Dancing Astronaut’s Top 10 Tracks of November 2014
Dancing Astronaut's Top 10 Tracks of November 2014
Want an easy way to make sure you’re up to date on all the latest, best music? Dancing Astronaut takes a look at the top 10 tracks officially released in November and ranks them based on a combination of reader feedback, track quality, editorial preference and critical reception.
November’s list features massive tracks from reader favorites David Guetta, Avicii, and Amtrac. Not to be missed are also fantastic efforts from Trollphace, Dusky, and Tiga.
10. Wyclef - Divine Sorrow (ft. Avicii)
One of the most influential figures of the late ’90s, Wyclef Jean left an indelible mark on popular culture through both his solo career and his stint with The Fugees. Fast forward to 2014 and Jean joins forces with the face of EDM’s mainstream adoption, Avicii, for the RED-supported “Divine Sorrow.” Infusing soulful reggae underpinnings on top of Avicii’s tried-and-true, commercially viable electronica, the duo seamlessly create a feel good anthem for a worthwhile cause. Released as part of Coca Cola’s RED campaign to Share the Sound of an AIDS-Free Generation, the pair’s powerful production serves as both a philanthropic call to action and a tastefully-crafted output from two unlikely collaborators.
9. Yogi and Pusha T - Burial (Skrillex & Trollphace Remix)
Connecting with underdog success story, Trollphace, Skrillex and the upcoming producer form a pair of dubstep heavyweights and offer up a lacerating remix of Yogi and Pusha T’s mighty genre-crosser “Burial.” The tag-team rework of “Burial” selectively chops up Pusha T’s untouchable lyrics through a scalding trap-step assault. The synthesis of both producers’ styles comes through to make for a blistering, propulsive remix.
8. David Guetta - Hey Mama (ft. Afrojack & Nicki Minaj)
David Guetta and Nicki Minaj reunite to follow “Turn Me On” with “Hey Mama,” with Afrojack also joining in on the production end. Off David’s newest album, the track offers all that’s beloved of his pop production and all that’s currently hot of Nicki’s verse game; edgier hip-hop verses clashing against anthemic pop hooks from Minaj, and a chemistry between David and Afrojack unlike that of their previous collaborations.
7. The M Machine - Don't Speak (Original Mix)
Nothing The M Machine ever does is ordinary. While much of their discography has been caught up in cerebrally dense, conceptually rich material, their latest EP is a step in a lighter direction. Just Like sees the San Francisco trio explore new territory, pulling influences from deep house, UK bass, and indie dance. This isn’t the existentially charged trio of Metropolis, but rather the enchanted musing of a group experimenting with a new sound, and standout “Don’t Speak” mixes warping voices with a pleasantly distorted bassline.
6. Ryn Weaver - Octahate (Cashmere Cat Remix)
Cashmere Cat broke onto the scene not long ago but has already collaborated with some of music’s finest, including Ariana Grande, Ludacris, and Juicy J. He graces us this fall with a rework of pop songstress Ryn Weaver‘s breakout single “Octahate,” which he originally helped produce. Cashmere Cat’s remix is nothing short of imaginative as the track sounds like it’s being played on the radio but the antenna is going out of service. The 26-year-old skillfully creates a distorted, static synth that interweaves itself with a heavy percussion breakdown and soft background synths.
5. Dusky - YooHoo (Original Mix)
Velvety house grooves and piano swirls work hand in hand to construct Dusky‘s latest single, “Yoohoo,” premiered by Pete Tong as an Essential New Tune. The A-side of the duo’s November EP emits a nostalgic feel — complemented by pleasant, eye-catching imagery thanks to its dazzling music video. Ultimately, Dusky’s production writes a refreshing new chapter in their ever-changing story.
4. Tiga ft. Pusha T - Bugatti (Eats Everything 4x4 Remix)
Yes that’s Tiga with an “i”, not Tyga, and while this isn’t another remixed hip hop ballad it sure packs swagger. Lending his own signature touch of futuristic groove to the summer hit, Eats Everything gives us a tune suited for a fashion runway, spruced up and polished with a unique and almost retro appeal.
3. Wolfgang Gartner - Unholy (Amtrac Remix)
Electro house don Wolfgang Gartner called on Amtrac for official remix duties of “Unholy.” With a predilection for bangin’ house music, the Kentucky-born producer strips things back for a more straightforward club appeal. Bobby Saint’s vocals once again take center stage, bolstered by an arpeggiated bassline and shuffling hi-hats.
2. Deadmau5 & Kaskade - I Remember (Shiba San Remix)
Another impressive re-imagining off the 5 Years of Mau5 compilation, Dirtybird contributor Shiba San installs a brand new transmission into the mix, swapping out the panning synthwork with a rich and analog-driven deep house backbone. Premiered as a first listen by Pete Tong, Shiba leaves Gibby’s vocals un-altered and instead focuses his attention on creating a shifty groove that turns “I Remember” from a hands-in-the-air sing-a-long into a side step shuffle gem destined to wear dancefloors thin.
1. Axwell Λ Ingrosso - Something New (Original Mix)
Axwell Λ Ingrosso strike gold with the debut of their new single, using “Something New” as backdrop to Beats by Dre’s newest video promotion. Similar to previous campaigns by the headphones brand that’ve paired with large-scale events such as the Super Bowl and the World Cup, the latest pushes its #SoloSelfie concept. “Something New” fits the promo’s production and its connectively concept perfectly, building anticipation for the pair’s new album new in 2015. Smash hit upon release; brace for radio impact.