Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #40 to #31

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70 to #61

#60 to #51

#50 to #41

#40. WOMAN'S WORLD

by OKENYO

 


Wear my heels not to appeal to your senses

I'm not covered up because you're senseless, they can put that shit on the census.

The amount of lyrics that jump out in this song like I could have written them myself is amazing. "You can call me feminazi, go ahead and call me nasty" well that's happened more than once or twice, "wear my heels not to appeal to your senses" well I'm certainly not putting myself through that pain of for anyone else, ain't that the truth...and the words they just go on and on. You put them over a hip hop beat, you match them with a stunning and simply shot clip, and there you have an anthem of sorts, with a powerful message. I guess because it feels like it's true "I'm a very busy woman with a lot on my plate so you better eat it up before I take it away..." (Jo Michelmore) 

#39. HEY LOVE

by Emily Wurramara

 


But the winds will guide you back

To mother, to mother, to mother.

We already knew what a beautiful talent Emily Wurramara has, with songs from last year like 'Black Smoke' and 'Blue Moon, Black Sea' earning the Brisbane-based artist critical praise and the support of triple J. We loved the warmth and positive vibes that radiated from 'Black Smoke' so much, we named it the #1 song in last year's countdown. In 2017, Wurramara grew even more as a songwriter by bringing a voice to the racial and physical abuse her mother endured as a child simply for having a full blood Aboriginal mother. Wurramara has the voice of a true storyteller and her performance throughout 'Hey Love' commands your attention with evocative lines like, "her mum was the skin of the blanket of the night, the stars were inside her so she could follow the light back home to where she belong." Another powerful addition to Emily Wurramara's collection of tracks. We can't wait to hear more from one of our favourite emerging artists and we also wish her all the best and all of the happiness for next year as she welcomes her first bub into the world! (Matt Bond)  

#38. WHAT CAN I DO IF THE FIRE GOES OUT?

by Gang of Youths

 


Can you still show me the way? Can you still show me a light?

'Cause I was only a kid when I fell and you left me behind.

There is a certain kind of controlled mania in those first few notes of 'What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out' that seems to be the perfect musical description of exactly the way I feel about this band. Those quickfire drums echoing my heartbeat and the intense high pitched melodies matching the feelings of happiness and melancholy and recognition and acceptance in my stomach whenever I hear their tones. This is a rock anthem, a combination of desperation and acceptance, a tale of acknowledgement and defeat, a story of bittersweet that these five boys from all over the world tell so well, over and over again. It amazes me that this is a band of boys in their 20s, because within their songs lies a maturity much older and wiser, but I guess that's part of the magic of music. I think I recall hearing one of them recently say they believed in the power of rock n roll, and it's questioning but confident songs like this one that make me still believe in that power too. (Jo Michelmore)

#37. LOVE

by Lana Del Rey

 


You're part of the past, but now you're the future

Signals crossing can get confusing.

Lana Del Rey will always be an artist that exists in a romantically melancholic world. Gestures of commitment have been defined by a willingness to die for the one she loves, questions of fidelity as she ages and her looks fade have been raised and she's prone to getting those summertime blues when her paramour goes away for like a weekend or something. But those are all exaggerated stories, a bit of drama... great for a song, but once you're over say the age of nineteen you might be able to appreciate the tales, but you can hardly relate to them. If I told someone they were my 'ride or die', I imagine we'd both laugh and laugh and then never be able to see each other again. We wouldn't want Lana Del Rey any other way than how she's been thus far, but you might have noticed something a little different throughout this Lust for Life era. She's happy. As genuinely happy as I think she'll be able to sound on a record. Perhaps it's because she's in love, but I don't know what gave that away... maybe the lead single being called 'Love'? Reflecting, offering advice and saying love really can be enough. And she's smiling. The incredible cinematography in the video is the icing on the cake for one of LDR's best singles yet. (Matt Bond)  

#36. CILANTRO

by Tired Lion

 


Should of asked you, should of asked you to

Should of asked you to come clean.

Tired Lion more than delivered with their debut album Dumb Days.  They've continuously improved since arriving on the scene in 2013 and I doubt anyone would be disputing the fact they're now one of the best rock outfits in the country. And if you find someone that does dispute that, you just play them 'Cilantro' and then tell them to run away and never return, like you're Scar in The Lion King, but you're totally justified and not evil. Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to why the track is called 'Cilantro', but something about it fits. Maybe it's got something to do with a lot of people really hating coriander or cilantro or whatever you want to call it. It makes people angry and Sophie Hopes is fueling her rage on the track into that epic chorus. As a unit, Tired Lion work so well together that you'll find yourself picking up on so many little things they're doing throughout 'Cilantro' that add up to it being one of their best tracks yet. Was it the best song on Dumb Days? I don't know... maybe we'll see them show up again sometime soon. I do know though. They're showing up again. (Matt Bond)


Tired Lion are a band that make song after song that make me say "YES" in caps with each and every release. Like, it doesn't even matter what the lyrical content is, every dirty guitar and every manic beat makes me wish I was 17 and angry again, which is weird because I didn't particularly enjoy 17 anyway. Oh screw it, it can't be denied, there'll always be a part of me that relates far too well to that line "happy when I'm fucking up..." which means as long as Tired Lion keep writing about such things, I'll keep listening. (Jo Michelmore)
 

#35. I'LL NEVER WANT A BF

by Bec Sandridge

 


I'll never have a boyfriend

Just because you think I should, Just because you think I will...

Same, Bec Sandridge. Same. But enough about me and my troubles, we should be talking about the infectious sounds of Bec Sandridge's 'I'll Never Want A BF'. The timing couldn't have been better for the release of this one, given that it sends a strong message about someone accepting who they are and not taking shit from those around them anymore because of it. I don't even have to imagine, I know it was something that a lot of LGBTI people needed to hear during the same sex marriage postal vote process. I like to think there were some kids (anyone younger than me is a kid) in Australia that turned on triple J in October and heard this song being played and smiled and danced and sang along and forgot how crappy thing can be, if even for a three and a half minute period. Thank you for that, Bec Sandridge. Also, boys are the worst and you're missing out on nothing. (Matt Bond)



Damn right Bec. Who actually wants one? Like seriously, regardless of who you like in life, how much effort are BFs anyway? As much as GFs, I suspect. Enough about my life though. Bec Sandridge's sense of theatre, her ability to flip and turn and spin her voice like vocal gymnastics is enough to love, let alone her ability to to make beats and synths that make me wanna bounce, but her absolute sense of self-assurance was and is the best; especially at a time when lots of people in the country I live in needed someone to say something, anything about being ok with being themselves. And back to my original point anyway. No one want a BF. They're boring.  (Jo Michelmore) 

#34. GROW

by Mark Harding

 


I'm not the man, that I could be

I wish I'd had someone here to break it to me.

