Top 115 Songs of 2015, #90 - 81

Gin Wigmore, Oh Wonder, The Paper Kites + Christine and The Queens!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90. A SILENT CAUSE

by The Paper Kites

I don't want to love you, I want to learn you

But I'd love to know you well.

What's that sound? Oh... that's just the sound of your heart breaking. Yes. That's what it sounds like. Shhh. Shhh. Let it happen. The other sound (and the cause of said heart breakage) is likely The Paper Kites' 'A Silent Cause'. It's the oldest story in the book. Boy meet girl. Boy and girl fall in love. Girl has to move away. Boy remembers girl saying something about how all the people she knows are dying from a silent cause, which may or may not be their quiet desperation. Boy realises his own quiet desperation is in fact killing him too. Boy's heart breaks. Girl's heart breaks. Everyone is sad. And you wouldn't want it any other way. Stunning work from one of Australia's finest acts. (Matt Bond)


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? (Jo Michelmore)

#89. HUMANS

by Sarah Belkner

This is why the rain comes down

Washes out everything, makes us feel like humans again.

I used to hate how YouTube thought it had the right to just automatically move onto another video once the one I had chosen to watch ended. Rude. Don't try to tell me how to live my life, application I pay nothing for and benefit from immensely. Anyway, I did hate that. Until I was watching a Jack Colwell clip one day and got up to... I don't know, make a sandwich or something and that song finished and then this song right here, 'Humans' started playing. It was exciting. Right from the start I was in l-o-v-e love. After questioning if Tori Amos had a little something new out, I made my way back to the laptop and saw the name Sarah Belkner. I didn't know who Sarah was at the time, but I sure do now. And she is brilliant. 'Humans' is the perfect showcase for her talents as a songwriter, vocalist and artist. She excels in all aspects of her performance. If you have the time to listen to her 2015 EP, also named Humans, it's well worth the investment. (Matt Bond) 

#88. DOLLARMITE

by Velociraptor

Hey, the world is not a race

Still I don't want to be left, behind...

So I’m clearly not the only one who remembers their Commonwealth bank dollarmite account from childhood. Whatever happened to that cash? Surely I had like 25 bucks in there at some stage. Is that still building interest? Am I a millionaire? Do they still have those things for the kids these days or do you just get a credit card in grade one now? Do the kids even know what cash is anymore? It’s just numbers on a magical card you wave at machines, isn’t it? If I had a dollar for every member of Velociraptor, I’d have 14 bucks and if I was in grade one and that was in my dollarmite account, I’d have thought I was rich. Now the only part of me that’s rich are my ears, filled with songs like this one from Velociraptor. How the times have changed. Anyone got fourteen bucks I can borrow? (Jo Michelmore)

While I may have lost count of how many people are actually in Velociraptor, I will never lose my love for the Brisbane collective. Could you ever really not love a band that finds inspiration in the way so many of us were introduced to money and banking and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia? *insert single tear, yet happy face here. I think there might actually be fifteen members of the band though and now I'm thinking they're more cult-like. Think Polyphonic Spree. No white robes, just skinny jeans. Don't think I don't see you kids around town in your skinny jeans. (Matt Bond)  

#87. HOLIDAY HOME

by The Grates

Do you want to light it up, yeah

In the sand dunes?

Patience can be a virtue, or she can be the lead singer of The Grates and pretty much the raddest person in all of the musics. True story. The return of Patience and John Patterson has been well reported on over the past twelve months. As has the idea that The Grates' fourth studio album Dream Team could very well be their best to date. Joined by new drummer-friend Ritchie Daniell, The Grates returned late last year (just missing the cut off for our 2014 edition) with 'Holiday Home', the lead track for their latest LP. It was loud, proud, in your face and a not so gentle reminder that The Grates were finally back. Not only Brisbane music royalty, The Grates are now total AUS music legends. (Matt Bond)


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. (Jo Michelmore) 

#86. WRITTEN IN THE WATER

by Gin Wigmore

Give me one kiss for the road

Now it's time I let you go.

You know what I loved this year? I loved hearing Gin Wigmore somewhere other than an ad on TV. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s not the sell-out factor I care about, people gotta make money to pay the rents. I love the fact that she was featured in heaps of ads, because it meant she got to earn some cash and spend some time recording songs like this one. I can’t easily think of anyone else with a voice like hers and the pace of ‘Written In The Water’ shows it off perfectly. Just her and those keys at the beginning set up such a tortured little tale, with such a great story telling clip. Also, apparently the guy in the clip is her real life husband. The youtube comments told me that, so I can’t guarantee it, but I hope so. What an attractive couple they make. (Jo Michelmore)


It only took some rapid piano lines and the opening words, "I was born by the devil, I was left here to die, I was held up for ransom under cold summer skies," to fall in love with Gin Wigmore's music all over again. Another artist that seemed to be out of the spotlight for too long, Wigmore dropped her Blood To Bone album halfway through the year and it was well worth the wait. 'Written In The Water' is everything we've come to love about the Kiwi songstress and her brand of flapper-pop. Can I say flapper-pop? I mean it in the best way. It's a roaring 1920s jazz delight re-imagined for the modern audience from one of our choicest bits of calico. And it is gooood. Oh the calico thing? I looked up 1920s phrases. Apparently it means a desirable woman, you dewdroppers. (Matt Bond)

#85. DEVIL IN A DRESS

by Anita Lester

We are lost in conversation

Underneath the pulsing lights.

