Mimada’s Top 12 for 2012

Posted by mimada on January 5, 2013

With the renaissance of music festivals and growing popularity of electronic music, it’s safe to say my attendance to live shows grew exponentially in 2012 (not that I had that many years under my belt to begin with). However, this really changed my perception of music and how I listened to it. Before, I would see an artist based on my familiarity with them and listen to their songs on repeat in the parking lot until moments leading up to the show. Now, it’s more so that I attend a concert based on the artist’s live talent and/or how much fun the performance will be. When I hear their songs in the future, I get sentiments of that first time I heard it sitting outside in a grassy field surrounded by flag holders or squished up against girls in moonboots rather than it’s premier on SiriXM radio. For me, music in 2012 was not about what would get me out of bed in the morning or play in the background at the gym while I worked out: it was what I could dive into and take me away from any known reality. I guess it’s always kind of been that way, but once you get a peek at my top 12, I think you’ll understand what I mean.

12. New Lands (A-Trak Remix) – Justice

Justice made their big return at Ultra 2012 with a set that left the audience chanting and panting for more. And of course, A-Trak’s spin on this already great track turns it to gold (Fool’s Gold, that is).

11. Call Me Greyhound (Kap Slap Bootleg) – Swedish House Mafia feat. Carly Rae Jepsen

I never liked Call Me Maybe until I heard this bootleg and then I realized, something feels so right about singing along to a Swedish House song.

10. Paddling Out (Wolfgang Gartner Remix) – Miike Snow

Happy To You was by far one of my favorite indie albums of the year: I absolutely love Miike Snow’s sound. Paddling Out started off as a pretty strong, upbeat track and Wolfgang didn’t have to do much to make it even more groovy, but what he did, I love.

9. Coming Home To Aerodynamic Quasar (Zhand Reboot) – Dirty South vs. Daft Punk vs. Hard Rock Sofa

There were a couple attempts at this mashup but I chose this one because you literally never know what’s going to come next, and once you do, the suspense is still epic. Prepare to initiate head banging at 1:58.

8. Empty Streets Cascade – Kaskade vs. Tommy Trash

Kaskade’s Freaks of Nature tour was one of my favorites for 2012. It was a showcase of his strongest songs (mostly from Fire & Ice) each perfectly paired with a recent popular progressive house track. The juxtaposition of the melodic voices and heavy hitting drops (and CO2 canons, of course) made it one of the most memorable sets of the year.

7. Mozart – Arty feat. Mat Zo

Both Arty and Mat Zo entered my radar just this year and I’ve been a devoted fan since. This song is a great combination of Arty’s distinct sweet and smooth sound and Mat Zo’s ability to get your feet moving (proof is in the video). Also: I’m a sucker for puns.

6. I Know The Truth – Pretty Lights

Lately, a lot of Pretty Lights’ stuff has started to all sound the same to me which is why I’m so fond of this track’s strange and compelling nature. This song takes you on journey of what feels like every high and low of Derek’s life. When he wrapped up his set at EDC Vegas with it, he left the audience stunned for one long moment after the lights had already gone out.

5. Fix You vs Million Voices vs Apologize (Thomas Gold Bootleg) -Coldplay vs. Otto Knows vs. One Republic

This song was always the cherry on top on a set. Fix You gave the audience a chance to put their arms around each other and belt at the top of their lungs while crying, and then when Million Voices kicked in, it became more of a can-can line and people would rejoice and world peace was born. Metaphorically speaking.

4. got stoned and mixed really old records for half an hour – Diplo

Now this is what being a DJ is about: creating a mix and setting a mood for any occasion. Diplo’s ability to find and flawlessly seam together these forgotten records is only more reason for him to win the Grammy for Best Producer this year, and if there was a title for badass of the century then I think that would be up for grabs, too. Now, when you listen to this mix, hold on tight and prepare to fly away on Diplo’s magic carpet…

3. National Anthem – Lana Del Rey

Lana’s lyrics create a beautiful snapshot of the indulgent, capitalistic culture that exists in America today (or the 1% of it). And what could be more patriotic than a music video with Lana and A$AP as two of America’s most idolized historical figures, released just before July 4th? She pretty much nailed it on this one.

2. Youth (Adventure Club Remix) – Foxes

Adventure Club takes the title as my favorite group of 2012. It was hard to pick only one of their songs but this one in particular, between the lyrics, the drop, and the group’s excitement on stage, I hold close to my heart.

1. Somebody I Used to Know (Hypercrush Remix) – Gotye

Well, this was almost the song of 2012 before everyone got so sick of it and Gangnam Style came along. I think this remix got a little overshadowed by the million and 1 other ones that were produced but once you give it a listen you’ll understand why this takes the number one spot.