If you have looked at this little blog more than once or twice in the last two years (thank you), then at some stage it would have been blatantly obvious that Tkay Maidza would be appearing in this countdown at some stage, which brings us to her (first – don’t tell anyone I told you) appearance at number forty. It seems like forever ago that Matt told me I needed to stomp my feet like a Brontosaurus, and while that was actually only two and a half years ago, Tkay has made a very impressive impact in that short time. ‘Switch Lanes’ was a more subdued adventure than her other singles, but it showcased more than Tkay’s extraordinary rapping skills; with each chorus we were treated to her gorgeous singing voice and combined with those steel drums she had herself a faultless track which only added to what has become an (almost) obsessive couple of blogging fans. (Jo Michelmore)
#39. BONES by Little May
There was this boy I fell apart to
In the backseat of my car to
It was the opening lyrics of ‘Bones’ that got me first. Those words that drew the breath from my lungs and held me down, demanding I listen, demanding I pay attention. The beats kept me entranced, wandering gently through the sounds but then those words pulled me back to the floor. The keys held on to my heart, all of me wanting to curl up within the notes, but then those words again, reminding me of where I was and where I am. The subtle guitars like fingertips through my hair kept me comfortable until they were there again; those words, whispering in my ears, begging to be heard, reaching straight into my life, making me wonder what ever had happened then and what was happening now. Whatever did happen doesn’t matter anymore, because with every listen of ‘Bones’ to comfort and embrace, sometimes Little May's music is all you need to make everything ok. (Jo Michelmore)
#38. RUNAWAY
by Kanye West
I'm so gifted at findin' what I don't like the most
So I think it's time for us to have a toast
You either love or hate Kanye West. It doesn't seem like there's room for much in-between. I like to separate Kanye West the artist from Kanye West the person. As a music maker I love everything about him. As a person? Meh. When 'Runaway' was released, all the way back in 2010 (!), my automatic response when asked if I liked Yeezy was something along the lines of, "he's a wanker, but he makes excellent music." Obviously he's still a bit of wanker, but the older I get the funnier I find Mr. West. You can always count on him for a post-awards show rant, the next great ego-maniacal quote and a cameo appearance on that Kardashian show. More important than that, you can always count on Kanye to release truly fascinating music. 'Runaway' was just one of many masterpieces on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. You can guarantee he'll have tracks to match it on his upcoming seventh studio album. (Matt Bond)
#37. RECOVER
by Chvrches
And take what you need And you don't need me
Here’s a confession: I have been one of those crazy people in another car that you stare at while sitting at traffic lights. I have been one of those people who sit behind you in shopping centre car parks while you crane your neck around trying to figure out where those (incredibly catchy) beats are coming from. I have been the person you look in your rear view mirror at, trying to figure out who I’m talking to in my empty car. Yes, I am one of those people you look at while I tap the steering wheel, nod my head and every now and then throw a hand in the air (I have a sedan, not a convertible, so throwing an arm can be a little more difficult. I have always done all of these things, but never more than since the very first day I hear Chrvches. And I think all of those things are indication enough of what I think of 'Recover'. (Jo Michelmore)
#36. ROLLING IN THE DEEP
by Adele
There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch
It's bringing me out the dark
Has anything been better in music over the past five years than Adele's meteoric rise to the top? The ultimate triumph of substance over style began with the release of 'Rolling In The Deep', which annihilated all that stood in its way, fending off LMFAO, Katy Perry and The Black Eyed Peas to end 2011 with the biggest song of the year on the Billboard Hot 100. At the Grammy Awards it would walk away with Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Its parent album, 21 would take away a bajillion other honours and Adele would become arguably the biggest artist in music. What was it that had the whole world going crazy for Adele? Maybe it was her phenomenal voice. Maybe it was her carefree attitude, not giving a damn what the world thought about her. Or maybe we all just needed a good 'fuck-you' song, because it only takes those opening lines to get you putting those middle fingers up to anyone that's ever taken you for granted. Let's go with a combination of all of those things. (Matt Bond)
#35. I LOVE YOU LIKE I LOVE THIS BLACK EYE
by Texas Tea
I love you like I love this black eye
I love you like I love it when we fight
After one of the many Texas Tea gigs I've had the pleasure of attending, my sister and I were talking about how Kate Jacobson and Ben Dougherty were the greatest and Sam (the sister) was all like, "I don't know how they can look at each other while singing that song." The song in question was 'I Love You Like I Love This Black Eye' and I had to agree. It's always been a live highlight with Kate and Ben alone on the stage, staring at each other and presenting both sides of a relationship ruined by domestic violence and the lengths one can go to if they want to survive. It's heartbreaking, unlike anything I've heard before and how they sing it to each other with such conviction is a testament to just how good Texas Kate and Texas Ben are as performers. I'm listening to this three years after the release of Sad Summer Hits (and album you must listen to) and it still gives me chills. (Matt Bond)
