Top 119 Songs of 2019, #70 - 61

#119 - #111

#110 - #101

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70. SUGAR

by Peking Duk and Jack River

Want to be with you

Want to be right there by your side

On ‘Sugar’, Peking Duk and Jack River prove they’ve got the recipe down pat for the most perfectly delicious musical treat. I know we’re not supposed to compare things (for reasons?), but I love seeing listeners say they’re getting ‘Steal My Sunshine’ vibes from this one. Like Len’s seminal and possibly only track, ‘Sugar’ comes so close to falling off the sickly sweet cliff, but unlike that smash hit I don’t think I’m going to have any reservations 20 years from now about openly discussing my love for this one. River slides easily into Duk’s anthemic electronic sound, owning the dance stage in the process. Maybe it’s a little unexpected, but it’s a pleasant surprise. Who wouldn’t want to hear more from these two acts? (Matt Bond)

#69. TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY

by Texas Tea

This way you have no regrets

And each day it comes and each forgets

Brisbane’s own Texas Tea makes the surprise comeback of the year with the release of the album Röda Tråden. It had been seven long years of a wait for the obscure tea bag fan group, but that wait was well worth it. Texas Ben took the lead on ‘Tomorrow Is A New Day’, a track that rolls over and over. Kind of like a new day beginning. Kind of like a new bit of quiet heartbreak with each promise that maybe tomorrow’s that new beginning you’ve found yourself hoping for. I’m listening to this and can’t stop thinking about how each time I order Uber Eats I’m thinking I’ll be better tomorrow, knowing full well I won’t be. Things aren’t going so bad when that’s the extent of my pain... I’m sure Texas Ben had something much deeper on his mind when putting these words down. Or maybe this is truly the regretful Uber Eats soundtrack tune we’ve all been longing for. Maybe it’s best we never know/I never put these thoughts in hearts and minds around the world ever again. (Matt Bond)

And here we are at what was probably my most unexpected but so awesome surprises of the last twelve months. I didn’t know how much I’d really missed Texas Tea until they returned early in the year. As soon as I heard Ben Dougherty’s voice I was spellbound, taken back a few years to a couple of albums that defined some time for me earlier this decade. I googled them while thinking about what I was going to write about them and found a quote about their music defining a season, “it will be one I play years from now and remember this summer, it’s an album that will transcend time but bring me back to the first warm afternoon I heard it” which is pretty much how I feel about Röda Tråden now, which is kind of funny, considering I wrote those other words in the first place. And now that Texas Tea have returned, and I’ve begun quoting myself, this blogging and countdown thing really has come full circle, hasn’t it? 'Tomorrow Is A New Day', indeed. (Jo Michelmore)

#68. BACKSEAT

by Ali Barter

 


No, we've never really met

But if we did, then I think that'd we be perfect

I mean, I love this song and everything Ali Barter does, but can we talk about her facial expressions at the start of the video for ‘Backseat’ because that’s damn good comedy right there. Get this gal a TV Week Logie award. What? It’s not like we have real awards in this country... ‘Backseat’ is a lot of fun. It feels like it’s packing a whole lot of sarcasm, a scandalous touch and a catchy energy that will have you dancing around your room before the song rockets to its end. Is it ironic that it’s taken from an album titled “Hello, I’m Doing My Best,” when it’s so painfully clear Barter’s delivering her best work? I’m genuinely asking... Alanis Morissette really screwed with my understanding of what irony is. Killing it as always, Ali Barter. Total jam. Can you play on my EP? (Matt Bond)

#67. NOT ANGRY ANYMORE

by Thelma Plum

You can try to make amends

Tell the world that we're still friends

But was it worth it?

I was lucky enough to see Thelma Plum live earlier this year and during the show, in between songs, she told lots of little tales of herself and her life and as she so sweetly does, giving lots of little glimpses into who she is and who she wants to be. It was so nice to hear her talk of past tales and future dreams and what it’s like to text Paul Kelly accidentally and tell him you’re so nervous you’re going to be sick. But the secret about Thelma Plum that you get to know once you see her live telling those tales, is that you don’t really need to hear the tales to tell who she is, because if you want to know, she puts it all out there, right in the songs. Humble and sweet sit perfectly alongside broken and empty, which also live with exasperated and the opposite to that in this song, not angry anymore, each as important as each other.  There’s never anything to hide with Thelma Plum, and that’s one of the things that makes me such a big fan. (Jo Michelmore)

#66. MODERATION

by Florence + The Machine

Can't hold it back, I can't take the tension

I'm trying to be good

It was a bold choice for Florence + The Machine to add ‘Moderation’ to their setlist before it was released in the ENCORE slot. As the non-album cut started playing during Florence’s performance at the Brisbane Riverstage at the start of the year I couldn’t have been alone in looking around and thinking, “what’s this all about?” It didn’t take long for the entire crowd to get right into this even though they hadn’t heard it before. This is rock and or roll, it sends Florence’s voice soaring and takes you along for the ride. There’s nothing moderate about it, but like our leading lady says, who do you think you’re talking to? We want what we want from a Florence + The Machine song. We want it to be dramatic, shameless and over the top. And that’s everything ‘Moderation’ is. Please don’t ever change, Lady Flo. (Matt Bond)

#65. EYES TO THE SKY

by OKENYO

Save the best oh yeah

For last but not the least oh yeah

I read something about OKENYO and someone referencing her “signature swag” and I was like, what even is a signature swag and how do I go about getting myself one? Are you born with it, or can I learn it? OKENYO has swag in doubles and triples, making her brand of hip hop sound like she woke up like this, completely effortless cool. And here I am sitting in my pjs with a cup of tea writing words about her. That's my signature swag. (Jo Michelmore) 

#64. EVERYTHING I DO IS REPLACED BY TWO

by Jeremy Neale

We were building a dream

Now it's over

Swinging guitar pop and a way with words, Jeremy Neale has never disappointed with his brand of straightforwardness, his keen observation of the absurd and his way of turning those things into riffs and harmonies and hooks that are born to be heard and made to sway to. He wears his pants high and his heart on his sleeve and ultimately, they are both very important things we can all learn from. (Jo Michelmore)

#63. ANOTHER DAY

by #1 Dads

Lay down just don't lay down

Let this be a little song for you

I’ve got a whole bunch of things I think about one of Tom Iansek’s other things, No Mono, after stumbling into a gig of theirs earlier this year, which I’ll discuss later in this little countdown of ours (spoiler alert), but for now, this thing; #1 Dads. The clip as sparse as the song, ‘Another Day’ is a really nice example of how little is needed to make an impact sometimes. Nothing unusual, just a sweet little swinging tune with a winning whistle in the middle, there’s nothing confronting but all comforting and it's so very pleasant. (Jo Michelmore)

#62. PARTY FOR ONE

by Carly Rae Jepsen

You don't want my love, if you don't care about me

I'll just dance by myself, back on my beat

I was a little late to the Carly Rae reinvention party. See, I was thinking she was running around finding new ways to record ‘Call Me Maybe’ (a certified banger) and she sort of disappeared form the mainstream eye and also disappeared from everywhere I’ve been consuming the musics. But I should have been actively seeking this reborn C Jepsen, the Robyn of a new generation. Like the super gay friendly electro Queen that came before her, CRJ put her one hit wonder ways behind her, threw her amazing personality into her tunes and became a dancehall goddess. It’s a whole thing, you haven’t done it? Everyone’s doing it. You should do it. I’ve done it. It was a thing. Anyway long story short or whatever that TL;DR thing is... I should have been on board the Carly J express this whole time, because it’s banger after banger like ‘Party For One’. Give it a listen and say to yourself, “here’s another banger.” You won’t regret it. (Matt Bond)


