2011 is flying by and there's been so much insanely good music, it's about time we went into recap mode. At the end of June we'll be featuring a good old-fashioned mid-year report, but for now we're going to look at ten acts that have already made 2011 a year to remember. As always, there is a need to remind you that not everything is perfect... so we'll look at someone that needs to be removed from all records of this and every year. Ever.
Does the video for 'Civilization' do it justice? See what I did there? You're welcome.
Your favourite music video battle to end all battles is back... with a vengeance... or something. That's right, it's time for Music Video Mayhem and this week, we're pitting Grammy award winning superstar, Taylor Swift, against French electro duo, Justice, and British sensation, Calvin Harris. Representing each act will be the clips for 'Story of Us,' 'Civilization' and 'Bounce.' Which one's the best? Let's find out!
Justice - Civilization
I've got to say, 'excited' was hardly the word I would have used to describe myself after I initially heard 'Civilization.' Believe me, after SEEING 'Civilization,' there's definitely no better word to describe exactly how I feel. What a video! Visually striking, a cool concept and buffalo! Those are buffalo, right? Yaks? Nah... I'm sticking with Buffalo. The end is a little, uh, sticky for our animal friends and raises a couple of possibly awkward questions that I won't go into. Mostly because I don't want you to think I'm even more a freak that you probably already do. 'Civilization' is enhanced by watching the video and really, that's what a promotional clip is all about. Well done, Frenchies.
Calvin Harris ft. Kelis - Bounce
Another song that I didn't love when I first heard it. Sadly, the video does nothing to change my mind which is a shame because I usually enjoy anything that Calvin Harris and Kelis release. The video for 'Bounce' is like watching an episode of the US Skins. Yes, that's an insult. Was I the only one wishing Kelis would go all 'Caught Out There' on the main dude and beat the crap out of him while screaming, "I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW, I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW.... AHHHH?"
Taylor Swift - Story Of Us
Woah, woah, woah... wait a minute here. This isn't a country song. What is going on here? When did Taylor Swift enrol at Dalton Academy? Why does she continue to pretend no one will notice who she is if she wears nerd glasses? Does Taylor Swift think she's Superman? Or girl, whatever. When a video raises this many questions (and there were more!), I just can't love it. And come on... we've pretty much seen this video like five times already from T-Sweezy. Anyway... Swift's super purty looking. That counts for something.
WINNER - JUSTICE
Was there any doubt? Justice emerge as the early front-runners for Video of the Year with the epic clip for 'Civilization.'
INXS came on the radio three times in the space of two hours yesterday. I like that. As soon as I got home I had to listen to some more and I found myself hitting the repeat button on 'Beautiful Girl' more than once so... here it is, your Song of the Day! I haven't featured INXS in ages (probably not since the 80s countdown), so we've got to come up with a way to rectify this situation. INXS Report Card?
Will: Who can tell us what an anthem is?
Brittany: The bottom on an ant's pant.
Will: So close.
We've listened to twenty of the best songs that featured in Glee's sophomore season, but now we get THE best. If you haven't read part one or part two, check them out... now! Alright, last time I gave you some Brittany quotes to get you ready for some sweet, sweet music. This time, it's Sue Sylvester. Hopefully in season three, we get to see more of Sue and a return to her evil, evil ways.
* You don't go in that cannon and this routine will be all boom, boom and now pow. And that, Brittany, is so 2008 and late.
* I prefer to think of the homeless as outdoorsy. So shine on urban campers!
* Don't let your own recklessness blind you to the fact that Britney Spears is a genius pop culture provocateur and a gateway drug to every out of control impulse ever created.
* Female football coach... like a male nurse. Sin against nature.
#10. Firework (Rachel)
originally by Katy Perry
This was such a great character building moment for Rachel Berry. When she realised that Finn doesn't see fireworks when he kisses her, but he does when he kisses Quinn, she kissed goodbye to that sinking ship and chose to focus on herself. As we know, that went out the window by what... the next episode? But for a minute there it actually looked like Rachel was being allowed to grow. Oh, and K. Perry? That's how you belt out a tune.
It feels like it's been forever and a day since we heard something new from Nerina Pallot. In fact, I didn't even know she released an album after the glorious Fires, but she did! The Graduate was released late 2009 to mixed reviews, moving Pallot away from the sound that made her a star on tracks like 'Everybody's Gone to War,' 'Learning to Breathe' and 'Sophia.' Anyway... she's back with new song, 'Put Your Hands Up,' and she's even got this swanky remix by production team, We Are The Chatterleys, to go along with it. Here's the radio version and said swanky remix, for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!
