Top 112 Songs of 2012 - #112 - 101

San Cisco!

For the next eleven days, it's all about the greatest songs of the year! Twelve of our favourite tunes from 2012 today and ten each day after that until the countdown is over. We could waste time talking about how amazing all the music from this year was blah blah blah... but you already know that. You're a music fan! Why else would you be here? So let's get into it. The Top 112 Songs of 2012 as presented by Jo Michelmore, Katie Langley and Matt Bond. The countdown begins... now!

#112. Sunshine

by Little Dragon

Now, like whirlwind,

You put a spell on me.

What an awesome way to start the countdown. Infectious and upbeat, it starts with the cutest lyrics “You are my sunbeam when skies are dark” and keeps you dancing for its entirety. The clip is so beautiful I don’t even mind that it’s actually an advertisement; after all, I’m not their target market anyway. What do I care? I just like music.  (Jo Michelmore) 

Oh, Yukimi. Your silky vocals are so easy to fall for, aren't they? You and the boys created an early slice of summer magic, perfect for those long, hot days when you just need a delicious Absolut Mandarin and lemonade and... what were we talking about? (Matt Bond) 


I teetered on the edge of hating this song, but the groove element kept me off of the ledge. I get the distinct feeling that this is a grower. (Katie Langley)

#111. I Hate Love

by Garbage

Your words are pretty but I already know who you are...

When Garbage released a teaser video for 'I Hate Love' over nine months ago, I couldn't stop smiling. Knowing that one of my most loved bands still had that kind of power over me, to make me incredibly happy even with just a short sample of new material was awesome. When I finally heard 'I Hate Love' in its entirety, that smile just got wider and wider. I must have looked like The Joker. This is the exact opposite of empowering anthems we're bombarded with everyday. A realistic look at the darker side of relationships and love and really, what more could you want from a Garbage track? (Matt Bond)


I don’t think I can ever not really like anything that Garbage do. Damn them and their likeable sounds. And of course, as a bitter single person there’s just something so relatable about the lyric “I hate love”. It’s got all of the hallmarks of a Garbage song. I’m not sure it’s the best thing they’ve ever done, but I still like. (Katie Langley)

I was so very excited about the release of Garbage’s Not Your Kind Of People this year, their first album in seven years. From first eager listen, I Hate Love quickly became one of my favourite tracks on the album, with Shirley still proving herself as one of the most fabulous femme fatales in rock music. The simplicity of the lyrics are part of the charm “yeah I hate love, yeah I hate love, so I hate love, yeah I hate love, then your love dies”. The typical Shirley venom throughout has assured this song become one of my Garbage favourites. (Jo Michelmore) 

#110. All The Rowboats

by Regina Spektor

All the rowboats in the oil paintings,

They keep trying to row away, row away.

Oooo well isn’t this just a quirky little song? And maybe a little Tori Amos-esque? I do love the dramatic piano. (Katie Langley)

When I heard Regina Spektor was releasing new material this year, as a fan I was excited but this wasn’t what I was expecting. This was better. It’s still classic Regina; a quick, emotive piano riff and incredible lyrics but this time interspersed with electronic sounds, this was just the first glimpse of the awesomeness that was her 2012 album release What We Saw From The Cheap Seats. Not to mention that this clip was probably the first time I realised just how hot Regina actually is. Swoon. (Jo Michelmore) 

There are so many different ways to interpret exactly what Spektor is trying to address in 'All The Rowboats.' Is she simply lamenting how the world views art and by association the great artists of the past? Masterpieces quickly glanced at, judged and forgotten with little acknowledgment given to the how, the why, the who. Or is there more of a modern twist to the tale? "But the most special are the most lonely." Is this about the plight of the celebrity, captive to their own public image? What? Sometimes I think about things and stuff. Whatever... if you don't care for the message, you can allow yourself to be distracted by Regina's big boobies. Everyone's a winner. (Matt Bond)  

#109. We All Buy Stars

by The Cairos (AUS)

Walk on, without any caution...

