Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #40 to #31

Alexander Biggs, Janelle Monae, Baker Boy + Eves Karydas!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70 - #61

#60 - #51

#50 - #41

#40. WITH OR WITHOUT

by Tired Lion

Take me away with you I'll be your come down

I'll be there for you now.

When an announcement came across the Facebooks that Matt Tanner was leaving Tired Lion, I had a bad feeling Tired Lion was about to go the way so many of my fave bands had gone before. Dropping a banging debut only to fade away, like so many young AUS bands do. Luckily for us, Sophie Hopes and the rest of the band took some time to regroup and have come back sounding as full of energy and attitude as ever with their most immediately engaging track yet. ‘With or Without You’ has one of the funnest, most loveable choruses of the year and you know you want to be shouting along with Hopes as she promises she’ll be there for you. Written in response to the band’s line-up changes and an uncertain future, ‘With or Without You’ acts as a riotous send off to the first Tired Lion era and promises an exciting second. Bring it on. (Matt Bond)

#39. WHITE DRESS

by Dunes

I forget, what were my dreams?

Come to the end, what have I seen?

It is surprisingly hard to find out a lot about New Zealand’s sisterly duo Dunes using generic searches like Dunes/Dunes Music/Dunes Music New Zealand/Dunes Album and so on and so forth. Sure they’re generic searches, but when your an act with a song as good as ‘White Dress’ you should be getting bombarded with search hits relating to how amazing said act is. Those words, those dreamy vocals, the hopeless romanticism of it all... they need to know the air you breathe, people. Why won’t you let them? Dunes count Florence Welch amongst their growing fan base and if it’s good enough for Florence it’s good enough for us all. I'm pretty sure that's international law. (Matt Bond)

#38. CLOSE ENOUGH

by Alexander Biggs

You're making sense to me

Feels like I can see, the forest for the trees...

Oh my gosh this is lovely. This is just lovely. The twisting and turning guitars, the percussion that drives but doesn’t overtake, the swing along sing song melody and the sweet, sweet lyrics; “feels like I can see forest for the trees and they grow in your vicinity”. Alexander Biggs manages that magical balance between confident yet humble throughout his music and he somehow makes it seem so easy to get lost within the storybook feel of his songs, if I could literally step inside any song on this countdown, this could be the one. (Jo Michelmore)

#37. MR LA DI DA DI

by Baker Boy

God dam, not breaking a sweat

Walking with a bounce in my step.

There’s about a billion things I want to write about Baker Boy and how important he and artists like him are to the Australian music landscape, and, as music is pretty much everything, how important he and artists like him are to Australian society in general, but then I always come back to that exact point, which is that music is pretty much everything. Which means that I can say or write a bazillion things about the impressiveness and importance of Danzal Baker, aka Baker Boy; but the most important thing is this. He writes and performs really good songs and if you’re not moving by the end of ‘Mr La Di Da Di’, you may want to check your pulse. You feeling ok? (Jo Michelmore)

#36. PYNK

by Janelle Monae ft. Grimes

Let's count the ways we could make this last forever.

No, it’s not just that song with the vagina pants video. Yes, it is that song. But Janelle Monae’s ‘PYNK’ is so much more. No, it’s not just about lady parts, but sure there is a delightful amount of time dedicated to female anatomy in the verses and that’s totally fine considering a whole bunch of us were brought into the world via lady business, yeah? Even if 'PYNK' was just that vagina song with the vagina pants video, that would be okay too. In 2018 we can listen to a great pop song about vaginas and the world won't fall apart. On a reasonable list of all the things that are making the world fall apart, this song wouldn't be on it. Janelle Monae wants to make the world a better, more inclusive place through her art and music and she's doing a mighty fine job of achieving her goals. Oh, and about those vagina pants (technically vulva trousers), you might find it as lovely as I do that some of the dancers aren't wearing them because Monae doesn't believe, "that all women need to possess a vagina to be a woman," and if that's not a lovely shout out to those that identify as women then I don't know what is. The part of the song including the following words is just the bestest thing ever too. “I wanna fall through the stars, getting lost is my favourite part, let’s count the ways we could make this last forever.” (Matt Bond)

#35. DOWNTOWN SHUTDOWN

by The Presets

Downtown shutdown, I can feel it

It's coming over, turnin' my lights out.

Take your standard/amazing Presets brand of eclectic, electronic soundscapes and throw in a gospel choir from Shepparton and you get the magical ride that is 'Downtown Shutdown'. Like the majority of their most memorable tunes, The Presets want you to take more from the song than just a strong desire to get wasted and dance the night away. You could totally do that with 'Downtown Shutdown', don't get me wrong, but you can do that while also remembering this was written in reaction to Sydney's controversial lockout laws that have essentially killed off the Kings Cross entertainment district. You want to enjoy the music for what it is, go for it. You want to enjoy the music for the message and the protest party vibes, you can do that too. The Presets continue to cater to all. (Matt Bond)


Firstly, let me get my rant out of the way: lock out laws are ridiculous. They are a bandaid solution. I've more to say on that, but I've got words about songs to write, so; end rant. Now to the song, which is a healthy reaction to said lockout laws. One of my closest friends saw The Presets play earlier this year, and enjoyed it immensely, but I cannot listen to this song, or any of The Presets 2018 album, Hi Vis, without thinking of my beautiful friend, who sent me a message days later, stating; “I just realised why so many people were wearing tradie shirts at that gig”. Did they start a revolution of tradie hi visibility safety fashion with this album? I’m not sure, but this is probably my favourite track from said album. (Jo Michelmore)

#34. I LIKE IT

by Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny and J Balvin

They call me Cardi Bardi, banging body

Spicy mami, hot tamale.

I couldn't tell you all that much about Cardi B. I've listened to some interviews and she is laugh out loud funny with a larger than life personality. From those interviews you can tell she's worked very hard for a very long time to get to where she is. I believe she was on a reality show (?) featuring emerging rap acts. There was a fight between Cardi and maybe Nicki Minaj or Minaj's security guard at a fashion (?) show. She's recently split with a fella called Offset (?) and they had a little one named Kulcha (?). There's a lot of questions there, but there's no question about how infectious her music is. She's been the hottest rap act in all of music this year and a lot of that has to do with her worldwide star-making turn on 'I Like It' featuring Bad Bunny (?) and J Balvin (?). Cardi kills it on her opening verse and the choruses. Misters Bunny and Balvin (?) are there too, but 'I Like It' is all about the lead artist and I think we'll find that the rap game is going to be all about Cardi B for a long time to come. (Matt Bond)  


It’s a countdown of all of 2018. Of course Cardi B was going to feature. I can’t say I know much about her, as I probably don't follow the right celebrity accounts on the socials, or many for that matter, but she's made enough of an impact this year that I know it wouldn't be a 2018 countdown without her. I'm not sure Bad Bunny or J Balvin would have made it without her though. I don’t know who they are. To be honest, I don’t know much about anyone anymore, but I know I’d enjoy a beverage as I listen to this track, because I like it like that (obvious what I did there) and as Matt said to me, we like ALL of the beverages, I mean musics. Damn right we do. (Jo Michelmore)

#33. LADY BLUE

by Emily Wurramara

I wish I could swim here forever

Miss Lady Blue, me and you.

