Top 116 Songs of 2016, #20 - 11

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40 - 31

#30 - 21

#20. TENNIES

by Tkay Maidza





Let me break shit, let me drop it.

Not that I needed some sweet, sweet Tkay Maidza levels of inception to get her music in my head b-b-b-but... hearing 'Tennies' playing in the Apple Watch ad that played on YouTube before I got to 'Tennies' itself was the feelgood moment of the year. Like a proud mumma, I may have shed a dignified, single tear in celebration of Tkay Maidza's continued success. Getting into an Apple advertisement played worldwide? Achievement level unlocked. That level? Boss level. Because Tkay has been a total boss this year in the lead up to and after the release of her debut album, TKAY. Just before the album's release, 'Tennies' was dropped as a promo track and we couldn't get enough of it. We still can't get enough of it. The energy is infectious as Tkay lays out some quick-fire rhymes to politely inform you that she is the new Queen all up in here and you will bow down to her greatness. Admit it, you're bowing down right now. We are truly not worthy of this greatness. (Matt Bond) 

I did a bit of a double take when I read something about Tkay's 'Tennies' that described it as "another club banger" which is probably a reasonable description of said single, but I don't really think of Tkay as a purveyor of "club bangers", because while that's a reasonable genre in itself, it just doesn't seem to lend enough weight to the actual talent of Tkay. I think of the "club banger" as a fairly throw away sound, but I still haven't gotten over the first moment I heard Tkay's sound and there's no way I've thrown that track away, let alone this song, three years later. Also, tennies is referring to her tennis shoes, for those like myself who doubted themselves and assumed it was referring to something else the kids are talking about. I don't know what the kids are talking about. (Jo Michelmore)

#19. AGORAPHOBIA

by Tired Lion





It's not a movie, now it's night time
Those kids are itching for red wine...

I listened to this song about a thousand times when it was first released, because Tired Lion write really, really good rock songs. Their guitars are always dirty where they need to be, their drums are always pounding exactly when they need to be and that voice of Sophie's is always as perfect as it needs to be. It was listen number one thousand and one that had me hear a lyric I hadn't before, which made me draw a breath and press pause for a minute, because sometimes really, really good rock songs are also really, really good mirrors and sometimes that's a little confronting, but the best of really, really good rock songs are also equally comforting and 'Agoraphobia' is exactly, and so much more than that. (Jo Michelmore) 

Moving from Unearthed to the triple J A-list was all but guaranteed for Perth's Tired Lion after the huge success of tracks like 'I Don't Think You Like Me' and 'Suck' in 2015. No one would have held it against the band for taking some time off, but it was so good to hear two new tracks from them in 2016. 'Not My Friends' was another banging piece of alternative goodness, but 'Agoraphobia' was the Tired Lion track that I just couldn't get enough of from the day I first heard it. It's got everything we've come to know and love about their sound over the past couple of years; 90s post-grunge inspired hooks, gorgeous melodies and scream-and-shout-along choruses delivered by the formidable Sophie Hopes and snappy lines that spark the imagination. But the thing about 'Agoraphobia' is, it's not just snappy lines anymore. As the topic of discussion is mental illness, something each member of Tired Lion has dealt with in their young lives, it's no surprise there's a new level of depth here. This is the sound of a band growing from their angsty teen beginnings to something bigger and bolder. I'll even throw in that it's a maturing of their sound, but don't worry, this is still brash and loud and everything you'd want from a Tired Lion track. (Matt Bond)   

#18. FOR GOOD

by Remi ft. Sampa The Great





You're giving me the silent treatment, baby
And that's oh so cold, gorgeous.

'For Good', the first single from Remi's critically acclaimed second LP Divas and Demons, brought a much needed dose of funk to Australia's hip hop scene. It brought the mega talent that is Sampa The Great along for the ride too and hearing Sampa alongside MC Remi Kolawole made for one of the brightest collaborations of the whole year. At least in terms of music and performance, both of which are faultless and ready made to make you get your groove on. While the story might not have the sunny disposition to match, at least we get a refreshing take on a dude admitting he's been a bit of a dick to a lovely lady undeserving of such treatment. Now she's gone and she's gone for good and he's left alone with his weed and Nintendo and sadness. I'm going with this being a work of fiction, because Remi doesn't seem like a jerk at all. He's like the Drake of Australian hip hop. Just, you know, awesome. (Matt Bond)  

#17. FEEL MY LOVE

by Phebe Starr





Please be kind
You know I love you, but my heart is blind.

One should have assumed that 'Feel My Love' was going to be one of the most perfect pop songs of the year, being that it is performed by someone who I have always thought has the most perfect pop name I could possibly imagine. If I was a singer, I'd have given up this Jo business and renamed my myself Phebe Starr a long time ago. Beside my slightly weird obsession with Phebe's name, 'Feel My Love' was definitely one of the highlights of pop music this year; all bounce, all build, all beautiful, it's one of the ones that would make that incredible scene of summer and sun and smiles when they make the film of my life. They will be making that sometime, and if I have my way, my character will be called Phebe. Phebe Starr. (Jo Michelmore)

If you are not dancing by the time the second verse hits, in whatever way it is that you choose to dance, then I am afraid to inform you that you are dead inside and I am sorry for how the world has beaten you down. Because 'Feel My Love' is epic-mega-out of this world-pop that will make you want to move, to shout, to live, to love. Phebe Starr, you continue to astound and amaze with the absolute gems that you're releasing. I probably say this with each new track, but this truly is your finest work to date. It makes you feel like anything is possible because it is so warm and so full of hope. In a perfect world this would have been a number one hit everywhere, but hey, this ain't no perfect world. I can say though that my world feels a little bit more perfect with this song in it. And you know, if you are feeling a little dead inside you really should listen to this a couple of times. It's probably just the cure you're looking for. It really is that good. (Matt Bond) 

#16. ON HOLD

by The xx





My young heart, chose to believe
We were destined.

