60: Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Everybody's Better - The Bosstones will always hold a special place in my heart. I haven't appreciated their newer works as much as their earlier stuff, but this song still makes the cut.
59: Does It Offend You, Yeah - Dawn of the Dead - If New Order was born today, in an alternative universe, I imagine that they would sound a lot like DIOYY. Back in my wee days, I was a huge fan of new wave/synthpop bands like New Order, the Pet Shop Boys, Information Society, etc. (Who am I kidding? I still love all of those bands.) It warms my soul to find new artists who are able to blend newer influences with the more traditional styles. DIOYY fits that bill.
58: Postal Service - Brand New Colony - Honestly, I like Some Great Heights, I do. I just don't LOVE it. This song, however, I adore. I think it's the old-school Nintendo style beeps that get me, even though that particular feature is probably a deal breaker for a lot of folks.
57: Dredg - Bug Eyes - "We have been trimmed down like hedges,and told just to sit, and wilt, and spit at each other from a distance..." I love Gavin's voice, and the drumming in this song is guaranteed to make me tap my toes and crave it's inclusion in Rock Band. Add in the perfect use of minimalistic piano accompaniment, and it becomes a complete keeper for me.
56: The Editors - Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors - In my dreams, Tom Smith and Ian Curtis are singing duets in an empty candlelit cathedral. As an added "ribbed for her pleasure", check out this gorgeous acoustic version.
55: Outkast - Hey Ya! - I despise every Outkast song I've ever heard, except this one. No matter how much Todd scowls at me whenever it starts playing from my iPod, I will always turn the volume up to earsplitting levels and bop along with full enthusiasm.
54: Teddybears - Yours to Keep - Unless I'm forgetting about something, this is the last entry from Sweden on my list. Teddybears, commonly referred to as Teddybears STHLM, have an amazing variety of sounds, and I appreciate most of them. This song, in particular, makes me happy. Note that there are two different versions out there, the original wiht vocals by Paola, and this version, featuring Neneh Cherry. I like them both, but Neneh's voice is far superior, so this one gets the nod.
53: Kelis - Milkshake - This song would be very high on my guilty pleasures list, if I were inclined to feel ashamed of my musical taste (FYI, I also listen to Aqua, New Kids on the Block, LFO's Summer Girls, Mambo No. 5, and a ton of other stuff that probably makes you cringe). This is my naughty girl song for the list. If I were going back a few years farther, it would be replaced, at a much higher ranking, with Salt N' Pepa's Shoop, and if I from the 80's, Janet Jackson's Nasty, at a much lower level.
52: Jack Peñate - Run For Your Life - I don't even know how to describe Jack. I really don't. I don't know why I like him, but I'm assuming it's because he's so darn much FUN.
51: Bon Iver - Skinny Love - Wisconsin is generally a really crappy place for music. I mean, REALLY crappy. When I lived in Michigan, at least there was always Motown to hold up as a state trophy, but aside from the Violent Femmes and a few other pretty decent acts, there isn't much of anything. Les Paul, but he's known more for his guitars than his actual playing. If you like super-mellow acoustic grooves, Bon Iver is a glass of cool water. If not, then move along. Bon Iver is a nice cap in Wisconsin's feather. Strike that, reverse it.
50: Glasvegas - Flowers & Football Tops - I was kind of surprised that Glasvegas ended up ranked so low on my list, because I adore them with every cell in my body. I guess the band as a whole is just more incredible than any individual song. And this song? It gets mega kudos for throwing in an excerpt of You Are My Sunshine, and doubly so for making it so freaking depressing.
49: Mat Kearney - In the Middle - I was fortunate enough to see Mat Kearney live (opening for the Fray) before his debut album was released. His combination of excellent pop sensibilities and a wee bit of rap, light enough that even my mom appreciates it, works nicely for me. The lyrics in this song are perfect for anyone who has ever put on a brave face and given the world their best shot, despite the butterflies and feelings of inadequacy roiling around in his/her tummy.
48: The Very Best (Feat. Ezra Koenig) - Warm Heart of Africa - I got this mp3 from one of my music blogs back in probably April or May of this year, and was devastated when I found out that the full album wasn't out yet. Back in the 80's, Graceland gave me a very heavy appreciation for African influenced music, which continues to this day. Whenever I hear this song, I smile and crave an umbrella drink and some hot weather. I hope you do, too.
47: Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow - "I want a breeze and an open mind, I want to swim in the ocean, want to take my time for me, all me..." I often look at my life and wonder how I ended up here. Is this really all that's out there? Am I destined to keep running on this treadmill forever, never going anywhere or accomplishing anything that matters? This song reminds me that I'm not alone, and that change could be right around the corner. Maybe tomorrow I will find my way home. I hope so...