Anita Lester may have dropped her pseudonym and moved across the seas, but there's one thing that definitely hasn't changed about her. That would be her ability to make bewitching music that leaves us wanting a whole lot more. 'Devil In A Dress' proved that in spades. Spades, I say! I don't get it either, but it was proved. The music certainly goes with The Witching Hour title bestowed on Lester's next collection of songs and there's a haunting quality lurking within the vocal performance that can give you chills. While the video was pulled at some stage, hopefully you'll be able to witness it soon. It was a beauty. There's been changes for Anita Lester in 2015, but she remains as fierce as ever. (Matt Bond)


Anita Lester used to be Lester The Fierce, but it doesn’t really matter what she calls herself, she’s very good. She don’t need no fierce, because ‘Devil In A Dress’ proves she still is. Much less guitar and 90s rock chick than I expected, but a slight turn back in time to some seriously good 80s influence means I’m still happy either way. Synths and beats abound, making me wish I was an extra in some kind of clip that involves soft lighting, strange freestyle interpretive dance moves, neon lights, probably a cape and some poorly filmed mountain scenes. I think I’ve missed my calling in life. Clearly I should have been an 80s slightly alternative pop star. Or Anita Lester. Either/or. (Jo Michelmore)

#84. PARADIS PERDUS

by Christine and The Queens

In the night I hear them talk

The coldest story ever told.

Ah yes, here’s the bit where we get all fancy like and pretend we’re classy n shit. Stick some French lyrics in the countdown and ta-da, we’re very impressive. We’re not fooling anyone, Matt. Thing is, you don’t need to speak French or care who Kanye West is to know how stunningly beautiful this song is; the keys, the strings, that tiny little beat and the tone in her voice. So soft and a little despairing, it all comes together so perfectly you wonder how Mr West could be referenced at all. I don’t know exactly how it works, but I know it works in the best way and is gorgeous and that’s more than enough. (Jo Michelmore)

How do I know incredible music transcends all language barriers? For one, I don't speak French. And even I 'get' what's going on in 'Paradis Perdus'. Christine and The Queens thrilled us last year with 'Saint Claude' and 'Christine', so we weren't exactly expecting to hear from her/them again so soon. I can't say we weren't happy to be surprised by her return though. Christine's (real name Heloise Letissier) performance is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts. If it doesn't, you just don't have one. And how could you be so heartless? (Matt Bond)

#83. 6000 MILES

by The Waifs

I've never really had much of a way with words

But God knows I love to sing.

Speaking of AUS music legends, I was stoked to see The Waifs not only return this year, but deliver unto us some of their best music yet. Take '6000 Miles' as an example. The Vikki Thorn led track is already right up there as one of my favourite Waifs songs. Like many of their cuts, it's like having a conversation with one of your wise friends. The ones that give you the best advice and you have open and honest chats to about anything and everything. The Waifs would be those kind of friends. I'm just taking this opportunity to tell The Waifs that we should be friends. Haha. Kidding, that's totally inappropriate. Or is it? (Matt Bond)


I’ll be totally honest and say I had no idea what ‘6000 Miles’ was actually about before I started writing these words that you’re reading right now. I’d heard the bittersweet tone and the sentimental chords, I’d heard the emotion in all the notes and I knew 6000 miles was a long way, but little did I know that 6000 miles is the distance between Perth and Utah. It all makes sense, right, because 9, 656 kilometres doesn’t have the same ring. And that’s where singer Vikki Thorn’s husband lived and that’s why the first track from The Waifs’ seventh album is so goddamn sweet. Ah the long distance love. Don’t do it. It’s expensive. And annoying. Or do it and listen to songs like this to make yourself feel better while you cry into your tea. Or something. (Jo Michelmore)

#82. WITHOUT YOU

by Oh Wonder

Lift up, carry the love

Do you know?

Oh Wonder were that crazy gang of two who insisted on releasing a song a month this year, before gathering them all together and releasing an album. While some have threatened-slash-promised to do that in the past, and some seemed to think it was a crazy idea while others thought it was brilliant, I think it was a certain kind of genius, because it resulted in some of the prettiest pop of the year and it resulted in one of my personal fave pop tunes of the year. Sure, lots of people can harmonise and sing around each other, but these guys sound divine squished into each other’s space, their voices were made for each other. How wonderful. (Jo Michelmore)


I've been living a lie, because I thought Oh Wonder were Australian. That is incorrect. They are not Australian, if Wikipedia is to believed. Anyway, these two do the cute love song thing well. What will be awesome though is the break-up album. What? It worked for Adele. (Matt Bond)

#81. MOLIERE

by Our Man In Berlin


For your lonely mind
For your lonely heart. 

When I wrote about this song at the start of the year, I said I felt like I’d written about Our Man In Berlin a bazillion times, because I probably had (more than ten counts as a bazillion in blog life) and listening to it again now I know why I had written about them that many times. They’re really, really good. Like, seriously. There they are over there in Perth, just plugging away, doing their thing, and their thing is kind of awesome. The organised mania created at the end of ‘Moliere’ reminds me of why I’ve liked them so much; they have this natural ability to write songs that demand attention, pose questions, chill me completely out and make me want to dance all at the same time. Their second EP Spirit Down was all of those things as well and while I haven’t quite made it to two bazillion posts about them this year, with this kind of talent, I’m suspecting we might get there sooner rather than later. (Jo Michelmore)

So many feelings, so little time. See you again tomorrow!

