Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #60 to #51

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70 to #61

#60. RUNNING SECOND

by Ainslie Wills

Running on empty, should pull over

But there's no time for that. 

Does any song sum up the feeling that comes with all of the realities of adulthood more than Ainslie Wills' 'Running Second'? The pressure you find yourself under that's largely self-imposed, the belief that you're losing a race you didn't even know you're in... but there's also that little voice in your head telling you to calm your farm, it's not so bad. "There's nothing to be scared of," sings Wills as she tells you to enjoy the view. That voice might not pop up as often as you like, but in the moments where it might be quiet or gone altogether, just pop on some Ainslie Wills and that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. (Matt Bond) 

#59. WOULD YOU LIKE ME

by Babaganouj

What are you like when you're not with me?

How does it feel to not be lonely? 

So technically 'Would You Like Me' was released in 2016, but it was released as the lead single of a vinyl collection that combined all three of Babaganouj's EP's from last year. So if it was released in 2017 as the lead single for something then it counts as a 2017 release. Logic. The 'Nouj (Nouj, Nouj, Nouj) deserve all the attention in the world for their brilliant garage pop, that gets better and better with each release. The Brisbane based three-piece have a knack for creating music that asks some big questions against angsty pop and 'Would You Like Me' is no exception. Like the Harriette Pilbeam led single 'Bluff', this track (also Pilbeam led) brings up some questions that have been on anyone's mind that's tried out that crazy little thing called love. The repeated lines asking a certain someone to promise never to leave are a little hopeful, a little desperate and more than a little heartbreaking. (Matt Bond)  

#58. BROKE DAYS, PARTY NIGHTS

by Ecca Vandal

Are you happy with your status, status

But what's your return? 

Yes. This is a song title I relate to. Ecca V gives us all the ferocity she can muster, all the manic beats she can create and then she throws some vicious vocals in and suddenly we have a song made to be played on stage, made to be heard with flashing lights and lots of uncontrollable thrashing. It's fun but it's angsty, it's unapologetic and it includes possibly the greatest scream of the year. There's absolutely nothing subtle about it and that's what makes it another perfectly Ecca Vandal track. (Jo Michelmore)  

#57. LONELY TOGETHER

by Avicii ft. Rita Ora

And I know and I know and I know and I know

That I can't be your friend. 

Like Little Mix before her, I did a complete 180 on Rita Ora. Well, not 180, because that would imply I disliked her when honestly I didn't have an opinion of her one way or another. She existed, but could I name you one of her songs? Probs not. But this year I was screaming along to 'Your Songs' because I didn't wanna hear sad songs anymore etc. etc. and then this little team up with Avicii came along and I knew. I had become a fan. I had an opinion of Rita Ora. A highly favourable one even. 'Lonely Together' is what you might call a banger. A song that if I had possibly consumed a beverage or seven at the local discotheque with all the other young thangs (I can't keep this up, I'm old), I might be so inclined to head on out to the d-floor and bust a move. Okay I'll stop. But I would totally dance to this on a table at 2am. Slay, Rita. Slay. Oh yeah, Avicii is a thing too. Yay? (Matt Bond)

Ohmygod it's like Inception, or something; two people who I'm not sure actually exist, together, in one song! While it's become apparent and well documented that no one (being me) really knows who Rita Ora is, has anyone anywhere actually ever seen Avicii? Is he a he? Why do I assume that? Is he that guy in the white suit bouncing around on a boat in the Mediterranean in some random clip? Or is she one of those people in the helmets that used to appear at the award shows? No one (being me) knows who he or she is, even though we all know the name. So are they actually featuring Rita, or are Rita and Avicii the same person? No one (being me) knows, but it seems apt that he/she/they perform a song 'Lonely Together', because it must be hard being so un-famously famous. Good song but. Excellent clip too, featuring someone no one (being me) knows. (Jo Michelmore)  

#56. J-BOY

by Phoenix

Do you remember the last time you laughed

And I laughed and you left and I left? 

I read a review of Phoenix's sixth album 'Ti Amo' which described it as "summer and Italian discos" which pretty much sounds like almost the perfect thing to me, so it's no wonder 'J-Boy' is such an awesome little summer song to dance to, preferably in a Italian disco. I'd take any European disco at this point, but that's a whole other story about my lack of overseas holiday right now. Until I'm exactly there, I just have to settle for the irresistible synths and the feel good feel of 'J-Boy'. (Jo Michelmore) 

Hey, Phoenix are still kicking about. Would you look at that. I'm joking but I'm not, because Phoenix were kind of a big deal back in 2009 when Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix came out. They were big on the Hottest 100 at least and every frat boy's fave band. Like the mythical creature they take their name from, the French indie music makers have risen triumphantly from the ashes with 'J-Boy', which is really quite good. It's very good. Lyrically their best work and as shiny and vaguely dreamy as anything that's come before. Hopefully they'll stick around in the public consciousness for a bit longer this go around and not take a four year break between albums. (Matt Bond)
 

#55. EVEN

by Julien Baker

It's not that I think I'm good, I know that I'm evil

I guess I was trying to even it out. 

