Around The World, UK - Scotland

The lovely Miss KT Tunstall...

Yesterday we met Team England and now it's time to go up north, enjoy the freezing cold, find the Loch Ness monster, wear a kilt, avoid local cuisine, drink some Irn Bru, struggle to understand people, make fun of English people (if you want to not get punched, glassed or potentially Glasgow smiled) and drink to the point of vomiting. We may even have time to check out some sweet, sweet Scottish music. Maybe.

TEAM SCOTLAND

Male Artist - Paolo Nutini

I'd love to pick Malcolm Middleton, but Paolo Nutini's much more likely to put on a show. Then again, we could always put Calvin Harris in. That could be interesting.

 

Female Artist - KT Tunstall

KT Tunstall needs a bit of a kick to revitalise her lagging career, and what a kick this would be. Performing in front of the world, representing Scotland.

Group - Franz Ferdinand

You'd prefer The Fratellis? I'm just kidding... they're alright. But no Scottish band can match the coolness levels that Alex Kapranos & Co. bring to the stage.

England and Scotland down, next stop... Wales! We're heading into Tom Jones country... ... ... ... be afraid. 

Top 25 Singers, #14 - Michael Jackson

#14 - Michael Jackson

The King of Pop. While we were starting school, Michael Jackson was starting a career that would span four decades and make him the most successful musical artist of all time. Thriller remains the world's best selling album, he has the most American #1s for a male artist since the Hot 100 was introduced (13) and he received more music awards throughout his life than any other singer. Dude was also slightly unhinged in the mental department. We should get that out of the way, but let's not judge... we didn't live his messed up childhood. Let's just focus on his incredible voice. Rolling Stone had him at #25 on their countdown of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Here on It's My Kind of Scene, he's at #14. What do you think about Jacko's voice?



Song of the Day - Eleanor Rigby

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby

Album: Revolver (1966)

Well, The Beatles are dominating those sales on iTunes, so I thought I'd give them a bit of love and post my favourite song by one of the greatest bands of all time. Or is it my favourite? Hmmm... maybe I should do a Beatles countdown. 

Around the World, UK - England

When last we met on our amazing musical adventure we were in South Africa... wasn't that magical? Moving right along, we're heading to one of the hottest spots for forward thinking musicians who are releasing some of the best music today (and throughout history... I guess). Where are we going? Well you should already know, it's in the post title. Do try to keep up. Yes, we're going to the UK! With all the talent in the UK, it seems right to do this by country, so today we'll look at England before heading to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. So who's going to be representing England? Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Girls Aloud? Um... no! Maybe next year? No! Ok, let's meet the contestants!

TEAM ENGLAND

Male Artist - Dizzee Rascal

If you can remember, Jay-Z is representing the USA... who better to take him on than Dizzee?

Female Artist - Adele

Because Winehouse is too unpredictable. You know it and I know it.

Group - Kasabian

Loved in the UK, relatively unknown in the Americas... this could be Kasabian's chance to make it big. They deserve it.

Top 25 Singers, #15 - Antony Hegarty

#15 - Antony Hegarty



I can't quite think of a voice that's comparable to Antony Hegarty's. Somehow, Antony and the Johnsons' lead singer has found the perfect balance between a male and female sound; deep and full of emotion, powerful yet subdued. Hegarty's voice is ripe with juxtapositions which shouldn't work, but somehow do. To that, I say kudos. 



Song of the Day - Secret Agent Man

The Superjesus - Secret Agent Man

Album: Jet Age (2000)

The Superjesus... another Australian band that sadly bit the dust far too early and never achieved the success they deserved. Sarah McLeod, iconic Aussie rock chick and frontwoman for the band, has reinvented herself as a party girl, chock full-of club hits, but hopefully one day she'll remember her rockish roots, hook back up with the rest of the Superjesus and grace us with another album. Until then, enjoy 'Secret Agent Man.'