I don’t know what to make of Carley Rae Jepsen, because if you look at music in a traditional way, she’s pretty much a no one hit wonder. But music (thankfully?) isn’t traditional in any way, so if you look at views and likes and online such things, she’s a bit of a big deal. If you ignore that song that you know, even though it was perfect pop in itself, she’s a perfect definition of pop music; bouncy beats, quirky relatable lyrics and colourful clips. ‘Party For One’ is all of those things. Perfect pop. (Jo Michelmore)

#61. ROBBERY

by Lime Cordiale

 


Wait that's her, stop that girl

How flippin’ good is it to see all the success that Lime Cordiale have found over the past couple of years? It’s pretty damn flippin’ good. Oli and Louis Leimbach have been churning out top notch, quality tunes and this trusty and true method of being musically awesome is winning them more and more fans with each release. We’re expecting to hear them more than once when it comes time for the Hottest 100 and you just know ‘Robbery’ is going to be on that list. Everyone’s going to be shouting along to, “hey that’s her, stop that girl!” And you’re going to love it. (Matt Bond)

Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #100 to #91

#117 to #101

#100. ARTY BOY

by Flight Facilities ft. Emma Louise

And there you were drinking Coca-Cola

Shaking your Polaroid picture.

 

If the concept of Flight Facilities returning after three years isn't enough and if the effortless delightful voice of Emma Louise's isn't enough and if the stop start beats and electro mastery isn't enough for you to listen, then you simply, you simply MUST press play on the clip, because all of that imagery, all of those clothes; now that is exactly how a music video should be made. (Jo Michelmore) 

#99. THE LOUVRE

by Lorde

A rush at the beginning

I get caught up, just for a minute.

It's incredibly easy to understand why Lorde is considered the voice of a generation. She defies expectations of an artist her age, carefully lays out considered lyrics over the very best in genre bending music and makes no apologies for the way she looks at the world. That she does this while still maintaining "basic" pop sensibilities like a catchy as hell chorus with hooks and lines that make you shake your head and applaud at the same time ("broadcast the boom boom boom boom and make them all dance to it") places Lorde in a league of her own. 'The Louvre' is just one perfect track on an album comprised of perfect tracks. One that will have you singing along and, yes, dancing along as that megaphone broadcasts the beating of a heart that speaks to all of us. I might fall outside of young Ella's generation, but really she can be the spokesperson for all of them with stories that prove to be timeless, classic and sure to be loved for a lifetime. (Matt Bond)   

#98. SMALL HANDS, SMALL HEART

by Amanda Palmer

And I stopped counting when they buried my beloved in the ground...

You can think what you will about Amanda Palmer; you can agree or you can disagree about how she makes her music, lives her life, talks her politics, does her dishes, but there's just this one thing that has never faltered. There's this thing that keeps her making the songs, talking the talks and traveling her music as far as she can take it. It's a sense of life and a heart as big as one can imagine, which she always manages to somehow piece together and turn into what she calls 'things' via her Patreon, what others call 'art'. It's the piano she always manages to turn into goosebumps and the lyrics that always take my breath away which are what I so often seem to call my favourites. You can think what you will about Amanda Palmer, but there will always be a place for her in this small heart of mine. (Jo Michelmore)  

#97. BENEATHER

by Jack Colwell

I don't know where you go

But you find me.

The spirit of rock is strong in this one, yes, yes it is. Jack Colwell taking a walk down the metal path was something I never knew I wanted or needed and now I want and need it so very, very much. Because the attitude and presence Colwell exudes from every pore in his being throughout 'Beneather' fits him like a glove. Granted, this is an artist that has shown he can where many musical hats, but there's something about that voice we've come to know and love against wailing guitars and beating drums that just seems right. May he never stop surprising us with the wonderful things he can do. (Matt Bond)  

Jack Colwell can pretty much do no wrong in my musical eyes, which means these words are going to be biased, but you want fairness, you can write you own. K? 'Beneather' is just another piece of Jack's musical mastery; dark, deep, deathly delicious, it's not just a song of our years but a story and a journey, which all of J Colwell's tracks seem to be. They take you wild places and the drop you back home gently in your headphones again. Divine Jack Colwell, absolutely divine. (Jo Michelmore)

#96. WE GOT THE POWER

by Gorillaz ft. Jehnny Beth

And we dream of home, I dream of life out here

Their dreams are small, my dreams don't know fear.

I thought it was going to be a 70s disco anthem when I first started listening, but then it turned into a Gorillaz song, which is to say Damon Albarn's Damon Albarn voice kicked in, but what really amazed me was not either of those things but the fact that Noel Gallagher also appears on this track, which is downright hilarious to anyone who knows anything about music in the 90s, because in the 90s that would have only happened once hell froze over. Actually, has anyone checked? I've been busy writing weird words about songs I like, which includes this one. Hell hath frozen. Over. (Jo Michelmore)  

A little bit of manic, dance around electronica courtesy of the Gorillaz is exactly what we all need more of in our lives. It's also a small reminder that, uh, as the title suggest we have the power and I keep going on about how people need to riot more and make change blah blah blah because people power and so on and so forth. Okay, I'm not totally committed to the cause. But I want to live through as least one rebellion or mass 'rise up' of the people. I'll probably hear about it after the fact, possibly after waking up from an undeserved nap, but I still want to live through it, you know? Let's just call this music to gloriously rebel to. Or dance to. Whatever you prefer. (Matt Bond)

#95. YOUNG MELODY

by PNAU ft. Vera Blue

I won the other side of life,

For the most part.

We started these ten songs with some of the finest songwriters in all of the music landscape and we find ourselves now in the middle of a collection of some of the finest electronic dance music makers. We cater to all tastes here, you know? But we also like to dance and 'Young Melody', which sees PNAU team with rising star Vera Blue, is something you can get on down to. I imagine in a classy place, like an exclusive club on some remote island off the coast of Croatia overlooking the water and everyone is beautiful and obviously I'll never get in so I'll just stick to dancing to 'Young Melody' in my tiny, inner-city apartment. It's nice when music can take you places though, isn't it? (Matt Bond)

Am I allowed to write words about a song called 'Young Melody'? I'm not as young as some, and anyone who's heard me singing in the car knows sometimes I can be melody challenged, so I'm not sure I'm fit for the job. Regardless, I've hit play three times over on this one, because the familiarity of these beats is more than welcome and Vera Blue's vocal is, as always, something I can't stop wanting. And, even though I still stand by my original thoughts that PNAU are one of the worst named acts in this country, I also think they're one of the best. (Jo Michelmore) 

#94. CELLOPHANE RAINBOW

by SAFIA

Life is best served bland

Within a plastic wonder.

I can remember finding SAFIA a few years back and thinking that they were definitely destined for big things. About three people would have read the review I wrote about them, so clearly I was responsible for launching their career. (I wasn't.) People with this much talent don't need much more than themselves to find the success they deserve. 'Cellophane Rainbow' is just one in a list of many songs that prove those big things I predicted they were destined for became a reality. (Jo Michelmore) 

#93. SCIENCE FICTION

by The Belligerents

I've been losing sleep

I keep having dreams about science fiction.

