Top 119 Songs of 2019, #80 - 71

#119 - #111

#110 - #101

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80. RE: STACKS

by Gretta Ray and Dustin Tebutt

This is pouring rain

This is paralysed

I love Gretta Ray’s voice. I love Dustin Tebutt’s voice. So is it any surprise that with their powers combine I would have any other reaction to 'Re:Stacks' other than loving it? After individually releasing brilliant EP’s last year, Ray and Tebbutt had a much quieter 2019 as far as releases go, but ‘Re:Stacks’ isn’t any less impactful. Their voices fit together in such a beautiful way against a simple arrangement and take the best of both artist’s previous releases to form a unique whole. It’s the reserved heartbreak of Ray’s ‘Towers’ or ‘Time’ against the quiet hope of Tebutt’s ‘All Your Love’. It’s everything a duet should be and leaves you wanting to hear more and more from two of the best singer/songwriters out there right now. (Matt Bond)

#79. ADOLESCENT

by Jack River

You're drunk and wasted, I won't talk to you

Stumbling through the room

Right or wrong, I've always thought of Jack River as a bit more indie-pop than anything else, but there’s a bit more grunge in this track which is channeling the Americana style of the Juliana Hatfield’s or the Heather Nova’s and the Liz Phair’s of the 90s (which can be names you should google if you’ve not heard of them), or, alternatively you could listen to ‘Adolescent’ over and over, which wouldn’t be a bad idea, considering how catchy those riffs are. (Jo Michelmore)

#78. MISSING YOU

by Ingrid Michaelson

And I don't wanna be dramatic

But your, but your lips are like a drug and I'm an addict

Who would have thought Ingrid Michaelson could take her love for Stranger Things and turn it into a concept album that’s just another fantastic Ingrid Michaelson album? No one saw that coming. If you’re a fan, you probably didn’t see her moving as far away from the indie-adult-contemporary sounds that have defined her career and pulling a Robyn to become an electronic Queen either. But here we are, it’s 2019. Up is down (the upside down?), left is right, the world is on fire. But Michaelson owns this moment and with ‘Missing You’ has released one of the most endearing (and sadly underrated) dance anthems of the year. And that one shot video? Dead. I’m not really sure what stan culture is, but I stan a musically versatile Queen. (Matt Bond)


“He’s got his hand in all the right places, but the wrong face is in front of me...” Congratulations to Ingrid Michaelson for writing what I think is one of the cheesiest opening lines of the year, but also congratulations for writing one of the poppiest pop songs of the year. Pop this good is exactly where cheesy lyrics should live, and the synthy sounds of ‘Missing You’ feel like they should live somewhere between the top of whatever charts it is that happen these days and on stage at Eurovision. And anyone who knows me and anyone who doesn't should know that’s one of the biggest compliments I can give. (Jo Michelmore) 

#77. OBSESSED

by Hatchie

Hung myself out to dry until you let me in

That's when I knew, I'd clip my wings, do anything for you

Hatchie had a huge 2019 that saw her sound go global on the back of the release of her super fun debut, Keepsake. That album would quickly become one of our favourite LP’s of the year and with throwback pop gems like ‘Obsessed’ it shouldn’t come as a surprise. It builds on 90s pop’s trippy bridges and beats and dreamy vocals and a chorus that you could just float away on with modern electronic touches and Millennial attitude. It’s the angst that’s missing and with the way things are right now, we don’t need any of that. Just the sweet admission of a little healthy obsession for that special someone. It’s all so dreamy and I can’t get enough of it. (Matt Bond)

#76. I AM

by WAAX

I didn't cut you off, you phased me out

And that's fair enough, I'm breaking down

I'm going to spend the next two songs speaking of incredible female vocalists, so welcome to the first at number seventy six. Here we have WAAX, one of my fave bands of the year. If it were the 70s and I was listening exclusively on vinyl then my copy would have a giant groove dug through it from being played over and over and over and over and so on and so forth, if that’s how vinyl works. Such an awesome album, filled with drums and guitars that burst from my little speakers, screaming with all the rage of the 90s, but all of the character of 19, I haven’t been able to get enough of WAAX this year. Also, they are from my hometown. Bonus points. I am such a fan. (Jo Michelmore)