#34. LOST TRACK OF TIME
by MTNS
I screamed out loud again
But you weren't there to hear my call
When I first heard MTNS get some airplay on JJJ I got that little “yippee!” feeling in my stomach like you do when your favourite artists get airplay. Oh, is that only me? Um, I guess it’s like when your favourite team plays good games in the footballs, or something like that…I think? Shut up, I like music more than football. For a little while there in 2013, it seemed like everywhere I turned I heard the sweet, sweet sounds of MTNS. Maybe it was because for a little while there I was totally obsessed with those sweet, sweet sounds of these boys from Brisbane. I kept seeing them at gigs, I kept hearing them on playlists and I think I saw one of them on the street once. That was a good day. Better than the day your favourite team won the football game. Maybe. (Jo Michelmore)
#33. HIDE by Little May
Taking steps toward your door
I hadn't let myself before
What have Little May got coming up on their schedule? Let's see... next month they're heading off overseas to the UK, Ireland and France before making their way to the USA in June, which includes a festival performance at Bonnaroo. After a short break they return to the UK for Reading and Leeds. Then it's back to Ireland for Electric Picnic. There's also a debut album to be released at some stage and if no one has put the ladies forward as support for Fleetwood Mac's Australian tour, can I? As someone with the power to do that, which I am not, I think they'd be the perfect fit. You may have noticed I've said very little about 'Hide' and why it's one of our favourite songs of the past five years. If you've paid attention to this blog over the past five years (thanks, we love you) then I wouldn't have to since I spent like a year or three obsessing over those perfect Little May harmonies, the faultless lead performance from Liz Drummond, the totally gorgeous music that holds you under a spell and the impeccable storytelling prowess of Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton. The fire that started in my heart the first time I heard 'Hide' burns just as bright as ever. We couldn't wait to see where Little May's journey would take them and it's taking them to all the places we hoped (and kinda knew) it would. True talent can't be kept down and Little May continue to succeed as only the very best music makers can. We couldn't be happier for them. (Matt Bond)
#32. ANGELS by The xx
And the end is unknown
But I think that I'm ready
As long as you're with me
It's all trendy to utilise sparse beats and be all hip with the production duties to impress the kids these days. Really though, that's all because of The xx. Only youngsters themselves, the band would take out the Mercury Music Prize with their debut, xx and win over the world with the follow-up, Coexist. It's the latter that was home to 'Angels', easily one of the finest, chilled out numbers to be released in, well, ever. Original review time because, as you already know, I've gotten worse at the whole writing thing as the years go on. Jks, I'm awesome. "Has there ever been a song so immediately calming as 'Angels'? It disarms you with the opening guitar lines, before Romy Madley Croft and her siren call beckons you to follow her into a world so full of love, you'd think there was nothing else to feel. I'm left feeling like it's all a little too good to be true. Is she expressing a true, deep love that she just can't find the words to describe? Or is she doing her best to convince herself and you, the listener that what she feels is right. "If someone believed me, they would be as in love with you as I am," leaves so many questions in my mind. The way she repeats 'love' throughout makes me wonder... if she says it enough, does it make it true? It's this back and forth, is it real or isn't it that keeps me coming back for more. I'll jump between both views, my love for The xx and 'Angels' never diminishing." (Matt Bond)
#31. WHEN ALL YOUR LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH
by Kira Puru and the Bruise
Leave me to bleed
Tell me what to do
With my heart
I’m going to sound like a crazy person, but I’m almost a little bit ashamed when I hear the opening notes of ‘When All Your Love Is Not Enough’, because I still can’t quite figure out how Kira and her Bruise pals are not more of a well-known name, in this country, in my city, I’d even be happy if someone in my neighbourhood knew who she was. That voice is indescribable, if the emotion could be harnessed to treat broken hearts then bars and bottle shops across the world might go out of business, but Kira Puru would be famous and that would make me happy. Except I'd still like a beverage every now and then. Guess you can't have everything. So what if I sound like a crazy person? It’s true. Kira should be well-known and it only takes one listen to figure that out. Two listens and you’ll be hooked. Three listens and your neighbourhood will know who she is too, and that is just the beginning. (Jo Michelmore)
If they've been this good so far, can you even imagine the rest? You don't have to, because we'll be back soon with thirty more amazing songs...
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...
Long before Kim married Kanye, there was a decade when being a Kim was actually cool. Yes kids, for those who can't read between the lines, I'm saying Kim (of the Kardashian type) isn't cool. I won't say the same for Kanye, no matter how much of a dick he is, but I'll always question how he ended up with a Kim of the Kardashian type. If he was a grown man in the 80s, would he have hooked up with another Kim?
