Great For Me
Great For Others
Not So Great For Everyone
Without further ado, I present to you all the next 50 songs on this iconic (I wish.....) countdown, counting down from number 100 up to number 51. I noticed that in part one of my blog series I forgot to add the 101st song (disgraceful I know). Just so I do not leave all my beloved readers extremely curious, I will post the 101st song on my list before I continue on with the next third of my countdown. Here is number 101, the palindrome track (oooooo.....)
101. The Shins - New Slang (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYwCmcB0XMw&ob=av2n: We have Scrubs actor Zach Braff to thank for introducing us to this great indie rock group hailing from none other than Albuquerque in New Mexico. His film Garden State pretty much handed us this band on a nice shiny platter, and their signature tune is a quiet and cruisy folk melody with very relaxing qualities. You can't help but sway your head back and forth while listening to this.
Now please be up standing for the next 50 songs. Here we go again!!!:
100-51
100. The Strokes - The End Has No End (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sQoX12zo-A&ob=av2e: So far with these guys we have delved into teasing law enforcement, sexually charged music videos, and memories of formals and proms. Now Mr Casablancas and company have indulged our senses with a drawling account on how people go about pondering their average lives. Eva Mendes is in the music video too, so expect the viewcount to quadruple in the space of ten minutes after me announcing this.
99. Robyn Feat. Kleerup - With Every Heartbeat (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ojHWQrm4UM: With normal pop songs you would expect to hear the same structure throughout its 3 or 4 minute length: verse, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus, outro. Robyn goes one step further and leaves out the chorus and bridge! Heavens no! Luckily this free wheeling electropopper has no ties to the overbearing music industry heavies, and her musical freedom of expression is shown once again on this beautiful ballad. Goes to show that Sweden has more icons than just large chested blondes and Ikea.
98. Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTTwlAT_AwU&ob=av2e: No this British electronic music group is not the wife of Jeff Bridges in the 80s sci fi tech film. These guys feature a medium tempo beat mixed with female harmonies and spacy keyboards. It sounds so futuristic that you would think Marty McFly went back to the future and showed everyone a copy of it in the present.
97. Kings of Leon - Charmer (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCd1vXsvkV4&ob=av2n: Owwwww this is KOL's second track on this prestigious list, owwww this awesome alternative rock song is about some lady with a pleasant aura, owww this song is groovy to play and still sounds fresh nearly five years after its release, owww I stubbed my goddamn toe, oh no......
96. The Roots - Here I Come (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ys9owWbBH8 : It's not every day that you come across a hip hop 'band', i.e. rappers who play instruments. Imagine if Dr Dre was on guitar, Kanye West was on vocals, Snoop Dogg was smoking dope and bangin' a triangle, and Ice Cube was ice cold on the drums??? I think this arrangement is best left to this superb Grammy Award winning group. This is my favourite track off their 2006 album Game Theory.
95. The Hilltop Hoods - The Hard Road (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFCWHshsw_M: Aussie hip hop is still a growing genre in this brown land, and many talented local MCs have come out of the woodwork thanks to copious amounts of support from Triple J and other independent radio stations. With the status of being a novelty group like their similar contemporary counterparts who rapped about inane issues, the Hoods got it together and created an insightful hip hop number. This in turn gave the once scoffed at genre a stance that it should be taken seriously, and it has paid off in spades many years later.
94. Mark Ronson Feat. Amy Winehouse - Valerie (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HLY1NTe04M&ob=av3n: When the news broke that troubled British songstress Amy Winehouse passed on, musical purists knew that another sublime talent was taken away from us all too soon. Teaming up with established DJ Mark Ronson, Winehouse gave us a soulful rendition of The Zuton's classic. One can't help but shed a tear thinking about how legendary the young lady would have become had she eventually kept it together. This song proved that she was a very special artist.
93. The Rapture - No Sex For Ben (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5MSCtCu9UY: When you think of this song, you think of cruising down the streets of Liberty City in your fictional branded Lamborghini lookalike sports car while receiving invites to play darts with your cousin. I'm not talking about a normal Wednesday night bender for Charlie Sheen, I'm talking about Grand Theft Auto 4 which had this song on its soundtrack. With production by Timbaland, The Rapture freely take the piss out of various DJs they dislike with the support of a human beatboxer and shiny guitar work.