The Cairos must be on the verge of big things. This Brisbane-based indie act have delivered a bunch of fist pumping tunes throughout the year that work their way into your head and refuse to budge. While I loved 'Shame,' it was 'We All Buy Stars' that had me hitting repeat again and again. That jump up and down/make you wanna dance chorus is just too good to ignore. Expect to hear a whole lot more from these guys in 2013. (Matt Bond) 

It’s hard for me to decide what I like more, the incredibly catchy chorus of We All Buy Stars or the incredibly cheap clip, which apparently cost the band $50, for plastic animal masks. I’m sorry, but is there anyone that doesn’t love a smoking dog playing acoustic guitar or an owl wielding a baseball bat? No? Exactly. (Jo Michelmore) 


The film clip is hilarious and amazing. Oh, the song… Yeah, that goes alright too. (Katie Langley) 

#108. Horoscopes

by Astrid and The Asteroids (AUS)

Horoscopes by AATA

Rational thought won't disturb you,

From the clockwork of heaven above.

Well, I have been known to have an unhealthy love of bands whose names consist of ‘something’ and ‘something’, but let’s just say I like this band even without their name. Lead singer Astrid has an exceptional vocal range and Horoscopes is only a teeny glimpse into her beautiful sound. A little bit pop, a little bit soul, a little bit awesome, so glad this song made our top 112 list. (Jo Michelmore) 

Speaking of acts I'm expecting to have a big 2013, Astrid and The Asteroids look like they're gearing up to release something amazing next year. Hopefully we'll hear some more tracks like 'Horoscopes' that highlight Astrid Jorgensen's astronomical voice. (Matt Bond) 


Yes, girlfriend can sing. (Katie Langley)   

#107. Knock Knock

by Band of Horses

So say it to me, say it to my face,

There's no time to be reserved or safe.

This is American indie rock at its best. Band Of Horses are from Seattle, which is where one of my favourite ever bands hails from, they like to wear checked shirts and just to keep listeners like Katie happy; three of the five tend to sport facial hair of some description at most times. Knock Knock is simple rock without being boring, a quick, easy clap-able beat, a chorus that’s sing-along-able and easy to get stuck in one’s head, what more is there to ask for? (Jo Michelmore) 


It reminds me of the kind of song you’d play on a road trip, with the windows down and hair blowing in the breeze. There are some definite feel good moments in this song.It’s upbeat. There’s clapping. It held my attention. (Katie Langley)

#106. Ghosts

by Eliza Hull ft. Hayden Calnin (AUS)

There it goes again, time slips through like dust,

Where did you go, where did you go?

The moment this song began I was captivated. What a beautiful, soulful voice. You can hear the heartbreak  and despair. I love the raw, unique qualities of this song, and the simplicity of the music and lyrics. (Katie Langley) 

Reserved electronic beats and a stunning new voice. When they say 'less is more' they must be talking about 'Ghosts.' Eliza Hull has all the potential to be Australia's next great export. (Matt Bond)   

When Matt first introduced me to the sounds of Eliza Hull and Hayden Calnin in the middle of this year, I had an immediate wave of goosebumps, my breath was taken away and I couldn’t quite believe these were sounds coming from Melbourne. Although I dislike comparing bands to other bands, it’s hard not to associate the sounds to those of some 90’s artists I hold in high reverence, bands like Portishead and Lamb. This song only makes me desperately want to hear more and more from both Eliza and Hayden. Where are you both? More please! (Jo Michelmore)

#105. Yet Again

by Grizzly Bear

 

Yet again, we're the only ones,

No surprise, this is often how it's done...

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the opening notes of this song is the colour green, lots of green. Maybe it’s because I saw Grizzly Bear live for the first time at Harvest this year and from what I remember, that was the colour the stage was drenched in for most of the song. Lead singer Ed Droste manages to keep a controlled yet soft vocal over messy yet strong keyboards and guitars while somehow managing to draw you into the song. Before you know it, its five minutes later and you feel somewhat refreshed. The clip is kind of amazing too. You should maybe watch that. (Jo Michelmore) 


Grizzly Bear make music to reflect to. You know, like after a big night out and the next day you just have to sit down and seriously reflect on life. And how much of a mess you are. And what mistakes you may or may not have made the night before. Thanks Grizzly Bear... 'Yet Again' has been quite useful this year. (Matt Bond) 

#104. Rocket Ship

by San Cisco (AUS)

It was nice knowing you my good friend,

But I might never ever ever ever see you again.

