Top 116 Songs of 2016, #40 - 31

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40. HOLLA

by Lanks





But our love is what you wanna see
There's hope as long as you believe.

I had pulled up 'Holla' on YouTube and kept my headphones on, waiting for it to start while I sent a text message, when it suddenly occurred to me, why is Lanks talking to me about razors and bathroom habits? How does YouTube even decide which ad to show which person with what? I'm asking questions I can't answer. Contrary to popular belief, "Holla' is not an advertistment for shaving products, nor a gansta rap song. It is, in fact, a subdued tune, making me slightly sleepy on a week night, which is a lovely thing. Much more lovely than a razor to the face or the advertisements about them, thank you Lanks. (Jo Michelmore)

Oh, Lanks. You ain’t no hollaback girl. According to a Google search of ‘hollaback girl definition’ it means one who, “responds positively to the catcalls or hollers of men.” While Lanks is no hollaback girl, he is a creative music maker that never fails to bring a smile to our faces with his music. The project of Melbourne’s Will Cuming, Lanks built up a solid collection of releases throughout the year in the lead up to the release of his Viet Rose EP. It was ‘Holla’ that sparked our imagination the most and had us celebrating the many talents of an artist who continues to work hard and better himself with each new track. The build to the closing moments of ‘Holla’, as Lanks repeats the lines, “you’re not alone,” and “reach forward, holler out to me,” is too much. And too much is never enough when it comes to Lanks. (Matt Bond) 

#39. 10 FEET TALL

by OKENYO





Never gonna be the right time
Always got your feelings on the line... 

10 feet tall is quite tall you know, for those of us who prefer to use the metric system of measurement. As in, it's like almost three and a half metres, which, if one was to be 10 feet tall, one would spend most of their day warding off inappropriate jokes about the weather up there and the rest of the day bent over slightly, in order to hear the offensive comments from so far below. Therefore, one assumes that when Okenyo speaks of being 10 Feet Tall, it is meant in the figurative way, as in, invincible, not slightly Hunchback of ND. Which is funny, because Okenyo's '10 Feet Tall' is almost minimalist and so very smooth, her vocal shining bright and her beats almost floating, nothing at all as daunting as being 10 feet tall. (Jo Michelmore)

#38. A LOVE SONG

by Ladyhawke





You've opened my eyes to the oldest tale of time...

Now THIS is what a love song sounds like. It belongs in a movie, one of those scenes in the third act where the young lovers finally find their way back to each other in the most unrealistic fashion. The ensemble cast are all standing around with those stupid grins on their faces. Emma Stone’s laughing in the way that people do in ads where they’re having the best time with their salads. ‘A Love Song’ starts playing as the image freezes for an awkward amount of time before fading to black and the credits start to roll. I’ve got some attitude here, this is true, but this make-believe movie is something I’d watch over and over again with a tub or two of ice-cream. What isn’t make-believe is the talent that is Ladyhawke, delivering again and again with tracks like this that bring a smile to your face and put a song in your heart. With songs like this, you too can feel like you’re a character in your own amazing film. (Matt Bond)  

When 'A Love Song' was first released, it had been four years since Ladyhawke's last album, which means it had been four years since I heard those charming boys at Splendour, standing next to me in a pit at the front of stage, saying something along the lines of "oi she a bit of alright". Sigh. Three years later and we've still such a long way to go. Nevertheless, 'A Love Song' is exactly what we have come to expect from one of NZ's favourites; a super catchy chorus, some magical keys, percussion that forces one to move one's feet and a message much deeper than initially expected. Perfect pop in every single way. (Jo Michelmore)

#37. SORRY

by Babaganouj





Once upon a night at home, I sat in bed all alone
Thinking of things I wanted to say and how I never meant to go away.

