2011 Scene Awards - Album of the Year



Yeah, I made this in Paint. What of it?



Last day of the year means we've come to the point where we must give out our final award for 2011, Album of the Year. The past twelve months have been very kind to music fans. Some of our favourite acts have delivered career best records and new bands, singers and groups are popping up all over the world with attention-grabbing tracks.


Of course, no year is made up of only good news. The world lost one of its greatest young talents, with Amy Winehouse passing away far too early at the age of 27. Justin Bieber is still popular and Joe Jonas released some "music." Don't even get me started on the rise of dubstep.


Enough of the negativity though. This is all about the best the music industry provided for us throughout the calendar year. As a quick recap, here are your Scene Award winners so far;


Video of the Year - 'Lonely Boy' by The Black Keys
Australian Artist of the Year - Seeker Lover Keeper
Best New Artist - James Blake and Lana Del Rey (Tie)
Group of the Year - Seeker Lover Keeper
Man of the Year - Gotye
Woman of the Year - Kimbra


Now let's take a look at the ten albums that made the shortlist for Album of the Year!

CEREMONIALS

by Florence + The Machine

Read about Florence + The Machine's 2011 on It's My Kind of Scene:
Top 111 Songs of 2011, #3 - 'Shake It Out.'

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #43 - 'No Light, No Light.'

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #68 - 'Only If For A Night.'

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #72 - 'What The Water Gave Me.'

2011 Scene Awards - Woman of the Year (Nomination)

What we said about Cermonials:

"Ceremonials as an album is better than Lungs. It's just the most epic thing to come out of a year full of awe inspiring concepts and grand ideas."

"The track [No Light, No Light] contains all of the elements that makes Ceremonials such a brilliant album; lyrics that read like a beautifully violent fairytale, epic choruses that attach themselves to your brain and never let go and Welch's soaring siren vocals that draw you deeper and deeper into her world."

Song of the Day - Give Me Everything

Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer - Give Me Everything

Excuse me, I think that there's a few of you out there that might drink a lil' more than you should tonight. 2011 finally comes to its end tonight and hopefully you'll all be out there partying it up and smashing your way into the new year! We've got one last Scene Award to hand out later today, our final blog post for 2011 and it's a big one... Album of the Year! Make sure you check it out before you get too boozed, ok? Have a great New Year's Eve everyone!

P.s. Before you diss the song choice... the alternative was 'I Gotta Feeling.' You just remember that.

2011 Scene Awards - Woman of the Year

Cat fight!

Who runs the world? Girls. The ladies dominated the music industry in 2011. Katy Perry became the first woman to score five #1 singles from one album, Adele's 21 became the world's highest selling album of 2011, Rihanna's 'We Found Love' spent the most weeks at #1 in the US (8) and Rebecca Black had the most watched YouTube video. Guess what tomorrow is? IT'S FRIDAY!!! What can I say, I still have the Black plague.


Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Ke$ha joined the trio of Perry, Adele and Rihanna as female artists churning out hit after hit, but it wasn't just the pop princesses that kept giving us reasons to keep on lovin' music this year. Critical favourites like Kate Bush, Bjork, PJ Harvey and Mary J Blige all delivered new records that stand as some of the best work of their distinguished careers. Nicki Minaj made huge waves with 'Super Bass,' becoming the first female rap artist since Missy Elliott to place in the upper echelon of the US Billboard Hot 100 (#2) and has found herself the go-to-girl for hot, show-stealing guest appearances.


Indie and rock all found a touch of class in the forms of Rachael Yamagata, Florence Welch and Evanescence's Amy Lee. Welch has found herself at the top of critics choice lists for Florence + The Machine's sophomore studio set, Ceremonials and Lee proved that she can still compete with the big boys of rock as Evanescence's self-titled LP debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Album chart. Alternative music had a huge year with strong releases from amazing women like Amanda Palmer, Lykke Li, Megan Washington and Feist.


It wasn't just the established acts tearing it up. New singers like Lana Del Rey, Zowie, Clare Maguire, Emma-Louise, Emeli Sande and Oh Land all left us wanting more and at least three of those mentioned are going to make a huge impact in 2012. Do I even need to touch on the release of Vows, the tantalising debut from the enigmatic and soulful Kimbra? Didn't think so.


With all these amazing women and possible contenders for Woman of the Year, how ever will we work out who the winner is? Top 10 style of course! Who were the best of the best?

Song of the Day - World Go Boom

DJ Earworm - World Go Boom

The hits of 2011 all mashed up...

