Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #50 to #41

The Paper Kites, OKENYO, Kendrick Lamar + Emily Wurramara!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70 - #61

#60 - #51

#50. PRAY FOR ME

by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar

I'm always ready for a war again

Go down that road again, it's all the same.

Ah, all the films I’m yet to see, all soundtracks I like. I’ll get to the moving images when I stop loving the music so much, which pretty much means never, sorry films. It pretty much wouldn’t be the latter half of this decade without The Weeknd or Kendrik Lamar appearing somewhere in the countdown. In the future they won’t mention these years without mentioning one of these artists, and in years and years to come they’ll be sampled in other songs and the kids will say who was this by and the old people will talk about the way things used to be, and how good films were back in the day and then the kids will be like oy vey, I’m going to listen to The Wknd, pronounced the weekend, because by then we won’t need any e’s in the alphabet anymore. Or something like that. Great song. (Jo Michelmore)

WAKANDA FOREVER! Kendrick Lamar put together an incredible soundtrack for Black Panther aka the highest grossing movie of the year in the United States (beating out the global champ, Avengers: Infinity War). Like an old fashioned superhero team up, Lamar and The Weeknd work their magic on 'Pray For Me', with a fist pumping intro from the latter leading into the former pulling off a verse that features the word fight about a million times. Now that's a heroic feat. (Matt Bond)  

#49. LIKE THEY DO ON THE TV

by Kimbra

I'm older now, but I feel my time

Start to begin.

For any younger readers, I’d like to give you a small history lesson and introduce you to the TV. You see, once long before you watched your favourite shows and things in the palm of your hand while lying in bed/on the train/walking the streets (please be aware of your surroundings young and old readers alike), the moving images used to appear on glass fronted boxes, much like the one that appears in Kimbra’s clip. Who is Kimbra you ask kids? She’s an incredibly talented pop singer who appeared on a song that was super popular all over the world about seven years ago, and now she makes excellent pop songs, just like this one, full and bouncy and fun and imaginative. Her audience may be smaller than it was seven years ago, but we’re a very appreciative one.  (Jo Michelmore)

#48. FLASHES

by The Paper Kites

Wait, you're gonna feel something

You're gonna feel something, one day.

You know what, dear reader? You are going to feel something one day and that day is today or any day you choose to listen to The Paper Kites because they were born in a field of feels and have chosen to share those feels with you through the feel-y magic of song. 'Flashes' will give you all of the feels and that includes feels you didn't even know you could feel. It's a four minute, emotional rollercoaster of feelings that will have you reflecting on all the good times, the bad times, the sad times and those times that are any combination of the thre. If you'd like to have your heart broken and put back together in the most truly amazing way, let this be the soundtrack to get you through it. (Matt Bond)

#47. NGARRIKWUJEYINAMA

by Emily Wurramara

Ngogudlangwa enena Angalya

(We all belong to this land)

As soulful as it is peaceful, Emily Wurramara's 'Ngarrikwujeyinama' is the most beautiful protest song you're ever going to hear. The lead single from Wurramara's incredible debut album, Milyakburra, is performed entirely in the Anindilyakwa language. In her own words, the song, "talks about how we all come from the sea and how it's our duty to protect and cherish her, and the pain we cause when we don't." Originally written as Wurramara's response to seabed mining on Groote Eylandt (off the coast of the Northern Territory), it stands as a pointed reminder that there is both an impact and cost to the way we treat our environment. 'Ngarrikwujeyinama' transcends language barriers in its beauty to ensure the message is certainly not lost in translation. Absolutely stunning work from one of the country's most stunning young artists. (Matt Bond) 

#46. THE MESS WE'RE IN

by The Kite String Tangle

There's beauty in total breakdown

There's life behind each shadow...

So I may have got lost in a PJ Harvey/Thom Yorke time tunnel for a minute there when I first searched for this song, but I’m not going to complain about anyone who takes me to that song of the same name, so thank you TKST. Luckily this version is quite good too, so many layered sounds, so much fullness and a crescendo deserving of a soundtrack to a dramatic scene in a Netflix series, it’s very easy to get lost in the world of Danny Harley. I’ve still not figured out the difference between an album and a mini album, but whatever he likes to call it, I’m happy to listen when the music is this easy to get involved in. (Jo Michelmore)

#45. GET OUT

by Chvrches

I left myself behind

Never knowing what I wanted.

We clearly like all the music that’s appeared in this countdown, but I feel like I should just set the tone for a minute here and let anyone reading know that I love this band and you’re only going to get words that glow about them from me, so get out if you’re not a fan. Well don’t really, but just accept my bias now and we’ll be friends. It’s just so freakin contagious, it only took one listen before I was chanting “get out, get out, get get out of here…” and it only took two listens before I wanted to do that weird arm dancing that the best electronic music causes. Chvrches are a band I go to when I need to get happy/angry/sad/excited and all of the others. And that’s why they’re so freakin good. (Jo Michelmore)

#44. ARMS

by The Paper Kites

What can I give that is all for you?

These arms are all I have.   

"But I'll hold you like I do love you." Creating a bittersweet sound is nothing new for The Paper Kites. They've been doing it from the first and I hope they do it until the last, which I'm wanting to be a long, long way off. Because when they can make a song like 'Arms', a song that can be interpreted a hundred way and dissected word by word for the true meaning behind what Sam Bentley is singing, you're never going to want to stop listening. From the nineteen songs released across two albums in 2018, it's hard to pick a favourite, but 'Arms' was the song I came back to the most. Perfectly crafted and performed in every single way. (Matt Bond)

#43. ISO

by OKENYO

Looking for the light, now I found it

I think I'll stay and shout it out loud.

OKENYO showed no signs of slowing down the development of her sound this year, pushing it further and further with the release of The Wave EP. Songs like 'Iso' felt incredibly fresh in the way they blended R'n'B/pop and electronic influences into something addictive, exciting and unlike anything else you would be likely to here out there in the music world right now. The way 'Iso' builds up from a tender mystery into an explosive jam when OKENYO finds that illusive light she's searching for provides one of the finest music experiences of 2018. (Matt Bond)

#42. FIGHTING

by Machine Age

Don't want to be here breaking apart

Until I know what I'm fighting for.