Julien Baker takes you down a dark road on 'Even', a track that is right up there with her best work like 'Go Home' and 'Something'. How someone can do so much with so little will always blow my mind and have me coming back for more and here we have Baker accompanied by only a guitar as she details the shitty situation she's found herself in. This is where love can take you, kids. Take a good listen and learn! I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I'm not. 'Even' is musical storytelling at its best. Just a very talented singer pouring her heart out and inviting you to take a look at something most people will never share with another. It's intimate, devastating and worthy of more repeated listens than you can count. (Matt Bond)   

#54. BAD DREAM

by The Jungle Giants

You could be my nightmare

And you'd still be my love. 

Well look here, the way kids talk about things these days I can't keep up with what's good, bad or indifferent. One minute things are cool and the next they're talking in letters, codes and eggplant emoji. So if someone says "you could be my bad dream" are they terrified of you or are they declaring their undying love for you? The pulsating beats don't give me any clearer indication and I can't work out whether the eerie sounding chorus or the clip are more terrifying, in a really good way. I guess that means being a bad dream is a good thing? The song certainly is a good thing. (Jo Michelmore)  

#53. ON MY SIDE

by Gordi

How do you give yourself to me?

I send you my words silently. 

Songs like this, that bring the questions and the thoughts, they are the ones I love. How do you do the days? How do you stand up with the desperation standing right beside? How do you walk with the clouds, how do you talk without screaming, how do you smile without crying and how do you know who knows about it all? You do it with knowing glances and hugs, you do it with coffee and wine, you do it with chats about nothing and laughs about everything. You find the ones who let you say everything when you don't need to say a thing. You find the ones who let you sit in silence when all the other sounds are creeping in. "I can't, I won't, I tell you that I don't, but I need you on my side..." You do it with the ones you trust, the ones who know you know, and you do it all with songs like this, the ones that bring the questions and the thoughts and the answers, and they are the ones I love. (Jo Michelmore)  

I have a secret playlist of songs that sometimes I need to listen to for a pick-me-up. Not so secret anymore, but the songs that make up that list will be a secret. Now, to make your own Pick-Me-Up Playlist it can't be comprised of sugary pop or songs that come from a place that isn't genuine. You want songs that make you happy because they remind you of what's important, they put things in perspective. They remind you of the important people that have come and gone, the ones that stayed when it really counted. You want songs that make you want to sing along just as much as they make you want to listen and appreciate every word you're taking in. If I can recommend one song to put on your own list, how about this one. 'On My Side' by Gordi. What a song and what a talent. (Matt Bond)   

#52. RENEW

by BANFF

Always so soon

I'm calling out for you. 

Just on a side note, there's an awful lot of artists featuring in our list this year who like to declare themselves in all CAPS. I tend to yell their names in my mind as I'm typing, just to provide you with a peek into my slightly odd psyche. On another note, BANFF has created a sweet song with 'Renew'; facing his own insecurities as an artist and working with them through his dreamy, electro sounds. So let me describe how I feel about his work in a way I know he'll understand. LOVE (all caps). (Jo Michelmore)  

It wouldn't be a year in music anymore without a release from BANFF, another Brisbane favourite of ours that never fails to brighten up our day. Even if it's a released that's tinged in just the right amount of confusion and longing, it's still brightening our day. Because BANFF has become very, very good at making songs that you can't get out of your head and leave a lot of room for interpretation. Which is a good thing, because songs like 'Renew' get stuck in your head and you get to listen to them over and over again and debate in your mind what he really means, you know. I am not crazy. I just like music and I like BANFF. (Matt Bond)  
 

#51. FIRE

by Beth Ditto

Ain't got an honest feeling in my bones.

There was a period of time earlier this year when I listened to literally nothing but Beth Ditto for 48 hours. Considering there is rarely a moment I'm not listening to something, this is an achievement for any artist. One hit of play on 'Fire' and I'm pretty sure if I didn't have to write about another 50 or so songs, then Beth would be back on high rotation in my world. On the first single from her first solo album Fake Sugar, she managed to capture some rock, some soul, her magnificent vocal and and a whole lot of retro into three minutes of magic. It ignited a fire of obsession for Ms Ditto that I'm still not quite over, and once these 117 songs are written about, I'm pretty sure hers will be one of the albums I return to experience all through next year as well. (Jo Michelmore)

 

2016 Scene Awards - Group of the Year

It's been a really, really good year for Australian music, with our Top 116 songs of 2016 ending with ten Australian songs and now, two incredible group of musicians, from two incredible states in this big incredible land of ours, releasing incredible music and performing incredible shows. Yes. This is Group of the Year. 

