncing on your seat"..

Enjoy..

Day 53: Ximena Sarinana- Different

From a singer-songwriter from Mexico, which makes music that can be compared with music from Katy Perry and Lily Allen, I present you Different. A song from her new (2nd) album that just came out.

Today a good tune to forget about the crappy weather outside.. The summery tune makes you forget about the rain and the joyfull whistle just stays in your head. A nice, happy song

.

Day 52: Sbtrkt - Pharaohs (feat Roses Gabor)

On a rainy Tuesday evening you need a relaxing song that takes you away. From the album titled Sbtrkt from Sbtrkt, a music producer from London:

"SBTRKT is an alias used to support the concept of anonymity. SBTRKT has explained that he'd "rather not talk about myself as a person, and let the music speak for itself. The name SBTRKT is me taking myself away from that whole process."

And this song, how would we call it electro funk, dance-able-lectro ? I would say great track, great video, great singer (as Roses Gabor certainly adds something to the track) and a great feeling. Great

Day 51: Hard Fi - Give It Up

Hard-Fi, an Indie Rock Band from the UK, formed in 2003, released their 3rd album on August 7 after being away for a couple of years. From this album you may have heard the single Good for Nothing, which is a cool song I think.

But from the album I picked something else. The song Give It Up. I just can't stop listening to this. It's special because of the whistle, it rocks (walking beat), the singer has a good voice and when you think that's everything there's bridge, and after that even a acoustic bridge. Wow !!

It just stays in your head. And although this is not the single, I think it is the best song of the album.. A perfect prospect when you know that you'll defintely spend some hours in your car the coming week and that you can listen to this one many times..

Day 50: Dionne Bromfield - Foolin'

So today we celebrate the 50th blogpost on 365 music singles. We made it and now we're going for the next 50 songs. Looking forward to it as there is so much cool new music around that I would love to share with you.

When I heard this song on the radio I immediately thought that they had found some hidden material from a young Amy Whinehouse, which they decided to release just know. So I took my Iphone and waited for Shazam to confirm this.

The outcome surprised me. It was actually not Amy but a really young (only 15 years old) Dionne Bromfield from the UK. Wow, I was really amazed: what a voice, what a song and what a timing to appear in the music industry. After that I found out that she actually is Amy's godchild, what made me even more exciting.

And then came this fact, which actually gave me goosebumps: "On 20 July 2011, while performing at London's Roundhouse with The Wanted, Bromfield was joined on stage by her godmother, Amy Winehouse. This was Winehouse's last public performance before her death on 23 July 2011 at the age of 27"

So when Amy's dead is one of the saddest things in music history of 2011, the rise and shine of Dionne is one of the greatest things. It's almost like Amy has given Dionne her musical soul.. Enjoy !

Day 49: GEM - Call me down to Ohio

Dutch band GEM (Utrecht) was formed in 2003. After being quite succesfull in the Netherlands for a couple of years we didn't hear anything from them for a while. But now they are back and I am glad they are. They have released their new album last weekend on the "Into the great wide open" festival on dutch island Vlieland.

This is the first single of the album and I think it's refreshing, it's funky and it's just really nice to listen too. And even after hearing it many times I don't get bored. We will definitely hear this one on the radio this autumn..

Day 48: Gabe Dixon - Strike

After being the frontman of the Gabe Dixon band, Gabe Dixon (Miami) decided to go solo in 2009. He just released his album One Spark and this the first single from it. I never heard from him before but after listening to the song I became quite enthousiastic:

1. Because the guy has has an amazing voice (reminds me of temper trap) and really know how to keep the attention of the listener

2. The song's groovy and has a rock & roll feel, a soulful beat.. Wow

3. It's just really nice to listen too. It makes me happy

4. the quote "Strike a match and light my heart up……So come on, strike up all my dreams.”

Enjoy

Day 47: Washed Out- Eyes Be Closed

While driving I listened to the second cd of Washed Out (alias of producer Ernest Greene), Within and Without. An amazing cd I would say. I felt totally relaxed and chilled after listening. The songs make you dream away and let you think about all the goodness in your life..

In the media this cd has already been described as : "an ideal laid-back record for this summer" (Plato magazine) and "One of the best soundtracks of the year for a summer sunset" (Kindamusic.net). This record will certainly be in my top 2011 record list.

