Hottest 100 Preview #2
January 24th 2010 12:04
For me, 2009 has been all about the emergence of some great new bands who i suddenly fell in love with, most notably Grizzly Bear, The Temper Trap, Empire of the Sun, and Beach House, the three formers I have seen live this summer.
For this, the 2010 Hottest 100, I even broke my rule by voting for 2 songs by the same artist. Before I go on, however, I just want to say that I wasn't in the best state when i finalised these votes, and that a little more thought and time (I did my voting on the 22nd of December) would make my list that much better, My 10 votes in alphabetical order are here:
BEACH HOUSE - Norway
A really different, good quality, weirdly slow-but-high-energy song with a fantastic melody, especially in the chorus, complementing the vocal harmony by a very impressive Victoria Legrand.
BON IVER - For Emma
A really beautiful song. I found it hard to leave off this list considering every time I hear it I transport off to my own little world (daydreaming, for those a bit slow on the uptake.) Really simple guitar, but brilliantly written vocal melodies.
GRIZZLY BEAR - Two Weeks
Amazing song. Everything about it is brilliant. The instantly recognisable piano chords, the stop-start bass, the off-beat drumming, the vocal harmonies (including the aforementioned Victoria Legrand in the chorus) and of course Ed's strong vocals.
GRIZZLY BEAR - While You Wait For The Others
Outstanding song. Something different with Dan on lead vocals, yet still having that dreamy Grizzly Bear vibe, especially in the chorus and that amazing bridge section, where again the vocal harmonies dominate the song.
JET - Seventeen
One of Jet's better songs to date (also self-confessed by them), they have put away the hard rock for this well written, deeper-meaning song. Highlights are fantastic piano riff and excellent drum beat in the verse, and well spaced guitar riffs.
JOHN BUTLER TRIO - One Way Road
This is the first single for John's new trio, and it isn't far off the mark. The mouthful of meaningful lyrics right throughout the song is well handled by John! And he caps it off with some trademark slide guitar riffage!
MUMFORD AND SONS - Little Lion Man
Quite simply, the highlight of their album. Probably (?) winning this year's hottest 100, the song probably (?) deserves it, although everyone knows what song I think should win. Anyway, kudos for the banjo, and the chorus attitude rarely heard on the rest of the album.
PAUL DEMPSEY - Theme From Nice Guy
A really good acoustic rock song. The doubled vocals are instantly effective. Also a great sing-along melody through parts of the song (the 'la da da dida, da da daa da dada') and some really well thought out instrumental layering.
THE TEMPER TRAP - Love Lost
Very effective as the first song on the album. Different (given the organ part) but gives a true story to what TTT are all about. The explosion from verse into chorus is simply spectacular, and from a musical perspective, the song is really well written.
WHITLEY - Head, First, Down
I felt I had to include a song from this album, and this is the one. Outstanding chorus, and quite a special vocal melody in the verses.
So there we have it. I'm not expecting these songs to poll especially high, but hoping they do.
Hope you guys have a fantastic Australia Day.
Bren.
For this, the 2010 Hottest 100, I even broke my rule by voting for 2 songs by the same artist. Before I go on, however, I just want to say that I wasn't in the best state when i finalised these votes, and that a little more thought and time (I did my voting on the 22nd of December) would make my list that much better, My 10 votes in alphabetical order are here:
BEACH HOUSE - Norway
A really different, good quality, weirdly slow-but-high-energy song with a fantastic melody, especially in the chorus, complementing the vocal harmony by a very impressive Victoria Legrand.
BON IVER - For Emma
A really beautiful song. I found it hard to leave off this list considering every time I hear it I transport off to my own little world (daydreaming, for those a bit slow on the uptake.) Really simple guitar, but brilliantly written vocal melodies.
GRIZZLY BEAR - Two Weeks
Amazing song. Everything about it is brilliant. The instantly recognisable piano chords, the stop-start bass, the off-beat drumming, the vocal harmonies (including the aforementioned Victoria Legrand in the chorus) and of course Ed's strong vocals.
GRIZZLY BEAR - While You Wait For The Others
Outstanding song. Something different with Dan on lead vocals, yet still having that dreamy Grizzly Bear vibe, especially in the chorus and that amazing bridge section, where again the vocal harmonies dominate the song.
JET - Seventeen
One of Jet's better songs to date (also self-confessed by them), they have put away the hard rock for this well written, deeper-meaning song. Highlights are fantastic piano riff and excellent drum beat in the verse, and well spaced guitar riffs.
JOHN BUTLER TRIO - One Way Road
This is the first single for John's new trio, and it isn't far off the mark. The mouthful of meaningful lyrics right throughout the song is well handled by John! And he caps it off with some trademark slide guitar riffage!
MUMFORD AND SONS - Little Lion Man
Quite simply, the highlight of their album. Probably (?) winning this year's hottest 100, the song probably (?) deserves it, although everyone knows what song I think should win. Anyway, kudos for the banjo, and the chorus attitude rarely heard on the rest of the album.
PAUL DEMPSEY - Theme From Nice Guy
A really good acoustic rock song. The doubled vocals are instantly effective. Also a great sing-along melody through parts of the song (the 'la da da dida, da da daa da dada') and some really well thought out instrumental layering.
THE TEMPER TRAP - Love Lost
Very effective as the first song on the album. Different (given the organ part) but gives a true story to what TTT are all about. The explosion from verse into chorus is simply spectacular, and from a musical perspective, the song is really well written.
WHITLEY - Head, First, Down
I felt I had to include a song from this album, and this is the one. Outstanding chorus, and quite a special vocal melody in the verses.
So there we have it. I'm not expecting these songs to poll especially high, but hoping they do.
Hope you guys have a fantastic Australia Day.
Bren.
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Comment by StevEPhillipS
Comment by Whiz-Kid
Melodic Youth
Thanks very much.
We'll continue to enjoy our music and write about it as often as possible - and it's great to hear from our readers.
Adam Bren