Curry Favor: Choice Cuts Vol. 23 (2024)

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2024's playlists for my 23nd annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. And once again I am doing my Casey Kasem impression and turned it into a radio show as well. Here ya go: 

Michael Schneider · 2024 Choice Cuts Radio Show

Also, check out the Choice Cuts 2024 YouTube playlist here, or stream the full playlist on Spotify playlist here.

Or you can listen and watch each one below!

1. "Cinderella" — Remi Wolf

Last year's Choice Cuts comp featured Remi Wolf on a duet with Benny Sings, but this year we have her solo. The Palo Alto native released her second album, "Big Ideas," in 2024 , featuring her biggest hit to date, "Cinderella."  Let's go hang with her and the boys in the hotel lobby!

2. "Love Me Not (feat. Rex Orange County)" — Ravyn Lenae

The original version of Ravyn Lenae's track "Love Me Not" appears on her album "Birds Eye," which was released in August. She later released a remix of the song featuring new vocals from Rex Orange County. It's perhaps an unexpected collab, but their voices truly mesh.

3. "Cheerleader" — Porter Robinson

Born in Atlanta and raised in Chapel Hill, electronic music producer Porter Robinson crafted a fast paced, catchy tune for his first release in two years. A song about parasocial relationships, "Cheerleader" meshes emo with synthpop. It's pretty irresistable.

4. "Every Night Every Morning" — Maoli

Originally released by the country duo Maddie & Tae in 2022, the song "Every Night Every Morning" got a Hawaiian reggae makeover by the group Maoli, led by Glenn Awong. You couldn't escape this song in Hawai'i this summer, and for good reason. 

5. "DANCE NOW" — JOEY VALENCE & BRAE

No, it's not an old Beastie Boys track. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Joey Valence and Brae bring plenty of bravado and humor to a dope beat. We DIY, yeah we're Etsy.

6. "Take A Bite" — beabadoobee

We featured Beabadoobee's song "Talk" in our 2022 Choice Cuts mix. This time out we've got the lead single from her third album "This Is How Tomorrow Moves." Beabadoobee once again takes us back to the 90s with an another infectious tune, "Take A Bite," in which she embraces her chaotic side. Go ahead, take a bite.

7. "Starburster" — Fontaines D.C.

Formed in 2014 and based in Ireland, rock band Fontaines D.C. released their fourth album "Romance" in 2024 and hit it big with "Starburster," which was named song of the year by Spin and landed a Grammy nom for best alternative music performance. 

8. "Hell of A Ride" — Nourished By Time

Marcus Brown, a.k.a. Nourished By Time's 2024 EP "Catching Chickens" features the track "Hell of a Ride" which now feels a bit prescient... is it really about proclaiming the end of late-stage capitalism and the fall of America as we know it? Well, it has been a hell of a ride. Sigh.

9. "Love To Walk Away" — The Vaccines

Formed in West London n 2010, The Vaccines have already released six albums, including most recently 2024's "Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations." That title was inspired by Don McLean's "American Pie" as frontman Justin Young decided to make an album about the "loss of dreams." "Love to Walk Away" set that tone.

10. "Don't Forget Me" — Maggie Rogers

Maggie Rogers kicked off 2024 by releasing her third album "Don't Forget Me," and even sneak previewing the title track on New Year's Day. Turns out we didn't forget her this year.

11. "You Need Me Now? (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)" — girl in red

During Taylor Swift's lengthy Eras tour, both Girl in Red and Sabrina Carpenter served as opening acts. So it probably was inevitable that they would collab on their own track together. It was a big year for Sabrina Carpenter, and she's featured here backing up Girl in Red on "You Need Me Now."

12. "BODYGUARD" — Beyoncé

In yet another groundbreaking year for Beyonce, she played with various genres, especially of course country, on her eighth album "Cowboy Carter" and then ended the year breaking records as the halftime extravaganza during the Christmas Day NFL games. This was my favorite song off Cowboy Carter, the 70s-ish "Bodyguard."

13. "blindspot" — Charlotte Sands

Off her LP "Can We Start Over," Charlotte Sands channels the 1990s -- hey it seems to be a common theme here -- in "Blindspot." In the song, Charlotte opines over falling in love with a friend. Sands says she was inspired by artists like Michelle Branch and Jewel in "Blindspot." Take a listen.

14. "Just My Luck" — Obongjayar

Obongjayar is a Nigerian singer based in London, real name Steven Umoh. His music mixes soul, electronic music, hip hop influences, Afrobeat and more. And then there's that falsetto voice he uses in the catchy tune "Just My Luck." You won't be able to get him shouting "Lucky! Lucky" out of your head. But don't worry, it's just your luck.