The single today is the he first song of the record and altough it was released in 2011 it still reminds me of the lounge songs that were made 12-13 years ago. It's slow, dreamy, relaxing, chill, melancholic, nostalgic.. Just listen and let the record take you away.. Enjoy your Sunday.. !!

Day 46: Baz Luhrman - Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)

Just listen to the tekst of this song and enjoy.. Be inspired.. Enjoy your life even more.. Because it's your life, and you're the only one responsible for it.. Feel free and live.. ;-)

Day 45: Ed Sheeran - The A-team

Joshua Radin and Jon Allen are on my favorite singer songwriters list but from today Ed Sheeran (UK) has joined them. He will be releasing his debut album on September 12 and this is one of the first singles. It's just great. (apart from the title, which is amazing anyway)

When I heard this song on the radio (3fm, Giel Beelen, Ochtendshow) this morning I started to smile immediately and I got a warm feeling, it made me melt, wow. I kept on listening to it today and think it gets better every time I hear it. Even more because this song makes me think about a very special girl I met 1,5 week ago. She is going through some rough times these days and I definitely think she needs some support. This one is for her..

Day 44: Givers - Up Up Up

When you need some energy and you wanna listen to a happy song this is your song. It's by the Givers, an Indie Pop band from Lafayette, Louisiana. For a band that hasn't been around for a long time, they are doing really wel. They have been chosen as of the "Ten Acts That Rocked South by Southwest" by Time magazine in March and this song has also been announced as the first offical song launched for the new FIFA 12 playlist on XBOX 360 and PS3. This song "Up Up Up" is from their first album In Light, which was relaesed on June 14th. I will let you know when they will perform in the Netherlands, because it will definitely be a great party... rapapapapapapa.

Day 43: The Sparkles - I want to be free

From the new Vodafone commercial I introduce you a great oldies song. I think Vodafone has some brilliant people hanging around looking for old songs that they can use for their commercials and somehow they are doing an excellent job. Just listen and enjoy.. (I will post more brilliant commerical related songs in the commercial-song week which will be soon (12-18 September), and if you have any suggestions, please let me know)

Day 42: Smoove & Turrel - Slow Down

A song that has been introduced to me by 3fm dj Gerard Ekdom and I just like it. From a duo existing of producer Smoove and singer John Turrel from UK. This winter they released their second album Eccentric Audio. I just listened to parts of the album and I definitely think it is gonna be one of my favorites to listen to while driving.

And this song from that album. It is funky, it has a nice beat, and it makes me smile. Do I need to say more..

Day 41: Strange Talk - Climbing Walls

And it's time for some new fresh music. Today from a electropop band from Melbourne Australia: Strange Talk. In april 2011 they released their first album, also with the name Strange Talk. Their first single has just been released in Europe and it's promising. If you like the Two Door Cinema Club and MGMT but especially Yeasayer then you will definitely like this.

It's funky, it's electronic, it's danceable, it's good. Enjoy !!

Day 40: Tommy Lee - Home Sweet Home

And then on Monday afternoon, you come back from 4 days of brilliant partying at LL Festival. You realize that you're back in reality, back in the real life, that life goes on. But on the other hand you're mind is still in the bubble, in paradise. Your thoughts are with all the amazing people you have met and the fun you had with them, the wonderfull performances you have seen, the energy that you had, the jokes you made, the extraordinary dancing, etc.. And now you've got a feeling like you're in love. In LLLove with the LL festival.

So, today, a song to give us a warm feeling, and to remind us that we're back home again, from of one of the greatest parties of the year.. LL 2011.. Thnx, I love you..

Day 39: Fake Blood - I like it

After three days of Lowlands you feel physically tired, but in your mind the energy just keeps on flowing. You feel just great and want to stay longer. All the people around you feel like a great big family to you and you wished that this feeling could last forever. And then, suddenly in the Bravo tent you find yourself dancing amongst your friends and new aquired family members on this powerfull track of British DJ Fakeblood... Lowlands 2011... Just a couple of hours left but don't think about that.. Just go, just dance, just energy !!!

Day 38: Foster the People - Houdini

Today one of my favorites for LL this year that I definitely wanna go to and experience: Foster the people (Indie rock band from Los Angele). I already posted a song of them a couple of weeks ago, pumped up kicks, but this new single is amazing as well.