If you're adverse to feeling all of the feelings, it's probably best you avoid listening to 'Grow'. Let me tell you though, if you skip over this one you are missing out my friend. Mark Harding has crafted something so pure and honest and absolutely perfect that you can't help but be moved by it. The choral flourishes (not sure if that's the actual term) against the guitar line are a nice touch, leading into Harding's opening lines, "fly through days in seconds, things I thought I'd have done." The emotional hits keep coming from there, as Harding takes a hard look at his life and realises there's so much more he had wanted for himself. It's a position many of us would have found ourselves in over the years, especially in those after school or university when life it at its most uncertain. What are you going to do with your life? Will this make you happy? Do you follow your head or your heart? On his best track yet, Mark Harding chooses the path that allows him to grow as a person. Bravo, Mark Harding. (Matt Bond) 

There was a time a few years back when someone was promoting bands and musicians playing gigs in cathedrals and churches, because, well, it was kind of cute I guess and let's face it, because acoustics. I saw someone once in such a venue. The start of Mark Harding's 'Grow' reminded me of that gig, with those voices almost chanting at the beginning and the simple, humble lyrics seemingly at home in a place of worship. If he keeps writing and releasing songs like this one, I'll be worshipping Mark Harding's talent for a long while yet. (Jo Michelmore) 

#33. OCEANS

by Vallis Alps

 


In the desert I will carry you

 I'll carry you and I'll carry you.

Making a statement in the form of shimmering electronic pop is something Vallis Alps should do all the time if it's going to result in brilliance like 'Oceans'. Envisaged as a track about "the daily sacrifices that women make in the fight for equality," and inspired by Tahirih, a 19th century campaigner for women's rights in Iran, 'Oceans' should be celebrated just as much for the message within as it is for Parissa Tosif's heartwarming vocal tones and David Ansari's party starting beats. It feels like the summer, like you should be in the car and on your way to the beach or dancing by the pool. But there's so much more to 'Oceans' underneath the surface... just like the actual ocean and if I was a better writer I'd be making something awesome out of that revelation. Another missed opportunity for me, another mighty fine song from Vallis Alps. (Matt Bond)

#32. TWO HEARTS

by Phebe Starr

 


Our lives entangled through time

With one desire.

Phebe Starr continues to astound and amaze with her brand of larger than life and out of this world pop. In 2017, Starr released the Chronicles EP, comprised of six tracks that showcase all that she has to offer the musical world. You should already know the explosive first single, 'Feel My Love' (#17 - Top 116 Songs of 2016). Hopefully you've already fallen in love with the follow-up, 'Two Hearts'. If not, get on board. Right now. Listen and love. Because this is epic super-pop that should be dominating the Australian airwaves and then the rest of the world and then the galaxy. Written as a take on Starr's self-doubt (nope, this is not a love song folks) and the internal battles she goes through as she creates her art, 'Two Hearts' nails it in every aspect. The writing, the performance the build to the final chorus... how is this not the number one song in the country right now? Please explain. (Matt Bond)


Ohmygoodness from the very first note this makes me happy. The synths and the beats, it takes me straight back to a time when I was much shorter than I am now, sitting in the backseat of my parents car while my Dad is tapping away on the steering wheel and I am staring out the window; imagining myself on stage with a bevy of back up singers, a band all dressed in well fitting pants, with a whole lot of spotlights and pyrotechnics. I'm not sure why my band are wearing such well fitting pants, but it was my childhood dream. The fact that Phebe Starr has written a song that immediately takes me back to my dreams of filling a stadium of fans means my Dad listened to great music when I was a child, and Phebe Starr has a way of making big 80s inspired pop music filled with big dreams, big vocals and big beats. (Jo Michelmore) 

#31. LOW BLOWS

by Meg Mac

 


You see I don't like it

Don't wanna be anyone again.

I heard my neighbour recently telling his teenage daughter he had a new favourite song by "some girl named Meg Mac, you should go Spotify it" to which I heard his daughter kind of grunt, then mutter "Daaaaaad" under her breath, which kind of made me smile, because Meg Mac has really swung full circle since her first upload to JJJ's unearthed almost five years ago, and now people are 'Spotifying' her (not an actual verb, by the way, for those interested) and uninteresting teenagers are rolling their eyes about her. 'Low Blows'; the title track from her debut album, is a bluesy, poppy track that sucks you in with her always soulful vocal and spits you out with it's punchy rhythm. It also has an incredible way of making it's way into and around and around your head, which might be just what my neighbour's daughter needs. (Jo Michelmore)

                  

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

Two Is Not A Winner and Three Nobody Remembers

WHO WILL TOP triple j's HOTTEST 100?

by Matt Bond

"Who do you think will be #1 on this year's Hottest 100?" 


It's around this time of year I start getting asked that question a lot, despite my inability to predict even the most basic stuff correctly. Yes, even I could predict that Gotye and Kimbra would be #1 on the Hottest 100 in 2011, but I'm pretty sure anyone could have picked that one. 'Somebody That I Used To Know' was EVERYWHERE. I know people that listened to it so much back then that they still can't listen to even those weird opening beats today. Anyway, there's only nine days left to get your votes in for the world's biggest music countdown and fourteen days until we get to head along to Australia Day parties, barbecues, solo adventures locked inside with the air-con on and only our feelings to keep us company or whatever it is you have planned for the day. Whatever you've got planned, I'm sure it'll be great and there's one thing that will make it even better... listening to the Hottest 100! 

So, back to that question... who's going to be #1 this year? I don't know. Not the answer you were looking for? Sorry 'bout it. What I can tell you is, there's a good chance you'll actually be hearing Justin Bieber come January 26. No, not 'Sorry' or 'What Do You Mean?'. There is that awful collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo though that got at least one play on the j's last year. And I've seen enough votes on Instragram to think that it's going to make the list. I can also tell you that one hundred percent Taylor Swift will not be in this year's countdown, but that's not news at all since the rejection of the #TayForHottest100 campaign last year. For those keeping score at home, Justin Bieber will likely find a place on the Hottest 100, Bruno Mars was able to sneak in last year but there is no room for Swift. The obvious solution is that she needs to guest on a Major Lazer or Macklemore track, because for a commercial pop star to guest on a track is ok by the j. 

