Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #90 to #81

Camp Cope, Leon Bridges + Lana Del Rey!

#100 - #91

#90. NEVER LET ME GO

by Sarah Blasko

Some days you'll see me at my worst I know

A side of me that I cannot control.

How did Sarah Blasko manage to put such an obvious sax in a song without anyone noticing and how did she manage to make an instrument that I find so cringeworthy, sound so good? Questions I will never know the answer to. Never stop making me ask the questions Ms Blasko, never ever stop. (Jo Michelmore)

And here we have Australian icon and all around musical genius, Sarah Blasko. Six albums into her career and Blakso is still killing it with tracks like 'Never Let Me Go' that show she's as effortlessly cool as ever. It's quirky and fun, it's sleek and sexy, it's all of the things that we've come to love about Sarah Blasko over the years that makes us want to hear more and more from her for years to come. (Matt Bond)

#89. HOW TO SOCIALISE AND MAKE FRIENDS

by Camp Cope

Maybe I'll tell everyone I cried while you

Sleep next to your wife for the rest of your life.

I'm here for Camp Cope being over taking shit and it's nice to see that a whole bunch of like-minded music fans are out there. 'How To Socialise and Make Friends', the title track from the punk trio's 2018 LP of the same name takes you on a bit of a journey of understanding just how Camp Cope have gotten to the point of being over the previously mentioned 'shit'. It's packed with not only a healthy dose of cynicism and sarcasm, but also reflection and a self-awareness that leads to the triumphant realisations in the song's final moments. How it actually gets the title is all kinds of clever too. (Matt Bond)

#88. WHEN I DREAM

by San Cisco

Why does it feel so good to be self-destructing again?

So, I'm not going to talk too much about the music video for 'When I Dream', which features far too many shots of a rattlesnake considering there's no pay off... but how about that song? So good. San Cisco haven't disappointed since they burst onto the scene with 'Awkward' all those years ago. How many years is it now... four? Eight? Twelve? We don't do research around here anymore. Anyway, we've loved the music of San Cisco from the first and we'll love it to the last, because these crazy kids know what they're doing. And they must be huge in Mexico now if the comment section of the clip on YouTube is anything to go off. So, uh... felicidades, San Cisco! (Matt Bond)

#87. WAITING

by KIAN

If you got a moment to spare

I've got something to say.

KIAN is seventeen, with a seventeen year old’s haircut and a seventeen year old’s sense of style (these are both amazing things that should be captured as they happen), but that’s about all of him that suggests his age ends in teen. ‘Waiting’ is a track so far beyond his years, it’s subtle build and remarkable lyric are so deserving of the JJJ Unearthed High trophy they won this year, but more importantly, they are an indication that KIAN has a future bigger than his hair ahead of him. (Jo Michelmore)  

#86. LANDMINE

by I Know Leopard

Wait, tell me that it isn't true

You were just running out of better things to do.

I obviously thought we were heading into extreme country territory during the first few bars of ‘Landmine’ and then the beat kicked in and suddenly we’re on a light up dancefloor somewhere in the late 70s. What a great place to land surrounded by brightly coloured polyester and futuristic metallic synths! Is there a better place than 70s soft rock? Well, there probably is, but I'm happy here with layered vocals and soft unoffensive guitar solos. Can we all hang around here a bit longer? I always looked so good in flares. (Jo Michelmore)   

#85. BAD BAD NEWS

by Leon Bridges

But I can see right through

A powdered face on a painted fool.

Once you let old school rhythm and blues into your life, they never leave. Once you understand the sound of soul, it never goes away. Once you know who Leon Bridges is, you will never get enough. Bad Bad News? Nope. Best news ever. (Jo Michelmore)  

#84. BIG THINGS

by Tkay Maidza

Steering my own wheel, I'm driving blind

But it's worth fighting for.

Tkaaaaaaaaaay! Slay. Big things have come her way over the past couple of years and here we have Tkay Maidza reflecting on that with the opening track to her 2018 album, Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 1. The reggae vibes are srong on this one and Maidza puts those showstopping rap skills on hold to show off her vocal pipes. As summer officially kicks off in Australia, you don't need to look much further for your sunny season anthem. With 'Big Things', Tkay's got you covered. (Matt Bond)


TKAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY! Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve written words about one of our favourites and I could not agree with her more; Last Year Was Weird (Vol 1). I just spent the year hanging out, while Tkay spent the year releasing amazing things, running about the world playing things, winning things and on this track, having her Dad play bass with her on things. Every year though, she’s right, isn’t she? “Take it as it comes there’s no time to waste”. She's wasting none. Damn right Tkay, damn right. (Jo Michelmore) 

#83. MARINERS APARTMENT COMPLEX

by Lana Del Rey

Don't look too far, right where you are, that's where I am

I'm your man.

What I like the most about Lana Del Rey is that, even as she continues to develop as a songwriter, her music maintains the same identity that drew fans to her in the first place. You only need to hear the first piano notes that open 'Mariners Apartment Complex' to know this is one of Del Rey's tracks and you're about to experience something special. We've moved away from the overly dramatic Americana themes that defined her first two albums and seem to be getting a real look at who Lana Del Rey, the individual, is. Sure, we're not getting opening lyrics like, "my pussy tastes like Pepsi Cola," but we are getting the jaw dropping, "you took my sadness out of context, at the Mariners apartment complex, I ain't no candle in the wind." Now that's a kind of darkness I can get behind. (Matt Bond) 

#82. CALL ME AGAIN

by Mark Harding

I never knew you were suffering...