Yeaaaah Brisbane! The Belligerents showed no signs of slowing down in 2017, releasing their debut album Science Fiction to a hugely positive response. Alternative radio was all over it and so it should have been, because it's got banging tunes like the title track (this one, for those not paying attention) which is 100% bouncing off the walls rock and roll excellence. The Belligerents just keep on getting better and better, growing into one of Australia's most promising future exports. And Lewis Stephenson is pulling out all the stops vocally these days. They've become a seamless unit that you can't help but get behind. Here's to even bigger things in the years to come. (Matt Bond)  

#92. SMOKE TOO MUCH

by JOY.

Now you're gone, feel like I'm choking

Here these words walk in circles.

I like how all the publicity images for this song show JOY smoking, just because it's something one doesn't see in marketing much these days. Has it been two years since I last spoke of JOY? And has she spent the last two years smoking? You know, all forms of it are supposedly bad for you and things, but if a little bit of smoking inspires a sweet little piano line and those breathy vocals like this, it can't be all bad can it? *Do not smoke kids. It's not good for you. (Jo Michelmore) 

Oh yeah definitely don't smoke any of the things, children. However, you should definitely listen to the music of JOY. because if there's one artist that lives up to her name, it's this one right here. Along with contemporaries like E^ST, mallrat and Airling - JOY. found a maturity in her music this year that took her to another level. There's something so reflective and powerful in 'Smoke Too Much', that despite the obvious interpretation has you looking a little deeper into what troubles such a young mind. PSA moment numero three; don't smoke the things. Do listen to JOY. (Matt Bond)

#91. DANCIN' AND ROMANCIN'

by Jeremy Neale

When the night is clear there will be dancin' and romancin'...

The coolest dude in music and a true gentleman and scholar, Jeremy Neale wowed the crowd in 2017 with songs from his debut album, Getting The Team Back Together. He's someone that seems like he could definitely get you through a night full of dancing and romancing, or at the very least through three and a half minutes of your day with some might fine rock and or roll music. The best thing is, you can repeat 'Dancin' and Romancin' over and over again to fill your entire day with little three and  a half minute segments of glory. You do you, boo. (Matt Bond) 

Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #117 to #101

Surprise! Bet you thought you saw the last of us, given that we haven't been around much in 2017 to chitty chat about the music we all love. Just because we haven't been doing reviews and hilarious, award winning and insightful articles (of which possibly none of those points are true), it doesn't mean we haven't been paying attention to our favourite artists, old and new. So here we are with the Top 117 Songs of 2017. Don't even act like you're not totally excited about this. You are. Go with it. And enjoy the music...

TOP 117 SONGS OF 2017:

#117. WASTE

by Oh Wonder

I said I would never come back

Screaming at the walls in jet black.

We've got 117 songs to talk about, and what a place to start, because we really need to talk about Oh Wonder. Every single track of theirs is either a track to fall into love to and/or a track to fall out of love to, and after the hypnotic "what a waste to be so alone (repeat)" lyrics at the end of this track, I'm not even sure whether I've fallen in or out of love, or maybe both and back again, but one thing is for sure, Oh Wonder always make me happy to be heartbroken and heart mended over and over again. (Jo Michelmore) 

#116. NATIONAL PARK

by Oh Mercy

How do those eyes inspire such devotion?

You can tell Oh Mercy are led by a man who is respected for his songwriting skills, because this one grips you word by word, string by string. What you can't tell when you listen to Oh Mercy is why that name isn't a household one. While they're admired by peers and been nominated and won a bunch of different awards, I feel like more people should know who they are. Hello industry, hello radio. People should talk more about music like this; they make a wonderfully Australian sound, one that should be heard by many more Australians, and everyone else too. (Jo Michelmore) 

#115. SUPER FAR

by LANY

Don't be mean if you wanna go

You can leave and leave my heart alone.

I can’t say I know much about LANY. Is LANY a band? A solo artist? a robot with a soul made in Europe, bound to one day turn on its human masters? Who can say? Certainly not me, what do you think I am... okay Google or something? You can ask Google about LANY later. For now, just listen to the surprisingly heartbreaking synthy vibes of ‘Super Far’. These robots with souls sure have come a long way.  (Matt Bond)

#114. YOU DIDN'T REALLY DO THAT

by Sharon Van Etten

The time is passing right before our eyes

The stars are dead, but they still shed light.

From one surprisingly heartbreaking song to one that was never going to be anything but devastating. It comes with the territory when the music of Sharon Van Etten is involved. Released as a special bonus alongside the anniversary reissue of SVE’s “Because I Was In Love”, ‘You Didn’t Really Do That’ both warms the heart and crushes it. It’s in the vacant acceptance held within the vocal delivery of the song’s title you might just find yourself reflecting on those moments in your own life that you could and couldn’t believe someone supposedly special could do something so fucked up. Why do you do this to us Sharon? And please never stop.  (Matt Bond)

#113. ON OUR WAY HOME 

by Empire of the Sun

Say what you mean, do what you will.

I’m putting ‘On Our Way Home’ into the category of songs that have verses I love far more than their choruses. More specifically the pre-chorus segment of this one that I could put on a loop and listen to forever and ever. “Say what you mean, do what you will.” Katy Steele’s brother and that guy from Pnau still do things very well.  (Matt Bond)

#112. NEW RULES

by Dua Lipa

And if you're under him

You ain't gettin' over him.

I had a conversation with Matt recently, explaining that I actually have no idea who Rita Ora is, which I've since found out isn't an uncommon thought. This actually has nothing to do with Dua Lipa, as far as I know, except in my own mind, because while I know this song inside out I actually have no idea who Dua Lipa is. One person? Group? Dua duo two? Apparently she's one, and English. Rita Ora is as well. Are they the same person? Have they collaborated? I can't answer any of these questions without google, but I know Dua Lipa spent 2017 singing incredibly catchy pop tunes. (Jo Michelmore) 

2017 was a great year for the pop musics, which you’ll see reflected in this year’s countdown and which you’ll already likely know because you have ears and a brain and stuff. Dua Lipa was one of the new faces to make a huge impact all over the world with the single ‘New Rules’. It’s catchy, equal parts sass and educational words to live by and a whole lot of fun.  And seriously, you know he’s only calling you because he’s drunk and alone. Catch flights, not feelings. #draghim2017 (Matt Bond)

#111. BETTER

by Mallrat

Things I couldn't ask for anything

You're always on my side.

The evolution of Mallrat is coming along swimmingly. ‘Better’ is a beautiful little slice of dreamy pop that will leave you feeling just as the title suggests.  It’s amazing how much an artist can grown in such a short amount of time, even since last year in this case, but grow Mallrat has as she takes steps to becoming one of Australia’s best emerging songwriters and artists in general. This sounds like the start of even bigger and, for lack of a better word, better things for her.  (Matt Bond)

#110. BOM BOM

by Tkay Maidza and Danny L Harle

And I dance on chicken looking glances

People from the west to the south and I lead it.