Speaking of Major Lazer, it could be a little song you probably haven't heard of before called 'Lean On' that makes it all the way to #1. Along with DJ Snake and Danish musician MØ, the track scored a ridiculous amount of play by the national youth broadcaster, went to #1 in Australia, is the most streamed song in Spotify history and (this one is very important) was big on commercial radio too. So it's not only appealing to those hip, young thangs that listen to triple j, but that fucking NOVA crowd too. Yeah Macklemore is a thing still and 'Downtown' was catchy, went to #1 and got play across a variety of different stations. Working against him though, he didn't make the list of the top 20 artists that got the most play on triple J in 2015. Also, I distinctly remember when 'Thrift Shop' went to #1 on the Hottest 100 in 2015, I said it was the worst thing that had ever happened. I was much more dramatic back then, I'm sorry. It wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened, but like, maybe top 5? Maybe? It's not going to happen again. I suppose I should acknowledge Ryan Lewis' involvement with Macklemore, but no one else does so why should I?

Tame Impala are guaranteed to land multiple entries on this year's countdown. But #1? Unlikely at this point. Also unlikely... that we'll finally see a solo female artist top the list. In a perfect world, Courtney Barnett would stand a chance, but we've already seen the online reaction from triple J listeners when she wins things. Oy vey. Appearances by 'Pedestrian At Best', 'Depreston' and 'Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party' would be appreciated nonetheless. Last year's countdown saw more Australian artists than ever crack the 100 and hopefully we'll have another record breaking year in 2016. Tkay Maidza should return with 'M.O.B' and hopefully 'Ghost' too. Jarryd James, Alison Wonderland, Chet Faker (along with that other bearded man who is not Australian), Gang of Youths, The Rubens, San Cisco, Alpine, Daniel Johns and Flight Facilities were played on high rotation throughout the year, so expect to hear a little something something from them. Perennial Hottest 100 favourites The Hilltop Hoods could sneak in with new track 'Higher' as well, giving James Chatburn his first appearance on the list. If you're expecting to hear a whole lot of Florence + The Machine, I'm right there with you. Is there a #1 in the bunch of Flo songs? Absolutely. Will it get the votes? Absolutely not.     

We've covered that I have no idea who will actually take out the #1 spot on this year's triple J Hottest 100. But let's say one of you walked up to me and held a gun to my head and whispered so softly, pick some freaking songs that could be #1... then I suppose I would say:

#1? Major Lazer and DJ Snake ft. MØ - 'Lean On'

#1? Chet Faker and Marcus Marr - 'The Trouble With Us'

#1? The Weeknd - 'Can't Feel My Face'

#1? Kendrick Lamar - 'King Kunta'

#1? Jarryd James - Do You Remember?

#1? Meg Mac - Never Be (one can dream)

Who did I actually vote for? Well... 

Montaigne - 'Clip My Wings'

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

Ngaiire - 'Once'

Gang of Youths - 'Magnolia'

Courtney Barnett - 'Pedestrian At Best'

Little May - 'Home'

Tkay Maidza - 'Ghost'

Jack Colwell - 'Don't Cry Those Tears'

Sarah Blasko - 'I'd Be Lost'

Japanese Wallpaper ft. Airling 'Forces'

Feel free to use those ten as a template for your own votes. Alternatively, pick ten songs that would make your Australia Day awesome. That also works. 

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #40 - 31

Meg Mac, Golden Features, Christine and The Queens + Kita Alexander!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40. MY OWN WAY

by Kita Alexander

Would you still dance with me

If you could get my heart for free?

Wonder teen, Kita Alexander has the brightest of futures ahead of her. With just one song, she was able to secure the services of Empire of the Sun, one of Sia's producers and the management behind Angus and Julia Stone and Lana Del Rey. She's been touted as the next big thing, will without a doubt place in the upcoming triple J Hottest 100 and you're likely to see her pop up all over the world over the next twelve months. That song was 'My Own Way', cool in the way that Alexander seems perfectly in control, yet without a care in the world. If this is as good as Kita Alexander is upon her debut, she deserves all of the amazing things coming her way. (Matt Bond) 

#39. IS THIS LOVE?

by Karl S. Williams

Is this pain what I needed

To awaken my mind from its sleeping?

I was walking past a pub once, and as I wandered by I pointed and spoke out loud the words that were written on the blackboard out the front. Those words were “Karl S Williams”. As I said them, Karl S Williams walked around the corner, nodded and said “hey” before walking in the door of said pub. I was dumbfounded, I literally LOL-ed and at that exact moment I decided I loved Karl S Williams. That moment and then this moment, this sweet, sweet tale of love, those gentle strings pulling at every emotion, the piano bringing in all the emotions and Karl’s incredible vocal pleading with me to listen closer, over and over. That and Thelma in the clip. No need to ask Karl, from that first amusing “hey” outside that pub through to all the words you sing. Yes. Love. (Jo Michelmore) 


Karl S Williams, musical fool. And what a romantic musical fool he's proven himself to be with 'Is This Love?' From the beautiful orchestration and soaring (and I mean SOARING) vocals to Williams' 'do you want me by your side' confused questioning throughout, the answer to the question in the title becomes quite obvious. At least from the viewpoint of the listener. So, is it love that Williams is feeling? Totally. I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with Thelma Plum? Is there a happy ending though? The video leans towards no and it gets super awkward. Thelma... how could you? :,-( There's even solo reflecting by the water to close things out. Oh, the feels. Damn it all! Karl S Williams, musical genius. (Matt Bond)  

#38. RESONATE

by Avec Sans

And your heart, your heart, your heart

Bears no name to hold me now, to resonate.