The Nouj always have me thinking they could be characters in a children's story book, with such delightful names as Charles, Ruby and Harriette, I picture them in cute floral dresses and overalls, running amok amongst the gardens of the neighbours and generally getting up to no good. Alas, they are not and so we have Babaganouj and indie pop and lots of apologies and a really nice little drum break in the middle there. There's no need to be sorry Nouj, I like you in all versions of you. (Jo Michelmore)

Ruby McGregor took the lead on ‘Sorry’, the first single from Babaganouj’s second EP of 2016, Hard To Be. And so a rock star was born, but not really because Ruby, Charles Sale and Harriette Pilbeam were already stars, ‘Sorry’ just saw them shining brighter than ever before. They were like a big, grunge-loving star that shone over the universe, bringing joy to all with banging guitars and enough attitude to make Pluto take notice. Get it? Because Pluto isn’t just cool, it’s ice cold. I’m sorry, writing about 100+ songs means some of them are going to get the bad jokes and now I’ve embarrassed myself in front of Babaganouj and I’ll stop. So much love for ‘Sorry’ and our fave Brissy three-piece though. (Matt Bond)
 

#36. COME ON MESS ME UP

by Cub Sport





I found comfort
I fell in love with avoiding problems.

For Brisbane’s Cub Sport, 2016 was like their graduation year. With past releases, they maintained a fun-loving vibe that can only come from a young band at the start of their career. But now they’re a little more grown up, they’ve had time to experience life for what it is and as a result their sound has matured beautifully into the songs that made up their debut LP, This Is Our Vice. Songs like ‘Come On Mess Me Up’ that hold a vulnerability and honesty that elevate them far, far above your standard pop. Love is the central theme of most songs in the world. But very few will look at what love is in a realistic way. The ones that do will hit you hardest and this right here is one of them. This year Cub Sport went from that Brisbane band everyone bopped along to with glee to a world class indie band ready to conquer whatever comes their way. (Matt Bond) 

#35. LOST

by Ariela Jacobs





Prepare a cup of coffee for another night of sleepless times
So I can blame the caffeine, for giving me time to think.

They say it so easily, it just rolls off the tongue, as easy to say as any other, and they say it makes you do crazy things, think crazy thoughts, accept less and expect more. We are all desperately trying to find it, keep it, know it, define it, hold it up high and somehow also hold onto it. But if it's so common, if we are so entwined in the pursuit and property of it, then why is it so hard? Is it actually anything at all or is it just a fairytale, a story passed down generation by generation and really nothing at all? The answers are not the same, the thoughts are only one's own, but is it really something we can find, this love we all speak so highly of, or is it actually just a temporary way to feel a little less lost? Ariela Jacobs knows what it is and it's one and the same thing. And it's also responsible for the souvenirs of self destruct that burn up in my head. It's not the right thing to do. (Jo Michelmore)

Speaking of our favourite songwriters, here’s Ariela Jacobs with her second gem to make our 2016 countdown. Part of me wants to ask Jacobs to stop dragging my heart around like this, but then the smarter and highly aggressive part of me is like, “you right, m8?” because when music can move you in the way that ‘Lost’ will, you’re never going to want it to stop. The delivery of these thoughtfully selected words comes from a place of hurt, confusion and a love that could very well still be there. Suitably, our leading lady finds herself as lost as the title would suggest and for anyone that’s had those sleepless nights with all those thoughts running through your head you spend all day trying to keep as far away as possible, you’re going to remember the times you’ve found yourself lost too. This is an amazing song from an exceptional talent that I want to hear so much more from and hopefully sooner than later. (Matt Bond)  

#34. WILD EMOTION

by Asta





Don't tell me it's not real
Don't say it's only physical.

YESSS, ASTA. A million times Y-E-S! Like a force of mighty fine/disco-inspired nature, Asta slayed with the total jam that is ‘Wild Emotion’. Try not to put your hands in the air and wave them around like you just don’t care while you listen to it. You can’t, can you?! No. No you can’t. ‘Wild Emotion’ was pure pop perfection, ready to lift you up at a moment’s notice with its ‘against all odds’ disposition. This should have been a #1 hit on charts worldwide, but Asta’s day will come. With songs like ‘Wild Emotion’ to her name, she won’t be denied for long. (Matt Bond) 

Is it possible for this song to get any catchier? Nope. Is Asta the answer to all my dance electro pop needs? Yes. Why is it that disco seemed so lame for so many years? No one knows. With a bunch of handclaps smashed in the middle there, it's pretty much impossible for me not to love this song. It starts as suddenly as it gets stuck in your head and if anyone has the ability to sit still while it's playing, I suggest they lay off the valium. Was this song built for happiness? Yes. Yes it was. (Jo Michelmore)

#33. HIGH TIDE

by Bec Sandridge





It's high tide, I know that this will break us
It's high tide, I know that this will change us.