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Runner-up: Babaganouj

The 'Nouj. The 'Nouj-nouj-nouj. Our fave Brisbane trio deserve their place here just for the effort they put in to make three EP's in 2016. But they more than earned it with the quality of the music they were putting out into the world. While Babaganouj's music has a sound that's all their own, when you've got three vocalists taking lead at different times, there's always going to be a little something different to take from each track. Sort of like Fleetwood Mac, but without all the drugs and sleeping around... at least that we know of. Maybe 2017 will be the Babaganouj Rumours era that we've all been dreaming of. More awesome tracks than you could shake a stick at, a killer Bigsound showcase and they've won over the Japanese. Yep, Babaganouj are big in Japan. A huge year for Babaganouj and next year will hopefully be even bigger. (Matt Bond)

Winner: Gang Of Youths

This band made me do something this year which I hadn't done in a long time. When they released Let Me Be Clear, the follow up EP to their incredible debut album, I went to a store and purchased a physical copy of it. It was something I wanted to hold in my hands, to feel within my fingertips and to live in my car, my refuge, my safe place of thoughts and dreams. It had all started a couple of years ago, when Matt told me he had developed a minor obsession for a band called Gang Of Youths and he couldn't stop listening to their album. He gave me a brief description and I'll admit I was intrigued, but what I hadn't taken into consideration before I hit play on that album was just how much it would come to mean. The Positions became part of my 2015, a integral part of my thought process and path that year. In 2016, I watched this group of five become a part of more and more people's lives, as they toured extensively and I couldn't be happier, because this is a band that defines what music is for me; a release, a confidante, an integral part of who I am and my friend. Bands like Gang Of Youths are the ones making the loss of all the life defining artists we said farewell to this year a little easier on those of us with the sensitive souls, because where one artist has walked, another follows. I know I'll be following Gang Of Youths for as long as they are creating and with each release, I already look forward to heading to a store, buying, holding, feeling and listening. (Jo Michelmore)

2015 Winner

Little May

Runner-up: Gang Of Youths

2014 Winner

Little May

Runner-up: Kingswood

2013 Winner

Chvrches

Runner-up: Little May

2012 Winner

Texas Tea

Runner-up: Garbage

2011 Winner

Seeker Lover Keeper

Runner-up: Little Dragon

2010 Winner

Arcade Fire

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #40 - 31

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40. HOLLA

by Lanks





But our love is what you wanna see
There's hope as long as you believe.

I had pulled up 'Holla' on YouTube and kept my headphones on, waiting for it to start while I sent a text message, when it suddenly occurred to me, why is Lanks talking to me about razors and bathroom habits? How does YouTube even decide which ad to show which person with what? I'm asking questions I can't answer. Contrary to popular belief, "Holla' is not an advertistment for shaving products, nor a gansta rap song. It is, in fact, a subdued tune, making me slightly sleepy on a week night, which is a lovely thing. Much more lovely than a razor to the face or the advertisements about them, thank you Lanks. (Jo Michelmore)

Oh, Lanks. You ain’t no hollaback girl. According to a Google search of ‘hollaback girl definition’ it means one who, “responds positively to the catcalls or hollers of men.” While Lanks is no hollaback girl, he is a creative music maker that never fails to bring a smile to our faces with his music. The project of Melbourne’s Will Cuming, Lanks built up a solid collection of releases throughout the year in the lead up to the release of his Viet Rose EP. It was ‘Holla’ that sparked our imagination the most and had us celebrating the many talents of an artist who continues to work hard and better himself with each new track. The build to the closing moments of ‘Holla’, as Lanks repeats the lines, “you’re not alone,” and “reach forward, holler out to me,” is too much. And too much is never enough when it comes to Lanks. (Matt Bond) 

#39. 10 FEET TALL

by OKENYO





Never gonna be the right time
Always got your feelings on the line... 

10 feet tall is quite tall you know, for those of us who prefer to use the metric system of measurement. As in, it's like almost three and a half metres, which, if one was to be 10 feet tall, one would spend most of their day warding off inappropriate jokes about the weather up there and the rest of the day bent over slightly, in order to hear the offensive comments from so far below. Therefore, one assumes that when Okenyo speaks of being 10 Feet Tall, it is meant in the figurative way, as in, invincible, not slightly Hunchback of ND. Which is funny, because Okenyo's '10 Feet Tall' is almost minimalist and so very smooth, her vocal shining bright and her beats almost floating, nothing at all as daunting as being 10 feet tall. (Jo Michelmore)

#38. A LOVE SONG

by Ladyhawke





You've opened my eyes to the oldest tale of time...