Well this is just nifty, isn't it? London's Avec Sans have been steadily releasing moments of electronic intrigue over the past couple of years, with their cover of Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' and the tracks 'All Of Time', 'Shiver' and 'Hold On' earning a ton of play around these parts. But nothing quite compares to their 2015 release, 'Resonate'. "The sky falls away so they can't see, and the light holds it's place inside of me." As soon as it hits the chorus, 'Resonate' blows up in the most satisfying way. I love when music is described as 'doom pop' and throw electronic in front of that and I reckon it fits this song to a T. Alice Fox and Jack St. James make up Avec Sans. They don't just have amazing names, they're also pretty brilliant at that whole making music thing. Here's to so much more in 2016! (Matt Bond)

Avec Sans have got themselves some nice web hype and internet loving over the last couple of years and I’m super happy to have provided a teeny bit of that hype, because my love of their brand of electronic pop is a super big love. ‘Resonate’ is just like their catalogue of awesome-ness; full of beats you can’t help moving to, Alice Fox’s voice is captivating and Jack St James holds it all together with a style and honesty that makes them shine. The web hype tells me they’re playing SXSW next year, so I’m really looking forward to that web hype becoming more than just hype in 2016. (Jo Michelmore) 

#37. QUEEN OF PEACE

by Florence + The Machine

Suddenly I'm overcome, dissolving like the setting sun

Like a boat into oblivion, Cause you're driving me away.

I didn’t always love Florence + The Machine. It took me a while to understand what all that wailing was about, but now I get it, it’s pretty much a given that Florence can do no wrong with that powerful set of lungs of hers. As for The Machine, does anyone know who they exactly are? What a great gig that would be, travelling the world, playing festivals and stages to millions of adoring fans, but no one really knowing who you are, so being a tourist at every stop would be super easy. What am I doing with my life? Why aren’t I a member of The Machine? Flo and I would be great friends. Instead, I’m just sitting here listening to ‘Queen Of Peace’ over and over again, writing words about how good Florence is. Who am I kidding? I don’t need the writing words bit to be an excuse to do that, I’d be listening over and over again anyway. (Jo Michelmore)

#36. NO HARM IS DONE

by Christine and The Queens ft. Tunji Ige

It's a blur

The pulsing is so loud, surely we'd feel better

If we had something to fight for.

Wait a minute... this isn't in French. Now we can't act all fancy. We weren't going to get away with 'fancy' anyway, but allow me to distract you from that thought with the incredibly smooth and dreamy tones of Christine and The Queens. A determined pop performance against hip hop flavoured beats allows Christine and The Queens' Heloise Letissier to show once more why she is one of the very best music makers in the world right now. Letissier and Philadelphia' Tunji Ige both exude a restrained anger, waiting for the right moment or cause to explode. Dramatic and fantastic in equal measure, 'No Harm Is Done' might not be as 'fancy' as Christine and The Queens' French cuts, but that doesn't make it any less sophisticated. C'est magnifique! (Matt Bond)  


If you think we put Christine and her Queens back in because we needed the fancy again, you’d be mistaken. There’s not even one bit of French in this song, but her slight accent every now and then sure makes English sound better than I’ve ever spoken it. ‘No Harm Is Done’ was released as part of her debut album release in the US, which probably explains the appearance of Tunje Inge rapping in the middle there, because you know, Americans love rap, maybe, or something like that. The real question here is, who are The Queens? What a great gig that would be, travelling the world with no one really knowing who you are etc. What am I doing with my life? Just sitting here lisening to Christine and the Queens over and over again, writing words about how good they are. Wait, de ja vu? That's French. Just checking you’re reading everything I write. But I don’t need the writing words to be an excuse to listen to songs like this. I’ll be listening over and over again anyway. Does anyone see what I’ve just done here? (Jo Michelmore) 

#35. SPRINTER

by Torres

There's freedom to and freedom from

Freedom to run, from everyone.

Torres has been releasing some impressive music in the last few years, the type of things that you may not hear everyone in the world talking about, but the type of music that deserves the all of the quiet attention it has been receiving, and more. ‘Sprinter’, the title track from her third album is painfully brilliant, agreeably unsettling, melancholy without being depressing and thought provoking without being forceful. Its spaces and restrained sounds within make it an outstanding song, one that deserves so much more than just quiet attention. (Jo Michelmore)  


On Torres' Facebook page, her influences contains only one name. Detective Olivia Benson. If that's not enough to make you automatically love her, may I suggest giving her music a listen? Because it's brilliant. Torres, also going by her birth name Mackenzie Scott, released her sophomore LP Sprinter to critical fanfare earlier in the year. It was one of the first albums of 2015 I truly fell for, with some of the most breathtaking lyrical moments of the year and alternative spins on classic Americana sounds. The standout moment would be the title track, 'Sprinter'. Following in the thematic spirit of last year's 'New Skin', 'Sprinter' speaks to all those beaten down by the daily grind. It's one of those 'the struggle is real' kinda tunes, but in a literal sense... not like those bullshit Instagram posts. You grow up and you're tired all the time and nobody tells you that you can't go back to those simple days that went by too fast. Songwriting gold, straight out of Nashville, Tennessee. (Matt Bond)

#34. MAGNETS

by Disclosure ft. Lorde

Pretty girls don't know the things that I know

Walk my way, I'll share the things that she won't.

Like most fourteen year olds, I am obsessed with Lorde and desperate to hear the follow up to her groundbreaking debut, Pure Heroine. In the meantime I'll take whatever comes my way. Whether it be a song or two on a Hunger Games soundtrack or a team up with some English electronic dudes that are pretty great, but I don't go out of my way to listen to. Unless Lorde is on one of their songs. I'll throw people out of my way and push them down some stairs to get to that. Because it has Lorde, and as I've often heard throughout my life, the Lorde is my saviour. SAVE ME, LORDE. Like most fourteen year olds, I am also prone to emotional outbursts when it comes to my idols. You should have seen me at the Taylor Swift concert. Oy. Right, I should be talking about 'Magnets'. Like a piece of metal, it's got some forces working that are pulling me right into it. And the video is fire. And the comments on it about Lorde selling out and getting all sexual are lame-o. Girlfriend is 19, let her live a little. So she macks out with an older dude and then kills him for being a cheating tool. We've all been there once or twice. Right? Stop the hypocrisy, people. Just stop. (Matt Bond)


There was a cheesy pop song released in the early 00s that had a lyric in it that would bring me close to tears every time I heard it. I'm not going to tell you what song it was, that will reveal far too much about my personality. However, that brings me to the concept of how strange it is that sometimes you hear little bits of unexpected songs that affect you. While Disclosure and Lorde do a really good job of making music together, there’s a lyric in ‘Magnets’ that has struck a chord (get it?) with me, that I really adore. But it's sung by Lorde and what would she know? Every time I hear it I think “get out of my head” and “you’re like a teenager, what would you even know?” but you know, music is transcendent and important and all that, so sometimes it’s better to just get lost in songs the way you want to and have a cry without question. Shut up. I won't be judged and I won't tell you what the lyric is, because that will reveal far too much about my personality, but it’s so very true; they don’t know the things that I know. (Jo Michelmore)

#33. WTF (WHERE THEY FROM)

by Missy Elliott ft. Pharrell Williams

Got a new idea, let me switch it

Man, I'm so futuristic.