 

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #100 - 91

MKO SUN, Big Scary, Alabama Shakes + FKA Twigs!

#115 - 101

#100. SPEAK EASY

by Mansionair

Come and keep the dialogue

Will it ever be enough?

It was devastating to hear about Snakadaktal's split last year. Easing that pain was an introduction to the music of Mansionair, who create the same kind of perfectly chilled and atmospheric indie tunes that make you want to get in your car, drive to the beach and watch the waves rolling on in. Unless you live across the road from the beach and you can just walk over. Good for you. 'Speak Easy' won the Sydney trio a ton of fans the world over, with a lot of love coming from punters that got to see Mansionair supporting Chvrches on their recent European tour. Not a bad gig at all, I'd say. (Matt Bond)


This one is one of those ones that hit you right at the very beginning. Maybe it’s just me, but those first sounds make me wonder what’s coming and those words are far too relatable to let this one pass by. The massive chorus sits perfectly side by side each restrained verse and I kind of wonder how an act can come up with a song that sounds so natural, like they’ve been playing together for a hundred years. Maybe a hundred is an exaggeration. But about a hundred years is how long I could listen to these kinds of tunes. Looking forward to following Mansionair’s career for the next hundred. Maybe a hundred is an exaggeration. (Jo Michelmore)

#99. DON'T WANNA FIGHT

by Alabama Shakes

Why can't I catch my breath?

I'm gonna work myself to death.

I love this band. They’re not one of the ones that I scream from the rooftops about, but they are one that I am always excited about, one that make me rush to download whatever it is they’ve released, one that I wait for the next project from, one that make me stop in my tracks whenever I hear their incredible sounds. They are a band that defy the norms of the craziness that the music industry seems to be, because they just play their rocky blues in the heartfelt way rocky blues should be played and they keep on doing their thing (not literally) quietly, while the crazy world of all the others rushes by them. I love them because they are here for the music. How do I know that? There’s only one way to tell; press play. (Jo Michelmore)


Alabama Shakes launched their second LP Sound and Colour with their funkiest jam yet, 'Don't Wanna Fight'. It would take the album straight to the top of the US Billboard 200 and it only takes one listen to understand why. Brittany Howard kills it with a vocal performance that falls somewhere between Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and latter-day Prince. But we already knew Howard had one of the best voices in the business going in, right? While listing off all the reasons she doesn't believe she can fight anymore, it's the performance from Howard and the rest of Alabama Shakes that shows they've still got a few more rounds in them. (Matt Bond)

#98. HEAD IN THE SAND

by Bright Spark

All around

They're all the same and we've got no one to trust.

Stepping into the solo spotlight in 2015 was Melbourne's Steven Clifford. Best known for his work as the front for The Hello Morning, he emerged under the moniker Bright Spark and released a couple of tracks he collaborated on with producer Oscar Dawson. Dawson's done wonders with artists like Holy Holy and Ali Barter over the past couple of years and he continues the trend with Bright Spark. 'Head In The Sand' is like an Australian reinvention of that classic Americana sound and there isn't a better dude for the job than Steven Clifford. We were only treated to two tracks this year from Bright Spark. Hopefully there'll be a whole lot more coming soon. (Matt Bond)


So this guy that is Bright Spark has one of my very favourite voices in all of Australian music. Seriously. You know those people that just have voices made for music? He has it. Who is he? Steven Clifford, who also happens to be the vocalist for a band I fell in love with a couple of years ago; The Hello Morning. And ever since I found them, I have declared Mr Clifford to have the voice of a gravelly voiced angel. With his solo project, Bright Spark, he explores a slightly lighter side to his musical journey but that voice is what holds it all together. Just awesome and yep, still one of my favourites in all of this big country of ours. (Jo Michelmore)

#97. DYNAMITE

by Asta ft. Allday

Been taking my time not thinking about you

Just walking my mind, walking my mind.

Now, I don’t mean to turn this all around and focus on us for a minute, but you know what makes me happy about this little blog of ours? The teeny tiny part we’ve played in hearing artists like Asta, whether that is through an email we’ve received or (more often than not) trawling the internets in search of magic, and then writing about them and therefore making other people hear them too. Asta was always going to be popular, that voice of hers was destined for pop greatness and her ability to make stand out super catchy tracks like ‘Dynamite’ means she has a long, fabulous career ahead of her. When this blog is long gone, it’ll be nice to leave a little electronic footprint of loving artists like Asta along the way. (Jo Michelmore)
 

Love a bit of Asta. And I say a bit, because it feels like 'Dynamite' came out seventy-five years ago (March 2015) and I'm dying to hear more from her and I know she's been busy recording new material but I want to hear it nowww. What? I'm a product of the world we live in now and it's not my fault I'm impatient. Part of the problem is, Asta's music is really, really good. Music like 'Dynamite'. And I want to hear more music like 'Dynamite' and more music from Asta. Now. Please? At least I'm polite, jerks. (Matt Bond)

#96. FIGURE 8

by FKA Twigs

You're so fucking fake that it's hurting me

I'm just jealous cause you're more alive than what I'll ever be.