#75. KEEPING TIME

by Angie McMahon

Oh, I want the time to stop

So I don't have to grow

I listen to ‘Keeping Time’, it comes to an end and all I feel is excited about the many years of music releases ahead from Angie McMahon and how I already know I’ll get the same excited feeling from all of them. Her talent, her voice and lyrics, the guitars, the atmosphere... this is yikes going to sound so cliched and probably lame, but it makes you feel alive. I’m sorry? I’m not even sorry, songs like ‘Keeping Time’ speak directly to your soul or whatever concept you’re going with of what makes you ‘you’. It makes me want to be surrounded by friends and screaming along. It really does make you wish that time could stop. Angie McMahon has such a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to be listening along. (Matt Bond) 

Imagine having the voice of Angie McMahon. Like, imagine that being the sound that your vocal chords make. Like, imagine the body you own being able to make sounds like that. Like, imagine having that voice and then having the ability to write songs like ‘Killing Time’, and then being able to perform them exactly the way they should sound. Like, imagine knowing you had the talent of so many greats before you, the Chrissie Hyndes and the Patti Smiths of the world being people you can be compared to. Imagine that! Impossible I know. Instead, just imagine being alive in the world when songs like Angie McMahon’s are released. Don’t imagine. Just enjoy. (Jo Michelmore) 

#74. IN CONTROL

by Baker Boy

And the darkest days won't last for ever

Even brighter days come sooner or later

I’d like to make it clear that I love Baker Boy. So don’t expect to read some kind of unbiased review of his music here. There is absolutely nothing he has released or done that I don’t adore. Every track another collection of beats and sounds and words and grooves that make me move, make me smile and make me a bigger fan with every note. I don’t know if there’s some kind of tricky thing that music producers and programmes do to give him that cheer squad every chorus in this song, or if they were actual people, but I’d like to join that cheer squad because quite simply; Baker Boy is the best. (Jo Michelmore) 

#73. YOU WERE RIGHT
by Julia Jacklin

Started feeling like myself again

The day I stopped saying your name

Julia Jacklin sells the hell out of both the good and bad to come out of saying goodbye to a friendship that just isn’t working anymore. Especially the good to come out of it. It’s a lot more thoughtful than a simple ‘screw you’ coda to this relationship, but you’ll cheer all the same as Jacklin recounts being finally able to get into what her former pal enjoyed because now she wants to, not because she’s having things forced down her throat. ‘You Were Right’ barrels towards a rather abrupt ending. It’s like that moment you finally put an end to a relationship you’ve outgrown. Brilliant. (Matt Bond)

Giving your song the title of  'You Were Right' is a pretty smart move, because I can’t name many people who don’t like hearing that sentence, which makes this track likable enough as it is. But add the story of Julia tearing herself away from someone, whatever their relationship may have been, and you can’t help but cheer her on and wonder just who the band was she heard when she “started listening to your favourite band and I stopped listening to you”, because she can’t have started listening to her own album Crushing, which is something I’d listen to should I be exiting a situation like she is in said song, could she? Sometimes I probably think too much. Just enjoy the song. (Jo Michelmore) 

#72. FALLING DOWN

by Harrison Storm

Always felt this could get dark

Held on 'cause things change fast

If you've been reading this countdown with any regularity you'll know Mr Storm appeared a little earlier on. So let's just reflect on everything I said about him last time, back at number 90, and reapply all of those thoughts to this track, then double them, and add in a dash of pensive and a whole spoon of heartache, because he certainly creates all those feels in 'Falling Down'. And then add this to that long list of songs I spoke about last time, and I love. (Jo Michelmore)

#71. FINAL FORM

by Sampa The Great

Only four years, fantastic

Young veteran, new classic

Straight. Up. Fire. From the moment ‘Final Form’ kicks off, you know Sampa The Great’s latest musical masterpiece is going to be one hell of a ride. Free flowing rhymes full of a swagger and confidence that’s virtually infectious, unapologetic cries of ‘black power’ and an artist firmly coming into her own. This feels momentous, like you’re witnessing a moment in history we’ll look back on when Sampa takes over the musical world and we can all go, well of course this was going to happen. It’s just that I really don’t think we’re even close to seeing the final form of Sampa The Great. This isn’t the peak, this is the rise from the self-proscribed ‘young veteran, new classic.’ I can’t wait to see how Sampa The Great tops this with what comes next. (Matt Bond)



Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #70 to #61

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70. SHRED FOR SUMMER

by DZ Deathrays

I have something simple

To make you feel good.