There is a track in this countdown that makes me so (insert swear word)-ing happy that it’s in here. Because it has been a long, long, LOOOONG wait for something new from Ms Missy Elliot. The last time she released something substantial of her own, this little blog didn’t exist and the last time we saw her she was doing everything about a bazillion tiomes better than Katy Perry during Missy Elliot’s Katy Perry’s halftime performance at the Superbowl. A return like this could have been a disaster, except of course, it couldn’t, because it’s Missy and let’s face it, she’s the best. Like, I mean it. The. Best. 'WTF' is the best. Like, I mean it. The. Best. End. (Jo Michelmore)

I have been hanging out for another Missy Elliott one time exclusive for what feels like an eternity. Years had come and gone without a proper return from the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop and we were all poorer for it. Poorer, I say! No one else can do it quite like 'Misdeameanor', she is force of nature designed to get your body moving with the finest of beats and the fiercest of rap attitudes. Alright, alright... I'm a total fan girl. What of it? When she stole the show joined Katy Perry for a medley of Missy delights during the Super Bowl, everyone must have known there would be no better time than now for Elliott to make her long awaited comeback. I knew it, you knew it and Pharrell Williams knew it... which is why the former (?) N.E.R.D front encouraged her to get her badonk-a-donk-donk back in the studio. And thus 'WTF (Where They From)' was born. Really, what more could we have asked for? This was a return to form that exceeded the ridiculously huge expectations placed upon it. Missy and Pharrell both proved they have plenty of gas in the tank and that they can keep it funky fresh dressed (to impress at any party). What comes next is anyone's guess, but in this moment the original bad gal was back in the game. Thank you, Missy! (Matt Bond)

#32. NO ONE

by Golden Features ft. Thelma Plum

We were only young
We were falling in love.

Everything is better with Thelma Plum. It's something we've been saying for a couple of years now and we keep being able to do it because she keeps proving it true. Need the perfect featured vocalist for your hot new electronic jam? Call in the Plum. Old mate, Golden Features did just that. Yep, Golden Features, all enigmatic and gold mask wearing, is one of the most exciting producers to emerge in the past couple of years. Who's behind the mask? Or is it what's behind the mask? Maybe he's a robot? Maybe this is where the robots begin their assimilation into human society... taking us over from within, one dance hit at a time. Maybe I've recently watched Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Oh well, if this is the kind of sound that will lead the human race into doom, I'm all for it. What? The siren sounds of Thelma Plum and the delicious beats of Golden Features. You'd be all for it too. (Matt Bond)


Well isn’t this a special group of ten songs? One way or another you knew we’d get more than one reference to Thelma Plum in this here countdown and while we’ve been quiet so far, bam! Twice in one ten. Both features to other artists, but we’ll take what we can get, really. When’s that album Thelma? I digress. Golden Features was a secret for a long time, no one actually knowing who he was, but I’ve since done some research (hello facebook) and found out he is Tom Stell, which actually doesn’t mean anything to me, but one things for sure, he’s quite talented isn’t he? Busy producing his own work instead of others seems to have paid off for him, if ‘No One’ is any indication, its rapid beats are a perfect accessory to Thelma’s magnificent vocal. Whoever you are Tom and whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. (Jo Michelmore) 

#31. NEVER BE
by Meg Mac





I get lost in the world in a day
All I'm saying, you get trapped in the world in a day.

Meg Mac. Matt and I have a joke about her being from Sydney. Which isn't funny in itself, but I don't need to explain our jokes to you, he'll do a good enough job of that himself. Meg Mac has already been named a bunch of things by people other than Matt and I, places like JJJ, Rolling Stone and the like, so an appearance in our countdown probably doesn't mean much, but at least we have more to say about her than Nova. Anyway, the important part here is how good this song is; part soul, part pop, it feels like a gospel church service, can I hear an amen? I've never been to a gospel church service. I have been to Sydney though. You know something about Sydney? That's where Meg Mac is from. Amen. (Jo Michelmore)

Meg Mac. She's from Sydney, you know? While that might be the best a daytime Nova presenter can come up with after playing 'Never Be', you feel like maybe the song left him so speechless... astounded... mystified... that the best he could do was acknowledge that such a talent is one of Australia's own. Which really shouldn't be a surprise either, AUS music is the best. After killing it in the 2014 Hottest 100 (and deservedly so), the Mac found herself one of the country's most celebrated artists. And that took her all over the world, sharing her beautiful music with a diverse and much appreciative audience. Keeping hard at work, we were treated to the new single 'Never Be', arguably the best outing yet from this soulful stunner. Everything Mac has released so far has been excellent, so it could turn into quite the debate, but yeah, for my money 'Never Be' is where it's at. A piano driven pop gem that once more shows the depth and power of Meg Mac's voice. And it provides a mighty singalong too. There's nothing better than a good singalong. 2014 and 2015 were big for Meg Mac. 2016 will likely be massive. Bring it on! (Matt Bond) 

There's only 30 songs left to go... and we'll be back with the #30 - #21 on Saturday!

 

 

Top 25 - 2 August, 2015

Meg Mac, Bec Sandridge + Big Scary!

1. Meg Mac - Never Be (NEW)


 

2. Chvrches - Leave A Trace





3. Vance Joy - Fire and The Flood





4. Evangeline - CHEMICVL





5. Big Smoke - Lately





6. Eves The Behavior - Digging





7. Bec Sandridge - In The Fog, In The Flame (NEW)


 


8. Bad Pony - Down To You (NEW)


 

9. Little May - Home





10. Disclosure ft. Sam Smith - Omen (NEW)


 


11. Ngaiire - Once





12. Big Scary - Organism (NEW)


 

13. Kira Puru - All Dulled Out





14. Holy Holy - Sentimental and Monday





15. Cosmo's Midnight ft. KUCKA - Walk With Me (NEW)


 

16. Arctic Maps - Let Me In (NEW)


 

17. Santigold - Radio





18. Avaberee - Doubt (NEW)


 

19. Major Leagues - Someone Sometime





20. Highasakite - Keep That Letter Safe





21. Jessica Domingo - We Could Be Anything (NEW)


 

22. The Paper Kites - Electric Indigo





23. The Waifs - 6000 Miles





24. Starling - Misfit (NEW)


 

25. Velociraptor - Dollarmite

The Last 5 Years, #90 - 81

Meg Mac, Kira Puru + The Bruise, I Know Leopard and Kanye West!

