Staff Picks - Best of NoiseTrade Music 2014 (So Far)
Propaganda
Crimson Cord
Anyone who knows much about me knows my intense love for hip-hop. I'm a hip-hop snob, even. I've been a huge fan of Propaganda's artistically raw, deeply spiritual, life or death brand of hip-hop since his 2012-released (and very appropriately named) Excellent. 2014's Crimson Cord was one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, of any genre, and at least for this confessed hip-hop elitist, it swiftly exceeded my expectations.
— Derek Webb
Ethan Luck
Hard Seas EP
Mixing his punk rock roots with a West Coast country twang and a sprinkling of sparse folk simplicity, Ethan Luck's second solo EP Hard Seas lands beautifully between outlaw country, Old 97's, and Prison Bound-era Social Distortion. Add in Luck's pull-no-punches lyrical take on his recent struggles with anxiety and you've got a cohesively diverse outing that never loses its bearings.
— Will Hodge
PS I Love You
For Those Who Stay EP
I first heard these guys years ago playing on one of the parking lot stages at DeLuna Fest. The ground was radiating with heat and these guys turned it up even more. A dance party broke out in the lot in the middle of a blistering Florida afternoon, and that's when I knew this band had "it". Combining oddly timed syncopated dance beats with guitar mega hooks, while still gracefully flowing into heady jam territory at times, this band gives you everything you want out of an indie dance track.
— Sean Doyle
Courtney Barnett
World Cafe Session
Courtney's live version of "Avent Gardener" (as part of this session) captures the essence of this song in such a way that reminds me of what I like most about her music: It's spunky, conversational, honest and thoughtful all at once. I also quite enjoy her interview with World Cafe's David Dye (so glad we included that here as it offers up an additional window into this amazing new talent).
— Chris Moon
City Rain
Songs for a High School Dance
I love City Rain's dance-pop sound! They manage to capture that vibe while still being totally different from what you expect to hear flooding your radio these days. Every song on this album is catchy. Great album for the summer!
— Kelly Redfern
The Likes of Us
Time Traveler
Time Traveler being the second album The Likes of Us have shared with NoiseTrade users is even better than the first - their cover of Rihanna's "Stay" is actually infectious.
— Jessi Vaughn
THE CHOIR
Shadow Weaver EP
This EP is a gateway drug to Shadow Weaver, the latest album by one of my all-time favorite bands and also brief retrospective of their storied career. Their music is a study in apparent contrasts: ethereal / gritty, whimsical / earnest, joy / sorrow , poetic / plainspoken, spiritual / human. If you don't yet know The Choir and like rarefied alt pop, take this EP for a spin! I've been a fan for years and this release solidifies my fan status for years to come.
— Mark Nicholas
Betty Who
The Remixes
There are so many great contenders to pick from this year, but Betty Who's recent addition to NoiseTrade takes the cake. With only two EPs floating around the internet, it's a treat to hear her shake it up with some dreamy remixes on NoiseTrade. I honestly don't think the world can have enough Betty Who in their ears. You'll want to eat her music up – and then ask for seconds...and thirds.
— Sarah Lai
Brother Oliver
Stubborn Fool
I love Brother Oliver's debut single. It's a realization of past regret, and bleary acceptance of future pain. With instrumentation that woos and wrestles, "Stubborn Fool" explores the fearsome tension between one's affections and actions. I definitely identify with the folk-Americana duo as they narrate the internal conflict that wears long as life.
— Ricky Altizer
Highasakite
Since Last Wednesday
The first thing Highasakite has going for them is they're from Norway (because come on, that's really cool), and the second thing is they're awesome. Ingrid Havik's (lead singer) crystalline soprano vocals slay me and deliver the songs with such strength. Inventive melodies, fun beats, heartfelt lyrics and all with that buzz worthy Euro-pop touch. I'm totally a fan.
— Hannah Boren
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