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

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

#69. SELFISH LOVE

by Jessie Ware

Darling, you do it too

You tell me lies and I bend the truth. 

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

#68. I DARE YOU

by The xx

I've been a romantic for so long

All I've ever had are love songs. 

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

#67. NEW YORK

by St. Vincent

New love, wasn't true love

Back to you love. 

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

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

#66. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE BEAUTIFUL PROBLEMS

by Lana Del Rey ft. Stevie Nicks

Blue is the colour of the planet from the view above

Long live our reign, long live our love. 

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

#65. EXACTLY HOW YOU ARE

by Ball Park Music

You are not a little fish

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

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

#64. LIGHTS OUT

by Royal Blood

I can feel it rushing under my skin

You're a cage won't you let me in? 

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

#63. PRAYING

by Kesha

But some things only God can forgive.

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

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

#62. CARIN AT THE LIQUOR STORE

by The National

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

It's a foregone conclusion. 

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

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

#61. EVERYBODY'S HERO

by Sampa the Great ft. Estelle

Straighten up your posture

An imposter, got a cape.

 

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

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #20 - 11

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40 - 31

#30 - 21

#20. TENNIES

by Tkay Maidza





Let me break shit, let me drop it.

Not that I needed some sweet, sweet Tkay Maidza levels of inception to get her music in my head b-b-b-but... hearing 'Tennies' playing in the Apple Watch ad that played on YouTube before I got to 'Tennies' itself was the feelgood moment of the year. Like a proud mumma, I may have shed a dignified, single tear in celebration of Tkay Maidza's continued success. Getting into an Apple advertisement played worldwide? Achievement level unlocked. That level? Boss level. Because Tkay has been a total boss this year in the lead up to and after the release of her debut album, TKAY. Just before the album's release, 'Tennies' was dropped as a promo track and we couldn't get enough of it. We still can't get enough of it. The energy is infectious as Tkay lays out some quick-fire rhymes to politely inform you that she is the new Queen all up in here and you will bow down to her greatness. Admit it, you're bowing down right now. We are truly not worthy of this greatness. (Matt Bond) 

I did a bit of a double take when I read something about Tkay's 'Tennies' that described it as "another club banger" which is probably a reasonable description of said single, but I don't really think of Tkay as a purveyor of "club bangers", because while that's a reasonable genre in itself, it just doesn't seem to lend enough weight to the actual talent of Tkay. I think of the "club banger" as a fairly throw away sound, but I still haven't gotten over the first moment I heard Tkay's sound and there's no way I've thrown that track away, let alone this song, three years later. Also, tennies is referring to her tennis shoes, for those like myself who doubted themselves and assumed it was referring to something else the kids are talking about. I don't know what the kids are talking about. (Jo Michelmore)

#19. AGORAPHOBIA

by Tired Lion





It's not a movie, now it's night time
Those kids are itching for red wine...

I listened to this song about a thousand times when it was first released, because Tired Lion write really, really good rock songs. Their guitars are always dirty where they need to be, their drums are always pounding exactly when they need to be and that voice of Sophie's is always as perfect as it needs to be. It was listen number one thousand and one that had me hear a lyric I hadn't before, which made me draw a breath and press pause for a minute, because sometimes really, really good rock songs are also really, really good mirrors and sometimes that's a little confronting, but the best of really, really good rock songs are also equally comforting and 'Agoraphobia' is exactly, and so much more than that. (Jo Michelmore) 

Moving from Unearthed to the triple J A-list was all but guaranteed for Perth's Tired Lion after the huge success of tracks like 'I Don't Think You Like Me' and 'Suck' in 2015. No one would have held it against the band for taking some time off, but it was so good to hear two new tracks from them in 2016. 'Not My Friends' was another banging piece of alternative goodness, but 'Agoraphobia' was the Tired Lion track that I just couldn't get enough of from the day I first heard it. It's got everything we've come to know and love about their sound over the past couple of years; 90s post-grunge inspired hooks, gorgeous melodies and scream-and-shout-along choruses delivered by the formidable Sophie Hopes and snappy lines that spark the imagination. But the thing about 'Agoraphobia' is, it's not just snappy lines anymore. As the topic of discussion is mental illness, something each member of Tired Lion has dealt with in their young lives, it's no surprise there's a new level of depth here. This is the sound of a band growing from their angsty teen beginnings to something bigger and bolder. I'll even throw in that it's a maturing of their sound, but don't worry, this is still brash and loud and everything you'd want from a Tired Lion track. (Matt Bond)   

#18. FOR GOOD

by Remi ft. Sampa The Great





You're giving me the silent treatment, baby
And that's oh so cold, gorgeous.