Now THIS is what a love song sounds like. It belongs in a movie, one of those scenes in the third act where the young lovers finally find their way back to each other in the most unrealistic fashion. The ensemble cast are all standing around with those stupid grins on their faces. Emma Stone’s laughing in the way that people do in ads where they’re having the best time with their salads. ‘A Love Song’ starts playing as the image freezes for an awkward amount of time before fading to black and the credits start to roll. I’ve got some attitude here, this is true, but this make-believe movie is something I’d watch over and over again with a tub or two of ice-cream. What isn’t make-believe is the talent that is Ladyhawke, delivering again and again with tracks like this that bring a smile to your face and put a song in your heart. With songs like this, you too can feel like you’re a character in your own amazing film. (Matt Bond)  

When 'A Love Song' was first released, it had been four years since Ladyhawke's last album, which means it had been four years since I heard those charming boys at Splendour, standing next to me in a pit at the front of stage, saying something along the lines of "oi she a bit of alright". Sigh. Three years later and we've still such a long way to go. Nevertheless, 'A Love Song' is exactly what we have come to expect from one of NZ's favourites; a super catchy chorus, some magical keys, percussion that forces one to move one's feet and a message much deeper than initially expected. Perfect pop in every single way. (Jo Michelmore)

#37. SORRY

by Babaganouj





Once upon a night at home, I sat in bed all alone
Thinking of things I wanted to say and how I never meant to go away.

The Nouj always have me thinking they could be characters in a children's story book, with such delightful names as Charles, Ruby and Harriette, I picture them in cute floral dresses and overalls, running amok amongst the gardens of the neighbours and generally getting up to no good. Alas, they are not and so we have Babaganouj and indie pop and lots of apologies and a really nice little drum break in the middle there. There's no need to be sorry Nouj, I like you in all versions of you. (Jo Michelmore)

Ruby McGregor took the lead on ‘Sorry’, the first single from Babaganouj’s second EP of 2016, Hard To Be. And so a rock star was born, but not really because Ruby, Charles Sale and Harriette Pilbeam were already stars, ‘Sorry’ just saw them shining brighter than ever before. They were like a big, grunge-loving star that shone over the universe, bringing joy to all with banging guitars and enough attitude to make Pluto take notice. Get it? Because Pluto isn’t just cool, it’s ice cold. I’m sorry, writing about 100+ songs means some of them are going to get the bad jokes and now I’ve embarrassed myself in front of Babaganouj and I’ll stop. So much love for ‘Sorry’ and our fave Brissy three-piece though. (Matt Bond)
 

#36. COME ON MESS ME UP

by Cub Sport





I found comfort
I fell in love with avoiding problems.

For Brisbane’s Cub Sport, 2016 was like their graduation year. With past releases, they maintained a fun-loving vibe that can only come from a young band at the start of their career. But now they’re a little more grown up, they’ve had time to experience life for what it is and as a result their sound has matured beautifully into the songs that made up their debut LP, This Is Our Vice. Songs like ‘Come On Mess Me Up’ that hold a vulnerability and honesty that elevate them far, far above your standard pop. Love is the central theme of most songs in the world. But very few will look at what love is in a realistic way. The ones that do will hit you hardest and this right here is one of them. This year Cub Sport went from that Brisbane band everyone bopped along to with glee to a world class indie band ready to conquer whatever comes their way. (Matt Bond) 

#35. LOST

by Ariela Jacobs





Prepare a cup of coffee for another night of sleepless times
So I can blame the caffeine, for giving me time to think.

They say it so easily, it just rolls off the tongue, as easy to say as any other, and they say it makes you do crazy things, think crazy thoughts, accept less and expect more. We are all desperately trying to find it, keep it, know it, define it, hold it up high and somehow also hold onto it. But if it's so common, if we are so entwined in the pursuit and property of it, then why is it so hard? Is it actually anything at all or is it just a fairytale, a story passed down generation by generation and really nothing at all? The answers are not the same, the thoughts are only one's own, but is it really something we can find, this love we all speak so highly of, or is it actually just a temporary way to feel a little less lost? Ariela Jacobs knows what it is and it's one and the same thing. And it's also responsible for the souvenirs of self destruct that burn up in my head. It's not the right thing to do. (Jo Michelmore)

Speaking of our favourite songwriters, here’s Ariela Jacobs with her second gem to make our 2016 countdown. Part of me wants to ask Jacobs to stop dragging my heart around like this, but then the smarter and highly aggressive part of me is like, “you right, m8?” because when music can move you in the way that ‘Lost’ will, you’re never going to want it to stop. The delivery of these thoughtfully selected words comes from a place of hurt, confusion and a love that could very well still be there. Suitably, our leading lady finds herself as lost as the title would suggest and for anyone that’s had those sleepless nights with all those thoughts running through your head you spend all day trying to keep as far away as possible, you’re going to remember the times you’ve found yourself lost too. This is an amazing song from an exceptional talent that I want to hear so much more from and hopefully sooner than later. (Matt Bond)  

#34. WILD EMOTION

by Asta





Don't tell me it's not real
Don't say it's only physical.