Kim Carnes and Kanye would have been a perfect couple, because while Kanye declares himself a motherfucking monster, Ms Carnes spent her nights hiding from them in the night. Then again, who can say, maybe Kardashian Kim does that too.
Or it could have been Kanye and Kim, of the Mel and Kim variety. After all, like Kim, Khloe and Kourtney, where there is one sister, there's another. And Mel and this Kim could have taught Kanye something he seems to know very little about.
But I think my favourite would have been Kim Wilde. She and Kanye would have made a lovely couple and she loved American kids. But the best part?
If they got married her name would be Kim Wilde West. Even Kardashian would approve of that, right?
I love new music. I'm not quite at the point in my life where I'll tell anyone that will listen that everything was better in "my day", mostly because I'm hoping "my day" hasn't officially happened yet, but I digress. I love new music and one of the benefits of being a music "blogger" or "writer" or "crazy person" or whatever it is you want to call us, is that you get to hear A LOT of new music that lovely people have taken the time to send you. You listen to so much, that a song that was released barely a year ago can seem old. Which if you're looking at it in a literal sense, yes it's old, but stop trying to be clever and work with me here. I love new music, but sometimes I just want to spend some time with old favourites.
Which I got to do yesterday when I was doing a big clean up at home and hit the jackpot. My friends... I found an old iPod. Yes. An iPod. For our younger readers, the iPod existed in a time long forgotten, pre-iPhone. I know, it's horrific to imagine such a world, but there was a time when the iPhone did not exist and you had this thing called an iPod and all you could do was listen to music on it. I won't go into discmans and walkmans because I don't want to scare you, so let's move on. After several arduous hours minutes spent locating a charger, I let that bad boy juice itself up and then sat down to listen to music I was listening to back when I was a lad. So like three years ago. Four max. For tonight's 10 and 1, I'm going to invite you to stand with me, just for one night and say out with the new and in with the old! Ten tracks from my iPod adventure that took me back to the good 'ole days and one that made me regret bad life choices.
THE TEN:
Easy Tonight
by Five For Fighting
You thought they only had that song about how hard life was for Superman. You were wrong. Five For Fighting also had this track 'Easy Tonight' appear on Scrubs and I was in love with it. Not in love enough to listen to anything else Five For Fighting ever did, but this was such a brilliant Matchbox Twenty-ish, early 2000s pop rock track and listening to it again... ah, good times. "You were free, now you're not, you were free, now you're not." That clip gets real.
At Home
by Crystal Fighters
Now remember, I did say songs that even relatively newish songs seem old to me, so here we have the Crystal Fighters' 'At Home' which is maybe... four years old. Which essentially makes it ancient. It existed when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Worn Me Down
by Rachael Yamagata
The underrated, incredibly talented Rachael Yamagata. The official 'Worn Me Down' recording is a pop-rock number, some guitars and drums and all upbeat despite the sad, defeated lyrics. Which is why I have this piano version on the old iPod. It's a beautiful piano ballad, the performance is sublime. Why is this woman not uber-famous? She should be right up there with the likes of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.
Helplessness Blues
by Fleet Foxes
What happened to Fleet Foxes? Helplessness Blues was a ridiculously good album. I'm not going to lie, I forgot about the existence of Fleet Foxes. Listening to 'Helplessness Blues' again makes me wonder how I ever could have. So I did the whole research thing and found out Fleet Foxes himself, Robin Pecknold, decided to go to university and get an undergraduate degree last year, so that's why they've been so quiet. And yes, when I say research I mean Wikipedia.
Wise Up
by Aimee Mann
If you have not seen Magnolia, go and see it. Now. You will hear the music of Aimee Mann and you will thank me. I'll just say you're welcome in advance.
Funeral Dress
by William Fitzsimmons
Another great singer-songwriter here in William Fitzsimmons. This is one of the most calming songs you'll ever here. I'm so mellow right now. Aren't you feeling mellow? TELL ME YOU FEEL MELLOW? I'm going to listen to 'Funeral Dress' again now.
The Battle
by Missy Higgins
Oh, Miggins. Even though I have a lot of love for Miggins, I'm pretty sure I first heard 'The Battle' on the episode of Grey's Anatomy where George dies. Shut up, that was great TV. This would have to be one of Higgins' best tracks and I don't think it even ended up on a proper album. From my "research" it looks like it showed up as a b-side for 'Steer' and on The EP Collectables in 2010. This time, "research" was just putting the song name into Spotify. It's alright guys, I have a journalism degree. I've got this.
