Top 116 Songs of 2016, #80 - 71

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80. INDIGO CLUB

by The Montreals





I don't want you to see what I've done...

'Lo-Fi' grabbed our attention, but it was 'Indigo Club' that really made us stop and take notice of The Montreals. Representing (r)Adelaide in the indie music stakes I just made up in my mind, The Montreals do the city of churches proud with huge hooks and summery rock vibes. I don't know much else about Adelaide except the 'rad' and churches thing, but I want to know a lot more about The Montreals. (Matt Bond)  

#79. SELF TALK

by Olympia





In the night, you drive, taking in, it all
When you talk, to her, lonely hearts, will call. 

I was alive in the 80s, but I don't really remember any of them. If the 80s were my time, I would have been all shoulder pads and bigger than you hair and pink stilettos and electric blue drinks and I would have had some kind of glamorous job and a sports car with a mobile phone as big as a house and I would have listened to synth laden pop songs like 'Self Talk' while living my fast life and people would have thought I was so fabulous and so successful, but after it was all done they'd hear the words of the songs I was listening to and suddenly it would all make sense. "There's just self talk...when all you want is love". It's not the 80s, but Olympia makes the visit there an awesome experience. (Jo Michelmore) 

Olympia put on one of our favourite sets at BIGSOUND and 'Self Talk' was one of the live highlights. Which makes sense, it's one of the highlights on the debut album of the same name. The music is infectious (in a good way, not an itchy bits way), easily winning 'automatic replay' status for its 80s charms and Olympia's equally detached and inviting vocal quality. I don't know exactly what it is about the lyrics that makes me curious about the way Olympia's Olivia Bartley sees the world, but I'd be fascinated to see things the way she does. When your writing's this good, you're seeing things the rest of us might be missing. Luckily for us, we get the benefits of listening to music of this quality. (Matt Bond)    

#78. BEFORE, I AM

by The Belligerents





Take my hand and pull my heart
Don't be mad, I'm all you've got

2016 was like a coming out party for The Belligerents. Yes, just like debutantes of days gone by or teen dramas of today, The Belligerents stepped out into the world as the band they were meant to become. They've gone from Brisbane rockers to a band that can step onto any stage in the world and kill it. Which is hopefully what the near future's going to bring them; more stages to play on in more parts of the world. Because the music they released this year is ridiculously good. 'Before, I Am' is an exotic riot that will leave you tapping, humming and singing along until you find yourself wanting to jump around and scream along to your new favourite song. It must be time for a full album from these guys. (Matt Bond) 


To be belligerent, one would probably need to be fairly hostile and almost aggressive, so the name of this band has always amused me, because their brand of rock isn't anywhere near offensive, but it is good. I'll be honest and say I'm not even sure what all the lyrics really are, because I'm so caught up in the manic guitars and the quick drumbeat that I've got no time to be worried about belligerence. I have got time for some head nods though, of which there are a lot required in this track. Before I am belligerent, I am a big fan. (Jo Michelmore) 

#77. SWEET RELIEF

by Kimbra





You know I want skin to skin
So gimme that sweet relief.

Matt messaged me one afternoon this year with the news Kimbra had dropped a surprise track and a message saying something along the lines of "WTF?" because Kimbra was pretty much the last person we were expecting a track from that day. Any day really. Therefore, it turned into a good afternoon with the sound of 'Sweet Relief' as a constant reminder of who Kimra was, who she is and all the places she has to go. We'll always have a sweet spot for Kimbra and this track was such a nice way to remind us not to forget her talent while she prepares us for all the awesome to come. (Jo Michelmore)

Kimbra is ready to make it a night, to remember, from January, to December. I can't be the only one getting those vibes from 'Sweet Relief', right? Maybe not in the words of a Bryan Adams song, but you're definitely getting what Kimbra's getting at here. She wants to talk about all the good things and the bad things life can bring, she wants to talk about... getting that sweet relief. Released as something to satisfy any hunger for new material as she heads into the studio once more, 'Sweet Relief' was an unexpected Kimbra release that was greatly appreciated all the same. It's a musical fit for the brilliant era that was The Golden Echo and will likely bridge the gap to however Kimbra reinvents herself for her next album. You already know it's going to be brilliant. You already know it's going to give us all that sweet relief. (Matt Bond)  

#76. GET MY BANG

by Wild Beasts





No getting it right, no getting wrong
Just getting it on.

When I first wrote about this song earlier in the year, I said something about it not being something I expected from a band I never really knew what to expect from, which meant it really should have been something I expected from them, if you see what I mean. What I didn't know was that six or so months later I continue to find things in this track that surprise me, like the odd back and forth vocal in the chorus, which I still love each time I listen and the sudden end, which shouldn't really be a sudden end, considering I know when the song ends. Also, there is a lyric about eating cake, which means no surprise, I'm a fan. (Jo Michelmore)
 

#75. 1993 (NO CHILL)

by Paces ft. Jess Kent





There's always calm in the storm
Time is now, yeah, the time has come.