DJ Earworm's end of year mash-up bonanza, United State of Pop, has become one of my favourite traditions over the past couple of years. They're a nice summary of what dominated popular music throughout the calendar year and a celebration of who made the year so very, very good for all of us. Other than that, what we get with Earworm's mixes is an awesome track to close out December and ring in the new year! For 2011, he's taken big hits from the year's most popular stars; Katy Perry, Rihanna, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, LMFAO (sigh), Britney Spears... the list goes on. 'World Go Boom' latches onto the 2012 'end of the world' theme and if the prophecies do indeed come true, I'd be happy to get down to this as the world falls apart around me. What about you? 

2011 Scene Awards - Man of the Year

Bon Iver: Man of the Year?

I've said it before and I'll say it again (at least three times) before the month is out; 2011 was truly the year that girls ran the music world. That doesn't mean that the lads weren't out there doing their thing. Oh no, some dudes delivered the goods in a big way this year. Obviously they make up our nominees for the 2011 Man of the Year! Duh. Let's meet them... shall we?

Justin Vernon

of Bon Iver

Justin Vernon made 2011 his proverbial biatch. The release of Bon Iver drew widespread critical acclaim and the LP ended the year as Pitchfork's #1 album of twenty-eleven. You know it's really a breakout year though when you score some sweet, sweet love from the Grammys! Nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year ('Holocene'), Best New Artist (okie dokie) and Best Alternative Music Album must have come as a surprise for many of us, albeit a pleasant one. At the end of the day though, awards are swell, but you don't need them to be awesome. Bon Iver Justin Vernon proved that he's awesome a long time ago.

Song of the Day - Open Eyes



The xx - Open Eyes (Demo)

Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. YES! Are you excited for 2012 yet? The xx released the demo for new track, 'Open Eyes' just before Christmas and it has left me wanting the new year to be here right now. This isn't even proper studio quality yet, but it's the perfect taste of what we can expect from The xx on the follow up to their Mercury Prize winning debut, xx. Do I detect a hint of U2's 'With or Without You?' That's always a plus in my book. Not much is known about the group's second LP, but it's been promised that it will be out in time for European summer festival shows in 2012. Get excited!

2011 Scene Awards - Best Group



Was there a better group than Little Dragon in 2011?



Hello thurr and welcome back to the 2011 Scene Awards! If you're joining us for the first time or you find yourself in need of a quick recap, our previous winners are;


Video of the Year: 'Lonely Boy' by The Black Keys
Australian Artist of the Year: Seeker Lover Keeper
Best New Artist: James Blake and Lana Del Rey (Tie)


Now, we're mixing things up a little today. Since it's been about seven years since our last '10 and 1,' I thought I'd let its powers combine with the award for Best Group. Not only will you be reading about our top 10 groups (bands, collaborative efforts... anything that isn't a one man or woman show really), you'll also find out who we deemed to be the worst group of 2011. Whoever could it be? Read on and ye shall be informed!

The 10: Groups of the Year

10. The Black Keys

9. The Jezabels

Song of the Day - The One That Got Away

Katy Perry - The One That Got Away

Album: Teenage Dream (2010)

Could this be twice the record-breaking week for Mrs. Brand? Today it was announced that she's sent her seventh track from Teenage Dream to the #1 position on the Billboard Dance/Club play chart. When the official Billboard Hot 100 singles chart is announced tomorrow, it's possible that K. Pez will be the only singer in history to have six songs from one album top the Billboard singles charts. Yep... one more than Michael Jackson (with whom she is currently tied at five each). Can 'The One That Got Away' pull off what many of us would consider impossible? Probably not. Since I've said that, she probably will. If 'California Gurls,' 'Teenage Dream,' 'Firework,' 'E.T.' and 'Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)' were able to make it to #1, I don't see why this track won't. It's created a ton of buzz with the video, it's been remixed with B.o.B and it even has the catchy, "Eh-WoOaH-WoOaH-WoOaH," segment that's so popular with the kids these days. Even if it doesn't make it all the way, you've got to admire Perry's ability to make hits. Instead, you'll probably just shake your head at the fact that she's the first female artist to have five #1's from one album on the American music charts.

What do you think... can Katy Perry make history with 'The One That Got Away?'

Rating: 3/5

Merry Hipster-mas! Hipsmas?



Cool sweater, Flowers! So hip right now...


If your mum (or mom, whatever) and dad play that Michael Buble or Mariah Carey Christmas CD one more time, you're contemplating going postal. Since that's not the best idea and definitely not in the spirit of the holidays, why not try hijacking the sound system and playing these nifty numbers instead. In the tradition of Hipster Halloween, we're going Hipster Xmas! Because saying Christmas just isn't hip... not that I'd know. Or would I? Anyway, here's some hipsters turning Christmas music into almost tolerable junk you'll still hate because these remain Xmas songs. Stop being so hip!

Don't Shoot Me Santa

by The Killers

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... maybe this wasn't such a good idea. All I'm going to say is, those are some mighty hip looking holiday sweaters the boys are sporting there.