YESSS, ASTA. A million times Y-E-S! Like a force of mighty fine/disco-inspired nature, Asta slayed with the total jam that is ‘Wild Emotion’. Try not to put your hands in the air and wave them around like you just don’t care while you listen to it. You can’t, can you?! No. No you can’t. ‘Wild Emotion’ was pure pop perfection, ready to lift you up at a moment’s notice with its ‘against all odds’ disposition. This should have been a #1 hit on charts worldwide, but Asta’s day will come. With songs like ‘Wild Emotion’ to her name, she won’t be denied for long. (Matt Bond) 

Is it possible for this song to get any catchier? Nope. Is Asta the answer to all my dance electro pop needs? Yes. Why is it that disco seemed so lame for so many years? No one knows. With a bunch of handclaps smashed in the middle there, it's pretty much impossible for me not to love this song. It starts as suddenly as it gets stuck in your head and if anyone has the ability to sit still while it's playing, I suggest they lay off the valium. Was this song built for happiness? Yes. Yes it was. (Jo Michelmore)

#33. HIGH TIDE

by Bec Sandridge





It's high tide, I know that this will break us
It's high tide, I know that this will change us.

Have you had a chance to listen to Bec Sandridge’s In The Fog EP yet? You haven’t? Go and listen to it now please. We can wait. You have listened to it? You’re awesome and might I say congratulations for having such a fabulous taste in music and you look lovely today. I think if someone came up to me in real life and was like, “have you heard that new Bec Sandridge EP? Isn’t it the flipping best?!” I’d be all, “yeah it is and now we are friends for life, do you enjoy espresso martinis and eating your feelings at four in the morning too?” Convoluted introductory sentences aside, I’m trying to get across how much love I have for Bec Sandridge’s music. You’ll only need one listen of ‘High Tide’ to get it. It reaches a part of your brain that’s reserved for only the finest of tunes. The ones that make you wonder how someone could possibly come up with something that captures everything you love about music. If you still haven’t gone off to listen to the In The Fog EP, do yourself a favour and do that right now please and thank you. In the meantime I’ll whip us up some caffeinated dranks and get us a bucket of fried chicken. Because we are now best friends. Yay! (Matt Bond) 

#32. COAT

by Jack Colwell





Oh, all good things
Must come to an end.

I think I will always love Jack Colwell. He has the ability to make the goosebumps wash over, ask all the hard questions, light all the lights and then provide all of the answers with every track he writes. He is pop star, he is tortured artist, he is a humble fan and he is so, so talented. With a voice from another world, 'COAT' is as dramatic as it is breathtaking and as tragically sad as it is inspiring and it is alive in a way only Jack Colwell  can bring to life. I haven't said this about anyone yet, but here's hoping we see so much more of Jack in 2017. (Jo Michelmore)

One of my favourite live music moments of 2016 was finally getting to see Jack Colwell live when he supported Sarah Blasko at The Tivoli in Brisbane. The entire audience was captivated by Colwell’s artistry as he put his heart and soul into his performance. And that’s exactly what he puts into all of his music; all of his heart and all of his soul. His background in classical music allows him to orchestrate songs that are passionate, dramatic and cinematic and those three words are perfect when describing ‘Coat’. Running a four minute emotional gauntlet that’s heavy on the type of anger that could only be caused by a broken heart, ‘Coat’ evolves from lover scorned to the quiet relief of saying goodbye. That final line, “you don’t see me,” is delivered in such a devastating way that you’ll find yourself heading back to the start to experience ‘Coat’ and all of its wonders all over again. (Matt Bond) 

#31. NOT MY FRIENDS

by Tired Lion 





Look at the people just lying around
To get you back up they just pull you back down.

I'm not much of a TV watcher, so I'm not going to pretend I understand half the references in Tired Lion's clip for 'Not My Friends', but I do understand a good rock song with a huge hook and I totally understand crunchy guitars and a big bassline. I also understand the concept of desperately needing to fit in with people who don't deserve the title 'friend' and I'm pretty lucky to now understand how pointless that need can be, which means I have actual friends that I adore and I like this track more now than I would have in some of my past existences. Also, on a side note, one of those friends of mine and I happened to wander by Tired Lion on the street as they were filming this clip late one night. If you look closely enough you can see us trying to be calm in the background. Maybe. (Jo Michelmore)

 

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #60 - 51

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60. MACHETE

by Amanda Palmer





You get the drill now don't you?
It's not a will or won't
You can't keep making symbols out of nothing. 

When you left, all those years ago, I didn't know what was to come, I didn't know all the the days I'd have to face and I didn't know how I'd see them all without you. Everyday seemed like I called you up yesterday and everyday was 24 hours further away from yesterday. When you left, there was nothing left, there was nothing in front and there was nothing behind and time stopped the stuff, and what was I to do with all the stuff? It's been fifteen years and I hear the piano and the strings and it still seems like yesterday you were alive and it's still as if you never really died. You would have loved Amanda Palmer as much as I do. She lost her best friend so recently, she has so far to go without him and I know how hard some of that so far is going to be. But she writes songs like 'Machete' to make it all a little less lonely and she gets it, like you, my best friend did. You would have loved her as much as I still love you. (Jo Michelmore) 

#59. HIGHER

by The Naked and Famous





Tonight we bury this in fire, fire
Under the shape of years, and the weight that brought us here.