Urgh, how exactly does someone get this talented? Like, I'm jealous. Why even hide that fact. I'm super jealous of The xx and how they can make music that speaks every freaking language to you, even ones you didn't know you know, but you know them and it's all because of The xx's music. And they keep getting better. How is life fair? Anyway... Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim's chemistry remains out of control and their vocal performances are coming from a much more confident place. Dare I say it sounds like The xx might be having a bit of fun these days? 'On Hold' certainly makes it sound like there's a smile lurking behind the totally devo (this means sad, not Devo the band) words that are so well written without having to say much of anything and again I'm super jealous of this group's talent. But I'm also super in love with everything they do and can't wait to hear their third album, I See You when it comes out next month. (Matt Bond)  

I don't want to have to say spoiler alert, but this could be the newest song on our long long countdown, which means that new track Little Mix are releasing tomorrow won't be making our top 10, sorry guys. (Little Mix are not making our countdown. Please don't be disappointed.) Is this the cutest I've heard The xx? Maybe, maybe not, but either way there's something more poppy about this track than I'm probably used to from Jamie, Romy and Oliver and that's not a bad thing, it's a super good thing. Also, it's been far too long since I've pushed someone around a carpark in a shopping trolley. And one more thing. When did that Oliver character get so cute? And where did he get that shirt? I think I love it. And him. And them. (Jo Michelmore)

#15. BURN THE WITCH

by Radiohead





This is a roundup
This is a low flying panic attack. 

I'm honestly going to say there was not another song this year that had me as equally excited as I was nervous to hear it. It took a few minutes to prepare myself for what was to come before I hit play, because Radiohead and I have been through a lot. We've had a tumultuous relationship, but we've always agreed we love each other in the end. So I took a deep breath and I hit that little sideways triangle and those urgent strings came leaping out of my headphones and the familiar goosebumps of Radiohead started at my spine and worked their way around and not only did we agree we love each other, but we adored each other and everything about the world was absolutely perfect. And still is. (Jo Michelmore)

#14. DIGGIN'

by Ngaiire





But here you found me
With a shovel in my hand...

To avoid wanting to write about this throughout the entire paragraph, I'm going to get it out of the way early so we can all move on with our lives. I am totally digging this track. Okay, done, moving right along. Now we can focus all of our time and energy on expressing all of the love we have for the INCREDIBLE music Ngaiire put out over the past twelve months. Starting with 'Diggin' the second song to be lifted from her sophomore album, Blastoma. It was a most suitable follow up to the 2015 Hottest 100 jam, 'Once', turning it up a notch in terms of the party starting stakes, while sacrificing nothing in terms of quality and uniqueness in the Australian music landscape. The reigning Empress of Neo-Soul was more glam than ever throughout 'Diggin', running vocal lines to die for alongside mighty fine electronic beats. Genre bending and defying expectations are nothing new for Ngaiire, but 'Diggin' was on a whole new level to what's come before. And this wasn't even our favourite release from Ngaiire in 2016. Ya dig? Sorry, had to use that one too. (Matt Bond) 

#13. NEVER BE LIKE YOU

by Flume ft. Kai





Please just look me in my face
Tell me everything's okay. 

The kids these days, they say things like realness and all the feels and there's probably someone somewhere that's creating a meme right this very minute that means exactly those things but in a different way, but all they need to do is listen to some Flume and words and memes don't matter. This was one of those creepy songs that snuck up on me and slapped me in the face, having heard it about a bazillion times without too much thought until one day it just it me - boom, and suddenly I'm at work humming something about never being like you to my boss. (Hi boss! Jokes! I love you etc).  It was only a few days I may have whispered something to Matt under my breath about possibly liking that Flume song that every one goddamn likes and now here we are at number 13, which means he liked it too. Boom. (Jo Michelmore) 

That Flume fella's done alright for himself, hasn't he now? He scored his first #1 song in Australia with 'Never Be Like You', which also took him to the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100. The monster hit has also scored young Harley Edward Streten his first Grammy nod for Best Dance Recording, while parent-album Skin took took out Album of the Year at the ARIA Awards. Will 'Never Be Like You' go all the way in the upcoming Hottest 100? It would definitely bring a smile to many dials on Australia Day if that were to happen. Everyone loved 'Never Be Like You' and there's a simple explanation... it's really fucking good. Flume was more than deserving of all the success that's come his way over the past 12 months, delivering this killer jam with Canadian singer Kai that will be remembered for a long time to come. (Matt Bond) 

#12. ADORE

by Amy Shark





Now go when you're ready
My head's getting heavy pressed against your arm.

I wish life always felt like it does when you're listening to Amy Shark's 'Adore'. Full of that happiness that only comes with the initial buzz in your head and your heart, the result of a new romance where anything and everything seems possible. It's like you're floating in your own personal happy place. Unfortunately there's so many other things that seem to get in the way. Life stuff, good and bad. Work, commitments, that darn requirement to sleep. When everything else is getting the way and you've got too many thoughts running through that brain that always wants to ruin everything with its thinking, just put on 'Adore' and disappear to that happy place. Life can't always be like that, but for three minutes and twenty seconds, Amy Shark can take you there. Given that the song has raised her profile significantly since it was released, it seems like the whole world is going to be taken to happy places by Amy Shark very soon. (Matt Bond)  

Everyone has been there and if you haven't, then I'm pretty jealous of your life. They are the subject of so much art, writing and music, it's hard to imagine what life would be like without them. Those times when there's nothing more pure and sweet than the desperation of wanting, the need to be loved and the true beauty in the agony of loneliness. Without big vocals, with simple words and some raw and uncomplicated keys and guitars, Amy Shark has captured the melancholy in obsession and the hopelessness of passion in such a effortless but powerful way. And now thinking about it, if you haven't felt any of these things, maybe I'm not jealous at all, because there's no feeling more intense and more alive than that of adoring...and needing to be adored. (Jo Michelmore)

#11. BEST OF YOU

by Big Smoke 





We're peeling back the blue skies
They got nothing on your blue eyes.