If you like MGMT, you definitely like this.. Poppy, feel good, dancious, happy, smiley, energizing.. WOW. And before I spoil the song with more text I stop.. Just listen, over and over again..

Day 37: Chef' Special - Birds

When writing singles, it is worth to post a single from a dutch band now and then. Today a song from Chef' Special, a dutch band who managed to get their breakthrough this year and hit the charts with their single Scribblin. They are from Haarlem, the city where I used to grow up and go to school, another reason why I like them ;-). Their music I would describe as a mixture of pop, rock, reggae, hip/hop with a nice funky/ happy feeling.

I hope they will manage to play on Lowlands, as they already cancelled all performances in the last month due an injury of their lead-singer.

Today's song, birds, reminds a little bit of Pete Philly and Perquisite (when they were still together). Just a simple, really nice song to listen too, over and over again. Music from the heart. Perfect to start a nice relaxing weekend. Enjoy.

Day 34: Crystal Castles - Untrust Us

Last weekend my friend Jeroen told me that I really should see this band on Lowlands.He thought that this was amazing. And so the good stuff comes from Canada, as I present you a Canadian band again. Crystal Castles (formed in 2003), a duo formed by producer Ethan Kath and singer Alice Glass, makes electronic music by using samples from videogames from the eigthies.

And that's what I like; these funky/ happy samples, combined with his ongoing walking electronic beat and some vague singing. It keeps me moving and makes me smile. Perfect to survive an average Tuesday.

Day 33: Destroyer - Kaputt

Today a song I heard for the first time yesterday while recovering from an amazing WTTF festival and today I thought that I really needed to share this one with you.

Destroyer is a Canadian indie rock band led by singer-songwriter Dan Bejar. Kaputt is their newest single, released in january, from the album Kaput. I compare it to David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, Simply Red, Sade..

It has an eigthies pop feeling makes me feel totally relaxt. A perfect song for chilling on the couch with a nice drink, or while driving home from a sunny day at the beach.. And the good things is that it even lasts for 6:19 minutes. (On Lowlands in the Lima tent on friday @ 15:00, so a relaxt start of your LL weekend)

Day 32: Fink - This is the thing

I've got this song in my sunday-morning-raining-outside-I-prefer-to-stay-in-bed playlist for a while now and it still a song I really enjoy listening to. "Things that keep us apart, keep me alive.. Things that keep me alive, keep me alone " I has a dark sound (as it is written in minor key) and makes you think. Just with a guitar this singer perfectly knows how the translate the message... It gives me goosebumps...(on Lowlands on sunday, India, 11:30, so perfectly to wake up with).

Day 31: Paul Kalkbrenner - Platscher

I keep it short today..

I come from nowhere
And lead to nowhere
I am a wave
in the ocean of time

I do exist
I breathe
and yet I don't

I search nothing
and I find
nothing more or less
than thoughts, dreams and fantasies..

Day 30: Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

One of the best songs of Fleet Foxes (US 2008) from one of the greates Indie bands in the world. Often compared to bands like Croshby Stills & Nash, Beach Boys or Animal Collective, which they absolutely deserve..

It's a song from their second album Sun Giant and it perfectly fits todays crappy weather as it says to me something like: it is good to dream away and think about the things that matter in life, about where I come from, where I am right now and where the bus, I'm driving, is going...

Brilliant songwriting as well as there's just so much in it: a friendship gone wrong, drug addiction, accepting of what happens to you, greek mythodology and more..

Day 29: Noah and the Whale - Give a little love

The English indie folk band Noah and the Whale, formed in 2006, will be performing on the Grolsch stage on friday evenening. They make songs about life, stories about the things that matter in life, about the good and bad things that happen to all of us.

In their most recent songs, lead-singer Charlie Fink, sings about his break-up with former band member Laura Marling, who left the band in 2008. This brought them finally their long desired breakthrough with songs like "5 years time" and "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N", which is played on the dutch radio quite often.