I always love the bedroom production sounds of Machine Age and his ability to experiment with his sound, even though he probably makes his music somewhere much more exciting than his bedroom. Who am I to say how exciting his bedroom is? This has gone somewhere I wasn’t planning to go. Good song. Moving on. (Jo Michelmore)

Brisbane's own Machine Age, the Adrian Mauro-led electronic/indie outfit has been drip-feeding us their musical brilliance at the rate of approximately one song a year since 2015. 'Chivalry', 'Don't Look' and now 'Fighting' have all shown slightly different sides of Machine Age, all have been top notch and all have left us wanting to hear a whole album of songs just like them so... all we want for Christmas is news of a Machine Age album that's coming in 2019. We've been pretty/fairly/sort of good this year so can someone (namely Machine Age) make this happen please? 'Fighting' offers the first big singalong chorus from Machine Age that will have you screaming along to Mauro not wanting to be heeeeeere anymore and we want to be screaming along to more and more from Machine Age real soon. If you get a chance, check out the Unplugged clip too, because that Mauro fella can sing yeah? Yeah. (Matt Bond)

#41. SINK IN

by Amy Shark

That I'm weighed down by your beautiful

Collapsing underneath your perfect.

I probably should have seen that Love, Simon film considering how much I like so many of the songs on the soundtrack, but if I saw all the films that had all the good soundtracks, how would I ever get the time to listen to all the soundtracks? Now answer that riddle for me. Another riddle; how does Amy Shark always make creepy kinda stalky lyrics sound so sweet and relatable? “Everywhere I go I’m reminded of you, like the bed, the bathroom floor the bar downstairs at 2am” I guess it’s because she tells the truths that are so familiar, and yes, sometimes the floor has reminded me of someone which maybe says more about me or that person than the floor itself, but there’s something really creepy about saying that but really engaging about actually admitting that to music. Mix those thoughts in with words about being weighed down by someone’s beautiful and you got that sweet balance of creepy and kind. She does it so well, and that’s a sincere compliment. (Jo Michelmore)

                 

Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #80 to #71

Vera Blue, Mark Harding + Middle Kids!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80. WASTED TIME

by CLOVES

I'm bittersweet emptiness and do you like it more

'Cause you know I'm a mess?

Did you know that Cloves was on season two of The Voice in Australia? I most certainly did not, but the system is wrong if she didn't win because seriously... what an amazing voice! She's been building up a loyal following over the past couple of years with gorgeous tracks like 'Frail Love' and 'Don't You Wait', both of which featured on her 2018 debut album, One Big Nothing. 'Wasted Time' captures the same magic as what's come before from Cloves with dreamy vocals that completely grab your attention. It's the type of song you should expect to hear popping up in season finales for all your favourite shows over the next couple of months. (Matt Bond) 


More young people writing and singing songs about things well beyond their years, or perhaps the real truth is, singing about things that are eternal internal battles, therefore ageless. A little self-loathing has always gone a long way in a musical sense, hell, some people have built entire careers around it and if Cloves keeps performing moody songs like this one. (Jo Michelmore)

#79. DEEP BURN BLUE

by The Paper Kites

But I can't give you what you want

If you don't want it from me, baby.

The Paper Kites. Is there anything they can't do? I can't definitively say for sure all of the things they can or can't do. What I can tell you is they can release two albums in a single year that are both awesome and need to be listened to. How do I know this? Well obviously they released two albums in 2018 that are both awesome - On The Train Ride Home and On The Corner Where You Live. 'Deep Burn Blue' was released as the lead single for the latter album and it will give you all of those feels I've heard so much about. Creating an 80s pop/rock atmosphere with a modern Australian indie edge probably shouldn't work this well, but we can add that to the list of things The Paper Kites can do so very, very well. Just one of many knockout tracks released by one of Australia's most criminally underrated acts, you'd best believe this isn't the last you've seen of The Paper Kites in this countdown. (Matt Bond)

#78. ADORED

by Hatchie

'Cause it's you now I'm thinkin' of

As I fall into the sun.

Singing about not wanting to be adored is kinda funny, considering that songs like this one are going to make people do exactly that. Hatchie (ex-bassist from Babaganouj, which I didn’t need to mention but is really just an excuse for me to say the classic words 'The Nouj'), has a great sense of pop in her sound, with such a feeling of fullness in the instrumentation but a real feeling of lightness in the melody. I adore ‘Adored’ (no, but seriously, it was handed to me, I had to say it, right?) (Jo Michelmore)

Harriette Pilbeam has been a star of Brisbane's music scene for years now, but the young artist is now ready to take on the world as she garners international attention as Hatchie. And deservedly so, because everything we've heard from Hatchie has left us swooning it up. We talk about dreamy music a lot, but that's because dreamy music is the best and there's no other word that fits Hatchie's shimmering electronic pop sounds than dreamy. 'Adored' hasn't been out in the world for long, but it's worked its way into our brains and refuses to budge. With a lyrical depth that makes for a stark contrast against those oh-so-dreamy beats, you'll likely find yourself in the same place and coming back to this one again and again. You might even say you'll adore it and I'm okay with making bad puns because I'm old now, so whatever. More in 2019 please, Ms. Pilbeam. (Matt Bond) 

#77. CAR RIDE

by Alexander Biggs

Like a landslide covered in dirt

Like a car ride into the earth

Like the last light ever to burn

I read an interview with Alexander Biggs in which he introduced himself to the reader as “Alexander Biggs. I write songs and I sing them” and from that moment on I pretty much decided I was a fan because there’s nothing lovelier than the confident simplicity of that. ‘Car Ride’ is a perfect example of that simple perfection; sweet little chords, gentle lyrics and thoughtful beats wrap themselves around your ears like a little hug, waiting to be hugged back. On a side note: do not get song ‘Car Ride’ by Alexander Biggs mixed up with 90s Australian band Taxiride if you google this song. They are not the same thing. (Jo Michelmore) 