If I knew nothing about Emily Wurramara then with the first notes of ‘Lady Blue’ I may be forgiven for thinking she’s some kind of blues or jazz singer from another time, her stunning voice is from somewhere else, and as it washes over the instrumentation, those constant repeated beats create the exact feeling of the constant rhythm of the ocean that ‘Lady Blue’ is written about. Is this onomatopoeia in a musical sense? Is that how one spells onomatopoeia? I’m unsure if there is such a thing what that would be called, but I do know when I listen to ‘Lady Blue’ I’m sitting by the seaside, I’m watching the waves, and I’m feeling…good. Good. You can’t ask more of a beautiful song than that. (Jo Michelmore)

#32. FURTHER THAN THE PLANES FLY

by Eves Karydas

Shoot, shoot, shoot

I'm so bored of all the talking.

Dammit. I like to be really positive about these songs, because after all they’re a representation of our faves of the year, but I’ve got a problem with this song. Eves Karydas has a voice that is too good. How am I meant to hit those high notes when I’m singing in my car? Huh? I sound like a bad, bad ringtone wailing ‘shoot shoot shoot…further than the planes fly” in my highest squeaky mouse tone, which Miss Karydas hits with not a concern in the world and sounds more magnificent than mouse. This kind of confident pop is going to take Eves K a long long way. Planes fly a long way but Eves Karydas voice flies higher. (Jo Michelmore)

#31. ALL THE STARS

by Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA

Love, let's talk about love

Is it anything and everything you hoped for?

Or do the feeling haunt you?

I know the feeling haunt you.

WAKANDA FOREVER... part 2! I think it's universally acknowledged that Kendrick Lamar is brilliant and that's exactly what he was throughout the entire Black Panther soundtrack. But especially on 'All Of The Stars'. So yeah, Kendrick Lamar's awesome. But let's talk about SZA, who completely owns every moment she appears throughout the track. The second half of the song really belongs to her and as that booming SZA delivered chorus finishes up the track, you're left wanting to hear so much more from her. The shots of SZA dancing her way through the stars in the video are gorgeous too. I just want to keep saying SZA. Is that because I was only recently told it's pronounced 'sizza'. Yes. Yes it is. (Matt Bond) 

                   

Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #50 to #41

The Paper Kites, OKENYO, Kendrick Lamar + Emily Wurramara!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70 - #61

#60 - #51

#50. PRAY FOR ME

by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar

I'm always ready for a war again

Go down that road again, it's all the same.

Ah, all the films I’m yet to see, all soundtracks I like. I’ll get to the moving images when I stop loving the music so much, which pretty much means never, sorry films. It pretty much wouldn’t be the latter half of this decade without The Weeknd or Kendrik Lamar appearing somewhere in the countdown. In the future they won’t mention these years without mentioning one of these artists, and in years and years to come they’ll be sampled in other songs and the kids will say who was this by and the old people will talk about the way things used to be, and how good films were back in the day and then the kids will be like oy vey, I’m going to listen to The Wknd, pronounced the weekend, because by then we won’t need any e’s in the alphabet anymore. Or something like that. Great song. (Jo Michelmore)

WAKANDA FOREVER! Kendrick Lamar put together an incredible soundtrack for Black Panther aka the highest grossing movie of the year in the United States (beating out the global champ, Avengers: Infinity War). Like an old fashioned superhero team up, Lamar and The Weeknd work their magic on 'Pray For Me', with a fist pumping intro from the latter leading into the former pulling off a verse that features the word fight about a million times. Now that's a heroic feat. (Matt Bond)  

#49. LIKE THEY DO ON THE TV

by Kimbra

I'm older now, but I feel my time

Start to begin.

For any younger readers, I’d like to give you a small history lesson and introduce you to the TV. You see, once long before you watched your favourite shows and things in the palm of your hand while lying in bed/on the train/walking the streets (please be aware of your surroundings young and old readers alike), the moving images used to appear on glass fronted boxes, much like the one that appears in Kimbra’s clip. Who is Kimbra you ask kids? She’s an incredibly talented pop singer who appeared on a song that was super popular all over the world about seven years ago, and now she makes excellent pop songs, just like this one, full and bouncy and fun and imaginative. Her audience may be smaller than it was seven years ago, but we’re a very appreciative one.  (Jo Michelmore)

#48. FLASHES

by The Paper Kites

Wait, you're gonna feel something

You're gonna feel something, one day.

You know what, dear reader? You are going to feel something one day and that day is today or any day you choose to listen to The Paper Kites because they were born in a field of feels and have chosen to share those feels with you through the feel-y magic of song. 'Flashes' will give you all of the feels and that includes feels you didn't even know you could feel. It's a four minute, emotional rollercoaster of feelings that will have you reflecting on all the good times, the bad times, the sad times and those times that are any combination of the thre. If you'd like to have your heart broken and put back together in the most truly amazing way, let this be the soundtrack to get you through it. (Matt Bond)

#47. NGARRIKWUJEYINAMA

by Emily Wurramara

Ngogudlangwa enena Angalya

(We all belong to this land)

As soulful as it is peaceful, Emily Wurramara's 'Ngarrikwujeyinama' is the most beautiful protest song you're ever going to hear. The lead single from Wurramara's incredible debut album, Milyakburra, is performed entirely in the Anindilyakwa language. In her own words, the song, "talks about how we all come from the sea and how it's our duty to protect and cherish her, and the pain we cause when we don't." Originally written as Wurramara's response to seabed mining on Groote Eylandt (off the coast of the Northern Territory), it stands as a pointed reminder that there is both an impact and cost to the way we treat our environment. 'Ngarrikwujeyinama' transcends language barriers in its beauty to ensure the message is certainly not lost in translation. Absolutely stunning work from one of the country's most stunning young artists. (Matt Bond) 

#46. THE MESS WE'RE IN

by The Kite String Tangle

There's beauty in total breakdown

There's life behind each shadow...

So I may have got lost in a PJ Harvey/Thom Yorke time tunnel for a minute there when I first searched for this song, but I’m not going to complain about anyone who takes me to that song of the same name, so thank you TKST. Luckily this version is quite good too, so many layered sounds, so much fullness and a crescendo deserving of a soundtrack to a dramatic scene in a Netflix series, it’s very easy to get lost in the world of Danny Harley. I’ve still not figured out the difference between an album and a mini album, but whatever he likes to call it, I’m happy to listen when the music is this easy to get involved in. (Jo Michelmore)

#45. GET OUT

by Chvrches

I left myself behind

Never knowing what I wanted.

We clearly like all the music that’s appeared in this countdown, but I feel like I should just set the tone for a minute here and let anyone reading know that I love this band and you’re only going to get words that glow about them from me, so get out if you’re not a fan. Well don’t really, but just accept my bias now and we’ll be friends. It’s just so freakin contagious, it only took one listen before I was chanting “get out, get out, get get out of here…” and it only took two listens before I wanted to do that weird arm dancing that the best electronic music causes. Chvrches are a band I go to when I need to get happy/angry/sad/excited and all of the others. And that’s why they’re so freakin good. (Jo Michelmore)

#44. ARMS

by The Paper Kites

What can I give that is all for you?

These arms are all I have.   

"But I'll hold you like I do love you." Creating a bittersweet sound is nothing new for The Paper Kites. They've been doing it from the first and I hope they do it until the last, which I'm wanting to be a long, long way off. Because when they can make a song like 'Arms', a song that can be interpreted a hundred way and dissected word by word for the true meaning behind what Sam Bentley is singing, you're never going to want to stop listening. From the nineteen songs released across two albums in 2018, it's hard to pick a favourite, but 'Arms' was the song I came back to the most. Perfectly crafted and performed in every single way. (Matt Bond)

#43. ISO

by OKENYO

Looking for the light, now I found it

I think I'll stay and shout it out loud.

OKENYO showed no signs of slowing down the development of her sound this year, pushing it further and further with the release of The Wave EP. Songs like 'Iso' felt incredibly fresh in the way they blended R'n'B/pop and electronic influences into something addictive, exciting and unlike anything else you would be likely to here out there in the music world right now. The way 'Iso' builds up from a tender mystery into an explosive jam when OKENYO finds that illusive light she's searching for provides one of the finest music experiences of 2018. (Matt Bond)

#42. FIGHTING

by Machine Age

Don't want to be here breaking apart

Until I know what I'm fighting for.

I always love the bedroom production sounds of Machine Age and his ability to experiment with his sound, even though he probably makes his music somewhere much more exciting than his bedroom. Who am I to say how exciting his bedroom is? This has gone somewhere I wasn’t planning to go. Good song. Moving on. (Jo Michelmore)

Brisbane's own Machine Age, the Adrian Mauro-led electronic/indie outfit has been drip-feeding us their musical brilliance at the rate of approximately one song a year since 2015. 'Chivalry', 'Don't Look' and now 'Fighting' have all shown slightly different sides of Machine Age, all have been top notch and all have left us wanting to hear a whole album of songs just like them so... all we want for Christmas is news of a Machine Age album that's coming in 2019. We've been pretty/fairly/sort of good this year so can someone (namely Machine Age) make this happen please? 'Fighting' offers the first big singalong chorus from Machine Age that will have you screaming along to Mauro not wanting to be heeeeeere anymore and we want to be screaming along to more and more from Machine Age real soon. If you get a chance, check out the Unplugged clip too, because that Mauro fella can sing yeah? Yeah. (Matt Bond)

#41. SINK IN

by Amy Shark

That I'm weighed down by your beautiful

Collapsing underneath your perfect.

I probably should have seen that Love, Simon film considering how much I like so many of the songs on the soundtrack, but if I saw all the films that had all the good soundtracks, how would I ever get the time to listen to all the soundtracks? Now answer that riddle for me. Another riddle; how does Amy Shark always make creepy kinda stalky lyrics sound so sweet and relatable? “Everywhere I go I’m reminded of you, like the bed, the bathroom floor the bar downstairs at 2am” I guess it’s because she tells the truths that are so familiar, and yes, sometimes the floor has reminded me of someone which maybe says more about me or that person than the floor itself, but there’s something really creepy about saying that but really engaging about actually admitting that to music. Mix those thoughts in with words about being weighed down by someone’s beautiful and you got that sweet balance of creepy and kind. She does it so well, and that’s a sincere compliment. (Jo Michelmore)

                 

Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #20 to #11

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70 to #61

#60 to #51

#50 to #41

#40 to #31

#30 to #21

#20. GO BANG

by PNAU

We in love, we in love

We in love, are we in love?

I heard someone call PNAU pee-nay-ooh the other day, which made me laugh. That's a complete side note to this track, which being called 'Go Bang' might be considered a 'banger' but who am I kidding, I've got no idea what that really means. Anyway, the fact their name was pronounced so poorly was a little surprising, considering the amount of commercial radio airplay they've received for this track and I wouldn't at all be surprised if I saw it on an ad for something in the near future, if it hasn't been used already. Has it? I don't watch enough TV to know, but I do know p-now have made a killer of a song. (Jo Michelmore)

#19. PIGEONS AND PEACOCKS

by Jack Colwell

The Berlin wall fell the year I was born

Two halves and now a whole.

Oh, Jack. Jack, Jack, Jacky. I can't get you off my mind. Because you keep putting out these exceptionally orchestrated gems that take my breath away. 'Pigeons and Peacocks' only further confirms what we already knew... Jack Colwell is a rare gemstone in the rocky landscape that makes up the Australian music scene. He puts so much into his art and we as listeners get to reap the rewards. Along with those deep, unique vocal tones we've come to know and love, it's the piano that shares the spotlight throughout, particularly during a highly memorable little solo towards the middle o the song. As a classically trained musician (Colwell, not me, never me), it's nice to see Jack getting to show off just how talented he is. 90s Tori Amos would certainly be proud. If anyone's a peacock, it's Jack Colwell (you filthy pigeon readers, jokes, love you) and we could certainly handle hearing a whole lot more from him. (Matt Bond)


I may have taken a year off writing all the words about all the music, but if there's one artist I've kept my ears and eyes on over the past twelve months in the hope for more musical magic, it's Jack Colwell. When Jack Colwell plays, one listens. When Jack Colwell writes, one hears. When Jack Colwell sings, one stops. 'Pigeons And Peacocks' is just another indication that J Colwell is full of indescribable talent, and heart. With piano, with strings and with that distinctly Jack Colwell voice he makes music that fills my mind like an orchestra and fills my heart with happiness. And sadness. And happiness. Perhaps I'm selfish, but I wish so much for Jack Colwell and the success that is destined to be his, because he will undoubtedly keep impressing with his unending talent for the right words and the right notes, always at just the right time. (Jo Michelmore)   

#18. WILD AND WEAK

by Waax

  

What's the hardest part of being alone?

Shaking fists and plot twists. That's the name of the game when it comes to Waax's 'Wild and Weak', their best track yet. And that really is saying something, because the Brisbane rockers have built up a very solid catalogue of banging hits over the past couple of years. There's just something about this one though that shoots Waax into the stratosphere and into best band in all the land contention. It's something of a perfect storm. The stop/start guitar lines, Marie DeVita's impassioned and determined performance that unleashes into something spectacular with her final howls, the lyrics that are so good you want to high five someone/anyone in your vicinity and will settle for a self high-five if no one else is available. And then there's the video, one of my favourites of the year. Even that involves some shaking of fists and plotting of twists. It goes so well with with song and it shows off some excellent Brisbane locales too, so that's always a bit of fun. If we're gearing up for some Waax debut album action in 2018, I'll be one very happy camper. (Matt Bond) 

#17. GLORIOUS

by Tkay Maidza

We're made of gold, with aligning souls

Watch us glow, in screaming colour.

Glorious. Oh exactly Tkay, exactly! I've heard people refer to this one as an absolute banger, but as we discussed back at number 19, I'm still not really sure what that is, and apparently it was featured on the soundtrack of 'Girls' which I'm not actually sure is a TV thing or a movie thing, because as we discussed back at number 19, I don't watch much, but I don't actually care. It's a song made for summer, made for parties and other social things, and if it's this good and it was one of the songs that didn't make the cut for Tkay's debut album, can you imagine how good her next album is going to be? (Jo Michelmore) 

Slaaaaaaaaaaay. Tkay. Sometimes we like to mix up the things we always say about artists we’ve written about over the years. Keepin’ it fresh, you know? Someone who has no trouble keeping it fresh is Tkay Maidza, who kills it again and again, exploring new styles and sounds. ‘Glorious’ finds her firmly in the modern pop realm, blending electronic influences with hip hop beats and lighting a fire throughout the verses that explodes for the choruses. How this one found itself a little lost in the shuffle is totally baffling to me, because this has full crossover potential. Triple J and Nova style radio live for genre bending tracks like this. Seriously, if there’s one song that lives up to its title in 2017, it’s this one.  (Matt Bond)

#16. EVERYTHING NOW

by Arcade Fire

And every film that you've ever seen

Fills the spaces up in your dreams...

There seemed to be a bit of an undercurrent of negativity when Arcade Fire released their fifth album, Everything Now, but was that just the generic backlash that all bands come across eventually or was it the wankers that get paid to write about music getting all wanky about things?  Well I don't know about the technicality of things, but I know what I like. I like the 70s disco that I wish I could be heading to at the beginning and I like the 80s aerobics oz style beats that drive it and I especially like the handclaps and the fade-out-fade-in in the middle. There's a lot to like about this song. Just as much as there is to like about Arcade Fire. Which I do like. A lot. (Jo Michelmore) 

#15. TENSION

by Kira Puru

I like this feel, that moment just before the big reveal

Before we talk about it make it real.

Everything is better with Kira Puru. We’ve been saying it for a while now and it’s pretty much our mantra. And yes, I say mantra in a totally obnoxious way with a valley girl accent. 2017 was certainly made all the better when Puru delivered unto us ‘Tension’. The evolution of her sound since the days of Kira Puru and The Bruise is kinda crazy. That she can be a soulful powerhouse one moment and a party starting indie chanteuse the next is more than kinda awesome. ‘Tension’ will have you shook, hooked and and begging for more. Right from the opening guitar, you know this is going to be sexxxxy. And it is. Like, damn Kira Puru. I can feel the tension. We can all feel the tension. As catchy as it is dance-y, there’s no surprise how quickly it’s caught on at radio. And we couldn’t be happier for one of our all time faves. The more people chanting along to ‘everything is better with Kira Puru’ the better. And yes, fine, I had to look up what ‘shook’ meant.  (Matt Bond)


YES. This is the reaction I had when I heard 'Tension' for the first time. And YES was the word I used when I saw the awkward clip. And fuck YES is definitely the word I uttered when I heard 'Tension' being played on the actual radio. A soulful groove with a healthy dose of funk makes for a simply addictive pop track and more widespread commercial success for Ms Puru has been a long time coming and is so very well deserved. We've been enamoured with her for years, her time with The Bruise, her countless collaborations and her words about the beast the music industry can be has been so needed. Her voice is incomparable, her style is inspirational and her talent is incredible. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yessssssss to all the versions of Kira I've loved so far, and a giant YES to hearing more and more of her in 2018. (Jo Michelmore)

#14. DRIVE YOU MAD

by Amy Shark

Make me believe one day I'll be great

Keep me in your heart for old time's sake.

My favourite Amy Shark moments are when she’s being a little petty when it comes to her relationships, which makes her super relatable. Take ‘Weekends’ for instance, where she’s totally fine with saying out loud that she hates every girl that’s ever known her fella. Or ‘Adore’, when she wishes everyone on her street would GTFO outta there and give her some alone time with her man. But my favourite is on ‘Drive You Mad’ when she’s talking with her fella/man/dude/whatever and says, “you said you feel like there’s nothing you can’t say,” followed by an almost venomous, “and I felt that yesterday.” Come on, we’ve all been there. That moment where you’re like, yeah I’m already fucking there buddy ole pal. But you’re trying to smile and stop your eyes from doing an epic roll. So yeah, that’s why I love ‘Drive You Mad’. Because of one passive aggressive or maybe just full blown aggresive line. Okay, I also love it because Amy Shark can do no wrong and makes music that speaks to the romantic in all of us. Those honest moments just make it all feel more real. And Amy Shark is nothing if not a genuine, real artist.  (Matt Bond)

#13. SUPERCUT

by Lorde

'Cause in my head, in my head I do everything right

When you call, when you call I forgive and not fight.

It could have been those first lines, or it could have been 15 second mark when the subtle beat kicks in or it could have been a minute later when that minor melody hits, or maybe it was the realisation that it could mean a million things, but all of it is just what was. It could be the fact that this one didn't feel like it was just for the young hipsters, or the music wankery, or the elite gang I'll never be a part of, but there was never a question in my mind that this is my absolute favourite Lorde track, ever. Or maybe the honest truth is that it was just the musical reminder that all the times, all the minutes, all the days are only ever supercuts, because in my mind, I do everything right. Repeat and fade. (Jo Michelmore) 

If I’m being honest, I’d say ‘Supercut’ is the song I’ve listened to the most throughout the year. Not only is it the very best in pop, with huge hooks, music to make you dance and shout along to. Not only does it demonstrate a young writer already at the top of her game with words that speak to shared human experiences by far too many. But when you find yourself in those quiet, low moments wondering if you’ve made the right decisions regarding someone that comes and goes from your life, you might find yourself editing history a little bit. And you might need a reminder by doing this you’re doing what the kids are calling a ‘Supercut’. So you put on a song with huge hooks that makes you dance and shout along to it, that makes you think of everyone else dealing with their own junk. You don’t feel alone. You feel a whole lot better. And you get on with your day. Praise the Lorde.  (Matt Bond)

#12. HUMBLE.

by Kendrick Lamar

Soprano C, we like to keep it on a high note

It's levels to it, you and I know, bitch be humble.

I'm just a teeny (not literally) girl sitting in my car, listening to songs and writing words about them, and while I love my piano ballads and my pop and I really love my guitars and rock, there's also a giant part of my heart that has a big space for all things hip hop. This year, that space has been pretty much filled with Kendrick. While you can't help but hear his opinions and his brand of life and his thoughts on his world in his work, sometimes you just want a big beat. I could delve into his history and world history and comment on hip hop, women in hip hop, the good the bad and the hip hop in hip hop, but right now, I just want to move my head, and pretend I'm cool. Or something. HUMBLE certainly guarantees that. (Jo Michelmore)

#11. PHANTOM

by Sarah Blasko

I feel my destiny, without a sound

Constant force of energy, floating around.

I still haven’t watched the Blasko documentary that aired in November. I’m hoping I’ll be able to iView it or something after Sarah Blasko’s sixth album, Depth of Field, is released in February next year. From all reports it was an amazing look at this insanely talented songstress, but I want to appreciate the album for myself before looking at what it really means. It’s kind of like avoiding spoilers for your favourite tv show, but it’s also not like that, but a little bit like that. ‘Phantom’ draws you back into the world of Blasko in the best possible way. It’s familiar, with those striking vocals and haunting lyrics. But it’s also shows an artist who refuses to stick to the script, as the electronic influences have evolved from those on 2015’s Eternal Return. I tend to find it really hard to sum up how Sarah Blasko’s music makes me feel and ‘Phantom’ is no exception to that. I can tell you that hearing songs like this make me really happy and when anything can do that it’s doing something right. Right? (Matt Bond)

                   

Top 25 - 2 April 2017

Tired Lion, Amy Shark, Gretta Ray!

1. Gretta Ray - Towers

2. Amy Shark - Weekends

3. Gorillaz - Andromeda

4. Gorillaz - We Got The Power

5. Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE.

6. San Cisco - Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?

7. Lorde - Green Light

8. Tired Lion - Cinderella Dracula

9. Phebe Starr - They Keep Telling Me

10. Oh Wonder - Ultralife

11. Meg Mac - Low Blows

12. Emily Wurramara - Hey Love

13. Vallis Alps - East

14. Lorde - Liability

15. Gang of Youths - What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out?

16. Ali Barter - Cigarette

17. Airling - Not A Fighter

18. Major Leagues - It Was Always You

19. Saskwatch - December Nights

20. Bleachers - Don't Take The Money

21. Babaganouj - Star

22. Lana Del Rey - Love

23. Bad Pony - Deficiency





24. London Grammar - Big Picture

25. Paces ft. Nyne - Savage

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #30 - 21

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40 - 31

#30. untitled 03 | 05.28.2013

by Kendrick Lamar





I shall enjoy the fruits of my labour
If I get freed today.

Examining the working of the music industry as a modern form of slavery was perfectly suited to the politically charged rap anthems of Mr. Kendrick Lamar. It’s an interesting concept that makes more sense as you think about it. Artists put everything they have into creating music for us to consume and who benefits from this in a financial sense? For artists that release their music through major studios, it’s probably going to be some random dudes in suits. How’s that fair? Even at the level Lamar is at, the struggle would be very real for music makers today. Imagine how hard it is for those getting their start in the business. (Matt Bond)  

#29. THE WHEEL

by PJ Harvey





Hey little children don't disappear...

There is a part of me that wants to write about the subject matter in PJ Harvey's ninth studio album, The Hope Six Demolition Project, and a part of me wants to write an essay about my uneasiness of living in a world with so much injustice, but one of the reasons I write words is to help me cope with all the things I can't face and I listen to music to focus on the only thing that's ever given me a true sense of peace. What this all means is that I'm not going to type much about 'The Wheel', except to repeat one line. "Little children don't disappear, all that's left after a year, a faded face, the trace of an ear..." because there is actually nothing more important than that. (Jo Michelmore) 

#28. DO IT RIGHT

by Martin Solveig ft. Tkay Maidza





Let's cross the line
Show me yours, I'll show you mine...

Tkaaaaaaaay. Slay. What ARE you doing with my head, Maidza? You’ve made it spin in 2016 with the many brilliant offerings you’ve released over the past 12 months. Including this collaboration with French producer Martin Solveig that was all of the fun emoji. The fire emoji. The dancing girl emoji. All of the coloured heart emoji, but especially the purple one. Getting to team up with a world renowned DJ marked a huge turning point in Maidza’s career, introducing her to the whole world and she’s only gone from strength to strength since. We’ve had flashes of that gorgeous vocal before, but this time it’s all singing and no rapping and it is awesome. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good ‘ole Tkay Maidza rap, but it’s nice to mix things up every now and then and ‘Do It Right’ was the perfect way to do it. The sounds of this song would have filled nightclubs throughout the world and that brings a huge smile to our faces. Now, let’s dance! (Matt Bond)  

It's funny, because I had written a whole lot of words about this song and how much I loved it and how much we love Ms Maidza, when it occurred to me that this track was actually "featuring" Tkay Maidza, and technically it was Martin Solveig's song. Which is extra funny, because like so many others, let's not pretend we're so far knowledgeable that we knew who Martin Solveig was, unless you're French I guess. Which is funny, because he's actually quite talented, given the research I've since done on the googles. And that's kind of funny, because I guess parts of the rest of the world would have had to google Tkay more recently, while those of us on this island would be all like "Yeah Tkaaaaaaaayyyyyy!" Which is also funny, because that's exactly what I said when I first heard this song. (Jo Michelmore)  

#27. YOU DON'T THINK YOU LIKE PEOPLE LIKE ME

by Alex Lahey





Maybe I'm the one exception that can last forever
But than can only happen if you let us be together.

It's like Alex Lahey just takes little snippets of your life and pops them in a little jar, shakes them up and comes up with super catchy indie pop tunes to succinctly present your life back to you, in the form of song. Luckily, that life seems pretty damn cute via 'You Don't Think You Like People Like Me', if not just a little more than self-deprecating, and very tasty. Probably why I like it so much. (Jo Michelmore)  

Alex Lahey picked up where Courtney Barnett left off last year as the most amazing Melbourne based lyricist in all the land, capable of carefully balancing your heart in the palm of her musically gifted hands. The rocking music does its best to hide the true nature of the words, but in those moments you really take in the story you won’t be able to stop your brain going to some sucky places. And then you snap out of it because ‘You Don’t Think You Like Me’ is the raddest of the rad. The song has one of my favourite opening lines of the year in, “All I want is to have clean-skin wine and watch Mulholland Drive with you,” and the applaud worthy lyrics just keep on coming from there. This was super smart rock music from one of our favourite new artists of the year who will hopefully be back next year so we can laugh and cry and laugh with her again. Oh, how we laughed. And cried. And laughed. (Matt Bond)

#26. DON'T LOOK

by Machine Age





But I'm afraid of losing all that I've got
It's clear to me that I don't think we'd get far.

I don’t know much about Machine Age’s Adrian Mauro. I can tell you that he’s a talented multi-instrumentalist who’s backed up some of our other music loves like BANFF and Big Scary. I can tell you he’s from Brisbane and has put out two of our favourite releases of the past couple of years, ‘Chivalry’ and ‘Don’t Look’. I can tell you that he is extremely good at this whole music making thing and has a voice that subtly passes every bit of emotion in his words to the listener in a way that will move you. I can tell you that ‘Don’t Look’ comes from a place of loss that everyone can relate to. And I can tell you that I want to hear a whole lot more from Machine Age in 2017. Hopefully we’ll know all we could ever want to know about Adrian Mauro’s music very soon. (Matt Bond)

It's like that old thing about standing on the edge of a cliff and someone telling you not to look down, which of course means the very first thing you're going to do is glance in the direction of your feet. Whether it be the keys lulling you into a sense of safety or the manic beats giving a sense of adventure, there is something about 'Don't Look' that sounds exactly like memories and Adrian Mauro's words are the key to doing exactly what he says not to. Thankfully he's so good at the production, almost as immediately as you visit old times you drag yourself back into the present to hit play again, and so the cycle begins. Don't look back please. (Jo Michelmore) 

#25. DAYDREAMING

by Radiohead





Dreamers
They never learn.

It is true, I am beginning to run out of words to write about all these incredible songs, because after over a hundred different tunes I'm not sure how to say "I love this!" in many new ways. Which brings me to a band that have left me speechless so many times over the span of their long career, it's almost pointless for me to attempt these words already. I'm still speechless about some songs I first heard over twenty years ago. So perhaps I should leave the words describing their talent and my thoughts of that said talent up to Radiohead themselves, because with every song, every clip and every album, it becomes more and more apparent. "This goes beyond me, beyond you..." (Jo Michelmore) 

So if you’re looking for a nice way to lose track of time, might I suggest listening to ‘Daydreaming’? You’ll put it on one minute, listen to it on repeat and then you forgot to go to work today and you’re still in your pyjamas and you’re really hungry. Oh well, it was worth it. I’m not going to waste your time with jokes or “analysis” here. Just listen and love. (Matt Bond)

#24. FORMATION

by Beyonce





I twirl on them haters, albino alligators.

Does any other artist today compare to Beyoncé when it comes to influencing pop culture? Like, who doesn’t have hot sauce in their bags these days? At this point, if Bey stepped out wearing army pants and flip flops, a whole generation of tweens looking to twirl on them haters would also be wearing army pants and flip flops. Yoncé, she of many names, is a force of nature in music. One of the last remaining superstars assured commercial and critical success alongside Adele, which will make the upcoming Grammy awards super interesting as Lemonade and 25 vie for the top awards. Will Lemonade finally see Beyoncé take out Album of the Year? That remains to be seen, but you’ve got to think it’s her best shot yet when there are songs like ‘Formation’ on it. It’s political, it’s influential and another step up for the former child of destiny. But you know what? It’s also bouncy, catchy and brilliant pop. And that’s what makes me love it the most. (Matt Bond) 

#23. DARWINISM

by Holy Holy





We danced to fucked up tunes
It was okay with you.

When I first started writing about Holy Holy, they were just that guy that served me my gin and tonic and that other guy with the crazy hair. I guess technically, they are still who those people were, although Tim's hair has got a bit longer, but now the biggest difference is that a whole lot of other people know who they are too. 'Darwinism' is the type of track we have come to expect, a solid rock tune that swoops and flies with every verse and while I really like this track, I think my favourite bit is that very first line; "I fell asleep on the couch watching rage.." because seriously, anyone who hasn't done that isn't worth knowing. (Jo Michelmore) 

#22. HONEST

by Little Earthquake





I, I know I just can't be without you
I, I just want to speak to you.

Look to the stars and fall in love with the cosmic pop sounds from Little Earthquake on their track ‘Honest’. This is a track I’ve been listening to a lot since early 2016 and it never fails to put me at ease with its warmth and sincerity. The brotherly duo, comprised of Justin and Matthew (great name) Hyland craft dreamy soundscapes that make you long for long drives on summer days to the ocean that lead to long nights on the beach with the people you love the most surrounding you. If you can capture feelings like that in song form you’re doing something right and Little Earthquake are definitely doing all of the right things. Give this a listen and try to get it out of your head. Surprise! You can’t. But you wouldn’t want it any other way. (Matt Bond) 

80s 80s 80s. If you weren't alive then, lucky you. This will sound so exciting to you. If you were alive then, lucky you. This will sound so exciting to you. So many synths, so many keys, so much drama, so much vocals, the pop, the dance, the earthquakes. Has anyone else noticed the amont of actual earthquakes happening lately? Uncomfortable much? Not uncomfortable; this Little Earthquake. Honestly. (Jo Michelmore)

#21. END OF TIME

by Ecca Vandal

This happens to me every year at about this time, where I start to think about what I'm going to vote for in the Hottest 100 and I'm thinking of all the songs and then my memory stretches waaaaaay back and I start thinking "was that released this year?" about something that was released mid year, because that feels like a hundred years ago and time and the end of time is a strange concept and my memory is an even stranger one. So Ecca Vandal's super punchy track was technically released waaaaaaaaay back at the end of last year, but this is our countdown and we do our counting in December, not January, so we get to include it in this year's songlist. And as well as that technicality, we don't have to smash up our favourites into ten small songs for voting, we've got 116 of them. So there. (Jo Michelmore)  

Ecca Vandal draws on a huge range of influences to create her own unique space in the Australian music landscape and it is awesome. I can’ think of anything else right now that sounds as dangerous, as hypnotic or as FUN as what she’s coming out with, tracks like ‘End of Time’ that defy simple genre labels and stand as a musical world of their own. Sure, you could give the whole labeling thing a go and call this alternative-punk-hip hop-Bhangra-electronic-indie-pop, but… no, no you wouldn’t so let’s just agree that Ecca Vandal is paving her own way and doing it so very, very well. ‘End of Time’ is a fearless and faultless track that shows Vandal is destined for huge things. Loving the gas punk imagery in the clip too. (Matt Bond) 

2015 Scene Awards - Album of the Year

Here we are on the last day of the year and with this day comes our final Scene Award and final post for 2015. Over the past couple of weeks we've had some good times, handing out these awards you might remember...


Song of the Year: 'Clip My Wings' by Montaigne
Video of the Year: 'Drive' by Oh Wonder
Best New Artist: WAAX
Australian Artist of the Year: Ella Hooper
EP of the Year: Only When Flooded Could I Let Go by Jack Colwell
Group of the Year: Little May
Man of the Year: Jack Colwell
Woman of the Year: Courtney Barnett


...and today it's time for Album of the Year! Below our the ten albums we listened to and loved the most over the past twelve months. If you've been with us throughout the year, it might not come as a surprise. And speaking of being with us throughout the year, we'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone that's stopped by, read and shared our posts and had a chat to us about the musics. It means a lot. Now, have a read of the below and then go and have yourself an awesome New Year's Eve! We'll see you in 2016.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

#10. Art Angels

by Grimes

What we said: "While it’s likely untrue, there’s always going to be a part of me that believes Grimes created ‘Flesh Without Blood’ as the perfect fuck you to all of her too cool for school “fans” that couldn’t handle the deliciousness of last year’s ‘Go’. *whinge* Grimes sold out *ugly cry* sah mainstream. ‘Go’ was hardly bubblegum, but if it was the cause of some millennials’ sadness then ‘Flesh Without Blood’ must have given them a heart attack. It’s one of the best pop songs of the year, or any year. Sugary sweet vocals and music that will take you back to the glorious days of 90s alt-pop. ‘Flesh Without Blood’ might not be exactly the same as what Grimes has released in the past, but why would you want it to be? YouTube commenters have jumped on board this time around, with a much more positive reception to the lead single from Art Angels. As we all know, the YouTube comments section can make or break an artist and is the go-to place for intelligent discussion about the musics and cats and stuff."

Grimes in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #22 - 'Flesh Without Blood'

 

#9. To Pimp A Butterfly

by Kendrick Lamar

What we said: "'King Kunta' expresses Lamar's views on the stereotypes facing much of the African-American community in America and for the most part, it leaves out the grandstanding and ego-driven verses that have become the new norm. Lamar could be responsible for taking rap back to its roots. I've got no issues with that."

"Kendrick Lamar is one of those hip hop guys they’ll talk about years from now, when he’s old and grey they’ll talk about his glory days at the top of the hip hop pile, he’ll be one of the ones people twenty years from now talk about influencing their sound, he’ll be the one they name a music award after and he’ll probably be one of the ones that gets sampled over and over and over. Which now thinking about it, will be kind of funny, because Kendrick samples things so well, if other people sample him is that a sample sample or just a sample?"

Kendrick Lamar in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #16 - 'King Kunta

#8. Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit

by Courtney Barnett

What we said: "[2015] started with previews for her debut album in 'Pedestrian At Best' and 'Depreston', two tracks so different while both show why their performer has breathed new life into the alternative music scene over the past couple of years. Witty, self-deprecating and insightful lyrics that make all kinds of sense the more you hear them. A spoken/sung vocal style that when moved into 'sung' territory is far more emotional than the dry, nonchalant voice most would expect. There's also the guitar driven music that can make you want to jump around one minute and reflect on everything the next. The debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit would be released in April to critical acclaim, while Barnett found herself on the lineups to major festivals all over the world. Four wins from eight nominations at the ARIA Awards would follow, as well as performances on late night television in America and a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammys. Oh, and Sometimes I Sit... took out the J Award for Album of the Year and deservedly so."

Courtney Barnett in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #9 - 'Pedestrian At Best'

Woman of the Year - Winner

Video of the Year - 4th Place 

 

#7. twelvefour

by The Paper Kites

What we said: "For those that originally fell for The Paper Kites and the beautiful banjo that took us into 'St. Clarity', you'll find more than enough to love about twelvefour, which builds upon the sounds of States as opposed to moving away from them completely. Yes, you'll hear David Powys' banjo throughout and yes, it's still awesome. There's also some bluesy elements that are pulled off very nicely, like the guitar work in the definitively heartbreaking 'Too Late'. "You're always in my head, branding your fire on my lips, but this still won't work no, no, love you have come too late." Stop dragging this heart around, but don't stop dragging this heart around. It's like the relationship that begins in 'Electric Indigo' was doomed from the start and you'll just find yourself back at the start after 'Too Late' finishes anyway, so get ready to experience it all over again. It's all kinds of awesome. And another stellar addition to the discography of one of our favourite Australian acts."

"My love of lyrics is well documented, so it’s pretty much a no brainer that I love the little tale that The Paper Kites tell in this super saccharine sweet little tune. I love the little tale of love and the life and I love the feeling in my guts when front man Sam Bentley sings that line about people dying from the silent cause, but it’s the lump in the back of my throat that really hits it all home, at the “thought that I was different when you looked at me, but this quiet desperation is killing me too” When you put all those words with such a modest little guitar, well, oh my goodness, some songs are just divine aren’t they?"

The Paper Kites in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

twelvefour Album Review

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #55 - 'Electric Indigo'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #90 - 'A Silent Cause' 

 

#6. Every Open Eye

by Chvrches

What we said: "...releasing their second album Every Open Eye in September they earned themselves a place on countless ‘best of 2015’ lists (including our own), they landed themselves impressive spots on charts everywhere (everywhere meaning too many places for me to bother wikiped-ing) and they toured extensively, like all good hard working bands do. Add to those stats the fact that they have themselves a singer with a take no prisoners attitude, who numerous times over has faced a plethora of misogyny, hatred and general offence and has fought every single bit so eloquently along the way on this thing we call the internet, all the while becoming a perfect example of how to remain strong and unaffected in today’s world of social media and the people who insist on using it in negative ways. And the most important part, they are a band that kept me company with those incredible songs, those addictive beats and so many words, “we will take the best parts of ourselves and make them gold”…all those words that kept me sane in a way only music can. They are one very important part of my year of music."

"This is exactly everything I love about Chvrches. It’s everything I love about all the music I love the most, but especially everything I love about Chvrches. You can dance, you can jump, you can call them electronica, you can call them simple pop, you can say they sound like a bazillion others or they sound just like their first album, or even worse than their first, or better, or you can whinge about Lauren Mayberry having an actual opinion because she’s a girl and how dare girls have an opinion, or you can talk about how poor Iain Cook and Martin Doherty don’t get enough attention because Lauren is an attention seeking whore, but if you think any of those things, you can fuck right off actually. Because while the people thinking those things have been busy being annoying, Chvrhces have been busy been writing music that can either make you throw your head back and dance like everyone is watching, or crouch on the floor with tears in your eyes, because words like this “If I ever try to push away, you can just keep me, tell me tell me you’ll keep me….please say you’ll meet me halfway” make me wonder how they manage to turn the very worst of emotions into some of the very best. I’m not sure, but it’s everything I love about them."  

Chvrches in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Group of the Year - 4th Place

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #11 - 'Leave A Trace'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #22 - 'Clearest Blue'

#5. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

by Florence + The Machine

What we said: "...it feels like she has been around forever, making music since the beginning of time. Now thinking about that, her music kind of has that timeless feel to it, all the drama and all the giant notes and dramatic highs and lows, whether they be celebrating a wonderful moment or wallowing in moments of despair, this is a band that can take all the emotions and make them magnificent. If my life were a made for TV movie, I’d hope Florence appeared in the score somewhere, because wherever she was, good or bad, what a moment it would be."

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

Florence + The Machine in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #13 - 'What Kind of Man'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #37 - 'Queen of Peace'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #79 - 'Ship To Wreck' 

#4. Dream Team

by The Grates 

What we said: "Released in the very last week of November in 2014 (thus qualifying for our 2015 lists) as the fourth studio album from Brisbane's most rocking and rolling hospitality proprietors, Dream Team was everything we love so much about sunshine state rock. It's got that DIY garage sound that's devoid of unnecessary bells and whistles, lyrics that range from witty to profound in the space of seconds and it runs through a range of emotions that will feel like a slap in the face, a punch in the gut, a stab in the heart and then it'll do the opposite. From the party starting 'Holiday Home' to the knockout, 60s-inspired ballad 'What's Wrong With You' and the so-Brisbane-it-hurts '7-Eleven' there's way too much to love here. It's the reality check that is 'It Won't Hurt Anymore' and the regret soaked 'Back To Back' that elevate Dream Team into 'something special' territory and will keep you coming back for more."

"The Grates have been sounding like The Grates since forever, which is good really, considering things would be a bit weird if they started sounding like Katy Perry in the middle of things, although I wouldn’t complain about that either. ‘Holiday Home’ is perfectly Grates; quickfire, bass heavy, Patience sounding all manic even when she’s not being manic at all with a clip so perfectly VHS it hurts. Go google VHS kids. It doesn’t stand for anything you want to snapchat. Maybe it does. I can’t keep up with the kids these days."

The Grates in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Group of the Year - 3rd Place

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #12 - 'It Won't Hurt Anymore'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #87 - 'Holiday Home'

#3. Eternal Return

by Sarah Blasko

What we said: "At this point, a new album from Sarah Blasko is like catching up with that friend you just don't get to see as much as you'd like. The visits might be few and far between, once every couple of years or so, but you know you're going to have the best time while they're around. And you're going to have memories of the experiences you've shared forever. Yep, five studio albums in and Sarah Blasko is pretty much your musical BFF (at least she should be, get on board already why don't 'cha?). Widely regarded as one of the most intriguing and emotionally engaging artists in the world, Blasko shows there's still so many sides of her we've yet to see on Eternal Return. Those that she reveals throughout this ten track collection could prove to be her most endearing yet as she steps away from the cinematic orchestrations of I Awake and into dreamy, synth-heavy soundscapes. You'll want to dance. You'll sigh those sighs that can only come with the words of one of Australia's finest songwriters, who's approaching her music from a place far more content with life than what has come before. And you might even find your heart broken and put back together several times on a song or two."

"So, if I was a fortune teller and you’d given me a crystal ball 18 months ago and asked me to tell you what Sarah Blasko would be doing in 2015, I’d have made up some elaborate story about orchestral arrangements, haircuts, something fabulous and a someone starting with a random letter of the alphabet. That’s about how much I believe in fortune telling and crystal balls, but I would have been right about one thing and that’s the fabulous part, because with the release of her fifth album Eternal Return she hit fabulous right on the mark; an enchanting pop delight, not at all what I would have expected from Ms Blasko, but a masterpiece nonetheless. The new wave type synths and falsetto vocals make ‘I’d Be Lost’ anything but lost, it’s a piece of electro-retro inspired greatness and her album was just as great. I might not be a fortune teller but I can tell you that Blasko keeps getting better and better with every album, so who can even imagine how good her next one is going to be?"

Sarah Blasko in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Eternal Return Album Review

Woman of the Year - 3rd Place

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #18 - 'I'd Be Lost'

Runner-Up: The Positions

by Gang of Youths 

What we said: "When a four piece band from Sydney appeared in my world early this year, everything about them impressed me and everything about them affected me; the controlled mania of the drums, the tidy chords of dirty guitars and the voice of a man who surely must have been put on this earth purely to sing. The words he sings prove different, but that emotional rock voice, oh sweet merciful Jesus, or something like that. Their sound, as gloriously uplifting as it is gloomy and depressing and their storytelling skills are what makes this band magical, because the difficulty and desperate balance of the good with the bad is exactly everything that everything is. Sometimes musicians write songs to be hits, sometimes musicians write songs to pay the rent, sometimes musicians write songs to fill the space and sometimes some musicians write songs because they have to, because they simply must. The Positions is an album written for necessity, listened to for the desperate need of company and heard by the heart."

"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."

Gang of Youths in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Group of the Year - Runner-Up

Video of the Year - Runner-Up

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #9 - 'Magnolia' 

WINNER: For The Company

by Little May

What we said: "There's a lot of talk about the sad songs Little May come up with, even from Hamilton, Field and Drummond themselves. The great thing about sad songs is they generally come from a place that a listener will have some form of shared experience. And there's nothing to make you feel a little bit better than not feeling so alone, right? Right. As you grow up just a little bit, you can appreciate the sad songs on a different level. It's not just feeling that they're sad, it's understanding why. And that really is awesome. And so are Little May. For music coming from a "sad" place, it sure does make us happy. Sure it's only October, but it really doesn't get better than this. Album of the Year? It'll be hard to convince me of any less."

"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."

"It's that album, For The Company, that only further establishes the trio as the most thrilling and devastatingly heartbreaking songwriters and performers in the country. And if they're the best Australia has to offer in the music making department, they're the best in the world too."

Little May in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

For The Company Album Review

Group of the Year - Winner

Australian Artist of the Year - Runner-Up

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #6 and #7 - 'Seven Hours' and 'Home'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #56 - 'Sinks'

2014 Winner:

The Golden Echo by Kimbra

Runner-Up: I Never Learn by Lykke Li

2013 Winner:

The Electric Lady by Janelle Monae

Runner-Up: Mosquito by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2012 Winner:

Theatre Is Evil by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

Runner-Up: Blunderbuss by Jack White

2011 Winner:

Seeker Lover Keeper by Seeker Lover Keeper

Runner-Up: Vows by Kimbra

2010 Winner:

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire