BEST ALTERNATIVE POP - WEEK 40 PART 2 2014

10/2/14

How’s everyone doing? I’m starting to feel kind of old right now— Britney Spears’ debut song, “…Baby One More Time,” just turned sweet 16 (does that mean enough time has passed for it to be acceptable to bring back the Catholic school girl Halloween costume? I’m running out of ideas…), Jackie and Kelso had a baby, and I’m actually thinking about watching an episode of Law & Order: SVU to see network television’s take on the Jay-z/Solange elevator fight. Well, I better stop my rambling because this week is jam packed with some insanely catchy indie pop that you gotta hear right now!

 

 

THEOPHILUS LONDON - DO GIRLS

Theophilus London’s upcoming album, Vibes, is produced by Yeezus himself so chances are there’s going to be a lot of hype growing around this new artist. “Do Girls” proves that London has no insecurities when it comes to impressing the ladies, and it serves as a great example of his aggressive lyrical style. It's a smooth and catchy track with a chorus that will totally get stuck in your head.

 

GREAT GOOD FINE OK - BY MY SIDE

This Brooklyn duo has a thing for creating insanely catchy electropop tracks with funky bass lines, and “By My Side” is no different. It's packed with an 80’s-inspired drum machine beat, bright synths, horns, and breathy vocals that blend together to create a track you can’t help but sing along to.

 

ED SHEERAN - DON’T (X AMBASSADORS REMIX)

Okay, I’m going to be honest here and admit that I personally can’t stand most of Ed Sheeran’s stuff, but this X Ambassadors remix has got me into it with their addition of awesomely heavy drums and electronic elements that give this steamy track a bit more attitude. I love the breakdown around the 2:15 mark where everything really starts to build up into something special.

 

COUCHERON - HONKY DONK FEAT. REBMOE

I’m not entirely sure what a “honky donk” is, but this track has everything it takes to be a fun and memorable club banger. Beginning with hand claps and a funky bass line, you will be instantly hooked by the time the female voice repeats “honky donk/ I am a honky donk/ I put my honky in your donky.”

 

RAE MORRIS - CLOSER

This UK singer/songwriter will totally grab your attention with her piano-driven track, “Closer.” It’s an epic pop ballad packed with strong electronic beats, a killer chorus, and vocals that are simply captivating.

 

KERO KERO BONITO - FLAMINGO

This track kicks off with claps and the lines “how many shrimps do you have to eat/ before you make your skin turn pink?,” so naturally, I was already sold. Before you know it, you’re thrown into a blend of quirky electronic elements, flutes, clips and clicks, and some super weird lyrics. In other words, just give this track a listen because it’s kind of amazing and you’ll want to share it with everyone.

 

BIG DATA - DANGEROUS (OLIVER REMIX)

Featuring claps, lots of bass, and quick bursts of synths, this blend of electronic elements work together to create a seriously groovy track. There’s a crazy huge drop at the 1:20 mark that’s futuristic and dark, making this a very dancey roller coaster ride of a track.

 

GUILTY SIMPSON - RAP STAMPEDE

Guilty’s verses pack a lot of punch on his latest track, “Rap Stampede.” Featuring a fuzzy guitar riff, rough snares, and a subtle yet effective bass beat, this track will definitely pump you up and demand your full undivided attention from start to finish.

 

WILD PARTY - WHEN I GET OLDER

This Texas band will totally win you over with their infectious indie-pop track, “When I Get Older.” Featuring a fun guitar riff, pounding drums (and a tambourine!), and vocals that beg you to sing a long, the chorus has all of the right ingredients for an indie-pop hit that is begging to be used in a car commercial.

 

HALSEY - HURRICANE

This new songstress delivers some truly infectious dark pop and has officially made me a fan with her awesome new track, “Hurricane.” Packed with echoey, far away-sounding beats and glitchy electronic components, it all works perfectly under Halsey’s powerful and seductive vocals that will leave you wanting to hear more.

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…And I think that should curb your indie-pop appetite until next time!

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About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.