We're back with ten more awesomely awesome songs from season 2 of everyone's favourite show, Glee! In part one of the countdown, we heard big hits like 'Teenage Dream,' 'Tik Tok' and 'Me Against the Music.' What awaits us in today's edition? We'll find out in just a minute. But first, here's some of Brittany's best quotes from the second year...
* People thought I went on vacation, but I really spent the summer lost in the sewers.
* Kurt: What are you going as for Halloween?
Brittany: I'm going as a peanut allergy.
* Mr. Schue taught me the second half of the alphabet. I stopped after M and N. I thought they sounded too similar and got frustrated.
* Last year, I left my stocking up over Christmas vacation and an entire family of mice started living in it. Their Christmas gift to each other was rabies.
Ok, I'd better stop. I could go on and on... and on and on and on... and on.
#20. Jar of Hearts (Rachel)
originally by Christina Perri
Oh yeah... the Prom slow-dance, complete with secret, longing stares from the couple that's meant to be together. How very Grey's Anatomy, Season 2 finale. Lea Michelle always delivers and 'Jar of Hearts' was one of her standout performances. One of many.
"Yeah, intelligent input darling." Kate Nash's perceptive, quirky and often hilarious lyrics endeared her to many a fan in the latter half of the last decade. Her second album, My Best Friend Is You, was ridiculously underrated and practically ignored, but hopefully she'll receive the recognition she deserves whenever she's ready to launch her next project. Until then, if you're a fan of 'Foundations,' you should invest in her first two albums. You won't be disappointed!
Tegan and Sara are reportedly doing a whole lot of writing for their next album, but sadly it looks like we won't be hearing anything new in 2011. Maybe it's for the best. With practically everyone releasing a new album this year, somebody has to be around to give us new music in 2012! Luckily for us, there's still plenty of incredible music the twins have given us in the past, like 'Back In Your Head.' Enjoy!
Silverchair quietly announced their intention to go on an indefinite hiatus this week. The group has 'grown apart' musically, with their inability to complete recording their sixth studio album a major factor in the decision to take a break. Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of Australia's most prominent rock band (not named AC/DC) and they'll return better than ever. Well, at least with something better than 'Straight Lines.'
Season 2 of Glee is done and dusted (at least for American audiences), with a pretty stellar finale capping off an enjoyable yet extremely inconsistent second year. I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't seen the last couple of episodes, so instead of talking about the storylines and (lack of) character development, let's just jump straight into the music. This time last year we did a countdown of the twenty best songs from the first season. Taking it one step further to compensate for so many extra songs, we're bumping the second season list to thirty! Here's the best songs Glee offered us in season 2...
Honourable Mentions
'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me' (Emma)
from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
'Blackbird' (Kurt and The Warblers)
originally by The Beatles
'Landslide' (Holly, Santana and Brittany)
originally by Fleetwood Mac
#30. Tik Tok (New Directions)
originally by Ke$ha
"Tik and also Tok by rapper Key-Dollar Sign-Ha." This scene came together perfectly. The cough medicine + booze cocktail, complete with a cheers to Ke$ha. Brittany taking the lead and showing us what we already knew... that she is AWESOME. Everything is going very, very well for the New Directions and then Brittany vomits. Into Rachel's mouth. "Everybody drink responsibly."
Sooooo... with all the amazing music we've heard in 2011, there's still yet to be an update on what we can expect from The Presets' next studio album that's due to be released late 2011. I'm sure it will be pretty gosh darn incredible, but it would be nice to get a little taste. Until then, we still have songs like 'A New Sky' to keep us more than happy. Enjoy!
As if The Suburbs winning the Grammy for Album of the Year wasn't good enough news for Arcade Fire fans, we now know that the band will release a deluxe edition of it, complete with two brand new tracks! 'Speaking In Tongues' teams the Grammy award winners (that will never get old) with David Byrne and fits in perfectly with the already established theme of the album. As does the other new track, 'Culture Wars,' but I thought I'd give you a taste of the awesomeness that is the first track. Enjoy!