Have you had a chance to listen to Bec Sandridge’s In The Fog EP yet? You haven’t? Go and listen to it now please. We can wait. You have listened to it? You’re awesome and might I say congratulations for having such a fabulous taste in music and you look lovely today. I think if someone came up to me in real life and was like, “have you heard that new Bec Sandridge EP? Isn’t it the flipping best?!” I’d be all, “yeah it is and now we are friends for life, do you enjoy espresso martinis and eating your feelings at four in the morning too?” Convoluted introductory sentences aside, I’m trying to get across how much love I have for Bec Sandridge’s music. You’ll only need one listen of ‘High Tide’ to get it. It reaches a part of your brain that’s reserved for only the finest of tunes. The ones that make you wonder how someone could possibly come up with something that captures everything you love about music. If you still haven’t gone off to listen to the In The Fog EP, do yourself a favour and do that right now please and thank you. In the meantime I’ll whip us up some caffeinated dranks and get us a bucket of fried chicken. Because we are now best friends. Yay! (Matt Bond) 

#32. COAT

by Jack Colwell





Oh, all good things
Must come to an end.

I think I will always love Jack Colwell. He has the ability to make the goosebumps wash over, ask all the hard questions, light all the lights and then provide all of the answers with every track he writes. He is pop star, he is tortured artist, he is a humble fan and he is so, so talented. With a voice from another world, 'COAT' is as dramatic as it is breathtaking and as tragically sad as it is inspiring and it is alive in a way only Jack Colwell  can bring to life. I haven't said this about anyone yet, but here's hoping we see so much more of Jack in 2017. (Jo Michelmore)

One of my favourite live music moments of 2016 was finally getting to see Jack Colwell live when he supported Sarah Blasko at The Tivoli in Brisbane. The entire audience was captivated by Colwell’s artistry as he put his heart and soul into his performance. And that’s exactly what he puts into all of his music; all of his heart and all of his soul. His background in classical music allows him to orchestrate songs that are passionate, dramatic and cinematic and those three words are perfect when describing ‘Coat’. Running a four minute emotional gauntlet that’s heavy on the type of anger that could only be caused by a broken heart, ‘Coat’ evolves from lover scorned to the quiet relief of saying goodbye. That final line, “you don’t see me,” is delivered in such a devastating way that you’ll find yourself heading back to the start to experience ‘Coat’ and all of its wonders all over again. (Matt Bond) 

#31. NOT MY FRIENDS

by Tired Lion 





Look at the people just lying around
To get you back up they just pull you back down.

I'm not much of a TV watcher, so I'm not going to pretend I understand half the references in Tired Lion's clip for 'Not My Friends', but I do understand a good rock song with a huge hook and I totally understand crunchy guitars and a big bassline. I also understand the concept of desperately needing to fit in with people who don't deserve the title 'friend' and I'm pretty lucky to now understand how pointless that need can be, which means I have actual friends that I adore and I like this track more now than I would have in some of my past existences. Also, on a side note, one of those friends of mine and I happened to wander by Tired Lion on the street as they were filming this clip late one night. If you look closely enough you can see us trying to be calm in the background. Maybe. (Jo Michelmore)

 

Top 25 - 13 March, 2016

Amanda Palmer + Ladyhawke!