92. Kanye West Feat. Dwele - Flashing Lights (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ila-hAUXR5U&ob=av2e: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you another song from the Grand Theft Auto 4 soundtrack. Kanye works his motherfuckin lyrical genius by introducing a symphonic strings set, followed closely after with a constant repeating of 'flashing, lights!' to a moderately paced 80s synth beat. Kanye waxes lyrical about the strains of a tragic relationship, and Dwele provides assistance in the short chorus. Not a bad effort for a guy who likes fishsticks, in AND around his mouth.
91. John Butler Trio - Zebra (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO2b3cggqs0: As an Australian I am ecstatic that an intriguing folk musician by the name for John Butler decided to skip the flashing lights of his home town Los Angeles and bask in the sunny goodness of Perth to start his career. This busker turn full time muso stunned the Triple J and non Triple J listening sector collectively with this melodic electric folk piece off his second album Sunrise Over Sea. Butler notes that he can be one thing and the completely opposite of it without a care in the world. Good on you fella.
90. The Hold Steady - Stuck Between Stations (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnPgegu1EeE: Think of this grandoise indie rock tune as something that Randy Newman would compose and sing in if he was a member of a 70s classic rock band. It's a strange hypothesis to swallow I know, but the driving guitar licks and Woody Allen esque vocals make this song very enjoyable to listen to.
89. Daft Punk - Digital Love (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjli3hj0ZkM&ob=av2e: I'm sure many of you were wondering when these French electro virtuosos would first appear on this list. With an influential debut album released in the late 90s, Punk were more compelled than ever to somehow make their follow up even better. Digital Love has no real meaning or message behind it, it is simply a fun filled dance number that leaves you reminiscing about the beach, kittens, your super hot partner, and/or chocolate milkshake filled swimming pools.
88. The Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCQ7VLoY7bQ: The explosion of garage and indie rock in the early 2000s generated a number of aspiring (and some talented) bands from across the globe. Swedish rockers The Hives introduced themselves to listeners outside of Scandinavia with retro sounding guitars, pumping drums and that now memorable guitar riff. Hate to say I told you so, but this is one tune that needs to played full blast for maximum enjoyment.
87. Pnau - Baby (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKrRYUP107A: Like their contemporaries mentioned in my last blog Bluejuice, Pnau were another wonder find in the late 2000s by Triple J. Baby is a simple dance track which has the ability to gyrate the hips and flail the arms of even the most rigid of listeners. Some may think the trumpet accompaniment is out of place, but I think that it is genius as it is the most memorable part of the song.
86. Deep Dish - Flash Dance (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwCxL4AFqkc&ob=av2n: One would think that this is a vocal narrative of a European arthouse romance film. That pulsing bassline, those rattling drum beats, and those sultry female vocals provide the backing track to a woman's account of a man who means nothing to her. It's a very interesting house track and quite an accomplishment from this Iranian-American house duo.
85. Nas Feat. Will.I.Am - Hip Hop Is Dead (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OVPUGn_U_8 : In this rap rock rendition which samples In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly, Nas questions the fundamentals of hip hop and asks if the once groundbreaking genre has been stripped of its veracity. Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas provides harmonic support during the small breaks, and Nas draws on fantasies of killing DJs who are exploiting this precious channel of poetry. In other words, throw out that Soulja Boi album you have in your CD rack otherwise Nas is coming after you.
84. Junior Senior - Move Your Feet (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPlQpGeTbIE: 'Everybody! A-move your feet and feel united!' exclaims the 8 bit animated digital Danish boy and 8 bit animated Danish older man in the now famous music video of this dance track. In 2003 this worldwide hit had people jiving the world over, and its catchy premise still makes you move your feet while listening to it.
83. Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden - Bonkers (2009) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci40ae8BlcE&ob=av2e: What do you get when you cross a British Cockney rapper and an acclaimed American house DJ? Nothing but three minutes of energetic pulsating dance music. This track oozes nothing but high energy, and Rascal's rhymes make the whole experience have excellent re-playability.
82. The Chemical Brothers - Galvanize (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu3FTEmN-eg&ob=av2e: Everything this British electro duo produce is nothing short of sensational. After mesmerizing music lovers in the 90s, The Chemical Brothers produced another instant dancefloor filler in the form of Galvanize off their 2005 album Push The Button. It is nothing but absolute class. Watch out for the awesome face paint on the mischievous boys in the music video.
