today can last another million years
First/last mix of 2010, folks.
Check under the cut for full tracklisting and some analysis I'm pretty proud of.
top 20 tunes of
2010
20
"Zorbing" by Stornoway
Sounds like: when the bell rings on the last day of school before summer break, and suddenly you have so much freedom you just don't quite know what to do with yourself.
Why the hell it's on this list: now, I'm a bit of a name-dropper. I'm ashamed of this fact, but at the same time I feel it's relatively justified: these guys are the only student band I know personally that are really making any headway in the industry today. The bassist is my good friend and fellow Radio Warwick alum Ollie (he's the one in plaid. oh, wait, loljk they're all in plaid), and I spam the hell out of them in general, so Stornoway get an automatic place on this list. It's also a fantastically melodic song.
19
"Barbara Streisand" by Duck Sauce
Sounds like: A mad descent into the depths of Donald Duck's psychosis during a really bad acid trip. Or something like that.
Why the hell it's on this list: I'm an electro nut, and so any song created by A-trak and Armand van Helden is going to get a big thumbs up from me. This song is completely insane and by god does it get me going when I work out. Possibly the best straight electro single of the year!
18
"Wonderful Life" by Hurts
Sounds like: the lovechild of Interpol and Boy George
Why the hell it's on this list: I found these guys to be pretty overrated when they first released this song, but it's grown on me considerably. It's the kind of track that manages to keep up with the slowly-tiring 80s revival trend in music today with more than a little class and elegance. Really dramatic, delicious stuff.
Don't... let... go...
17
"Only Girl in the World" by Rihanna
Sounds like: Rihanna...
Why the hell it's on this list: Okay, so this isn't really my kind of thing. But despite my inclination towards electro and indie and folk, I do genuinely appreciate a lot of good hip-hop, rap, r&b, pop, etc. when it's done well, so this song deserves a spot on my top 20 of the year. I like Rihanna more than almost every other freaky-but-empowered-single-female-artist around these days, and while I wouldn't call myself a fan, she really delivers on this powerhouse of a tune.
16
"One" by Sky Ferreira
Sounds like: Part-human part-robot L.A. scenester posing for what will inevitably be a much-reblogged Tumblr photo.
Why the hell it's on this list: Sky Ferreira is 18. And she's really fucking cool. While achieving an ideal style balance between American Apparel slut-casual and Urban Outfitters layered grunge, she's great to look at and manages to leave quite the impression without resorting to the hilarious high jinx of fellow singers of her age group (Kesha, I'm laughing looking at you). This is a tasty morsel of intelligent electro-pop.
15
"Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise" by the Avett Brothers
Sounds like: A heart swollen with emotion
Why the hell it's on this list:Man, the Avett brothers have been around for a long, long time without any great recognition. But the fact of the matter is, they are a really brilliant band who are finally gaining some of the respect owed them by music journalism. I like to call them the acoustic Kings of Leon, and in recent years they have managed to surpass their more popular Southern cousins in substance. This song is a promising call of hope in an America shadowed by painful political and religious antagonism.
14
"Baptism" by Crystal Castles
Sounds like: A SHOT OF HEROIN INTO MY EYEBALL ARRRGHHHH LOOK AT ME BLEEEEEED
Why the hell it's on this list: Crystal Castles are the epitome of noise. Not sound, but noise. They hurt my ears. And god does it feel gooooood. Also, Alice Glass manages to be not only one of the sweatiest frontwomen in music, but also one of the sexiest. How does she do it?
13
"Kiss that Grrrl" by Kate Nash
Sounds like: "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To" in brogue flats and a flowery tea dress
Why the hell it's on this list: I think Kate Nash is all kinds of adorable. From her haircut (which I have attempted to copy innumerable times, all with humiliating results) to her cockney accent to her occasionally painfully bad lyrics. She has a lovely tone of voice and a kind of 60s pop innocence that works well in 21st century music. :)
12
"After Dark" by Count & Sinden feat. the Mystery Jets
Sounds like: A wailing drunken phone call to the person you like
Why the hell it's on this list: First of all, it's the Count & Sinden. One of the greatest production duos in music today. Secondly, it's the Mystery Jets. One of England's greatest indie exports since Blur (yes, I went there.) Thirdly, it's really goddamn fun.