What were you doing in 1993? I was in grade 1. Life was pretty good... Power Rangers was a thing, I was loving 4 Non Blonde's 'What's Up' something sick. I'd like to think I was pretty chill, but the reality of that is probably something very different. I'd like to think I'm pretty chill now, but the reality of that is also probably something very different. IS THAT OKAY WITH YOU?! Sorry... sorry. Two artists that are the definition of chilled are Paces and Jess Kent. So even when they're putting out a song together about 1993 and having no chill, they're still the most chilled combo you're going to come across. 2016 was a breakout year for both artists, who've created a healthy amount of buzz around them over the past 12 months. I hope they carry that into 2017 and move onto even bigger and better things. (Matt Bond)  


Oh my gawd I love the chorus in this song. Like when I say love, I'm talking mad crazy repeat that bit again type love. And it's my favourite kind of chorus, because the words and the musics are so polar opposite they work perfectly together. The bouncy beats make every minute feel like summer on a beach but the words "no chill no chill" are hilarious, because chilled is exactly what these three minutes are all about. (Jo Michelmore) 

#74. JUNGLE

by Tash Sultana





Welcome to the jungle
Are you gonna dance with me? 

Right, well apparently Tash Sultana is 21. Maybe she's 22 by now, I'm not sure. Either way, early 20s? Are you actually serious Tash? How can it be possible you're this talented at such a young age? It's like those memes about "all my friends out getting married and I'm just over here (insert verb here). And that's exactly what I'm doing. Sitting in front of my laptop writing words while Tash Sultana is out there somewhere being amazing and writing songs about jungles. It's not all hopeless though. At least I've been listening to incredible songs this good all year.  (Jo Michelmore) 

I didn't know much about Tash Sultana until I saw Facebook blowing up about Jetstar losing some of her equipment/instruments while she was heading off on an overseas tour. Loving nothing more than people having a go at Jetstar, I read through my fair share of articles and got the impression that Tash Sultana was pretty rad. And then I heard this song 'Jungle' on the j's and was like, "who be this?" "This be Tash Sultana," said Shazam. Her radness confirmed, I got myself a copy of the Notion EP and I've been loving her music ever since. 'Jungle' is the track I keep coming back to. The level of musicianship is incredible, Sultana's performance riveting. I missed my chance to see her at BIGSOUND this year, but I won't make that mistake the next time she comes to Brisbane. I'll pay for some Virgin tickets myself to make sure she has a comfortable journey. (Matt Bond) 

#73. LET'S GO OUT

by Alex Lahey





Let's go out and have fun tonight
Let's go out and get drunk tonight.

Yes. Let us all go out and have fun tonight and get drunk tonight and I'm really not going to do that because I totally love bed and sleep. Something else I totally loved in 2016 is the music of Alex Lahey, she of the quirky/classic lyrics and shout-a-long choruses. I love her dry delivery that's neither apathetic or enthusiastic. And I love that there's nothing even remotely pretentious about her music. Through songs like 'Let's Go Out', Alex Lahey comes across as a totally normal person, just like you or me. She's totally that friend that you'll go out on the town for, even though you value those precious bed/sleep times. And this isn't even our favourite Lahey track of 2016. We'll get to that later. Much, much later. (Matt Bond)


This super bouncy number needs no words, the energy kind of speaks for itself, but I can't quite figure out when Alex Lahey started stalking me so she could represent my entire life in her clip for 'Let's Go Out'. She has my slippers, she knows my bank balance, she ignores text messages, she burns unhealthy snacks and she keeps money under her furniture. The only bit she got wrong was the running out the door. Find fifty bucks? I'm getting Uber Eats and staying in. (Jo Michelmore)

#72. GIVE ME SOMETHING TO LOVE

by Kid Runner





There is no box to put me in
You can't close me up, no not again.

So in that award winning film that I'm going to write, direct and and play the lead in, there is going to be an amazing scene at the end where I have defeated all the villains and a smouldering dusty city awaits behind me while I embrace the long lost love of my life. 'Give Me Something To Love' will be playing because it's a song made for glory and the camera will pan back on an orange sunset and everyone will smile and cry because love is  exactly what my character has been fighting for during the whole film, while also combating evil villains attempting to take over the world, of course. We're going to win an Oscar, baby. Ok, we may not, but Kid Runner will, definitely. Oh my gosh, regardless of how ridiculous my imagination is, I really love it if that last bit happens. But for real. (Jo Michelmore) 

#71. TIME

by Sarah Belkner 





Time is what you make of it
Time has let you down.

Sarah Belkner kept herself busy this year. She spent some of the year supporting Sarah Blasko and the rest of it supporting Olympia. And when I say supporting, I believe she pulled double duty for a lot of these shows as an opening act as well as playing in Blasko/Olympia's bands. She backed up Elk Road for Like A Version last month too, no biggie. On top of all that, Belkner has managed to put out the best music of her career and that's exactly what 'Time' is. 'Time' has a maturity, depth and level of class that will leave you in awe. Backing up Belkner on the track is a who's who of local legends, with Brendan Maclean, Ngaiire, Elana Stone and Billie McCarthy featured. But it's Belkner that stars on 'Time' and it will hopefully be Belkner starring in her own headline tours going forward. Hers is a rare talent to be celebrated. (Matt Bond)  

Top 25 - 29 May, 2016

Bec Sandridge, Garbage, Ngaiire + Wild Beasts!