81. Queens of the Stone Age - Little Sister (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGRqnNEOpe0&ob=av2e: American stoner rockers Queens of the Stone Age reignited our love for pure rock and roll with their third album Songs For The Deaf, but their fourth album Lullabies To Paralyze made sure that they were here to stay. The lead single off LTP validated Queens' status as a band that would check into the hotel room, trash it and stay for as long as they pleased. As long as we don't fit the damage bill I am more than happy about this.
80. Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFx3WX4DES0: This Top 150 is so diverse that even our Queen of Pop Kylie Minogue made it onto the list. Ms Minogue really delivered when she released this track in 2001, as she infused generic dance-pop with elements of house and disco to create her now signature song. And to think that she was the same lass who sang 'Locomotion' in the 80s......
79. Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7W2bDlefgs: Off the back of a nice cameo in Kanye West's hit Touch The Sky, Fiasco released his acclaimed debut Food And Liquor in the same year. Kick Push tells the story of an aspiring skateboarder and his struggles to try and find great places to skate, as well as talking about his love interest and frequent run ins with the law. This hip hop tune features some very elegant sampling and some nice rhymes and it established Lupe as a genuine hip hop talent to watch out for.
78. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7UrFYvl5TE&ob=av2n: Everyone knows her as the first winner of American Idol, as well as an expletive to use when your hairy chest is being waxed. With a couple of contractually obligated forgetful pop tunes under her belt, Clarkson delivered this honest and roaring pop rock number which showed she was more than just another pop machine on the production line. She explains over palm muted guitars in the verses about her turbulent relationship with her ex, and in the chorus she lets loose with distorted axes and pounding drums exclaiming her relief since he left her. Too bad she has never released a song so good ever since.
77. Foo Fighters - Times Like These (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhzmNRtIp8k&ob=av2e: Grohl and co. provide us with this reflective rock and roll tune which Grohl claimed to have written when he felt uncertain about the band's future. 'It's times like these you learn to live again' invokes self awareness and optimism despite the inevitable problems in your life, it is one of the best songs off their One By One album. Well played Fooeys, well played.
76. Florence and the Machine - Kiss With A Fist (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpsDegqioVA&feature=artistob&playnext=1&list=TL8GC7Fa-opeQ: British red haired songstress Florence Welch and Rage Against The Machine's antagonist backing band The Machine wowed us with their glorious debut Lungs. Despite the lyrics, Florence claims that KWAF is not about domestic violence, rather it is about two people who push each other to psychological extremes because they are fighting but still love each other. Smashing plates has never sounded so good.
75. Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhASu2OjEcQ&ob=av2e: British geek technoheads Hot Chip bring their trademark nerd dance sound to the fore with this dreamy 80s esque Euro dance hit. You'll have the lyric 'You're my number one guy' locked in your cranium for days after your first listen.
74. The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU: One would be mistaken into thinking that this song should have been in a 70s or 80s countdown, but don't get me wrong....these British rockers belt out a roaring guitar laden mambo about the feeling you get when you fall in love with someone. Bon Scott would surely have this on his iPod playlist in heaven (or hell).
73. Lady Gaga - Just Dance (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Abk1jAONjw&ob=av2e: 'Lady Gaga??? Come on Pooge you can't be serious? What is this, a list for 10 year old girls?' Before Gaga became the off kilter and outspoken fashionistic pop star she is today, she kept it reasonably tame early in her career and released this danceable pop hit in the winter of 2008. Gaga found solace in the world of fame, which would serve as the main theme of her debut LP The Fame. Just Dance is a fun dance ditty promoting this hedonistic lifestyle.
72. Jay Z - Izzo (H.O.V.A.) (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tWmyPMf3wU&ob=av2e: The only and only Mr Beyonce Knowles was an up and coming producer and hip hop artist in his own right, and he thought he would welcome the record industry with open arms with this hip hop number released in 2001. The first verse deals with his experiences as a drug dealer, while the other verses deal with his struggles with the record industry and his childhood. The rest of this man's illustrious career is history, as they say.
71. Weezer - Island In the Sun (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C3zgYW_FAM&ob=av2e: With previous entry Hash Pipe being a drug fuelled rock and roll splurge, this track off the same album is the complete opposite: a sober and sunny acoustic to electric melody about going away to an island basking in the sunshine. Try and name at least seven cute and furry animals in the music video.