Goodnight Elisabeth
by Counting Crows
I was convinced for the longest time that he had actually killed Elisabeth. Anyway, great song.
A Sorta Fairytale
by Tori Amos
Tori, Tori... what's the story? It's a fairytale about a princess with a foot for a body and Adrien Brody plays the prince. Well, that's just the music video. This one really takes me back. Even further than the iPod's existence and even further than this song, which is an early 2000s number. 90s Tori, 'Cornflake Girl', 'Winter', 'Hey Jupiter'. Might have to go listen to a whole lot of the Amos now.
Diamonds From Sierra Leone
by Kanye West
There was heaps of Kanye on the iPod. There's heaps of Kanye on my iPhone. Some things just don't change.
THE ONE:
Keep On Loving You
by REO Speedwagon
But some things do change. 'Keep On Loving You' is kinda creepy. More in a 'Blurred Lines' way than the dude with the dreads from Counting Crows taking out Elisabeth. When I listen to 'Keep On Loving You'... it really makes me want to hear some new music. Not 'Blurred Lines'. But wait, that's old. Urgh, I'm confused now. This walk down memory lane is over. Shut it down.
Finally, here we are at the last letter in the A to Z of Pop and what have we learnt in the previous letters of the alphabet, dear readers? Amongst other things, we have learnt that Ed Sheeran is not very good, contrary to popular opinion the 90s had some bad bits as well as good bits, sometimes I can get a little political, personal and a little bit Cher, sometimes even I can make a Simpsons reference and sometimes being a blogger is really hard work, which is why I used the same idea twice. WTF?
We're going to end the A to Z with a little advice, because, well, we all know it's gonna happen sooner or later and my fellow bloggers, friends and I have a lot of theories about what we're going to do when it arrives. I figure since pop music can give us the answers as to how to mend a broken heart and how to party like it's 1999, it can give us the answers as to how we survive the impending zombocaplypse as well.
Surviving zombocalypse part one: if we take the advice of Robbie Williams, we simply dance in front of said zombie girls. We also have to strip. Not just our clothing. I'm not sure the advice of Robbie will help.
Surviving zombocalypse part two: If we take the advice of RIP Michael Jackson, we simply engage with said zombies and dance. With them. 'Cause they can't resist the catchy beats, apparently. I'm not sure the advice of RIP Michael will help.
Surviving zombocalypse part three: Ask our Korean friends what to do. I'm not 100% sure, but with a song called 'Lovey Dovey' I'm thinking T-ara would like us to seduce said zombies. Either that or we take them to a club and dance. I'm not sure the advice of T-ara will help.
Surving zombocalypse part four: Of course, how obvious. When all else fails, turn to Kanye. Do we offer Kanye as some kind of zombie sacrifice in order to save us all? Maybe. Sorry Kanye, but you know, zombocalypse and all. And the sacrifice of Kanye saves pop music in general. Well, I know at least one of my fellow bloggers who would agree. I'm not sure my advice will help.
Kanye sacrificed and that brings us to the end of the A to Z of Pop, but you know he'll appear somewhere else again, 'cause it's just the way things are around here. Thanks y'all for sticking with me through a whole heap of letters, a whole heap of pop and a whole lot of my ridiculous thoughts, opinions and words. Join me next year for another A to Z?
Call me crazy, but if I have the intention of leaving my house in the morning, there's a few things I like to do before I walk out the door. Generally the usual, you know, brush my hair, put some shoes on, grab my house keys, the personal rituals we all have. There's something I do though, that some pop stars seem to be able to get away without doing. I find it intriguing, because if I popped down to my local supermarket in the same manner, I'm not sure my fave checkout boy would appreciate it. Guess that's what makes me a blogger and not a pop star though. The U in the A to Z of Pop? It stands for under dressed.
"Ooh, it's a little chilly outside, I'll just pop a jacket on..." Um, Lady Gaga, perhaps some pants would have helped with the climate issue.
Gaga-no-pants, you are under dressed.
"Just picking up something I forgot at the supermarket..." Um, Britney, next time you forget something at the shop, you should check your outfit before you leave the house. You may have forgotten some of that too.
Britney-no-pants, you are under dressed.
"Just gon' head out and work on my fitness..." Um, that's the only thing people should be doing in sporting apparel, right? Miley, the next time you want to get some fitness on, perhaps you should remember your shorts. And trainers. Those heels will never work.
Miley-no-pants, you are under dressed.
"Wait Kim...!" Um, I have to give credit where credit is due, at least Kanye has his pants on. They may not be done up, but he's gone to more effort than Miley-Britney-Gaga combined and for that I say thank you Kanye.
Kanye-some-pants, you nay be loathed by many, but your pant wearing abilities are underrated.
