Local Natives - Camera Talk
Just as I have an act surprise me every year, there's always one I put off listening to until the last few weeks of the year and Local Natives were that band. They may be generic in more than one way but that doesn't take away from the quality of their music.
The National - England
I know perfection is a dirty word but you don't get much closer to it than this. Lyrically, vocally, musically, emotionally, spiritually, structurally and every other way possible this song is just about perfect! When you start a song with a line as brilliant as "Summer sent her running through the weather that I'm under for the feeling that I lost today" you really can't go wrong. A magical tear-jerker of a song.
Laura Marling - Rambling Man
Staying with the "England" theme and lyrical geniuses we have young Laura Marling of London, wife of Mumford and darling of the indie scene. Why the Middle Earth speak? Well that's what this song reminds me of, a simple world filled with short hairy people with big feet.......
Tame Impala - Expectations
In many years time when I listen back to all these tracks, I will find it very difficult to believe that this particular song is from the 21st century. It has all the qualities of an awesome classic from the 60s and there's nothing wrong with that. In terms of pure musicianship this would be the best song on the list.
Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Cheesy? Tick. Pathetically romantic? Tick. Awesome? Tick! If this isn't being sung in karaoke bars in 10 years time there is something seriously wrong with this world. Of course I wouldn't be one of the people singing it but I'm certain it would work perfectly. They absolutely murdered (in a bad way) the song live on stage when I saw them but that doesn't take away from how incredible it sounds on CD.
Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill
The word genius has served its utility quite well so far in my blog and yet it is the most apt description that comes to mind when describing Damon Albarm and this song is emblematic of that. Buried deep in Gorillaz's latest offering this is a gem of a track.
Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait
You would think with up to 10 musicians on stage at the same time, Arcade Fire's music would often sound like a bit of a mess. Many bands struggle to maintain any sense of coherence with only 4 on stage but Arcade Fire pull it off perfectly. On We Used To Wait each instrument is clear and distinct and nothing is lost in the mix. It might not be a true festival anthem like some of their previous singles have been but with band's live show prowess I'm sure they can turn it into something spectacular.
LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean
WOW! What a way to start an album. 188 seconds of simmering synthesised beats and gentle harmonies leading into a pulsating electro epic. The moment this song kicks in is probably one of the finest moments in music this year, if gets my head and body moving every time. The band didn't perform this during their last Australian tour so lets hope they bring it down with them in 2011.
Foals - After Glow
For a long time great rock music was associated with axe shredding guitar solos and 10 minute drum solos. Thankfully that era of self indulgence is behind us and great melody writing and song writing is now appreciated. After Glow is a perfect example of great modern rock with its inventive guitar work, ciggy lighter worthy drumming and wonderfully wholesome vocals. Best of all the 6 minute song does not lose its appeal at any stage as it goes through a number of phases, each built upon a simple guitar riff. And people thought rock was dead. pffftt!
She & Him - In the Sun
Sickeningly cute and shamelessly poppy. But I still love it! Zooey's sun kissed voice with M Ward's KISS (the acronym not the glam band) playing style creates......well the type of music I wouldn't be caught dead listening to. But the two of them add sophistication to their music that makes it irresistible. Or maybe it's just Zooey.......
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