#100 - 91

#90. YOUR LOVE IS KILLING ME

by Sharon Van Etten

Break my legs so I won't run to you

Steal my soul so I am one with you.

Yes, well, Sharon Van Etten. So, welcome to heartbreak. Ever found yourself liking someone who doesn’t like you back? Press play. Ever find yourself liking someone who liked you back then changed their mind? Press play. Ever find yourself liking someone who liked you, but maybe liked someone else a little better? Press play. Ever find yourself liking (insert beverage of choice here) a little too much because you found yourself in any of the above positions due to the person you liked so much? Press play. Ever find yourself liking a song so much that you press play over and over and over again because that song speaks directly to you and was probably written about you? Go on, press play again. (Jo Michelmore)

#89. HOLD THIS TIGHT

by I Know Leopard

All my friends and I, we own the night...

I remember loving this song for its super chilled, relaxed feel, for its swing along keyboards and Luke O’Loughlin’s strangely inviting vocals. I remember seeing the clip and feeling a little jealous, it was so laid back I wanted to find my own space of water and float for hours. But the thing I remember the most is hearing the lyrics and being completely captivated, because the lyrics celebrated friendship and that’s something not celebrated enough. Put all those things together and you got yourself one of my favourite Australian bands from 2014.  (Jo Michelmore)

#88. YOUNG IN LOVE

by Thelma Plum

'Cause we once where in love

And I once was all yours.

Thelma Plum's venture towards a more electronic sound paid off spectacularly with last year's Monsters EP. We were already not so young and in love with all things Thelma, but tracks like 'Young In Love' made sure we'd be fans for life. Ok, we were already fans for life. The beat provided by 'Young In Love' by producer M-Phazes works as the perfect accompaniment to Thelma's reflective lyrics and commanding vocals. The focus is wisely placed where it belongs... on that beautiful voice that we can't get enough of. If the rumours be true-mours, a debut album will be coming our way in 2015. More of this kinda goodness please. (Matt Bond)  

#87. SINCE LAST WEDNESDAY

by Highasakite

And he would never buy a weapon and bring it to our home

And he would never be foolish and lie about that now.

Highasakite appeared at number 77 in last year’s JJJ Hottest 100 and here they are at number 87 in our countdown. Someone who knows something about numerology might say something about that. Or perhaps not. This little band first came to my attention while I was scanning the googles after SXSW 2013, looking for who the googles were talking about. Up popped a band (whose name I had to read a couple of times) and when I found out they were Norwegian, well my love of that part of the world is no secret, so admittedly I was already hooked. You can compare them to indie rock all you want, but those hooks are all pop and the simple yet cutely odd lyrics have had me constantly captivated, since long before last Wednesday. (Jo Michelmore)

#86. THE LIAR

by Kira Puru + The Bruise

Don't talk to me about anger when I've got a loaded gun

'Cause I feel a quiver in my trigger finger now.

Speaking of voices we just can't get enough of... Kira Puru, ladies and gentlemen. Can any other artist rock a voice that's dripping with a 'don't fuck with me' attitude like her? I don't think so. Exhibit A - 'The Liar'. Case closed. Jo, Katie and I were first introduced to Kira Puru and The Bruise at BIGSOUND Live in 2012 and we were blown away by the band's phenomenal talent. The opening notes of 'The Liar' rang out, Puru laid down the law with the lines, "don't ask me what I'm feeling I've got answers up my sleeve and you and your denial ain't worth my while," and we were all hooked. The four-piece were so totally in sync, putting on a flawless performance of a track that's some hybrid heavy-soul-rock masterpiece. An incredible track from a band who should have been the talk of the town a long time ago. (Matt Bond)

#85. NEVER LET ME GO

by Florence + The Machine

And it's over

And I'm going under

But I'm not giving up

I'm just giving in.

Florence Welch has never shied from darker topics in her music. It's all violence and death and epic fantasy material and it's why I'm a big fan. Sure, she still covers relationships and love, human drama and all that jazz. But she goes about things in a way that's different to the indie/pop norm and I find it refreshing. Take 'Never Let Me Go' for instance. You're listening to it, amazed as always by the power of Florence's voice and all the other ear-pleasing sounds going on. And then you're listening again and again and you're thinking... so she totally drowned herself, right? Wow. That's bleak. Only in Florence's capable hands can a song, in which the central character kills themselves, called 'Never Let Me Go' which is actually about letting go be pulled off spectacularly. And that's more than enough for it to be named one of our favourite tracks of the past five years. (Matt Bond) 

#84. ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

by Meg Mac

So I'll go and I'll join the free

There's people there, they're just like me.

My love of sounds from the past is something I wear proudly on my sleeve. I was raised on sounds of the 60s and 70s, in my life. Whenever I have liked something current, someone would introduce me to wherever that sound had come from, because every sound has come from somewhere else, so my taste in music has become an interesting mix of old and new, ‘then’ and ‘now’. When someone from ‘now’ has an understanding of the ‘then’, it’s almost impossible for me to dislike it. So when Meg Mac’s voice from 'then' begins; “roll up your sleeves”,  I’m immediately drawn to the emotion, the bluesy piano screaming determination and that sense of courage in every hand clap is as encouraging as the line that repeats “everything is gonna be alright”. Meg Mac may be one of my newer loves, but with songs like this I expect she’ll be one that becomes the ‘then’ someday. (Jo Michelmore)

#83. OVER YOU

by Ingrid Michaelson ft. A Great Big World

Maybe if I tell myself enough

Maybe if I do.

You know what it is? It’s quiet and introspective. It’s simple and it’s so complicated. It’s darkness and it’s light and strength and a vulnerability you’ve never really known before. It’s courageous and it’s a little beyond comprehension. It’s difficult and confusing but it’s also humble and calm. It’s so many thoughts, but really only one and it’s emotional and passionate and it’s everything you were. It’s just a pop song, but it’s oh so relatable and it found its way into the depths of my past and it’s tear jerking and it’s beautiful and it’s exactly as music should be.  (Jo Michelmore)

#82. DOJO RISING

by Cloud Control

Then I'm gonna break your heart

Should have probably told you from the start

But I'm lazy.