Song of the Day - DJ, Ease My Mind

Niki and The Dove - DJ, Ease My Mind

 Album: Niki and The Dove (2012)

Must. Hear. More!!! You'd better be ready to hear more of Niki and The Dove, because these Swedish superstars are going to have a huge 2012. BBC have already named them in their top 15 acts for the Sound of 2012 competition and once you've listened to 'DJ, Ease My Mind' you'll understand why. You'll also find yourself listening to the song again. And again. And again and again and again. One day of listening to it and I'm hooked, waiting with bated breath for May when 2012's answer to Lykke Li releases Niki and The Dove. 2011, I've loved you, but if this is what 2012 sounds like, I want to go to there.

Rating: 5/5

2011 Scene Awards - Best New Artist



Lana Del Rey, now in technicolour!


2011 was a pretty tough year to 'break it big' in the music industry. It seemed like everyone and I mean everyone was releasing an album this year. Well, Madonna didn't. Neither did Missy Elliott. Fine... not everyone then, but you know what I mean. New acts were competing with industry heavyweights, some of which were coming out with the best music we've ever heard from them. Due to their innovative sounds, the ten acts below emerged in 2011 and impressed us with their ability to draw attention away from their established contemporaries. These acts are your nominees for Best New Artist of 2011. Let's meet them!

Ball Park Music

Clare Maguire

 

Song of the Day - A Case of You

James Blake - A Case of You

James Blake, get your Antony Hegarty on! Just kidding. Sort of. Blake has just released a video for his cover of Joni Mitchell's 'A Case of You' and it is perfect. This version is perfect, Blake's voice is perfect, the video is perfect, actress Rebecca Hall is perfect. It's all so very... perfect? You betcha! This is one man we definitely want to be hearing a lot more of in 2012.

Song of the Day - Off To The Races



Perfectly suitable attire for the races...



Lana Del Rey - Off To The Races

Album: Born to Die (2012)

Lana Del Rey... so hip right now. She's the talk of the town with her video for new single, 'Born to Die,' a track that only serves to drive home the point that the former Lizzy Grant is set to be one of the biggest acts of 2012. 'Born to Die' also shares the name of her debut album, which is shaping up to be quite the epic. With 'Video Games,' 'Blue Jeans,' 'Born to Die' and current buzz-generator, 'Off To The Races,' we've got a collection of the best in quirky indie fare. It's nostalgic to the max and that just makes you love this 2011 Scene Award 'Best New Artist' nominee even more. In the category of artists to keep your eye on in 2012, I give you Lana Del Rey. Enjoy!

2011 Scene Awards - Australian Artist of the Year



We Love... Sneaky Sound System!


Australian music reached new heights in 2011, with our local favourites (old and new) putting out a whole bunch of future classics throughout the year. Last year we clapped our hands as Sia took the crown. See what I did there? No. Ok. Well, who was the best of the best in the land of AUS this year?! There were eighteen potential nominees in my original list and I've cut it down to the ten acts that really delivered the goods in 2011. Let's meet them... now!

Architecture in Helsinki

2011 Release: Moment Bends

Architecture in Helsinki set the blogosphere alight with their new album, Moment Bends. Tracks like 'Contact High,' 'Escapee,' 'W.O.W' and 'Desert Island' have been on high rotation and hopefully a couple of them earn enough votes to make it big on the JJJ Hottest 100.

Art Vs. Science

2011 Release: The Experiment

These Sydney-based dance kings finally released their debut LP to almost universal acclaim and walked away ARIA Award winners in the Best Independent Release category. Their video for 'Higher' stands as one of the best of the year too!

11 Albums Jo Listened To More Than 11 Times in 2011

For quite some time, I've wanted to get some friends and my sister posting on here, because they're big fans of that little 'ole thing called music too. These are peeps that can offer many things to you that I can't, like love for genres/bands/singers I'm unlikely to be interested enough to write about. They can also offer a much more interesting insight and analysis of genres I do love, because they got to really experience what it was like to grow up when that genre was the music of the moment. Take grunge for example. I love to listen to my sister's stories about what it was like when Pearl Jam or Nirvana first came out. The lovely lady I'm about to (re)introduce also has many a fascinating story about all the amazing bands she's seen over the years and all of the different music she's heard. She can also provide a very different take to mine on the music of today! You may remember Jo as the hilarious commentator from the text reviews she sent in from Splendour In The Grass this year. I asked if she would pretty please write something up about her favourite albums of 2011 and what Jo gave us is an interesting, witty and, most importantly, fun read. Enjoy!

11 Albums Jo Listened To More Than 11 Times in 2011

My favourite albums of 2011? What a terrible question. This year has been such a good year for music. How could I pick just a couple as my favourites? I couldn’t, so I let the Gods of music decide. I listed the albums I’d listened to more than 11 times, then put those names in a hat (yes, literally, it was a cute little 60’s style red hat, just in case you wanted to picture it). These are the 11 names that came out. Here are some albums I listened to more than 11 times in 2011 (in no particular order).

