Best of CH 2014: ListenUp

Spaced-out synth solos, vocal experiments, emoji videos, exciting newcomers, legendary acts and so much more in the year's musical highlights

As we bid adieu to 2014, we take a look back at the hundreds of new songs and albums (and even our own 4/20-themed playlist) we shared with our readers. While we said goodbye this year to a few music legends who have shaped today’s contemporary sound, we also warmly welcomed stellar debuts from emerging talents across all ages and genres—and veterans with long-awaited comebacks. …

ListenUp

Dent May's Stoned for Christmas, D'Angelo's new album, Mr Twin Sister's disco mix and more in ListenUp this week

D’Angelo and The Vanguard: Black Messiah D’Angelo released an incredible new album, Black Messiah, and not only is it a beautiful, thoughtful and soulful, it’s also poignantly timely. Dent May: I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas Mississippi-based Dent May’s “I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas” is insanely catchy, with relatable lyrics for any smoker headed back home for the holidays and catching up with high school homies. …

Mr Twin Sister: Lonely Disco Dancer Mix

Five-piece New York band Mr Twin Sister had a pretty crazy 2014: a name change, an album release, and opening for Julian Casablancas. As an end-of-year gift, they’ve put together an uplifting hour-long mix that shows off their music tastes (which involve a lot of YouTube crate-digging) and gets your entire body throbbing. From Herbie Hancock’s electro-funk jam “I Thought It Was You” (sung entirely …