Top 20 - 28 November, 2010

1. Adele - Rolling In The Deep





2. Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith - Not In Love
3. Lykke Li - Get Some
4. Ellie Goulding - Lights (NEW)





5. Matt and Kim - Block After Block
6. The Verses ft. Dan Sultan - Running Away
7. Zowie - Love Demolition
8. Duffy - Endlessly
9. Kanye West ft. Jay-Z & La Roux - That's My Bitch (NEW)





10. Rihanna ft. Eminem - Love the Way You Lie pt. 2
11. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
12. Gorillaz ft. Daley - Doncamatic (All Played Out) (NEW)





13. Florrie - Call of the Wild
14. Frankmusic - The Fear Inside (NEW)





15. Rye Rye ft. M.I.A - Sunshine
16. Chromeo ft. La Roux - Hot Mess
17. Azure Ray - Don't Leave My Mind (NEW)





18. Ladytron - Ace of Hz
19. Robyn - Time Machine
20. Missy Elliott - Swat Dat Fly (UNRELEASED)

Top 25 Singers, #16 - Aretha Franklin

#16 - Aretha Franklin

What you want, baby Aretha's got it... and what you need, is to show her voice a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Why? She's the Queen of Soul and the first woman induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A legend and icon who's voice has arguably inspired more female singers than any other. The respect she's earned from her peers in the music industry saw her claim the #1 position on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

So now you're wondering why Aretha Franklin finds herself in the somewhat low position of #16. Why go against Rolling Stone? Because I'm (well) under 45. Because the 179 industry associated voters for their countdowns will always stick with what was good in the 60s and 70s. Every Rolling Stone countdown will generally include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin fighting for the #1 spot, because that's what their voters love. That was their generation, their 'heyday' if you will. Sometimes it seems they fail to take into account anything post 1970 out of fear of bucking the trend. Don't get me wrong, Aretha Franklin has a beautiful, powerful voice that deserves the respect of everyone... but I don't feel it deserves the #1 spot. What do you think?  



Song of the Day - London Still

The Waifs - London Still

Album: Up All Night (2003)

So, uh... what exactly happened to The Waifs? It seemed like they just dropped off the face of the earth. Did they? No. You don't just drop off the face of the earth. It's the power of gravity. Anyway, apparently those crazy kids from Western Australia have been living in the USA for the last couple of years and are returning to Australia for some Summer shows next year. Get excited!

Top 25 Singers, #17 - Eddie Vedder

#17 - Eddie Vedder

The most unique, emotive and powerful voice to come out of the grunge era. Need I say more?

Song of the Day - Outside of Me

Killing Heidi - Outside of Me

Album: Present (2002)

Due to my love for female driven rock bands it was no surprise that I had a lot of love for Killing Heidi. While I was disappointed when they went on an indefinite hiatus in 2006, Ella and Jesse Hooper's new folky duo, The Verses, is doing a good job of placating the needs of all the Heidi fans out there.

But what about Killing Heidi? First there was the multi-platinum selling success of debut, Reflector, which went on to win Album of the Year at the ARIAs and spawned the #1 single, 'Mascara.' Follow up Present wasn't anywhere near as successful, even though it was a more consistent album and in my honest opinion far superior. So what went wrong? I'm going to say because Australian radio station JJJ slowly withdrew their support of the band they made famous (Killing Heidi were JJJ Unearthed winners, 'Weir' placed at #2 on the Hottest 100 in 1999). By the time their self-titled album was released, the station wasn't even playing them at all, nor do they seem too interested in The Verses... a brother sister duo on par with new JJJ darlings, Angus and Julia Stone.


You can't just blame everything on a radio station... so I'll blame everyone that bought their first album, made them into a huge success and then just forgot about them. I'll blame everyone BUT the band... who were awesome. Just check out 'Outside of Me.' Rant over...    