11
"Ivy & Gold" by Bombay Bicycle Club
Sounds like: Acoustic noodling at its most beautiful and best
Why the hell it's on this list: I'm a HUGE Bombay Bicycle Club fan. I mean, they are truly excellent. And not half as appreciated as they should be. With their brand new album, they've gone all MTV Acoustic on us and have only improved their sound with the change. Those sleepy vocals only get better when toned down and whispered into a waiting microphone.
10
"One" by Swedish House Mafia feat. Pharrell
Sounds like: Ibiza. On a Friday night.
Why the hell it's on this list: BAM! Let's change things up a bit. I think everyone in Europe knows this song by heart. And if you don't, it's about time you got out more. This is a eurotrash supertechno smash success, and I can't hate on it. I mean, PHARRELL WANTS TO KNOW MY NAME. HE WANTS TO KNOW MY NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME NAMENAMENAME!!
9
"Forever and Ever Amen" by the Drums
Sounds like: Surf Party USA, now in Technicolor!
Why the hell it's on this list: I really, really fight for the Drums. People don't like them too much, they're a bit try-hard and a bit silly, even. BUT THEY'RE NOT. I had the honor of interviewing them this year (name drop alert), and not only were they the best interviewees I've ever come across, they were also the most eloquent, intelligent and self-aware.
They know what they sound like, they know what they dress like, and goddammit yes they know what they dance like. Its all part of a bigger plan, a Drums Aesthetic if you will. And with this new electro-surf-indie wave coming ashore every day, they couldn't have picked a better time to get on stage and dance like Ian Curtis at the beach.
8
"Boyfriend" by Best Coast
Sounds like: Gidget falling in love with a wrong-side-of-the-tracks-kinda-boy one summer, Grease stylee.
Why the hell it's on this list: Speaking of that electro-surf-indie trend I just mentioned, Best Coast is one of the forerunners for the greatest Beach Boys reinterpretation award. This song is a simple, 50s diner appropriate ballad that fits the bill perfectly for the Hypemachine afficionados amongst us. It's current, but sepia-toned at the same time. Nicely done.
7
"Na Na Na" by My Chemical Romance
Sounds like: A kick in the na-na-na-na-nads!
Why the hell it's on this list: I have been a fan of MCR since their "Cemetary Drive" days. A small part of the emo in me still believes Gerard Way and I will elope one day and live a perfectly Tim Burton-esque life in a hollow tree in Bloodied Bullet Forest, with our children, Ember and Peggy-Sue. Or something along those lines.
Regardless, my emo days are long over, and I still really appreciate these guys. Forget your Muse and your U2, if you want epic guitar screaming, MCR are the band for you in this day and age. No one, quite frankly, does rock opera quite like these guys, and the new album is back-to-back comic book anthem. Love this.
6
"Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons
Sounds like: I don't know... perfection?
Why the hell it's on this list: To keep things short and sweet, this is one of the best songs of 2010. It's like a really warm hug for the soul. It's not at number one simply because there were a few more songs this year that really meant the world to me. In fact, from this song onwards, just think of these as a 6-way tie for #1.
5
"Doubt" by Delphic
Sounds like: Ah-ee-oo-eh-ohoh-ah-ee-oo-eh-ohoh
Why the hell it's on this list: By the time I got around to actually listening to Delphic, I already knew they were supposed to be hot shit. I didn't really believe all the hype. And this frenemy of mine was a huge raving fan, with her annoying ankle boots and stupid toothpick legs and enviable flippy-floppy Kristen Stewart hair... so I resisted.
But eventually, I had to give in to fate and listen to this song. And my god did I regret not having more months of dedication to it. Seriously, once you get past listening to this once, you're hooked. It's fantastic.
4
"Lucky" by the Gaslight Anthem
Sounds like: Sharing a bottle of Jack with Bruce Springsteen and your childhood best friend in a grimy bar called T.J's in New Jersey.