For anyone that gets all traumatised by clowns, I feel I should have probably told you at the start. But I'm lazy? Seriously though, watch the whole thing. You may find the clown's fate cathartic or something. What am I, a doctor? Other than the general dreamy factor that runs throughout 'Dojo Rising', I find I really love the track because the narrator comes off as such a jerk. Like, an actual asshole that has no idea what he's doing with his life. Which doesn't sound like Cloud Control's Alister Wright, so it's just a great story and something so different from the stories that we're used to. (Matt Bond) 

#81. MONSTER

by Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and Bon Iver

Ok first things first I'll eat your brains

Then I'mma start rockin' gold teeth and fangs...

Worth the price of admission for Nicki Minaj alone. And how often do we get to say that anymore? It feels nice. (Matt Bond)

20 down, 80 to go. We'll be back soon with more goodness...



Top 114 Songs of 2014, #100 - 91

Meg Mac, Lily Allen, The Antlers + Benjamin Booker!

#114 - 101

#100. MISSING HER

by Wilding





I'm missing her, I'll never look the same again.

So here’s a not so secret secret. When you blog, some people tend to read your words and eventually, if you’re lucky, people will start sending you music to listen to. This is one of the reasons one continues to sit in ones pyjamas and write words on a little machine about music they love. One of the things I learnt to love this year was a musician from Melbourne who writes and sings songs that take a huge portion of their sounds from a time well before this one, from a time I’m a little bit in love with, not old enough to have experience first-hand, but every now and then wish I was. (Maybe not. I just want a time machine actually, so I can stay this age, listen to One Direction every now and then, but fill my wardrobe with clothes from eras past. Anyway, I’m digressing.) ‘Missing Her’ came to our attention via this here blogs email address a couple of months ago and it’s been playing on repeat in my retro inspired lounge ever since. This is when I love blogging. There are shoulders shrugging, hair waving and feet tapping when I listen to this and all of those things equals a happy Jo. (Jo is me, by the way.) I wanna hear lots of where Wilding intends to go in 2015, because I think there’s a big likelihood I may follow. (Jo Michelmore)

#99. AIR BALLOON

by Lily Allen





When I'm bored, I, kinda drift away,
I'm not sure, quite, why we work all day... 

Did Lily Allen fall off the Lily Allen bandwagon this year? Some say yes, some say no, I say who fookin' cares (say that with a west London accent and sorry, bit of Lily inspiration there) ‘cause she’s still releasing good pop and that’s what she’s always done. So what if she was accused of sounding like M.I.A? M.I.A is awesome and so was that song; there are a lot worse people to be compared to. It’s four minutes of pop perfection and was co-written with someone who has written for ol’ Swifty and P!nk, so what were people expecting? Nothing too earth shattering, one would hope. In fact, with those kind of credentials, we’re lucky we didn’t get something with one of my least favourite lyrics of the year; “get down with this sick beat” or my other despised lyric from a few years back; “so what I’m still a rock star”. Even with it’s annoying “Miami/Timbuctoo” reference, I loved ‘Air Balloon’ for the fun it was the first time I heard it and I love it for the same reasons right now. (Jo Michelmore)

I'm not going to lie. I hated 'Air Balloon' when I first hear it. Ok, I lied. Hate's too strong a word. How about... I wasn't quite sure of 'Air Balloon' when I first heard it. Safe to say, after about a thousand listens now, I love it. It's fun and silly and a little bit M.I.A in random lines about Timbuktu and Kurt Cobain, but there's some melodies fine enough to stop you in your tracks and the song's also genuinely sweet and earnest. That could pretty much be used to sum up what's so great about Lily Allen. She's ridiculous, but she's genuine. Sheezus was chock full of excellent songs like 'Air Balloon'. If you haven't given it a go, I strongly recommend it. (Matt Bond)  

#98. ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

by Meg Mac





It's easier to fake it, oh oh...

Seriously, stop it Meg Mac. Your soulful tones are just too good. It's only too easy to see why Mac took out the Unearthed Artist J Award this year. When she's got powerful tracks like 'Roll Up Your Sleeves' in her repertoire, it's very easy to think up all the places her career will take her in the near future. 'Roll Up Your Sleeves' will have you involuntarily clapping along to the booming, beautiful voice it features and Meg Mac will truly have you believing, "everything is going to be alright." Meg Mac just might be the artist to watch in 2015. (Matt Bond)


There is a beautiful simplicity in a song that starts with the modest words “roll up your sleeves” and ends in the unpretentious words “everything is gonna be alright” and there’s something beautiful about a girl from Melbourne taking some sounds from 70s American soul and making them her own and there’s something simple about a piano driven, hand clapping song and there’s a beautiful simplicity in knowing you're going to be loving an artist like Meg Mac when she writes and releases songs so simple, so beautiful and so lovely like this one. (Jo Michelmore)

#97. RIVERBED

by The Septembers





Somebody's gonna be hurting...

Speaking of some of our favourite new vocalists, it's The Septembers, a duo featuring the supremely talented Donna Arendse and James Chatburn. 'Riverbed' puts the charm of old school rhythm and blues against a chilled out, modern indie-electronic soundscape and you won't be able to get enough of it. Arendse takes lead with some captivating vocal work that will make you melt. Chatburn hits all the right notes backing Arendse up, doing a nice job of building up the track's atmosphere in the process. The duo's respective backgrounds have led them to create a unique sound together and if 'Riverbed' is an indication of what we should expect from The Septembers, we're going to be in for a treat with future releases. Hopefully we get to hear more very, very soon. (Matt Bond) 


I was raised on a diet of music and while I didn’t really know what it was at the time, a huge portion of that diet was soul, which means it makes me incredibly happy to know such a smooth duo like The Septembers have featured in our top 114 for 2014. If you read (other people’s) words about ‘Riverbed’ it keeps getting described as a ‘slow burn’ and while I’d like to have come up with something else, those words describe it per-fec-tly. The guitar invites you into a story that you know is going to be dramatic, the vocal demanding you pay attention, the beats making sure you can’t turn away. I love this kind of song, I’ve always loved this kind of song and if The Septembers keep making music as soulful as this, I think I might feel the same about them. (Jo Michelmore) 

#96. VIOLENT SHIVER

by Benjamin Booker





We found a way,
We found a way... 