I really want to write about this song without mentioning how very bittersweet it is. I really want to write about the sense of roadtrip that it begs me to take, without wondering what could have been. I really want to write about those keys and that comforting voice that has me swaying with every listen, making me wish I was in a saloon, drinking a gin or a whiskey, or both, without wishing I could hear more. I really want to write about the absolute richness of this sound and the saturation of emotion without knowing where some of that might have come from. I really want to write all of those things without thoughts of what was or what could have been and I really want the members of Big Smoke to know they did good. While I can't imagine the things they have been through this year, I'm so glad they gave us all they could, because in songs like this, I hope they truly know thoughts of their friend and bandmate Adrian Slattery will be hanging about for a long time and with songs as gorgeous as this, he's never going to be forgotten. (Jo Michelmore) 

Top 25 - 18 October, 2016

Tkay Maidza, Kingswood, BAD//DREEMS + Katy Steele!

1. Tkay Maidza - Simulation (NEW)


 


2. Tired Lion - Agoraphobia





3. Tkay Maidza - Tennies





4. Bec Sandridge - High Tide





5. Kingswood - Creepin' (NEW)


 


6. Big Smoke - Wrong (NEW)


 


7. Ariela Jacobs - Leave The Light On





8. Lisa Mitchell - Warhol





9. Tkay Maidza ft. Killer Mike - Carry On





10. BAD//DREEMS - Mob Rule (NEW)


 


11. Kimbra - Sweet Relief





12. Katy Steele - It Ain't Me (NEW)


 


13. Big Smoke - Best of You





14. Angus Dawson - Ocean In The Sky (NEW)


 

15. MTNS - Insight (NEW)


   

16. The Bear Hunt - Who Made You God?





17. Alexander Biggs - Tidal Wave





18. Jack River - Palo Alto





19. Jidenna - Long Live The Chief





20. Lime Cordiale - Waking Up Easy





21. Lady Gaga - Million Reasons





22. Allie and Ivy - Best Friends





23. San Cisco - B-Side





24. Tash Sultana - Jungle





25. Lanks - Holla

Top 25 - 27 September, 2016

Big Smoke!

1. Tkay Maidza ft. Killer Mike - Carry On (#1 for 4 weeks!)





2. Tash Sultana - Jungle





3. Jess Kent - The Sweet Spot





4. Just A Gent ft. Ella Vos and Joey Chavez - Rolling Dice





5. Big Smoke - Best of You (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: Big Smoke's Luke Brennan, Alex O'Gorman, Tim Baker and Joe Cope have been working hard to finish the production of their upcoming LP Time Is Golden, due for release October 28. Last week they released the first single from the album, the heartwarming 'Best Of You', which is a more than worthy addition to their wonderful catalogue of music. If you're a fan of the Melbourne outfit, you would know the very sad news that came earlier in the year when frontman Adrian Slattery passed away. 'Best of You' and its accompanying video form a moving tribute from the rest of the band to an artist who passed far too young. There's not much else to say except listen and love and look out for Time Is Golden at the end of October, because we already know it's going to be one of the year's best albums. (Matt Bond)


6. Allie and Ivy - Best Friends (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: So we received an email recently that had this song tucked away in it and I scrolled through the words pretty quickly because so many emails so many words, but I found this cute little electro indie pop number that got itself stuck in my brain pretty quickly. Thank goodness I scrolled through the words because to be honest, a song named 'Best Friends' is probably not one I'd normally press play on, but that whole thing about not judging a book by it's cover is a thing I should follow, because soon enough it'll be don't judge a kindle by it's case or something and that doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it? Never mind, I'm glad I don't like to judge books or kindles or songs for that matter, because this one's a little sweet summery pop song that sounds like diamonds, rainbows, poolside cocktails and not a care in the world, all rolled into one. The only thing left to think about is whether Allie and Ivy are one person or two, but I'll let you figure that out for yourself. (Jo Michelmore) 


7. Lanks - Holla





8. Alexander Biggs - Tidal Wave (NEW)





9. Gretta Ray - Unwind (NEW)




10. Tami Neilson - Holy Moses





11. Olympia - Self Talk





12. Sia - The Greatest





13. Remi ft. Jordan Rakei - Lose Sleep





14. Ali Barter - Girlie Bits





15. Sparrows - Get To Know You (NEW)





16. Lastlings - Time (NEW)





17. Mondo Cozmo - Shine





18. Ben Wright Smith - Sand Grabber (NEW)





19. Babaganouj - Sorry





20. Postblue - Love To Praise You (NEW)





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





22. Gretta Ray - Drive





23. PASSERINE - White Shadows and Grey Noise





24. Winters End - Afterthought





25. Ayla - Like The Other Kids

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #50 - 41

Tkay Maidza, JOY, Drake + ALTA.

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50. BURY IT THERE

by Kimberly Anne

Never gonna be your princess

Just another girl in the room.

I had a heated conversation with a friend after seeing Taylor Swift live recently, which involved them saying that in their opinion, Ms Swift was the most talented pop singer in the world today. I like Tay Tay, but I couldn’t agree, because the trouble with that kind of statement is exactly this; Kimberly Anne. Here's her example of pure pop perfection, a perfect beat, a relatable theme, a singalong tune sung by a lady who clearly has a beautifully strong voice. Given another set of circumstances, with this kind of pop perfection, Kimberly Anne could be in Taylor Swift’s position and we’d all be hashtagging kimkim followed by squadgoals instead of taytay and squadgoals, or something like that. So I’m going to be completely honest and say that of all the pop music released this year, it wasn’t Adele or Taylor or Goulding or Gomez that released my fave pop tune, even though they all released good songs. For me, it was this one. And this one is proof that pop isn’t just for giant stadiums and instagram followers, sometimes it’s just for the sake of pop. And Kimberly Anne does pop very, very, very well. (Jo Michelmore) 

When Jo reviewed 'Bury It There' earlier in the year, I'm pretty sure she pointed out that it was going to be one of the year's best pop releases. I don't think anyone would want to argue with that. Not only because it's obviously correct, but why would you want to mess with Jo? She will mess you up, likely wearing stylish boots, and you could have prevented this by just admitting what everyone knows... that 'Bury It There' is one of the best pop releases of 2015. It's got the 'underdog done good' story that speaks to a universal audience and it's so beautifully performed by one of our favourite, emerging UK acts. Ms Kimberly Anne might not have been the princess of some a-hole, but she's won herself a special place in our hearts and we can't wait to hear more. (Matt Bond)

#49. I FOR AN EYE

by WAAX

You could take it or leave it

Or I'll keep it...