Making Mirrors

by Gotye

I should make it clear from the beginning. I didn’t really want to put this album in my list. I don’t think it was one of the best albums of 2011. I don’t even think it was the best album released in August. (Off the top of my head, I don’t know what else was released in August, but there could have been something incredible I missed, right?) Like Gotye’s previous albums, the bits that were great on this one were fantastic (think ‘I Feel Better’), but the rest, schmeh. Take it or leave it. So why include ‘Making Mirrors’ in my list for 2011? It’s when I hear it again. THAT song. I thought I would tire of it, I thought it would become one of those songs I loved to death, literally, like it would get to a point where I would hurt the person nearest if I heard that damn song one more time. That didn’t happen and it’s lasted this long, so probably won’t happen. “You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness”; get outta my head Wally! ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ has been played, like, a bazillion times and will be played a bazillion more and I’m predicting it will be number one in the JJJ hottest 100 and rightly so. It’s an amazing song. Gotye managed to duet with such a strong voice in Kimbra, at exactly the right time in both their careers. Savvy marketing? Luck? I don’t care. Solely the fact that ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ appears on this album is the reason I put it in my list. I could listen to that song 10 times in a row and that alone would make a great album. That song came from this album and for that reason it couldn’t be ignored.

Vows

by Kimbra

From the minute I heard ‘Settle Down’ I knew I liked this girl. Once I saw the clip, there was no turning back. Beautiful weird girl, beautiful strong voice. Then I saw Cameo Lover. Such great imagery, so much dancing! Oh that pink dress with the yellow pompoms; so, so cute. Her big mouth and her messy hair and beautiful vintage dresses and giant lungs, she’s a girl after my own heart. Then the Gotye track. She only got a couple of lines, but the song is nothing without those lines and Gotye knows it. The first few times I listened to ‘Vows’, I put ‘Two Way Street’ on repeat. Then it changed to ‘Old Flame’. Then ‘Plain Gold Ring’. I couldn’t stop listening to it. Such smooth vocals and heartbreaking lyrics, delicious. Then it changed to ‘Call Me’, I just wanted to hear that song all the time. I’ve gone back to ‘Old Flame’ at the moment. I just can’t get enough. It’ll change again, of course, but that’s the sign of a good album isn’t it? I was lucky enough to see Kimbra twice this year and her live vocal is so spine-tingling strong it made listening to 'Vows' even more enjoyable. I bought this album the day it was released and I LOVED it from first listen. I even purchased this one from the shop, just for the cover and artwork, so I could hold it in my hands. I wanted to put the CD on and play it until I knew all of the words. I did that and I do know them and I’m still not sick of it. Kimbra, I’m so glad you exist! More please!

2011 Scene Awards - Video of the Year

Where's Wally?

 

The Scene Awards are back! That's right, everyone else is handing out their end of year awards so it's about time we joined in on the fun. Just like last year, we'll begin by "handing out" our award for video of the year, with man and woman of the year, album of the year, best new artist, best group and Australian artist of the year awards to follow later in the week. Now, as you may remember, Music Video Mayhem was a semi-regular feature we had running throughout the year, pitting new music videos against one another Fight Club style. There could be only one winner per issue and now, all of those winners will be facing off against one another for the right to be named video of the year. Who's it gonna be?!

Amanda Palmer - In My Mind

Art Vs. Science - Higher

Song of the Day - A Ballad For the Bleeding Hearts

Howling Bells - A Ballad For the Bleeding Hearts

Album: Radio Wars (2009)

Howling Bells played Alhambra Lounge in Brisbane last night, powering through an eleven song set that showcased one of Australia's most talented and bizarrely underrated bands. Highlights included new single, 'Into the Sky,' 'Low Happening,' 'Cities Burning Down' and my personal favourite from the night, 'A Ballad For the Bleeding Hearts.' Juanita Stein's performance of the track had a firm grasp of the crowd's attention, her voice silencing Alhambra's chatty audience. Why the band isn't playing a bigger venue is so very confusing, but at least they played somewhere, right? Awesome show and hopefully we'll be seeing them again real soon.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #10 - 1

All good things come to an end. The full list stands revealed so take a look at our complete top 111 songs of 2011. Make sure you listen to all the songs too. We think they're pretty darn good.