I just wanted to present you a song from one their first album Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down. It's a song called "Give a little love" and it think it's just great. Both the feeling that it gives me and the lyrics, especially the last part of the song:

Well if you are (what you love)
And you do (what you love)
I will always be the sun and moon to you
And if you share (with your heart)
Yeah, you give (with your heart)
What you share with the world is what it keeps of you

Day 28: Happy Camper - Born with a bothered mind (feat. Bouke Zoete)

Ok people, I cheated. I didn't posted a song for two days. I was away for the weekend and didn't have internet acces so I wasn't really able to post a song. I'll make it up to you this week by posting two additional tracks somewhere during this week.

Lowlands festival announced its so called "Blokkenschema" last week. And because of that, the coming weeks, I'll be posting songs related to Lowlands artist of this years festival

Today a song that just makes me happy, nothing more, nothing less. It'is from a dutch collective called Happy Camper, founded by Job Roggeveen and his friends, who are making poppy songs with film, chanson and balkan influences (and supported by dutch artist like Janna Schra, Tim Knol, Ricky Koole and others). Just fun to listen to and I am expecting a wonderfull afternoon on Sunday in the Lima tent.

Enjoy their song called "Born with a bothered mind". (and watch the amazing videoclip as well)

Day 25: Robbie Rivera Feat. Pink Fluid : Da Da Dance - Pink Fluid Mix

TGIF, so JOMDATTO(Just one more day at the office) and then WEEKEND, so time for going out, drinken and dancing. And no mather what you're plans will be this song is certainly gonna get you in tha mood. Enjoy !



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Day 24: Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On the Floor

Talking about the summer hits of 2011, this is one that certainly should be included. The comeback hit of J-Lo. This song shows again how you can make an oldie into a new club-hit. Just put a beat under hit, add a nice voice and include rapper Pittbull (who seems to be having a really good summer) and you have a marvelous summer hit. Enjoy.

Day 23: - Usher - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love ft. Pitbull

This song should definitely be in this weeks house list. My room-mate proposed this one and as he is even a bigger house fanatic than I am, we should give him the credits. I heard it many times on the dancefloor in clubs, but still, I really like it every time I hear it. Again a song which reunites me and mr. Smiley face and that gives me a lot of energy.

Day 22: Martin Solveig - Ready to Go

French producer/dj Martin Solveig finally achieved his big breakthrough this winter with his hit Hello. Before that I already listened to his smaller hits like Jealousy (2006) and Madan (2003), which are still in my favourites playlist.

Although this song is not going be as big as Hello it's still a song which I absolutely love. A song that describes my summer. It gives me so much energy and it contains a lot that I love: a pumping walking beat, a simple addictive chorus, a dubsteap break, a positive feeling, climaxes.. Just Amazing

Day 21: Emmanuel Jar (Henrik Schwarz Remix)

From this week on we start with a week's theme. This week this will be HOUSE music. Today a song which definitely makes you shuffle, move your feet.

I just think this is brilliant. A magnificent chorus with singing African children, a pumping beat, lovely. Come on, here we go.. Energy !!!

Day 20: Martin & James - All over the news

Today a song that perfectly fits the crappy weather. A song that's nice to listen to while staying in with your loved ones. It's a song that certainly will be in the top 10 of my own 2011 charts.

A picked it up while I visited the concert of Belgium singer Milow this autumn in Amsterdam, which was amazing I have to say. Martin and James were the support act and they did a great performance. This song I remembered the most and I just think it's amazing.

Martin Kelly and James O’Neill are a duo from Glasgo, Schotland, which have been writing and playing together since 1999 and they managed to stay together for all these years. In 2010 they finally got their breakthrough and 2011 is even better for them with a European tour, a new album and this single "All over the news".

Day 19: Kanye West - Dark Fantasy

Ok, I have to admit. Normaly I am not a huge fan of rap music but this is one of the songs I would make an exception for. Because it's not just very good rap. It's also a nice intro tune and a chorus that stays in your head for a while. And the bridge: wel done guys, I love it. Can we get much higher ?

Day 18: Maverick Sabre - Let me go

This time a song with some samples of one of my favorite lounge single: GloryBox by Portishead. It also contains a sample of "Light my fire" by Shirley Bassey. Mix this up with the voice of Maverick Sabre, a young Irish vocalist/ rapper (which I expected to be black, based on his voice), and you'll have a great song which perfectly fits into the music style of 2011. Great work I say. This songs is his second official single and it will be released this monday. Have a nice weekend.