There's a lot to love about The Naked and Famous, but I think what I love the most about 'Higher' is that feeling of triumph it gives you. Like you've totally achieved something spectacular, even though you're sitting in front of a computer and dusting some Doritos dust off your pyjamas at four in the afternoon. Released as the lead single for the New Zealand band's third studio album, Simple Forms, 'Higher' is as jubilant and heartwarming as anything that's come before. It's 'Young Blood' on steroids and will, quite literally, have you raising your voice higher and higher. How it didn't crossover to massive commercial success is beyond me. (Matt Bond) 


I love this band. Like, I mean, I really love this band. Every time I hear that distinctive vocal of Alisa's, something triggers and a sense of hope and happiness washes over me, every time another beat makes it way out of my headphones something awakens and I want everyone in the world to know I like them. I didn't think I could like them more, but when they added that pop of 80s rock beats and guitar, and those words "tonight we bury this in fire" my little mind was blown. How can something so damn happy be so damn sad be so damn happy? I don't even care. I just love it. (Jo Michelmore)

#58. THE BOYS

by Lisa Mitchell





I think that I'm beginning to care
I think that I'm beginning to care. 

'The Boys' is a song that instantly won me over. Right from the very first beats, you can tell that it's a song that you'll fall in love with. Lisa Mitchell creates a euphoric atmosphere that holds up a track with undeniable charms, her performance is tender and full of understanding and it truly feels like she's found her corner of the musical world that is hers and hers alone. This could very well be the most perfectly chilled out pop song of 2016. The recently released (and absolutely stunning) third LP from Mitchell, Warriors, is full of gems like 'The Boys', but I've got just that little bit more love for its carefree nature that leaves you thinking of the happiest of days gone by. (Matt Bond)

#57. DRIVE

by Gretta Ray





Now I'm invested I am captivated and consumed
Seems you're my latest muse. 

How could you not fall completely, hopelessly, head over heels in love with this song? Gretta Ray struck gold in every aspect of 'Drive', proving at the start of her career that she's already an expert storyteller and melody maker. Is it any wonder the track took out this year's Vanda and Young songwriting competition? No. No it is not. There's wisdom far beyond Ray's young years on this planet in lines like, "and sure your taste and touch are two things that I want, but babe neither are what I ponder on the most." There's a strong message there when a young artist isn't saying 'love is everything' and it will carry Gretta Ray's career a long way. She's only just finished school and will be heading over to the U.S.A to lay down tracks for a debut album and that's going to be one mighty fine collection of songs if 'Drive' is anything to go by. (Matt Bond)  


And here I am, thinking I'm a success if I manage to wash my hair and get to bed before midnight once in a while, when someone like Gretta Ray is writing fabulous indie pop like 'Drive' and winning things like JJJ Unearthed High and the Vanda and Young Songwriting comp, all before she finished high school. Such a beautiful track, infused with feels of country and beats that really do make me wanna get in my car and find a long open road, she deserves all the accolades she's going to get as her talent grows along with her. (Jo Michelmore) 
 

#56. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU

by Montaigne





You say to me as we get home
There's no one like you. 

These are always my favourites, the poppy songs that make you want to dance madly, while madly crying little tears because they're so damn true. Everyone has done it, everyone has convinced themselves that something or someone is better than it is because they can't let go, because they want things out of their control, because love. What even is that? Probably an answer too big for these little words of mine, but something I might leave Montaigne to answer with that incredible voice of hers in another punchy kind of pop song in her next album. (Jo Michelmore)

Young love. The kind where someone says horrible things to you and you love them and you try to look good for them and you drive them places and wait in the car and everyone in your life is telling you this person is so wrong for you and you're drinking too much you feel super alone. Wait... no, that's totally fucked and not love at all, but I doubt there's many of us who haven't seen someone they know in a totally messed up relationship and they just can't see it. Or you've been in that relationship yourself and you haven't been able to see it for what it is. Even on Montaigne's 'poppiest' number on the brilliant debut album album Glorious Heights, she distances herself from the pack with a heartbreaking story that is the complete opposite of the boppy nature of the song. Brilliant. (Matt Bond)  
 

#55. MILLION REASONS

by Lady Gaga





I've got a hundred million reasons to walk away
But baby, I just need one good one to stay. 

One must assume that some very important people in expensive suits decided that 'Perfect Illusion' would be our introduction to Lady Gaga's fifth studio album, Joanne. It's so out of place with the tracks it sits alongside, songs with beautiful artistry like 'Million Reasons' that strips away all the glitz and glam of the Gaga we've known and loved. Here the focus is on that powerful voice, the expertly performed bare bones instrumentation and the story of a woman looking for just one reason to stay with the man she loves. 'Perfect Illusion' aside (which is still a decent track on its own), Joanne was LGG's most consistent and enjoyable collection yet, showing that there's still a very long career ahead for one of the most talented artists in the world. (Matt Bond)   


A few weeks ago, during some random chat, Matt asked me what the last song was that made me cry. We have really uplifting conversations you know. I'm not sure he was expecting the answer I gave. Perhaps it was because it's perfect pop, perhaps it's the way I feel about piano, which always has a way of desperate loneliness. Maybe it's the sense of genuine in her voice which is sometimes lost amongst all of her brightness. Perhaps some songs like this are so popular because they are built for memories and sadness and maybe some of us are still hoping for that one amongst millions. (Jo Michelmore) 

#54. HERE COMES KARMA

by E^ST





You think you're righteous
I think that's priceless.

I used to be a believer in karma. I'm not anymore. What I do believe in is a track I can't get out of my head, with so much attitude, if karma is a thing then karma best watch itself because E^ST is coming to deliver her own personal brand of it; hand delivered with a simple beat, some serious attitude, a sound that gets totally stuck in your head and a handclap, straight across your face. Take that karma. (Jo Michelmore)

Does this song not make you feel like you're bulletproof? Like, you could get up to some Bad stuff (with a capital 'B') after you've listened to 'Here Comes Karma' because it makes you feel invincible. E^ST is Australian music's biggest badass and it doesn't even feel like she's trying to be. She just is. I was introduced to the music of E^ST when I saw her supporting Little May on tour earlier in the year. It took approximately fifteen seconds into the first song for me to want to hear everything she had ever made. Pretty much the week after her Get Money! EP was released and I was in looooove. Especially with the track that we've already discussed makes you feel like the baddest M.F. in town. "I said a bad word, I made some hearts hurt." Gets me each and every time, right from the start. It's going to be really exciting to hear what comes next from E^ST. (Matt Bond)  

#53. DECAY

by Stevie





So far from home, out on your own
You moved away from me, so independently. 

When I wrote about this song earlier in the year, I wrote of all the Stevie's I had to cross paths with before I got to this one. As I googled this time, I came across a guy on Facebook whose username is Stevie Decay. He's pretty dull though. Phoebe Imhoff and Miro Mackie on the other hand were far from dull with their brand of Brisbane electronica, which was simple and elegant with a creepily stark but gorgeous clip, kind of like Brisbane. Or not. The perfect song to listen to in the middle of the night while casually stalking random people on Facebook. Or not. (Jo Michelmore) 

#52. DO RITE WITH ME TONITE

by Babaganouj





Oh girl, you make me insane, you make me do things I just can't explain
Well, oh boy, what can I do, you gotta pull through, you gotta pull through now.

Babaganouj have had a HUGE 2016. By the end of the year, one of our favourite Brisbane bands will have released not one, not two, but three EPs, they delivered an ace set at BIGSOUND and they've gone and got themselves all famous in Japan. Because why the heck not, that's an exciting market to break into. 'Do Rite With Me Tonite' was released as a single from Charles, Ruby and Harriette's first 2016 EP, Pillar of Light and it's definitely up there as one of the catchiest tracks they've come up with yet. You get boy/girl singing combos, that delicious Brisbane garage sound and some tenpin bowling in the video. What more do you want? Nothing. That's what. Spoiler alert, this isn't the last you've seen of Babaganouj on this countdown. Sorry about it. Get it? Eh... you will. (Matt Bond)   

#51. IT AIN'T ME

by Katy Steele





Let's go straight in from the start
Of this here tragedy.

When you hear 'It Ain't Me' for the first time, you're left wondering why it's taken so long for Katy Steele to get around to releasing some solo tunes. Because this right here is the business. You get to sing along and clap your hands and I already know that you're going to have the biggest smile on your face while you're doing it. It's a break up song, but not a downer. It's the opposite of, 'it's not you, it's me', because it's most definitely not Steele as the title would imply. It's soulful and as fun as it is smart. And it leaves you wondering why it's taken so long for Katy Steele to go down the solo route. At the end of the day though, whether it's solo Katy Steele, Little Birdy or something else, I'm just happy to hear new music from one of my most loved voices. (Matt Bond)    


Here's a confession. I was never really a fan of Little Birdy. I don't know why, I can tell you all about their talent, but you know how some bands just don't gel no matter how hard you try? Yeah well I'm not sure what was going on there, because this song, from ex-Little Birdy frontwoman Katy Steele is the biz. Does that mean good? Well, that's what I mean. You know, it's real good. All sass, all smart, all I'm fine on my own plus handclaps, that's exactly what Katy Steele is. Absolutely fine on her own. (Jo Michelmore) 
 

Top 25 - 13 September, 2016

Lanks!