Why the hell it's on this list: I have some really strong emotional ties to the Gaslight Anthem because of, well... stuff. But looking past the fact that this song rips out my heart and stomps on it, it's also one of the most memorable songs of the year for me. While drawing from clear punk and rock inspiration in their home state of New Jersey, these guys managed to get the lyrics and melody juuuust right without sounding tired or cliche or hero-worshipping. Once you take the time to really, really listen, you realize just how honest and beautiful these scabby, tattooed low-lifes can be. ♥
3
"Cornerstone" by Arctic Monkeys
Sounds like: A 16-year-old Hemingway, drunk and broken-hearted, writing a letter to the girl he loves
Why the hell it's on this list: I mean, this song is just... it's like--ARRGHH IT'S SO GOOD. A Ulysses-esque journey from pub to pub in search of a long-lost love... goddamn the Arctic Monkeys should be more popular than Lady Gaga and Beyonce and half the world's population of Korean boybands combined, and I'm not even that big a fan of theirs!! This song changes all. I mean, what other song this year has such PLOT and CHARACTERIZATION and a TWIST AT THE END?
2
"Lasso" by Phoenix
Sounds like: Walking on sunshine
Why the hell it's on this list: Phoenix are maybe the best French band out there, with only Daft Punk nipping at their heels (I'd include Justice in the list, but they seem to have fucked off somewhere). No one else manages to make music that is so uncomplicated and non-sensical it gains more and more meaning and significance the more you listen to it. Phoenix give you a template onto which you carve your own emotions and thoughts and analysis. Try not to tap your foot along to this, I dare ya.
1
"We Used to Wait" by Arcade Fire
Sounds like: Watching your suburban dream house slowly, sadly burning before your very eyes
Why the hell it's on this list: Like all Arcade Fire songs, there is a great melancholy here. A great loss of innocence, a tormented coming-of-age. I don't know what Win Butler could have possibly gone through in his life to bring about such a pain, but it manages to inspire him to such beautiful heights. I'm also falling in love with him, and I think his strange new haircut may have something to do with it. Without resorting to the loud, pack-a-punch angst of songs like "Wake Up", the Arcade Fire bring that same choking emotion to "We Used to Wait". Sit back and let the masters do what they do best, people.
DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE DAMN MIX
Sorry there's no individual links for each of the tracks, but my internet just doesn't have the patience for that kind of ish these days!
Check under the cut for full tracklisting and some analysis I'm pretty proud of.
top 20 tunes of
2010
20
"Zorbing" by Stornoway
Sounds like: when the bell rings on the last day of school before summer break, and suddenly you have so much freedom you just don't quite know what to do with yourself.
Why the hell it's on this list: now, I'm a bit of a name-dropper. I'm ashamed of this fact, but at the same time I feel it's relatively justified: these guys are the only student band I know personally that are really making any headway in the industry today. The bassist is my good friend and fellow Radio Warwick alum Ollie (he's the one in plaid. oh, wait, loljk they're all in plaid), and I spam the hell out of them in general, so Stornoway get an automatic place on this list. It's also a fantastically melodic song.
19
"Barbara Streisand" by Duck Sauce
Sounds like: A mad descent into the depths of Donald Duck's psychosis during a really bad acid trip. Or something like that.
Why the hell it's on this list: I'm an electro nut, and so any song created by A-trak and Armand van Helden is going to get a big thumbs up from me. This song is completely insane and by god does it get me going when I work out. Possibly the best straight electro single of the year!
18
"Wonderful Life" by Hurts
Sounds like: the lovechild of Interpol and Boy George
Why the hell it's on this list: I found these guys to be pretty overrated when they first released this song, but it's grown on me considerably. It's the kind of track that manages to keep up with the slowly-tiring 80s revival trend in music today with more than a little class and elegance. Really dramatic, delicious stuff.
Don't... let... go...
17
"Only Girl in the World" by Rihanna
Sounds like: Rihanna...
Why the hell it's on this list: Okay, so this isn't really my kind of thing. But despite my inclination towards electro and indie and folk, I do genuinely appreciate a lot of good hip-hop, rap, r&b, pop, etc. when it's done well, so this song deserves a spot on my top 20 of the year. I like Rihanna more than almost every other freaky-but-empowered-single-female-artist around these days, and while I wouldn't call myself a fan, she really delivers on this powerhouse of a tune.
16
"One" by Sky Ferreira
Sounds like: Part-human part-robot L.A. scenester posing for what will inevitably be a much-reblogged Tumblr photo.