I love songs that make me slightly uncomfortable, that make me want to explore them and figure them out like a good little mystery. FKA Twigs ‘Figure 8’ was one that required commitment, but that’s kind of what I liked about it, it’s sparse production and un-natural twists and turns made it one I liked to get inside and claw my way out of, not what I was expecting from her but not surprising either. She’s one of those artists who is always going to get my attention with tracks like this and moves like that, because I always like the artists who push the boundaries, but only just slightly.  (Jo Michelmore)

FKA Twigs might get written off for being a bit of a weirdo, but who would she be if not the fabulous weirdo she is? She has a unique way of taking conventional R'n'B and Hip Hop motifs and masking them behind gritty and dark beats of a more trip-hop design and this shines through on 'Figure 8'. Take away the distortion and all of the electronic bells and whistles and focus on Twigs' vocal lines. Gorgeous. But what's the fun in being conventional? FKA Twigs is certainly not looking for any association with the word. I'm sure her fans are most appreciative. (Matt Bond)

#95. BACK TO YOU

by Mio ft. Erik Lindestad

Take me to the sea let me rest my head

All my burdens lifted or so I, so I pretend.

There are songs that make you stand up and dance and there are songs that make you sit goddamn down and listen. ‘Back To You’ sits in the latter camp; it is understated and delicate and somehow strong and forthright in the same few minutes. Its synths are subtle but its vocals are strong and its production is absolutely spot on. There are songs that make you sit down and listen and then there are songs that make you get up and hit repeat, because a couple of minutes of this much goodness is nowhere near enough. (Jo Michelmore)

#94. HYPNOTIC

by Zella Day

Magnetic everything about you

You really got me now.

I can't stand the video for this song. Had to get that out early. But the song, oh... the song. It really lives up to its name. Confident, catchy and chock full of repeat value. Zella Day is still building her pop profile and gems like this are going to go a long way in establishing the Arizona artist as one of the next big, bright and young things out there. (Matt Bond) 


If you’re like a modern day cowgirl and you wear backless tops and you meet a modern day cowboy with hair blowing in the wind and a bare chest, riding a white horse through the desert, beware that A) the horse he is riding will be tired and thirsty and want to drink from your bathtub later on, which is gross and B) tell your cowboy friend to leave his hat on. He’s more attractive with headwear. I’ve got absolutely no idea what’s going on in this film clip, but one thing is for sure, if you wear that few clothes in the desert, you’re likely to get sunburnt. Good song though. (Jo Michelmore) 

#93. ORGANISM

by Big Scary

Always hoping that you combat distraction

So I can distract you.

After spending last year as a #1 Dad, Tom Iansek got the band back together in 2015. And by band, I mean he grabbed Big Scary's other half, Jo Syme and the two got started on making people smile and love their lives and this all resulted in 'Organism'. Which totally made people smile and love their lives. Not only the song, but the clip too. Pay close attention to the stellar choreography. So stellar. While I can't say for sure, my poor attempts at research (aka Facebook stalking) have led me to conclude that Big Scary will be releasing a new album in 2016. If it's in line with 'Organism', I'm already on board. (Matt Bond)

#92. SACCHARINE (REWORK)

by Quintessential Doll

Saccharine, does the sweetness make you sick

I'm so tired of all the lies, of all the lies.

The orchestral sounds in this track by Brisbane’s Quintessential Doll are really what make it everything it is, because there’s always something effective about placing sounds together that don’t naturally seem like they’ll fit. Like salt and caramel. Who would have thought? Steph Lindsell, that’s who. Great production, some interesting lyrical themes and a slightly spooky film clip make Q Doll one to watch in 2016. (Jo Michelmore)


Brisbane's Steph Linsdell (the Quintessential Doll herself) delivered the good on more than one occasion this year. First there was her collaboration with Clio Em, 'Thunder Gods' that we couldn't get enough of and then along came her rework of 'Saccharine'. It's one mighty fine slice of dark electronic pop. If it was a cake, it would be a black forest cake. Why? Um... because it's dark and sweet and delicious and because it just is. It's also criminally under-appreciated in the cake world and Quintessential Doll is in the same position in the music world. Extraordinary talent and a hard work ethic will make sure that it's only a matter of when, not if, for Quintessential Doll. (Matt Bond)

#91. BLACK SEAWEED

by MKO SUN

Let these bleeding, crying eyes

Show the pain I keep inside.

Once upon a time (in the years 2013 and 2014), I loved this Brisbane group called MKO. Hannah Macklin, Steele Chabau and Myka Wallace had it going on with breezy, electronic numbers dripping in soul. Macklin's voice was most pleasing to the ear. Then, 2015 came along and MKO decided to become MKO SUN. MKO SUN decided to say, "fuck it, let's be superstars!" They leveled up to 99 and started slaying left, right and centre. First would come 'Black Seaweed'. It is, how does one say, all kinds of amazing? Yes. Yes that's it. There's nothing else quite like it out there in the music landscape. If you think the MKO/MKO SUN story is good, wait until you hear the music. Words do not do its wonders justice. (Matt Bond) 

MKO SUN is someone from our hometown that we’ve loved for a while and I’ve liked pretty much everything she’s been playing with over the last few years, but this track is the one that really made me think “I knew it! I knew that girl was capable of greatness!” The orchestral arrangements, the strings and the chorus of melodies offering a safe place for that incredible vocal of Hannah Macklin create a beautiful piece of experimental pop slash part 90s r’n’b slash electronica slash amazingness. And I haven’t even mentioned the delightfully weird clip. Amazingness. All of it. This girl is capable of so much greatness and this is still only the beginning. (Jo Michelmore)

*pew pew* We're back again tomorrow to send you into the weekend with #90 - #81! *pew pew*

 

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #115 - 101

THE TOP 115 SONGS OF 2015:

#115. CAPABLE OF ANYTHING

by Ben Folds and yMusic

We're told we are capable of anything

But you don't seem to think you are capable of anything.