It seems so long ago when I first heard this song in the early parts of 2012 and I liked it then as a simple, catchy pop song, but listening again now I can hear how much I like Jordi’s vocal, which is young without being annoying and strong without being overbearing. Besides that, the clip is cute and the name of the song gave them an easy and cheesy name for their tour earlier this year. Excellent marketing skills S Cisco. They’ll take you far in this crazy world. (Jo Michelmore) 

#103. Seven Seas

by The Good Ship (AUS)

Won't somebody take me to the seven seas?

It’s hard not to like a band that has eight members. I mean, if you don’t like one you’ve got another seven to choose from, so the odds of liking someone or something are good. Seven Seas is a rollicking, fun, swinging tune that’s hard not to sway to, as well as slap a thigh or two. Up to you whether you slap your own or someone else’s. Either way, this is a song that’s hard not to have fun to and although I’m yet to have a Good Ship live experience, I imagine this is one of the songs that would send their audience into some kind of folk dancing, sea shanty, thigh slapping frenzy and I imagine it would be amazing. (Jo Michelmore) 


Give me some Sailor Jerry's, put on 'Seven Seas' and let the good times roll! Like Jo, I'm a bad person and haven't seen The Good Ship live yet, but we'll get around to that in the new year. (Matt Bond) 


It would be fair to say that when I saw The Good Ship live I didn’t think there was anything good about them. However, I listened to this song with an open heart, and open mind. I mean, I should like this band. I do love sea men. I have to say, this song has grown on me. I might have even been humming towards the end. (Katie Langley)

#102. Don't You Worry Child

by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin

There was a time, I used to look into my father's eyes...

Swedish House Mafia certainly know how to do cheesy dance tracks. “Don’t You Worry Child” is no exception. For some reason it inspires me to bust out interpretive dance moves. Next time you see me ask to see “the life and death of a mushroom”. (Katie Langley)

This is a song that just has all the classic elements of an awesome dance song. You can’t help but picture flashing lights and dark corners and hands in the air and sweaty dancing hot bodies when you hear that first chant of “don’t you worry, don’t you worry child”. Oh sorry, is that just me? Come on, this song screams of a night on the dancefloor and lots and lots of fun. It’s the one you need to put on at home before you head out the door and it’s the one that you’ll squeal with delight over while running toward the dancefloor at your favourite venue of choice. This one is awesome. (Jo Michelmore) 


Because sometimes you just want to dance the night away screaming, "don't you worry, don't you worry chiiiiiild." If this is how Swedish House Mafia are bowing out from the industry as a unit, what a fun way to go out. And at the top of the charts too. (Matt Bond)

#101. G#

by Kitten

 

These are the days, through teardrops and haze.

Another song that makes you want to run around in the sunshine, surrounded by friends and without a care in the world. I'm currently sitting alone in the sunshine, but it doesn't make the listening experience of the beautifully named 'G#' any less enjoyable. There's a quality to Kitten's sound here you can only get from a good California indie outfit that perfectly captures that whole 'Endless Summer' vibe we all secretly long for. This right here is one of Jo's best finds of the year! (Matt Bond)  

When I first heard this song in September, it genuinely gave me that excited little feeling in my stomach, like I’d stumbled across something amazing and wanted the rest of the world to know about it too. I still love the dirty guitars that open the song and still get a little happy when I hear lead singer, seventeen year old Chloe’s wailing vocal; “I’ll see you all, I’ll see you all, again”. They were signed to Electra Records recently, so hoping that means we’ll hear more a lot more from Kitten in 2013. (Jo Michelmore) 


Wow. I absolutely love this song. It manages to maintain an intensity from start to finish. The vocals are gentle, but there’s a definite edge to the song. It can be best described as the product of a one night stand by Veruca Salt and The Cranberries. (Katie Langley)