Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #117 to #101

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

TOP 117 SONGS OF 2017:

#117. WASTE

by Oh Wonder

I said I would never come back

Screaming at the walls in jet black.

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

#116. NATIONAL PARK

by Oh Mercy

How do those eyes inspire such devotion?

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

#115. SUPER FAR

by LANY

Don't be mean if you wanna go

You can leave and leave my heart alone.

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

#114. YOU DIDN'T REALLY DO THAT

by Sharon Van Etten

The time is passing right before our eyes

The stars are dead, but they still shed light.

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

#113. ON OUR WAY HOME 

by Empire of the Sun

Say what you mean, do what you will.

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

#112. NEW RULES

by Dua Lipa

And if you're under him

You ain't gettin' over him.

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

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

#111. BETTER

by Mallrat

Things I couldn't ask for anything

You're always on my side.

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

#110. BOM BOM

by Tkay Maidza and Danny L Harle

And I dance on chicken looking glances

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

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

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

#109. ...READY FOR IT?

by Taylor Swift

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

Holdin' him for ransom.

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

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

#108. A DAY IN THE PARK

by Airling ft. Tom Iansek

Only accept the love you think you deserve

Drink it from a cup.

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

#107. THE JOKE

by Brandi Carlile

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

And the joke's on them.

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

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

#106. THE MAN

by The Killers

When it comes to Friday, I always earn

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

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

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

#105. SMALL TALK

by Jeremy Neale ft. Pool Shop

Feeling unstoppable, I was a party animal

But the next day I felt so low.

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

#104. HUMAN CONNECTION

by Little Earthquake ft. Rosa Morgan

I wanted to call on you

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

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

#103. PERFORMANCE

by The xx

Since you stopped believing

I've had to put on my own show.

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

#102. BETTER SIT DOWN BOY

by Confidence Man

Let me teach you something 'bout love

Okay repeat.

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

#101. GILDED AGE

by Holy Holy

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

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

           

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) 

Top 25 Songs of 2016 (So Far)

Can you believe it's June already? Where does the time go? I'll tell you where it goes... lots of research into Game of Thrones theories, cat videos, seeing if there's new Snap Chat selfie filters and complaining that it's too hot/too cold in Australia. Mostly that it's too hot. We do however try to make as much time as we can to listen to the best new music going around. We think we do a pretty good job and so, as we do each June, we let you know what our 25 favourite songs of the year have been so far. 2016 has already been an incredible year for acts both established and emerging, from Australia and abroad and across all genres. Yes, especially gospel hard rap. It's a thing, look it up. While you might call us biased, we've got to say that the world's best music is coming out of Australia this year. In fact, Australian artists make up 21 of the 25 songs listed below. And what are these songs? Why waste your time with more small talk? Let's get to the music!

TOP 25 SONGS OF 2016 (SO FAR)

10 FEET TALL

by OKENYO

She swore she'd never play that hand,

But she's stuck.

A LOVE SONG

by Ladyhawke

 It all began innocent as love could be,

In every word you gave it all to me.

BURN THE WITCH

by Radiohead

This is a round up,

This is a low flying panic attack. 

DIGGIN

by Ngaiire

But here you found me with a shovel in my hand

Faking innocence.

  

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.

END OF TIME

by Ecca Vandal

You're testing my faith, feel I should run but I'll,

Stay 'til the end, 'til the end times out...

FADING

by Two People

Throw things around 'til the walls fall down,

And I fall out, and I fall out.

  

FEEL MY LOVE

by Phebe Starr

Please be kind, you know I love you,

But my heart is blind.

FOR GOOD

by Remi ft. Sampa The Great

Where's your self esteem, gorgeous?

Did it go when I told you that I was a cheat, gorgeous?

FORMATION

by Beyonce

Earned all this money but they never take the country out me,

I got hot sauce in my bag, swag.

HAPPIER

by Miami

It's too hard to know what you're thinking,

And I'm only thinking of you.