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back
70. Sneaky Sound System - Big
69. Rihanna - We Found Love
68. Florence + The Machine - Only If For A Night
67. The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream
66. Slow Club - Two Cousins
65. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile
64. The Ting Tings - Hang It Up
63. The Good Natured - Skeleton
62. Fever Ray - The Wolf
61. Kaiser Chiefs - I Dare You
60. Hercules and Love Affair - Painted Eyes
59. Jay-Z and Kanye West ft. Otis Redding - Otis
58. Justice - Civilization
57. Blaqstarr ft. Talib Kweli - War Of The Roses
56. Evanescence - Lost In Paradise
55. Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
54. Amanda Palmer ft. The Young Punx - Map Of Tasmania
53. Kimbra - Good Intent
52. Feist - How Come You Never Go There?
51. Yelle - Quex Veux-Tu
50. The Grates - Turn Me On
49. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
48. Seeker Lover Keeper - Light All My Lights
47. Matt Walters - St. Peter's Gate
46. San Cisco - Awkward
45. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
44. Adele - Turning Tables
43. Florence + The Machine - No Light, No Light
42. Kate Bush - Snowflake
41. Sneaky Sound System - We Love
40. The Wombats - Techno Fan
39. Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Major
38. Beth Ditto - I Wrote The Book
37. Rachael Yamagata - Starlight
36. Clare Maguire - The Last Dance
35. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Pull Out My Insides
34. Seeker Lover Keeper - If The Night Is Dark
33. David Guetta ft. Jennifer Hudson - Night Of My Life
32. Pnau - Solid Ground
31. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
30. Marina and the Diamonds - Radioactive
29. Lady Gaga - Judas
28. Zowie - Bite Back
27. Little Dragon - Crystalfilm
26. Rachael Yamagata - Even If I Don't
25. M.I.A - Generation N.E.Y
24. Eddie Vedder and Cat Power - Tonight You Belong To Me
23. Bag Raiders - Sunlight
22. The Jezabels - Endless Summer
21. Lana Del Rey - Video Games
20. PJ Harvey - The Words That Maketh Murder
19. Emma Louise - Jungle
18. Bjork - Crystalline
17. Howling Bells - Into The Sky
16. Arctic Monkeys - Don't Sit Down ('Cause I've Moved Your Chair)
15. The Naked and Famous - Young Blood
14. Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory
13. Washington - Holy Moses
12. Adele - Someone Like You
11. Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers

#10 - The Truth

by Pnau

You say you lost your lover,

And that you miss your best friend...

When people ask me what dance music I'm into, my future response will sound a little something like, "anything that resembles 'The Truth' by Pnau." It's a mess of contradictions that I can't help loving. When the track begins, there's this feeling of triumph being played out through the music. You can lose yourself in it for a couple of listens and really get a feel for it. Once you've got that out of the way, you start listening to the lyrics. There's nothing triumphant about the lyrics at all. In fact, they're just a tad morose... and perfect. Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes did good. How about the chorus? It's as anthemic a chorus as any big pop song of 2011 and leaves you ready to press repeat the second 'The Truth' comes to a close. Who needs Empire of the Sun? Long live Pnau!

#9 - Contact High

by Architecture in Helsinki

If one of these two walls could speak,

I'd turn the lights down long enough to hit repeat... babe.

Another song that left me instantly hooked, 'Contact High' had me at, "T-T-T-T-T-T-T-Touuuch." Annoyingly, I wrote something I thought was awesome about the song, but Blogger decided to make it disappear. Jerks. The jist of it was, Architecture In Helsinki go from strength to strength and evolve with each new release. 'Contact High' sees them grow into one of Australia's greatest exports and stands as their best single to date. Blogger... I am so mad at you right now.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #20 - 11

Top 20 time! Well, the first half of it. Tomorrow sees our last major countdown of 2011 come to an end. Number one will be revealed (if I haven't told you or you haven't guessed it already) and the Scene Awards will begin! What tracks narrowly missed out on making the top 10 songs of 2011? Find out below, plus read about all the songs that have made the list so far.


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back
70. Sneaky Sound System - Big
69. Rihanna - We Found Love
68. Florence + The Machine - Only If For A Night
67. The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream
66. Slow Club - Two Cousins
65. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile
64. The Ting Tings - Hang It Up
63. The Good Natured - Skeleton
62. Fever Ray - The Wolf
61. Kaiser Chiefs - I Dare You
60. Hercules and Love Affair - Painted Eyes
59. Jay-Z and Kanye West ft. Otis Redding - Otis
58. Justice - Civilization
57. Blaqstarr ft. Talib Kweli - War Of The Roses
56. Evanescence - Lost In Paradise
55. Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
54. Amanda Palmer ft. The Young Punx - Map Of Tasmania
53. Kimbra - Good Intent
52. Feist - How Come You Never Go There?
51. Yelle - Quex Veux-Tu
50. The Grates - Turn Me On
49. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
48. Seeker Lover Keeper - Light All My Lights
47. Matt Walters - St. Peter's Gate
46. San Cisco - Awkward
45. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
44. Adele - Turning Tables
43. Florence + The Machine - No Light, No Light
42. Kate Bush - Snowflake
41. Sneaky Sound System - We Love
40. The Wombats - Techno Fan
39. Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Major
38. Beth Ditto - I Wrote The Book
37. Rachael Yamagata - Starlight
36. Clare Maguire - The Last Dance
35. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Pull Out My Insides
34. Seeker Lover Keeper - If The Night Is Dark
33. David Guetta ft. Jennifer Hudson - Night Of My Life
32. Pnau - Solid Ground
31. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
30. Marina and the Diamonds - Radioactive
29. Lady Gaga - Judas
28. Zowie - Bite Back
27. Little Dragon - Crystalfilm
26. Rachael Yamagata - Even If I Don't
25. M.I.A - Generation N.E.Y
24. Eddie Vedder and Cat Power - Tonight You Belong To Me
23. Bag Raiders - Sunlight
22. The Jezabels - Endless Summer
21. Lana Del Rey - Video Games