70. Kings of Leon - Four Kicks (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abr-XWJMeu0&ob=av2e: Before KOL's Sex on Fire days, these boys would rock the fizzle out of their instruments on a regular basis. If Jack Daniels were a band, they would make music like this. Please enjoy the next 2 minutes and 14 seconds of Southern rock and roll mayhem that made KOL a force to be reckoned with at the time.
69. Faker - This Heart Attack (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qgh3WNKSRY&ob=av2e: It's been a while since another Aussie entry has been on the list, but Sydney indie fellows Faker have broken the temporary drought. One might think that this is a song from a British 80s alternative rock band based on the lyrics and style, but this fun indie track is 100% dinke di Australian. Now slap on some Vegemite and ride a kangaroo to Ayers Rock you flamin' galah.
68. Jay Z Feat. Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind (2009) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8: This track just makes it on the list by about two and a bit months after it was released on October 20th 2009. Jay Z's orchestral rap ballad, with fine vocal support by RnB/soul songstress Alicia Keys, blows any Lonely Planet: New York Edition out of the water with its heartfelt name dropping of famous NYC landmarks, with some drug references thrown in for good measure. Maybe Jay Z can consider getting into travel books once he retires from the music industry.
67. 50 Cent - In Da Club (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qm8PH4xAss&ob=av2e: As the protégé of hip hop stalwarts Eminem and Dr Dre, Curtis Jackson AKA 50 Cent made his present felt off the bat with this spectacular rap party anthem. Blaring organs, funky beats and cruisy guitar riffs go together with Fiddy's bustin' raps in his signature hit. Sales of Bacardi increased by 200% upon release of this song.
66. LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXp1TQPf2pY&ob=av2e: Glamorising electro trance music, snappy vocals and a glorious piano accompaniment make up this savvy dance number from this Yankee Doodle dance-punk group. As the song progresses more instruments are added to the mix, creating a frantic climax at the conclusion of the song. The Youtube video included is the radio version, however listen to the 7 minute version to hear the full effect of the song. I have three words for this remarkable tune: brilliant, brilliant and brilliant.
65. Klaxons - Golden Skans (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-SJjFcnsGs&ob=av2e: This British indie dance group delights the avid listener with choral woos, shiny guitars and well crafted harmonies within 3 minutes and 42 seconds of unabashed bliss. This song has been used in various commercials and promotions, but Golden Skans still retains its indie feel.
64. Bernard Fanning - Wish You Well (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYlyghmTSIU: In case you are wondering fellow readers, yes this is the frontman of Brisbane rock band Powderfinger. To those who already knew this, Fanning went solo in the spring of 2005 and crafted an album which was perfect for the season it was released in. The lead single's lyrics reflect on either an unfortunate premature breakup, or a really bad hangover. This was voted number one in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2005, and rightfully so.
63. The Flaming Lips - The W.A.N.D. (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1RlH97xTI4&ob=av2n: Like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Flaming Lips are one of those bands that you are very thankful to know about. Their live performances are phenomenal, and their music is on the same level. The Lips grace us with a diatribe on fighting back against the powers that be, and the accompanying instruments give this track a futuristic feel.
62. The Cat Empire - Hello (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl9yb18urNU&ob=av2e: Who can make big band music sound accessible and way, way, way, way, WAY cool? Why it's this exciting Melbourne group of course. The lead single off their awesome self titled debut album introduced us to these fellows in ecstatic fashion, and the brass arrangement tops off a grand ensemble. You must see these guys before you die, they are amazing live.
61. Green Day - American Idiot (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqZOYgUolC4: After a four year hiatus, these Californian punk rockers came back in style with an impressive concept album, American Idiot. This eponymous single questions the integrity of the media, particularly in the United States, and Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool blast our craniums with driving power chords and pulsating drum beats to get their message across. A once great punk band became reborn and (almost) better than ever after its release.
60. The Vines - Get Free (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asOvnGHwtDU&ob=av2e: If you mixed the ferocity of Nirvana with a dash of punk rock, you would get The Vines' signature eardrum burster. Lead singer Craig Nicholls cries out for freedom, and the rest of the band attack us with megawatts of distortion and chants of 'come here, come here, come here' after the second verse. This is pure fucking rock and roll in all its glory.