When he's not recording or on tour with Little May, Jack River, Annie Hamilton and, I don't know, another forty-five other Australian acts, Mark Harding's delivering the goods all on his own. This year Harding released his first EP, all good, which featured songs like last year's Beautiful (with a capital B) 'Grow' and introduced us to some new stunners like 'Call Me Again'. There's a nice little build throughout the song that keeps the focus on Harding's voice and the song's story, which offers a good lesson on having a friend's back and being there for them. Even if you're not right there with them. (Matt Bond)

#81. I DON'T LACK IMAGINATION

by E^ST

I'd rather dream 'bout all the things we'd see

Than have you see me.

Well, it’s true, imagination is something she doesn’t lack in. You should hear the track that’s coming up later in this countdown. *Spoiler Alert. (Jo Michelmore)

               

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #100 - 91

#116 - 101

#100. FALLING, LANDING

by Cash Savage and The Last Drinks





I hear the plane, I think we're landing
Welcome back, we're glad that you're here.

Earlier in the year, Cash Savage and The Last Drinks released their ridiculously good third LP, One of Us. The first track from said album was this one right here, a song that I haven't been able to get enough of months after first hearing it, 'Falling, Landing'. With the way the music builds up, it feels like the brooding Cash Savage will explode at any minute. Instead, the band unleashes musical interludes as opposed to your standard chorus and it's perfect. Because when there's vaguely threatening strings circling like sharks about to rip you apart, I'm going to call that song perfect. Savage firmly holds your attention with every word that comes out of her mouth and seriously, if her voice isn't some sort of national treasure then I don't know what is. 'Falling, Landing' sees Cash Savage and The Last Drinks firmly living up to one of their own descriptions. Dark, deep and unmistakably Australian. Yes, yes, yes and more, more, more. Please. (Matt Bond)   

#99. SAY IT TOO

by Mark Harding





It could feel so right 'cause it's taken so long
Say it too, say it too, say it to me now. 

I don't want to let on any secrets so early in the countdown, but I'm pretty sure this is the newest of all the songs that you're going to read about in the next 99 songs and pretty sure Mark Harding is going to appear again later anyway, but if you ever read our blog you'd have guessed that already. Here's a real secret; you wanna know why we kicked someone else to 117 to stick Mark in here? The other song sucked. No! None of these songs suck. You've probably worked that out already. It's because, quite simply,  this is a really, really, really good song. More please Mark. Thank you. (Jo Michelmore)

It's a real skill to make a song that sounds so familiar that's also undeniably unique. When this happens, I think it's because the track in question has a story you can relate something in your life to or the music itself speaks to you at an emotional level. 'Say It Too' does both of these things and it's only Mark Harding's debut single. Oh, the places you're going to go, Mr Harding. I'm so very, very excited to hear what comes next. Until then, I'll be more than happy to listen to 'Say It Too' over and over again. You know what else is a real skill? Making a song that someone can listen to a thousand times and never get sick of it. I'm already halfway to a thousand and I don't see myself getting sick of this one anytime soon. Or ever. (Matt Bond)

#98. EVENTUALLY

by The Ruiins

Just take it or leave it

Don't start a war.

'Eventually' makes you want to jump in the car and cruise on down to the beach for some fun in the sun. Which fits The Ruiins well with Adam Dooker and Pat Sugden based on the Gold Coast. Rocking summer vibes run strong throughout 'Eventually', with a full sound unleashed in the chorus that's a whole lot bigger than what you'd expect from a two man combo. The perfect summer singalong? Heck yes it is. Grab some friends and let the good times roll with The Ruiins. (Matt Bond)   


No Google, when I type The Ruiins, I am not searching for a horror film set in sunny Mexico, what I'm searching for a band from the Gold Coast singing songs built for summer afternoons spent sitting near a beach, probably with a beer in hand. What I'd like is a simple rock tune I can nod my head to, tap my feet to and what I'd really like is to stop being doubted, because Google, from now on, ruiins has two 'i's', regardless of what you want to believe. (Jo Michelmore) 

#97. ZOMBIE

by Bad Pony

Come, give me one hint of human

And I can see that you don't seem like yourself anymore.

I really like a band that know who they are. The description Bad Pony give themselves on their Facebook page says pretty much everything I need to say about them; "Many drums. Many sings". I suppose I should throw in another word or two, considering blog and words and things. Here goes. Many crunchy guitars. So heavy. Much 90s. I like. (Jo Michelmore)

I like Bad Pony. I like zombies. It only makes sense that I'm going to like a song by Bad Pony called 'Zombie'. And what's not to like? Nothing. That's what. It's manic, infectious (like a zombie virus - that's right, I'm going there) and highlights everything Bad Pony has to offer. There's huge hooks, a booming chorus that you can scream your heart out to and that unstoppable feeling that starts in your toes and makes you want to dance. Bloody good stuff right here from Bad Pony! Since we're talking about zombies, has this season of The Walking Dead been a snooze-fest or what? (Matt Bond)

#96. RATHER BE LONELY

by I Know Leopard





But I would rather be lonely again
I would rather be lonely again than with you. 