#20 - The Words That Maketh Murder

by PJ Harvey

What if I take my problems to the United Nations?

If you're looking for an album that actually stands for something, you can't beat what many are calling PJ Harvey's greatest album, Let England Shake. Polly Jean's critical, thoughtful and ultimately beautiful critique of her home country was comprised of 100% hits, no misses and saw her take home her second Mercury Music Prize in September. Like I said, there were no misses, but some songs hit harder, like 'The Words That Maketh Murder.' No song grew on me more over the year and a lot of people I've spoken to about it feel exactly the same. You're instantly drawn to the track with the catchy chorus and Harvey's ever evolving vocals, but the words are what will really keep you coming back for more. Plus, you'll never be able to hear about the United Nations without hearing, "What if I take my problems to the United Nations?" ever again.

#19 - Jungle

by Emma Louise

In a dark room we fight, make up for our love,

I've been thinking, thinking about you... about us.

Exciting new Australian singers emerged from all over the country in 2011 (or, in Kimbra's case, were adopted from New Zealand... because we never steal stars from New Zealand). Brisbane's greatest contribution came in the form of Emma Louise. 'Jungle,' her stunning debut, would go on to sweep the first Queensland Music Awards, winning Song of the Year and Best Pop Song.  

Song of the Day - Yellow Halo

Goldfrapp - Yellow Halo

Album: The Singles (2012)

A Goldfrapp singles collection AND a new album in 2012... next year is looking better already. Our focus for the next couple of weeks is still on the best of 2011, but with songs as strong as 'Yellow Halo' being released it's hard not to look to what the future will bring us. Goldfrapp joins the likes of MGMT, Garbage, Madonna, No Doubt, Chairlift, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour and Santigold as artists with albums we can look forward to hearing in 2012.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #30 - 21

Here's the part where I write something about how awesome 2011 was... blah blah blah. You must be getting a bit over it, so let's get straight into the music! As always, here's the list so far;


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back
70. Sneaky Sound System - Big
69. Rihanna - We Found Love
68. Florence + The Machine - Only If For A Night
67. The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream
66. Slow Club - Two Cousins
65. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile
64. The Ting Tings - Hang It Up
63. The Good Natured - Skeleton
62. Fever Ray - The Wolf
61. Kaiser Chiefs - I Dare You
60. Hercules and Love Affair - Painted Eyes
59. Jay-Z & Kanye West ft. Otis Redding - Otis
58. Justice - Civilization
57. Blaqstarr ft. Talib Kweli - War Of The Roses
56. Evanescence - Lost In Paradise
55. Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
54. Amanda Palmer ft. The Young Punx - Map Of Tasmania
53. Kimbra - Good Intent
52. Feist - How Come You Never Go There?
51. Yelle - Quex Veux-Tu
50. The Grates - Turn Me On
49. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
48. Seeker Lover Keeper - Light All My Lights
47. Matt Walters - St. Peter's Gate
46. San Cisco - Awkward
45. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
44. Adele - Turning Tables
43. Florence + The Machine - No Light, No Light
42. Kate Bush - Snowflake
41. Sneaky Sound System - We Love
40. The Wombats - Techno Fan
39. Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Major
38. Beth Ditto - I Wrote The Book
37. Rachael Yamagata - Starlight
36. Clare Maguire - The Last Dance
35. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Pull Out My Insides
34. Seeker Lover Keeper - If The Night Is Dark
33. David Guetta ft. Jennifer Hudson - Night Of My Life
32. Pnau - Solid Ground
31. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

#30 - Radioactive

by Marina and the Diamonds

But baby I'm the one who left you,

You're not the one who left me.

We already knew she had an obsession with 'Hollywood,' but Marina and her new persona, Electra Heart seem set to give us a unique perspective on all things related to the American dream in 2012. 'Radioactive' gives us our first real taste of who Electra is and the sounds she's going to unleash upon us. Excited much? How could you not be after listening to this?!

