TOP SONGS OF THE YEAR: 40-31

40. Pink "Who Knew"

If you haven't already figured out by looking at this list, I like pop music. And this year, I mean POP music. Personally, I blame Movement 97--a relatively new Bay Area station that plays a variety of songs mostly of the pop and dance persuasion--and that's ok. I happily turned on that dial day in and day out over the course of the year because the music was fun and lighthearted, and considering the pressure and stress I was under from school, my three jobs, an internship, and those pesky things called BILLS I eagerly indulged. Enter this Pink track. It's a perfect over the top, tear-falling-down-the-cheek song without being OMFG. Lyrically, the song is effective because it's unassuming, and I heart that earworm of a guitar line opening the track, instantly establishing the gravity of what's to come. However, in the end it's all about Pink's vocal chops leading the sing-along chorus with the conflicted fervor of a shell-shocked lover who has both a broken heart and a unrealistic tinge of hope. Awe...tear.

Video: Pink "Who Knew"


39. Roisin Murphy "Overpowered"

Someone needs to tell Roisin Murphy that her combination of funky electro, retro 80's synths, clever wordplay, and distinct voice fucking rock! (I guess I will: Srsly, Roisin. You do.) Most people will know her from her percussive-heavy, tribal days with Moloko, however, I personally became a fan of Roisin because of her first album, Ruby Blue. She has the ability to take genuinely interesting rhythms and musically layer them with electronic hiccups and groovy horns to become odd pop songs (check out 2005's extraordinary "If We're In Love"). "Overpowered" carries on in that same vein but this time there is no hesitation about its desire to shake your arse. And shake it does. For that let me say it again: Roisin, you fucking rock, girl! Srsly. I mean it.


Video: Roisin Murphy "Overpowered"


38. Ida Corr vs. Fedde Le Grand "Let Me Think About It"

If the beat from this delicious disco gem doesn't have you moving after the second listen then you are devoid of all rhythmic pleasure as we know it. Say it's too frenetic: you're right. Say it's too dance-y: right again. Say it's too gay: um, well...duh! But say it's not awesome: then you're absolutely, positively, most embarrassingly WRONG. "Let Me Think About It" revs up both the queens at Badlands and the hip-hop junkies at 98.3 KWIN. This song knows no boundaries. And nor should it. So make like my girls both in the Stro and in the impressive video and shimmy on down to the dance floor (or your living room carpet) and RRAAAHHHH!



Video: Ida Corr vs Fedde Le Grand "Let Me Think About It"



37. Friend "Secret"

I thank Pitchfork for this one. Their Forklist always has some interesting cuts that are either questionable or on point. Fortunately, they were right on with this one. Opening with a sample from one of my favorite songs of the year (Air France's "Collapsing On Your Doorstep"--a song whose most memorable moments are, ironically, snippets from birds, TV shows and little kids' voices) the track builds on a myriad of manipulated vocal excerpts before erupting into a hot Saturday night at Paradise Garage: blaring horns, writhing bass lines and all. Yeah, this song is that awesome. And it won't be before long that we'll all be grooving to the funky insanity that is Friend. Trust.

Myspace: Friend



36. Sean Kingston "Take You There"

Let me preface this blurb by saying I was not a fan at all of "Beautiful Girls"--that song is weak sauce, but it's catchy as hell. And so is this song. Although this track tows the line between juvenile hyperbole and faux-Miami Vice danger, it's youthful exuberance and manic enthusiasm is instantly endearing and addictive. Dare I say gay, too? Lets just say the infectious chorus has the ability to make some boys skip arm in arm all the way to the bars in the Stro from Doloros Park on Easter with tote bags and tight cardigans. Yep, I wish everyone can spend the holy day with a little Sean Kingston on their minds.



Video: Sean Kingston "Take You There"



35. Santogold "Shove It" (Switch Remix)

I have mixed opinions about Santogold. By now I've heard her obligatory backstory as a long-time industry vet finally coming into her own, hence, two albums chocked with either indie-leaning guitars akin to those worshiped and adored at Spin, or beat mash-ups with producer/DJ wunderkin Diplo. Hmm...sounds like the artistic beginnings of another beloved female extraordinaire.... In fact, I can't help but feel that Santi is just a second-hand MIA, but that would be unfair. And to be honest, some of her music warrants more than one listen, including this song remixed by MIA collaborator and pal, Switch. The reggae-like beat is hypnotic and the flow is potent and defiant. Santogold may not be MIA, but if this song is any indication, she might live up to the talent the press seems to believe she has.



Video: Santogold "Shove It" (Switch Remix)



34. Vega "All Too Vivid"

Dude, I've died and gone to 80s heaven. For real. But this song is way more than an 80s throwback I can assure you. I don't know who or what Vega is all about but this song fucking rocks! Like srsly. Built on a synth-heavy structure--not to mention a super rad lead guitar solo--the track takes one immediately through a flashback of all things 80s and cheesy (including the awesome video that feels like Xanadu for BMX owners). However, this song has more lasting merit than say an episode of Charles in Charge. Like the best house anthems today, "All Too Vivid" is big and bombastic, setting ablaze the dance floor with a beat that yearns to crush you while making you dance your ass off at the same time. Love it! Especially when that lead guitar screams its way onto the track. 80s heaven, man, I'm telling ya.



