Top Tracks of 2008
Welcome back again for another Top Tracks list!! Last year we saw a lot of raw tracks on the list with very few club tracks. This year club tracks dominate most of the list! The club scene as a whole was a bit of weak sauce, but the tracks that stood out (most/all of them below) really were pretty excellent. The remaining tracks are about as varied as they get. I made sure not to put any more than one song by the same person (though it can feature the same person...since a couple people in particular are on like 50% of the songs out there). Enjoy!!
Right Click and Save As to download the track! Or just stream it if you don't have a hard drive!!
1. M83 - We Own The Sky
M83 kind of broke up a little bit ago...and I thought "Well there goes an awesome band." See...there are two members in it...and after the "break-up" there was only one. Well that one decided to keep going...AND I AM GLAD HE DID!!! He's made a song that captures what hope sounds like!! I can't play this song loud enough. The last minute floors me. It's flawless. " What's Coming? What's Coming Now? What's Coming? What's Coming Now? What's Coming??? What's Coming Now?!?!?!" If you listen to one song off here...make this the one.
2. Jamie Lidell - All I Wanna Do
The first time we saw Jamie Lidell at a Label Tour at a warehouse in L.A. (2002) he was slightly chubby, virtually unknown, and absolutely brilliant. He'd loop his own voice and make beats with it and sing off it. The second time we saw him at Coachella (2006) and he looked like he hadn't eaten in a month..and absolutely brilliant. He's done so many genres...and even within this album...multiple genres. This song is pure soul though...and terrific soul at that! "All I wanna do/is show you how easy it could be/for you to paint back the colors/like the green in your tree/before it all fades away." I love sitting in my car and singing this over and over again as it rains overhead.
3. Zaho (feat. Tunisiano) - La Roue Tourne
"Is this song produced by Timbaland?" someone asked me after hearing it in my car. Nope...but it's way good enough to be produced by him. You'll find yourself doing a lot of "batta ta ta ta" 's whilst listening. It's WAY fun.
4. Jessica Mauboy (feat. Flo Rida) - Running Back
I can't put a finger on why I like this song so much...but after I downloaded it I couldn't stop listening to it. I don't think this has hit the charts here yet...but it will next year for sure.
5. Hatchback - White Diamond
Even a murderer would stop in his/her tracks and ask "What...what is that song? It is...really quite nice." Yes. It would happen...just like that!! All I can imagine is smiling and coasting down the coast when this song is playing. It feels like a mix between Presto and Telefon Tel Aviv. Best of its genre this year for sure.
6. Cotton Jones - Blood Red Sentimental Blues
I LOVE these kinds of bands!! They sound so natural...like they're not trying to prove anything. Like they just got up one day and thought "Why not make some music?" And then "Why not record it? Is the tape rec on?" Alternative Country at its finest...
7. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
...speaking of Alternative Country at its finest...wow. How tender this sounds! It feels like Simon or Garfunkel...with a little more twang...a little less pessimism...and a little more innocence.
8. Bun B (feat. Lil' Wayne) - Damn I'm Cold
I haven't seen any other top track lists yet...but I really feel like this will be one of the most overlooked tracks of the year. There is really so much energy from both Weezy and Bun...and not so in your face like Young Jeezy's "I Put On" song...which will be getting more attention I'm sure. Very cool lyrics too.
9. T.I. - Whatever You Like
What can I say? T.I. knows how to throw down a great hook and back it up with a sweet beat. He got on the list for it last year...and this year...and hopefully next year.
10. The Bug (feat. Warrior Queen) - Poison Dart
Warrior Queen has so much of an accent and talks so fast...that the only thing I think I understand in this song is "Warriors don't run! They EAT POISON DARTS!" She has high high standards. This song is so intense. Brace yourself.
11. Lil' Wayne (feat. T-Pain) - Lollipop (Remix)
"She never heard the autotune used like us." Yes...that is a lyric from the song...that explains the song to a tee.
12. Akon (feat. Lil' Wayne) - I'm So Paid (Remix)
So yes...Akon and Lil' Wayne pretty much control the whole industry right now. Could it be because they're the only ones making songs that don't have ultra-generic beats and are actually way fun to dance to? Yes! It's also because they have such unique voices! This song makes me feel so happy!
13. Colby Odonis (feat. Akon) - What You Got
One of the coolest things about a new singer is how much passion is put into his first single. You could definitely feel how much energy was put into this...cause there's a ton of energy and great vibes coming out of it.
14.Girl Talk - Play Your Part (Pt. 2)
It's all about the last 1 minute 30 seconds. Splendid ending to an excellent song and a fun album.
15. Juvelen - Hanna
Swedish Pop!! "You never ever gave me nothin' but love!" This song will make you hop and extend your arms outward then inward. I wish a song like this would be played in a club here.
16. Mogwai - BatCat
If you're not torn apart by the first 4 minutes...the last 1:24 will rip you to pieces. While Mogwai's album this year was pretty formulaic...this song (even though still somewhat formulaic) is so incredibly powerful.