I Know Leopard have always been oh so dreamy, but 'Rather Be Lonely' takes steps in a psychedelic direction that's really working for them. And for me. I am picking up what they are putting down here. Dreamy, lightly psychedelic perfection. That's what we've got right here from the Sydney-based outfit. I've already heard 'Rather Be Lonely' a couple of times on the j's, so it's nice to see our national youth broadcaster getting firmly behind I Know Leopard because this song deserves to not get lost in the shuffle. Could it be a contender to place the band in the Hottest 100 come Australia? The timing is right, it's getting a lot of play... why not? I'd sure like to hear it on Australia Day. Dreamy, lightly psychedelic perfection + a VB and steak sanga. 'Straya. (Matt Bond)

#95. STITCHES

by Mr Little Jeans





Oh what you never knew
Has me coming back to you...

There must be something in the water over in Norway that makes their country folk so darn good at making the most delicious of pop tunes. I'm assuming there's magic in the fjords and global warming is causing them to melt and the magic is going into the streams and rivers of Norway and the children are drinking the water while giving their offerings to the Norse gods. And one of those children was known as Monica Birkenes and she grew up to be Mr Little Jeans and she is so darn good at making delicious pop tunes. Take 'Stitches' for example. It's got all the drama of a Lana Del Rey ballad with mighty fine electronic touches, but it's not all summertime (summertime) sadness here. With Mr Little Jeans you won't be able to take the smile off your face. Also, I haven't done any research into my theory about the fjords, but I'm probably right, so... (Matt Bond)  

#94. YOU AND ME

by Ben Abraham

These are the moments that I love reliving the year through song, when I press play on a song I may have pushed aside and forgotten for a minute or two there, but one that I remember how much I loved as soon as I hear the opening notes. I loved the feeling of desperation, I loved the clip with all it's dramatic fairy lights and I loved a slightly deshevilled Ben Abraham in a suit. What a good year it's been. What a good song this is. What a babe Mr Abraham is. (Jo Michelmore)

#93. WHO MADE YOU GOD?

by The Bear Hunt





No one cares where you come from
Or where you go.

I've probably mentioned about five times already that there's no rock music like Brisbane rock music and The Bear Hunt are another band on the rise from the Sunshine State's capital that prove it. A little heavier than the standard garage sound we've grown accustomed to, on 'Who Made You God' the band captures everything you could ever love about 90s alternative while still managing to keep it fresh. Wailing guitars, beating drums and a whole lot of don't mess with me vibes will keep you coming back for more. Bec Wilson's voice is unlike any other in Australian music right now; unique and totally commanding. The Bear Hunt are expected to drop an EP early next year and I'm already thinking it's going to be one of my most played albums of 2017. (Matt Bond)

Perhaps the thing I love most about twenty years after the 90s is the natural cycle of music and life and things and the resurgence of everything grunge from the decade that spawned messy guitars, don't care hair, dirty drums and a fuck you attitude. The Bear Hunt would have been perfectly at home in one of the dodgy downstairs dives that lined the streets of the yet to be loved Valley in their hometown of Brisbane in the mid 90s and, following that natural cycle of music, they are now perfectly at home in so many of the slightly cleaner venues now residing on top of those basements of twenty years ago. How good is the cycle of music and life and things? (Jo Michelmore)

#92. HOLLAND ON FIRE

by Gallery Circus





Just like the movies
All the movers and shakers watch the parade. 

Let's just start this with a little community service for those of our community who may enjoy this service. Gallery Circus consists of two boys who wear checked shirts quite well and have a small amount of facial hair. If this happens to be your thing, they are identical twins, meaning there are two of them the same, so you go ahead and image search if you think you might enjoy that. Now, because these are meant to be words about music, I don't wish Holland to be on fire, because you know, tulips and clogs and cheese and shit, but I do like the sound of 'Holland On Fire', because it's all the things I like about music. Big guitars, big vocals, big drums and big sounds. Now, get to your image searching and enjoy the, music. You're welcome. (Jo Michelmore)

#91. DOOMSDAY CLOCK

by Abbe May ft. Joni Hogan and Odette Mercy 

Shallow rivers still drown

The tallest mountains can fall down. 

Abbe May's fucking rad. I could stop there, because what more needs to be said? She's one of the most effortlessly cool artists in all of the musics and continues to develop her sound in the most fascinating ways. 2013's Kiss My Apocalypse was sexy and scary, moving from fun to poignant sometimes multiple times in the one song. I couldn't get enough of it and from what we've heard of the follow-up, Bitchcraft, I've got a feeling I won't be able to get enough of it either. 'Doomsday Clock' was released as the second single from May's hugely anticipated third solo album and finds our fave WA rocker moving in her most soulful direction yet. It's fresh, it's funky and it's so totally Abbe May that you won't be able to resist its charms. (Matt Bond)

Doomsday doesn't sound so bad with a gospel choir, a beat that needs to be moved to, a vocal like Abbe May's and a serious amount of hand claps. One of those songs that hides its real feelings behind the sounds of a party, 'Doomsday Clock' tackles some big issues head on with a giant amount of sass right alongside a whole lot of calm. So when is this doomsday again? Check that clock, because Abbe May makes it sound like something to look forward to. (Jo Michelmore)

Top 25 - 7 November, 2016

PNAU!