Day 17: The XX - Crystalised (Edu Imbernon Remix)

Today a nice remix fur the Thursday evening. Last year on Lowlands I saw the XX life, which I really enjoyed. Just lying their in the gras with my friends, relaxing and listening to their amazing chill music. I just loved it. And now my friend Maarten presented me this remix. Thnx man

This energizing and still relaxt remix is made by Edy Imbernon, a Spanish dj of only 20 years old, but who has already won some great music awards within Spain (Best Producer' and 'Best Track' from the influential Spanish national dance music awards). See the link for another one of his productions: "room 423".

It has a techno feel, a nice walking beat and the chill mood of Crystallized from the XX. Perfect to relax with after a hard day of work.. CHILLING !!

Day 16: Icona Pop - Manners

With advice from my little brother I found some nice stuff on YouTube. My Idea of this blog is to present you special songs, songs that are new and little alternative, songs that feel really good without being too mainstream. So today a song that I never heard before. An electro song from Icona Pop, a new Swedish duo from Stockholm. After the introduction of Lykki Li in the Netherlands a second succes for Sweden this year.. ;-)

The song has a nice electronic, almost dubstep, kind of feel, a sesame street feel like chorus and some nice eigthies beats. The feeling of being in a underground club for hours and hours where you just want to keep on going...

Day 15: Wolf Gang - Lions in Cages

This singles has been around for a couple of weeks but I have to share this one with you. A good rock song from Wolf Gang, a British alternative and symphonic rock band. Being the support act of for example Naked and Famous and Miike Snow shows that they are already becoming big in the UK. Will definitely hear more from them soon as they will be releasing their album (Suego Faults) and second single (The King and All of His Men) soon..

Day 14: Freelance Whales - Generator first floor

If you like Mumford and Sons, you'll definitely like this song. It's a song by a band called Freelance Whales, an American Indie Rock Band from Queens, New York. They released it last March and in the US this band is becoming big. It's an energizing song that makes you smile, that reminds you of the good things in life. We'll definitely hear more from them this year..

Day 13: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero's - Home

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's: an American band led by vocalist Alex Ebert. Their single home was released in 2009 and was voted number 15 on the Australian Triple J Hottest 100, 2009 countdown. A song that has been used in mutliple televison series, movies, commercials. It's a sunday song which gives me a warm feeling. Reminds of the diners at home on sunday evening, the great evenings and days I spend with my family and dearest friends. Home, let me go home ! Home is wherever I'm with you !

Day 12: Paul Kalkbrenner - Kleines Bubu

This spring Paul Kalkbrenner finally released his new cd "Icke Wieder". I am a huge fan and couldn't wait any longer. Absolutely amazing, at least I think. A wonderful album that you just want to listen to, time and time again. One that takes you along on a musical journey and gives you trhe feeling to escape every day life. This song, Kleine Bubu, I believe is the best of the album. Especially cause after hearing it, the tune and the relaxed feeling accompany you for the rest of the day (I even woke up with it the next..

Day 11: Carte Blanche - With You (feat Alexis Taylor)

TGIF, TGIF.. WEEKEND !! A nice song to celebrate.. Enjoy !!

Day 10: Bag Raiders - Not Over

This day has 5 more minutes to go so we're still on track for posting a song every day for the last 10 days. A funky beat with a new cool music video from the Bag Raiders to end this rainy crappy day. I hope some sun for you tomorrow..

Day 9: Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

Looking at the spotify playlist of Lowlands 2011 I came across Skrillex, an artist I never heard off before. But the moment I started listening I become enthusiastic straight away.

Skrillex is the professional name for Los Angeles dubstep/ electronic music producer Sonny Moore who has been producing since 2008 and released his debut album in June 2010.

This is dirty and cool at the same time. If you like dubstep but also appreciate the filthyness of the Bloody Beetroots than this is gonna be the artist for your summer. Some of you might not like it.. of course because I think that you either hate it or love it.. At least I love it (and the good thing is that he is coming to Lowlands in August ;-)

Day 8 (tuesday 12th July): Yuksek - On a Train

Talking about nice original songs this one certainly is one within that category. It's from Yuksek, a French electro-pop producer providing us with nice songs since 2009."On a train" is a song to listen to while being on the road. The walking beat takes you along into a journey to wherever you would like you to go.. (also listen to the Magician remix on youtube, it's quite interesting as well)

Day 7: Rainbow Arabia - Without You

Ok, we did it.. One week of posting nice music. I hope you liked last week songs. This week it's time for a somehow different direction. Last week it was mostly happy, energizing music. This week it will be more alternative, indie, dubstep, electronic.