Here I am, just casually going through the list of songs and there's Tkay, just casually popping up, yet again, as she does every year in our music loving ears and year loving lists. It's Tkay with Danny L Harle being just casually Tkay, always taking the lyrics in her stride, the rhythm along for the ride and the best part? No matter who she collaborates with, she always makes you feel like you're part of the process too. Don't know the words? Don't care, you got all you need to know in a pair of hips and the title. Bom bom. (Jo Michelmore) 

Ladies. Gentlemen. Your yearly reminder that Tkay continues to slay all in the rap game is here. It came late in the year, a day before we locked in this countdown, but it’s here. And it is the bom-bomb. See what I did there? Come for the jokes, stay for the Tkay and Danny L Harle show. Stick around, this isn’t the last you’ve seen of Ms Maidza in this year’s list. (Matt Bond)

#109. ...READY FOR IT?

by Taylor Swift

But if he's a ghost then I can be a phantom

Holdin' him for ransom.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Taylor Swift’s goofiness. Well, that and her total boss-ness when it comes to business and her brand. But I’ve always enjoyed that genuine goofiness to Swift that shines through in the videos for songs like ‘Blank Space’ and ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’. It  was even there in the video for ‘Look What You Made Me Do’, but when it comes to ‘Ready For It?’ that Taylor can’t come to the phone, FaceTime or send a text. She dead! For the first time, T-Sweezy is committing to just being the coolest of the cool. More importantly, she’s pulling it off.  (Matt Bond)

When Ms Swift released her new tracks this year, after her tiny hiatus, I'm gonna admit I was like "What? Isn't she taking a break?" because the general media and commercial radio world certainly haven't stopped playing her tracks during her 'break', so did she ever go anywhere? No, she really didn't, but I guess that just means we keep getting to enjoy her brand of pop for another few years yet. I'm ready for that. (Jo Michelmore)

#108. A DAY IN THE PARK

by Airling ft. Tom Iansek

Only accept the love you think you deserve

Drink it from a cup.

Airling released her hugely anticipated debut album, Hard to Sleep, Easy to Dream earlier in the year and what a debut it was. Full of ethereal pop gems like those we've come to expect, but with a couple of surprises to boot. One of them was 'A Day In The Park', a stripped back piano led duet with frequent collaborator and producer Tom Iansek of Big Scary. The use of minimal instrumentation and effects puts the focus on the vocal work and the lyrics and when it comes to a team like this, you know they're going to deliver the goods when it comes to the singing and the songwriting. These guys should team up more often, yes? (Matt Bond)

#107. THE JOKE

by Brandi Carlile

I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends

And the joke's on them.

There are songs that are just made for soundtracks, or TV drama. Made for emotional scenes in stories filled with faces staring out windows, or staring blankly at walls with subtle tears running down cheeks. It wouldn't have surprised me if Matt found this track on a TV soundtrack he loves, because that emotional filled drama description describes this song and let's face it, that's where a lot of (amazing) music lands. I can't comment on whether or not he plans on using 'The Joke' in an upcoming production, should he start producing television programs. If he did, they'd be full of piano and voice like Brandi's and they'd probably mostly be gloriously amazing like this one. (Jo Michelmore) 

One of the great storytellers of her generation, Brandi Carlile triumphantly returned in the latter days of 2017 with ‘The Joke’. If it’s an indication of the quality of the forthcoming album “By The Way, I Forgive You”, this will be another 5 star addition to a catalogue full of them. That raw power and emotion in Carlile’s voice and the imagery it paints solidifies her standing as one of the greats.  (Matt Bond)

#106. THE MAN

by The Killers

When it comes to Friday, I always earn

But don't try to teach me, I got nothing to learn.

The Killers enjoyed a revival of sorts this year, particularly in Australia after they played the non-Macklemore footy ball final. Maybe a couple of bland Brandon Flowers solo albums was all that The Killers needed to remind us that they’re better together. No, they’re never going to recapture the glory days of their debut, but they’ve still got it. Whatever ‘it’ is. In this case it’s a funkified testament to Flowers being not a man but The Man. Suddenly I’m not sure about The Killers again, but the track is undeniably appealing. (Matt Bond)

It's funny how some bands write songs  that make their way into the general public's consciousness until everyone, fans or not, seem to know the words. This can be witnessed when one chooses a Killers song at karaoke. Meanwhile, those musicians keep getting paid royalties every time someone sings along, which means they keep getting to write other killer (boom) rock songs, like this one. (Jo Michelmore)

#105. SMALL TALK

by Jeremy Neale ft. Pool Shop

Feeling unstoppable, I was a party animal

But the next day I felt so low.

Honestly, small talk is something I'm not the best at, it's generally awkward silences and me kind of humming some elevator music in my mind so hearing Jeremy Neale had a song of that title made me slightly apprehensive, but he can't do much wrong in my eyes, so I was happy to give this a go. It's no wonder I wasn't surprised at the handclaps at the beginning and I wasn't still in my seat by the "do do do" repetition  at the end. Jeremy's small talk, with it's perfectly dreamy way of moving in ways inspired by sounds from other decades is the only small talk I'm willing to participate in. (Jo Michelmore) 

#104. HUMAN CONNECTION

by Little Earthquake ft. Rosa Morgan

I wanted to call on you

But you're so far away, so far away.

Little Earthquake moved into producer territory towards the end of the year with the release of ‘Human Connection’. The fellas have traded in vocal duties to focus on the electronic music making things I’m not going to pretend I know the names of and brought in ‘Rosa Morgan’, who absolutely kills it on the track. There’s a world-class electronic feel to this, which should come as no surprise since we already thought Little Earthquake are a world-class act, but you can totally imagine ‘Human Connection’ getting some club play around the world. If this is the direction the Hyland brothers are taking going forward, I’m all for it. But I hope they don’t give up the vocals completely.  (Matt Bond)

#103. PERFORMANCE

by The xx

Since you stopped believing

I've had to put on my own show.

It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone how much love Jo and I have for The xx. Or maybe it is these days since we haven’t written anything for 84 years. But a quick refresher for everyone - we love The xx. Big fans. So there’s nothing I can really say critically of them. If I was pushing for something, it would be that their songwriting, while good, can be a little too abstract for its own good sometimes. Which doesn’t really matter when the British three-piece is so good at storytelling through atmosphere and the gorgeous tones in Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim’s voices. Still, it’s something critical and I’m only bringing it up because it’s not something you can say about ‘Performance’, which is songwriting perfection. The Romy-led number might not be The xx’s flashiest track, but it’s just as commanding and emotive as everything that’s come before. Your heart will break just as Romy’s does. And you’ll love her for it. (Matt Bond)

#102. BETTER SIT DOWN BOY

by Confidence Man

Let me teach you something 'bout love

Okay repeat.

A couple of friends and I were reminiscing recently about Machine Gun Fellatio from back in the day (whatever happened to them?) and how much we liked them because they were so fun. Then I jumped upon this song in our list and realised it gave me the exact same feeling all those MGF songs did way back when. Guess that means I'll be doing the same thing about Confidence Man in a few years, except in a few years I'll be old and taking their songs as advice. Better sit down. Cycle of life and things. (Jo Michelmore) 

#101. GILDED AGE

by Holy Holy

You said, "I used to care," well I used to do a lot of things.

Like Tkay earlier on, here's Holy Holy yet again hanging about in our countdown like a bad...wait a minute, there's no bad smells here, just the rocking sounds of a band that started simply, and have managed to keep their sounds humble with their simple rock roots, but also manage to keep growing their sound, by nurturing their talent with the old school ways of touring, playing, touring and playing. I hope they keep doing these things for a long time. (Jo Michelmore)                      

           

Flashback: Best Songs of 2015

Montaigne, Gang of Youths, Little May + Ngaiire!