One time, I saw WAAX drinking beer at The Elephant Hotel in Brisbane. It was awesome. Alright, it was during BIGSOUND so all of the bands are out and about during the two showcase nights. All of them. Unfortunately I didn't get to see WAAX doing their thing on stage, which was a massive shame because 'I For An Eye' would have been a festival highlight. It's confident, demanding of your attention and packs a mighty punch. The same could be said of WAAX. With a brash, no-nonsense and totally Brisbane sound going for them, combined with one of our favourite new fronts in Maz DeVita, you can definitely count us as members of the WAAX fan club. Which will need some sort of name, right? The Waaxies? The Cerumens? Let's just go with Waaxies. The other one is pretty gross. (Matt Bond)
 

Clearly I’m biased, but I love it when such great bands emerge from my hometown. It gives me hope for the future of my little city, that maybe it’s not quite as boring as I think it is when I’m searching for entertainment on an average dull Saturday night. Maybe I’m biased but I feel like the peculiarity and anger of ‘I For An Eye’ is perfectly Brisbane, the angst of those guitars exactly how one feels here on an average dull Saturday night. Frontwoman Marie DeVita is everything a rock frontwoman should be, her take no prisoners approach dramatically supported by her bandmates. I could be biased, but you only have to listen once to know why. Any guaranteed-to-be-dull Saturday night, when I’m driving the mean streets of my little city looking for entertainment, it might be right there in the speakers of my car. (Jo Michelmore)

#48. WEATHER

by JOY.

I could of made you better

I'm sorry I couldn't change the weather.

I know that I have mentioned this before, but I actually can’t help myself this time, because once you get yourself in a comment loop, you just can’t stop can you? The comments on JOY’s youtube account for the clip to ‘Weather’ involve words like “pretty intense”, “magical” and “massive”, but my favourites are much more wordy than that; “yooo can we do a joint?” and “the emotion man, holy shit” which probably indicate that those comments may not have been written in a completely sober state. Regardless, all of the comments seem to reflect the same feeling, which is mine too; it is rather beautiful, this little track. Matt and I saw JOY at BIGSOUND earlier this year and her potential then was enormous. Here’s hoping next time I see her it’s on a larger stage with a little better mix of sound, because songs like this deserve the attention of many. (Jo Michelmore)


If there's one thing the world can never have enough of, it's JOY. Yeah, like the feeling... but the Brisbane based artist too. While her nom de plume focuses on only one, her music will give you ALL of the feels. As our totally sober YouTube friend points out above, 'Weather' is packed full of emotion. JOY, real name Olivia McCarthy, produces serene beats that circle around her deeply effecting vocals. It all works together to create the feeling of a powerful storm brewing, appropriate given the name of the song. And how about that video? That's some intense stuff right there. JOY looks to be gearing up for an even bigger 2016 and I can't wait to hear what she comes up with next. (Matt Bond)

#47. PAUL

by Girl Band

Again, again

She's a gent, give her a call, my daughter, Paul.

You know how people ask those questions about “where were you when…?” which usually involve world changing events of the past? I don’t have a great memory for those kinds of things, but if you were to ask me where I was the very first time I heard of the band called Girl Band, I could tell you exactly. A Sunday morning in August. Sitting at my dining table, with a plate of toast in front of me, a coffee in hand and a Facebook message from Matt saying “I sat for a couple of minutes in silence and then couldn't stop laughing. I think I love this”. It only took a few minutes on my phone for me to love it too, because there’s really no other way to take it. It’s bass heavy Irish punk, which is kind of adorable in the first place but you pair it with that clip and, well, that’s when magic happens, boys and girls. I know nothing else of Girl Band, I don’t know who Paul is and I’m actually not sure I’ll ever hear of any of them again, but I’ll always be thankful for that clip and that Sunday morning in August. (Jo Michelmore)
 

'Paul' is a song that makes me feel incredibly (and equally) anxious and excited. When I first heard it, I felt almost uncomfortable, but I couldn't look away from the absolutely trippy video. The further I got into the song, the more it just seemed to take over. And it's not a short song, so by the time it's finished it's hooked its claws in pretty deep. Back to the video... how good is it? Terrifying, but good. Which is just Girl Band and 'Paul' to a tee. I think I've repeated the same thing several different times in the space of four sentences. So I'll do it again... 'Paul' is like the best horror trip you'll ever go on in your life. You'll have no idea what's going on, but you won't be able to make it stop. You'll look back on what's transpired and think, "that was amazing". The process will repeat over and over again. Um... thanks, Girl Band. (Matt Bond)

#46. LATELY

by Big Smoke

Oh you know you've got me falling to my knees...

I don’t know how they do it, but Big Smoke always have this way of taking me places far away from where I am, to much more exotic landscapes and scenery than the laptop that’s sitting in front of my face. When they appeared back in the 100s of our countdown, I was at a pub in some rural outpost across this big land of ours and now, with ‘Lately’ I seem to have landed in a world of ever changing beats and tempos, a hard driving bass and a twangy guitar reminiscent of the greatest country numbers, without being sad or really lonely, maybe just a little curt. There’s probably still a bar involved, because all the greatest tales of not being able to live without someone’s love generally involve drowning oneself in a beverage or two or twenty, but maybe Adrian’s voice is more than enough really. He’s certainly got that heartbreak thing down right with his strains of “can’t love without your love, lately baby”. Another incredible track from one of our country’s finest. (Jo Michelmore)

#45. MICHIKO

by MKO SUN

Lately, I've been having bad dreams

Heavy, that is how my heart is.