Top 25 Singers, #18 - Stevie Nicks

#18 - Stevie Nicks

Once upon a time, the only thing I knew about Stevie Nicks was that South Park made her into a goat... with hilarious consequences. How young and naive I once was. These days I'm a little older, a little wiser and I've gained a greater appreciation for some of the finer singers of the last century; singers like the insanely talented Stevie Nicks. She has one of those voices, much like Joni Mitchell (who you may or may not read about on here at a later date), that gives you the honour of feeling exactly what she has experienced in her life. The good times, the bad times, the drug times. Especially the drug times. But especially the bad times. But especially the good times. Just listen... 

Song of the Day - Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

Album: Wish You Were Here (1975)

While I'm no huge Pink Floyd fan I understand that you need to have a lot of respect for a band that's enjoyed continued popularity over a four decade period. With that said, I do love a couple of their songs; 'Wish You Were Here,' 'Money' and 'Comfortably Numb.' But I don't get off to just thinking about The Wall or anything... Anyway, for your enjoyment, we've got the original and live version above and the Sparklehorse cover, which features Thom Yorke, below.



Top 25 Singers, #19 - Beth Gibbons

Ethereal... haunting... chilling... spine tingling... goosebump inducing... sweet... seductive... perfectly imperfect...

How about instead of me describing Beth Gibbons' voice, you just give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.



Top 25 Singers, #20 - Marvin Gaye

#20 - Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye, the smooth iconic voice behind hits like 'Sexual Healing,' 'Let's Get It On' and 'Got To Give It Up.' Aka, the voice behind songs you can get down and dirty too (and you don't have to worry about Barry White popping into your head). Other than his sexy time music, Gaye is best known for the hit 'What's Going On.' You'll remember it because they made it into a charity song earlier in the 2000s and it featured everyone from Britney to Destiny's Child, an awful Nelly/Nelly Furtado rap segment and Bono. Because wherever there are starving children, Bono is somewhere nearby.



But we're not talking about Bono, we're talking about Marvin Gaye! His wonderful vocals saw him become the highest selling Motown star of the 1960s, earning him the nicknames The Prince of Motown and The Prince of Soul. Rolling Stone are big fans of Mr Gaye's work... so big, that on their countdown of the Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, they ranked him at #6.



Song of the Day - Tiny Dancer

Elton John - Tiny Dancer

Album: Madman Across the Water (1971)

If you've seen Almost Famous you'll love this song. The scene where the cast sings it is one of the best music scenes in a film (in your face 'I Say A Little Prayer' scene from My Best Friend's Wedding!). 'Tiny Dancer' would easily be John's greatest contribution to music... or would it? You can also enjoy Ben Folds' live cover version below.



Top 25 Singers, #21 - John Lennon

#21 - John Lennon

Yes, I prefer Lennon's voice to Paul McCartney's, who will not be featured on the list. It's nothing against McCartney, he's a great singer in his own right... but he won't be featured on the list (if this was Top 25 Songwriters, it might be a different story). If I'm going to pick a Beatle for their voice, it's going to be John Lennon.  

Song of the Day - Never Gonna Happen

Lily Allen - Never Gonna Happen

Album: It's Not Me, It's You (2009)

Speaking of people that should end this "musical hiatus" they've put themselves on for no reason after making a superior second album that just leaves you wanting more... it's Lily Allen! 'Not Fair' may have been the best song off the album, but 'Never Gonna Happen' was a very close second for me. Enjoy!

 



Song of the Day - I Am Not A Robot

Marina & The Diamonds - I Am Not A Robot

Album: The Family Jewels (2010)

Her popularity may not be at the same level as Florence and her Machine, but Marina Diamandis' music is at least of the same excellent quality. 'I Am Not A Robot' is another song that's in strong contention for song of the year... is it good enough to go all the way to #1? There's only a month to go before we find out!

Top 25 Singers, #22 - Amy Lee

#22 - Amy Lee

Testimonials for Amy Lee...

 "Amy Lee has the most powerful female voice on Earth..."

 "Amy Lee's voice sounds like an angel, but even better."

 "Her voice is like an angel, very pure and haunting, great ear candy."