15. "Lego Ring (feat. Lil Yachty)" — Faye Webster

Faye Webster and Lil Yachty were middle school pals in Atlanta, and then took different creative paths. And yet, Faye's indie folk rock and Yachty's trap and rap background both come from experimental places. So of course, it completely works to bring them together on "Lego Ring." Stay in touch with your childhood friends!

16. "Sexy to Someone" — Clairo

Clairo, the performing name for Claire Cottrill, received a Grammy nomination for her third album "Charm," featuring tracks like Sexy to Someone, a plea for love that is nevertheless bright and groovy.  

17. "Otherside (feat. Holly Walker) — Maribou State

Maribou State is an electronic music duo out of the UK featuring Chris Davids and Liam Ivory. But they regularly work with singer Holly Walker, who shows up here in the track "Otherside," off their upcoming album "Hallucinating Love."

18. "Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)" — Waxahatchee

Waxahatchee, the band project from Katie Crutchfield, wowed critics this year with "Tigers Blood," her sixth album. Nominated for a Grammy as best Americana album, "Tigers Blood" features the power collab between Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman. Inspired by classic country duets, "Right Back to It" was named one of the best singles of the year by the New York Times. Let's get right back to it.

19. "squabble up" — Kendrick Lamar

You'd think winning his battle with Drake via the instant classic "Not Like Us" would make enough of a victorious year for Kendrick Lamar. But in November he dropped the surprise album "GNX." That album immediately cemented Kendrick's MVP status in 2024; the track "Squabble Up" I particularly love, of course, thanks to the "When I Hear Music" Debbie Deb sample.

20. "Pretending" — FLETCHER

Fletcher, real name Cari Elise Fletcher, released her second full-length album this year, "In Search of the Antidote," featuring the track "Pretending." Fletcher says the song is about having that person at that back of your mind who makes you keep wondering, " Is it going to be us that end up together one day?" For now, we'll both keep on pretending.

21. "Good Luck, Babe!" — Chappell Roan

When Chappell Roan announced the release of her single "Good Luck Babe," she described it as the "first song of the next chapter" and she was most certainly right. It was a big year for the singer, although that did come with plenty of controversy over her struggles with fame. I try not to include too many mega hits on this list, but NPR named it the best pop song of the year and "Good Luck Babe" continues to be a grand, anthemic listen.

22. "Nothing Would Change" — The Linda Lindas

They've come a long way from the LA Public Library. You heard the Linda Lindas' hit "Growing Up" this summer in "Inside Out 2," and more recently the Linda Lindas released their second album, "No Obligation." As they prepare to embark on a North American tour in 2025, the Linda Lindas are truly growing up. And this track, "Nothing Would Change," takes another melancholic look at how growing up means that, well, everything changes.

23. "Crown" — Billie Marten

UK singer songwriter Billie Marten has been playing the song "Crown" in concert for some time, but finally released a recording of the song, which Billie describes as "a song of longing, of accepting who you are, a truthful interlude." Try on this "Crown."

24. "Girl, so confusing (featuring lorde)" — Charli XCX

This may be one of my favorite music moments of the whole year. The original "Girl, So Confusing" appears on Charli XCX's album "Brat," which took the world by storm. In it, she talks about her rivalry with another musician. In this remix, we find out who it is: Lorde, who adds a verse as the two air out their issues -- and promise to break the Internet in the process.

25. "God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat. Yazmin Lacey)" — Yazmin Lacey & Ezra Collective

For their third album, "Dance, No One's Watching," Ezra Collective partnered with London singer Yazmin Lacey to give us the smooth, jazz-infused groove "God Gave Me Feet For Dancing." Bandleader Femo Koleoso says the song is meant to look at dancing in a more spirtual capacity. "It's our God-given ability to share away the badness of life and dance instead." Something to remember as we head into 2025.

Katsu Sound-o: Choice Cuts Vol. 22 (2023)

 

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2023's playlists for my 22nd annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. I've been doing this annual "Best of" mix every year since 2002, but this is the first year I turned it into a radio show too. It was a lot of fun, and although perhaps not every song is for everyone, I hope you'll enjoy listening to some tracks perhaps you hadn't heard before -- while I do my best Casey Kasem impression. Here ya go:

franklinavenue · 2023 Choice Cuts Radio Show

Also, check out the Choice Cuts 2023 YouTube playlist here, or stream the full playlist on Spotify playlist here.

Or you can listen and watch each one below!