#29 - Judas

by Lady Gaga

I wanna love you, but something's pulling me away from you,

Jesus is my virtue, Judas is the demon I cling to... I cling to.

Here's my original review from April;

'Bad Romance,' version 2.0? Not quite, but get ready to hear 'Judas' just as much. The song seems to follow a fairly similar formula to 'Bad Romance' but it's pumped up more to be a club thumper, no remixes necessary. But she'll probably release a remix CD anyway. 'Judas' has hooks that instantly grab onto your brain and refuse to let go, making it a huge step up in my books from 'Born This Way,' which warranted about ten more plays to appreciate. Any fears for the quality of Born This Way (out next Saturday) should be put to bed with this one. New music is just flying out from all corners at the moment, but it's all quality stuff! 2011 continues to bring the goods...

I forgot to mention that it's a fantastic slice of pop music and the video is one of her best, but apart from that I still like everything I wrote. Plus, I was right about the remix album.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #40 - 31

Are you excited? You say you're not that excited now, but once you realise that this countdown ends on Friday you're going to be very excited. Why? Because you can listen to the top 100 songs of the year all weekend. It's got highs, it's got lows... play them all and watch a party take some interesting turns! But that's not until Friday. Before then, we've got forty more bangin' (and I guess not so bangin') tunes to get through. On with the show!


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back
70. Sneaky Sound System - Big
69. Rihanna - We Found Love
68. Florence + The Machine - Only If For A Night
67. The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream
66. Slow Club - Two Cousins
65. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile
64. The Ting Tings - Hang It Up
63. The Good Natured - Skeleton
62. Fever Ray - The Wolf
61. Kaiser Chiefs - I Dare You
60. Hercules and Love Affair - Painted Eyes
59. Jay-Z and Kanye West ft. Otis Redding - Otis
58. Justice - Civilization
57. Blaqstarr ft. Talib Kweli - War Of The Roses
56. Evanescence - Lost In Paradise
55. Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
54. Amanda Palmer ft. The Young Punx - Map Of Tasmania
53. Kimbra - Good Intent
52. Feist - How Come You Never Go There?
51. Yelle - Quex Veux-Tu
50. The Grates - Turn Me On
49. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
48. Seeker Lover Keeper - Light All My Lights
47. Matt Walters - St. Peter's Gate
46. San Cisco - Awkward
45. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
44. Adele - Turning Tables
43. Florence + The Machine - No Light, No Light
42. Kate Bush - Snowflake
41. Sneaky Sound System - We Love

#40 - Techno Fan

by The Wombats

Shut up and move with me, move with me,

Or, or get out of my face...

You can dance to Joy Division as much as you want, but The Wombats really know how to make you want to move! 

#39 - Major

by Asteroids Galaxy Tour

You're the best, you're the most,

You're the toast of the Barbary coast.

Speaking of acts that make us want to move from left to right on a d-floor, it's Asteroids Galaxy Tour! These great Danes are on the verge of becoming one of the next big things in music, with their much anticipated sophomore album, Out of Frequency, set for release in January. 'Major,' the first single from the album gives us a perfect taste of what to expect; distinct pop sounds, party-starters and the vocal stylings of the beautiful and talented Mette  Lindberg. 2012 is already looking pretty good.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #50 - 41

We're into the top 50 now! It's only the best of the best... of the best (what?) from here on in! Your next ten hits are coming right up!


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back
70. Sneaky Sound System - Big
69. Rihanna - We Found Love
68. Florence + The Machine - Only If For A Night
67. The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream
66. Slow Club - Two Cousins
65. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile
64. The Ting Tings - Hang It Up
63. The Good Natured - Skeleton
62. Fever Ray - The Wolf
61. Kaiser Chiefs - I Dare You
60. Hercules and Love Affair - Painted Eyes
59. Jay-Z & Kanye West ft. Otis Redding - Otis
58. Justice - Civilization
57. Blaqstarr ft. Talib Kweli - War Of The Roses
56. Evanescence - Lost In Paradise
55. Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
54. Amanda Palmer ft. The Young Punx - Map Of Tasmania
53. Kimbra - Good Intent
52. Feist - How Come You Never Go There?
51. Yelle - Quex Veux-Tu

#50 - Turn Me On

The Grates

Wrap yourself around me, do it just define me,

do it to ignite me, do it as a friend.

The Grates may not have made the impact they deserved to in 2011 with third album, Secret Rituals, but as far as I'm concerned, I would follow Patience Hodgson and John Patterson to the end of the world (and back again) if I had a chance at watching them do their thing. Their thing? Being awesome. 'Turn Me On' showed that the duo could still deliver delicious indie pop, even without former drumster, Alana Skyring. 

#49 - Blue Jeans

by Lana Del Rey

You were sorta punk rock,

I grew up on hip-hop.