17. Kanye West - Love Lockdown
Minimalism. Less is More. "This is Kanye?" Eyes Wide Shut. Rock.
18. School of Seven Bells - Connjur
One of my biggest regrets this year is not getting to see School of Seven Bells play with M83. This song...like their others...is so soft...soooo not in your face. It's like a petal on a flower that you walk by...that is just an especially specially petal. They're so subtle...and yet they're there...beckoning me to daydream.
19. Club 8 - Jesus, Walk With Me (Jimahl Remix)
Imagine just making a little smile...like a tiny smile...(a cute tiny smile) and just rocking your head from side to side (not up and down). That is this marvelously lush and pleasant song. It sounds like the soundtrack to you exploring under a waterfall curtain.
20. 倖田來未 - TABOO
"Is this the part where Timberlake comes in?" 3 different people on 3 separate occasions have said this song would be so fitting for Mr. JT. I sing along to this song...and it is ridiculous...cause I know like 10 of 3000 words. My favorite part isn't a word though...it's her or someone in the background going "Wooo!"
21. Billy Currington - Don't
So it's a country song!! What's it to ya?! No not even alt. country...straight country! Hey! There's a little country in all of us. Listen to this song 3 times...then tell me you hate country!
22. El Guincho - Antillas
This song can either be annoying or an arm flailing party!! Depends on your taste. Mine is the latter...My dad thought the CD was stuck/skipping/damaged.
23. Johann Johannsson - The Rocket Builder
I don't swear much...but I swear this song is the definition of what song would play when you're thinking about something and trying to solve it...and then you come to the realization of the solution...but that solution is scary, haunting...and perhaps tragic. I also swear that this song came on randomly during such an occasion for me. "A mouse just scurried into my office" "Make sure to put all your candy away" and then I thought...my pecans!!! my large Hershey's Kiss!! My chocolate statue of Mickey Mouse my co-worker made me...that's what happened to THEM!! Seriously freaky.
24. The Dodos - Joe's Waltz
This song makes me feel like I'm in a Mental Hospital. Or that I should check into one. Very good at inducing certain emotions.
25. F*** Buttons
4 other songs were in the running for 25th...and they're probably so mad that I chose Ribs Out. "It's just a guy screaming and a drum!" God this song is scary. It's what one would hear upon their initial descent to hell. It's produced my the guitarist from Mogwai! I love it. IT'S CRAZY!!!!!!!
This year I've included a bonus package with songs released in Dec 2007 that I've been listening to all year. They'd be in the top 10 if it were allowed. Included are: Miguelito - Montala, The Dream - Falsetto, MGMT - Kids, Fares Karam - T2borni, Haytham-Elshomaly - sho-3melty-fey.mp3, and Private - Secret Lover. Bonus Pack!
Let me know which songs you loved/hated or if there is anyway I could make this list better!
Right Click and Save As to download the track! Or just stream it if you don't have a hard drive!!
1. M83 - We Own The Sky
M83 kind of broke up a little bit ago...and I thought "Well there goes an awesome band." See...there are two members in it...and after the "break-up" there was only one. Well that one decided to keep going...AND I AM GLAD HE DID!!! He's made a song that captures what hope sounds like!! I can't play this song loud enough. The last minute floors me. It's flawless. " What's Coming? What's Coming Now? What's Coming? What's Coming Now? What's Coming??? What's Coming Now?!?!?!" If you listen to one song off here...make this the one.
2. Jamie Lidell - All I Wanna Do
The first time we saw Jamie Lidell at a Label Tour at a warehouse in L.A. (2002) he was slightly chubby, virtually unknown, and absolutely brilliant. He'd loop his own voice and make beats with it and sing off it. The second time we saw him at Coachella (2006) and he looked like he hadn't eaten in a month..and absolutely brilliant. He's done so many genres...and even within this album...multiple genres. This song is pure soul though...and terrific soul at that! "All I wanna do/is show you how easy it could be/for you to paint back the colors/like the green in your tree/before it all fades away." I love sitting in my car and singing this over and over again as it rains overhead.
3. Zaho (feat. Tunisiano) - La Roue Tourne
"Is this song produced by Timbaland?" someone asked me after hearing it in my car. Nope...but it's way good enough to be produced by him. You'll find yourself doing a lot of "batta ta ta ta" 's whilst listening. It's WAY fun.
4. Jessica Mauboy (feat. Flo Rida) - Running Back
I can't put a finger on why I like this song so much...but after I downloaded it I couldn't stop listening to it. I don't think this has hit the charts here yet...but it will next year for sure.
5. Hatchback - White Diamond
Even a murderer would stop in his/her tracks and ask "What...what is that song? It is...really quite nice." Yes. It would happen...just like that!! All I can imagine is smiling and coasting down the coast when this song is playing. It feels like a mix between Presto and Telefon Tel Aviv. Best of its genre this year for sure.
6. Cotton Jones - Blood Red Sentimental Blues
I LOVE these kinds of bands!! They sound so natural...like they're not trying to prove anything. Like they just got up one day and thought "Why not make some music?" And then "Why not record it? Is the tape rec on?" Alternative Country at its finest...
7. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
...speaking of Alternative Country at its finest...wow. How tender this sounds! It feels like Simon or Garfunkel...with a little more twang...a little less pessimism...and a little more innocence.
8. Bun B (feat. Lil' Wayne) - Damn I'm Cold
I haven't seen any other top track lists yet...but I really feel like this will be one of the most overlooked tracks of the year. There is really so much energy from both Weezy and Bun...and not so in your face like Young Jeezy's "I Put On" song...which will be getting more attention I'm sure. Very cool lyrics too.
9. T.I. - Whatever You Like
What can I say? T.I. knows how to throw down a great hook and back it up with a sweet beat. He got on the list for it last year...and this year...and hopefully next year.
10. The Bug (feat. Warrior Queen) - Poison Dart
Warrior Queen has so much of an accent and talks so fast...that the only thing I think I understand in this song is "Warriors don't run! They EAT POISON DARTS!" She has high high standards. This song is so intense. Brace yourself.
11. Lil' Wayne (feat. T-Pain) - Lollipop (Remix)
"She never heard the autotune used like us." Yes...that is a lyric from the song...that explains the song to a tee.
12. Akon (feat. Lil' Wayne) - I'm So Paid (Remix)
So yes...Akon and Lil' Wayne pretty much control the whole industry right now. Could it be because they're the only ones making songs that don't have ultra-generic beats and are actually way fun to dance to? Yes! It's also because they have such unique voices! This song makes me feel so happy!
13. Colby Odonis (feat. Akon) - What You Got
One of the coolest things about a new singer is how much passion is put into his first single. You could definitely feel how much energy was put into this...cause there's a ton of energy and great vibes coming out of it.
14.Girl Talk - Play Your Part (Pt. 2)
It's all about the last 1 minute 30 seconds. Splendid ending to an excellent song and a fun album.
15. Juvelen - Hanna
Swedish Pop!! "You never ever gave me nothin' but love!" This song will make you hop and extend your arms outward then inward. I wish a song like this would be played in a club here.
16. Mogwai - BatCat
If you're not torn apart by the first 4 minutes...the last 1:24 will rip you to pieces. While Mogwai's album this year was pretty formulaic...this song (even though still somewhat formulaic) is so incredibly powerful.
17. Kanye West - Love Lockdown
Minimalism. Less is More. "This is Kanye?" Eyes Wide Shut. Rock.
18. School of Seven Bells - Connjur
One of my biggest regrets this year is not getting to see School of Seven Bells play with M83. This song...like their others...is so soft...soooo not in your face. It's like a petal on a flower that you walk by...that is just an especially specially petal. They're so subtle...and yet they're there...beckoning me to daydream.
19. Club 8 - Jesus, Walk With Me (Jimahl Remix)
Imagine just making a little smile...like a tiny smile...(a cute tiny smile) and just rocking your head from side to side (not up and down). That is this marvelously lush and pleasant song. It sounds like the soundtrack to you exploring under a waterfall curtain.
20. 倖田來未 - TABOO
"Is this the part where Timberlake comes in?" 3 different people on 3 separate occasions have said this song would be so fitting for Mr. JT. I sing along to this song...and it is ridiculous...cause I know like 10 of 3000 words. My favorite part isn't a word though...it's her or someone in the background going "Wooo!"
21. Billy Currington - Don't
So it's a country song!! What's it to ya?! No not even alt. country...straight country! Hey! There's a little country in all of us. Listen to this song 3 times...then tell me you hate country!
22. El Guincho - Antillas
This song can either be annoying or an arm flailing party!! Depends on your taste. Mine is the latter...My dad thought the CD was stuck/skipping/damaged.
23. Johann Johannsson - The Rocket Builder
I don't swear much...but I swear this song is the definition of what song would play when you're thinking about something and trying to solve it...and then you come to the realization of the solution...but that solution is scary, haunting...and perhaps tragic. I also swear that this song came on randomly during such an occasion for me. "A mouse just scurried into my office" "Make sure to put all your candy away" and then I thought...my pecans!!! my large Hershey's Kiss!! My chocolate statue of Mickey Mouse my co-worker made me...that's what happened to THEM!! Seriously freaky.
24. The Dodos - Joe's Waltz
This song makes me feel like I'm in a Mental Hospital. Or that I should check into one. Very good at inducing certain emotions.
25. F*** Buttons
4 other songs were in the running for 25th...and they're probably so mad that I chose Ribs Out. "It's just a guy screaming and a drum!" God this song is scary. It's what one would hear upon their initial descent to hell. It's produced my the guitarist from Mogwai! I love it. IT'S CRAZY!!!!!!!
This year I've included a bonus package with songs released in Dec 2007 that I've been listening to all year. They'd be in the top 10 if it were allowed. Included are: Miguelito - Montala, The Dream - Falsetto, MGMT - Kids, Fares Karam - T2borni, Haytham-Elshomaly - sho-3melty-fey.mp3, and Private - Secret Lover. Bonus Pack!
Let me know which songs you loved/hated or if there is anyway I could make this list better!