Why the hell it's on this list: Sky Ferreira is 18. And she's really fucking cool. While achieving an ideal style balance between American Apparel slut-casual and Urban Outfitters layered grunge, she's great to look at and manages to leave quite the impression without resorting to the hilarious high jinx of fellow singers of her age group (Kesha, I'm laughing looking at you). This is a tasty morsel of intelligent electro-pop.
15
"Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise" by the Avett Brothers
Sounds like: A heart swollen with emotion
Why the hell it's on this list:Man, the Avett brothers have been around for a long, long time without any great recognition. But the fact of the matter is, they are a really brilliant band who are finally gaining some of the respect owed them by music journalism. I like to call them the acoustic Kings of Leon, and in recent years they have managed to surpass their more popular Southern cousins in substance. This song is a promising call of hope in an America shadowed by painful political and religious antagonism.
14
"Baptism" by Crystal Castles
Sounds like: A SHOT OF HEROIN INTO MY EYEBALL ARRRGHHHH LOOK AT ME BLEEEEEED
Why the hell it's on this list: Crystal Castles are the epitome of noise. Not sound, but noise. They hurt my ears. And god does it feel gooooood. Also, Alice Glass manages to be not only one of the sweatiest frontwomen in music, but also one of the sexiest. How does she do it?
13
"Kiss that Grrrl" by Kate Nash
Sounds like: "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To" in brogue flats and a flowery tea dress
Why the hell it's on this list: I think Kate Nash is all kinds of adorable. From her haircut (which I have attempted to copy innumerable times, all with humiliating results) to her cockney accent to her occasionally painfully bad lyrics. She has a lovely tone of voice and a kind of 60s pop innocence that works well in 21st century music. :)
12
"After Dark" by Count & Sinden feat. the Mystery Jets
Sounds like: A wailing drunken phone call to the person you like
Why the hell it's on this list: First of all, it's the Count & Sinden. One of the greatest production duos in music today. Secondly, it's the Mystery Jets. One of England's greatest indie exports since Blur (yes, I went there.) Thirdly, it's really goddamn fun.
11
"Ivy & Gold" by Bombay Bicycle Club
Sounds like: Acoustic noodling at its most beautiful and best
Why the hell it's on this list: I'm a HUGE Bombay Bicycle Club fan. I mean, they are truly excellent. And not half as appreciated as they should be. With their brand new album, they've gone all MTV Acoustic on us and have only improved their sound with the change. Those sleepy vocals only get better when toned down and whispered into a waiting microphone.
10
"One" by Swedish House Mafia feat. Pharrell
Sounds like: Ibiza. On a Friday night.
Why the hell it's on this list: BAM! Let's change things up a bit. I think everyone in Europe knows this song by heart. And if you don't, it's about time you got out more. This is a eurotrash supertechno smash success, and I can't hate on it. I mean, PHARRELL WANTS TO KNOW MY NAME. HE WANTS TO KNOW MY NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME NAMENAMENAME!!
9
"Forever and Ever Amen" by the Drums
Sounds like: Surf Party USA, now in Technicolor!
Why the hell it's on this list: I really, really fight for the Drums. People don't like them too much, they're a bit try-hard and a bit silly, even. BUT THEY'RE NOT. I had the honor of interviewing them this year (name drop alert), and not only were they the best interviewees I've ever come across, they were also the most eloquent, intelligent and self-aware.
They know what they sound like, they know what they dress like, and goddammit yes they know what they dance like. Its all part of a bigger plan, a Drums Aesthetic if you will. And with this new electro-surf-indie wave coming ashore every day, they couldn't have picked a better time to get on stage and dance like Ian Curtis at the beach.
8
"Boyfriend" by Best Coast
Sounds like: Gidget falling in love with a wrong-side-of-the-tracks-kinda-boy one summer, Grease stylee.
Why the hell it's on this list: Speaking of that electro-surf-indie trend I just mentioned, Best Coast is one of the forerunners for the greatest Beach Boys reinterpretation award. This song is a simple, 50s diner appropriate ballad that fits the bill perfectly for the Hypemachine afficionados amongst us. It's current, but sepia-toned at the same time. Nicely done.