She promised us the greatest album of all-time. Big words, but could you expect anything less from a woman that's achieved such unparalleled levels of success and power in such a short time? Since her debut, Lady Gaga has played her role to perfection. Combining a satirical look at the nature of fame with her respect for the acts that have inspired her (at the end of the day, she's a music fan and isn't ashamed to honour her favourite artists), the world literally went gaga for Gaga. Lately, her spell seems to be losing some of its power... but there will be no stopping the mighty Queen monster from storming to the top of the charts with the release of Born This Way. We're going to be breaking the album down, track by track, to establish just how good it really is. Greatest album of all time? Most hyped? Worst? Let's find out!
1. Marry The Night
This isn't an epic opening song. Especially when you remember that her previous albums opened with 'Bad Romance' and 'Just Dance.' The one thing 'Marry the Night' does have going for it, is it establishes the consistent sound of the album. That, and you don't have to wait for another 'Bad Romance' that's never going to come. Rating: 3/5
Curious and curiouser. How did 'Jar of Hearts' not make any form of impact outside of North America last year? It went platinum and top 20 in the USA, but remained practically unheard of until Glee featured the track in the prom episode. When Rachel sang it, I was thinking, "what obscure 80s ballad is this?" WRONG! Not 80s, today! If you're loving what you're hearing on 'Jar of Hearts,' Perri recently released her debut album, lovestrong., with initial reviews saying that she follows the formula that earned her success on pretty much every song. Don't mess with success?
Beyonce wants to chain you up... like she would to a Hyena.
It's time for a some Music Video Mayhem! That's right, we've got three competitors with three brand spankin' new clips, but only one can come out on top. Today, Avril Lavigne takes on Beyonce and Aussie favourites, Architecture in Helsinki. Will Avril be smiling at the end? Will Beyonce 'Run the World?' Or can AIH escape with a victory? Let's find out.
Avril Lavigne - Smile
Remember when Avril was a wanna-be punk rock skater girl who would because she could, but she don't and she won't? Neither does she. Now, if you put some earplugs in (or alternatively just push the mute button) this isn't THE most offensive video. Lavigne looks super pretty and appears to have found the fountain of youth (yeah, I just saw the new Pirates of the Caribbean) as she's 26 going on 17. Even the idea for the video isn't THE worst out there. Completing the love heart was a nice touch... but how did she find something to perfectly meld the pieces back together. Maybe she's a witch. Anyway, if you're going to actually listen to the song, just be warned it's possibly the worst single that the former 'Complicated' singer has ever released. "Last night I blacked out, I think... What did you, what did you put in my drink? I remember making out and then..." Seriously? You're better than this.
Beyonce - Run the World (Girls)
Beyonce rides a horse, beats up a car, BULL! Beyonce crucifies a blonde (symbolism of her desire to kill Gaga for making her say those bizarre lines in 'Telephone?'). LION! Combination of military and tribal fashion, Beyonce does the chicken dance, group dance, Converse shoes, chains, HYENAS! Beyonce gives us the finger, gets sprayed with water, loves goooold, shows us fierce, group dances in sexy yellow, goes to war and then dances some more... this time in green. Could have used more bull, lion and hyena. Seriously, only B could get away with the unnecessary, two second use of a lion. Final verdict? Still amazing.
Architecture in Helsinki - Escapee
Typical indie fare and a notable step down from the awesomeness of 'Contact High.' Not that this isn't good, it's beautifully shot and makes you want to start a band so you too can be as cool as Architecture in Helsinki. But you won't, so don't even bother. Trust me, I tried. Sadly, Engineering in Dusseldorf never took off like it should have. 'Escapee' is a good way to spend three minutes, but it's also fairly forgettable. Which means...
Who doesn't love a good cover song? Especially a cover that exceeds the quality of the original. Not that Adele would have any trouble pulling out a quality version of any song she chose to sing. Tackling Bob Dylan for her debut, the then 19 year old superstar in the making showed us what it means to really put emotion into your voice. Is it any wonder she's now the most successful artist of 2011? Currently holding the #1 spot on the Australian, UK and American album charts, this is definitely the year of Adele. I, for one, couldn't be happier.
So, I found my copy of Reflector. After listening to it again (three times), I've decided that I still love Killing Heidi. You should love them too. That's really all I have to say. Ella and Jesse Hooper may have moved on to become The Verses, but hopefully one day they get the old band back together one more time. Enjoy the music!