That childhood diet of soul music I was talking about with The Septembers in number 97? You can throw a huge portion of Americana-bluesy-rock as the dessert after that plate of soul. ‘Violent Shiver’ is the type of that makes me internally scream “YES!” and throw my fist in the air with each beat. If the gritty guitars and the solid drums aren’t convincing enough, it’s Benjamin’s voice, like gravel coated with a dash of bourbon that make this the kind of song that belongs in a bar in New Orleans, on a stage in front of an enthusiastic audience and in my lounge room, played loudly enough that my neighbours wonder why I’m having a party on a Friday morning. All of that and it’s the type of song I can’t help but nod my head to and if we were to ask Katie Langley that means it’s a winner. (Jo Michelmore)


People are saying big things about Benjamin Booker. And for good reason! There’s a raw, bluesy feel to “Violent Shiver” that really resonates with me. It’s rock, it’s fun, and it’s honest. If you took “Violent Shiver” to a party it would drink Whisky and dance unapologetically, hands flailing on the dance floor. It would make friends with party go-ers in the line for the bathroom, eat all of the kabanos sausage, and have a sneaky vomit behind the bush. (Katie Langley)

You had better strap yourself in, because Benjamin Booker takes you on one rocking and rolling ride you're not going to forget on 'Violent Shiver'. It's a non-stop, jump up and down while you scream and shout kind of jam that's over way too soon. But at least you get to do it all over again. And again. And again and again and again. Booker's guitar work whips you into a frenzy and his bonafide rock star growls will have you completely invested in what he's selling. Yep. 'Violent Shiver' is one hell of a ride. (Matt Bond)

#95. PALACE

by The Antlers





Beautifully oblivious before you were hid inside a stranger you grew into,
As you learned to disconnect. 

When this song came into my atmosphere very early this year, it came via it’s clip, which hit me hard and wouldn’t let go, after all, therein contained so many images and concepts that spoke to me, but as is mostly the case with me, it wasn’t the visuals that really grabbed my heart, they merely made me hear the things I needed to in a stunning piece of music. The pieces that shook me most were the keys, creating the sweet, soft sounds of memories and a sense of bittersweet, of times and places loved and lived and those events and relationships that build who we are in this very moment. It gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it and it does it again now, seven months later and it’s one of those that will always remind me of now and then and now again. In 2014, this is one I have truly loved. (Jo Michelmore)

#94. SPITS ON GIRLS

by Amy Shark





Don't be the boy that spits on girls,
Everybody hates that guy...

'Spits On Girls', our introduction to the music of Amy Shark was so easy to fall in love with. Shark confidently lays out snappy lines, the tune is catchy as anything and the slow build up in the sound that surrounds Shark's vocals is most excellent. Finding a way to stand out from every other performer trying to find a break and get noticed must be ridiculously hard, but Shark comfortably shows us what makes the 'Amy Shark' sound on 'Spits On Girls' and it's a little bit quirky, more than just a little cool, packs the right kind of attitude and it's definitely smarter than your average pop song. And the song also teaches you to share... (Matt Bond)     

Here’s where I admit something. I saw the name of this song way back in July and I didn’t press play. ‘Spits On Girls’? I’m a girl, I don’t wanna be spit on. Who does? Why would I have an interest in a song about that? Then Matt said something wise, as he sometimes does; “unwanted interaction with saliva is blurgh” but he had more courage than I, he listened to it, reviewed it and convinced me maybe I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or a song by its title and here we are at number 94. Lesson learnt; Amy Shark tells a little tale in her impressive piece of indie pop, subtly thumping along until the layers of vocals and music create a wall of sound that keeps me thinking that I have to remember not to judge a book by its cover, a song by its name and not to share my drugs with celebrities. I don’t even know what that means, but I like it. (Jo Michelmore)

#93. PREY

by Stella Angelico





When it's all burning down, dress me in my wedding gown,
Won't be your prey. 

Stellaaaaa. STELLLAAAAAA! Sorry. Couldn't resist. Stella Angelico might just be the biggest badass in music today. Have you seen the video for 'Prey'? Come on... she's a total badass. When all the sand dudes start running at her I was pretty much expecting her to just go street fighter on all of them. The look on her face says, "I ain't the lady to mess with." While I've got a lot of love for the 'Prey' music video, I've got even more love for the song itself. Angelico puts that powerful voice to work on one of the year's most empowering diva jams. She's been a woman since she was a little girl and she won't be your prey. Stella Angelico keeps on getting better. (Matt Bond)

#92. LOOK OF LOVE

by The Jezabels





In the dead of night,
I can't give in to your love. 

Hayley Mary isn't the biggest fan of music reviewers... but we're just blogger type people or something. So maybe we're still friends? I don't know. But I do know I was a big fan of The Jezabels' second album, The Brink, and spent a lot of time listening to 'Look Of Love'. Um... keep up the great work? (Matt Bond)


So Matt’s right, our friend from The Jezabels doesn’t particularly love music reviewers, but the difference between music reviewers and us bloggers is that we ain’t getting paid a cent, so as far as I’m concerned we can say whatever we want, because we’re only going to spend our time bothering to write about things we like, unless we’re referring to Robin Thicke, so hopefully Hayley can see we actually really like The Jezabels and well, screw anyone who doesn’t. If they just keep making catchy little songs like ‘Look Of Love’ with all its shiny guitars and synths and we’re all going to get along just fine. (Jo Michelmore)

#91. FIGURE IT OUT

by Royal Blood





Nothing here to see, just a kid like me,
Trying to cuss and see, trying to figure it out. 

I love the term ‘garage rock’. Royal Bloods are described as garage rock. Can you imagine that? Damn, I’d love to live next door to the house that their garage belongs to. Rough guitar and harsh, fast drums, a grunting rock vocal and some attitude, this is a band I’d be happy to hear rehearsing in any garage. In fact, I have a garage, it even has some junk in it which I say will only add to the acoustics. Forget that Foo Fighters tour next year Royal Bloods, fancy a gig under my house? (Jo Michelmore)


Finally, some music with oomph! It’s a running joke that one of my tests for a good song is whether or not I am nodding my head and/or tapping my foot. I’m pleased to report that “Figure It Out” passes both of those tests with flying colours. (Katie Langley)