59. Nirvana - You Know You're Right (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv96yJYhk3M&ob=av2e: Speaking of Nirvana, they have amazingly earned a spot on this countdown. How did such an influential 90s grunge band whose lead singer died in 1994 get a song on a 2000s list you ask? You Know You're Right was a near forgotten bootleg track that Kurt Cobain refused to add to any album. After a lengthy court battle with Cobain's widow Courtney Love, the magical Dave Grohl added this remastered studio version to Nirvana Greatest Hits album released in 2002. This track reminded us of the pain filled singing and choral growls that Cobain had to offer, and its hard hitting chorus will have the biggest rock fans in raptures. RIP Kurt.
58. Weezer - Pork and Beans (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQHPYelqr0E&ob=av2n: Described by frontman Rivers Cuomo as an 'anti-anthem anthem', Weezer wrote this memorable tune after their record label wanted them to produce a more commercially successful single. The verses are filled with a clean guitar lick and reflective vocals, and the chorus bursts out into a flurry of power chords, self worth and defiance against their label. The music video features cameos from famous Youtube celebrities, including the Leave Britney Alone guy, the Mentos and Coke experiment, and the Star Wars guy. This is very uplifting to listen to if you're feeling down.
57. The White Stripes - Black Math (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vak38jOSgR4: Jack and Meg White have done it again! Black Math is another of many groovin' garage rock tracks off the Elephant album, and straight off the bat Black Math belts you with stuttering distorted guitars and dynamic drumming. Watch out for the slowed down break after the first two short verses. It transitions perfectly.
56. Amerie - 1 Thing (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbqVg_23otg&ob=av2e: The first thing you notice in this well composed RnB tune is the funky trumpets and cascading drums. Amerie's stuttering yet beautiful vocals shine through in support of this arrangement, and overall the medium tempo funky beat-driven percussion completes a sensational track. I hope a follow up from Amerie which is as great as this happens one day.
55. Ben Folds - Rockin' The Suburbs (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34u_3Z9_LUw&ob=av2e: Our precious ears were plagued by untalented nu metal bands like Limp Bizkit and Korn in the late 90s and early 2000s. As a result oversized basketball jersey wearing, backwards capped suburban kids all over raved on about how 'original' and 'awesome' this music was. Talented American muso Ben Folds composed an incredible melodic piss take to these wannabe cretins, inciting that these people rock the suburbs like Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot and Michael Jackson did in a sarcastic manner. The climax of the song makes fun of nu metal with a tuned down ten second jam exposing the lameness of the now forgotten stain on rock and metal music.
54. Michael Andrews and Gary Jules - Mad World (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4: Mr Andrew and Mr Jules, two relatively unknown musicians, tugged at our heart strings and made our eyes water when they released this stripped down rendition of the classic Tears For Fears song. This song was made popular thanks to the acclaimed film Donnie Darko, and the song has the rare ability to put you in a dream like state as you listen to it. It is easily one of the best cover songs of last decade.
53. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd2B6SjMh_w&ob=av2e: Just when we thought that 2006 was a somewhat average year for music, Danger Mouse and Cee Lo Green AKA Gnarls Barkley presented us with this spaghetti Western inspired, medium tempo urban groove. If I could sum up relief in one word in relation to the year 2006 in a song, this would be it. The song rightfully went on to win numerous awards and top many 2006 and 2000s music polls.
52. Beck - Profanity Prayers (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wD1hM7TMkg: Everything American singer-songwriter Beck produces is first class in my book. Off the back of a successful 2008 release Modern Guilt, Beck releases a guitar and synth laden tirade on the validity of a higher being. 'Who is going to answer, your Profanity Prayers?' is a very discerning lyric to a great song.
51. Aaliyah - Try Again (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcIvIladNnQ: Aaliyah was another amazing artist that was lost oh too soon. Released for the soundtrack of the 2000 film Romeo Must Die which she also starred in, Aaliyah sings about a forbidden relationship, and questions her lover on his ambitions to 'try again' if problems arise during their courtship. Wonderful sampling and Aaliyah's poignant vocals make up this extraordinary tune. God knows how influential this young lady would have become had she not been in that fateful plane crash that cut her life short......
I hoped you enjoyed the next 51 songs on my list. Part Three of my series of blogs is coming up next week, and it will include numbers 50 to 21. In two weeks times my final instalment, The Final 20, will be released showcasing my favourite twenty songs of last decade. Stay tuned :)
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