1. Tkay Maidza - Simulation (#1 for 3 weeks!)


 


2. PNAU - Chameleon (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: Empire of the Sun only released a new album a couple of weeks ago and this week Nick Littlemore brought back his original electronic outfit, PNAU. Which is excellent if, like me, you were listening to that Empire of the Sun album and asking yourself, "I wonder when Pnau will release something new." Not saying anything about the quality of the twice mentioned Empire of the Sun album (now three times), but I love PNAU. Soft Universe was one of my favourite releases of 2011 and it's been a long wait for new material, not counting their collaborations with Elton John. That wait was well worth it because... have you even listened to 'Chameleon'? Do I need to explain anything? Don't you want to dance and have you noticed you're smiling and life is like that SnapChat floral headband filter all the time now? If there's a new album coming, I'm all in already. (Matt Bond)


3. The Montreals - Indigo Club





4. Mr Little Jeans - Stitches





5. Katy Steele - It Ain't Me





6. Take Your Time - Sleep In (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: Lessons learnt today: do not write words about songs from bed. Here I was, thinking I'd get an early night and lounge about bed for an hour or so, listening to some sweet new tunes in preparation for words I was going to write this week, when the beats of Melbourne based duo Take Your Time came somehow subtly pounding out of my headphones and now I'm really confused as to whether I should be doing exactly as the title of their single suggests; 'Sleep In' or whether I should get up and have a bit of a dance before I commit to my pillow. The glistening keys are beautiful and the subdued vocals relax me into a state of sweet shut my eyes, but the little quick beats have my feet tapping the edge of my bed with an urge to get up and move. They label themselves 'cappuccino dub' but let's be honest, no one knows what that means, so it's best to concentrate on the sounds and enjoy, whether that be by chilling with a cappuccino, or not. (Jo Michelmore)


7. Novelties - City





8. WAAX - Same, Same (NEW)


 

9. Francesca Gonzales - Memories





10. I Know Leopard - Rather Be Lonely (NEW)


 

11. Nicole Millar - Signals





12. Stonefox - Hands Of Gold





13. Husky - Late Night Store (NEW)


 


14. Fractures - Fall Harder (NEW)


 

15. San Cisco - SloMo (NEW)


 

16. Tired Lion - Agoraphobia





17. Bec Sandridge - High Tide





18. Hayley Couper - Caught Up (NEW)


 

19. Mansionair - Easier




20. Kingswood - Creepin'





21. Ariela Jacobs - Leave Your Light On





22. Big Smoke - Wrong





23. Lisa Mitchell - Warhol





24. Kimbra - Sweet Relief





25. Angus Dawson - Ocean In The Sky

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #80 - 71

The Weeknd, The Septembers, Tired Lion + Florence and The Machine!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80. THE HILLS

by The Weeknd





I only call you when it's half past five
The only time that I'll be by your side. 

A little something about me... I don't listen to the radio very much. Sure, I listen to the Hottest 100 on 'Straya Day and B105 Hit 105 in Brisbane have these great R'n'B Fridays that I tune into when I can. Other than that, there's not a lot of radio in my life. It's not because I'm too cool for commercial tunes or anything like that. I'm really not (love you, T-baby Swift!). What I can't stand is the chat from the presenters. Like, the dumbest chat in the world must be on Australian FM radio. Nova is pretty much the Jerry Springer show in the morning. Gross. Anyway, what does this have to do with The Weeknd and 'The Hills'? It means I was a bit late getting around to hearing this one and if I had been listening to literally any radio station I would have heard it. Even the j's are backing the Canadian artist born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. Which also isn't surprising, because they've been doing that for a while now. You can understand the universal appeal 'The Hills' has going for it. It's cooler than cool, the beats are what some would call 'sick' and once it's stuck in your head there's no getting it out. Some of the lyrics are pretty blurgh, but that doesn't take too much away from a song that spent six weeks on top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Weeknd became one of the defining artists of 2015 and 'The Hills' one of the year's most outstanding songs. I only wish I had heard it sooner. (Matt Bond)


Here’s one of those ones I find totally fascinating, because while this one is all drugs and sex and bad decisions and “fucking two bitches ‘fore I saw you”, it’s also been played on high rotation on commercial radio for the last couple of months, right in between Swift and One Direction, who are known more for their fashion choices than their ‘lifestyle’ choices. How does a song like this become so commonly popular, with the same people who would ridicule all these decisions made by The Weeknd should they appear on an episode of their favourite current affairs show? It’s those catchy hip hop beats I guess. I don’t think it’s a concept I’ll ever understand or a question I’ll ever really be able to answer, but what I’d really like to know is, what does your average commercial radio listener think The Weeknd is talking about when he’s “(censored) someone at half past five” or “when I’m (censor)ed up that’s the real me babe”? Suggestions welcome. Your guess is as good as mine.  (Jo Michelmore) 

#79. SHIP TO WRECK

by Florence + The Machine





And oh, my love remind me, what was it that I said?
I can't help but pull the earth around me to make my bed. 

The absolute beautiful simplicity of the words of the chorus of Florence and her Machine's second single from How Big How Blue How Beautiful are more than enough for me, but apparently there’s a whole song here I need to write about. It's everything Florence + The Machine have always been; dramatic, sweet, insular, loud and fabulous. Seeing it live only a few weeks ago was a live music highlight of my year and hearing it in my headphones as I write this reminds me of everything I love about everything Florence. And then I hear that chorus again and get a little reflective and get stuck in a Florence-a-thon which isn’t a bad place to get stuck. Except I’ve got 78 other songs to write about yet. Next! (Jo Michelmore)

"What's with the long face, do you want more?" I'll always want to hear more from Florence and her machine. With the release of the LP How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful we found Ms Welch reflecting on some pretty crappy times. Nothing new from one of the UK's biggest music exports. But their was more of a light at the end of the tunnel this time around. It wasn't all dramatic imagery of death, war and the notion that life was slowly dragging our leading lady down. Nope, this time you could actually believe that things were looking up, with the album ending in the most positive fashion yet for Florence + The Machine. For the most part, gone too was the supposedly overbearing (to some, not I) orchestration of Ceremonials. With a more grounded sound, the music became far more relatable and you only have to listen to 'Ship To Wreck' to understand why. A more classic British rock sound with one of the most powerful voices in the world. How you could not love this, I'll never understand. (Matt Bond)

#78. STALLIN'

by Airling





And when you wanna call, don't call
How can you love me from the pay phone? 