1. Montaigne - Clip My Wings





2. Jeremy Neale ft. Phoebe Imhoff - Hold On Together





3. Ngaiire - Once





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





5. Jack Colwell - Don't Cry Those Tears





6. Little May - Seven Hours





7. Little May - Home





8. Gang of Youths - Magnolia





9. Courtney Barnett - Pedestrian At Best





10. Tkay Maidza - M.O.B





11. Chvrches - Leave A Trace





12. The Grates - It Won't Hurt Anymore





13. Florence + The Machine - What Kind of Man





14. James Chatburn ft. Jordan Rakei - Holiday Love





15. Kira Puru - All Dulled Out





16. Kendrick Lamar - King Kunta





17. Japanese Wallpaper ft. Airling - Forces





18. Sarah Blasko - I'd Be Lost





19. Oh Wonder - Drive





20. Eves The Behavior - Electrical





21. Ainslie Wills - Drive





22. Grimes - Flesh Without Blood





23. Chvrches - Clearest Blue


+


24. Ali Barter - Hypercolour





25. Adele - Hello

2015 Scene Awards - Man of the Year

Ah, yes... the Man of the Year award. This is usually the point in the Scene Awards when we sit around, twiddling our thumbs and think about what solo dudes made an impact on the charts, or did something, or is there a lead singer of a band we can throw in here to make up numbers? Dave Grohl? 2015 was a very different year. This time there was no twiddling of the thumbs, no scanning the ARIA charts to see if there were any male singers on it. This year we didn't have to look overseas or in some cases very far at all. 2015 was all about the Australian fellas making the musics. And the nominees are...

MAN OF THE YEAR:

4. James Chatburn

We like to go on and on about how the charts aren't important and quality music doesn't always translate to sales and if you just believe in yourself dreams will come true etc. etc. I'm not going to lie though, it sure was nice to see James Chatburn's name in the top 10 on the ARIA charts a couple of weeks ago. You might have heard his voice on the radio as he's currently featured on the Hilltop Hoods' new single, 'Higher'. It's Chatburn's first visit to the upper echelon of a music chart and we have no doubt it won't be his last. There's just no way that his brand of nu-soul can be denied and he's already building up a solid fan base, with thousands of online streams to his name. 2015 saw the release of three solo singles; 'Holiday Love', 'We Drink' and 'Creator'. Funky beats and smooth vocal tones all around, you only need to give them one listen and you won't be able to get them out of your head. Along with Donna, his partner in crime from The Septembers, Chatburn would relocate to Berlin earlier in the year and the duo collaborated with producer Saux to release your new favourite chill out jam 'Work'. Three of the previously mentioned singles would find a home on our Top 115 Songs of 2015 list. If that's not enough to garner a mention here, I don't know what is. Safe to say, the best is yet to come for James Chatburn. We can't wait to see what he releases in 2016. (Matt Bond) 

3. Vance Joy

There is and always has been a certain elitism in music fan-dom, there are people who are "into" music and there are people who listen to whatever is on the radio. Both types of fans are important, because as long as you're listening, then you're winning as far as I'm concerned. There are certain artists who I admire, who manage to keep a foot in both camps of music fan-dom; the ones "into music" have loved them since their first independent release *insert number* of years ago and the rest of the world loves them because *insert big name pop star here* loves them. Vance Joy is one of those artists, his sweet little brand of indie pop is honest and addictive and the fact that a certain pop star also likes him just means his ability to write super catchy, super delightful tales in song is appreciated by lots and lots of music fans. 2015 was a big year for ol' Vancey, riding the wave of success from last year, all the while still managing to release songs straight from the heart; 'Georgia' as captivating as the song it pays homage to and 'Fire And The Flood' made our own list of Top 115 Songs of 2015 (possibly not its biggest achievement). All of this and he continued to make huge curly hair remain as fashionable as it ever was. Was it ever? Questions for other times. Here's to more artists like Vance Joy making fans of music and fans of the radio happy together, because we can all get along, regardless of whether Vance or Taylor or Bieber is allowed on the Hottest 100, right? (Jo Michelmore)

Runner-Up: Jeremy Neale

Do you think one day, a few years from now, if the concept of saying everything within a limited character count via social media finally dies and we continue on this little writing crusade of ours, that instead of Man of the Year we start naming it Bachelor of the Year, Cosmopolitan style? Do you think Cosmopolitan will still exist in a few years time? Actually, does it exist now? And if it does, why hasn't this guy, one of our Man of the Year names, already been crowned top number one Bachelor of the Year? Is he a bachelor? Do bachelors still exist these days or is it just another name for a D(?) grade celebrity? So many questions, so little time. A man who probably has all the answers is Jeremy Neale, because his knowledge of all things important and motivational is well documented on his own social media accounts. He also looks quite good in 80s style fashion, which means he's perfect fodder for Bachelor of the Year. But beyond all that, he's actually an incredibly talented musician, who released one of the greatest EPs of this year in Let Me Go Out In Style, an 80s drenched daydream, a piece of absolute pop perfection, filled with countless guests and a production that screams retro without sounding old. Like a time machine in musical form, it took everything that should be remembered about 30 plus years ago and made it all new, made it superbly magnificent and made it some of my favourite musical moments of the year. Keep your eyes on Mr Neale, if he doesn't make Cosmo's competition next year, I'm re-naming our award next year, and you know who's going to win. Hint: release some more new amazing music next year please Mr Neale. (Jo Michelmore)

WINNER: Jack Colwell

EP of the Year wasn't enough, Jack Colwell must have ALL of the awards. And all of the awards he shall have. After a breakout 2014, this year would see Colwell's stock continue to rise off the strength of the Only When Flooded Could I Let Go EP. He seemed to be everywhere in 2015. There was the delicious throwback single 'Don't Cry Those Tears' to get us excited for the EP, an appearance on the Bad//Dreems album cover, Rolling Stone features and music videos with Claudia Karvan getting her drown on. As in she drowns someone, she doesn't drown herself. Nobody can stop the Karvan. Looking forward to 2016, audiences around the country will be able to see Jack open for Sarah Blasko and we're totally excited to finally get to see him performing live. But let's come back to what makes Jack Colwell our Man of the Year for 2015... his music. Only When Flooded Could I Let Go was a triumph on every level. An artistic achievement in which Colwell confidently carves out his own space in the music world. Theatrical, dramatic and unforgettable symphonic pop that delights all of the senses. His is a music that plays on a level only the very best could dare to pull off and he makes it seem all too easy. Vulnerable and exposed are words that could be applied to every song, from the honesty of 'C.O.A.T' to the world weariness dripping from 'Quintilis'. Sophisticated and stunning, nobody makes a painful declaration sound as classy as Jack Colwell. We wouldn't have it any other way. (Matt Bond)

2014  Winner:

Jack White

Runner-Up: Harts

2013 Winner:

Eminem

Runner-Up: Pharrell Williams

2012 Winner:

Jack White

Runner-Up: Frank Ocean

2011 Winner:

Gotye

Runner-Up: Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)

2010 Winner:

Kanye West

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #10 - 1

Montaigne, Jack Colwell, Ngaiire + Little May!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40 - 31

#30 - 21

#20 - 11

#10. M.O.B (Money Over Bitches)

by Tkay Maidza

And you I will find

Even if I waste the rest of me.