'For Good', the first single from Remi's critically acclaimed second LP Divas and Demons, brought a much needed dose of funk to Australia's hip hop scene. It brought the mega talent that is Sampa The Great along for the ride too and hearing Sampa alongside MC Remi Kolawole made for one of the brightest collaborations of the whole year. At least in terms of music and performance, both of which are faultless and ready made to make you get your groove on. While the story might not have the sunny disposition to match, at least we get a refreshing take on a dude admitting he's been a bit of a dick to a lovely lady undeserving of such treatment. Now she's gone and she's gone for good and he's left alone with his weed and Nintendo and sadness. I'm going with this being a work of fiction, because Remi doesn't seem like a jerk at all. He's like the Drake of Australian hip hop. Just, you know, awesome. (Matt Bond)  

#17. FEEL MY LOVE

by Phebe Starr





Please be kind
You know I love you, but my heart is blind.

One should have assumed that 'Feel My Love' was going to be one of the most perfect pop songs of the year, being that it is performed by someone who I have always thought has the most perfect pop name I could possibly imagine. If I was a singer, I'd have given up this Jo business and renamed my myself Phebe Starr a long time ago. Beside my slightly weird obsession with Phebe's name, 'Feel My Love' was definitely one of the highlights of pop music this year; all bounce, all build, all beautiful, it's one of the ones that would make that incredible scene of summer and sun and smiles when they make the film of my life. They will be making that sometime, and if I have my way, my character will be called Phebe. Phebe Starr. (Jo Michelmore)

If you are not dancing by the time the second verse hits, in whatever way it is that you choose to dance, then I am afraid to inform you that you are dead inside and I am sorry for how the world has beaten you down. Because 'Feel My Love' is epic-mega-out of this world-pop that will make you want to move, to shout, to live, to love. Phebe Starr, you continue to astound and amaze with the absolute gems that you're releasing. I probably say this with each new track, but this truly is your finest work to date. It makes you feel like anything is possible because it is so warm and so full of hope. In a perfect world this would have been a number one hit everywhere, but hey, this ain't no perfect world. I can say though that my world feels a little bit more perfect with this song in it. And you know, if you are feeling a little dead inside you really should listen to this a couple of times. It's probably just the cure you're looking for. It really is that good. (Matt Bond) 

#16. ON HOLD

by The xx





My young heart, chose to believe
We were destined.

Urgh, how exactly does someone get this talented? Like, I'm jealous. Why even hide that fact. I'm super jealous of The xx and how they can make music that speaks every freaking language to you, even ones you didn't know you know, but you know them and it's all because of The xx's music. And they keep getting better. How is life fair? Anyway... Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim's chemistry remains out of control and their vocal performances are coming from a much more confident place. Dare I say it sounds like The xx might be having a bit of fun these days? 'On Hold' certainly makes it sound like there's a smile lurking behind the totally devo (this means sad, not Devo the band) words that are so well written without having to say much of anything and again I'm super jealous of this group's talent. But I'm also super in love with everything they do and can't wait to hear their third album, I See You when it comes out next month. (Matt Bond)  

I don't want to have to say spoiler alert, but this could be the newest song on our long long countdown, which means that new track Little Mix are releasing tomorrow won't be making our top 10, sorry guys. (Little Mix are not making our countdown. Please don't be disappointed.) Is this the cutest I've heard The xx? Maybe, maybe not, but either way there's something more poppy about this track than I'm probably used to from Jamie, Romy and Oliver and that's not a bad thing, it's a super good thing. Also, it's been far too long since I've pushed someone around a carpark in a shopping trolley. And one more thing. When did that Oliver character get so cute? And where did he get that shirt? I think I love it. And him. And them. (Jo Michelmore)

#15. BURN THE WITCH

by Radiohead





This is a roundup
This is a low flying panic attack. 