Have you ever had one of those nights that starts out quiet, like nothing's going to happen and then you get a call from a friend to go out and the next minute you're in a cab to a party at someone's house that you've never met and it's massive, you know pretty much no one but you have the best time going from that party to a club and with all the dancing and deep conversations that really go nowhere you didn't realise it's already five in the morning and the sun's about to come up so you stumble to the cab line to go home? 'Car Ride' is the song that's playing in the taxi taking you home and you can't help but shake your head a little and smile. Because night's like that are rare and eventually you just stop having them altogether and before you know it those 'best days of your life' seem to get further and further away. But you'll hear a song like 'Car Ride' every now and then, you'll remember all those good times, you'll shake your head a little and you'll smile. Alexander Biggs has a way of putting together music that's both happy and sad, but you wouldn't have it any other way. (Matt Bond)

#76. GOODCRY

by Mark Harding

Fear is always on the horizon out here.

I googled Mark Harding to find the clip for this track and came upon a sermon from another Mark Harding who appears to be a Baptist Preacher somewhere in the US of A. Which interestingly brings me to the track ‘Goodcry’ by this Mark Harding, which interestingly gives me more fulfillment than any church service I’ve ever been to. “Fear is always on the horizon…let a good cry in, let a good cry in” some of the greatest advice one can ever give or receive, which proves that music is more than my religion, it’s simply a way of life. This Mark Harding can lead my church of music any day, because he knows some of my lifetime constant and exact thoughts; “If I die with my headphones in, check the time, check the radio, so you can hear what song was playing…” and I can only hope it’s a song as beautiful as this one. Or something by Taxiride (see number 77). (Jo Michelmore) 

#75. HOROSCOPES

by LANKS

Brushstrokes of mess

Well is that him at his best?

A moment of silence for LANKS' wasted Pad Thai that is now all over the floor. The moment is over, let's talk about 'Horoscopes'. Taken from LANKS' long-awaited debut, twentyseven, 'Horoscopes' has just the right amount of manic genius stamped all over it and features those unique beats that have made LANKS one of AUS music's brightest up and coming stars. And he's showing no signs of slowing down, with the three track Inoue EP released at the end of November. When the music's this good, why would we want LANKS to slow down anyway? (Matt Bond)

#74. FACES

by Holy Holy

If you want I could be

Anyone, anything.

Clap your hands and say Holy Holy, for your favourite rocking duo-turned-five-piece is back with yet another song for you to love. 'Faces' has a sense of urgency that gives the track a rolling momentum right up to a temporary breather of a bridge, then builds right back up again as it thunders through to its conclusion. It's over far too soon, but luckily you can go right back to the start and do it all over again. Holy Holy wraps up a national tour this month and if you miss them, I wouldn't worry too much... hopefully they'll be back on the road ASAP to support album number 2! (Matt Bond)

How good can Holy Holy get? Quite good good apparently, from do’s to bops that introduce us to ‘Faces’ and from every strength to strength, each time they release something you expect it to be good, and better than the last, which it always is. Which makes for an interesting concept, because when will they become a household name in this country like countless others? If every new album is like the manic build of this song, I’m starting to get slightly comfortably nervous; because I know where they’re going but I can’t tell how good they can possibly get. Very very good good it seems. (Jo Michelmore)

#73. SALT EYES

by Middle Kids

Friday night, drink a Cab Sav

At your stupid party, no-one danced.

I love the first verse of this song; “Friday night, drink a cab sav, at your stupid party, no one danced” because it’s so simple and so depressing and so inclusive and so descriptive of so many nights and like a good first page of a book, it makes you desperately listen to the rest to find out what happens, which is lots of Middle Kids riffs and slightly dirty drums and rough guitars which they do so well. (I suspect they do their Friday nights better than they describe, but who can say?) (Jo Michelmore)

#72. I'M GOOD

by Wafia

I was bad, now I'm better

I was sad, now I'm better.

I love it when a little artist you like who your workmates didn’t know existed suddenly starts getting played at your workplace and you’re all like “Oh yeah, they’re great, have you heard their first track?” all smug like even though you had absolutely nothing to do with their meteoric rise to national radio play, but you just know you knew who they were five minutes before someone else. It’s a ridiculous thought process, but then ‘I’m Good’ is a ridiculously good song, so everything works out in the end. (Jo Michelmore)

#71. ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS

by Vera Blue

Girl, don't get

Girl, don't get too close.

Who hurt you, Vera Blue?! No one should be making Vera Blue cry. Or anyone for that matter. Vera Blue has established her brand of indie pop in a huge way, getting all of the love on national radio, so you should already be loving 'All The Pretty Girls'. It's hard to resist when it's super catchy, universally relatable (just change the word girls for whatever gender or non-gender wording you'd like, should you need to) and ready made to be shouted along with whenever it comes on. How high will this one go on the Hottest 100? (Matt Bond)

                   

Top 25 - 2 May, 2016

OKENYO!

1. OKENYO - 10 Feet Tall (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: We've been wanting to hear a whole lot more from OKENYO since we were treated to her booming single 'Just A Story'. That track quickly became one of our favourite songs of 2015 and it looks like OKENYO will feature prominently in our 2016 soundtrack with '10 Feet Tall'. The only fault I can find in it is that it ends. Seriously, I could listen to OKENYO all day. So I'll be repeating this just-over-three minute gem for quite some time. There's a lot to digest in a relatively short time. The story turns from a woman lost ("Every time she wants to see the stars, she's looking but she can't see further") to something far more empowering ("Had enough, can't see it, you blink and you'll miss it, but the thing is, she's not the kind to use her time lost inside"). Badcop's production is top notch, which is no surprise given his recent work alongside Tkay Maidza. And then there's Josh Harris' killer clip that stands with his best work for Gang of Youths. The ladies represented are cooler than cool, strong and unique. Which can definitely be said about '10 Feet Tall' and OKENYO herself. (Matt Bond)  