We kick off our top ten songs of 2015 with the 2014 champion, Tkay Maidza! She started the year with 'M.O.B', our favourite rap release of the year. Like Maidza herself, the track has an infectious energy that makes you want to shake it off or drop it low or whatever moves it is the kids are busting out at the discotheque these days. Something about a whip or a nae, I dunno. Whatever, 'M.O.B' will make you want to dance it out. Maidza's worldwide fan-base has grown and grown over the past twelve months and 'M.O.B' has played a huge part in that. While you might automatically start comparing a track that stands for 'Money Over Bitches' to, oh I don't know, Rihanna's 'Bitch Better Have My Money' and start wondering why everyone's hating on bitches and making bank, the two tracks probably differ just a liiiittle bit thematically. 'M.O.B' was written by Maidza as a letter to her future self and discusses all of the things she hopes to achieve. She chooses hard work in the pursuit of her goals and we've already seen how that's paying off for her. The world is taking notice of the brightest up and coming rapper on the planet and if new single 'Ghost' is any indication, she's going to use that focused work ethic and be working with some of the most incredible collaborators to make her dreams come true. At the end of 2016, I imagine we'll be saying, "that Tkay Maidza reign just won't let up." (Matt Bond)

One of my favourite music moments this year happened in my car, which isn’t surprising, considering how much music I listen to in my car, but this one took me by surprise, which made it all that much better. There I was, casually driving the mean streets of my 'burb, probably on a trip to somewhere as dull as the supermarket, or a bakery (my love of cake only comes second to my love of this artist) when I flicked through the radio and, probably trying to avoid Puth or Trainor, I stumbled across some beats I recognised. A voice that I know so well, because I like it so much and how can you not recognise Australia’s greatest rapper when you hear it? Big call? I’m happy to make it. Tkay Maidza has given a boost to Australian hip hop that it needed, taking it from being something lingering on the edge of popularity to right in the middle of commercial radio land which is where I found her in my car and I was so excited to find her there, because let's face it, that's not a bad place to be. Her career is just at the beginning and all those things I said earlier in this countdown about the future of Kendrik Lamar? One day I’ll be talking about Tkay being as that important to Australian hip hop. Big call? I’m happy to make it. (Jo Michelmore) 

#9. PEDESTRIAN AT BEST

by Courtney Barnett

Give me all your money and I'll make some origami honey

I think you're a joke, but I don't find you very funny.

Well clearly that Grammy nomination won’t mean much anymore now she’s made it to our songs of the year list. Come on Courts, top ten’s pretty good, right? Yes well, we decided these songs long before any noms for that little golden statue came along, you just all remember that, alright? She can pretty much do no wrong and while that’s been attributed to some other artists on this blog, I’m just really, really happy I live in a time when artists who can do no wrong can sing about broken hearts and stuff and sell billions of albums while other artists who can do no wrong like Courtney Barnett can sell millions of albums sing about washing their heads with turpentine and cyanide and stuff. I smile. These are very good times. (Jo Michelmore)


I get that Courtney Barnett might not be to everyone's tastes, and that's fine, you don't have to like everyone. But some of the responses to Barnett taking out the j Award for Album of the Year were an absolute joke. Maybe my thoughts on the matter have something to do with me being a mega fan of Barnett's songwriting, the delivery of her lines and the hard work she's put in to building a career as an independent artist. Maybe it has something to do with songs like 'Pedestrian at Best' being the bees knees (which is a good thing, right?). It's a lyrical goldmine and the guitar driving everything along makes me want to jump up and down with gleeee. It's a track so critical; of Barnett and of the way artists are built up and then torn down. I'm confused about what irony is because of Alanis Morissette's absolute failure to properly address what it is in one of her songs from way back, but isn't what's going on in 'Pedestrian at Best' and the response to her j Award win fitting of the bill? I don't know about you and where you stand when it comes to the music of Courtney Barnett, but I'm a big fan and the fact that she likely doesn't give a shit about what anyone thinks about her music makes me love her even more. The video is pretty much the only time I've loved clowns too. There's just something about sad clowns that I love. (Matt Bond)
 

#8. MAGNOLIA

by Gang of Youths

There's no way tonight, as far as I know

That heaven will take me, so I'm staggering home.

How awesome has it been to see the rise and rise of Gang of Youths in 2015? A packed to capacity showcase at BIGSOUND Live, a huge national tour (with an even bigger one scheduled for 2016) and the release of their breakthrough debut album The Positions made up just a few of their successes. The latter one, that debut album, is one that many music lovers will be cherishing for a long, long time. There are pure moments of devastation, excitement, heartbreak and joy (or you could also use the emotions from that Inside Out movie) and it's the joy that shines through on 'Magnolia'. Yeah, even in the bits where vocalist Dave Le'aupepe is all like, I'm wasted and I'll kick your butt. So much joy. So little time. But you'll have all the time in the world to listen to 'Magnolia' over and over again. It's the sound of a stadium rock band in the making, and, with any luck Australia's next great musical export. It's easy to get distracted from all that previously mentioned joy when it comes to the music of 'Magnolia', but like all of the Gang of Youths' tracks, it's deeper than you'd expect and you'll ask questions about the narrator's status as an alcoholic, but the music keeps things above board on the emotional spectrum. Josh Harris' accompanying clip is outstanding too, with Le'aupepe and the rest of the band providing insight into the energy you can experience at a Gang of Youths live show. And you should make sure you get to one of those shows next year. Get 'yo tix now thnx. (Matt Bond)

When you question everything, when you are unsure of it all, when you think you have all the answers, sometimes those are the moments that you realise that there are people who have already questioned all the things, who are probably still unsure of it all, but they are the people who are the best to consult with in those moments of doubt. Those consultations don’t have to be intense, they won’t have all the answers you’re looking for, but they’ll certainly know how to make you think a little differently and walk with a little more swag. Sometimes those consultations come with the press of play on songs like ‘Magnolia’ and sometimes those songs are some of the most precious sounds that you’ll ever hear. Those words "there's no way tonight, as far as I know, that heaven will take me" are so bittersweet, so honest and so very life affirming, I just wanna fist pump or high five someone every time I hear them. The glory of failure, the splendour of being the lowest of the low, the freedom of misery and the wonderful, wonderful journey from it, Gang of Youths have captured it all in a way I never thought possible. I’m not sure how things were before ‘Magnolia’, but I know things have been so much better with it. (Jo Michelmore)

#7. HOME

by Little May

You're keeping me behind you

All I wanna do is find you.

 

One of the things I’ve always loved about this blog project of Matt and mine, is our freedom and ability to write about music we love, not just what a PR company has emailed us or what happens to be trending on your social media of choice, or what is number one or what someone has recommended and wants us to write about. Whether that be music written by people in faraway countries, recorded in world famous studios by artists loved by millions, or music written on lounge room floors in houses similar to our own, recorded in bedrooms by someone who could live next door, everything we write about is something we like, not just something. Our words mean something to us because they are written with a passion for things we can't live without. While Little May are starting to fall into the ‘loved by millions’ category, the theme about everything we write is the same; astounding voices, brilliant musicians writing incredible tales in intense ways about situations that one of us has been in, or one of us relates to, or one of us understands, or both of us just really want a dance to. ‘Home’ meets so many descriptions, but the most important part is the first bit – this blog is about writing about music we love. This band, this song, this one - we love. (Jo Michelmore)


Little May, Little May, Little May... what would a year be now without hearing new music from you? It would be a sad, sad year. That's what kind of year it would be. Ok, I might be able to get through 2016 because I still can't stop listening to their incredible debut album, For The Company. Emotionally charged and both exhilirating and ugly cry inducing, the album stands as one of the finest debuts we've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Or just like, one of the finest albums we've ever had the pleasure of hearing in general. 'Home' was our first taste of For The Company and released as the LP's first single in June. The vocal lead is taken by Hannah Field, with Liz Drummond and Annie Hamilton backing her up to create the best harmonies in the business. I know, I know... sibling harmonies are supposed to be perfect, but don't think I didn't watch Kylie and Dannii on the X Factor a couple of weeks ago. Nothing beats Little May in the harmonising department. Anyway, here we have a song about getting home and all it makes me want to do is jump on a plane to anywhere and see the whole world and THEN come home. And maybe that came into it when Little May recorded it over in New York. They have been out seeing the world, touring and exploring and stuff. Which is going to be a recurring thing for Little May now. Heading off and heading home. We'll be looking forward to those times they come back home and come to Brisbane and play one of their brilliant shows. And of course, we'll be looking forward to hearing what comes next. Even if we have to wait a little bit to hear it (newmusicin2016pleasethankyou). (Matt Bond) 

#6. SEVEN HOURS

by Little May

And I can fight this with my hands but my head won't let me

You're still here.