A fitting song for the day Skynet becomes self-aware, dooming us all to a life of pain, torture and John
Connor. What? If he's anything like how Christian Bale portrayed him, I'm not a fan. Anyway, Beyonce is reminding us of what's to come, much like a certain B. Spears, that time's up. Not really, but it works with the theme I'm trying to pull off here. Queen B's been busy this week, releasing the video for 'Run the World,' the album cover for 4 and now having one of the 72 possible songs for her new album leaked. It's a marked improvement on the aforementioned 'Run the World' and I'm sure it will be even better when we don't have to listen through, "FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY." Guess what, buddy? It ain't internal no more.
Musicals. You either love them or hate them. For the most part, I'm a big fan, but that probably has something to do with my dreams of spontaneously bursting into song with an invisible orchestra accompanying me. That would be sweet. When I was living in London, the opportunity to see a show on the West End at an affordable price was one of the best things about being there. Recently I saw a production of Rent in Brisbane and afterwards I found myself listening to some of the best musical songs I've heard over the years. Thus forms the basis for this edition of '10 and 1.' Here are ten brilliant pieces from ten different shows and of course... one crappy one that makes me want to punch something or someone.
So... when is Skylar Grey going to, you know, release a song of her own? She's played second-fiddle to some big name rappers (Eminem, Diddy), earning a lot of fans with her catchy choruses and haunting vocals. But it's time to see her shine, without having to listen through a minute of a song you don't actually want to listen to, just to hear her purty voice. Not that I'm dissing 'Words I Never Said.' It's alright, but I'm really just in it for the Grey and it's time for her to show us what she can really do.
Clare Maguire recently released 'The Shield and the Sword,' one of the best tracks on her debut, Light After Dark, as a single. She hasn't caught on yet in the major markets outside of the UK, but this could be the song that finally gets her a little US or Australian love. I'd even settle for Canada. The track is amazing, she is amazing, her voice is amazing and the video? I'm not sure if she's intentionally taking pot shots at Katy Perry and Lady Gaga with some of her outfits... but if she is, ten points! Enjoy!
And das internets goes wild! With good reason? Most definitely. That's right boys and girls, Bon Iver is back with a brand new track, 'Calgary.' Alberta, Canada? Yes. Bringing light electronic influences to their usual indie goodness, the song should destroy any fears regarding the quality of Bon Iver, due out in June. You can pre-order the album on iTune... right now! Enjoy!
Let me preface this "review" by saying that I'm highly partial to a song that features pop music's most underutilised gem... the saxophone! Now, there are those peeps (and I know some of you are regular readers) that don't agree and to each their own, but I loves me some sweet, sweet sax. So, with that in mind, you can understand why I can't dislike 'Hair.' Well played, Gaga. The fourth single from the most hyped album of the year (and possibly all time) goes a long way in solidifying my belief that Born This Way is going to be an excellent collection of songs. We all understand that the singles we've heard so far haven't been nearly as good on their own merits as 'Bad Romance' or 'Poker Face,' but I really do believe that as an album, Born This Way will be the mother monster's best. 'Hair' is an excellent thematic follow-up to the 80s throwback that is 'The Edge of Glory' as well as the heavily house influenced 'Judas.' P.s. did you know that Lady Gaga is as free as her hair? Urgh. Questionable lyrics aside, the power in her music remains its separation from the current, generic (lame) pop song (yeah, I mean anything by David Guetta). Bring on Born This Way!
Uh... yes. Yes, yes, YeS, YES! Ladytron is back with the first taste of their fifth studio album, Gravity the Seducer, due to be unleashed in September. 'White Elephant' is a perfect mix of psychedelic trippy bliss, delicious vocal stylings and the finest in indie-electronica. We've discussed it to the point that mentioning it has become highly redundant, but 2011 is kinda awesome. Seriously, who isn't releasing an album this year?
Eurovision is all but an equal parts brilliant and disturbing dream, with the 2011 competition done and dusted. My favourite country that I often believe is make-believe, Azerbaijan, walked away the winner, but they weren't exactly the best performers of the night. Jedward managed to exceed all expectations and last year's winner, Lena, showed off her sexier side as she represented Germany with the most excellent 'Taken By A Stranger.' We'll be doing a bit more of a recap later, but until then you can enjoy arguably the best performance of the night.
It's such a nice day and I'm not working... so sitting in the sun with some delicious music and a beverage or two sounds like a good idea, right? Let's kick things off with some Radiohead. Before heading down the Eurovision path later today. Perhaps we'll look at some of the best performances tomorrow. If you're lucky.