HONEST

by Little Earthquake

Why can't you be honest?

Why can't you be honest with me?

HOUSE ON A ROCK

by Ngaiire

Living on I love you's and recycled prayers.

LOST
by Ariela Jacobs





Everywhere I go, it's hurting me to know,
It's not the right thing to do.


IN THE DARK
by Montaigne





I do not love, anyone anymore,
You taught me how, to be numb to the core.


MONKEY MIND
by Ella Hooper





And if I know I can't make you love me,
Is it wrong to hold on, child? 


NEVER BE LIKE YOU
by Flume ft. Kai






I'm only human can't you see,
I made, I made a mistake...


NIGHTMARE OF 1984
by SS Sebastian





I can barely breathe anymore,
Like my hand is holding my own head under water.


NOT MY FRIENDS
by Tired Lion





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


SMOKE SIGNALS
by Olympia





The world keep turning, safe place to fall,
Hugging your shadows, up on the wall.


STRANGE DISEASES
by Gang of Youths





All the neighbours think we're strange,
But they don't feel the strains, of living with our strange diseases.


THE WHEEL
by PJ Harvey





Hey little children don't disappear (I heard it was 28 000).


VICEROY
by Violent Soho





Killjoy, you're like a rhinestone pick up line,
My drunk guitar's more fun than you'll ever be.


YOU DON'T THINK YOU LIKE PEOPLE LIKE ME
by Alex Lahey





All I want is to have cleanskin wine and watch Mulholland Drive with you...   


YOU'RE A FUCKING JOKE
by Bec Sandridge





Baby, you're a fucking joke,
I think it's funny, you feel a little cold,
You've got a hunger, you can't control,
And now I'm leaving, you're saying oooh don't you go.
            

     

Top 25 - 25 April, 2016

Garbage!

1. Little Earthquake - Honest





2. The Raffaellas - Control (Had It, Lost It) (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: It feels like it's been forever since we've heard something new from The Raffaellas. But in good news for fans of the quality musics, the Melbourne four-piece are back with a new EP, Dreams Out of Reach and it is a good'un. Second single 'Control (Had It, Lost It)' stands alongside hits from local contemporaries like Birds of Tokyo and The Temper Trap, which is why you'll ask yourself why you haven't heard it getting played to death on radio. When it comes to Australian rock outfits, it's the quality tracks that tend to get a ton of radio play. And 'Control' has all the hallmarks of a radio-worthy track. It's guitar driven, lightly bluesy and likely to find itself stuck in your head long after you've finished listening. Mostly, it's just a great song you're going to be coming back to for more listens. A most very welcome return from The Raffaellas indeed. (Matt Bond)


3. Phebe Starr - Feel My Love





4. Auguste - Kingdom





5. Garbage - Empty (NEW)


 


6. Landings - My Bones





7. Sarah Blasko - I Wanna Be Your Man





8. Alex Watts - Hopeful (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: Alex Watts wrote this cute little ‘Hopeful’ song with all its retro inspired melodies and drum breaks, but I’ll be honest and say it wasn’t until I saw the clip that I was really addicted. I couldn’t decide if it was more awesome than awkward or more awkward than awesome, but the concept of trying to hook up with oneself is a conversation I had with a very good friend only days ago, so I’ve pretty much decided that Alex dating himself up has to be an awesome thing. I said the same thing about my friend dating himself. Hot? Also, the slightly awkward dance moves of a man who seems to be able to move his arms and legs while keeping his hips completely and totally still has pretty much blown my mind which equals awesome, and just to add to that whole awesome concept, I need to know where to get myself one of those black and white spot skirts, because I’d totally hook up with myself in one of those. (Jo Michelmore)


9. Gordi - Wanting (NEW)


 

10. Seavera - Caving





11. Youngsmith - Red (NEW)


 