7
"Na Na Na" by My Chemical Romance
Sounds like: A kick in the na-na-na-na-nads!
Why the hell it's on this list: I have been a fan of MCR since their "Cemetary Drive" days. A small part of the emo in me still believes Gerard Way and I will elope one day and live a perfectly Tim Burton-esque life in a hollow tree in Bloodied Bullet Forest, with our children, Ember and Peggy-Sue. Or something along those lines.
Regardless, my emo days are long over, and I still really appreciate these guys. Forget your Muse and your U2, if you want epic guitar screaming, MCR are the band for you in this day and age. No one, quite frankly, does rock opera quite like these guys, and the new album is back-to-back comic book anthem. Love this.
6
"Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons
Sounds like: I don't know... perfection?
Why the hell it's on this list: To keep things short and sweet, this is one of the best songs of 2010. It's like a really warm hug for the soul. It's not at number one simply because there were a few more songs this year that really meant the world to me. In fact, from this song onwards, just think of these as a 6-way tie for #1.
5
"Doubt" by Delphic
Sounds like: Ah-ee-oo-eh-ohoh-ah-ee-oo-eh-ohoh
Why the hell it's on this list: By the time I got around to actually listening to Delphic, I already knew they were supposed to be hot shit. I didn't really believe all the hype. And this frenemy of mine was a huge raving fan, with her annoying ankle boots and stupid toothpick legs and enviable flippy-floppy Kristen Stewart hair... so I resisted.
But eventually, I had to give in to fate and listen to this song. And my god did I regret not having more months of dedication to it. Seriously, once you get past listening to this once, you're hooked. It's fantastic.
4
"Lucky" by the Gaslight Anthem
Sounds like: Sharing a bottle of Jack with Bruce Springsteen and your childhood best friend in a grimy bar called T.J's in New Jersey.
Why the hell it's on this list: I have some really strong emotional ties to the Gaslight Anthem because of, well... stuff. But looking past the fact that this song rips out my heart and stomps on it, it's also one of the most memorable songs of the year for me. While drawing from clear punk and rock inspiration in their home state of New Jersey, these guys managed to get the lyrics and melody juuuust right without sounding tired or cliche or hero-worshipping. Once you take the time to really, really listen, you realize just how honest and beautiful these scabby, tattooed low-lifes can be. ♥
3
"Cornerstone" by Arctic Monkeys
Sounds like: A 16-year-old Hemingway, drunk and broken-hearted, writing a letter to the girl he loves
Why the hell it's on this list: I mean, this song is just... it's like--ARRGHH IT'S SO GOOD. A Ulysses-esque journey from pub to pub in search of a long-lost love... goddamn the Arctic Monkeys should be more popular than Lady Gaga and Beyonce and half the world's population of Korean boybands combined, and I'm not even that big a fan of theirs!! This song changes all. I mean, what other song this year has such PLOT and CHARACTERIZATION and a TWIST AT THE END?
2
"Lasso" by Phoenix
Sounds like: Walking on sunshine
Why the hell it's on this list: Phoenix are maybe the best French band out there, with only Daft Punk nipping at their heels (I'd include Justice in the list, but they seem to have fucked off somewhere). No one else manages to make music that is so uncomplicated and non-sensical it gains more and more meaning and significance the more you listen to it. Phoenix give you a template onto which you carve your own emotions and thoughts and analysis. Try not to tap your foot along to this, I dare ya.
1
"We Used to Wait" by Arcade Fire
Sounds like: Watching your suburban dream house slowly, sadly burning before your very eyes
Why the hell it's on this list: Like all Arcade Fire songs, there is a great melancholy here. A great loss of innocence, a tormented coming-of-age. I don't know what Win Butler could have possibly gone through in his life to bring about such a pain, but it manages to inspire him to such beautiful heights. I'm also falling in love with him, and I think his strange new haircut may have something to do with it. Without resorting to the loud, pack-a-punch angst of songs like "Wake Up", the Arcade Fire bring that same choking emotion to "We Used to Wait". Sit back and let the masters do what they do best, people.
DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE DAMN MIX
Sorry there's no individual links for each of the tracks, but my internet just doesn't have the patience for that kind of ish these days!