1. "Back on 74" — Jungle
Jungle, the electronic music group founded in London in 2013 by producers Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland. Off their third album “Volcano,” “Back on 74” was the fourth single to come out this year from the group. This is Lydia Katto on lead vocals. What a way to kick off the album. Go ahead and groove, I dare you not to.



2. "Lil Boo Thang" — Paul Russell
I mean, how infectious is this sample of the Emotions’ 1977 classic “Best of My Love”? Updated for the TikTok generation – literally this is where “Lil Boo Thang” exploded – Paul Russell has one of the most infectious tracks of the year.



3. "Loving You" — Cannons
I’m usually not a fan of whistling on songs… and yet, Cannons wins me over from the very start of “Loving You.” The kick-off song from their latest album “Heartbeat Highway,” “Loving You” continues the trend of Cannons having perhaps the best music of this century for roller skating. Now, to be fair, maybe I was inspired by the video to “Fire for You,” which was on my 2021 Choice Cuts and filmed at Glendale’s famed Moonlight Rollerway. Whatever they’re doing with their smooth grooves, I’m happy to have more Cannons on this mix.



4. "Lipstick Lover" — Janelle Monáe
“I like lipstick on my neck.” Janelle Monáe, getting seductive on her latest album, “The Age of Pleasure,” and the track “Lipstick Lover” in particular. The video to this song, ooh, let’s just note that there are two versions, since one of them would not be safe for MTV… if there still was an MTV. “The Age of Pleasure” was nominated for album of the year and best progressive R&B album at the Grammys, and these reggae tinged sounds on “Lipstick Lover” made Monáe’s first studio album in more than five years a welcome return.



5. "No California" — Ilsey
California songs are a genre in themselves, and Ilsey added a must to those West Coast/best coast playlists this year with “No California.” Full name Ilsey Anna Juber, believe it or not her grandfather was Sherwood Schwartz. That’s right, the creator behind “The Brady Bunch” and “Gilligan’s Island.” There’s nothing more California than that. From her debut album “From the Valley,” “No California” is a worthy listen.



6. "Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood" — Yves Tumor
Originally from Knoxville, Tenn., Yves Tumor – born Sean Lee Bowie – came out with perhaps the most exciting song of the year to me, the beautifully experimental “Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood.” This epic journey sounds like it could have come out of another Bowie. Tumor’s latest album is titled “Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds).” It’s ambitious, including this song.



7. "Don't Let the Devil (feat. El-P)" — Killer Mike
We’re up to a song that technically isn’t from Run the Jewels, but it sort of is. From Killer Mike’s sixth studio album (but his first in 11 years) “Michael,” the track “Don’t Let the Devil” features El-P with Killer Mike – and even a shout out to their group Run the Jewels. Killer Mike says the latest album was influenced by gospel, soul, funk and hip-hop, and you hear it in “Don’t Let the Devil.”



8. "Pyjamas (feat. Remi Wolf)" — Benny Sings
Dutch pop musician Benny Sings has been crafting pop gem after pop gem, sticky songs that stay with you. That was especially true with his two collabs with Remi Wolf. “Young Hearts” is a bop, sure, but “Pyjamas” is irresistible. In a year where bossa nova influences are everywhere, “Pyjamas” marries those groves with some equally catchy lyrics. I mean, we all love wearing pajamas. And Havaianas.



9. "Weightless" — Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks somehow manages to pop up on my end of year mixes annually these days. In 2022, it was “Softly.” In 2021, it was “Green Eyes.” This year, we moved on to the British singer-songwriter’s second album, “My Soft Machine,” and the single “Weightless.” It’s bright and boppy, and I like it.



10. "Evolution" — Braids
Originally from Calgary and now based in Montreal, Braids released their latest album, “Euphoric Recall,” this year. The track “Evolution” is the kind of groove we need right now.



11. "Empty Mansions" — Local Natives
Local Natives is another band that tends to land a slot in my year-end mixes, but how can I not. The group, which I’ll never forget was the last live show I saw before the pandemic shut down concerts for a long time, continues to produce music that is the soundtrack of our lives living in Los Angeles. The group’s latest album, “Time Will Wait for No One,” features some great singles. Interestingly, “Empty Mansions” wasn’t one they they released… but to me it was their dreamiest.



12. "Circus Maximus (feat. The Weeknd)" — Travis Scott
I’ve gotten to the point now in my life where my kids have their own musical tastes and are frequently inspiring me to get into certain artists or songs. My eldest was really into Travis Scott’s “Circus Maximus” album this year, including the film of the same name. This one is a controversial choice, I know critics were mixed on it – particularly because of its similarities to Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead.” But I sometimes can’t help what I like, and the powerful drums and contrast with The Weeknd’s voice – and the synth at the end of it — just made it interesting to me. Sorry!



13. "Psychos" — Jenny Lewis
OK, let’s move back from those aggressive drums to something Joyful, y’all. Literally: Jenny Lewis’ latest album is titled “Joy’All,” and the kick off song is “Psychos.” She’s a rock and roll disciple in a video game.



14. "Pretty Girl" — Ice Spice
Out of this world like sci-fi. It’s been quite a year for Ice Spice, including an appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” where she first performed this track, along with Nigerian rapper/singer Rema. “Pretty Girl” is quite simply, pretty.



15. "No More Lies" — Thundercat & Tame Impala
Tame Impala, aka Kevin Parker, has become equally famous for his collabs alongside his own songs. In 2021, we included his “Breathe Deeper” remix with Lil Yachty. This time out, it’s “No More Lies,” his track with Thundercat that may be the funkiest thing on this year’s mix.



16. "Show Me How" — Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters returns to shoegaze for “Show Me How,” a song about loss — made all the more poignant by the inclusion of Violet Grohl on vocals with her father Dave. From their 11th studio album, “But Here We Are,” the introspective song refers to the death of Dave’s mother, and Violet’s grandmother. Where are you now, who will show me how?



17. "Headlights On" — Wild Nothing
Formed by Jack Tatum in 2009, Wild Nothing released their fifth studio album, “Hold,” this year. “Headlights On” is the first single, featuring guest vocals from Hatchie. Jack Tatum, by the way, co-wrote Japanese Breakfast’s signature song “Be Sweet,” a previous Choice Cuts selection.



18. "Nothing Left to Lose" — Everything But the Girl
It’s confusing to me how Everything But the Girl had been inactive since 2000, given that Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt have been a real-life couple for decades. But maybe working on separate projects was the secret to them staying together all this time. Nonetheless, the arrival of new Everything But the Girl music in 2023 was a welcome homecoming. Their new album is titled “Fuse,” leading off with “Nothing Left to Lose,” featuring Thorn’s rich vocals, of course.



19. "Heavenly" — Sputnik Sweetheart
Based in Canberra, Australia, Sputnik Sweetheart released the EP “Far From You” earlier this year, the heavenly “Heavenly” is a standout single.



20. "La Bachata" — Manuel Turizo
Colombian singer Manuel Turizo Zapata, who just goes by Manuel Turizo professionally, won the Global 200 Latin Song of the Year, the Airplay Song of the Year and Tropical Song of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for his single “La Bachata.” Bachata is a Dominican genre that drives this tune, which became Turizo’s biggest hit ever.



21. "Drive Me Crazy!" — Lil Yachty
I mentioned Lil Yachty earlier, and now here he is, with a track from his 2023 release “Let’s Start Here.” A bit of a departure for Lil Boat, there’s a lot of psychedelic rock and singing on this album, and I’m here for it. “Drive Me Crazy!” is an upbeat bop that he performed on “SNL” earlier this year, in his performance debut on the series.



22. "Wretched" — Bartees Strange
Bartees Strange kicked off last year’s Choice Cuts, and he’s back again with “Wretched,” off the album “Farm to Table.” Technically from 2022, but I was still listening a lot to Bartees this year, and this song is just too moving not to include. ““This song is about the people who’ve always stood by me, even when I was wretched. When I was trying to be something other than myself—they saw me even through that and held me down,” Strange said in releasing this track.



23. "All I Want" — Lane 8
Daniel Goldstein is the Denver-based producer and DJ better known as Lane 8. His latest album “Reviver” was also released in 2022, so it took a while for it to hit my ears. Apparently it shows up on the FIFA 23 soundtrack, which is perhaps how it spread wide this year. “All I Want” features Arctic Lake on vocals, filled with need and desire. Just wait for that drop.



24. "Not Strong Enough" — Boygenius
You hear “supergroup” bandied about a lot when people bring up Boygenius, the “supergroup” made up of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. We finally got a full record from them this year, called of course “The Record.” Since then they played Coachella, toured the world and performed on “SNL.” (Wow, a lot of SNL musical guests on this year’s mix!) And they ended the year with seven Grammy nominations, including album of the year and record of the year. “Not Strong Enough” was strong enough to receive three of those nods.



25. "Lovesick" — Laufey
Remember when I said it’s the kids who are now inspiring some of my music choices? Never has that been more clear that Laufey, the pop/jazz artist that both my sons absolutely adore. So much that I believe I was nominated for dad of the year because I managed to get them tickets to see her at the Ace Hotel this fall. From her album “Bewitched,” Laufey’s “Lovesick” feels like the perfect way to wrap up 2023’s Choice Cuts.