La da da dee da da da da... La da da dee da da da da... La da da dee da, La da da da dee da... La da da dee da da da da da. Absolutely ridiculous, but a lingering memory of a fun night. I believe my friend Drew summed it up best when he described 'Be My Lover' as the pinnacle of great songwriting. In a highly sarcastic tone of course. Or was it?
So that's where Delta's been hiding... in the US... with Michael Bolton. Yes, I'm just kidding about the two being a power couple, but as the entire country now knows, they performed a new track to be featured on Bolton's new 'duets' album (a concept as shady as 'going country'), 'I'm Not Ready,' on the American Dancing With the Stars. It's been a good couple of months for D. Goodrem; she ditched the dead weight that is Brian McFadden and followed up by potentially breaking the US with 20+ million viewers watching. As a supporter of both Australian artists that aren't named Dannii Minogue and genuinely talented pop stars (not only does she write her own music, she has a powerful voice and is a pro piano player), I can't hate on Delta. And neither should you. But you will. So whatever. Either way, if you're an Australian and she can crack the Billboard charts with her forthcoming album, you won't be able to help but feel happy for her success. As for the song... ... ... come on, it has Delta Goodrem written all over it. Which isn't an endorsment, but I'd much prefer it if Michael Bolton didn't make his presence known.
Once upon a time, I enjoyed anything that Eskimo Joe released. Girl and A Song Is A City were awesome albums from the Western Australian three-piece, but then they cashed in on the emo trend with Black Fingernails, Red Wine and lost me completely. Apparently I wasn't the only one, as sales from follow-up Inshalla were nothing to write home about. Now comes new track, 'When We Were Kids' and based off some initial listens... I'm not sure how I feel. Is Temperley trying to sound even more like Michael Hutchence than usual? Admittedly, it's not a bad song; the chorus is catchy and there's not a hint of emo-ness within. It just doesn't make me want to rush out and get Ghosts of the Past when it's released.
Start your day in a state of despair, thanks to the Counting Crows! Well, this will probably bring a big smile to any music lover... it's one of the best songs of the 90s! In fact, I believe it ranked at #36 on our Top 200 Songs of the 1990s countdown last year. Enjoy!
Fabio: It's easier for her to be with you if she's listening to him...
There are some things you should always be wary of. Strangers with candy? That you should be afraid of. But when a celebrity wakes up one day and goes, "um... I wants to makes an albums," you should definitely be alert, not necessarily alarmed. That's right kids, this edition of the 10 and 1 is all about the worst celebrities-turned-singers and, of course, one of the best. Before we get into it, who won't be making an appearance? Gwyneth Paltrow, Will Smith, Lindsay Lohan (yes, Lindsay Lohan), Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton (yes, Paris Hilton) stay in the 'not-entirely, but occasionally painful' category and Eddie Murphy... well making fun of his music career is just too easy. But his performance in Dreamgirls keeps him out of the 10... for now. Alright, let's meet the trash!
The 10:
Kim Kardashian - Turn It Up
It's bad enough when a real celebrity attempts to make us think that their karaoke-best could fool us into thinking they could be a singer. But a reality-TV star? Forget about it. I'd rather listen to Snooki rapping than KK's ridiculous attempt at becoming an electro-diva. "Turn it up, turn it up, turn it up, DJ." Kill. Me. Now.
Is it weird that I started humming Kelly Clarkson's 'My Life Would Suck Without You' after I heard 'The Edge of Glory?' I'M weird? Whatever. Anywho, mother monster is back children with the third single from Born This Way. But, didn't she just release her second single, 'Judas?' Yes, that is correct, little Billy. So, she's rush-releasing a new single to maintain as much buzz as possible in the lead-up to the release of her album because of the commercial failure of 'Judas' when compared to her previous hits? Oh, ten points to you... that is also correct! 'The Edge of Glory' is another club-stomper from LGG and quite a... well it's quite a 'sweet' song, isn't it? There's a distinct lack of pretension and there's no controversial lyrics. It's just Gaga being Gaga. I'll reserve further judgments until I've heard it some more. It's debut (or lack of a debut) on the next Top 20 should confirm my love... or my disdain. Enjoy!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls... welcome to the final issue of our swingin' sixties countdown! Today we unveil the top 10 songs of the 1960s and they are pretty damn incredible (but my gosh don't you know it!). We've got a great mix of music and artists that defined the decade, forging legacies that have kept them respected for over fifty years. The greatest girl group of all-time, the most successful band of all-time, the Queen of Soul, the Lizard King, Ziggy Stardust... and that's only half the acts we're going to be hearing from. Let's get to it!