2. Little Earthquake - Honest





3. The Raffaellas - Control (Had It, Lost It)





4. Garbage - Empty





5. Gallery Circus - Holland On Fire (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: Admittedly, I only started listening to this track because the band’s name was Gallery Circus and something about those two words together intrigued me. I love a good gallery, not so much a circus, but maybe I would love a circus if it was in a gallery. Who can say? What I do love is a good guitar based song and something with a punch of sound, like a drumbeat that hits you in the guts and this song, ‘Holland On Fire’, taken from their soon to be released EP Chi-Town Dogs, certainly achieves all of those things. Identical twin brothers Daniel and Graeme Ross are the ones responsible for the smashing sounds, managing to make themselves sound more like four or five of each other than a simple pair. The backward and forward clip makes me feel a little bit of motion sickness, which is much more interesting than uncomfortable and overall it seems Gallery Circus are more than just intriguing and definitely much more awesome than your average gallery, or circus for that matter. (Jo Michelmore) 


6. Phebe Starr- Feel My Love





7. George Maple ft. GoldLink - Sticks and Horses (NEW)





8. Hayden Calnin - Ultra-Beast (NEW)





9. Gordi - Wanting





10. Winters End - Thoughts (NEW)





11. Alex Watts - Hopeful





12. Youngsmith - Red




13. Client Liaison - World of our Love (NEW)





14. Sara Hartman - Monster Lead Me Home





15. Landings - My Bones





16. The Paper Kites - Renegade (NEW)





17. The Tambourine Girls - Police (NEW)





18. Auguste - Kingdom





19. Sarah Blasko - I Wanna Be Your Man





20. Seavera - Caving





21. Sun Sap - Mexico





22. Emily Wurramara - Ngerraberrakernama (Wake Up)





23. The Temper Trap - Fall Together





24. Juke Jaxon - Memory Man





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

2015 Scene Awards - Album of the Year

Here we are on the last day of the year and with this day comes our final Scene Award and final post for 2015. Over the past couple of weeks we've had some good times, handing out these awards you might remember...


Song of the Year: 'Clip My Wings' by Montaigne
Video of the Year: 'Drive' by Oh Wonder
Best New Artist: WAAX
Australian Artist of the Year: Ella Hooper
EP of the Year: Only When Flooded Could I Let Go by Jack Colwell
Group of the Year: Little May
Man of the Year: Jack Colwell
Woman of the Year: Courtney Barnett


...and today it's time for Album of the Year! Below our the ten albums we listened to and loved the most over the past twelve months. If you've been with us throughout the year, it might not come as a surprise. And speaking of being with us throughout the year, we'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone that's stopped by, read and shared our posts and had a chat to us about the musics. It means a lot. Now, have a read of the below and then go and have yourself an awesome New Year's Eve! We'll see you in 2016.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

#10. Art Angels

by Grimes

What we said: "While it’s likely untrue, there’s always going to be a part of me that believes Grimes created ‘Flesh Without Blood’ as the perfect fuck you to all of her too cool for school “fans” that couldn’t handle the deliciousness of last year’s ‘Go’. *whinge* Grimes sold out *ugly cry* sah mainstream. ‘Go’ was hardly bubblegum, but if it was the cause of some millennials’ sadness then ‘Flesh Without Blood’ must have given them a heart attack. It’s one of the best pop songs of the year, or any year. Sugary sweet vocals and music that will take you back to the glorious days of 90s alt-pop. ‘Flesh Without Blood’ might not be exactly the same as what Grimes has released in the past, but why would you want it to be? YouTube commenters have jumped on board this time around, with a much more positive reception to the lead single from Art Angels. As we all know, the YouTube comments section can make or break an artist and is the go-to place for intelligent discussion about the musics and cats and stuff."

Grimes in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #22 - 'Flesh Without Blood'

 

#9. To Pimp A Butterfly

by Kendrick Lamar

What we said: "'King Kunta' expresses Lamar's views on the stereotypes facing much of the African-American community in America and for the most part, it leaves out the grandstanding and ego-driven verses that have become the new norm. Lamar could be responsible for taking rap back to its roots. I've got no issues with that."

"Kendrick Lamar is one of those hip hop guys they’ll talk about years from now, when he’s old and grey they’ll talk about his glory days at the top of the hip hop pile, he’ll be one of the ones people twenty years from now talk about influencing their sound, he’ll be the one they name a music award after and he’ll probably be one of the ones that gets sampled over and over and over. Which now thinking about it, will be kind of funny, because Kendrick samples things so well, if other people sample him is that a sample sample or just a sample?"

Kendrick Lamar in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #16 - 'King Kunta

#8. Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit

by Courtney Barnett

What we said: "[2015] started with previews for her debut album in 'Pedestrian At Best' and 'Depreston', two tracks so different while both show why their performer has breathed new life into the alternative music scene over the past couple of years. Witty, self-deprecating and insightful lyrics that make all kinds of sense the more you hear them. A spoken/sung vocal style that when moved into 'sung' territory is far more emotional than the dry, nonchalant voice most would expect. There's also the guitar driven music that can make you want to jump around one minute and reflect on everything the next. The debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit would be released in April to critical acclaim, while Barnett found herself on the lineups to major festivals all over the world. Four wins from eight nominations at the ARIA Awards would follow, as well as performances on late night television in America and a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammys. Oh, and Sometimes I Sit... took out the J Award for Album of the Year and deservedly so."

Courtney Barnett in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #9 - 'Pedestrian At Best'

Woman of the Year - Winner

Video of the Year - 4th Place 

 

#7. twelvefour

by The Paper Kites

What we said: "For those that originally fell for The Paper Kites and the beautiful banjo that took us into 'St. Clarity', you'll find more than enough to love about twelvefour, which builds upon the sounds of States as opposed to moving away from them completely. Yes, you'll hear David Powys' banjo throughout and yes, it's still awesome. There's also some bluesy elements that are pulled off very nicely, like the guitar work in the definitively heartbreaking 'Too Late'. "You're always in my head, branding your fire on my lips, but this still won't work no, no, love you have come too late." Stop dragging this heart around, but don't stop dragging this heart around. It's like the relationship that begins in 'Electric Indigo' was doomed from the start and you'll just find yourself back at the start after 'Too Late' finishes anyway, so get ready to experience it all over again. It's all kinds of awesome. And another stellar addition to the discography of one of our favourite Australian acts."