Ben Folds collaborating with a six-piece classical ensemble. What's not to love? 'Capable Of Anything' is all strings, clarinet flourishes and the songwriting finesse we've come to expect from Folds over his storied career. The bouncing piano lines go down a treat too. But back to the songwriting. Folds is really quite good at that and there's a depth to the material here that makes a song with trumpets in it a whole lot sadder with each listen. And songs with trumpets shouldn't be sad. Brass instrumentation should only be used for triumph! What do you mean this is a Ben Folds song and it's kinda sad by default? Whatever, it makes me happy. (Matt Bond)


What a lovely way to start this little countdown of ours. Love him or hate him, there’s a couple of things about Ben Folds that can’t be denied – he’s very good with the music playing and arranging bits and he’s also very good with the word bits. Funny that, because we like to talk about both of those bits on this here blog, unless we’re talking about something else which we sometimes have a tendency to do and mostly we talk with the words, unless we’re talking in emoji, which we also have a tendency to do. There’s a few words in this song that are most important to two little blog writers who are desperately trying to juggle real life and blog life and about to embark on a yearly quest of writing a whole lot of words about a whole lot of songs we love. They’re pretty simple and in this song, they’re pretty sweet – “you are capable of anything…” 115 songs? We can do this! Here’s to the next 114 songs! (Jo Michelmore)  

#114. TRY A LITTLE LOVE

by Big Smoke

But the sun will shine

If you try a little love.

Have you ever been into one of those dodgy little pubs in rural towns that feel a certain way, have these weird long faded towels on the bar, strange faded black and white pictures of locals and sometimes the Queen hanging lopsided on the walls (like, Elizabeth, the English one, not Madonna, the plastic one), where there’s always an old gentleman sitting somewhere in the dark, judging the locals and mocking the visitors and wishing his life was closer to the start than the end, but certain he had a good time sometime in there. And most definitely in these establishments there is a certain scent that you get nowhere else in the world. Have you been into one of those?  I love visiting those places. Just to remind me of what life really is. Whatever that is. Big Smoke’s ‘Try A Little Love’ reminds of the same thing. What life is, not the pubs. Or both. (Jo Michelmore)


Big Smoke put a big smile on our faces and melted our cold, cold hearts with the track 'Colours' in 2014. They went and did it again in 2015 with 'Try A Little Love'. There's something about the sincerity in Adrian Slattery's voice that should comfortably win over even the biggest jerk. What could have been a trip on the Cheese Express in the hands of lesser performers is avoided all too easily by Big Smoke. They know what they're doing. (Matt Bond)  

#113. STUDVILLE

by Tempura Nights

Want to feel like I felt that day

Want to be a fantastic stud.

Brisbane's Tempura Nights don't mess around. Even if they've only got a minute and forty-eight seconds, they'll make the most of it. And make the most of it they do on 'Studville'. It's over far too soon, but it's a whole lot of fun while it lasts. After checking out their set at this year's BIGSOUND Live, I'm hoping we'll be hearing a lot more from Alice and Co. in 2016. (Matt Bond) 

If it was twenty years earlier than it is now and I wanted to be cool, I would have burnt a CD and put this song on it and it would have automatically catapulted me from average, slightly overweight girl with bad hair, wearing a floral dress over her jeans into an average, slightly overweight girl with bad hair, wearing a floral dress over jeans who had very, very good taste in music. I would have worn said outfit into a dodgy underground bar that amazing bands looked awkward in, but where they played incredible music very loudly and Tempura Nights would have been playing and I would have talked about them to anyone who would listen and I wouldn’t have even cared whether they were interested or not because I was talking about music, man. Nowadays I look a little more fashionable (most days), am slightly less overweight and see bands like Tempura Nights at events like BIGSOUND, then rant about them online. How good is 2015? (Jo Michelmore)

#112. HIT SONG

by Babaganouj

Gonna write a hit song for you

To a memory I wish was true.

Ah the Nouj! I’m so glad we included them just so I got to say ‘Nouj! Nouj Nouj Nouj!’ which still makes me laugh every single time I say it. Nouj. Nouj. Nouj. Yep, isn’t old. Bets on Matt also including the words ‘Nouj’ in his review, because they’re like cigarettes, once you start smoking its hard to stop. Wait, is that right? I don’t know. I just like the word nouj. And the band. I also like the impressive grungy guitars of ‘Hit Song’ that smash their way out of my headphones. I don’t know if naming a song ‘Hit Song’ is a little pre-emptive, but they made it work and they probably don’t care anyway. After all, their name is Nouj. Say it again. The Nouj! (insert manic laughter here). (Jo Michelmore)  


From one rocking Brisbane band to another, next up is Babaganouj. Or the 'Nouj. Nouj, nouj, nouj. 'Hit Song' is their catchiest track yet with a chorus that you can't help but want to sing along to. Charles Sale keeps on getting better and better and this marks a standout moment for him as lead. Last year was the Harriette led 'Bluff', this year it's Sale's 'Hit Song'. Next year must be Ruby's time to shine. Regardless of who takes the vocal lead in 2016, we'll be happy to hear what comes next from Babaganouj. (Matt Bond) 

#111. SETTLE DOWN

by Lanks

A manic joy through your weathered black piercing eyes.

