It seems like there is a recurring theme in every year for music, whether it’s hip-hop and rock collaborations, such as “Airplanes” with Hayley Williams and B.o.B or Coldplay and Jay-Z, large Canadian groups like Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene, or solo European artists such as Ellie Goulding and Adele.
This past year, Coachella and Lollapalooza — along with other small festivals — were invaded by couple duets.
Meg and Jack White started the trend, but once they announced their break up, it seemed a dozen other couples took their place.
Here’s a playlist that has been long waiting to surface onto your iPod.
1. “I Hope You Die” by Wye Oak
Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack can honestly do no wrong. With the encouragement of their friends, the duo decided to continue making music. Their live performance leaves jaws hanging as Stack plays drums and piano at the same time.
2. “My Pet Snakes” by Jenny and Johnny
Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice are one of those couples that make people want to puke because they are so adorable together. Just imagine a couple skipping down the sidewalk holding hands, but recorded in a song. It’s Jenny and Johnny.
3. “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today” by She & Him
Indie movie star Zooey Deschanel and indie music god M. Ward first emerged in 2008 and have been releasing their pop sound since. If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, pick up their Christmas album.
4. “Barton Hollow” by The Civil Wars
After unsuccessful music ventures apart, Joy Williams and John Paul White met during a songwriting session and instantly knew they wanted to get back into writing music. Both bring killer guitar skills and perfect the Americana sound.
5. “Future Starts Slow” by The Kills
The raw and edgy duo brings a hauntingly hard tune to start their new album, “Blood Pressures.”
6. “When I’m Small” by Phantogram
Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel just released their latest EP this week and their debut album two years ago. They add a nice twist to the electronic world.
7. “Treats” by Sleigh Bells
In your face beats, harsh guitar riffs and Alexis Krauss’ angelic screaming vocals — there are no words to describe how epic this song is.
8. “Lessons Learned” by Matt & Kim
This Brooklyn couple sure knows how to make a set of drums, clapping and keyboards a fun, energetic combination.
9. “Go Outside” by Cults
After teasing the world with just one song, the Brooklyn film school dropouts finally released more songs in June after playing Coachella. They mix ‘60s cutesy beats with electro pop to make their unique sound.
10. “Empathy” by Crystal Castles
Ethan Kath’s rough, danceable beats coupled with Alice Glass’ cryptic vocals will have you dancing until the sun comes up.
Reach the reporter at mpareval@asu.edu
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