 "She is probably the best amateur female singer of her time (she didn't get any vocal (sic) training)."

Where did I find those testimonials? Uh... Urban Dictionary. So in the interest of fairness, here's what some awful, awful people wrote about the amazingly talented Amy Lee in a negative way (haters!).

 "The dumb twat front-woman (sic) of the "metal" band, Evanescence."

 "Contrary to popular misconception, Amy Lee is NOT attractive."

 "The most arrogant, self-centered bitch in all of rock music."

In rebuttal... she's incredibly talented, attractive and a bitch is just a strong woman in control of her own destiny (thanks Missy Elliott!)... so suck it haters!



Hopefully what you'll take from today, other than the fact that I can find sources worse than Wikipedia, is that Amy Lee's voice is a thing of beauty. It's a booming, natural wonder that leaves practically all of her contemporaries in the dust.

Top 20 - 22 November, 2010

1. Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith - Not In Love
2. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (NEW)



3. The Verses ft. Dan Sultan - Running Away



4. Rihanna ft. Eminem - Love the Way You Lie pt. 2
5. Duffy - Endlessly
6. Lykke Li - Get Some



7. Chromeo ft. La Roux - Hot Mess
8. Rye Rye ft. M.I.A - Sunshine
9. Zowie - Love Demolition
10. Florrie - Call of the Wild
11. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
12. Robyn - Time Machine
13. Ladytron - Ace of Hz
14. Air Waves - Knockout (NEW)

15. Matt and Kim - Block After Block
16. Gotye - Eyes Wide Open
17. Patrick Wolf - Time of My Life
18. The Black Keys - Howlin' For You
19. Brooke Fraser - Something In The Water

20. P!nk - Fuckin' Perfect (NEW)





Song of the Day - Don't Tell Me

Madonna - Don't Tell Me

Album: Music (2000)

So... it's been quite some time since we've heard any news about Madonna heading back to the studio. If, or more appropriately when, she does... I hope she listens to Music and goes, "screw reinvention... bitch!" and just goes back to making awesome music. I'm pretty sure she ends each sentence with, "bitch!"

Top 25 Singer, #23 - Robert Smith

#23 - Robert Smith

Rolling Stone refers to Robert Smith's singing style as a, "pale vocal whine." They forgot to put 'that's still better than almost every other singer on the planet' after the word whine, but whatever. Pitchfork's Mark Richardson in his review of Crystal Castles new song 'Not In Love,' a Platinum Blonde cover which features vocals from Smith, gave a more appropriate critique of The Cure frontman's abilities. Richardson's wrote that Smith's vocals can strike, "a brilliant balance between old and new, between the pull of nostalgia and the reality that our entire lives are actually happening right here this very second." Can your voice do that? Doubt it...







Song of the Day - Thoughtless

Korn - Thoughtless

Album: Untouchables (2002)

ABC Kids is all over the current, 'Say No... To Bullying,' climate we've got going on right now. In fact, they're a little too all over it. Teaching four year olds about passive-aggressive behaviour? Riiiight. They should just show everyone Korn's music video for 'Thoughtless' or the movie Carrie. If you show it to them when they're say, 4 years old (on ABC Kids of course), they'll be far too afraid to ever bully anyone again. That ain't ever gonna happen... but you can enjoy 'Thoughtless' now. If Korn's version isn't to your taste, perhaps you'll enjoy Evanescence's cover more.



Top 25 Singers, #24 - Eva Cassidy

#24 - Eva Cassidy

In life, Eva Cassidy's beautiful, soulful voice made her the pride of her native Washington, DC. In death, that beautiful, soulful voice took her further than she could have ever imagined, touching the hearts of listeners all throughout the world. Sadly, Cassidy passed away from cancer at only 33 years of age in 1996. Her posthumous releases saw her rise to the top of the UK charts (3 #1 albums) and feature in films like Love Actually and Maid in Manhattan.