"My love of lyrics is well documented, so it’s pretty much a no brainer that I love the little tale that The Paper Kites tell in this super saccharine sweet little tune. I love the little tale of love and the life and I love the feeling in my guts when front man Sam Bentley sings that line about people dying from the silent cause, but it’s the lump in the back of my throat that really hits it all home, at the “thought that I was different when you looked at me, but this quiet desperation is killing me too” When you put all those words with such a modest little guitar, well, oh my goodness, some songs are just divine aren’t they?"

The Paper Kites in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

twelvefour Album Review

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #55 - 'Electric Indigo'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #90 - 'A Silent Cause' 

 

#6. Every Open Eye

by Chvrches

What we said: "...releasing their second album Every Open Eye in September they earned themselves a place on countless ‘best of 2015’ lists (including our own), they landed themselves impressive spots on charts everywhere (everywhere meaning too many places for me to bother wikiped-ing) and they toured extensively, like all good hard working bands do. Add to those stats the fact that they have themselves a singer with a take no prisoners attitude, who numerous times over has faced a plethora of misogyny, hatred and general offence and has fought every single bit so eloquently along the way on this thing we call the internet, all the while becoming a perfect example of how to remain strong and unaffected in today’s world of social media and the people who insist on using it in negative ways. And the most important part, they are a band that kept me company with those incredible songs, those addictive beats and so many words, “we will take the best parts of ourselves and make them gold”…all those words that kept me sane in a way only music can. They are one very important part of my year of music."

"This is exactly everything I love about Chvrches. It’s everything I love about all the music I love the most, but especially everything I love about Chvrches. You can dance, you can jump, you can call them electronica, you can call them simple pop, you can say they sound like a bazillion others or they sound just like their first album, or even worse than their first, or better, or you can whinge about Lauren Mayberry having an actual opinion because she’s a girl and how dare girls have an opinion, or you can talk about how poor Iain Cook and Martin Doherty don’t get enough attention because Lauren is an attention seeking whore, but if you think any of those things, you can fuck right off actually. Because while the people thinking those things have been busy being annoying, Chvrhces have been busy been writing music that can either make you throw your head back and dance like everyone is watching, or crouch on the floor with tears in your eyes, because words like this “If I ever try to push away, you can just keep me, tell me tell me you’ll keep me….please say you’ll meet me halfway” make me wonder how they manage to turn the very worst of emotions into some of the very best. I’m not sure, but it’s everything I love about them."  

Chvrches in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Group of the Year - 4th Place

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #11 - 'Leave A Trace'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #22 - 'Clearest Blue'

#5. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

by Florence + The Machine

What we said: "...it feels like she has been around forever, making music since the beginning of time. Now thinking about that, her music kind of has that timeless feel to it, all the drama and all the giant notes and dramatic highs and lows, whether they be celebrating a wonderful moment or wallowing in moments of despair, this is a band that can take all the emotions and make them magnificent. If my life were a made for TV movie, I’d hope Florence appeared in the score somewhere, because wherever she was, good or bad, what a moment it would be."

"With the release of the LP How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful we found Ms Welch reflecting on some pretty crappy times. Nothing new from one of the UK's biggest music exports. But their was more of a light at the end of the tunnel this time around. It wasn't all dramatic imagery of death, war and the notion that life was slowly dragging our leading lady down. Nope, this time you could actually believe that things were looking up, with the album ending in the most positive fashion yet for Florence + The Machine. For the most part, gone too was the supposedly overbearing (to some, not I) orchestration of Ceremonials. With a more grounded sound, the music became far more relatable and you only have to listen to 'Ship To Wreck' to understand why. A more classic British rock sound with one of the most powerful voices in the world. How you could not love this, I'll never understand."

Florence + The Machine in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #13 - 'What Kind of Man'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #37 - 'Queen of Peace'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #79 - 'Ship To Wreck' 

#4. Dream Team

by The Grates 

What we said: "Released in the very last week of November in 2014 (thus qualifying for our 2015 lists) as the fourth studio album from Brisbane's most rocking and rolling hospitality proprietors, Dream Team was everything we love so much about sunshine state rock. It's got that DIY garage sound that's devoid of unnecessary bells and whistles, lyrics that range from witty to profound in the space of seconds and it runs through a range of emotions that will feel like a slap in the face, a punch in the gut, a stab in the heart and then it'll do the opposite. From the party starting 'Holiday Home' to the knockout, 60s-inspired ballad 'What's Wrong With You' and the so-Brisbane-it-hurts '7-Eleven' there's way too much to love here. It's the reality check that is 'It Won't Hurt Anymore' and the regret soaked 'Back To Back' that elevate Dream Team into 'something special' territory and will keep you coming back for more."

"The Grates have been sounding like The Grates since forever, which is good really, considering things would be a bit weird if they started sounding like Katy Perry in the middle of things, although I wouldn’t complain about that either. ‘Holiday Home’ is perfectly Grates; quickfire, bass heavy, Patience sounding all manic even when she’s not being manic at all with a clip so perfectly VHS it hurts. Go google VHS kids. It doesn’t stand for anything you want to snapchat. Maybe it does. I can’t keep up with the kids these days."

The Grates in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Group of the Year - 3rd Place

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #12 - 'It Won't Hurt Anymore'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #87 - 'Holiday Home'

#3. Eternal Return

by Sarah Blasko

What we said: "At this point, a new album from Sarah Blasko is like catching up with that friend you just don't get to see as much as you'd like. The visits might be few and far between, once every couple of years or so, but you know you're going to have the best time while they're around. And you're going to have memories of the experiences you've shared forever. Yep, five studio albums in and Sarah Blasko is pretty much your musical BFF (at least she should be, get on board already why don't 'cha?). Widely regarded as one of the most intriguing and emotionally engaging artists in the world, Blasko shows there's still so many sides of her we've yet to see on Eternal Return. Those that she reveals throughout this ten track collection could prove to be her most endearing yet as she steps away from the cinematic orchestrations of I Awake and into dreamy, synth-heavy soundscapes. You'll want to dance. You'll sigh those sighs that can only come with the words of one of Australia's finest songwriters, who's approaching her music from a place far more content with life than what has come before. And you might even find your heart broken and put back together several times on a song or two."