1. Ngaiire - House On A Rock (NEW)





2. Gang of Youths - Strange Diseases





3. Bec Sandridge - You're A Fucking Joke (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: This right here is awesome. Actually, this right here is fucking awesome! Which shouldn't come as any surprise, given that it's a new track from Bec Sandridge... an artist who gets better and better with each new release. 'You're A Fucking Joke' is the anthem we needed, the anthem we deserve and the track that's going to be running through all of our minds when thinking about, talking to or even just looking at those that we know are absolute fucking jokes. I've had this song in my life for less than a week and already it's there in my head, waiting to be unleashed at a moment's notice. It starts with those keys, the driving beat of the percussion and what I'm pretty sure is a glockenspiel (because everything is better with a fucking glockenspiel, ok?!) before Sandridge starts telling us not to "let the fucker in" and you're thinking, "yeah, fuck that guy." And it builds spectacularly to what I'm thinking is my favourite segment in any song so far this year, when Bec finally unleashes on the fucking joke in question in her life. I know I've been taking advantage of the f-word quite a bit through this and that's all fun and games, but in all seriousness this song is ridiculously good, the race to the finish line is all kinds of amazing and there seems to be no stopping Bec Sandridge right now. Am I joking about that? No fucking chance. (Matt Bond)   


4. Miami - Happier





5. SS Sebastian - Nightmare of 1984





6. Wild Beasts - Get My Bang (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: Coming from a band whose song titles include ‘Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants’, ‘Woebegone Wanderers’ and my personal fave, ‘Hooting And Howling’; I admittedly didn’t expect a song titled ‘Get My Bang’, but I guess that kind of describes my relationship with Wild Beasts and my history with their music perfectly. With every song, with every album, just when I think I get it, along comes a hidden chord, a note I hadn’t heard before, a word I hadn’t noticed and bam, the discovery of them begins all over again, each discovery uncovering something new that I adore a little more. And so describes my thoughts on their latest offering, taken from what will be their fifth album Boy King, its subtly energetic feel is exactly what I like about Wild Beasts and its stupidly sleazy sense is exactly what I didn’t expect…which is exactly what I expected, if you see what I mean. (Jo Michelmore)


7. Tired Lion - Not My Friends





8. Cub Sport - Come On Mess Me Up





9. Jessie Frye - Big Bad Wolf (NEW)





10. Garbage - Even Though Our Love Is Doomed (NEW)





11. Luke Black - Demons





12. Tanzer - Johnny (NEW)





13. ELKI - Sirens (NEW)





14. Radiohead - Burn The Witch





15. Martin Solveig ft. Tkay Maidza - Do It Right





16. Sunday - Waiting For You (NEW)





17. Abbe May - Are We Flirting?





18. The Ruiins - It Is You





19. Alexander Biggs - Out of the Dark





20. Band of Horses - Casual Party (NEW)





21. Ball Park Music - Pariah





22. Little Earthquake - Honest





23. BANFF x Caitlin Park - My Love, My Lover





24. OKENYO - 10 Feet Tall





25. REIKA - Silhouettes

2014 Scene Awards - Album of the Year

And here we have it... our final Scene Award of the Year. Oh and it's our final post for the year as well. So we're going to wish you a most excellent New Year's Eve and an even more excellent 2015.  If you've been hanging around here in 2014, thanks for reading and we'll see you real soon.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

#20. Sheezus

by Lily Allen

What we said: "Did Lily Allen fall off the Lily Allen bandwagon this year? Some say yes, some say no, I say who fookin' cares (say that with a west London accent and sorry, bit of Lily inspiration there) ‘cause she’s still releasing good pop and that’s what she’s always done. So what if she was accused of sounding like M.I.A? M.I.A is awesome and so was that song ('Air Balloon'); there are a lot worse people to be compared to. It’s four minutes of pop perfection and was co-written with someone who has written for ol’ Swifty and P!nk, so what were people expecting? Nothing too earth shattering, one would hope."

#19. Angus and Julia Stone

by Angus and Julia Stone

What we said: "It's fitting that the Stones went the self-titled route with studio album number three. Angus and Julia Stone sees the brother-sister duo collaborating as co-writers for the first time, making these songs a true representation of what Angus AND Julia Stone can deliver together as music makers. What they can deliver is pretty much awesome as, for the most part, they're proving that old saying that's like, alone they are pretty great, but together they're totally awesome. Which might have been an old X-Men tagline (better worded of course), but let's go with it. Angus and Julia Stone is our first truly cohesive collection of tracks from the pair and combined with Rubin's (the guy that worked with Sir Mix-A-Lot) production skills, the family Stone have never sounded better. For my beautiful friends that have mislabeled the wonderful music these two make as 'Aussie bore-folk' (you loveable jerks), I hope you'll be reconsidering your stance after giving this one a go."

Full review

#18. Sonic Highways

by Foo Fighters

What we said: "My love for Dave Grohl is no secret, on this here blog and in the real world. It’s as strong as my love for Jack White (oh Jack, oh sigh) and dare I say it, possibly even stronger. That’s probably because of Dave’s lack of ‘wanker’ factor. I mean, seriously, he took his band around America to record in classic studios all over the country (this one ['Something From Nothing'] recorded in Steve Albini’s studio in Chicago) but he did all of this because of his passion for music, without a sense of "look at me I'm so cool", just a sense of wonder and awe. Of course, there’s more to the Foo Fighters than just Dave and it’s the other members who also deserve a round of applause (those playing at home please join in now) for their unbelievable skills on ‘Something From Nothing’, with its guitar worship and various feelings of rock. So much rock. The Foo Fighters? They can do no wrong in my eyes so add this to the list of things I love about them. It’s a long, long list."

