BEST ALTERNATIVE POP - WEEK 50 PART 2 2014

Hello everyone! We are well into December, so that means I can be obnoxiously festive and bust out my collection of awesomely ugly holiday sweaters (I’m an 80 year old woman at heart.) So while I’m preparing for any over done “ugly Christmas sweater” themed parties that should come my way, read on to hear the latest tracks from Yuna, Lana Del Rey, David Harks, and more!

DJ EARWORM MASHUP - UNITED STATES OF POP 2014 (DO WHAT YOU WANNA DO)

Today we’re kicking things off with a year-end mash-up of all the pop hits of 2014 that you’ll probably want a break from in 2015. DJ Earworm creates an impressive mix of tracks by Taylor Swift, John Legend, Meghan Trainer, Iggy Azalea, Tove Lo, and more in only 4 mesmerizing minutes.

YUNA - BROKE HER

Warning— Things are going to get pretty depressing and emotional (but in a good way, of course) with Yuna’s latest single, “Broke Her.” Featuring the same sample that Drake used in “0-100,” the Malaysian songstress slows it down and uses her sultry vocals to create a beautifully heartbreaking breakup song that I can’t get enough of.

LANA DEL REY - I CAN FLY

Yay! New Lana Del Rey music! (I know, you either love her or hate her—I obliviously belong in the former category.) “I Can Fly” is from the soundtrack to Tim Burton’s upcoming film, Big Eyes, and features orchestral strings, snare rolls, and everything you’d expect and love from an epic Lana Del Rey pop ballad.

TROY BOI - STRANGERS

London-producer Troy Boi pays homage to Michael Jackson by sampling the King of Pop on his latest track, “Strangers.” The track has a laid-back, futuristic feel to it and also celebrates TroyBoi’s 6,000,000th play on SoundCloud.

JMSN - WAVES

JMSN is back with “Waves” off of his upcoming self-titled sophomore album (although fans are taking a cue from Weezer and referring to it as the “blue album”). The track is packed with synths, various electronic beats, and male and female vocals that create an unique blend of pop, dance, and R&B.

CLIENT LIAISON - FEED THE RHYTHM

Client Liaison are here to take you back to the early 90’s club scene with their latest track, “Feed The Rhythm” (even the song title is 90’s!). Featuring a thumping beat, lots of bass, and strong backing female vocals providing the “ooohs” and “ahhs,” it’s an awesome throwback track that will have you moving in no time. There's even some sax-action thrown in for good measure so you know it's awesome!

DAVID HARKS - ODYSSEY

UK-based singer, David Harks, will take you on a futuristic and magical journey with his latest track, “Odyssey.” The track features synths and sparkling space-age electronic elements that make for a totally infectious slow-burner. It’s one of my faves on today’s list and it will totally keep you coming back.

NAKED AND FAMOUS - PUNCHING IN A DREAM (UNKOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA REMIX)

Portland’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra puts a new spin on the Naked and Famous’ electropop track, “Punching In A Dream.” With the addition of bass-synths and a scattered echoey beat, the remix is a wonderfully unique 6 and a half minutes that will instantly grab you.

CASHMERE CAT - WEDDING BELLS (Y//2//K ‘ARE U’ REMIX)

Y//2//K gives Cashmere Cat’s track, “Wedding Bells,” a seriously awesome makeover with his remix of the relatively low-key track. Featuring crazy scattered drums and a flurry of electronic elements, it all works together perfectly to create a high energy and infectious take on the original that is sure to get you going.

There you have it—all of the best indie pop tracks of the week. See you next time!

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.