At the start of the year, I wasn't expecting the smoothest R'n'B jam to come out of Brisbane, let alone from a young, blonde (occasionally pink) haired singer who goes by the name of Airling. Here at the end of the year I have no hesitation in saying 'Stallin' is just that. It's smooth. So smooth. Smoother than that extra smooth peanut butter I ate too much of over the past twelve months. And that was pretty fucking smooth. If this was the 90s, Airling would be sitting alongside TLC at the top of the charts, maybe even collaborating with them on what would be the greatest slowjam of all time. I'm dying just thinking of it. Anyway, it's only up and up for Airling going forward. If there's a new EP or a debut LP coming in 2016, you know it's going to rock your world. I think I saw an Instagram video of Airling and Thelma Plum doing some writing together. Now if they were to do a song together I may actually die for real. (Matt Bond)


Ah little Airling. How good is she? Not only is she a regular feature of the Instagram account of Thelma Plum’s, she also writes and records some pretty sweet tunes. I saw her at BIGSOUND one year, she was very good and very popular, which makes me wonder why more people don’t know of her glorious sounds. Must be all the self-important types at BIGSOUND, busy looking at themselves and each other instead of the talents of people like Hannah, AKA Airling. The important part here are those beats and Airling’s glorious vocal, the sweet, simple synths and mid-tempo grooves that make you dance in weird ways in the dark. Unless you’re a self-important type. But how good is she? (Jo Michelmore)

#77. HANGING UPSIDE DOWN

by Lime Cordiale





Hang me up the right way
Right way round. 

A couple of songs back I might have said a little something about me not listening to radio. Do you know what would make me listen to the radio a bit more? Hearing songs like 'Hanging Upside Down' getting some play. It's got a great vibe, it's super catchy, you can sing along to it. Are you not entertained? Did you read that in the Gladiator voice? Ten points to you if you did. Lime Cordiale have been churning out hits I'd love to be hearing more over the airwaves and 'Hanging Upside Down' could be their best effort yet. Here's to the Sydney outfit getting the attention they deserve in 2016. I'd even listen to those wankers on the Nova breakfast show if I got to hear more music like this. (Matt Bond) 

#76. WORK

by Saux x The Septembers





And I saw the world, yeah, when my spirit died
I started to cry... 

There’s a comment on the Soundcloud account of Saux x The Septembers that sums up in four words what I’m about to say in 100 or so words. Suave and saucy (no pun intended) the slow groove is a little too catchy to cope with, the vocals as perfect as they get, there’s a sass about this track that is undeniable, it’s a rainy day and a sweet summer afternoon all at once and as that comment said so simply “this is actually brilliant guys”. Yep dear commenter, that exactly. (Jo Michelmore)  

We heard a fair bit from one half of The Septembers throughout 2015. That would be James Chatburn and his slew of excellent jams, slow or otherwise. I was hoping we'd get to hear the gorgeous tones of Donna Arendse too and in a sign that dreams do indeed come true, The Septembers released 'Work', a collaboration with Dutch producer, Saux. Chatburn and Arendse's voices fit so perfectly together, complimenting each other in every aspect. I'm pretty much convinced they could sing anything together and I'd be on board. But they haven't given me a chance to find that out as yet, because everything they've released is 10/10 goodness, with 'Work' being no exception. More. Please and thank you. (Matt Bond) 

#75. MAYFAIR

by Winters End





And I wonder what it's like, when you look into my eyes
You see nothing there at all. 

Sister/brother duo, Winters End are no strangers to our songs of the year countdown. Last year they made the cut with the first song of theirs we heard, 'Walls'. Marissa and Christopher Pinto outdid themselves in 2015 with the single 'Mayfair', a quality track that grows on you more and more with each listen. And you're going to want to listen to it a lot. Marissa's voice stands out with just the right amount of emotion bubbling under the surface, while the rolling drums and guitar lines seal the deal on this song truly being one of the year's best. As a side note, anytime I play Monopoly from now on and get Mayfair and people have to pay me money, I'll sing to them that they're leaving me with no other choice to make. (Matt Bond)


Winters End are made up of a brother sister duo, Chris and Marissa Pinto, which I think is an achievement in itself. My brothers and I have such varying tastes in music I’m not sure what kind of sounds our band would make, should we start a band. It wouldn’t be pretty, I don’t think. And unless either of them have been hiding some secret musical skills from me, it might just be an acapella group. An acapella group that argues more than harmonises. Still, Chris and Marissa seem to have worked something out, this song being some evidence of that. Those drums at the beginning are scarily solid and the surprising vocal of Marissa’s keeps me intrigued the entire way through. Somehow both dramatic and light, Mayfair is such a great piece of music I really hope Winters End keep making music like it so they can appear in our countdown next year, which would then make it countdown appearances three years in a row. (Jo Michelmore)

#74. SUCK

by Tired Lion





Oh, no, I cannot do this without you
Want to suck me up and throw me away. 