#17. Puddinghead

by Ball Park Music

What we said: "The band doesn't shy away from showing off some new sides. I'm not saying they've changed like Gwen Stefani changed by going solo, but take a track like 'Trippin' The Light Fantastic'. It has all the ingredients needed to have reviewers calling Ball Park Music the heir to Powderfinger's vacated throne. And if you don't stop yourself to question whether Cromack is actually 'ole Bernard once or twice, more power to you, but there's a distinct Fanning-esque Aussie howl in the vocals on one of the brightest moments on Puddinghead. 'Cocaine Lion' is one of those exercises in light and shade that grunge lovers will be drawn to. The verses are subdued and suitably moody, while the choruses let loose with the rips and the roars. It's over far too quickly for my liking. Much like the 90s, the lyrics make little to no sense, but I'm sure someone will find a way to explain to me the point that's been missed. "I met a girl in space, the universe was flipping aces on the table, like a cocaine lion." Do your best, but it's drugs. It's definitely about drugs."

Full review

#16. Obsidian

by Jessie Frye

What we said: "Obsidian shows an artist unafraid of taking a risk or two by dipping into different genres and styles. Frye has a remarkable way of not just wearing many hats on the album, but wearing them and owning them. To take this metaphor a step further, let's say that Frye would be able to pull off that hat Pharrell Williams wore to the Grammy Awards. 'Dear' has all the attitude you could want in a bonafide rock star and then some. It's got the big hooks, loud guitars and heavy drums that will get you ready for a rowdy night on the town. Contrast that with the track that immediately follows, the piano ballad 'Sabotage'. The simple tune, combined with some emotive and moody vocal work, tugs at your heartstrings. The one-two punch of 'Dear' and 'Sabotage' is the best example of how talented and versatile Jessie Frye is, both as a vocalist and songwriter. They're polar opposites, yet they sit so comfortably next to each other on the album."

Full review

#15. Any Old Love

by Halfway

What we said: "There's that magical thing that you can't quite define in 'Dropout'; a feeling, an emotion and it's something that not all bands manage to find. It's the slight smile from behind the microphone, the subtle nod between guitarists and the look of admiration between band members...all of that and a damn catchy chorus that make 'Dropout' and it's clip another reminder that while some bands become the darlings of the media, the radio, the blogosphere; there's other bands that are just doing their thing. Doing it not for the fame, not for the fortune, but for the love of music."

#14. In The Silence

by Asgeir

What we said: "You'll be drawn to the lyrics just as much as Ásgeir's voice, like these from the title track 'In The Silence' - "Come, take my hand, let's undo the knots of the past, from the night where phantoms toss and turn, go further, deeper as the day is closing." John Grant, who worked on translating the songs from Icelandic to English reportedly did the best he could to maintain the original meanings of the songs, which were mostly written by Ásgeir's dad. His dad just so happens to be one of Iceland's most popular and respected poets, so yes, it's cool to have your dad write your lyrics when your dad is Ásgeir's."

Full review

#13. Present Tense

by Wild Beasts

What we said: "I'm not sure I could pick a fave track yet however some tracks immediately burn bright (‘Wanderlust’, ‘Mecca’, ‘Sweet Spot’, ‘A Simple Beautiful Truth’, ‘Past Perfect’) while others smoulder, slowly smoking one out of their comfort zone and into a blubbering mess (‘Nature Boy’, ‘Daughters’, ‘A Dogs Life’) but there are no dogs and I hesitate to label any of them fillers. In its entirety Present Tense has more in common with Smother than either of their previous albums, though with a new tone and feel that will certainly (hopefully, they deserve to be embraced in their full glory) appeal to the broader audience these practitioners of perfect left of centre pop are aiming for."

Full review

#12. Lights Out

by Ingrid Michaelson

What we said: "Returning with her sixth studio album, Ingrid Michaelson shows us on Lights Out exactly why she's regarded as one of the best singer-songwriters making music today. I'm going to throw this out early... after many a repeated listen, this is definitely Michaelson's most engaging, ambitious and best album yet. Special guest stars pop in and out and new genres are explored (without departing completely from what we know and love) on an album comprising fourteen individual pop gems. And you totally know you're going to hear half of them on your favourite TV show over the next year or two. As someone who watches a lot of TV (please don't tell anyone how I live), this makes me very happy."

Full review

#11. Ultraviolence

by Lana Del Rey

What we said: "If there's one thing Lana Del Rey proved with her sophomore album, Ultraviolence, it's that she's got staying power. I hate to admit it, given my now crazy-fan level adoration of my floral headpiece adorned princess, that even I thought the success of Born To Die would be a one time thing. But I think she went out of her way to mix it up (at least a little) from what we had already heard and she stepped down a way more alternative track with songs like 'West Coast'. Thematically it might not be stepping outside its comfort zone, but the music and the more restrained vocals keep things interesting. Apparently what hasn't changed is her need to be all over some creepy, old dude in her music video. Perhaps she'll move away from that for album number 3. Perhaps not. As a final note, remember that time I got to go to Glastonbury this year? Well I did. And Del Rey's performance of 'West Coast' was a highlight, even if she was sort of just zombie walking around the stage with a durrie in her hand and no shoes on."