The softness in her voice ensures she doesn't come across as your typical vocal powerhouse, but that doesn't mean she can't hit those high notes... she just doesn't have to rely on belting out a tune. All the emotion that she packs into her delivery leaves you more satisfied when delivered in her quieter way.

In 2005, Amazon.com listed Cassidy at #5 on a list of their highest selling artist of all time. It was a huge testament to the respect her voice has been given all over the world, a respect that is hugely deserved.



 

'What A Wonderful World' was the last song that Eva Cassidy performed at her final public concert. That would be the video posted above. Enjoy.

Song of the Day - Misery

Green Day - Misery

Album: Warning (2000)

As you get older you go through that phase where you're like, "(Insert Band/Singer's name here)'s earlier music is SO so SO much better than their new stuff, like, like, totally. Like, like." You may or may not talk like that, but you get what I'm saying, right? I try not to be like that but with some bands *cough*Silverchair*cough* I just can't help it, I really feel like their first three albums are better than their newer ones. Same goes for Green Day. I preferred them as kinda punkish stoners than Emo Kings. So, um... yeah. Was this just an exercise in attacking Silverchair's new stuff I don't like (without even giving them the honour of having a song as Song of the Day in protest)? Maybe. Just enjoy 'Misery' and forget about it...

Song of the Day - Elenore

The Turtles - Elenore

Album: The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands (1968)

You know what Soundtrack's awesome? The Boat That Rocked Soundtrack! You know what song is awesome? 'Elenore,' by the Turtles! And you thought 'Happy Together' was the only song The Turtles could be given props for... well, at least I did.

Top 25 Singers, #25 - Thom Yorke

We did the Top 200 Songs of the 1990s, the Top 100 Songs of the 1980s and for our next big countdown, It's My Kind of Scene is proud to bring to you, dear reader, the Top 25 Singers of All Time. Sorry to disappoint those of you that were clamouring for the Top 100 Songs of the 1970s (all, um, one of you), but that might have to wait until next year. Over the next week or two I'll be introducing you to who I believe are the 25 greatest vocalists we've had the pleasure of listening to. How did I choose which artists received a place on the list? Good question! As you'll see, this is clearly NOT based solely on vocal ability. Yes, that plays a major part in it, but just because you can belt a tune doesn't mean you can put some feeling behind it. Emotional delivery, distinctive voices and experimental vocalists also earned some singers major brownie points and got them onto the list. Anywho... who do YOU think deserves a spot on the list? Kicking us off at #25... it's the enigmatic Radiohead singer, Thom Yorke.

Song of the Day - Turn Into

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Turn Into

Album: Show Your Bones (2006)

My love for all things Karen O has been detailed several times over the past year here on It's My Kind of Scene. The soundtrack for Where the Wild Things Are and the three Yeah Yeah Yeahs albums are just too good, so can you really blame me for featuring her so much? Anywho... I haven't been able to stop listening to 'Turn Into' for practically all of 2010 and that's more than enough to warrant some Song of the Day love. Enjoy! 

Song of the Day - Crazy In Love

Beyonce Knowles ft. Jay-Z - Crazy In Love

Album: Dangerously in Love (2003)

#1 in the USA, UK and Europe. NME's best song of the decade. #118 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Grammy winner. MTV VMA winner. BET winner. If you're going to break out of the most successful American girl group and go solo you have to do it right, and do it right Beyonce did. You can't really ask for a better debut song than 'Crazy In Love.'



Song of the Day - Rolling In The Deep

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

Album: 21 (2011)

Adele's back... joy! She's given us a taste of her sophomore album by dropping the first single, 'Rolling In The Deep,' and I think fans are going to be very satisfied. Her voice is sounding better than ever and if this is anything to go by, 21 is going to go a long way to establishing Adele as the UK's first lady of soul.

Dear Duffy La Winehouse,

 Game on moles...