What did we learn? That Lana Del Rey will, "love you more than those b*tches before!" One of my favourite lyrics of the year and one of the best love songs of the year from our favourite new indie darling.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #60 - 51

Kimbra... doing my notoriously creepy 'come-hither' dance move.

Pop, rock, rap, dance, electro, alternative, world music (?)... today's ten songs cover a wide range of genres, but stand together as some of the best tracks that 2011 delivered. Find out what they are after a quick refresher on the music we've already revealed throughout the countdown so far;


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back
70. Sneaky Sound System - Big
69. Rihanna - We Found Love
68. Florence + The Machine - Only If For A Night
67. The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream
66. Slow Club - Two Cousins
65. Kasabian - Switchblade Smile
64. The Ting Tings - Hang It Up
63. The Good Natured - Skeleton
62. Fever Ray - The Wolf
61. Kaiser Chiefs - I Dare You

#60 - Painted Eyes

by Hercules and Love Affair

Elegant, you were born at night...

#59 - Otis

by Jay-Z and Kanye West ft. Otis Redding

They ain't see me 'cause I pulled up in my other Benz,

Last week I was in my other other Benz.

You're probably wondering why I chose the Kanye lyric above. Why? Because it shows what held Watch the Throne back from being the really amazing album it was meant to be; sub par rhymes, well below the standard of either artists' previous LPs. Kanye was on fire with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but seemed willing to take a step back here. If the rumours be true and we can expect more from these two in 2012, they need to bring their A game. 'Otis' stood out as the most memorable track, the video was fantastic and... the less said about the screaming at the end, the better.

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #70 - 61



Rihanna... making some sort of statement.


Since we're doing 111 songs this year, I guess this post brings us to our halfway mark! If you're only joining us now, here are the awesome tracks you've missed;


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better
80. The Drums - Money
79. Liam Finn - The Struggle
78. Little Boots - Shake
77. Neon Indian - Polish Girl
76. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - Don't Make A Fool Out Of Me
75. Beastie Boys ft. Santigold - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
74. Bon Iver - Holocene
73. Lykke Li - I Know Places
72. Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me
71. The Black Keys - Run Right Back

#70 - Big

by Sneaky Sound System

This is the moment we've been waiting for,

This could be big for me and you.

I loved 'Big' when I first heard it, but when I heard Miss Connie singing it live in the roller disco tent at Bestival I fell in love with it. Like I said in the Bestival recap, her vocal ability blew me away and I wasn't the only one. I have a sneaky suspicion that Australia's funnest dance duo (not named The Presets) gained many new fans that night. It's just a shame that songs like 'Big' weren't as, uh... big... as they should have been. Less than 70, 000 YouTube hits? Should be 7, 000, 000!

#69 - We Found Love

by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

Yellow diamonds in the light,

Now we're standing side by side...

Yes, I might have been less than kind in my original review of 'We Found Love.' Yes, I was wrong to think it was anything other than a tasty piece of electro-pop. No need to tell me, "I told you so."

Top 111 Songs of 2011, #80 - 71

More goodness from 2011 coming right up...


111. Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody
110. Ball Park Music - It's Nice To Be Alive
109. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
108. Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess of China
107. Coldplay - Paradise
106. Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull - On The Floor
105. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
104. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande - Read All About It
103. Cage the Elephant - Around My Head
102. Warpaint - Warpaint
101. Adele - Rumour Has It
100. Beirut - East Harlem
99. Ida Maria - Cherry Red
98. Digitalism - 2 Hearts
97. Washington - High Treason
96. Ben Lee - Get Used To It
95. Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun
94. Wolfram ft. Hercules and Love Affair - Fireworks
93. David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium
92. Kimbra - Old Flame
91. Little Dragon Nightlight
90. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love?
89. Beirut - Santa Fe
88. Architecture in Helsinki ft. Sally Seltmann - W.O.W (Invisible Version)
87. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
86. Emeli Sande - Heaven
85. TV On The Radio - Will Do
84. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
83. Boy and Bear - Feeding Line
82. Monarchy ft. Britt Love - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
81. Gotye - I Feel Better

#80 - Money

by The Drums

I want to buy you something,

But I don't have any money, I don't have any money.

I'd like to buy many things for myself but, like The Drums, I don't have any money, I don't have any money. Unlike me, The Drums should have plenty of money, but the sophomore slump hit them pretty hard. Labelled only two years ago as one of the great hopes for indie music with the success of their self-titled debut album, these NY rocksters lost some of the magic on Portamento. Luckily, 'Money' was, uh... right on the money. It's as catchy as 'Forever and Ever Amen' or 'Let's Go Surfing.' In fact, it's probably even more catchy. It's just such a shame the rest of their second LP couldn't match the greatness of it.

#79 - The Struggle

by Liam Finn

Things are looking up, I'm looking good,

I'm getting all audacious...