I do not know why, but I could watch the clip for ‘Settle Down’ a thousand times over and find something new and something disturbing about it every single time. It’s because I’m trying to figure out when the dog gets involved, isn’t it? There has to be a dog, right? There’s always a dog with human arms, isn’t there? Subtle but brilliantly, alas, no dogs, I’m not going to say it’s going to change your life, but it’s incredibly addictive, much like the “don’t look down” syndrome, I just can’t help myself, just a little too good to turn from whenever I remember to hit play, which is really much like the song itself - subtle but brilliant. (Jo Michelmore)

#110. LET ME IN

by Arctic Maps

Take some time to dream my love, see if you dream of me

And if it's me your dreaming of, this is where you're meant to be.

Stunning doesn't seem to be strong enough a word to describe Arctic Maps' 'Let Me In'. It's hard to believe it's only the second original track the Melbourne-based electronic duo have released. Quality wise, this is top stuff that finds itself caught smack bang in the middle of heartwarming and heartbreaking. Freya Bennett's performance is enchanting and matched every step of the way by Nathan Power's beats. It's the right kind of dreamy and has me firmly backing Arctic Maps as an emerging Australian act to keep your eyes on over the next couple of months. There's meant to be a debut EP coming soon. If we're in for more tracks like 'Let Me In', it's going to be a treat. (Matt Bond) 

#109. MICHAEL MOORE

by Bad Pony

No I won't go on living like it'll be the same...

The first track from Bad Pony's Limbo EP is the Sydney five-piece band's best track yet. That's saying something, because they've got a stack of great songs building up and you should do yourself a favour and check out their releases from the past couple of years. 'Michael Moore' will get those feet moving, your hands clapping and maybe even some fist pumping as it hits the home stretch with the repeated lines, "my opinion's better." Perfect for a song called 'Michael Moore', right? Vocals are on point or on fleek or whatever the kids are saying these days and I promise not to say either of those again. (Matt Bond) 


Does Michael Moore know that this song exists? Does anyone know who Michael Moore is anymore? Is Michael Moore still making documentary films or is he flipping burgers in one of the chains he probably tried to take down in the early 00s? Did he do that or was that another guy? I don’t know the answer to any of these questions, but I do know this song of his name is catchier than anything Michael Moore has done this year*. There’s a whole bunch of clicks and sounds and tricks and arrangement in this song and I don’t even know where it’s headed most of the time, but I know I like it all. Is this song even about Michael Moore or some other Michael Moore? Who can say? Bad Pony I guess.


*I don’t actually know what Michael Moore has done this year, so that may not be true. But probably not. (Jo Michelmore)

#108. CAN'T GIVE YOU UP

by Dolo Jones ft. Passerine

 No matter what you say to me, no matter what you do

I can't get away from, can't get away from you.

There’s something really, really fabulous about a simple house tune. They sneak into your consciousness without you really being aware of that they are there and five minutes later you wonder why you’re in such a good mood, before realising you’ve been dancing in your car seat, at your desk, around your workplace, throughout your kitchen, in the gym or if you’re really lucky, on some dancefloor, somewhere. Dolo Jones teamed up with one of our blog faves in Melbourne’s Passerine mid way through this year and created a tune designed to make you happy. Perfect for some sweet summer time moves, I’m so glad we’ve found it again now, so I can spend this summer reminding myself how good the house musics are. (Jo Michelmore)


Passerine and their vocalist Phoebe Dubar are a driving force behind Australia's nu-disco movement, delivering dance revelations in their own right throughout 2015. We'll get to one of those a bit further into the countdown (spoiler alert), but first we're going to focus on their collaboration with emerging producer Dolo Jones. 'Can't Give You Up' is the perfect vehicle for Dubar's vocals, practically demanding you get up and dance. I haven't seen the movie or done any research into Studio 54, but I totally know that if it was still around it would be playing this song. Go and put on your finest pair of sparkly gold hot pants and shake your groove thing. I promise I won't say 'shake your groove thing' again either. (Matt Bond) 

#107. CAN YOU HEAR ME TALKING AT YOU

by Manor

Can you see me?

Can you hear me talking at you?

What's cooler than being cool? Being Manor. Duh. From the opening percussion and lightly psychedelic guitar 'Can You Hear Me Talking At You' establishes itself as Manor's most effortlessly chill track yet. When Caitlin Duff enters with the lines, "you've journeyed far across the universe, you've seen more than most," the song hits dreamy heights you might not have expected, but you certainly won't forget. Well worth the many repeated listens its guaranteed to produce. (Matt Bond)


If this countdown was purely for song titles of the year, I’d be voting for this one to be possibly number one in the list. Top five at least. ‘Can You Hear Me Talking At You’ is one of the greatest sentences one can possibly say, statement and question, anger and observation, I just love the passive aggressive tone of throwing those words together, let alone saying or singing them to someone. Manor managed to make a great song to match the title, the submissive antagonism weaving its way through almost five minutes of guitar and drums that remind me of all the great carefree angsty blues that I’ve always loved. (Jo Michelmore)

#106. CHEATED

by Gena Rose Bruce

I love him, I really do

But it's best he don't know the whole truth.