MKO SUN manage to top themselves with each and every release. Which means the expectations we're putting on them are pretty crazy. Those expectations clearly mean little to Hannah Macklin and Co. as they effortlessly smash them to pieces. 'Michiko' only continued MKO SUN's winning streak, with Macklin's voice as striking as ever and featuring innovative beats you will fall deeply for. There's only love for MKO SUN and I don't see that ever changing. Please get totally famous soon so the whole world can share in this goodness. (Matt Bond)


Another one to add to the list of great songs MKO SUN has released this year, this three piece from my hometown describe themselves as abstract r+b, but I’d probably throw a little pop and a little electronica in there as well. And I’d have to mention the outstanding voice of Hannah Macklin’s, because she always seems to have a knack for strength and softness and knowing when to use them both in every song. No idea what or where ‘Michiko’ is, but if this song is any indication, I wouldn’t mind finding out and visiting. ASAP. Please. (Jo Michelmore) 

#44. LOUD PLACES

by Jamie xx ft. Romy

You go to loud places to find someone who

Will take you higher than I took you.

 Let’s talk about this from the beginning, in order to remove any further confusion. Or maybe add to it. Jamie XX is very, very talented, but there’s no coincidence that his name is Jamie XX and his band’s name is The xx. There’s a theme that runs through all of his music, and especially so when he uses the talents of his bands vocalist; Romy Madley Croft. I don’t really know while this isn’t The xx but you know, whatever. It’s good. Like The xx are. I digress. A little more layering than anything his other band can put together, ‘Loud Places’ reaches high upon high, with that gospel sounding choir clapping like you wouldn’t believe and Romy doing her glorious thing and stretching those vocal chords all over it. A glorious song by one very talented guy, but here’s hoping The xx will be back sooner than later. (Jo Michelmore)

As close as we'd get to new music from The xx this year, 'Loud Places' was the most hauntingly moving track on Jamie xx's In Colour. That shouldn't be a surprise with the addition of Romy Madley-Croft on vocals. Hauntingly moving/beautiful is kinda her thing. As an added bonus, 'Loud Places' makes you want to dance in a way that most tracks from The xx could not. You know, because your heart is usually breaking or you're reflecting on life. Ok, enough about The xx. It's just hard not to bring them up when here you've got this amazing song that's been brought to you by two members of The xx. I can't stop writing it. The xx. Enough. The xx. We're done here. The xx. I'm pretty desperate to hear a new album from The xx in 2016. The xx. (Matt Bond) 

#43. MOVES

by ALTA

Hurry up and make your move.

With 115 songs to write about, you'll have to forgive me for repeating myself a couple of times. I've already said a couple of times that I don't get the magical radio playlist makers in Australia. Because a song like 'Moves' is made for the radio, to be heard by and loved by a huge audience. It's supposed to achieve a huge level of popularity and have unnecessary remixes playing in the clubs. It's supposed to inspire the creations of future artists. Sure, it's nothing new for one of the best songs of the year to not get the play it deserves. That doesn't mean it's not time for that to change. 'Moves' is without question one of the best songs of the year. Duh. It's here in a best songs of 2015 countdown. Hannah Lesser and Julius Dowson make quirky cool, with creative beats that will have you coming back again and again. And you can't tell me that 'Moves' doesn't have the best use of an elephant's trumpet since Missy Elliott's 'Work It'. I'm hoping to hear a lot more from ALTA very soon. Knowing already that it will be quality stuff, I'm also hoping they start getting the attention they truly do deserve. (Matt Bond)   

#42. HOTLINE BLING

by Drake

You used to call me on my cellphone

Late night when you need my love.

I'm not going to pretend I'm Drake's biggest fan. A song here and there of his has been responsible for fleeting moments of musical distraction. That one with Rihanna, maybe? Yeah. That was alright. While I'm still not fully on team Drake, I can't deny the impact he had in 2015 with 'Hotline Bling'. I've enjoyed the song almost as much as I've enjoyed the countless gifs and vines and whatever the new way of sharing stupid little videos is called. I'm hip to the technology talk. What I'm not, is as good at the dancing as Drake... doing his little... jig... to the song. Fella's got some moves. I can't keep up this ridiculous charade. The dancing is a joke. But the song? The song's pretty great. (Matt Bond)


The greatest thing about ‘Hotline Bling’ becoming as commercially popular as it has is not that mid-tempo beat that makes it one of those songs that circles your mind and it’s not the almost muted nature of its rhythms or Drake’s  intense way of saying those apparently captivating words “you used to you used to” but the best thing about his new found popularity is the concept of someone who knows nothing else about Drake googling his back catalogue and finding his perhaps not as commercially viable previously released songs. It could also be the amount of memes, gifs and other things the kids do made post release of that video, because really, that was what that clip was made for.  If nothing else, it sure made for some of my fave dance moves of the year. There’s still hope for me making a career in dance if Drake does that. Thanks Drake. More unintentional hilarity again next year please. (Jo Michelmore)

#41. GHOST
by Tkay Maidza

They're heading for me, they don't know a truth from a lie.

Like Emma Louise before her, here’s another late year release that had to replace someone else on this list once we’d compiled it, because there was no way we were leaving this one out. Sorry Bieber*, you didn't make it. I used to be one who didn’t have much faith in Australian hip hop. There was one name that changed all of that for me. Tkay. Ghost is glorious, the hooks addictive, that voice of Tkay’s shining above all, it’s a supposedly all-star line up on this one but we all know Ms Maidza is the real star…and what is that Matt says the kids say? Slaying? Is that what she does? Whatever they call it, it’s awesome. *It wasn't Beiber who got pushed off the list. (Jo Michelmore)

Tkay Maidza shows no signs of slowing down on the world domination front. After wowing us with hit after hit the past couple of years, Maidza ends 2015 with the release of another absolute banger. 'Ghost' shows just how far the Adelaide rapper has come in a relatively short time. Fresh and sophisticated productions from Baauer, What So Not and George Maple surround the energetic and rapid delivery of rhymes from Australia's finest rap export. We're also treated to more of Tkay's sweet vocal tones in the chorus, which you WILL sing along to. Tkay continues to do what Tkay does best. Slay. (Matt Bond)

There's only four posts left to go! Where does the time go? No, seriously... why is it going so fast? Don't stray too far, we'll be back tomorrow with #40 - #31!