#10. Food

by Kelis

What we said: "Overall this feels really tight, well put together whereas in the past I’ve thought some Kelis albums to be often a little disjointed or inconsistent. Food is the real deal and an album I can see myself growing into more and more despite its immediate appeal. You want a dance? Food can help. You want to chill? Food can help. You want to cry? Read the lyrics while emotionally eating half a cake and a pack of potato chips…" 

Full review

#9. Silent Treatment

by Highasakite

What we said: "There’s a not so underlying darkness on Silent Treatment that I adore. All the instruments, all the voice, all the words celebrating the secrets, the dark, the things in cupboards that we all hide away, rejoicing the nightfall of heartache in simple indie pop and all of it with a sweet little Norwegian accent.  Perhaps it is singer Ingrid’s subtle accent that makes it seem this way, but there is somehow a little mystery to the sound which is what makes this album such an enjoyable journey, each track its own story and each band member understanding the importance of their place in an album that will continue to be played at mine right through 2015."

#8. The Thieves Are Babes

by Dear Plastic

What we said: "While you can throw out a lot of comparative or similar artists, Dear Plastic establish their own identity over the course of The Thieves Are Babes. A song like 'Antimatter' perfectly represents their quirky yet engaging style of storytelling. "And in that dark matter, no one could see it happen. Ah, but ever since then, I seem to have lost my nerve. My antimatter, my counterpart, do you think we'll ever fall in love." Fantastic sci-fi tale presented in the form of dark avant garde pop. Yes. A million times yes. Current single, 'Epic Delay', is one of the best songs of the year. Baccini's vocal performance is heartbreaking in the absolute defeat that's present throughout. The simple guitar line in the verses against the explosion of sound for the chorus when Baccini lets loose provides an outstanding contrast that sells the pain. "Where do we go? I won't fall asleep because there's no way to know." triple J... why y'all not all over this? 'Buck Up And The Reaper' steers Dear Plastic towards a more grungey alt-rock sound and there's a whole lot of spite and rage, both reserved and not-so-much-reserved. If there's a track that establishes who Scarlette Baccini is as a vocalist, this is it. We get to see her high and lows, guttural grows, wails and towards the end, an unrestrained force of nature. Not once do I find myself thinking... she sound so much like (insert random name to compare artist to here). Brilliant." 

Full review

#7. There There

by Megan Washington

What we said: "Establishing her identity from the start, 'Yellow and Blue' separates Washington from the local contemporaries she could be lumped in with. In this field you could be a Higgins, a Blasko, a Julia Stone or even an Emma Louise. Megan Washington is simply a Megan Washington and she's exquisite in her loneliness. Even that 'bounce' in 'My Heart Is A Wheel', all Preatures-y in the infectiousness of the music can't completely hide away the thought that our leading lady is falling apart at the seams. The 'lonely' factor is compressed into the much more relatable track, 'Limitless'. Let's be honest... there really is, "a certain kind of lonely where you sleep in your jeans." It's one of those Debbie Downer facts that becomes much more digestible in the form of a delicious song like this. Those final oooh's that emerge as everything winds up are the icing on the cake. I think I'm hungry? Enough with the digestive talk. Moving along, 'Begin Again' is a stunning album highlight and our first ballad and a true testament to Washington's songwriting talents. And it's not even the best ballad on the album. That's right, kiddies... more than one ballad on an album in 2014! Hallelujah, praise Yeezus."

Full review

#6. Himalayan

by Band of Skulls

What we said: "I love watching the development of a band and while I'm not going to go all hipster on you and say I've known Band Of Skulls since their very beginning, it has been a fascinating journey watching them grow from their first album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey five years ago to Himalayan this year. It's a more mature Band Of Skulls that take us from the pure rock of 'Asleep At The Wheel' to the blues of 'Hoochie Coochie' to the tragically beautiful guitar driven tale of 'You Are All That I Am Not'. Each release of theirs has grown a teeny but more than the last and in Himalayan, Matt, Russell and Emma have released a timeless album, one that will be just as impressive ten years from now as it would it been had it been released ten years ago and it takes some special talent to write and record music like that."

#5. In Tongues

by Ella Hooper

What we said: "It's been a long time coming, but In Tongues is ready to get out there into the world. Safe to say, the wait was well worth it. You can already tell that this is an album that will stand the test of time and have you coming back for more years from now. While it fits in today's music landscape, there's so many elements of it that are timeless. Long time fans will not be disappointed and with any luck, new fans will find their way to Ella Hooper too. She's confidently stepped out on her own, proving her music can be not only as good as what's come before, but better. While this is Ella Hooper's first solo album, I can only hope it's the first of many, because In Tongues is a knockout record from one of the hardest working artists in music today. Go give it a listen!"

Full review

#4. 1989

by Taylor Swift

What we said: "I don't think any artist has ever moved as spectacularly away from their previous genre to a new one like Taylor Swift has with 1989. We throw this out every now and then, but the album is actually pop perfection. From the mammoth hook of 'Style' to the self-deprecating and incredibly catchy 'Blank Space' and... did we just say catchy? Because nothing in this world is as catchy as 'Shake It Off'. You won't be able to shake the damn thing off. Well played, Swift. With 1989, Taylor Swift went from that country crossover girl to officially claiming the title of biggest pop star in the planet. The music on the album is worthy of her being called that." 

#3. Lazaretto

by Jack White

What we said: "I could talk about all the tracks one by one, how 'Entitlement' has such a beautiful arrangement, how 'Just One Drink' tackles a complex topic and turns it into a nursery rhyme swing, I could write a thousand words, I could say a thousand things and explain the thousand ways I consider myself a fan, but ultimately, what we have here is a Jack White album. It's an album that oozes confidence and so it should, Jack White is a man that knows the industry he is involved in, knows how to play it and knows how to write the rules his way, but he's also an artist that backs up all of those things with some incredible talent, someone who understands what he loves, who knows how to pay tribute to the American rock style without sounding old, who smothers his blues music in meaning and indulges his love of country in a way that nurtures and delights it."