12. Emily Wurramara - Ngerraberrakernama (Wake Up)





13. The Temper Trap - Fall Together





14. Sara Hartman - Monster Lead Me Home (NEW)


 


15. Juke Jaxon - Memory Man





16. Alex Lahey - You Don't Think You Like People Like Me





17. Emma Louise - Talk Baby Talk





18. Clare Maguire - The Valley (NEW)


 


19. Winterbourne - Shape





20. Old Sault - Ghost





21. Sneaky Sound System - I Ain't Over You (NEW)


 


22. Flume ft. Tove Lo - Say It (NEW)


 


23. Darling James - The Itch





24. Sun Sap - Mexico (NEW)


 


25. Jesse Redwing - Crawlin' Up The Walls

Top 25 - 17 April, 2016

Sarah Blasko + Winterbourne!

1. Little Earthquake - Honest





2. Sarah Blasko - I Wanna Be Your Man (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: I spent most of last week falling in love all over again with the music of Sarah Blasko. That tends to happen with me when I'm going to see an artist. Spend the week before listening to everything they've ever released, wondering why it's been so long since I've listened to their amazing old stuff and seeing how far they've come with their new material. And hasn't Sarah Blasko come a long way? From the alternative days of 'Sweet Surrender' and the Prelusive EP to the loved-up joy of her most recent album Eternal Return, it's been quite the ride for Blasko. And for us listeners too. 'I Wanna Be Your Man' isn't a song I've spent much time with since the album was released, but after hearing it live on Friday night at The Tivoli, I haven't been able to stop listening to it. So 80s. So glam. With a beautiful message and the voice of one of our absolute favourites. What's not to love? (Matt Bond)  


3. Phebe Starr - Feel My Love





4. Landings - My Bones





5. Auguste - Kingdom (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: So, I read that Auguste are "two self confessed BFF's" and I listened to their single 'Kingdom' and I really liked it, but I also think if one of my BFF's and I stopped eating so much ice cream and donuts while making up life stories about random people on the street and were to write a song together, it would probably be a sad country slash rap number about old men, nachos and the general public's misunderstanding of how funny we are. Skye Lockwood and Beth Keough on the other hand; step sisters and said "self confessed BFF's", formed Auguste and wrote a splendid synth laden song about personal space and the invasion of it, which is probably a little more impressive than anything I could come up with. The clip features some striking contemporary dance and while my BFF and I are exactly like mini Sia, Maddie Ziegler, on the dance floor, I'm not sure that us barefoot and flailing about would make the greatest clip. So, the conclusion is, I'm going to get back to instagram, thinking about the next time I'm gonna eat ice cream and waste some time searching for amusing gifs about people with unfortunate hands to send to my BFF, but Auguste have provided a really great soundtrack for me to do that to. (Jo Michelmore)
 

6. Seavera - Caving





7. Emily Wurramara - Ngerraberrakernama (Wake Up)





8. Alex Lahey - You Don't Think You Like People Like Me





9. The Temper Trap - Fall Together (NEW)


 


10. Winterbourne - Shape (NEW)


 


11. Emma Louise - Talk Baby Talk





12. Old Sault - Ghost





13. Kaleo - I Can't Go On Without You





14. Noonie Bao - Reminds Me (NEW)


 


15. Darling James - The Itch





16. Gypsy and The Cat - I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else





17. AlunaGeorge - I Remember (NEW)


 


18. Jesse Redwing - Crawlin' Up The Walls





19. Fitz and The Tantrums - HandClap





20. Juke Jaxon - Memory Man (NEW)


 


21. The Hiding - Karma My Life (NEW)


 


22. What So Not x GANZ ft. JOY. - Lone





23. Ecca Vandal - Truth To Trade





24. Lupa J - Numb





25. Machine Age - Don't Look

Top 25 - 20 March, 2016

Band of Skulls, Remi, Alex Lahey + Little Earthquake!