 

Song Review - Lately

Lately

by Big Smoke (available now on bandcamp)

I’ve been listening to this track quite a bit lately (boom!) I mean, for a few weeks now, but you can count yourself lucky that something has bought me to the point of needing to share my love of it today. Ok, maybe you don’t need to count yourself lucky for that, but you should count yourself lucky for Big Smoke, because they write songs like ‘Lately’ and their songs, quite simply, are really, really good.  Drums I can’t help but nod to, twanging guitars, a bassline forcing its way throughout and a vocal that has me convinced I’m listening to a sweet little tale of unrequited love one minute and a desperately irate tale of anguish the next. Either way, it’s a song I haven’t been able to get out of my head lately (boom, twice in one review!) and probably a song I’ll be nodding along to for a while yet.

Jo Michelmore gives 'Lately' four guitar emojis out of five...

Top 25 - 19 July, 2015

Chvrces + Lana Del Rey!

1. Chvrches - Leave A Trace (NEW)


 


2. Little May - Home





3. Big Smoke - Lately (NEW)


 

4. Kira Puru - All Dulled Out





5. Santigold - Radio





6. Ngaiire - Once





7. Highasakite - Keep That Letter Safe





8. Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon (NEW)


 


9. Holy Holy - Sentimental and Monday (NEW)


 


10. Veruca Salt - Empty Bottle





11. The Paper Kites - Electric Indigo (Re-Entry)


 


12. Velociraptor - Dollarmite





13. Bag Raiders - Vapour Trails (NEW)


 


14. Our Man In Berlin - Bones





15. Paul Conrad - Records (NEW)


 


16. James Chatburn ft. Frank Nitt - We Drink





17. Manor - Can You Hear Me Talking At You





18. Major Leagues - Someone Sometime (NEW)


 

19. Airlin - Stallin'





20. SAFIA - Embracing Me





21. Ben Folds - Phone In A Pool (NEW)


 


22. Lupa J - Quiet Here





23. Peking Duk ft. Benjamin Joseph - Say My Name





24. Dolo Jones ft. Passerine - Can't Give You Up





25. Kimbra - Goldmine (NEW)


 

Song Review - Try A Little Love

Try A Little Love

by Big Smoke
EP: Lately (due 2015)

 

I'm not really sure what it is, whether it's the guitars or the words or those all encompassing, emotionally charged keys that make this song so damn sweet. I'm not really sure if it's the voice of Adrian Slattery, that so simply suggests a little something nice or if it's the gentle beat that lulls me into a sense of safety that makes me so happy. It could be just another folk song, indie song, pop song, whichever genre you prefer to use song, with it's simple guitars and sitting around a campfire style swing, but there's something about it that just seems so damn genuine I can't take my ears away from it and I can't take my heart away from it's sweet little message. Those harmonies as they swirl around each other, constantly giving and never ever taking are just divine, a warm blanket and a cool breeze all at once. With every listen there's a part of me that's lost in a place and time so far removed from here that I keep re-visiting over and over and that's a place that Big Smoke seem really comfortable with, so I'm more than happy to follow them there. 

 

 

Jo Michelmore gives 'Try A Little Love' five Johnny Cash heads out of five...

Top 25 - 1 March, 2015

Asta, Karl S. Williams + Lurch & Chief!

1. Tired Lion - I Don't Think You Like Me





2. Tkay Maidza - M.O.B.





3. Lurch and Chief - Fading Out (NEW)





4. OKENYO - Just A Story (NEW)





 5. Our Man In Berlin - Moliere





6. Big Smoke - Try A Little Love (NEW)





7. The Rebel Light - Strangers





8. Florence + The Machine - What Kind of Man





9. Karl S. Williams - Is This Love? (NEW)





10. James Chatburn x Jordan Rakei - Holiday Love





11. Passerine - Set Me Alight





12. Ainslie Wills - Drive





13. Asta ft. Allday - Dynamite (NEW)





14. Sarah Belkner - Humans (NEW)





15. Big Strong Brute - Wedding Pages





16. Little Earthquake - I Am Alive (NEW)





17. Chris Watts - Broken Bones





18. Lanks - Hold Me Closer (NEW)





19. Gena Rose Bruce - Cheated





20. Taylor Swift - Style





21. Passion Pit - Lifted Up (1985)





22. NYUON - Your City





23. Best Coast - California Nights (NEW)





24. Wolf Alice - Giant Peach (NEW)





25. Winterbourne - Steady My Bones

Top 114 Songs of 2014, #30 - 21

Jack Ladder, Lana Del Rey, The Griswolds + FKA Twigs!

#114 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40 - 31

#30. COME ON BACK THIS WAY

by Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders





If tomorrow never comes, I wouldn't care at all.

If I have the radio on in the car, as opposed to one of those old CD things, it's because someone else is in the car with me and I can't handle their judgment of the likely depressing music I'm currently listening to. So the first time I heard 'Come On Back This Way' I was driving along with a friend and there's me screaming at her to, "Shazam the sh*t out of this!" And Shazam she did, even though an equal parts delightful/dour triple J presenter would say the track was by one Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders right as the song ended. I guess the point (?) of this story is I'm glad I had the radio on that day, because I wouldn't have wanted to miss hearing 'Come On Back This Way', a song that I've loved just a little bit more with each listen to the point that, hey, here it is as one of the year's best tracks. The driving beat, Ladder's fantastic speak/sung qualities, the 'caught on the wrong side of the tracks' tale and, of course, the total budget video clip. There's a whole lot to love. (Matt Bond)


HashtagohmygodI’mnotsureIcancopewiththerestofthiscountdown. Seriously. When number 30 is this good, how good can the next twenty nine songs be? Quite good it seems. I told you, I know what the rest of them are and trust me, they’re good. No, I’m still not telling you what number 1 is. Right now, Jack Ladder and his dreamlanding friends. And here we have the third appearance from Sharon Van Etten, which means we should give Sharon some kind of honorary award, I think. (There’s a handmade certificate in the mail, Sharon) Jack takes us through his strange little world in ‘Come On Back This Way’, which is actually not that strange, after all, it’s just the story of a person who wants another person and that person isn’t reciprocating their affections and everything is so dark and depressing and realistic and poor and alone and a little bit Jarvis Cocker but about a thousand times better. This song is so goddamn depressing it makes me insanely happy and there’s a little sight into my psyche. Shut up. You don’t know me. (Jo Michelmore)

#29. COLOURS

by Big Smoke





'Cause I wanna dance, I want to dance with you.
And I want to see you smiling, when I'm smiling too. 