1. Amanda Palmer - Machete (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: What a pleasant surprise to hear something new from Amanda Palmer. Not counting her David Bowie tribute EP and the ten and half minute gorgeousness of 'A Mother's Confession', 'Machete' marks her first full band release since 2012's Theatre Is Evil. It is glorious. It is heartbreaking. It is thought provoking. And it tells a story in a way that, really, only Amanda Palmer can tell a story. Manic one moment, quiet and reflective the next... 'Machete' shows all of the brilliant sides of Palmer we've come to know and love, from the Dresden Dolls days to now. 'Machete' is a beautiful story about friendship, losing it and also celebrating it in that loss. If you'd like to know more about the story behind it, please have a read of Amanda's own words regarding 'Machete' on her site. One of the things that I've always loved about Amanda Palmer's music is that she somehow manages to make her stories so totally relatable, even when it's something so personal to her. Her tracks make you think and this time around I'm thinking about the people in my life that are really special to me and how devastated I'm going to be if I ever have to lose them before... you know. Before I kick it. "And you said, I don't know where I'm going, I just know that I'm heading, from the dead things piled up behind me." It's all kinds of beautiful and it's so nice to hear something new from one of our most favourite artists. I could talk about this for days and days. But I'll just quickly mention that the last time a song caught me off-guard and made me all damn misty eyed and had me thinking about shit like this was Palmer's own 'The Bed Song' and hear I am listening to 'Machete' and it gets to the very last line... "You don't need me hear to cut you free"... and I'm a mess. A rambling mess. And it's all Amanda Palmer's fault. And I wouldn't have it any other way. (Matt Bond) 


2. Phebe Starr - Feel My Love





3. Ngaiire - Diggin





4. Ladyhawke - A Love Song (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: It seems like it was a thousand years ago that I was standing in a sweltering tent at the Big Day Out impatiently waiting for Ladyhawke to appear. That was six years ago and may as well be a thousand years ago considering the amount of singles Taylor Swift has released since then, but I digress. While the Big Day Out has now disappeared forever, thankfully Ladyhawke hasn’t, taking a break to sort some shit out (that quick summary of writing, recording and sobering is probably more complicated than that) and returned with a new song that was worth waiting the four long years we’ve waited for any new sounds from her. ‘A Love Song’ is perfectly Ladyhawke; a song you want to dance to, a song you want to sing along to and a song you want to hear over and over again. The cute animated lyric clip to match is making it very difficult to wait any longer for a new album release in June. (Jo Michelmore)


5. The Temper Trap - Thick As Thieves





6. The Ruiins - Eventually





7. Ariela Jacobs - Lost





8. Machine Age - Don't Look (NEW)





9. Olympia - Smoke Signals (NEW)





10. PACES ft. Rye Rye - Work Me Out (NEW)





11. Bag Raiders ft. Benjamin Joseph - Checkmate





12. SAFIA - Make Them Wheels Roll





13. James Chatburn - Cracks and Breaks (NEW)





14. Avec Sans - Heartbreak Hi (NEW)





15. Chris Watts - Let Go





16. Quintessential Doll - Beautiful Violence (NEW)





17. Ella Hooper - Monkey Mind





18. Sans Parents - Can't Stop Moving





19. Babaganouj - Do Rite With Me Tonite





20. Montaigne - In The Dark





21. Manor - They've Come Into My Home (NEW)





22. Little May - Remind Me





23. Hayden Calnin - Cut Love





24. Elizabeth Rose ft. Remi - Playing With Fire





25. Lanks - Golden Age

Top 112 Songs of 2012 - #90 - 81

Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra!

#112 - 101

#100 - 91

#90. Do It With A Rockstar

by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

I don't want your body, just a part to listen to INXS...

Anyone who has read this blog on and off or glanced at our facebook page once or twice will know that Matt and I are big Amanda Palmer fans (big is an understatement.) I wasn’t sure what to expect from her album release this year, but I was confident enough in her incredible talent to pledge to her record breaking kickstarter campaign. When the first sounds of her Theatre Is Evil album were released in June this year, I was so, so happy to immediately know my kickstarter funds weren’t wasted, this was inconceivable. For me, this was everything music should be for a little while and there was a long time I had this song on repeat. When I heard this I felt like a child again, like I was hearing music for the first time and it couldn’t possibly be this amazing, could it? I’m so excited at the prospect of seeing this one performed live early next year. I’m looking forward to seeing it all, but especially the end, which is one of my favourite song endings of the year; Amanda’s controlled screaming “I’ll be fine in a minute, fine in a minute, fine in a minute, fine in a minute…” I know you’re not fine Amanda and yet I know somehow you are; that’s one of the reasons I love you. (Jo Michelmore) 

So, I’ve listened to a couple of Amanda Palmer songs now, and they’ve been OK, but this song is by far my favourite! It’s still got that attitude, but it packs a punch. And the film clip is quite amusing. (Katie Langley) 


"That's art, bitch. That's art." Couldn't have said it better myself, hilarious drag queen. 'Do It With A Rockstar' is the most commercial song Amanda Palmer has released and it's still a riot of a singalong, dancealong commentary on the world's obsession with the celebrity. A fun rock anthem, one of the best of the year and one I'll be pre-gaming to for years to come. (Matt Bond) 

#89. Feather

by Nick and Liesl (AUS)

You're mine (do you love me today, will you love me tomorrow?)