I'm honestly going to say there was not another song this year that had me as equally excited as I was nervous to hear it. It took a few minutes to prepare myself for what was to come before I hit play, because Radiohead and I have been through a lot. We've had a tumultuous relationship, but we've always agreed we love each other in the end. So I took a deep breath and I hit that little sideways triangle and those urgent strings came leaping out of my headphones and the familiar goosebumps of Radiohead started at my spine and worked their way around and not only did we agree we love each other, but we adored each other and everything about the world was absolutely perfect. And still is. (Jo Michelmore)

#14. DIGGIN'

by Ngaiire





But here you found me
With a shovel in my hand...

To avoid wanting to write about this throughout the entire paragraph, I'm going to get it out of the way early so we can all move on with our lives. I am totally digging this track. Okay, done, moving right along. Now we can focus all of our time and energy on expressing all of the love we have for the INCREDIBLE music Ngaiire put out over the past twelve months. Starting with 'Diggin' the second song to be lifted from her sophomore album, Blastoma. It was a most suitable follow up to the 2015 Hottest 100 jam, 'Once', turning it up a notch in terms of the party starting stakes, while sacrificing nothing in terms of quality and uniqueness in the Australian music landscape. The reigning Empress of Neo-Soul was more glam than ever throughout 'Diggin', running vocal lines to die for alongside mighty fine electronic beats. Genre bending and defying expectations are nothing new for Ngaiire, but 'Diggin' was on a whole new level to what's come before. And this wasn't even our favourite release from Ngaiire in 2016. Ya dig? Sorry, had to use that one too. (Matt Bond) 

#13. NEVER BE LIKE YOU

by Flume ft. Kai





Please just look me in my face
Tell me everything's okay. 

The kids these days, they say things like realness and all the feels and there's probably someone somewhere that's creating a meme right this very minute that means exactly those things but in a different way, but all they need to do is listen to some Flume and words and memes don't matter. This was one of those creepy songs that snuck up on me and slapped me in the face, having heard it about a bazillion times without too much thought until one day it just it me - boom, and suddenly I'm at work humming something about never being like you to my boss. (Hi boss! Jokes! I love you etc).  It was only a few days I may have whispered something to Matt under my breath about possibly liking that Flume song that every one goddamn likes and now here we are at number 13, which means he liked it too. Boom. (Jo Michelmore) 

That Flume fella's done alright for himself, hasn't he now? He scored his first #1 song in Australia with 'Never Be Like You', which also took him to the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100. The monster hit has also scored young Harley Edward Streten his first Grammy nod for Best Dance Recording, while parent-album Skin took took out Album of the Year at the ARIA Awards. Will 'Never Be Like You' go all the way in the upcoming Hottest 100? It would definitely bring a smile to many dials on Australia Day if that were to happen. Everyone loved 'Never Be Like You' and there's a simple explanation... it's really fucking good. Flume was more than deserving of all the success that's come his way over the past 12 months, delivering this killer jam with Canadian singer Kai that will be remembered for a long time to come. (Matt Bond) 

#12. ADORE

by Amy Shark





Now go when you're ready
My head's getting heavy pressed against your arm.

I wish life always felt like it does when you're listening to Amy Shark's 'Adore'. Full of that happiness that only comes with the initial buzz in your head and your heart, the result of a new romance where anything and everything seems possible. It's like you're floating in your own personal happy place. Unfortunately there's so many other things that seem to get in the way. Life stuff, good and bad. Work, commitments, that darn requirement to sleep. When everything else is getting the way and you've got too many thoughts running through that brain that always wants to ruin everything with its thinking, just put on 'Adore' and disappear to that happy place. Life can't always be like that, but for three minutes and twenty seconds, Amy Shark can take you there. Given that the song has raised her profile significantly since it was released, it seems like the whole world is going to be taken to happy places by Amy Shark very soon. (Matt Bond)  

Everyone has been there and if you haven't, then I'm pretty jealous of your life. They are the subject of so much art, writing and music, it's hard to imagine what life would be like without them. Those times when there's nothing more pure and sweet than the desperation of wanting, the need to be loved and the true beauty in the agony of loneliness. Without big vocals, with simple words and some raw and uncomplicated keys and guitars, Amy Shark has captured the melancholy in obsession and the hopelessness of passion in such a effortless but powerful way. And now thinking about it, if you haven't felt any of these things, maybe I'm not jealous at all, because there's no feeling more intense and more alive than that of adoring...and needing to be adored. (Jo Michelmore)

#11. BEST OF YOU

by Big Smoke 





We're peeling back the blue skies
They got nothing on your blue eyes.

I really want to write about this song without mentioning how very bittersweet it is. I really want to write about the sense of roadtrip that it begs me to take, without wondering what could have been. I really want to write about those keys and that comforting voice that has me swaying with every listen, making me wish I was in a saloon, drinking a gin or a whiskey, or both, without wishing I could hear more. I really want to write about the absolute richness of this sound and the saturation of emotion without knowing where some of that might have come from. I really want to write all of those things without thoughts of what was or what could have been and I really want the members of Big Smoke to know they did good. While I can't imagine the things they have been through this year, I'm so glad they gave us all they could, because in songs like this, I hope they truly know thoughts of their friend and bandmate Adrian Slattery will be hanging about for a long time and with songs as gorgeous as this, he's never going to be forgotten. (Jo Michelmore) 

BIGSOUND Festival 2016 Preview

BIGSOUND FESTIVAL 2016

When: 7/8 September 2016

Where: Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

Why? Because it's Brisbane's best music event. Duh.

We've said it before and we'll say it again; BIGSOUND puts on the two greatest nights of live music in Brisbane every year. Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 September sees 150+ music acts from diverse backgrounds putting on showcases for fans and industry professionals throughout the entire Valley precinct in Brisbane. The Zoo, Black Bear Lodge, Ric's Bar, The Foundry, The New Globe Theatre, that place that used to be the Mustang Bar, that place that used to be Monastery and heaps of other fun venues that may or may not have been called something else when I thought I was a hip, young thing heading out on the town. You get to go to all of them, depending on where your festival plan will take you. Or, you can have no plan and stumble upon some incredible acts that you'll love forever. It happened to us with the likes of Kira Puru, Machine Age, The Hello Morning and BAD//DREEMS. We also been able to witness star making turns from the likes of Tired Lion, Thelma Plum, Babaganouj, Little May, Tkay Maidza, Kingswood and Gay Paris. 

With the first artist announcement for the 2016 event released last month, we already know that our fifth trip to BIGSOUND is going to be incredible. I'm even going to be super prepared and take the Thursday/Friday off work so I can sleep in and be happy because you've got to consider these things when you're over 25, okay? You can check out the artists already announced here, you can go in the running to win flights to Brisbane and four tickets here and if you're keen to check out what's going on with the BIGSOUND conference, featuring talks from members of the music industry, you can read about that here. 

Who are we keen to see play live at BIGSOUND this year? Well, that is so nice of you to ask. And we are SO psyched to give you an answer. Here's ten hot picks from It's My Kind of Scene for this year's festival... 

AINSLIE WILLS

ALEX LAHEY

BEC SANDRIDGE

BANFF

CLAIRY BROWNE

FRACTURES

GIDEON BENSEN

LANKS

OLYMPIA

SAMPA THE GREAT

Get your tickets early from the BIGSOUND site. We've got a feeling this year will sell out very soon and you do not want to miss this showcase of Australian music's best up and coming acts! Your comprehensive pass gets you access to the two showcase nights, plus entry to what should be a massive closing party on Friday 9 September at The Triffid! 

 

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 - 24 January, 2016

Montaigne, Bad Pony, Ben Abraham + Ali Barter

1. Montaigne - In The Dark (NEW)


 

2. Ecca Vandal - End of Time





3. Bad Pony - Zombie (NEW)

4. Ali Barter - Far Away (NEW)

5. RUFUS - Say A Prayer For Me


 

6. Ben Abraham - You and Me (NEW)





7. Jess Kent - Get Down





8. WAAX - Holy Sick (NEW)





9. Porches - Be Apart





10. Paces ft. Jess Kent - 1993 (No Chill)





11. PASSERINE - Lost In Each Other (NEW)





12. The Jezabels - Pleasure Drive (NEW)





13. Merival - Kicking You Out





14. Savages - Adore





15. Kiiara - Say Anymore





16. Grimes - Kill V. Maim (NEW)





17. Jack Colwell - C.O.A.T





18. Sia - Unstoppable (NEW) 





19. Flume ft. Kai - Never Be Like You





20. Urthboy ft. Sampa The Great and Okenyo - Second Heartbeat (NEW)





21. Benji Lewis - Never Leave You Lonely





22. Courtney Barnett - Three Packs A Day





23. AlunaGeorge ft. Popcaan - I'm In Control (NEW)





24. Beaty Heart - Flora (NEW)





25. St. Lucia - Physical