Full review

#2. I Never Learn

by Lykke Li

What we said: "I've read that Lykke was attempting to move away from any 'pop star' labels and make her mark as a singer-songwriter with I Never Learn. But that doesn't mean she can't bust out crazy-good hooks like what we get on 'Never Gonna Love Again'. As far as hooks go, it's at like... 80s power ballad levels of amazing. Even the imagery she's creating is just that little bit 80s. 'Every time the rain falls think of me, on a lonely highway, how can we turn around the heartache, oh I, I'm alone tonight babe, and I'm never gonna love again." Heck yes. 80s. 'Sleeping Alone' works in all the right ways as a closing track, just like the opening one did. Showing that she really does never learn, the song and album end with a promise that one of our favourite Swedes will one day be with her former love again. Even though she's just spent half an hour telling you why they shouldn't be together and how hurt she was when it all ended. Where are her friends at? Obviously she doesn't have some Sex and the City circle that gathers on Fridays to get hammered and compare war stories. But if she did... she'd totally be a Charlotte. What?"

Full review 

#1. The Golden Echo

by Kimbra

What we said: "How do you avoid the sophomore slump? You release an album like The Golden Echo. You push forward with an uncompromising vision of your work. You build on what your fans have come to expect of you and then you invite them to take a journey on which you find yourself realising your full potential. And that's what Kimbra lives up to on The Golden Echo; her potential. With Vows, an album that's still one of the best debuts around, we knew it was only a taste of the amazing career that Kimbra Johnson would have. On her second album, Kimbra steps out with all the confidence in the world, exceeding all the expectations placed upon her in the process. Vows was the statement that made us take notice. The Golden Echo is all the reason in the world for us to keep our well-placed faith in Kimbra as strong as it's ever been. When I said it's the best pop album of the year, I really meant it's the best album of the year. What else has to be said?"

Full review

2013 Winner:

Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady

Runner Up: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito

2012 Winner:

Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra - Theatre Is Evil

Runner-Up: Jack White - Blunderbuss

2011 Winner:

Seeker Lover Keeper - Seeker Lover Keeper

Runner Up: Kimbra - Vows

2010 Winner:

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs      

Album Review - Present Tense

Present Tense

by Wild Beasts

(out now!)

In the beginning Wild Beasts crafted Limbo Panto, which carried a unique musical signature where they could be confused with no other, though they could, occasionally, in my humble opinion, lose it in moments in the desire to push too far. Two Dancers saw them hone this formula to create one of the most perfect alternative rock albums my ears have ever been treated with. Smother took them to the darkest depths where they built their sounds around some of the most wrenching themes and brooding atmospheres which laid the foundations for the construction of Present Tense.

Wild Beasts haven't been shy about expressing their desires to appeal to a broader audience by making music that is more easily accessible but has that decision led them to dumb down what has previously been some of the most mentally and aurally stimulating music to bounce around in the confines of my skull? As soon as Present Tense was announced for pre-order I jumped on the bandwagon with a sack of cash and staked my claim. I ordered the vinyl and digital download purely for the possibility of receiving one of the first 100 copies which, were to be personally signed by each of the band. Would I get it? YES GIRL!!! When it arrived a few days ago I let out a squeal and a giggle of excitement as I opened my package. It's the small things you know? That's almost like my own personal interaction with them.

The opening track ‘Wanderlust’, also the first single released, is a good indication for the direction they've taken on Present Tense; lush, precociously poetic and drowning in rumbling, chiming and choppy synth. Actually the main thing that has changed for the boys is the extra digital experimentation and their own take on some sounds that might be familiar to aficionados of classic 80s synth pop like The Thompson Twins or Bronski Beat. Present Tense, like the albums before it, is a progression or evolution rather than a reinvention. To me this is the perfect approach as it allows their fans to progress with them instead of being alienated and needing to re-learn a new musical signature. Overall it's certainly a more familiar affair than a new adventure. What Wild Beasts always do well and Present Tense is no exception, are achingly beautiful lyrical stories that never quite give everything away, always alluding to what is going on. With implied sexuality, luring darkness and mischievously tinged optimism they completely draw me into a world I can adapt to my own experiences. With possibly the most divinely emotive voices of alternative music today, I am probed, opened completely and left raw, bleeding for the vultures to pick at.

I'm not sure I could pick a fave track yet however some tracks immediately burn bright (‘Wanderlust’, ‘Mecca’, ‘Sweet Spot’, ‘A Simple Beautiful Truth’, ‘Past Perfect’) while others smoulder, slowly smoking one out of their comfort zone and into a blubbering mess (‘Nature Boy’, ‘Daughters’, ‘A Dogs Life’) but there are no dogs and I hesitate to label any of them fillers. In its entirety Present Tense has more in common with Smother than either of their previous albums, though with a new tone and feel that will certainly (hopefully, they deserve to be embraced in their full glory) appeal to the broader audience these practitioners of perfect left of centre pop are aiming for. 

Did I mention they signed my vinyl? I can feel a fangirl squeal coming on...

Nayt Housman gives Present Tense five Wild Beasts heads out of five...

Top 25 - 16 February, 2014

Jack Colwell makes a big debut...