Please remind yourself it’s not 1995, that was twenty years ago, but thankfully that's now long enough to make everything that sounded cool then sound cool again now, which means bands like Tired Lion have appeared this year sounding oh so indie and oh so grungy, that one would be forgiven for going to a Tired Lion gig wearing doc martens, a floral skater dress, ripped jeans and flannel checks. Wait. What are the kids wearing these days? Everything that was old is new again, but new in a good way, not new in an “it’s been done before way”. Tired Lion are making their own brand of rock, albeit so very 90s inspired, but they’re very good at it. So much so I’m almost convinced it’s never been done before. (Jo Michelmore)

Perth is a strong contender for being the home of Australia's best emerging rock acts. A hard point to argue when you've got Tired Lion on your team. Sophie Hopes, Matt Tanner, Ethan Darnell and Nick Vasey stormed through 2015 with tracks from their second EP, Figurine. For my money (and I paid for it, so literally for my money) that EP was the best pure rock release of the year. It was the collection of songs I was desperately waiting for, speaking to the person that's still hiding somewhere inside of me that wishes he could have been cool enough to become a rock star like Hopes and the lads. Because they are rock stars, in every single way. After seeing them twice in Brisbane, I can say they 100% do not suck. Or blow. 'Suck' breezes by with blazing guitars and Hopes' contrasting sweet and soaring vocals. Best Australian rock act in 2015? You can't beat Tired Lion. (Matt Bond)

#73. PERFECT PICTURE

by I Know Leopard





Darling I saw you laughing
Never I, was the same. 

I wish hadn’t, but I’ll be honest and say I actually forgot about this little track from Sydney’s I Know Leopard, which is really embarrassing now that I’ve pressed play again and realised how very good they are. It’s just so, incredibly, perfectly happy. They describe themselves as making 70s inspired tunes, but I beg to differ, because the 70s were responsible for Justin Bieber’s parents and look where they've got us. Not everything from the 70s were good. No, I have not jumped on the Bieber loving bandwagon. But I digress. Everything about I Know Leopard is everything Bieber is not. Good. More in 2016 please Leopard friends! Thanking you in advance. (Jo Michelmore)

#72. UNDERFLOW

by Emma Louise





And we miss each other in the dark
Like ships in the night. 

You know just when Matt and I had almost finalised the songs we wanted to appear in this long list of songs, I received a message from Matt that said something along the lines of “people won’t stop releasing amazing music…like, fuck off Emma Louise!” which, you know, was a total compliment to Emma Louise because let’s face it, this song of hers is amazing and couldn’t possibly be ignored in a wrap up of our favourite songs of the year. It’s gloriously obvious, smooth and an exceptional addition to the already impressive catalogue of one of our faves. Don’t fuck off Emma Louise, we like you far too much. (Jo Michelmore)


All of the feels. When you listen to Emma Louise's music, you're going to get all of the feels. We learned this way back when with songs like '1000 Sundowns' and, well, everything on her debut Vs Head Vs Heart. 'Underflow', which previews Louise's sophomore album Supercry (due early 2016) doesn't buck the trend of providing you with an all-inclusive 'feels' delight. It's a tale of love being sent all the way across the seas, with the bulk of the emotional weight resting solely on Emma's stunning voice, which I really wasn't expecting to hear in 2015. It was just *BAM* single dropped, listen and love. Listen and love. What else do I need to say? (Matt Bond)

#71. ONE IN A MILLION

by Jessie Frye





We can't count the stars, but we know
Who we are.

Jessie Frye is one of our favourite people. Not only can she craft a mighty fine pop/rock tune, but we're convinced she's actually a bonafide superhero. If you need something to support that theory, you only need to check out the clip for 'One In A Million'. But back to the crafting of mighty fine tunes bit. 'One In A Million' works its way into your head and refuses to budge. This is a good thing. A very good thing. Frye gets to show off her impressive vocal range, while also playing up her strong pop sensibilities. With any luck, Jessie will be breaking out of Texas over the next year and taking on the world. We already know she's enough of a badass to handle anything the world can throw at her. Again, if you need something to support that theory, check out the clip for 'One In A Million'. Jessie Frye ain't the lady to mess with. (Matt Bond)


Every time she has appeared in our top 25 I remember to think, who is this Jessie Frye and how did Matt even find her? And why hasn’t someone else found her? Like, hello people who play music on radio stations and you over there, this is Jessie Frye! She sings these super catchy part pop, part kind of rock, part kind of awesome songs and she makes words like million sound like mill-yun and it’s super cute and she’s probably one in a million. Sorry, had to do that. But it’s true and I’m hoping she keeps making music so more people start asking; “who is this Jessie Frye?” so I can answer “I have no idea but she’s really, really good.” (Jo Michelmore) 

Like 2015, this countdown is going way too fast. Time flies when you're having fun, right? See you tomorrow for #70 - #61!

  

10 and 1 - Stop Children What's That (BIG)Sound?

BIGSOUND LIVE 2015 PREVIEW

by Matt Bond

With Splendour all but a muddy memory for the thousands of music fans lucky (?) enough to attend, everybody's attention should now be placed firmly on the BIGSOUND conference and Live event. BIGSOUND Live is not only THE place to find the next great Aussie acts, but you get to enjoy showcases from some of the country's greatest established artists. By day, you can head to the conference to listen to talks from speakers encompassing all aspects of the music industry. By night, you can get on down to incredible music as the Live event takes over the best of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley gig venues for two nights in September (9th and 10th). The team here at It's My Kind of Scene rate BIGSOUND Live as our favourite two nights of the year, as we've discovered some of our absolute favourites there over the past three years.


Little May, Thelma Plum, Tkay Maidza, Bad//Dreems, Karl S. Williams, Kira Puru + The Bruise, The Hello Morning, The Trouble With Templeton, Clairy Browne and The Bangin' Rackettes, Adalita and more... we've gotten to take in showcases from a truly impressive range of musicians that we've fallen in love with or fallen in love with even more. BIGSOUND is the best. And this year's line-up promises another amazing BIGSOUND Live adventure, so I've picked out ten acts I would love to see. It's a 10 and 1, so I'm supposed to throw out an act I don't want to see, but this is BIGSOUND and everyone is there because they deserve to be... so I'll come up with a cop-out 1 while you take in the music of 10 of BIGSOUND 2015's best.

THE 10:

Ali Barter

Ayla

BANFF

HOWQUA

I Know Leopard

Major Leagues

NGAIIRE

Tempura Nights

Tired Lion

Winterbourne





THE ONE (?):


Whoever Is Playing When Those 10 Previously Mentioned Acts Are On...
Sorry :(

You should see everyone! Which isn't possible, but you'll do your best as you run around the Valley trying to get in as much music as you can. It's like a marathon, but with bands. Enjoy! Don't forget to get 'yo tickets now over at the BIGSOUND site. You can check out the full line-up too and see who'll be speaking at the conference if you're keen to head along. It will be well worth it.

Song Review - Close My Eyes

Close My Eyes

by I Know Leopard

Things I know: I know I Know Leopard and I really, really like them.


Things I don't know: Why doesn’t everyone in the world know who I Know Leopard are?


Things I know: I know I really, really like 'Close Your Eyes'; their latest release, the second single from what will be their second EP, which I'm really hoping will be released really, really soon.


Things I don't know: Why doesn’t everyone in the world know who I Know Leopard are?


Things I know: I know I really, really liked their debut EP; Illumina and I really, really like their sweet, sometimes pop, sometimes retro, sometimes indie and always awesome sounds.


Things I don't know: Why doesn’t everyone in the world know who I Know Leopard are?


Things I know: I know that 'Close Your Eyes' is delicious. There's a bass line smoothly and subtly driving away and some strings, surprisingly delicious on this track, which is drenched in a marvellously 70s sound and feel.


Things I don't know: Why doesn’t everyone in the world know who I Know Leopard are?


Things I know: I know that if everyone in the world knew who I Know Leopard are, then everyone would really, really like them. Here's hoping that happens really, really soon.

Jo Michelmore gives 'Close My Eyes' three and a half Supremes heads out of five...

The Last 5 Years, #90 - 81

Meg Mac, Kira Puru + The Bruise, I Know Leopard and Kanye West!

#100 - 91

#90. YOUR LOVE IS KILLING ME

by Sharon Van Etten

Break my legs so I won't run to you

Steal my soul so I am one with you.

Yes, well, Sharon Van Etten. So, welcome to heartbreak. Ever found yourself liking someone who doesn’t like you back? Press play. Ever find yourself liking someone who liked you back then changed their mind? Press play. Ever find yourself liking someone who liked you, but maybe liked someone else a little better? Press play. Ever find yourself liking (insert beverage of choice here) a little too much because you found yourself in any of the above positions due to the person you liked so much? Press play. Ever find yourself liking a song so much that you press play over and over and over again because that song speaks directly to you and was probably written about you? Go on, press play again. (Jo Michelmore)

#89. HOLD THIS TIGHT

by I Know Leopard

All my friends and I, we own the night...

I remember loving this song for its super chilled, relaxed feel, for its swing along keyboards and Luke O’Loughlin’s strangely inviting vocals. I remember seeing the clip and feeling a little jealous, it was so laid back I wanted to find my own space of water and float for hours. But the thing I remember the most is hearing the lyrics and being completely captivated, because the lyrics celebrated friendship and that’s something not celebrated enough. Put all those things together and you got yourself one of my favourite Australian bands from 2014.  (Jo Michelmore)

#88. YOUNG IN LOVE

by Thelma Plum

'Cause we once where in love

And I once was all yours.

Thelma Plum's venture towards a more electronic sound paid off spectacularly with last year's Monsters EP. We were already not so young and in love with all things Thelma, but tracks like 'Young In Love' made sure we'd be fans for life. Ok, we were already fans for life. The beat provided by 'Young In Love' by producer M-Phazes works as the perfect accompaniment to Thelma's reflective lyrics and commanding vocals. The focus is wisely placed where it belongs... on that beautiful voice that we can't get enough of. If the rumours be true-mours, a debut album will be coming our way in 2015. More of this kinda goodness please. (Matt Bond)  

#87. SINCE LAST WEDNESDAY

by Highasakite

And he would never buy a weapon and bring it to our home

And he would never be foolish and lie about that now.

Highasakite appeared at number 77 in last year’s JJJ Hottest 100 and here they are at number 87 in our countdown. Someone who knows something about numerology might say something about that. Or perhaps not. This little band first came to my attention while I was scanning the googles after SXSW 2013, looking for who the googles were talking about. Up popped a band (whose name I had to read a couple of times) and when I found out they were Norwegian, well my love of that part of the world is no secret, so admittedly I was already hooked. You can compare them to indie rock all you want, but those hooks are all pop and the simple yet cutely odd lyrics have had me constantly captivated, since long before last Wednesday. (Jo Michelmore)

#86. THE LIAR

by Kira Puru + The Bruise

Don't talk to me about anger when I've got a loaded gun

'Cause I feel a quiver in my trigger finger now.