"So, if I was a fortune teller and you’d given me a crystal ball 18 months ago and asked me to tell you what Sarah Blasko would be doing in 2015, I’d have made up some elaborate story about orchestral arrangements, haircuts, something fabulous and a someone starting with a random letter of the alphabet. That’s about how much I believe in fortune telling and crystal balls, but I would have been right about one thing and that’s the fabulous part, because with the release of her fifth album Eternal Return she hit fabulous right on the mark; an enchanting pop delight, not at all what I would have expected from Ms Blasko, but a masterpiece nonetheless. The new wave type synths and falsetto vocals make ‘I’d Be Lost’ anything but lost, it’s a piece of electro-retro inspired greatness and her album was just as great. I might not be a fortune teller but I can tell you that Blasko keeps getting better and better with every album, so who can even imagine how good her next one is going to be?"

Sarah Blasko in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Eternal Return Album Review

Woman of the Year - 3rd Place

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #18 - 'I'd Be Lost'

Runner-Up: The Positions

by Gang of Youths 

What we said: "When a four piece band from Sydney appeared in my world early this year, everything about them impressed me and everything about them affected me; the controlled mania of the drums, the tidy chords of dirty guitars and the voice of a man who surely must have been put on this earth purely to sing. The words he sings prove different, but that emotional rock voice, oh sweet merciful Jesus, or something like that. Their sound, as gloriously uplifting as it is gloomy and depressing and their storytelling skills are what makes this band magical, because the difficulty and desperate balance of the good with the bad is exactly everything that everything is. Sometimes musicians write songs to be hits, sometimes musicians write songs to pay the rent, sometimes musicians write songs to fill the space and sometimes some musicians write songs because they have to, because they simply must. The Positions is an album written for necessity, listened to for the desperate need of company and heard by the heart."

"It's the sound of a stadium rock band in the making, and, with any luck Australia's next great musical export. It's easy to get distracted from all that previously mentioned joy when it comes to the music of 'Magnolia', but like all of the Gang of Youths' tracks, it's deeper than you'd expect and you'll ask questions about the narrator's status as an alcoholic, but the music keeps things above board on the emotional spectrum."

Gang of Youths in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

Group of the Year - Runner-Up

Video of the Year - Runner-Up

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #9 - 'Magnolia' 

WINNER: For The Company

by Little May

What we said: "There's a lot of talk about the sad songs Little May come up with, even from Hamilton, Field and Drummond themselves. The great thing about sad songs is they generally come from a place that a listener will have some form of shared experience. And there's nothing to make you feel a little bit better than not feeling so alone, right? Right. As you grow up just a little bit, you can appreciate the sad songs on a different level. It's not just feeling that they're sad, it's understanding why. And that really is awesome. And so are Little May. For music coming from a "sad" place, it sure does make us happy. Sure it's only October, but it really doesn't get better than this. Album of the Year? It'll be hard to convince me of any less."

"While Little May are starting to fall into the ‘loved by millions’ category, the theme about everything we write is the same; astounding voices, brilliant musicians writing incredible tales in intense ways about situations that one of us has been in, or one of us relates to, or one of us understands, or both of us just really want a dance to."

"It's that album, For The Company, that only further establishes the trio as the most thrilling and devastatingly heartbreaking songwriters and performers in the country. And if they're the best Australia has to offer in the music making department, they're the best in the world too."

Little May in 2015 on It's My Kind of Scene:

For The Company Album Review

Group of the Year - Winner

Australian Artist of the Year - Runner-Up

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #6 and #7 - 'Seven Hours' and 'Home'

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #56 - 'Sinks'

2014 Winner:

The Golden Echo by Kimbra

Runner-Up: I Never Learn by Lykke Li

2013 Winner:

The Electric Lady by Janelle Monae

Runner-Up: Mosquito by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2012 Winner:

Theatre Is Evil by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

Runner-Up: Blunderbuss by Jack White

2011 Winner:

Seeker Lover Keeper by Seeker Lover Keeper

Runner-Up: Vows by Kimbra

2010 Winner:

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

 

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #60 - 51

Ayla, Machine Age, Passerine + Stonefox!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60. STONE COLD

by The Kite String Tangle ft. Tiana Khasi

And something has changed for me

I need you to know that I'm sorry.

When I first heard the vocal duel between Tiana Khasi and Danny Harley, who is TKST, I was all like yay and whoa, so nice, the understated power of these two is phenomenal and that line at the beginning about how “I realised now that I was stone cold and you had a heart of gold” is so, so good. Then I saw the clip and I’m going to be honest, I was all like WTF? But I do that a lot, so that’s no surprise. What else is no surprise are the beautiful harmonies and quick fire beats that hold this one together, because they are something TKST is an expert at. (Jo Michelmore)

#59. ARROW

by Stonefox

I'll be there, the light of the sun

Always falling in love.

Dreamy, chilled out pop at it's very best, 'Arrow' was the perfect song in 2015 if you needed to maintain a sense of calm. I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a reminder to calm my farm and 'Arrow' became a go to song quite a few times this year. The minimal production, primarily build on simple beats, guitar and the tranquil voices of Tim Carroll, Jenna Russo and Monica Spasaro will leave you shaking your head (in a cool and calm manner) in disbelief at just how good Stonefox are when they're only just kicking off their career. We try to not make comparisons and fail miserably at it, but I don't think there's anything wrong in saying that Stonefox could be Australia's answer to The xx. (Matt Bond) 

#58. IN THE FOG, IN THE FLAME

by Bec Sandridge

Because I feel the little stains

In my heart, in my hands.