We start with a song for the fans of Naked & Famous, Yeasayer and maybe a little Miike Snow. It's called Without You and is from a an electronic duo from Los Angeles called Rainbow Arabia. They produce dance music with Arabic, Asian and North African influences. This song is from their latest album called Boys and Diamonds and appeared with a German Record Label Kompact. (Techno DJ Gui Borato released albums with them) They are known for their amazing releases in which they combine techno/ electro with pop music and the latest Album of Arabia is an excellent example of this. I like this song very much, it has a little eighties feel..

Day 6: Miami Horror - Summersun

For today's song I was looking for a nice beat and I suddenly remembered the new album of Miami Horror I listened a couple of weeks ago while travelling to the US and Canada. A guy on Youtube decribes the album as "The whole album is awesome its like an acid trip. before go janguin out, bath and dress you up with this album..." and I have to agree, it's amazing. If I had to pick one song as my favorite, it would definately be Summersun. It makes my blood starts flowing at a faster pace, makes me smile. I hope it has the same wonderfull effect on your brains and body..

Day 5: Bibio - Lover's Carvings (catz n' dogz re edit)

Today a perfect song to celebrate summer. Enjoy the weather and go out. Meet people and share this wonderful tune. Share your thought, dreams, creativity and enjoy. Carpe Diem. (thnx to my Danish friend Kristian)

Day 4: Lykke Li - I Follow you (magician remix)

Ok, it is almost weekend, so its time to celebrate. A song that I have heard a couple of times in bars and clubs in the last few weeks and that makes me smile every time I hear it. It tingles the adrenaline in my body and I feel like dancin.

This version of "I follow you" is remix made by The Magician. I really think that this guy did a wonderfull job on the original, a song from Swedish singer songwriter Lykke Li, who launched this song in february of this year. The original is ok to me but the remixed version is much more interesting, it brings the song alive. Enjoy the start of your weekend with this pearl !!

Day 3: Benny Sings - Big Brown Eyes

Today a song called "Big Brow Eyes", which is ideal as a background song to listen to while hanging in the park or with a nice drink on the terrace in the sun while watching sunset. Just really relax. It's from a dutch singer/ songwriter / producer called Benny Sings (Tim van Berkenstijn). He just released his new album Art and this is the first single.. Enjoy.

Day 2: Villagers - The Pact

Today a song from an Irish band called "The Villagers", which is from their first studio album Becomming a Jackal (2010). This album was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2010. The Irish Time described this band as: "from what we’ve heard and seen live so far, Villagers generate the type of music (sparse, eerie, casually dishevelled, tangibly cool) that will spread beyond the confines of niche appreciation into a great blue yonder".

From this album I picked a song called "The Pact (I'll be your fever)". I think this song is just beautiful. A sunday morning song that will remind you of magical moments, of the love of your life. A song that you fall in love with. One that you wanna listen to over and over again...

Day 1: Bombay Bicycle Club - Shuffle

Welcome on this blog on which I'll we be posting a new music single every day. Just to share with you the brilliant, fantastic, nice, crazy new songs I come across in my life. On the Internet, on the radio, at music festivals and concerts. The songs will mainly be in the category of pop & rock, but this blog will also cover some electronic, lounge, techno, singer/songwriter songs.

Feel free to provide comments on the songs I post and do no hesitate to provide me with songs which you believe should definitely be on this blog.

Ok, let's start with the first song. This song I came across while looking for new nice music for my Spotify Singles list for July. It's by a British band called the Bombay Bicycle Club. They have been around since 2006. By the end of august they will be releasing their 3rd studio album called "'A Different Kind Of Fix". The single "Shuffle" was released on June 22nd and only after listening a couple of times I already think this will be one of the greatest (summer) songs of 2011. It has some influences from Moby and Miike Snow and it's a song that keeps in your head after hearing it. It makes me happy and I just love it. We will definitely hear more from these guys. Please listen.