2019 Favorite Songs (40-31)

Continuing my countdown:

40. SASAMI - "Not the Time"

SASAMI, the former keyboardist for Cherry Glazerr, has released a lovely collection of shoegaze pop. One of my favorite songs is this beautiful ode to a relationship that didn't work out but the feelings remain and they want to save the friendship. I love these lyrics, that sums up a lot of personal things for myself:

"One of these nights I'm
Gonna hear your song again, friend
One of these nights I'm
Gonna be your friend again
It's not the time or place for us
But you said that you would save some space for us."



39. KH (aka Four Tet) - "Only Human"

Four Tet, under the alias KH, takes a sample from Nelly Furtado's track "Afraid" and turns out one of the best dance floor bangers of the year.



38. Drab Majesty - "Oxytocin"

Pulling their sound from acts like The Cure and Clan of Xymox, goth-inspired LA duo Drab Majesty transcend their influences on their new album Modern Mirror. "Oxytocin" is all swoony synths and chiming guitars, and is quite sublime.




37. HVOB - "Butter"

Austrian electronic duo HVOB veers headlong into Berghain-like techno on this dramatic track.



36. Solange - "Stay Flo"

Solange throws down some sleek and sexy vibes on this gorgeous track.



35. Friendly Fires - "Lack of Love"

Friendly Fires amp up some dancefloor grooves on this loving cover of the House classic "Lack of Love" which was originally done by Charles B and Adonis.



34. black midi - "953"

UK youngsters black midi has a wild assortment of influences, none of which they are afraid to throw together in the mix. "953" from their debut record Schlagenheim is an everything but the kitchen sink concoction that throws in prog, punk, math rock, Fall-like vocals, and undeniable energy.



33. DIIV - "Acheron"

Shoegaze band DIIV returned with its excellent record Deceiver. It was hard to pick just one track that stands out, so I went with the epic closing track "Acheron," which slowly builds to a ferocious climax.



32. NIMMO - "No More"

London duo NIMMO's new song "No More" is a disco-tinged dance track that is about trying to find the courage to get over a relationship, and exalting in the rush that comes from taking that leap. This is such a great dance track.



31. Burial - "Claustro"

Burial returned after a two-year absence with this killer single. It's dancier than his usual material but still retains his singular sound.