009.
1. The Smiths - This Charming Man
I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care
This song always cheers me up with its catchy guitar riff, Morrissey's little orgasmic cries and the rather homoerotic overtones.
2. Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
All your diction dripping with disdain
Through the pain, I always tell the truth
Vampire Weekend are definitely ones to watch this year, methinks. Their strange fusion of indie and African beats works strangely well. Plus, you'll go round singing "who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?" for ages.
3. The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now
If you wanna try, there's no worse you could do
I know you lie; I'm still in love with you
Smack habit aside, I do love Pete Doherty. I think he's immensely talented and actually a really sweet and clever guy... it's a shame that drugs are all he's known for. This song is one of my favourites of The Libertines'.
4. Coconut Records - The West Coast
You said "we both go together if one falls down"
I talk out loud like you're still around
Another band who I'm predicting will suddenly become really big this year. This song is so nice; there's something I really like about the beat. And the middle bit sounds like the Kingdom theme music. Haha.
5. Stars - Heart
You disembark the latest flight from paradise
You almost turn your ankle in the snow
You fall back into where you started
Make up words to songs you used to know
This song, like all songs by Stars, is ridiculously beautiful. This is one of my favourite and nothing I say will do it justice.
6. Laura Marling - My Manic And I
I wander the streets, avoiding them each
Til the ring on my finger slips to the ground
A gift to the gutter, a gift to the city
The veins of which have broken me down
Yet another "big in '08" artist. I read about her in the Guardian the other week, checked out her myspace and fell in love. Her voice is gorgeous and her lyrics are pretty enigmatic, in a lovely way.
7. The Cure - Friday, I'm In Love
Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed
Thursday, watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love
The Cure are ace and make me long for the 80s. There has been many a cover of this song (Death Cab For Cutie's in particular is good) but none really match up to the original. I listen to this a lot when I'm bitterly and impatiently waiting for something exciting.
8. Bright Eyes - Bowl Of Oranges
But if the world could remain within a frame like a painting on a wall
Then I think we'd see the beauty there and stand staring in awe
All Bright Eyes songs are lyrically stunning, but most make me want to kill myself. This, however, is beautifully optimistic.
9. Feist - The Limit To Your Love
There's a limit to your care; so carelessly there
Is it truth or dare?
I first heard this at the end of the first episode of series 2 Skins, thinking how well it fitted. I love love love her voice. And it has that whole "I'm moving on and kind of sad about it, but I know it's for the best" thing going on, which is rather applicable right now.
10. The Libertines - Narcissist
They're just narcissists
Well, wouldn't it be nice to be Dorian Gray
Just for a day
Any song that mentions my favourite book is good by me. I really lke the lyrics too; it's a shame they're masked a bit by Doherty's shouting.
11. Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
And I was your silver lining, as the story goes
I was your silver lining, but now I'm gold
Much like with Bright Eyes, this is an uncharacteristically positive song from Rilo Kiley. Jenny's voice is pretty, the music is pretty... it's all very uplifting.
ENJOY!
I started making monthly playlists on iTunes to look back on what I listened to over the year, so thought I might as well share them. I'll do this every month. If you haven't heard of something, I recommend you try it... you might be pleasantly surprised! Please comment though; I like to know what people are interested in. ♥