Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #70 to #61

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70. SHRED FOR SUMMER

by DZ Deathrays

I have something simple

To make you feel good.

Oh I love this. I love everything about it. I love that it sounds like if I was in a band in the mid 90s this is what I would have been writing. I love that if I was in my 90s band I'd be wearing the most floral of dresses and the most doctored of Doc Martens. I love the psychedelically lo-fi clip and I love that it's about guitar shredding, not the other type of shredding often performed at this time of year. Is it? I love that it's not even close to the 90s and DZ Deathrays are just doing their thing and I love that I get to love it. (Jo Michelmore) 

DZ Deathrays take on shredding for the summer is much better than the standard fuck boi's shred for Stereo, yes? Not that Stereosonic is a thing anymore. I don't know Shane Parsons and Simon Ridley personally, so who knows, maybe they enjoy getting ripped for a festival. But on 'Shred For Summer' they're happy to just get a good shred going on the guitar and beat up some drums instead of each other in a steroid-fueled testoster-rage. I'm all for that and I'm all for hearing more from DZ Deathrays in a world where Stereosonic and the Future Music Festival are not a thing. Everyone's a winner. (Matt Bond)  

#69. SELFISH LOVE

by Jessie Ware

Darling, you do it too

You tell me lies and I bend the truth. 

Just when you thought Jessie Ware couldn't get any more musically stylish and intriguing than she already is, she drops the sleek and seductive 'Selfish Love' and takes it one step further by recording the track in Spanish as 'Egoista'. Take your music to the masses while I applaud you, Lady Ware! Given that the song genuinely feels like it belongs in a really smart film where the leading lady takes a trip of self discovery to some beautiful beach-y location in Spain, it should come as no surprise that the beautifully cinematic accompanying video is perfectly suited to the song and pretty much follows that storyline. With the bonus, murderous twist at the end. The lessons we can take away from this are... 1. Don't mess with Jessie Ware. And 2. Jessie Ware can do no wrong and is the musical genius we don't deserve and should be thankful to have. Absolutely stunning in every way. (Matt Bond)  

#68. I DARE YOU

by The xx

I've been a romantic for so long

All I've ever had are love songs. 

So you take a sneaky day off school, you meet up with a boy you like and show up to some random event with a pool and The xx are playing beside it...and you don't completely lose your shit?!?? Like, that's The xx at the end of that pool guys! Seriously! Stop staring at each other please and start looking at The xx!! Clearly my world is not in an xx clip, but regardless, as frustrating as that clip is, the song is equally fabulous. Doing what they do but with every release just that little bit better, The xx prove that you can change and stay the same and still be fabulous and low key as well as totally danceable at the same time. Now stop staring and start dancing you fools! (Jo Michelmore)

#67. NEW YORK

by St. Vincent

New love, wasn't true love

Back to you love. 

Contrast is key to the artistry of St. Vincent. And there's something oh so gorgeous about the stark difference between the brightly coloured music video for 'New York' and the shades of grey that make up the reserved heartbreak in the music. If you have ever felt like you've settled in your life, and I don't mean feeling settled and content, I mean it in the way that you've settled for something when you know it's not right or you deserve better, that's what it feels like listening to 'New York'. Running on back to something familiar that you know isn't going to work. And the lights of the city can't be big or bright enough to make it any different this time around. Even if that city is NYC. (Matt Bond) 

If you feel like being hopeful and anxious at exactly the same time, and if you want to feel empowered and emotional all at once, then hit play on St Vincent's 'New York' and you'll find a New York not as often represented in song, one that's much less my way and much more anyway, and while it steers a little different from some of her material, there's no doubt with that perfectly placed line in every chorus, this is the razor sharp St Vincent I like and New York is a razor sharp city I'm definitely going to have to visit one day. (Jo Michelmore)

#66. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE BEAUTIFUL PROBLEMS

by Lana Del Rey ft. Stevie Nicks

Blue is the colour of the planet from the view above

Long live our reign, long live our love. 

Lana Del Rey and Stevie Nicks, together at last, a combination that seems like such a fantasy pairing and sounds just as fantastic when actually paired together. I imagine getting the Stevie Nicks stamp of approval in the form of a duet would be a career highlight for many an artist. I also imagine many artists have tried and failed to make this happen, so it has to be a huge feather in Lana Del Rey's cap that the original sister of the moon would agree to collaborate with her. 'Beautiful People Beautiful Problems' blends the musical stylings of an icon and megastar is such an easy way. It's not flashy, but it doesn't need to be. These are artists that have made their names on the equally romanticized and honest stories they tell. They're also just a little bit crackers, as evidenced by their discussion regarding which letter of the Hollywood sign they'd live in over at V Magazine. I think that makes me love them even more. (Matt Bond)

#65. EXACTLY HOW YOU ARE

by Ball Park Music

You are not a little fish

You don't have to swim upstream to find their praise. 

You know Mr. Sheeran released this really sweet song this year that said something about someone being perfect and I know we're all going to be hearing that one at weddings from now on in, which is nice, it's a lovely song, but should I ever choose to marry someone, something like Ball Park Music will be more likely the ones receiving the royalties from me and I don't care who doesn't like that first line. It's so great. Blunt, beautiful, sweet and straightforward with a melody that feels like summer, this song is perfect. In a Ball Park Music way, not a Sheeran way. (Jo Michelmore)

#64. LIGHTS OUT

by Royal Blood

I can feel it rushing under my skin

You're a cage won't you let me in? 

Ooh yes, here we are. Rock. One listen to those filthy guitars and one could even call this an anthem of sorts. Stop start, drums, pounding, gritty lyrics, guitar guitar guitar, I'm pretty sure that's all one needs to make a rock anthem. Then again, I'm writing about rock songs while sitting in my pjs with a cup of tea, so do I know anything about rock? I know I like it. I know I like the English version of it, therefore, Royal Blood, yes, rock. I know it. I likes it. (Jo Michelmore)

#63. PRAYING

by Kesha

But some things only God can forgive.

What's there to say, really? Kesha's battles over the past couple of years have played out in the public domain so everyone should know her story. Everyone should also be celebrating her musical comeback that saw her leave the party girl days behind her in pursuit of something more raw, something stronger and something undeniably inspirational. This is a young woman that went through the shittest time imaginable in front of the eyes of the world to confront and label her abuser and came out the other side in one piece. Even if you don't like the music of Kesha Rose Sebert, you should have a ton of respect for her. It just so happens that I really do like 'Praying'. The subtle build to the choir's entry, Kesha's moving performance and the reach for that epic high note. Pop music's comeback and reinvention of the year. (Matt Bond) 

Regardless of your thoughts on Kesha, her previous incarnation and back catalogue, there's something about something you need to know. It's the people like Kesha, with the determination and the perseverance and the strength to stand up for themselves, and stand up for all the others who can't, they are the reason. The people like Kesha who have the ability to have the thoughts and the words and turn those into things like this for the people who can't, they are the reason. The people like Kesha who bring the thunder and bring the burn for the people who are still going through hell; they are the reason music will always be important, they are the reason music has always and will always be part of the human experience and ultimately, they are the reason for all of the music. (Jo Michelmore)

#62. CARIN AT THE LIQUOR STORE

by The National

So blame it on me, I really don't care

It's a foregone conclusion. 

Facts are you got me at the first note, you National people. I'm happy to admit I'm a total sucker for a piano track, but it's even nicer when they're as stunning as this one. It's oh so melancholy, it's oh so bittersweet, a so very dark chorus "blame it on me I really don't care..." with a hopeful guitar layered on top, this is The National in all their emotional glory and I suggest you check your heartbeat should you not feel some feelings with this one. (Jo Michelmore)

Can you feel it right from the start? Your heart slowly breaking into pieces as Matt Berninger takes some more self-deprecating shots at himself. "I was a worm, I was a creature, I get on the ground the second I'd see you." And still the lovely Carin went on to marry him. Yes, that's right. The lovely Carin at the liquor store is the lovely wife of the man calling himself neither a catch or a keeper. Taken at face value, 'Carin at the Liquor Store' is a gloomy piano ballad (an extremely beautiful one at that), but it's really a love song from a man to the love of his life. In all honest, I'd rather a significant other write a song as perfect as this for me, one that expresses how unworthy they are, than something bright and boppy. With extra emphasis on how unworthy they are. (Matt Bond)

#61. EVERYBODY'S HERO

by Sampa the Great ft. Estelle

Straighten up your posture

An imposter, got a cape.