Kisses,

Adele 

Song of the Day - Crazy

Patsy Cline - Crazy

Album: Patsy Cline Showcase (1961)

I'm not gonna lie... I have this weird 'thing' for country music. Maybe it's because I enjoy an excellent depressing song (in a non-emo way) and music doesn't come more depressing than country music... the music of pain. Example; 'Crazy.' Originally written by Willie Nelson, it's been covered many a time over the years by a diverse range of artists including The Kills, The Waifs and Julio Iglesias (what's up with that?). Rolling Stone lists Cline's version at #85 on the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time chart. Not too shabby for an old country song, hey? Above is Patsy Cline's version and below is The Kills' cover. Enjoy!



Top 20 - 14 November, 2010

1. The Verses ft. Dan Sultan - Running Away (NEW)





2.  Rye Rye ft. M.I.A - Sunshine
3. Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith - Not In Love
4. Duffy - Endlessly (NEW)





5. Rihanna ft. Eminem - Love the Way You Lie pt. 2
6. Zowie - Love Demolition
7. Robyn - Time Machine (NEW)





8. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
9. Gotye - Eyes Wide Open
10. Ladytron - Ace of Hz
11. Robyn - Indestructible
12. Patrick Wolf - Time Of My Life (NEW)





13. Matt & Kim - Block After Block (NEW)





14. Brooke Fraser - Something In The Water
15. Lykke Li - Get Some
16. Hellogoodbye - You Sleep Alone (NEW)





17. Chromeo ft. La Roux - Hot Mess (NEW)





18. Florrie - Call of the Wild (NEW)





19. The Black Keys - Howlin' For You
20. Missy Elliott - I Wanna Be Yo Freak (NEW)

Song of the Day - Good Luck

Basement Jaxx ft. Lisa Kekaula - Good Luck

Album: Kish Kash (2003)

You can always rely on Basement Jaxx for some good ole' fashioned dance-y music. From 'Where's Your Head At' to last 2009s 'Raindrops,' they've entertained fans for over fifteen years now with some of the greatest dance tracks of our time. For my money, no Basement Jaxx (or BJ) song is better than 'Good Luck.' This has a whole lot to do with the amazing vocals provided by Lisa Kekaula. 

Report Card: Powderfinger

Tonight, the journey for one of Australia's greatest rock bands comes to an end. Over their career they've risen through the ranks to become one of the nation's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands. They have the distinction of having the most appearances on the JJJ Hottest 100, topping it twice in 1999 and 2000. In 2003 they placed three times within the top 10, a feat yet to be matched or topped. ARIA has celebrated the band continuously, awarding the band with Album of the Year honours three times (for Internationalist, Odyssey Number Five and Vulture Street). Alongside their incredible music, the likeability of band members Bernard Fanning, Darren Middleton, Ian Haug, John Collins and Jon Coghill has ensured them a special place in the hearts and minds of many Australians, this blogger included. Fun Trivia Fact: It's My Kind of Scene is based on the Powderfinger track, 'My Kind of Scene.' Did I really need to tell you that?

While their career as a collective unit ends tonight, each band member will hopefully continue to contribute to the Australian music industry. If there's a God, Bernard Fanning is already prepping his follow up to Tea & Sympathy. Many of us won't be in attendance for the final show, but we can say goodbye by taking a look back at all the music that Powderfinger have graced us with. So... what are we waiting for?

Countdown: Top 20 of 2009

We're getting closer and closer to the end of 2010, so let's take a look back at the best songs from last year! Which acts are likely to place on this years countdown?

#20 - I Will Be Here

by Tiesto & Sneaky Sound System

 

#19 - Heavy Cross

by The Gossip

#18 - Daniel

by Bat For Lashes

#17 - Tik Tok

by Ke$ha

#16 - Watching the Planets

by The Flaming Lips ft. Karen O

#15 - Mathematics

by Little Boots

#14 - Not Fair

by Lily Allen

#13 - All I Want

by Sarah Blasko

#12 - The Pursuit of Happiness

by Kid CuDi ft. Ratatat & MGMT

#11 - Runaway

by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

And the top 10...