Oh, hey... it's Little May. So nice to see you again so soon. Now, as discussed in the last write up, a couple of the tracks on Little May's debut For The Company could be best described as ugly cry inducing. For the most part, I was talking about this track right here, 'Seven Hours'. I feel like every listen involves Little May subtly cutting my chest, ripping my heart out and stomping on it on the floor repeatedly. How can someone even do that in a subtle manner? I don't know, ask Little May because apparently they can do it. I must be a sucker for punishment because I've been stuck listening to the song on repeat for far too long. There's no getting away from it. Hannah Field's calm demeanour belies the all too relatable pain behind the words and, once again, those Little May harmonies are just too perfect. Field, Drummond and Hamilton have confidently claimed their place among the world's best lyricists with lines dripping with confusion and heartache like, "and I can fight this with my hands but my head won't let me." Urgh... they do sad songs so very, very well. May they never change. Now, to pick up the smashed pieces of my heart and listen to 'Seven Hours' again. (Matt Bond)

There you are again, music, where you’ve always been, where you always sit, waiting for a moment, watching for when I will least expect you. That place where a minute feels like forever and forever takes only a minute. Everything about you is everything you are, and every time I think everything is ok you take my face in your hands and all of everything that is wrong and everything that is right is here in front of us. There you are, my friend, speaking to me in ways that only you can, about things only you understand, the secrets that we keep are ours and ours alone, the stories that you tell mean so many things to so many people but I trust you like I always have and you’re the only one in the entire world who hasn’t betrayed me yet. There you go, making me see things again and again, making me face the things no one else can, over and over and yet I still adore you, unlike anyone, unlike anything else. You make yourself appear in the strangest of times and places, but here you are, with a band that has become one of my favourites over the past couple of years, and there you are, making yourself so present in those angelic voices, in those notes I never knew I needed, before these talented ladies put them all together. Music, my friend, you are all there ever needs to be when you make yourself known with a band like Little May. (Jo Michelmore)

#5. DON'T CRY THOSE TEARS

by Jack Colwell

I know the secrets of the heart

I know the secrets of the mind.

I’ve been desperately searching for a word to describe Jack Colwell to include in these words of mine, but I can’t seem to find the exact one. How does one word describe those magical moments when he released his EP Only When Flooded Could I Let Go back in August, and it was one of those special ones that don't come along everyday, one of those groups of songs that became my entire life for a little while. I listened to absolutely nothing else; in my car, in my house, in my headphones on the street, at the gym, in my bedroom and my bathroom and my kitchen, I would turn the volume up at any occasion I could get away with it and I would get completely lost, totally consumed by the world of J Colwell in all of its weird and wonderful glory. Because it’s just so easy to get lost in a talent so incredible, sounds so exceptional and a voice so strangely divine. He can say don’t cry those tears all he likes but sometimes those tears just go hand in hand with the goose bumps that his type of extraordinary music creates. And there it is, exactly the word I've been looking for, extraordinary. Jack Colwell, your talent is something above and beyond what is expected. It's extraordinary. And more. (Jo Michelmore)


The first time I heard a snippet of 'Don't Cry Those Tears' was during the intro to Jack Colwell's 'Far From View' music video last year. At the time I thought something along the lines of, "well doesn't that sound like an intriguing little gem of a song," and hoped that in time we'd get to hear the full track. I'm here to tell you, boys and girls that dreams do come true, because Colwell would release 'Don't Cry Those Tears' in 2015 as a preview to his stunning EP, Only When Flooded Could I Let Go. It's such an amazing EP. Enough to make you sigh and whisper things like, "life is for the living," while you stare out at the ocean from a cliff on an overcast day and reflect on all that life has offered you and all that you still have left to do. And you're wearing the finest haute couture, because it will make the moment more dramatic and if anyone is making music that deserves you to be dressed up while listening to it, it's Jack Colwell. No basic bitches allowed. Colwell's deep, booming voice begging you not to cry those tears while he's gone will give you all the warm and fuzzy feels, 'specially when he admits that he's going to cry anyway and then it's just a big cry fest all around. This list so far is chock full of Australian talent on the verge of big things and Jack is another one of our faves poised for a massive 2016. We can't wait to see him when he stops by Brisbane for the first time in support of Sarah Blasko. What a combo. COLLABORATE TOGETHER. *cough* Excuse me. I just get excited about things. Watch this space and any other space Jack Colwell is inhabiting. The best is yet to come. (Matt Bond)
 

#4. I DON'T THINK YOU LIKE ME

by Tired Lion

Now you're left here by yourself

Alone and no one else.

Remember these names... Sophie Hopes, Matt Tanner, Ethan Darnell and Nick Vasey. They are, of course, the members of Perth's Tired Lion and it's because of them that the future of Australian rock is looking as blindingly bright as it does today. You should probably get some shades, it's that bright. I was lucky enough to see them play twice this year, at BIGSOUND Live and when their own tour brought them to Brisbane. Both times I was blown away by how tight their performances were, the energy they bring to the stage and the insane quality of their sound. I picked up their Figurine EP on the day of release, and that purchase was pretty much decided the day I first heard its lead single 'I Don't Think You Like Me'. Gloriously 90s, but without the apathy of so many great songs from that decade. Sure, Hopes doesn't seem too sad-pants about someone not liking/loving her, but maybe that's just because she's a badass who ain't gonna waste no time on a hater. Or a scrub. And we all know what a scrub is... a guy that thinks he's fly/also known as a busta. I'm sorry (I'm not), 115 songs is a lot of songs to come up with words for and I've loved Tired Lion so much in 2015 that I've written things about them quite a bit and don't want to repeat it all. Tanner's guitar riffs are electrifying, Hopes is my favourite new front for a rock outfit and if a debut album is coming in 2016, my excitement will know no bounds. I don't just like Tired Lion, I love them. (Matt Bond)  

Damn, you know what? I just fucking love rock music. Excuse that language children, but we speak of rock, so it needs that. Sometimes I think that there is nothing in the world better than guitars and drums and noise. Then I remember cake and I realise I’ve got to stop making such outlandish statements, but you know what? I fucking love rock music. I love that feeling of YES that runs up your spine when some crunchy chords play and I love the need to nod one’s head manically every time a stick hits the skins and I really love the ability to scream frantically and pass it off as singing, possibly while jumping a little and passing it off as dancing. Tired Lion have managed to make me do all of those things and they have managed to give me hope for the future of rock, because with bands like these guys playing grungy songs like this it means I’ll be declaring that I fucking love rock music until I hit that retirement village a hundred years from now. (Jo Michelmore)

#3. ONCE

by Ngaiire

And if we did it a million, and if we did for love

We didn't do it enough.