46: Scarface - Burn - Scarface is by far my favorite living rapper. Still, I have to say that most of his newer works have been kind of underwhelming. This song, however, is a major exception.
45: Shakira - Objection - Oh, Shakira. How I love you, from your strong, beautiful voice to your tantalizing hips and your beautiful eyes. If I were a man, I'd marry you, as long as you don't release any more crap like Underneath Your Clothes, or the entirety of your latest album.
44: We Were Promised Jetpacks - Roll Up Your Sleeves - WWPJ is definitely one of my favorite new bands of this year. I had a hard time picking which of their songs to include, because again, I love all of them. This one survived my coin toss simply because it was fricking freezing outside when I finally had to decide.
43: System of a Down - Toxicity - I've been a SOAD fan since not long after they released their eponymous debut album. I think it's the blend between the harmonic and chaotic, combined with the completely different vocal styles of Serj and Daron that make these guys so special to me. Of course, I also celebrate the two solo spinoff projects (Serj solo and Daron and John's Scars on Broadway), but nothing compares to the original.
42: Cass McCombs - Dreams Come True Girl - One of my sappy, old person musical indulgences is the Everly Brothers. This particular song, could almost be dropped into one of their albums and fit perfectly.
41: Brendan Benson - I'm Easy - I've been listening to Brendan Benson for ages. Absolute ages. When The Raconteurs came out, and I learned that he was associate with them, I was heartbroken. Color me SOOOO not impressed. Still, his solo work shows a more or less complete different side of him, and I'll treasure that side for always.
Gah, I'm so behind on your posts, but I want to go through them in order.
Elena, I was unfamiliar with most of these songs, but I feel like giving you a great big virtual hug. I loved every single one of them! I feel like I was super critical of your last post, maybe I was in a bad mood that day, I don't know. Seriously, every new song I listened to just put a big smile on my face.
New to me:
Dredg - I'm completely feeling this band. I loved the song, and the lead singer is hot and named Gavin. Win.
The Editors - I love, LOVE the name of this song, before even listening, because I used to work at a hospital, and yeah, be one of those smokers outside the doors. I still really liked it after listening.
Teddybears - Fun song! My first car was a convertible, so songs about driving around with the top down hold a special place in my heart.
Jack Penate - I am a big fan of singers who have accents even when they sing. I'm pretty sure that means I wouldn't be able to decipher a single spoken word from their mouth, but I'd listen with bated breath. Love.
Cass McCombs - it only took two seconds of hearing this for me to know I'd freaking love it! I also adore the Everly Brothers. And such sweet lyrics, oh swoon.
DIOYY, Glasvegas, The Very Best, Mat Kearney, Stereophonics, WWJP, Brendan Benson - all new songs to me, and I enjoyed the Hell out of every one of them.
I also really enjoy the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Postal Service, SOAD (well, Toxicity anway), and Milkshake. Bon Iver is amazing.
Outkast - yeah, this song is all kinds of genius. I posted the link of Obadiah Parker's amazing acoustic cover of this song on Trey's blog, but I'll repost it here for you. I get the feeling it's right up your alley : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-8nkkOA_AM
Scarface - Now here's a rap song I can appreciate. I think my biggest problem with rap iin general s the front that so many rappers put up. This song comes across as completely real; he's telling his story.
Shakira - Hell yes. I am in love with her as well, but I agree about the new album. I refuse to say a bad word about her, though. I love this song, MAN, and it certainly takes me back to a very vivid memory. I was unfortunately involved in a messy love triangle with a very Latino boy and a stuck up be-yotch. This was my kiss off song to him. Ah, high school, I really don't miss you.
This post gets two thumbs up from me, which doesn't mean much, but I give them anyway.
Posted by: marty | 12/24/2009 at 12:23 AM
Wow! You loved every song? Thats awesome! And dont ever worry about being critical of something I post. I dont easily get butt-hurt, and I love hearing different opinions on things. Im kind of surprised that you liked Teddybears, since they are fairly electronic sounding, but Im really glad that you did! Now, you need to check out my second favorite song of theirs and see if you still approve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYn7rr4yZ9U.
I love Obadiah Parker, and would give anything to be able to easily track down his music. Have you watched any of his other videos on You Tube? Theyre all lovely!
Oh, and by the way, any love situation with a Latino boy is totally up my alley. Im a total sucker for my brown boys. *swoon*
Hugs to you, and thanks again for commenting!!
Posted by: evilkittywonka | 12/25/2009 at 10:46 AM
You love Obadiah Parker? You would love to track down some of their music, you say?
... I just might be able to help you out with that. Be checking your mail. :)
Posted by: marty | 12/26/2009 at 10:06 AM
*swoon* Have I told you lately that I love you?
Posted by: evilkittywonka | 12/26/2009 at 01:39 PM