Video: Vega "All Too Vivid"



33. Arthur Russell "Habit Of You"

There's something special about Arthur Russell's music that I can not articulate very well. Heck, I might not even really know what it is exactly but I feel it so I know it's there. My first introduction to Russell was two years ago on Almostcool.org. The words for Russell were beyond kind--they exalted the man, and rightly so. Russell reminds me of the same genius that's slow to grasp as Nick Drake. Like Drake's work, his music may not sound much at first listen, but that's really our inability as the listener to fully appreciate the simple beauty these talented individuals are creating. "Habit Of You" is a simple song about the complexities of falling in love, and Russell nails it exactly. The exuberant 70s AM piano feels like rays of sun splashing down one at a time until the unhealthy obsession develops and that person becomes just as vital to one's survival as air. Sick maybe, but Russell understands it's part of the territory concerning the heart, and as frustrating as that is sometimes the best thing to do is to just give in and roll with the insanity that ensues.



Myspace: Arthur Russell



32. Mary J. Blige "Just Fine"

Finally, Mary--you done gone made a classic dance joint! And this shit bounces! For real. No sadness. No whining. No anger. Just pure and shameless fun. Every time this song came on in the clubs everybody recognized and shook a little, if only to pay respect to Miss Mary and her utter fabulousness at staying in the game this long and producing this stunner of a dance song. Much love and respect, Mary--I'm still shaking my little booty!




Video: Mary J. Blige "Just Fine"


31. Patrick Wolf "The Magic Position"

Mr. Wolf is an unusual man who makes unusual music. (I just wanna put that out there now.) But Mr. Wolf is also very talented and this song proves it. The track reminds me of another song on this countdown by Of Montreal, but that's not to say these two tracks are by any means reproductions of each other. That is simply not the case. "The Magic Position" has all the ingredients of an awesome song: exuberant children yelling, sweeping violins, dizzying keyboards climbing the walls, and, of course, a chorus everyone can sing along to. Jubilant tracks like these are not created everyday and it's unbelievable to me now how much I did not like this track when I first heard it. (Crazy, I know.) But after a few more listens it becomes undeniable and I am swept in Wolf's desire to put me in 'the magic position.' Brilliant stuff!!!



Video: Patrick Wolf "The Magic Position"

TOP SONGS OF THE YEAR

my music list of 2k8

So I'm doing this list thing again. As for those of you that know when I tried to attempt this in 2006, I never finished making it to the top ten. (I know I'm bad!) Thus, I'm embarking upon this list as a challenge--one, that in finishing, I hope will provoke discussion, downloading, or Youtube watching. I have divided the list in five installments. It makes it easier for me to post and, hopefully, easier for you to check it out. This year I have decided to extend my top songs to include fifty. An arbitrary decision to be sure (and maybe a tad long-winded) but whatev...all these songs rock and I could not NOT include them, you know? And so everyone can instantly hear them, I have tried to create a link for each song. I'm sorry I didn't post them for downloading but I'm not that tech-savy, yet. Plus, most of these songs have awesome videos that deserve to be viewed again and again and again and again.....Anywho, I'll shut up and list. Enjoy!!!


50. Janet Jackson "Rock With U"

Random choice? Maybe, considering the hot mess that Miss Janet has become of late (has anyone seen those concert pics of her lately? WTF!). However, this song has reaffirmed my love for Lady Jackson. Especially the music video. Set in a boarded-up garage--or the Bar on Castro--with dancing hipsters, the choreography is sexy and the attitude Miss J carries is fierce! Maybe it's just a silly dream to want to see Janet return to her former glory but as long as there are videos like these every now and again I won't mind whatever horrible outfits Janet decides to rock out on tour. Even if they look like costumes from the Lion King.

Video: Janet Jackson "Rock With U"


49. Alela Diane "Pieces of String"

This song--not to mention, artist--was another pleasant surprise I found on Gorrilla vs Bear this year (a site becoming just as beloved as Pitchfork for me). Immediately, Alela Diane's sound is simultaneously reminiscent of Cat Power circa You Are Free and Joanne Newsome. But she is no mere imitator. Yes, it's very folky and there are child-like voices singing in the background but it's also emotionally powerful, too. The sparse instrumentation and children back-up singers are just the frame for which her strong and imperfect voice can take center stage and effectively channel the loss of innocence...something that comforts and haunts me at once. The songstress is due to release her second album at the beginning of 2009 and I wouldn't doubt that more people will be talking about this talented musician in the coming year.

Video: Alela Diane "Pieces of String"


48. Rihanna "Don't Stop the Music"

Love her or hate her Riri is here to stay, y'all. And why shouldn't she? With hits like this and "Umbrella," Rihanna has proven herself to be a hit-making machine. Initially, I thought this song to be a cheap shot at a second hit, throwaway filler riding the coattails of Umbrella's success. However, after many listens on Movement 97 or in the BOC, I changed my mind. This song is made for the club and the fact that Michael Jackson is on the track only cements its status as pop gold. For real. Riri, you done did it again, girl!