If it was 1995, people would say Gena Rose Bruce was trying to be Jewel. Which is not meant to be an insult. Time does strange things to people’s perception of music and although she wasn’t exactly Adele, at that time in the mid-90s, Jewel wrote some of the sweetest, most heart wrenching pop songs with her simple guitar and honest lyrics. She was very, very good. That’s why she was popular, people like stories of love and loss and what is and what could have been in a parallel universe. So in a parallel universe, Gena Rose Bruce is played on all the radios and people have started naming their children Gena in tribute to the girl who knows how to strum a guitar and pull on their perceptions of love and relationships and right and wrong. All the things the actual Gena does in this universe on ‘Cheated’. What I’m trying to say is, in any universe or time, she’s alright, isn’t she? (Jo Michelmore) 

It's no secret we've had a lot of love for Australia's alt-country artists over the years. With many of them, we wish they'd get a whole lot more attention and Gena Rose Bruce totally falls into that category. She's brilliant. That voice, those lyrics, the simple and incredibly effective instrumentation on her tracks. Case in point, the song 'Cheated' which came out a little earlier in the year. It's country at its best and that means it's full of pain and longing and heartache and bad choices. Yep, someone screwed up bad and now they've got to pay for it. We, the listeners. get to benefit from the sad experience because this track is all kinds of gorgeous. And seriously... Gena's voice? Can't get enough of it. (Matt Bond)

#105. SOMEONE SOMETIME

by Major Leagues

It's fine to run sometimes

Even if you're gone for some time.

We were lucky enough to see Major Leagues play a couple of months back at the relaunch of The Foundry in Brisbane and they're a lot of fun. After loving their track 'Endless Drain' last year, it was seeing their live performance of 'Someone Sometime' that got me majorly in league with the local legends. That was a terrible line, but I make no apologies. Brisbane has a proud history of producing bands that can deliver the garage sound like no one else could and Major Leagues fly that flag proudly on 'Someone Sometime'. It's a whole lot of fun and so is the video. Top marks all around and I've got a feeling they're only going to get better. (Matt Bond)


 Let us clear something up at the very beginning. When you search for Major Leagues on the internets, beware that they are not Major Lazer. I don’t mind that ‘Lean On’ song, but the Lazer Major types should never have hooked up with Ellie Goulding. No one should hook up with Ellie Goulding, but that’s a whole other post. Whatever happened to the K-Tizzle Sizzle? Also, Major Leagues have nothing to do with baseball, I don’t think. Or maybe they do, I don’t know. They are also not an American pop punk band from New Jersey. It’s all about the plural, you see. I’m sure Major League are quite good in their own way, like Bon Jovi, but they’re not featuring on our 115 songs list. Maybe next year guys. These are all the things that appeared on google before the super cute guitar pop sounds of Major Leagues popped up. When you hear ‘Someone Sometime’ you’ll be glad I saved you the couple of minutes of wasted googling, because it’s a really, really good little song. Much better than anything Lazer, League or Bon Jovi are doing right now. (Jo Michelmore) 

 #104. WALK AWAY

by Eliza Hull

If it's momentary I'll just breathe it in...

I feel like we’ve been banging on about Eliza Hull on this blog forever, so I’m really glad we’re now banging on about her in the list of our fave songs of 2015. As sweet and subtle as ever, her music is a pure joy to listen to, her vocal perfectly divine and the subdued sounds of ‘Walk Away’ delicately draw you in, making you want to bang on about her to your fellow blogger, your housemates, friends, next door neighbours, the chick at the supermarket and that guy that walks to work down your street every morning at 7.15. That guy looks so cool, I’m not really sure why he keeps walking away. (Jo Michelmore)

Longtime reader? Then hopefully you're all over the dreamy goodness that Melbourne's Eliza Hull has consistently delivered over the years. This is the fourth year in a row Hull has appeared on our end of year countdown, this time with 'Walk Away' from her debut album The Bones of Us. Its got all of the elements we've come to love about her music. Vocal work that is both haunting and ethereal, words that paint vivid imagery in your mind and expertly produced electronic beats. If you do yourself one favour today, go and give The Bones of Us a listen. It's chock full of gems like 'Walk Away'. (Matt Bond) 

#103. WE DRINK

by James Chatburn x Frank Nitt

All I have left is my really good friends

All around I feel the world collapse upon itself.

Yes. A million times yes. James Chatburn could do no wrong this year. Whether it was the banging solo jams he kept on throwing out into the world or his work with The Septembers, I've been loving it all. Judging by the thousands of Soundcloud listens he's racked up, I can't be the only one. Like, a lot of them are mine. But I don't have THAT much time on my hands. Or do I? 'We Drink' lives up to its title. It makes me want to go out, down a couple of beverages and dance to some slow jams. Preferably slow jams by James Chatburn. Radio stations across the nation should really be embracing music like this. Smooth vocals, some party starting verses from Frank Nitt and some totally not out of place Spanish guitars will leave you wanting a whole lot more. Lucky you can listen to it over and over again, am I right? (Matt Bond) 


Twenty, fifteen, even ten years ago Australian music was not necessarily known for its great hip hop and/or r’n’b, which is a shame really, because I’m sure there’s been some amazing Australian artists desperate to make a name for themselves in that time. Thankfully, the times they have a changed and artists like James Chatburn are proof of what this little country of ours has to offer in the world of soul/electronica/hip hop/blues and all the other genre names you wanna throw around when you’re talking about someone this talented. And yes, once you listen to ‘We Drink’, you will want to be talking about James Chatburn. (Jo Michelmore)

#102. GOLDEN FLEECE

by Little Sleeper 
 

I don't care if she's here, I don't care if they're there

You should be mine.