Bec Sandridge has one of those voices that make you question time and space and re-incarnation and all that shit, because you gotta wonder if she was alive another time as well, that voice is something that could sit in some impressive punk from the 70s, or some new wave from the 80s or some grunge from the 90s or something from somewhere else anyway. What I’m saying is, this part pop, part synths, part guitars, part whatever else is going on is totally now, but that voice is totally so many other things I’m not sure how she holds it all together but she does it really well. I don’t know if I’m getting philosophical or I just like music so let’s just stick with the music bit. Ms Sandridge is really good. (Jo Michelmore)


Bec Sandridge was like an artist reborn and reinvigorated upon the release of 'In The Fog, In The Flame'. Don't get me wrong, I've loved her past releases, but this is the sound of an artist that is finding her place in the music landscape. And it's a place from where you'd rather be. There's just the right amount of restraint in the vocals that draws you right in, leaving you hanging on each and every word. Little nods in the music to days gone by will leave you with a sense of nostalgia and a big smile on your face. You'll also get that feeling that starts in your toes and works its way up your body, leaving you with little choice but to shake it out. For someone that describes her music as 'Spaghetti Disco Pop', I don't think Bec Sandridge will mind. Why would she? She's the one inviting you to the party. You won't want to miss it. (Matt Bond)

#57. CHIVALRY

by Machine Age

You left your heart in the bed of a foreign lover

Oh and I had woken from the longest sleep.

Do you suffer from a bad case of the ice-cold heart? You dooo? I have just the song that you need to melt that away. It's tailor-made to wear down those built in resistances owing to years of bitter disappointments. 'Chivarly' is the name of the track, Machine Age the artist. The project of Cairns' Adrian Mauro (now Brisbane based), Machine Age's takes experimental rock, throws in some highly romantic lyrics and makes you believe in life after love in ways that Cher only wishes she could. I don't know a great deal about Machine Age, but I was lucky enough to see him at BIGSOUND Live in September. 'Chivalry' was a highlight of not only his set, but the entire festival. Which makes it only too easy to put Machine Age into the 'Artist To Watch Very Closely In 2016' category. (Matt Bond) 


When I first heard the name Machine Age, I expected to be listening to some kind of industrial style metal, something with lots of offensive guitars and no particular rhythm and something that kind of hurts my ears but in the right setting is also kind of awesome. When I first heard ‘Chivalry’ what I got was this fabulously weird mix of folk and electronic beats, something with nothing offensive at all and so much rhythm and something that sat itself comfortably in my ears, nothing that hurt at all. The point here is that while I don’t mind industrial metal every now and then, I think I like Machine Age better. (Jo Michelmore)

#56. SINKS

by Little May

Instead I feel the weight of your stone blooded heart

See how it sinks.

Anyone who has read more than one or two of our words this year is going to already have guessed that Little May were going to make an appearance soon enough. Hell, anyone who has stood still next to me long enough this year is going to know that, because if I haven’t been humming along to a number of songs from their incredible debut album For The Company, then I would have been chatting about them in some way or another. Take a listen to ‘Sinks’ and it’s easy to see why. The harmonies are unparalleled, the unassuming chords and subtle beats draw you close and make you listen, like Liz Drummond is singing about you and only you. It is truly gorgeous, which is something their entire album was and I should stop writing now because I’m going to run out of complimentary words to say when they re-appear later on. Oops, spoiler alert! Hello, there are another fifty-five songs to go. Of course we’re going to see them again. Until next time. (Jo Michelmore)

It was only a matter of time before our favourite trio in all of the land/s made an appearance and their first in our 2015 end of year festivities is with the stunning 'Sinks'. The eighth track on Little May's debut album, For The Company, 'Sinks' lives up to its title with music that actually sounds like how it would feel to slowly drop to the bottom of the ocean. How do you even do that? Is this some kind of sorcery? Whatever it is, I'm all for it. Liz Drummond takes the vocal lead for the majority of this one, with Hannah Field making her presence felt when the track shifts gears for the bridge. Those magical Little May harmonies make an appearance, with Drummond, Field and Annie Hamilton coming together in various combos throughout. We've never been able to get enough of those harmonies. I don't see that changing anytime soon. Lyrically, you're in for a bit of a good 'ole heartbreak. But if you weren't expecting that you must be new to the Little May experience. Welcome. You're going to love all that's to come. And we'll be seeing more from these three talented performers sooner or later in this here countdown. (Matt Bond)

#55. ELECTRIC INDIGO

by The Paper Kites

Cause time is just a remedy

Covered in disguise.

It's the oldest story in the book. Wannabe writer that needs a haircut is too afraid to tell the pretty girl that's too good for him that he loves her. He shows up at a gig and she's all like, "what are you even doing here? Do you even like the musics?" And he's all like, "whatever, it's people that I hate." And then a bouncer shows up and is like, "get out, m8 or I'll bash ya." A lot of stuff happens after this and it ends with the guy unrealistically getting the girl. But yeah, oldest story in the book and The Paper Kites decided to bring that story to life in the video for 'Electric Indigo'. Which is a beauty of a track, so don't let my description of the video put you off. Lyrically, the track is one of my favourites of the year. The words under the video above are just so perfect, you wonder how no one has found them before. The Paper Kites show no signs of discontinuing their ability to astound and amaze. (Matt Bond) 


If I was that guy in the clip to ‘Electric Indigo’, I’d probably be annoyed that someone said to me, “you don’t even like music” and I’d probably leave the venue too if the regime of “dance or go” was upheld so strictly at said venue. But instead of getting out the doors, then regretting my decision and making a desperate attempt to get back in, I’d probably go home and sit alone on my couch with a cup of tea and be generally depressed about all the times I chose personal freedom over dance. What’s wrong with me? Nothing is wrong when I hear the sweet sounds of The Paper Kites, who always seem to have a way with words and instruments that make everything seem so dreamlike. The swing of ‘Electric Indigo’ is ethereal and almost fragile and certainly makes one wish their life was more like a film clip than words on a laptop. Except for that guy's hair. That can stay in music clip world, thanks. (Jo Michelmore) 

#54. GIMME GIMME

by Holly Who

Well I've been trying to fight the feeling that you're everything I needed and more

Cause once you came along here I was scared I would never ever close that door.