Video: Rihanna "Don't Stop the Music"


47. Gang Gang Dance "House Jam"

How do I describe Gang Gang Dance? Well, just take a look at that album's cover art. It's as weird, exotic and interesting as their sound. The exceptional "House Jam" is no different. Built around electronic gurgles and shoegazer motifs, the track feels tribal. However, it also feels aesthetically like a punk record, ready to implode any minute. Yet, it never quite does, thanks to the tight structure (and there is one) the song adheres to. Don't be upset if you don't like "House Jam" immediately upon first listen. I was not an instant enthusiast about this record but after repeated listens I heart this track completely, and encourage all to get this track and the album, Saint Dymphna, it hails from.

Video: Gang Gang Dance "House Jam"

46. Nite Jewel "What Did He Say"

On Nite Jewel's Myspace headline read the words: Liquid Cool. I think that's a perfect description of "What Did He Say." The smooth keyboards and basic production provide a warm, after-hours ambiance and Ramona Gonzalez's voice, rather than sing, echoes in and out of the track, creating a haunting and sultry melody that lures one in with a finger and a wink. This single has been released by the Italians Do It Better label, and Nite Jewel has been aesthetically lumped in with the likes of Farah and Glass Candy. And on this song, that comparison couldn't be any truer. Like her name, "What Did He Say" is a gem to be cherished after the children have gone to bed and the wine is almost finished.

Myspace: Nite Jewel


45. Q-Tip "Gettin Up"

From the piano hook that opens the song to the buoyant chorus that demands we all be 'gettin up,' this track establishes itself as a classic. Hip hop with a message has been Tip's forte since his days with the Tribe but "Gettin Up" feels vaguely soaked in the sun Cali-style. It isn't hyphy or gangstafied, but cheery and bright like the Beach Boys. Production by the late J-Dilla, this song is hopeful and inspiring because of Tip's flow and the enthusiasm in which it's delivered. (I certainly believe it!) And hands down, this song is already proving to be my anthem of 09. "We gettin up, we gettin up, today is nice come on we gettin up..."

Video: Q-Tip "Gettin Up"


44. Pharrell "That Girl"

One of the biggest changes in my life this year has been the return to my parents house here in the CV (I know. Hard, right?!) Besides having the parental units as new roomies, I also get the chance to live with my little brother who is now seventeen, a jock, and deep into hip hop. Over the last couple of months, not only have I been reacquainted with this new version of my sibling, but lots and lots of music that has slipped between the cracks over the last two years. Fortunately, songs from The Young Gunz, The Game, and Lupe Fiasco have all become staples in my car and ipod lately. And this gem from Pharrell about two years ago has too. Pharrell has always been an amazing beat creator and this song reaffirms it. With Snoop Dogg in tow, "That Girl" just slides and grooves, never forcing itself on you. Definitely an indicator of the tastes my brother has... and I dig!
Video: Pharrell "That Girl"


43. The Twelves "Works For Me"

There are a number of amazing hybrid DJs/musicians out there doing their thing right now like Van She, Aeroplane, Crystal Castles, and CFCF. The Twelves belong in that phenomenal talent pool as well. I've been a huge fan of these Brazilian boys' work since I heard their fantastic remix last year of MIA's "Boyz." Their ability to make you move your ass while checking out the guy next to you is unmatched. "Works For Me" is a warm house joint that crushes on its listener, eyes meeting and inviting smiles playfully flirting in the dark. And if you don't want anything more, the boys will be alright with that. In other words, all fun and no expectations. Just the way I like it!

Video: The Twelves "Works For Me"


42. Vampire Weekend "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa"

I downloaded this song like over a year ago from Gorilla vs Bear (I think?!) but it wasn't until this year that I fully began to appreciate the beauty of this track. The guitar line has now become so ubiquitous in indie-dom that it's been remixed, covered and/or sampled by everyone from The Very Best to Lykke Li. Why? Because it's pop music at it's best. Forget the Ivy League pedigree of the band or the Paul Simon evocations in the music. Forget that it was like the perfect summer jam to be playing at barbeques or drinks at happy hour. Whether your chillin in the sun in Doloros Park or driving through the fields in the CV at dusk, it's gonna get you humming and singing. Why? Because it's pop music at it's best. Pure and simple.

Video: Vampire Weekend "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwasaa"


41. Women "Black Rice"

Many a blog blew this song up over the course of this year--and rightfully so. First, the production is so fuzzy and analog-sounding--thanks to Chad VanGaalen (another new favorite of this year!). Really. The record feels as if a microphone was put in a basement and the guys were told to do their thing, echoes and all. But that melody...SUPERB! It's deceptively simple, yet, executed so meticulously. For the chorus alone, I'd recommend this track (I'm telling you that falsetto fucking rocks!). Still, I don't get the title: black rice? WTF!!

Myspace: Women