 

Sampa the Great had a huge 2017. It ended with the release of Birds And The Bee9, a hype mixtape of sorts to get us pumped for her debut album which is expected to come out in 2018. One listen and you'll practically be willing it in your mind to be release day for what's already going to be one of the best LPs of next year. Birds And The Bee9 wasn't StG's only 2017 release though. Nahhh, that would be too easy. Why not drop a three track EP teaming up with she who wants you to take her on a trip she wants to see L.A. (Estelle, obviously) that is soul infused hip-hop perfection. That would be the HERoes Act 2 EP, which had this gem right here, 'Everybody's Hero'. It's this track that confirms what we already knew. Sampa The Great is AUS music's next big export, a talent that simply won't be denied many moments on the world stage. And she's totally everybody's hero. (Matt Bond)

The A to Z of Pop - Y is for #yolo

The A to Z of Pop

by Jo Michelmore

"I hate old people, why don't they all just f-off" was what one of my previous work colleagues used to say when dealing with anyone of an elderly demeanour. Unfortunately, I could never quite get my colleague to admit what they considered 'old' because whenever they said that sentence, I would always be busy thinking to myself; "well, I hope all your dreams come true and you don't get old then...." which was probably a little harsh, but whatever, paying jobs can sometimes do that to you.


Having had a birthday myself recently, it got me thinking about what 'old' is anyway. To a five year old, anyone over the age of five is old, right? And anyone under the age of five is a baby. Easy. These lines start to get blurred as time goes on. They're even more blurred in pop music, because what is age in pop? As I said way back at T, Madonna is old as something about 56 years old, but that doesn't mean you can take away her Queen of Pop crown. I've decided that pop music is ageless. Some pop is really good and some pop is really...average and some pop stars are super young and some pop stars are super old. For example, 5SOS are all under 21, but that doesn't make them musical geniuses, does it?


Perhaps you should decide that for yourself.

"I wish that I could wake up with amnesia and forget about the stupid little things" - you don't get to decide what you forget with amnesia, 5SOS. You forget the big things too. Oh well, at least someone told you how to spell amnesia, I guess. But wait, there's still hope for pop with people like one of my faves who released a new song this week.

Ms Gwen Stefani. She's 45. This week, she released a new song after eight long years. I like it. Lots. Someone I know (hey editor) said it sounded very Rihanna-ish. I agree, but Rihanna is 26 and Gwen is rocking a Rihanna sound better than Rihanna has in a little while. Where is that eighth album Rihanna? Which brings me to Pitbull, who is one that confuses me, because how old is he anyway?

He looks like he's 50, but apparently he's 33. I beg to differ. Old eyes are hiding behind those suits of his. Mr Bull just wishes he was more like someone else who's way older than him but seems way younger.

I know right? Jay Z is 44. All I can say is, thankfully he hasn't taken the advice of Pitbull's ol' mate Kesha (who by the way, is 27). And for the record, at 27, I don't want you to follow your own advice either, Kesha.

What have we learnt here boys and girls? Pop music and our mainstream media in general might be focused on the 'young', but pop music is good. At any age. You should just enjoy it, at any age, because after all; #yolo.

The A to Z of Pop - R is for Rock AND Pop, Like Ketchup and Curry.

This is probably the worst letter so far. It's more a dysfunctional P than R, right?

The A to Z of Pop

by Jo Michelmore

The other night, the conversation in my household involved what everyone was eating for dinner. My housemates were talking protein and vegetables, while I was thinking about chips. (I think about potato based delights a lot. Don't judge me. I also think of gelati quite a bit. Shut up.) The conversation somehow turned to curry and the concept of putting tomato ketchup on a curry. This disgusted me. Who would do such a thing? Why ruin two perfectly delicious things by combining them? Which strangely brings us to the 'R' in the A to Z of Pop. Rock. While I've patiently worked my way through 18 letters of the alphabet all the while wishing I'd started the A to Z of Rock first, there are some things that shouldn't be put together. Like ketchup and curry, like ice cream and tomatoes, pop and rock are beautiful things, but sometimes (most times, unless you're incredibly intoxicated) they should be enjoyed...totally separately.

Like when 80s rockers Def Leppard, who we shall call the ketchup, decided it would be a good idea if Taylor Swift, who we shall call the curry, joined them on their classic 'Pour Some Sugar On Me', but it turned out Taylor awkwardly singing to a man twice her age about what one should do to breakfast cereal, not herself. Like ketchup and curry, like rock and pop - we say no.

But they didn't learn their lesson, and the old man from Def Leppard, the ol' vindaloo themselves, sang 'Love Story' with Taylor, who we shall call the ketchup, and the vindaloo crooned about being the ketchup's Prince, but they were no royalty, they were more like her grandfathers and everyone just looked totally awkward and not tasty the whole time. Like ketchup and curry, like rock and pop - we say no.

That same old butter chicken, Def Leppard have obviously let just about anyone cover their songs so they can keep their retirement fund healthy. Mariah Carey, who we shall call the ketchup, sang one of their songs and also got one of my fave guitarists of all time, Dave Navarro (who for this exercise we shall call gelati) somehow got involved and everyone looked totally awkward on stage. Like ketchup and curry and gelati combined, like rock and pop - we say no.

Once upon a time, Iggy Pop met Kesha....oh I can't even. This is awful. This is worse than ketchup and curry, worse than fish fingers and custard, like rock and pop, somethings should not be consumed together - and we say NO!

The Medicine Cabinet #14

Music Is My Medicine

by Nayt Housman

Music is my medicine. Is it yours? I ask the public six golden questions to find out if and how they use music to feed the soul.

 Joseph by Nayt Housman

Today I had a sassy Gold Coast local in my music clinic, 18 year old Joseph, who is really passionate about fashion, music and of course world peace. When asked if he was ready for a probing he responded, “Born ready. My eyelashes though, were not.” Lolz…so what musical pills does Joseph take to keep him in tiptop shape?


Who are at least three musicians or groups flick your switch and turn up the volume?


Joseph: Tyga, Brooke candy and Kesha without a doubt.


Why are they the pills that cure your ills?


Joseph: Tyga music is just so soulful and passionate about things like the relationship between a pimp and his hoes, that's great. Brooke Candy’s music is just really strong with her messages and up beat. Kesha is just like, so my soul. My relationship with Kesha is just so spiritual she's just like, so my spirit animal. I guess those three people give me the things everybody needs in life, passion, strength and spirituality.

What kind of high do they give you?


Joseph: An emotional high, it's deeply spiritual.

Dis bitch is so up beat coz she ding dang done gone beat up every ho in her hood GRRRRRL

When do you find yourself craving musical relief?


Joseph: When I need to think. It really stimulates my thought process, that or when I'm working out, but it can become a distraction.

Kesha speaks 'spirit animal' in ‘Blow’, which roughly translates to 

gag/swallow/eat a fist/love? Praise cheeses. 

 Where does music take you?

 

Joseph: It physically takes me nowhere but mentally I find it really thought provoking, it's good to think sometimes. It usually makes me think about the future and generally the VMA's. What the song would look like as a live performance.

Tyga takes a gurrrl to Rack City to see the sights, like the Leaning Rack of Silicone?

How do you share your music love?

Joseph: I sing it loudly. Wherever and whenever.

 
Ke$h dawg shares it with dirty love…

“If you're having a bad hair day don't be sad, wear a wig!” These are some wise words imparted from Joseph during our consultation and this is something that all of us can carry through life when we need a lift. Brooke Candy takes it one step further and when she’s having a bad hair day she just throws a few chameleons in there and BAM, style.

So what can we all take from this? I think if it’s not fierce, frolicking and fabulous then FUCK IT! You are not my dad and you never will be! I’ll do what the hell I want, when I want and where I want, with who ever I want in whatever hole I want! When in doubt defy, deny and supply.

I shall dub this the 'Nice wig Janis. What’s it made of?' effect. When yo over brushing off the dirt of the day, the only way to get the pay is to slay. Throw dat shade like it’s no ones business, turn it into hip-hop, while you get off, and yo daddy drops off, the motha funkin keys, to the Bentley, so you can sleaze coz you rent-free. This is the life, coz you don’t care, about yo daddy dippin mom’s chest hair!

Doctor Nayt’s prescription is to face that shit head-on. The days are getting to you? Well you just get all up in their grill with an attitude as big as Brooke Candy’s natural d-cup boobs hair, as bad as Ke$ha/Kesha’s morning breath, you shake your money makin' junk in their face and vomit sass like it’s a Salmonella party. What follows doesn’t matter; it’s all about the release.