Yes yes and yes. You want me to say more? Um, yes again. They are the words that just keep being said over and over again in my mind when the name Holly Who. They are soul, they are rock, they are blues, they are pop and they are all round fabulous. And yes. Yes like Aretha doing ‘Respect’ in a sequined dress sometime in the 70s. Yes like that 90s power suit of Madonna’s in ‘Express Yourself’. Yes like the giant shoes of The Vengaboys. Yes like wrinkly old Keith Richards pickled rock face. Yes like Adele’s actual cockney accent. All of those yes’s and so many more. Holly Who. Yes. (Jo Michelmore)


A good time is guaranteed if Holly Who are involved. The Newcastle-based collective, led by sisters Holly and Jessica Clayton, know how to get the party started with the very best in throwback rock and roll. 'Gimme Gimme' isn't just a step back in time though. The Clayton's keep it fresh in the vocal department with soulful vocals that pack a modern punch. The band deliver funk-infused guitar lines against percussion that will make dancing an unavoidable prospect. Why fight the inevitable, right? There's something about hearing a song that automatically puts a big smile on your face that... well, it just puts a big smile on your face. And there's nothing wrong with a song that aims to bring a bit of joy into the world. Nothing at all. Holly Who love what they do and we love them for it. Here's to hearing more of this goodness in 2016. (Matt Bond)

#53. WAITING

by Ayla

Now I'm waiting all alone

Waiting for the one

I wish he'd come.

One of Australia's most intriguing emerging artists, Ayla made a huge impact in 2015 with tracks that would make up debut EP, When the World Ends. 'Waiting' found itself the EP's lead single, finding itself on high rotation on triple J and winning hearts the world over. It was the perfect follow up to 2014's breakthrough single 'Wish I Was' and as classy as it is catchy. 'Waiting' will lodge itself in your head, it'll get those feet tapping along with the percussion and it will leave you wanting to hear more from this Sunshine Coast talent. We got to hear it live at BIGSOUND and the response from the crowd was epic. If you get a chance to see Ayla live soon, don't even think twice about it. Go. Go now. Finish reading the rest of this first. Then go. (Matt Bond)


I’m admittedly getting a little tired now, but I’m halfway through a list of more than a hundred songs, so excuse my minor word exhaustion right now. The thing is, I read a comment on the youtubes about this clip and I liked it because it was such a sideways compliment which is something I’d put my foot in my mouth and say anyway. It said something about Ayla sounding like a mixture of Florence and Lorde, but she still has her own sound as well. You can go and find it if you want the exact words, but the point is, that’s exactly what Ayla sounds like; the power of Florence, the slight accent of Lorde, the haunting sounds build throughout but it's all the soul of Ayla and all of those things are stunning. (Jo Michelmore)

#52. ROUTINE

by Hey Lady!

If I stand here

Will I ever leave this town?

Have I ever told the story of Matt and I receiving an email titled “Hey Lady!” and me hoping it was merely a new way for a PR company to get our attention via the hundreds of emails we get every week? Alas, it wasn’t a PR stunt, but now that I know them, I'm kind of glad it wasn't. It was the name of a band that, although I have heard very little of, yet, have become one of my favourites. The rock is undeniable, the blues are unimaginably good, those crunchy guitars are absolutely everything and the drums are all consuming. This is the kind of rock I could listen to forever. While Matt and I have spent fair chunk of time over the last couple of years lamenting the loss of some of our fave girl rockers, bands like Hey Lady are keeping our hopes up for the future of incredible, filthy, awesome rock. (Jo Michelmore)  

Jess Moxey and Stef Threadgate, we are not worthy. You spoil us with your rocking greatness. You make us want to get dressed up all in black, find the nearest dive bar, consume all of the beverages and dance on tables. We should be worshiping at a totally not creepy alter with little pictures of you and candles and lace cloths that I hope don't catch fire from the candles. But if they do burn the place down, let 'Routine' play as the fire rages. The blazing guitars will be the perfect accompaniment. Newcastle's finest two-piece continues to deliver the goods. Hey Lady!, we are indeed not worthy. (Matt Bond) 

#51. SET ME ALIGHT

by Passerine

Couldn't feel what I wanted to feel

Could you sense it?

We have a lot of time for Passerine. All the time in the world. Their tunes have been consistently jump around and dance it out worthy, they pull off Fleetwood Mac covers and go out of their way to bring a bit of fun into their performances. There's a lot to like about the Melbourne trio. We've come to expect disco-inspired electronic jams from them over the past couple of years and they work wonders with that sound, but then 'Set Me Alight' came out and changed up everything we thought we knew about Passerine. It had a darker edge and a greater sense of mystery. Like the best 90s electronic releases, there's something a little dangerous lurking beneath the surface. But you wouldn't have it any other way and you're going to dance to it anyway. As I said, I love Passerine's sound and all of their releases to date. But there's something about 'Set Me Alight' that has kept me coming back for more and more since it came out early in the year. One listen and you'll have it on repeat too. (Matt Bond)


Passerine have already made an appearance on this little countdown way back in the 100s, featuring with Dolo Jones, but that thing I said earlier about people making an appearance twice in our (relatively) short list of songs meaning we like them lots? Well, here we go again, we like Passerine lots. And lots. Why? Because Pheobe, Alex and Ben manage to create such tight beats, the ever transcendent synths taking their listeners through pop to disco to house to dance to electro to pop again and the speedy beats and feeling of controlled mania on ‘Set Me Alight’ is a little too addictive to tear oneself away from. They are world class sounds from a trio destined for greatness. What am I talking about? They’re already great, it’s just a matter more and more people knowing how great they are. (Jo Michelmore)

Can you believe we've gotten through 65 songs already? Well, we can't... but look at us go! Get excited because it's Top 50 time from tomorrow. See you then!