You're mine. 

"I know there's no such thing as true love." Liesl's voice breaks your heart in the best possible way throughout 'Feather,' but it's that one line that really sticks the knife in and makes me fall in love with this song all over again. Nick joining Liesl, circling each other through the simple, beautiful chorus remains one of the finest pieces of vocal work this year. There's a sense of ending in those lines that's sad, sweet and hopeful all at once. It's perfect. (Matt Bond)  

There are some songs that just make sense. There are some voices that sound like they were just meant to sing together. There are some musicians that are probably incredible on their own, but as a duet are phenomenal. Nick and Liesl have voices that complement each other so well, it’s hard to imagine one without the other. When Liesl’s gorgeous voice is accompanied by simple keys in the start of Feather, I can’t help but be impressed, but when Nick starts singing “do you love me today, will you love me tomorrow” while Liesl sweetly answers, I get the kind of goosebumps only exceptional music creates. It’s magic and somehow it just makes sense. (Jo Michelmore) 

Liesel’s voice is gorgeous, absolutely mesmerising. And Nick, too. The harmonisation is just perfect. This is a song that goes straight to the heart. You can absolutely feel every shred of emotion. (Katie Langley)

#88. Wild Things

by San Cisco (AUS)

You've got the hatred that you, you always hated,

and you, you've got to face them now. 

Oh yes, I do like this song and its catchy little chorus. It transports me to another era. That guitar makes me feel a little flower power, man. (Katie Langley) 


How can you not want these guys (and girl) to succeed? Everything they do is bouncy, catchy... almost detached from and real sense of reality. It's escapism indie at its very best. 'Wild Things' was a good step away from the amazing yet gimmicky 'Awkward,' showing they have a real future in the industry if they keep delivering music this good. The video is the reason why I don't trust children... or tiny adults. (Matt Bond)

Are San Cisco ever going to stop being so darned cute? This song is full of things I love in a song, including hand clapping, whistling and wait for it; “la la la la la”. It’s uber fun and the clip has a “Where The Wild Things Are” film kind of vibe, which naturally means it’s awesome. (Jo Michelmore)   

 

#87. Spectre

by Curxes

From skulls and ashes she had made...

When I first heard this track in July this year, I remember wondering how I could ever have thought my music collection was complete without it. When I think about 2012, I am so glad to have stumbled across this delightfully dark duet from the UK as Macaulay Hopwood and Roberta Fidora together have become one of my favourite things about this year. This track is almost everything I adore; a little gloomy and moody and angry and spooky and a little bit frightening and somehow incredibly fabulous and terrifying and gorgeous and-and-and short breaths oh my never let it end and short breaths and oh God don’t stop press play again eyes closed I love I love I love oh fuck short breaths I love this so much. Sorry, excuse me, I may need a moment to myself…. (Jo Michelmore) 


Curxes conjure up an industrial darkness in their music that I'm completely sold on. Right from Fidora's opening salvo in 'Spectre' alongside Hopwood's powerful, attention grabbing music, I feel transported to a different place. A different time. Everything builds to a stunning, sensory assault; Fidora's voice rises above the incredible, almost violent sounds that try to encase it. That's a booming set of pipes you could take into battle with you. These two artists have got a good thing going with Curxes. I think it's safe to say the best is yet to come.  (Matt Bond)

I imagine that this song would be better appreciated in a live setting. (Katie Langley) 

Top 112 Songs of 2012 - Honourable Mentions

Foals!

This year has come and gone far too quickly. When you say that out loud, someone is bound to say, "that's what happens when you get older." I prefer subscribing to the theory 'time flies when you're having fun' and in 2012, there was much fun to be had. Every week we've been slapped in the face with incredible albums and songs that we will now be pitting against each other for our end of year 'best of' countdowns. Starting tomorrow, we kick off the Top 112 Songs of 2012 countdown! What song will make it all the way to the top? No. It is not 'Gangnam Style.' Or is it? No. It's been an incredibly hard list to compile this year, with so many tracks narrowly missing out on making it in. So today, we honour twenty of those songs. Because they are awesome. Enjoy... and check back tomorrow for the official start of the countdown!