1. Tkay Maidza ft. Killer Mike - Carry On





2. LANKS - Holla (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: There's a buzz about LANKS at the moment and so it seemed right for him to take that buzz to a BIGSOUND stage last week. Matt and I saw him there, actually we saw him a couple of times. Not on stage, what I mean is that there were a couple of showcases we were at that LANKS was at too, lurking about the back in his stripey shirt just trying to find some new music in peace. I can't remember who was on at the same time that he played, but I made the tough decision to see someone else, which may or may not have had more to do with the shoes I was wearing and the distance between venues than my actual desire to see him, which was actually quite high. Now that it's a few days later and I've just listened to his latest track 'Holla', I'm wishing I had made the trek from one venue to the other, because the musical world LANKS lives in is a beautiful one. A song that surrounds like a great big blankie, 'Holla' really is delicious; four minutes of comfort, keyboards and beats that make me feel as warm and happy as much as they make me want to have a little sway to his sounds in a big darkened room. Now I'll have to wait until he comes back to Brisbane for that opportunity, hopefully with a tour in celebration of his new EP Viet Rose, which is to be released in mid October and more than likely deserving of all the buzz surrounding him, which I'd like to add to right now. (Jo Michelmore)


3. Remi ft. Jordan Rakei - Lose Sleep





4. Olympia - Self Talk (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: One act we did get to see showcasing their talents at Bigsound this year was Olympia, one of the definitive must-see acts on the second night. Olympia and her band put on a show to remember at the Ric's Bar Outdoor Stage, tearing it up with tracks from her incredibly well received 2016 LP, Self Talk. Former single 'Smoke Signals' brought her set to a thundering conclusion, but I was super excited to hear the title track 'Self Talk', a song I've been listening to a whole lot since the album's release. I was even more excited to see only days later that it's received the music video treatment and has been released as Olympia's new single. Colourful and creative, the accompanying clip to the song is so wonderfully 80s you won't be able to resist it. The song itself is simply good pop music, with delicious synths backing Olympia's almost detached delivery of lines like, "in the night you drive, taking in it all, when you talk to her, lonely hearts will call." Even though we just saw Olympia live, I'm mighty tempted to head along to her upcoming Different Cities tour (kicking off Oct 29 in Sydney) to see what she can do without the constraints of a half hour time frame. I already know it will be amazing. (Matt Bond) 


5. Amy Shark - Adore





6. Gretta Ray - Drive (NEW)





7. Ayla - Like The Other Kids





8. Tash Sultana - Jungle (NEW)





9. Abbe May ft. Joni Hogan and Odette Mercy - Doomsday Clock





10. PASSERINE - White Shadows and Grey Noise





11. Ali Barter - Girlie Bits





12. Chet Porter ft. Chelsea Cutler - Stay





13. British India - I Thought We Knew Each Other (NEW)





14. Babaganouj - Sorry (Re-Entry)





15. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - Jesus Alone





16. Winters End - Afterthought





17. Sia - The Greatest (NEW)





18. Montaigne - Till It Kills Me





19. Hot Spoke - Outlines





20. Holy Holy - Darwinism





21. Airling - Move Me





22. WAAX - This Everything





23. Gang of Youths - The Good Fight





24. Lisa Mitchell - The Boys





25. Florence + The Machine - Wish That You Were Here

Text Review - BIGSOUND 2016

BIGSOUND FESTIVAL 2016

Fortitude Valley, Brisbane (7-9 September 2016)

Reviewed through the wonders of text messaging

by Matthew Bond and Jo Michelmore

Here it is, that time of year yet again, when music, people with lanyards and people without, people making poor fashion choices and people making excellent life choices converge in one small suburb in the middle of Brisbane, wandering the streets looking for spaces without tall people in front of them and stages where they will find their new favourite rapper/singer/band/drummer/roadie/floppy hair-ed obsession. Yet again, we took to those filthy fabulous streets to see it all, hear it all and feel it all, elbow in face and all, for what has become some of our favourite nights of the year, at BIGSOUND. And now you get to relive it all through the eyes of us and our phones and no where near enough emoji. We must have been distracted by all the good music. Ladies and gentlemen, BIGSOUND via text, 2016...

Wednesday, 7th September

Matt:

A little discussion, a beverage, some reminiscing about BIGSOUND of the past, BIGSOUNDof the present, BIGSOUND of the future (once we get our country/hip hop/rock band together, we'll be obviously be appearing 2018, 2019, 2020...), some random chats to some random valley-goers and we realise it's actually our fifth year at the glory of all BIGSOUND has to offer, so let's edit the shit out of that text message and start this again. 

Matt:

Jo:

Matt:

Jo:

 

Matt:

Jo: 

Matt:

Jo: 

Matt: 

Jo: 

Matt: 

Jo:

Matt:

Oh Black Bear! Oh Pep! Oh tall people! 

Jo:

Matt: 

Jo: 

Matt: 

Tkayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

Jo: 

Thursday, 8th September 

Jo:

 

Matt: 

Jo: 

Banff + Machine Age = awesome.

Matt:

Jo: 

Matt:

 

Matt:

Jo:

Matt:

Jo: 

Matt: 

Jo: 

Matt: 

Jo: