Playlist of the Month (My Personal Favorites from March)

Now that we've all seen the end of March and the very beginning of April, I'd like to take some time to reflect on what some of my favorite/most listened to songs have been over the past month. Through some quick retrospective musical analysis, I've conjured up a personal playlist of the month and narrowed it down to 10 songs (in a sort of countdown style). And while this certainly doesn't include every important/relevant song that's either been released in March or has recently seen a rise in popularity, I think that this list should sum up the past month in music pretty nicely.

10. Alesia & DJ Snake- Bird Machine

Hot off the Mad Decent music distribution machine, Alesia & DJ Snake's "Bird Machine" offers what, in my opinion, is the most unique EDM track to be released so far this year. With a drop featuring a sample of chirping birds and a hint of dutch synth, it sounds unlike anything else I've ever heard, really.

As a side note, it was surprisingly one of the more played songs at Ultra Music Festival this year.

9. Dinosaur Jr.- Entertainment (Phoenix Cover)

Back in February, Phoenix released "Entertainment" as the first single off their upcoming album Bankrupt! Strangely enough, Dinosaur Jr. has taken it upon themselves to give the world their take on the new track. Their version of "Entertainment" features some serious guitar solos and scruffy vocals from J Mascis. No synths or drum machines here. This cover has taken a fast once-fast and upbeat track and slowed it down to something more melancholy and serious. Love it or hate it, it's a really interesting listen.

8. Smith Westerns- Varsity

"Varsity" was released as a sort of preview for Smith Westerns' upcoming album Soft Will (out June 11), and it's yielding some good signs that we will not be disappointed. They've certainly come a long way from the lo-fi bliss of their self-titled debut album, and have increased their production value by incorporating some electronic elements into their new single. However, the lighthearted ambience of their music is one thing that appears to be here to stay. Because of that, "Varsity" just might be the feel-good song of the season.

7. Drake- 5AM in Toronto

From listening to his most recent single "5AM in Toronto" we can gather that Drake is beginning to show his rougher side. Not having a chorus, this track showcases Drake's true ability to maintain his flow from start to finish while still dropping boast rhymes like, "Bitches love my drive, I never give it a break...That's why every song sound like Drake featuring Drake." Some are skeptical of the new path he's taken to change his image and style, but I think I like the new Drizzy.

6. Wavves- Demon to Lean On

Wavves have showed a nice progression in their sound with their new LP Afraid of Heights. They've expanded on their signature surf-rock sound and seem to be moving away from their noisier sound that was so prevalent on King of the Beach. This particular track is receiving a lot of attention, and for good reason too. It's pleasant, guitar-driven vibe makes it easy to listen to, plus it shows their lyrics have taken on some more serious subject matter. Overall, it's great song to take with you into the later spring months.

5. Trinidad Jame$- Females Welcomed

Yes, Trinidad Jame$'s album Don't Be S.A.F.E. was released back in late January, but I think this track is still on it's way up the hip-hop/rap charts. After you listen for the first time (if you haven't already), you'll most likely feel urges to walk around, chanting the chorus repeatedly. But the memorable chorus isn't the only great feature of this song. About halfway through, the beat takes a dramatic turn and plunges into a dubstep ballad of sorts, featuring vocals from Reija Lee. It's almost like two songs for the price of one!

4. Vampire Weekend- Diane Young

Earlier this month, Vampire Weekend surprised us by releasing two new songs ("Step" and "Diane Young"), and while they both exceed expectations, "Diane Young" is the one that really stuck with me. I was skeptical the first couple of times I listened to it, but I learned to love it. It's upbeat, throwback-style guitar riffs make it a really fun song to listen to.

Even Steve Buscemi is digging it

3. Major Lazer- Watch Out For This (Bumaye)

I know that I've posted a lot about Major Lazer recently, but I can't help it. The hype is just too big to handle for their upcoming album Free The Universe. Early in March, they released this moombahton track to satisfy their patient fans, and I haven't stopped playing it since. It's catchy horn section and dancehall vocals (provided by Busy Signal) make for an interesting combination of sounds that works really well.

2. The Strokes- 80's Comedown Machine

Of all the songs on The Strokes' new album Comedown Machine, I'd have to say that this one stands out among the bunch. It has a sense of genuine sincerity that's not very common in the band's typical sound, showing that their soft side is alive and thriving. The Strokes have gone full-on mellow with this one.

1. Rihanna- Stay (Branchez Bootleg)

This is, with out a doubt, the most addicting track I've heard all month (maybe even all year) and it seemed to pop out of nowhere. After hearing it in a couple of different DJ mixes on BBC Radio 1, I couldn't get it out of my head and had to download it immediately. The way that Branchez speeds up the vocals and adds a stronger snare to the track makes this remix even more heartfelt than the original song in a way that I can't quite understand. But I like it. This one will definitely be on repeat for awhile.