So in that last one where I said I couldn’t cope with how good this countdown was getting? Example number two. This song came into my world midway through the year and in the way things are when you meet your first love, I couldn’t imagine my world without it once it was here. It’s just so extraordinarily adorable, I was completely taken in by its charms, so simple, so cute, stripped back sounds and such a delightful little story all I wanted was for the person of little Adrian’s dreams to come running into his arms for the rest of eternity and everyone lived happily ever after etc. This doesn’t often happen in real life, so it’s really nice to imagine it when the sweetest songs like this one come along. (Jo Michelmore)


Romance in song form, thy name is 'Colours'. Look, I know I said that Jessie Ware's 'Say You Love Me' is the love ballad of the year, but if there was a best song that's actually about L-O-V-E (love), it's got to be this little ditty by Big Smoke. Adrian Slattery pours his heart out in the bestest, not-cheesiest way on a track that when I find my way back to it, I just can't stop listening. Listen. Repeat. Listen. Repeat. This continues for quite some time, but hopefully you get where I'm going here. A beautiful piece of songwriting and a truly memorably performance. We want to hear a lot more of this from Big Smoke very soon. (Matt Bond)

#28. TWO WEEKS

by FKA Twigs





I know it hurts,
You know, I'd put you first. 

I know someone who absolutely loves FKA Twigs. Like, absolutely LOVES FKA Twigs. I’d say it was to the point of pathetic, but then I don’t want to use a word like pathetic in the same sentence as FKA Twigs, because she’s anything but pathetic. She is like a breath of fresh air in an electronic landscape that’s getting overcrowded with similar sounding and sometimes average beats. She’s also an artist who knows who she is, makes the music she wants without apologies and takes no prisoners in her understated take-over of English electronica this year. That person I know who loves FKA-T is going to love me saying that. ‘Two Weeks’ is the simplest, sexiest song this genre and that country produced this year and also contains one of my favourite lyrics, ever. You’re going to have to guess what that line is. But let me just say, it’s a really, really good one. (Jo Michelmore) 


Oh my... this countdown just got awfully steamy and just a little bit dirrty. Does anyone else feel like they need a shower after listening to 'Two Weeks'? After a banner couple of years for British electronic artists, FKA Twigs proudly kept the flag flying with the Mercury Music Prize nominated killer debut, LP1. This sexy little encounter, 'Two Weeks', saw FKA Twigs, aka Thaliah Barnett, go from 'next big thing' to just 'big thing' with its fierce presentation of an artist demanding to be recognised and because she could do certain things to you better than someone else could. Ahem. All I'll say is I'm sure she can. Is that the lyric that's your favourite, Jo? It's like the non-angry, totally in control, sex as power, British electronic, inverted version of Alanis Morissette's 'You Outta Know'. Don't question how I look at things. (Matt Bond)

#27. BONES

by Little May





There was this boy I fell apart to... 

Look, I can't say for sure I can feel in my bones how Little May did, falling apart to a boy in the backseat of a car. What I can say with all certainty is that when I'm listening to Little May's music, the feeling in my bones is one of immense happiness. Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton built on their many successes in 2013 with the release of their debut, self-titled EP which featured 'Bones', a song that stands tall as one of the best pop releases of the year. And it really is a fantastic 'pop' song, which might seem a bit off given that we're usually throwing indie-folk-rock labels at Little May, but what is 'Bones' if not a brilliant pop song? It's got all the hallmarks of what make a memorable pop track with the added bonus of lyrics coming from some of the finest storytellers in the country and those beautiful Little May harmonies they're now renowned for. When I saw a write-up on Little May and 'Bones' on Billboard.com, I'm pretty sure I turned into that dancing lady emoji and then the smiley face with love heart eyes, but not the person... the cat. (Matt Bond)    

I love writing on this blog because I get to write about one of my true loves in life, music, and I get to do that with my friends. One of those friends and my fellow blogger Matt introduced me to Little May last year. It's well documented on our blog that I’m a sucker for the story telling song, just like him. I cried a little the first time I heard this song. Sometimes I still do. I never told Matt, or anyone else that, but essentially, since he introduced me to Little May, it’s his fault I cried. (Thanks, you’re a jerk Matt) But I cried because it reached into my life, into a part I don’t visit often and told the story of a portion of what makes me who I am today and it’s only the best life defining songs that do that. With its heart wrenching lyrics, interweaving guitars and sweet intricate melodies, it became one of my very favourite songs of this year, so I have to thank my fellow blogger and friend for that introduction. (Thanks. You’re a jerk, but you’re a great fellow-blogging-music-introducing friend, Matt!) This year, quite simply, my friends, Little May and 'Bones' are some of the (many) reasons I have loved writing on this blog. (Jo Michelmore)


At number 65 I marvelled at the ability of Our Man in Berlin to unite all of the It’s My Kind of Scene-rs. Well, guess what? Here’s another one of those rare and wonderful gems. While we spend our time arguing about who is for and against Kanye West and whether or not I could actually ‘make it’ as an international rap superstar, there’s no denying our love for Little May. Matt’s obsession knows no bounds; Jo has been recognised at the front of their show, and me… Well, I leave hash brown themed song titles on their Instagram account. While we may show our love in different ways, we all feel it in our bones. (Katie Langley)


My so called obsession falls outside the legal definition of stalking. What? (Matt Bond)

#26. SLOWBURN

by Howling Bells





I've got patience,

Patience it seems, ain't got time for me... 

It always seems like far too long between visits when we get to hear a little something-something new from Howling Bells, but we were in for a treat this year with the rocking and rolling 'Slowburn'. Easily one of our defining rock numbers of the year, 'Slowburn' shows us there's no signs of slowing down for Howling Bells and that Juanita Stein is still the most perfect front for a band in ever. I wouldn't blame you if you thought 'Slowburn' was actually a classic rock track from the late 60s/early 70s. It's not just good, it's THAT good. (Matt Bond)

#25. DEAR

by Jessie Frye





Slow motion lover, we die with no last words,
Here I am, grieving you tonight. 