“I only want you ‘cause I can’t have you” Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I’m going to have to find a lot of words over the next 100 or so songs, but right now there aren’t many more words that come to mind when listening to a song like ‘Golden Fleece’. So many subtle words, so much power, so much emotion and so much truth, this all shouldn’t be allowed in one little song. It hurts, it’s on purpose, and it’s remarkable, exactly as those words describe. When this countdown is done, this is one I’ll be coming back to, for that little bit of hurt and that little bit of remarkable, over and over and over again. (Jo Michelmore) 

If you were to ask me right now who to keep an eye on in 2016, I'd say Little Sleeper. Well, you should be listening to the music already out there that's been released by Amy Billings and her new moniker Little Sleeper. Music like 'Golden Fleece' that's deserving of analysis and a write up far better than what I can muster this late at night. Music like 'Golden Fleece' that speaks to shared experiences many listeners can relate to. Music like 'Golden Fleece' that features the lyrics of one of our favourite emerging songwriters. With triple J already backing her, 2016 should see Little Sleeper reach the larger audience her music deserves. Artists to watch in 2016? Little Sleeper is on the list, right at the top. (Matt Bond) 

#101. FIRE AND THE FLOOD

by Vance Joy

Everything is fine

When your head's resting next to mine.

Good 'ole Vance-y Joy-pants. This song's a bit alright, isn't it? Taylor Swift must be loving it sick on her 1989 tour. Have those two hooked up yet? Is she still with Calvin Harris? Are Swifty and Vance-y going to do a duet. That could be good. Right, 'Fire and The Flood'. All kinds of catchy. Vance Joy can do no wrong right now. (Matt Bond) 
 

I saw Vance Joy at a festival once. The girl that was standing next to me tried to make me her friend by slurring to me about the beautiful day and how much she loved that song by Ph-Lance Jeeeeoooooeeeyyy. She slobbered something incomprehensible at one of her friends’ midway through the set and then proceeded to force him to the ground so she could hike herself up on his shoulders during ‘Riptide’. While atop said friend, she proceeded to take most of her clothes off while Vance sweetly sung his sugary lyrics on stage not more than 10 metres in front of her and not more than a metre from me. I’m not saying this is unacceptable behaviour, especially at a festival, it’s something we’ve all done seen before, but during Vance Joy? Which brings us to the number 101 song on our countdown and its catchy “anywhere I go there you are”. Not sure that’s something Mr Joy would be wishing about my little festival friend. Or maybe he would. Who can say? (Jo Michelmore)

See you tomorrow for #100 - #91! 

Top 115 Songs of 2015, Honourable Mentions

Lana Del Rey, Tame Impala, Rihanna and Taylor Swift!

It's the first day of December and that means it's time for us to kick off our annual Scene Awards month! Starting tomorrow we'll be looking at our official Top 115 Songs of 2015, but today there's a little preview of the goodness to come with ten songs that narrowly missed out on the list. After the songs of the year list is done, we'll move onto our awards for Video of the Year, Australian Artist of the Year, EP of the Year, Best New Artist, Group of the Year, Man of the Year, Woman of the Year and Album of the Year. It's a real 2015 lookie-backsie bonanza spectacular extravaganza.


But what happened this year in the world of music? The biggest news right now is all about Adele, isn't it? Smashing sales records, chart records, jar of tears collected from crying to sad music records. She's definitely made a huge impact as 2015 winds up. Florence + The Machine made a solid effort of playing every festival in the world, appearing everywhere and anywhere, as they pleased crowds all over with hits from their third album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. 'Hotline Bling' could have been the first US #1 single for Drake, but his best single to date was denied by the previously mentioned Adele. It did inspire countless memes and imitation clips of his spectacular dancing though. Ariana Grande continues to be a thing...


Of course, the best music came from where it always does. Australia. Duh. 2015 was a banner year for Australian music makers, with the emergence of acts like Tired Lion, Montaigne, Gang of Youths and Jack Colwell making us swoon, cry, laugh and love... sometimes all of those in the one song. Little May released their debut album For The Company, a triumph in every aspect. Jeremy Neale continued to be the coolest dude in Brisbane, nay, the world and Courtney Barnett flew the Australian flag proudly at home and abroad with the spectacular Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. All of those named artists are simply scratching the surface in terms of who has released incredible music this year. I've got a feeling you'll be seeing them all throughout our songs of the year countdown though. Except for Ariana. Lol. The kids still say lol, right?


Below are the honourable mentions for the Top 115 Songs of 2015. Brilliant songs in their own right and really, if the honourable mentions are this good, just think of what's to come. Enjoy! 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

THE GREAT UNKNOWN

by Banff

VOICES

by The Belligerents

WALLFLOWER

by Frolik

HIGH BY THE BEACH

by Lana Del Rey 

QUIET HERE

by Lupa J

LIFT YOU UP

by Morgan Bain

CARELESS

by North Arm

 BITCH BETTER HAVE MY MONEY

by Rihanna

LET IT HAPPEN

by Tame Impala

STYLE

by Taylor Swift

The Top 115 Songs of 2015 countdown begins tomorrow!