Matt and I saw Ngaiire at BIGSOUND earlier this year. She was probably the one I was looking forward to seeing the most and when I talk about my live music highlights of the year, those thirty or so minutes are right there at the top of the list. That gig was spectacular. All energy, all dance, all vibe, all everything a gig should be, half an hour was nowhere near enough. All I’ve had since are the dreams of when she will release her second album Blastoma and this fabulous track from that (hopefully soon to be released) album. A smooth slow laid back song, like the best of all loves, constantly teasing and never quite reaching a break, making you want more and more of her voice sailing over those oh so warm beats; it’s beyond magnificent, it’s beyond brilliant, it’s an addiction I can’t quite feed enough and it’s a feeling I don’t want to end, just like when Matt and I left that BIGSOUND gig and we both said we wanted more. Please Ngaiire, we need that album and we need it soon. And when we get it, I’m pretty sure we’re never going to want it to end either. (Jo Michelmore)


Ngaiire, beautiful Queen of Neo-Soul. Continuing the trend of outdoing what has come before with each new release, Ngaiire unveiled her best song yet this year. 'Once'. I could make jokes about how there's no possible way you'll only be listening to this track once, but Ngaiire deserves better. 'Once' is like a conversation with your best friend, intimate details of your lives are shared. Hopes, dreams, successes and failures. And afterwards, any worries you may have built up are gone and a weight has been dropped from your shoulders. You wish you could always feel like you do in this moment. And you're going to wish you felt like you do when you listen to 'Once' all the time. So the solution to this is obvious. You will now listen to 'Once' all the time. Or, whenever you're feeling down, whatever. Only a teaser of what will make up Ngaiire's upcoming album Blastoma, 'Once' shows that Ngaiire has so much more to offer the music world. Another of this year's BIGSOUND Live acts that absolutely killed it, we got to hear a couple of other tunes that will make up Blastoma and they are just as soulful, fierce and spellbinding as this one right here. We are but Ngaiire's subjects. Bow down to the #QUEEN. (Matt Bond)   

#2. HOLD ON TOGETHER

by Jeremy Neale ft. Phoebe Imhoff

And if you want to bring me down, well, I don't

I'm cautious 'bout the way I move around town.

Once upon a time I was able to read heaps of music blogs in the pursuit of excellent new music. Then, in a perfectly cliched manner, life got in the way and now I barely have enough time in the week to write for my own blog. But I used to love this one called #1 Hits From Another Planet. The writer was basically like, in a perfect world (insert song here) would be a super-dooper-mega-smash hit on the charts. If this was a perfect world 'Hold On Together', from Jeremy Neale and featuring former Go Violet/current Stevie vocalist Phoebe Imhoff, would be the biggest song in the world of ever. But then, using Neale's own deep and complex method of thinking (best viewed on his Facebook page), in a perfect world there might not be a need for a song like 'Hold On Together' to exist. For there would be nobody trying to bring anyone down, no need to be cautious about the way one moves around town. No need to question why the two of you are the ones that hold it together, baby... Oooooo... ooh ooh. I guess I'll just have to be content with this version of the world, which isn't so bad when you think about it, because you've got these talented artists from Brisbane making music you know you're going to be listening to and loving for the rest of your life. Keep on keeping on, Jeremy Neale. You're the best. (Matt Bond)

So, I’ve decided I’m going to write a script for a blockbuster film. It’s going to be an action-musical-rom-com-drama and it’s going to star Jeremy Neale as a superhero named...Neremy Jeale who saves the world from the evil bad guy named Boredom. So, like, the opening scene involves a character named Batthew Mond (played by...Matthew Bond) sitting in his car, stuck in traffic on the way to work, regretting all the decisions he made the previous night when that evil no good rascal Boredom suddenly lands on the bonnet and forces Batthew to reach for the radio, where he starts to, gasp, turn on NOVA before BAM! Neremy Jeale appears out of nowhere, punching boredom in the face with his own superpower, which is the power of music. Neremy bursts into song, crooning to a girl named Phoebe Imhoff in the next car (played by, ahem, me of course, unless Pheobe beats me at auditions, which I’ll be holding..this may get confusing). They sing so sweetly to each other all about holding on and thank goodness, Batthew Mond regrets nothing, is delivered to work safely, with a catchy little tune stuck in his head, the commercial radio station turned off and that evil jerk Boredom kept at bay for another day. And so on and so forth for about two hours. It’ll be a blockbuster and Jeremy Neale and Imhoff will get an Oscar AND a Grammy (as will Matt and I, obviously) and the world will be a better place for it. Where are you Hollywood? Why have you not found me yet???? Oh, and Jeremy Neale too. (Jo Michelmore) 

#1. CLIP MY WINGS

by Montaigne

You're asking me, to be kind to you

Well, let me tell you something, dear

That kind of game takes two.

And so here we are, we have finally arrived at number one in this long, long list of our favourite songs of 2015. To be honest, if we were to really collate a list of our favourites, it would probably be two, three, four times as many songs as this, but Matt and I don’t get paid to write this stuff, this blog is a labour of love so 115 will have to do for this year. It is with so much pleasure that I get to write about Montaigne, a girl from Sydney who personifies all the things we both love about music. She has, in such a short time, managed to make us dance and cry at the same time, she played one of my favourite gigs of the year and this track is everything we like about all of our favourite songs; bold and bright, confident without arrogance, open and honest and timid and self-assured, all at the same time. ‘Clip My Wings’ seems so appropriate to be sitting at this spot, a song about resilience and self-assurance, an anthem for standing up for what you believe in, every single instrument adding to the tale in such important ways, her voice just the crown sitting on top of a song fit for a king. Fit for a queen. For everybody else and everybody in between. It’s a song that I will be listening to years from now and will still be finding new things to love about it and it’s a song that means a lot to someone who has spent countless hours sitting at a laptop writing thousands of words, for the genuine love of it all. “Fantastically, I live in a dream, reality cannot be what it seems” is what she sings, but when reality means experiencing and writing about songs like this, songs that provide the escapes that make everything so ok, and if reality means hearing artists like Montaigne, reality isn’t such a bad place to be. (Jo Michelmore) 


So here we are, our number one song of 2015 and the longest running number one ever on our weekly Top 25. It's a song that reached for soaring heights and made us dream such big, beautiful dreams. A song from a talent that won't be denied, a singer and songwriter that at the beginning of her career is already at the top of her game. A 'game' that she will undoubtedly redefine over the next ten, twenty, thirty years even. Pushing boundaries, exploring new soundscapes and delighting music lovers the world over. Her name is Montaigne, the song is 'Clip My Wings'. It's the best kind of thrill; hitting spectacular highs and flying low in an applause worthy show of defiance. No punches are pulled throughout and it places you firmly in Montaigne/Jessica Cerro's corner. It comes from a place of well considered thought and a desire to hold destiny in one's own hands. There aren't enough plaudits that can be thrown in its direction. There is only love. So much love. And a desire to hear so much more from Montaigne. 2015 was an outstanding year for music, with so many songs making us excited for what 2016 will bring. But no song brought the excitement quite like this one, the 2015 Song of the Year. The song is 'Clip My Wings', her name is Montaigne.  (Matt Bond) 

2015 Winner:

Montaigne - 'Clip My Wings'

Runner Up: Jeremy Neale ft. Phoebe Imhoff - 'Hold On Together'

2014 Winner:

Tkay Maidza - 'U-Huh'

Runner Up: Thelma Plum - 'How Much Does Your Love Cost?'

2013 Winner:

Lorde - 'Royals'

Runner Up: Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams - Get Lucky

2012 Winner:

Texas Tea - 'Heart Says Yes (Head Says No)'

Runner Up: Azealia Banks ft. Lazy Jay - '212'

2011 Winner:

Gotye ft. Kimbra - 'Somebody That I Used To Know' 

Runner Up: Kimbra - 'Cameo Lover'

2010 Winner:

Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith - 'Not In Love'

Runner Up: M.I.A - 'XXXO'

And that's the Top 115 Songs of 2015 done! Thanks for reading and we'll be back sooner or later with the rest of the 2015 Scene Awards...