Speaking of voices we just can't get enough of... Kira Puru, ladies and gentlemen. Can any other artist rock a voice that's dripping with a 'don't fuck with me' attitude like her? I don't think so. Exhibit A - 'The Liar'. Case closed. Jo, Katie and I were first introduced to Kira Puru and The Bruise at BIGSOUND Live in 2012 and we were blown away by the band's phenomenal talent. The opening notes of 'The Liar' rang out, Puru laid down the law with the lines, "don't ask me what I'm feeling I've got answers up my sleeve and you and your denial ain't worth my while," and we were all hooked. The four-piece were so totally in sync, putting on a flawless performance of a track that's some hybrid heavy-soul-rock masterpiece. An incredible track from a band who should have been the talk of the town a long time ago. (Matt Bond)

#85. NEVER LET ME GO

by Florence + The Machine

And it's over

And I'm going under

But I'm not giving up

I'm just giving in.

Florence Welch has never shied from darker topics in her music. It's all violence and death and epic fantasy material and it's why I'm a big fan. Sure, she still covers relationships and love, human drama and all that jazz. But she goes about things in a way that's different to the indie/pop norm and I find it refreshing. Take 'Never Let Me Go' for instance. You're listening to it, amazed as always by the power of Florence's voice and all the other ear-pleasing sounds going on. And then you're listening again and again and you're thinking... so she totally drowned herself, right? Wow. That's bleak. Only in Florence's capable hands can a song, in which the central character kills themselves, called 'Never Let Me Go' which is actually about letting go be pulled off spectacularly. And that's more than enough for it to be named one of our favourite tracks of the past five years. (Matt Bond) 

#84. ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

by Meg Mac

So I'll go and I'll join the free

There's people there, they're just like me.

My love of sounds from the past is something I wear proudly on my sleeve. I was raised on sounds of the 60s and 70s, in my life. Whenever I have liked something current, someone would introduce me to wherever that sound had come from, because every sound has come from somewhere else, so my taste in music has become an interesting mix of old and new, ‘then’ and ‘now’. When someone from ‘now’ has an understanding of the ‘then’, it’s almost impossible for me to dislike it. So when Meg Mac’s voice from 'then' begins; “roll up your sleeves”,  I’m immediately drawn to the emotion, the bluesy piano screaming determination and that sense of courage in every hand clap is as encouraging as the line that repeats “everything is gonna be alright”. Meg Mac may be one of my newer loves, but with songs like this I expect she’ll be one that becomes the ‘then’ someday. (Jo Michelmore)

#83. OVER YOU

by Ingrid Michaelson ft. A Great Big World

Maybe if I tell myself enough

Maybe if I do.

You know what it is? It’s quiet and introspective. It’s simple and it’s so complicated. It’s darkness and it’s light and strength and a vulnerability you’ve never really known before. It’s courageous and it’s a little beyond comprehension. It’s difficult and confusing but it’s also humble and calm. It’s so many thoughts, but really only one and it’s emotional and passionate and it’s everything you were. It’s just a pop song, but it’s oh so relatable and it found its way into the depths of my past and it’s tear jerking and it’s beautiful and it’s exactly as music should be.  (Jo Michelmore)

#82. DOJO RISING

by Cloud Control

Then I'm gonna break your heart

Should have probably told you from the start

But I'm lazy.

For anyone that gets all traumatised by clowns, I feel I should have probably told you at the start. But I'm lazy? Seriously though, watch the whole thing. You may find the clown's fate cathartic or something. What am I, a doctor? Other than the general dreamy factor that runs throughout 'Dojo Rising', I find I really love the track because the narrator comes off as such a jerk. Like, an actual asshole that has no idea what he's doing with his life. Which doesn't sound like Cloud Control's Alister Wright, so it's just a great story and something so different from the stories that we're used to. (Matt Bond) 

#81. MONSTER

by Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and Bon Iver

Ok first things first I'll eat your brains

Then I'mma start rockin' gold teeth and fangs...

Worth the price of admission for Nicki Minaj alone. And how often do we get to say that anymore? It feels nice. (Matt Bond)

20 down, 80 to go. We'll be back soon with more goodness...



Top 25 - 4 January, 2015

Kanye/McCartney, Megan Washington, The Kite String Tangle + The Grates!

1. The Kite String Tangle ft. Tiana Khasi - Stone Cold





2. The Grates - Holiday Home





3. Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk





4. Kanye West ft. Paul McCartney - Only One





5. Halcyon Drive - Crusoe





6. Megan Washington - Begin Again





7. Young Lions - When Will We Be Free?





8. Maples - Stars





9. Marina and The Diamonds - Immortal





10. Bertie Blackman - Kingdom of Alone





11. Metric - The Fatal Gift





12. The Grates - It Won't Hurt Anymore





13. Twin Shadow - Turn Me Up





14. World's End Press - Spirals (Slide Away)





15. Climbing Trees - Where Could This Go?





16. I Know Leopard - Perfect Picture





17. Mwansa - Heavy Feels





18. Lana Del Rey - Big Eyes





19. Stevie - Come Around





20. Gang of Youths - Benevolence Riots





21. Art of Sleeping - Crazy





22. Sleater-Kinney - Surface Envy





23. Hiatus Kaiyote - By Fire





24. Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne - Real Love





25. Montaigne - I'm A Fantastic Wreck