1. Jack Colwell and The Owls - Far From View (NEW)

2. Little Dragon - Klapp Klapp (NEW)





3. Jessie Frye - Dear





4. Ngaiire - ABCD





5. Wild Beasts - Sweet Spot (NEW)





6. The Preatures - Better Than It Ever Could Be





7. I Know Leopard - Hold This Tight





8. The Presets - Goodbye Future





9. Ball Park Music - She Only Loves Me When I'm There (NEW)





10. Circa Waves - Stuck In My Teeth (NEW)





11. Our Man In Berlin - Lonely Arms





12. The Good Ship - Sea Monster (NEW)


 

13. Shura - Touch (NEW)





14. Passerine - Free Again (NEW)





15. Lurch and Chief - Mother/Father (NEW)





16. The Jezabels - Look of Love





17. Little Earthquake - Planets





18. Achoo! Bless You - Wild Eyes (NEW)





19. The Audreys - My Darlin' Girl (NEW)





20. The Velvets - Lover





21. Sally Seltmann - Catch of the Day





22. St. Vincent - Prince Johnny





23. Imogen Brough - Heart





24. Dan and Amy - Pretend





25. Horegeous - The Wild Ones

Top 25 - 12 January, 2013

Jessie Frye: One to watch in 2014!

1. Curxes - Avant-Guarded





2. Wild Beasts - Wanderlust (NEW)





3. M.I.A x The Partysquad - Y.A.L.A





4. Jessie Frye - Dear





5. Major Leagues - Feel





6. St. Vincent - Digital Witness (NEW)





7. Snakadaktal - The Sun II (NEW)





8. Kaiser Chiefs - Bows and Arrows (NEW)





9. Passerine - What About Love





10. Dear Plastic - Everything's Coming Up Roses





11. Broken Bells - Holding On For Life (NEW)





12. Bombay Bicycle Club - Luna (NEW)





13. Chelsea Wolfe - Feral Love (NEW)





14. The Gooch Palms - Novo's (NEW)





15. London Grammar - Nightcall





16. Mwansa - Burn This House (NEW)





17. Nova Heart - Beautiful Boys (NEW)





18. Emma Davis - Stand Tall (NEW)





19. Beyonce - XO





20. Sally Seltmann - Billy





21. Grouplove - Shark Attack (NEW)





22. Foxsmith - Wake Up





23. Anise - Dogs and Liars (NEW)





24. The War on Drugs - Red Eyes





25. Paul Conrad - Heresy Baby

  

The Candy Shop #30

CANDY SHOP IS DEAD!
by Nayt Housman

Well the year is nearly over and it’s the last time you will unwrap the Candy Shop wrapper this year (maybe forever?) So I felt it was appropriate to hold a funeral ceremony in order to farewell what has been a great year of shit/good/weird/addictive/repulsive Candy Shop posts. Candy Shop was a lot of things to a lot of us but most of all…



Candy Shop was a faithful friend…

Candy Shop was a confidante…

Candy Shop was honest when we needed it…  

Candy Shop was a whole lot of good memories…

 
In loving memory of The Candy Shop. May you live on in the memories and hearts of all thirty people who ever read your words.

The Candy Shop #22

'CRAPTASTICAL' Arrangements 

(Problems With My Musical Bowels)

by Nayt Housman

You know when you hear a song and at first you think wtf? But then you end up loving it? THAT is a craptastic song. Sometimes it will be one that simply lingers in your head all day even though it’s not something you’re really into, or one where the lyrics sound so naff you can’t imagine why they’d be used but then work their way into your daily vocabulary by word osmosis. They’re kind of like an infection of some kind, but an infection that leaves you better off than before…


Let the infecting begin.

Jack Jack Jackie 
by Joanne

Even though it’s not her song originally, Joanne surely made this one her own and it didn’t matter how bad her dancing was or really how bad the song was in general, it’s just one of the most catchy and infectious songs. The reason I’ll never escape it is randomly live brings a ‘Jack’ or ‘Jackie’ into my life and BAM, it’s in my head again… DAMN YOU JACK OR JACKIE!

Lola 
by The Kinks  

I’m going to be lynched by some for this but rhyming Lola and cherry cola = craptastic. Sometimes I wonder how such “crackers the clown” lyrics can work so well in a song and really who am I to argue? LA LA LA LA LOLA!

Robert De Niro’s Waiting 
by Bananarama

Bananarama are possibly one of the most craptastic bands of the 80’s with so many kitsch songs infecting our brains and getting lodged somewhere in our memory stores, never to be erased. Why is Robert De Niro waiting? Should I actually listen to the lyrics in each verse to find out? Too much effort… I’ll just sing along with the chorus.

Babooska 
by Kate Bush

Kate Bush is truly a music pioneer for the bizarre and quirky. Her most intriguing and alluring talent would have to be, not her singing, but rather her dancing. She twitches and glides, somehow turning her body into some kind of hypnotic idol. People have worshipped her for many years and will continue to do so as long as her hypnotic hips continue to be seen.

Hooting And Howling 
by Wild Beasts

When I first heard this song I was addicted! Singing like Liza Minelli with lyrics like “courting him in fisty-cuffing waltz” and “any rival who goes for our girls, will be left in thumb sucking terror” I knew they didn’t care about the “cool” factor of rock and were really just making some of the best story telling music I think I’ve ever heard but with more kitsch and kink than I could have ever imagined. CRAPTASTIGASM!