1. Phebe Starr - Feel My Love





2. Band of Skulls - Killer (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: Am I psychic? Only last week I was suddenly and mysteriously struck with a thought “what happened to Band Of Skulls? Where are those guys? I love those guys!” and then bam! Two days later, what should appear in my social media feed? Those smashing guitars and drums exploded outta my phone as I manically hit play on the link to the single ‘Killer’, the first from their fourth album By Default, due later this year. I only thought about them a day ago! Did I make this song happen? How could this be? The band themselves are calling this a new era in their career, but I call this an awakening to my own psychic abilities. This is everything I love about them, dirty guitars taking the lead, the blues rock turning into rock rock and back again in between all those “got your heart got your soul got your back” words I can’t seem to get out of my head. Ok, maybe I’ll admit I’m not psychic, but there’s one thing about the future I can pretty much guarantee. I’m going to love that new album when it’s released and I’m going to spend my days until I hear that hoping that they tour again asap. (Jo Michelmore)


3. Amanda Palmer - Machete





4. Machine Age - Don't Look





5. Alex Lahey - You Don't Think You Like People Like Me (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: I don't know much about Alex Lahey. After hearing her song 'You Don't Think You Like People Like Me' on the radio last week though, I want to know EVERYTHING there is to know about Alex Lahey. "All I want is to have cleanskin wine, And watch Mulholland Drive with you." I'm hooked, right from the start. Lahey offers up killer hooks, rocking vocals and lyrics you'll find running through your mind long after you have finished listening. Like one of those movies that are super quotable but too cool for you. A really wonderful track to stumble upon (if you can call hearing it on the radio 'stumbling' upon it), 'You Don't Think You Like People Like Me' only proves that I really like Alex Lahey. And I can't wait to hear so much more from her. (Matt Bond)


6. Remi ft. Sampa The Great - For Good (NEW)





7. Ladyhawke - A Love Song





8. Ngaiire - Diggin





9. PACES ft. Rye Rye - Work Me Out





10. Olympia - Smoke Signals





11. Little Earthquake - Honest (NEW)





12. Ariela Jacobs - Lost





13. Jarbird - Such is the House (NEW)





14. The Ruiins - Eventually





15. James Chatburn - Cracks and Breaks





16. The Belligerents - Before, I Am (NEW)





17. M.I.A - Ola (Foreign Friend) (NEW)





18. Avec Sans - Heartbreak Hi





19. The Temper Trap - Thick As Thieves





20. SAFIA - Make Them Wheels Roll





21. Quintessential Doll - Beautiful Violence





22. Ella Hooper - Monkey Mind





23. Bag Raiders ft. Benjamin Joseph - Checkmate





24. Chris Watts - Let Go





25. Montaigne - In The Dark

Top 25 - 1 March, 2015

Asta, Karl S. Williams + Lurch & Chief!

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





2. Tkay Maidza - M.O.B.





3. Lurch and Chief - Fading Out (NEW)





4. OKENYO - Just A Story (NEW)





 5. Our Man In Berlin - Moliere





6. Big Smoke - Try A Little Love (NEW)





7. The Rebel Light - Strangers





8. Florence + The Machine - What Kind of Man





9. Karl S. Williams - Is This Love? (NEW)





10. James Chatburn x Jordan Rakei - Holiday Love





11. Passerine - Set Me Alight





12. Ainslie Wills - Drive





13. Asta ft. Allday - Dynamite (NEW)





14. Sarah Belkner - Humans (NEW)





15. Big Strong Brute - Wedding Pages





16. Little Earthquake - I Am Alive (NEW)





17. Chris Watts - Broken Bones





18. Lanks - Hold Me Closer (NEW)





19. Gena Rose Bruce - Cheated





20. Taylor Swift - Style





21. Passion Pit - Lifted Up (1985)





22. NYUON - Your City





23. Best Coast - California Nights (NEW)





24. Wolf Alice - Giant Peach (NEW)





25. Winterbourne - Steady My Bones