#10 - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (1964)
by Nina Simone (or The Animals, if you'd prefer)
If I seem edgy, I want you to know,
I never meant to take it out on you.
Well, I can get away with letting both Simone and The Animals get a nod here, can't I? Watch me. Two fantastic versions of the one song; Simone's slow, emotional R&B ballad and The Animals rock anthem. It's too hard to pick just one, so you get both. How. Lucky. Are. You?
#9 - Will You Love Me Tomorrow (1960)
by The Shirelles
So tell me now, and I won't ask again, Will you still love me tomorrow?
'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' would mark the first time that an all-girl group took a song to the top of the charts in the United States of America. With that landmark achievement, the doors were opened for The Supremes, The Ronettes, The Crystals, Destiny's Child, Spice Girls, TLC and En Vogue. That's such a Halle Berry thing to say. The song holds up pretty well, no? It also scores points for inspiring delicious covers by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Roberta Flack and most recently, Lykke Li!
#8 - Crazy (1961)
by Patsy Cline
I knew, you'd love me as long as you wanted, And then someday, you'd leave me for somebody new...
Urgh... you should know the go by now. Country music is the music of pain. Patsy Cline had a penchant for releasing songs that could almost literally tug at your heartstrings, with 'Crazy' being not only the best, but the song that has defined her as an artist since its release. Without question, the greatest country song of all time (and it was written by Willie Nelson!).
#7 - Space Oddity (1969)
by David Bowie
And the stars look very different today...
Oh, come on. How can you listen to this and not want to have been around to enjoy it as the 60s came to an end? Bowie? Love.
#6 - Eleanor Rigby (1966)
by The Beatles
All the lonely people, where do they all come from? All the lonely people, where do they all belong?
The quintessential Beatles song that pushes what 'pop' music can be further than any song before it. I've previously posted that 'Eleanor Rigby is It's My Kind of Scene's favourite song by the fab four and nothing's changed. Amazing. Outstanding. Perfection. With eight songs, The Beatles place more on the countdown than any other act. Surprised? You shouldn't be.
#5 - God Only Knows (1966)
by The Beach Boys
I may not always love you, But long as there are stars above you...
Finally, a Beach Boys song that wasn't simple, lame 60s pop-rock. While the title was controversial for its time, the song has nothing to do with the man in the sky, so it gets bonus points for that too! Pitchfork named it their greatest song of the decade and made an excellent case for it being #1. But there's four more songs that I believe deserve some more love...
#4 - Respect (1967)
by Aretha Franklin
What you want, baby, I got it, What you need, Do you know I got it?
I've been trying really hard to better my maths skills lately. So let's try some simple equations. If Rolling Stone places 'Respect' at #5 on their list of the greatest songs of all time and then put Aretha at #1 on their greatest singers of all time countdown, where will It's My Kind of Scene put 'Respect' on their Top 100 Songs of the 1960? 5 - 1 = 4. The answer is 4. See, maths is easy. Now to study logic.
#3 - Light My Fire (1967)
by The Doors
Girl, we couldn't get much higher...
Yep, The Doors. No big deal, right? Except yes, yes it is. 'Light My Fire' deserves to be ranked higher on practically every 60s slash music list ever. Except it doesn't have to be ranked higher than #3. Because there are two songs that are better.
#2 - Stop! In The Name of Love (1965)
by The Supremes
But this time before you run to her,
Leaving me alone and hurt,
Think it over...
Speaking of songs that don't get the love they deserve, it's 'Stop! In The Name of Love!' Performed by, "good looking youngsters with long hair and on them it looks good because they're girls." Music may have been good in the 60s, but comedy... not so much.
#1 - Be My Baby (1963)
by The Ronettes
So won't you say you love me?
I'll make you so proud of me.
I believe this is the only decade countdown we've done in which a female fronted act has taken the top spot. No one deserves it more than the Ronettes for the groundbreaking 'Be My Baby,' but it should be pointed out that behind every great woman (or women), there's a great man. In this case, it's our favourite looney-tune, Phil Spector. His 'Wall of Sound' recording technique realised its full potential on 'Be My Baby,' instantly securing its respected place in music's history. Even Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys agrees that 'Be My Baby' is the greatest song ever. While I wouldn't go that far, I'd certainly say it's the best of the 60s!
And with that, we're done. Peace out, groovers! Oh, and Blogger... sort your s**t out. Using this old blog editor has been the most painful experience of my life.