Zombie 
by The Cranberries

(Yes I did feature this in our 90s count down already, don’t judge) Zombie heads! That’s a sure fire way of piquing the interest of a 12yo boy. I LOVE ZOMBIES! I never actually knew this song was an anti war song referring to the IRA bombing in Cheshire. I just thought they were singing about bombing and killing zombies. Either way it works for me, and I think I drove my family nuts repeatedly singing “ZOHHHMBEH ZOHHHHMBEH-EH-EEEEH-EH-EEEEH-EH OHHH-OH-OHHH-OH!”

It’s Oh So Quiet 
by Bjork

I really do miss “Pop Bjork”, such amazing unhinged music sensibilities… Does that make sense? No? Good. Bjork often makes no sense but I can’t help but adore her. When I first heard It’s Oh So Quiet I effing hated it. Like HATED it, until I developed an overwhelming crush on a guy (I can’t even remember who anymore) and then it all made so much sense. An addiction was developed, and my love for Craptastic music evolved and took over. Bjork I blame you! Bjork I love you and thank you.


Of course there are so many Craptastic songs out there that have infected peoples brains since the inception of popular music so this is just a small sampler of my addiction. What’s your most Craptastic song? Who’s your most Craptastic band? Do you even succumb to the craptasticness of craptasticism? Are you a Craptasticite?

11 Albums Jo Listened To More Than 11 Times in 2011

For quite some time, I've wanted to get some friends and my sister posting on here, because they're big fans of that little 'ole thing called music too. These are peeps that can offer many things to you that I can't, like love for genres/bands/singers I'm unlikely to be interested enough to write about. They can also offer a much more interesting insight and analysis of genres I do love, because they got to really experience what it was like to grow up when that genre was the music of the moment. Take grunge for example. I love to listen to my sister's stories about what it was like when Pearl Jam or Nirvana first came out. The lovely lady I'm about to (re)introduce also has many a fascinating story about all the amazing bands she's seen over the years and all of the different music she's heard. She can also provide a very different take to mine on the music of today! You may remember Jo as the hilarious commentator from the text reviews she sent in from Splendour In The Grass this year. I asked if she would pretty please write something up about her favourite albums of 2011 and what Jo gave us is an interesting, witty and, most importantly, fun read. Enjoy!

11 Albums Jo Listened To More Than 11 Times in 2011

My favourite albums of 2011? What a terrible question. This year has been such a good year for music. How could I pick just a couple as my favourites? I couldn’t, so I let the Gods of music decide. I listed the albums I’d listened to more than 11 times, then put those names in a hat (yes, literally, it was a cute little 60’s style red hat, just in case you wanted to picture it). These are the 11 names that came out. Here are some albums I listened to more than 11 times in 2011 (in no particular order).

Making Mirrors

by Gotye

I should make it clear from the beginning. I didn’t really want to put this album in my list. I don’t think it was one of the best albums of 2011. I don’t even think it was the best album released in August. (Off the top of my head, I don’t know what else was released in August, but there could have been something incredible I missed, right?) Like Gotye’s previous albums, the bits that were great on this one were fantastic (think ‘I Feel Better’), but the rest, schmeh. Take it or leave it. So why include ‘Making Mirrors’ in my list for 2011? It’s when I hear it again. THAT song. I thought I would tire of it, I thought it would become one of those songs I loved to death, literally, like it would get to a point where I would hurt the person nearest if I heard that damn song one more time. That didn’t happen and it’s lasted this long, so probably won’t happen. “You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness”; get outta my head Wally! ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ has been played, like, a bazillion times and will be played a bazillion more and I’m predicting it will be number one in the JJJ hottest 100 and rightly so. It’s an amazing song. Gotye managed to duet with such a strong voice in Kimbra, at exactly the right time in both their careers. Savvy marketing? Luck? I don’t care. Solely the fact that ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ appears on this album is the reason I put it in my list. I could listen to that song 10 times in a row and that alone would make a great album. That song came from this album and for that reason it couldn’t be ignored.

Vows

by Kimbra

From the minute I heard ‘Settle Down’ I knew I liked this girl. Once I saw the clip, there was no turning back. Beautiful weird girl, beautiful strong voice. Then I saw Cameo Lover. Such great imagery, so much dancing! Oh that pink dress with the yellow pompoms; so, so cute. Her big mouth and her messy hair and beautiful vintage dresses and giant lungs, she’s a girl after my own heart. Then the Gotye track. She only got a couple of lines, but the song is nothing without those lines and Gotye knows it. The first few times I listened to ‘Vows’, I put ‘Two Way Street’ on repeat. Then it changed to ‘Old Flame’. Then ‘Plain Gold Ring’. I couldn’t stop listening to it. Such smooth vocals and heartbreaking lyrics, delicious. Then it changed to ‘Call Me’, I just wanted to hear that song all the time. I’ve gone back to ‘Old Flame’ at the moment. I just can’t get enough. It’ll change again, of course, but that’s the sign of a good album isn’t it? I was lucky enough to see Kimbra twice this year and her live vocal is so spine-tingling strong it made listening to 'Vows' even more enjoyable. I bought this album the day it was released and I LOVED it from first listen. I even purchased this one from the shop, just for the cover and artwork, so I could hold it in my hands. I wanted to put the CD on and play it until I knew all of the words. I did that and I do know them and I’m still not sick of it. Kimbra, I’m so glad you exist! More please!