Did I tell you I stumbled upon the music of Jessie Frye on The Wall Street Journal website? Yeah, it's true. The Wall Street Journal knows good music. And I know this, because they introduced me to one of our favourite new singers of the year, Jessie Frye, who hails from a place called Denton which is in the state of Texas in the U.S.A. I can't say I know much about Denton, but I know that "you don't mess with Texas" and I'm going to extend that to "you don't mess with Jessie Frye". On 'Dear' she is a bonafide rock star, absolutely owning the moment and backed up by roaring guitars and rocking drums. It was a standout moment on her 2014 album, Obsidian and if you're loving this (and why wouldn't you?) you should definitely go give that album a listen. (Matt Bond)  

The thing is, I live in Australia and although I’d be quite happy to travel almost anywhere in the world, I never really had a reason to go to Texas until this year. This year was the first time I heard the tremendous sounds of Jessie Frye who gave me every reason to want to fly all the way over a big ocean and visit her homeland. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not thinking of stalking, I just love the idea of knowing where these sounds came from, the huge chords and solid guitars, the driving percussion, the perfectly positioned keys and that voice, oh that voice! Everyone I know is aware of my secret not so secret dream of being an angry rock girl and ‘Dear’ is like all of those dreams rolled into one. And it’s a really angry, really awesome dream that one. (Jo Michelmore) 

#24. YOU ARE THE ONE

by SAFIA





Only one that makes me feel this crazy,
You are the one. 

Speaking of going places, I must have judged Canberra too quickly. I’ve been there a couple of times and while I enjoyed my stays, this is not the Canberra I found. Safia, hailing from our nation’s capital, give a really, really good name to what is often a harshly judged metropolis. ‘You Are The One’ is an upbeat little adventure, bright synths and quirky little beats and with its build from a tragic tale into a super bouncy little dance number it’s like if Australia had a Eurovision this would win and that’s everything electronic pop music should be. I might like Canberra, but I love Safia. (Jo Michelmore)

#23. WEST COAST

by Lana Del Rey





But you've got music, you've got the music in you,
Don't you? 

The thing I like about Lana Del Rey is that Lana Del Rey knows who Lana Del Rey is and she ain’t messing with the Lana Del Rey formula. While the song is almost split in two, with the typical breathy Lana cooing about alcohol and addiction and everything slightly tragic that Lana has a love of and then the ultra cruisey Lana kicks in channelling the sounds of Stevie Nicks in a not so subtle and strange way, but amongst all the sounds there at the heart is exactly what should be: Lana Del Rey being the dramatic Lana that she is. It may have been the only taste of Lana that we got this year, but for fans of Lana, it didn’t disappoint. (Jo Michelmore)


If there's one thing Lana Del Rey proved with her sophomore album, Ultraviolence, it's that she's got staying power. I hate to admit it, given my now crazy-fan level adoration of my floral headpiece adorned princess, that even I thought the success of Born To Die would be a one time thing. But I think she went out of her way to mix it up (at least a little) from what we had already heard and she stepped down a way more alternative track with songs like 'West Coast'. Thematically it might not be stepping outside its comfort zone, but the music and the more restrained vocals keep things interesting. Apparently what hasn't changed is her need to be all over some creepy, old dude in her music video. Perhaps she'll move away from that for album number 3. Perhaps not. As a final note, remember that time I got to go to Glastonbury this year? Well I did. And Del Rey's performance of 'West Coast' was a highlight, even if she was sort of just zombie walking around the stage with a durrie in her hand and no shoes on. (Matt Bond)

#22. ABCD

by Ngaiire





Tell the others, that I'm so sorry,
I had to leave. 

"We only die once, not twice." Sometimes I think that a song is actually too powerful for the masses to handle, which is why it sort of remains a hidden gem and doesn't break out to get the success it deserves. Like, if it got out and the whole world heard it, the outpouring of emotion would just be too much to handle. There'd be too many people in the world experiencing the beauty of such a stunning track and nothing would get done, the trains wouldn't run on time and so on and so forth. You're probably sitting there thinking I'm a crazy person, but I think it's just easier for me to think like that as opposed to accepting a song as amazing as Ngaiire's 'ABCD' just simply didn't get the attention it so richly deserved from a huge audience. I know I'm part of a small audience that will love this track forever, but at least I can genuinely say that I will love this song forever. (Matt Bond)


Ngaiire, Ngaiire, Ngaiire, oh how I wonder of your talent, your imagination, your way of being. How I wonder how you can be so talented and yet not the name on everyone’s lips when one speaks of talent in this country we share. How I wonder how much your heart must have felt to be able to sing so gorgeously, painfully, gloriously in what is possibly my favourite song of yours and how I wonder just where the inspiration for such a song visits, because if listening is this moving, then I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to create. Oh Ngaiire, how I could listen to this song a million times and it still wouldn’t be enough. (Jo Michelmore)

#21. BEWARE THE DOG

by The Griswolds





You hate so much and you're better off alone.

 

This is the face of Australian indie pop party rock in 2014 and what a charming little face it is. ‘Beware The Dog’; with all it’s lovely little “whoah’s!” and sing-a-long lines and cute little hooks and drums like that busker that has played in the same part of my city every single night for what seems like a hundred years, all of that and the punch your hand in the air carelessness of this song which hides its true meaning, its not so far underlying themes of friendship and addiction and lives lived and lives changed. The Griswolds are the face of Australian indie pop party rock and what a pleasant surprise, what an intelligent little face it is, hiding behind all that party pop charm. (Jo Michelmore)


The Griswolds' plans for world domination are coming along very nicely. They were busy teaching us to Be Impressive with album cuts like 'Beware The Dog' that make you want to head on down to the beach for a summer party. They're quietly doing their thing, building up a solid fan base in America and at home and given the fun qualities of their music, it's no wonder. What I've been loving about The Griswolds is they mask some dark material in the guise of upbeat, summer-time party music. Listening to the story can make you look at the song in a whole new light. And you can flip back and forth between those views at your leisure. It's smart that is. It's only up and up from here for The Griswolds. (Matt Bond)