Honourable Mentions

Told You So

by Cub Scouts

 

Inhaler

by Foals

 

Sad Eyes

by Crystal Castles

 

Cleopatra

by Michelle Xen

 

Top 20 - 2 September, 2012

Muse hit #1!

1. Muse - Madness





2. Laneway - Love Is A Devil




3. Texas Tea - Heart Says Yes (Head Says No)




4. Kira Puru and The Bruise - When All Your Love Is Not Enough





5. Fantine - Don't Come Around (NEW)

Top 20 - 1 April, 2012



The Jezabels!



Every Sunday, the It's My Kind of Scene Top 20 will be here. These are the freshest songs that we feel you need to listen to because they really are that good. Do you know a song you feel we need to listen to? Let us know in the comments section below!


1. The Temper Trap - Need Your Love





2. Garbage - Blood For Poppies





3. The Jezabels - Rosebud (NEW)





4. Azealia Banks - F*ck Up The Fun (NEW)





5. Lisa Mitchell - Spiritus (NEW)

Top 20 - 29 January, 2012

Can anyone stop Santigold?

1. Santigold - Big Mouth (2 weeks at #1!)





2. Ladyhawke - Black, White and Blue (NEW)





3. Shaun Brennan - Stay (NEW)





4. San Cisco - Rocket Ship





5. The Oh Hello's - Hello My Old Heart

Song of the Day - My Delirium

Ladyhawke - My Delirium

Album: Ladyhawke (2008)

Quit playing with her delirium! The Lady has reportedly been hard at work writing for her sophomore album and I'd say it's about time she gave us a taste of what we can expect. Hopefully it will be in line with hits like 'Magic,' 'Dusk Till Dawn' and your song of the day, 'My Delirium.' Scottish act, Malcolm Middleton, came up with a pretty stripped back cover too, so you can enjoy that too. Don't say I never do anything for you.



Top 300 Songs of the 2000s, #190 - 181



Robbie Williams.


Before we get to our next ten songs in the countdown, I thought it would be my civil duty to make clear what you should already know... Lady Gaga's dropping her new track 'Born This Way' tomorrow. As you would know, this means that the Gagapocalypse is imminent. The world won't be able to handle what we're about to be hit with, so I just wanted to say thanks for reading, it's been a lot of fun! Yeah, I'm kidding, but only a little. This has been hyped up to be one of the biggest moments in the history of pop music and I've learnt not to be against my Queen, uh, I mean Lady Gaga. Moving right along, here's ten awesome songs from the 2000s...

#190 - Why Do You Love Me? (2005)

by Garbage

And I am not as pretty as those girls in magazines,

I am rotten to my core if they're to be believed...

Shirley... Shirley, Shirley, Shirley. Garbage managed to maintain their popularity throughout the 2000s but still ended up going on hiatus after the release of Bleed Like Me. But that's all about to change since they're reportedly back in the studio working on new material. This excites me. This excites me very, very much.

Top 300 Songs of the 2000s, #260 - 251



Blink-182



After today we're fifty songs down in our 2000s countdown! What's on tap for today? A song that brought a crazy woman back into the spotlight (in a big way), three of the biggest alternative rock acts (only two are still making music together) and arguably the biggest band in the world today (not by me though). Strap yourselves in... here we go!

#260 - We Belong Together (2005)

by Mariah Carey

I can't sleep at night, when you are on my mind,

Bobby Womack's on the radio...

Song of the Day - Embrace

Pnau ft. Ladyhawke - Embrace

Album: Pnau (2007)

2011 is gearing up to be quite the year for music fans of all genres. We already know that PJ Harvey, Iron and Wine, Cut Copy, Adele, Britney Spears, Dr Dre & Lady Gaga all have new albums set for release. We could also see the return of big names like Amy Winehouse, The Strokes, No Doubt & OutKast! You know who I'd be happy to see added to that list? Pnau and Ladyhawke.