My Top 150 Songs of the 2000s - The Final 20

Well, well, well, look what we have here. After 3 parts and 1 bonus blog in the last month and a half, we have finally reached the Top 20 songs of the last decade! So far in the journey we have delved into different musical genres that defined the last decade. Some of you may wholeheartedly agree about the inclusion of some tracks, while some of you may disagree which is OK. But let me remind you that this is a personal list, not a reflection of 2000s music to the general populace.

It has been an absolute pleasure taking you all back to what was a momentous era in human history. I have looked into the stats of the global audience who viewed my blogs, and I am amazed that so many people from all ends of the globe have viewed it. Before I wrap this series up I would like to sincerely thank all of my global readers for reading my blog series, and I hope you enjoy the last instalment of what I think are the twenty best songs to be released in the 2000s.



So without further ado, with the aide of the usual Youtube links to the music videos, and for the second time in as many blogs, thumbnails of the single covers included to make it look more significant, I present to you.......THE FINAL 20!!!!!!!!

20 to 1

20. Eminem - The Real Slim Shady (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJO5HU_7_1w&ob=av2e: That white hip hop artist from downtown Detroit has found himself in this illustrous countdown again for the second time. In contrast to the serious tone of Stan, this comedic hip hop track pokes fun at all aspects of early 2000s pop culture, taking the piss out of celebrities and icons like Tom Green, Christina Aguilera, the Grammys and Britney Spears, as well as manufactured pop music at the time. Mathers does not hold back with the criticism, and the support of a bouncy bassline, sneaky keyboards and zany sampling lay the foundations for a silly yet enjoyable song. I best check my onion rings when I go to Hungry Jack's (Burger King for people outside of Oz) next time.

19. Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNsyaG_rTzE&feature=fvst: The drone of 'Where's your head attttt, a-a-a-a-at?' kicks off what is to be a bouncy house tune by these talented Brits. A lot of people remember this track mostly for the music video, which in itself is as off kilter as the music, but you can't help having a smile on your face everytime you hear it. Whether it is the monkey people jamming maniacally on instruments that come to mind when the drone springs up in the chorus, or that pudgy bloke also in the video who meets his animalistic fate, Jaxx have conjured up a beaut dance track that is sure to engage the senses.

18. The Temper Trap - Fader (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPPdetZTOx0&ob=av2n: These Melbourne turned London dream rockers wowed the socks off everyone upon release of their debut album, firstly making airwaves on Triple J in 2008 with their first single Sweet Disposition (number 150 on this countdown), followed by the commercial crowd about a year later. Fader is one of those melodic pop rock numbers that sticks with you the moment the wooing chorus blasts through the airwaves and into your cranium. This band can do no wrong, and Fader showed that the boys could belt out a highly accessible hit. This band rocks my socks, and after hearing this you will know why. This is the best song of the year 2009.

17. Daft Punk - One More Time (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGBhQbmPwH8&ob=av2e: That's right ladies and gentlemen, these acclaimed French house kings have done it again for the fourth time, this time landing a track in the top 20. Words cannot describe the sheer sensation that arises when hearing this synth laden track. Vocodered vocals, shiny guitars, thumping drums, you name it, Punk have thrown it in. The iconic music video is a sequel to Harder Better Faster Stronger, showing these anime cyborg characters jazzing up a storm before being invaded by creatures from another galaxy. Sit back, relax and enjoy this cosmic journey into Happyland. You know you want to.

16. Beyonce Feat. Jay Z - Crazy In Love (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViwtNLUqkMY: Ohhhhhh aren't they such a cute couple? Mrs Z and Mr Knowles team up to create a sensationally delightful RnB/soul number. Beyonce shows why she was (and still is to a degree) one of the most sought after pop artists in the music industry. Her voice resonates to the boppy percussion and the horn section in the chorus, sampled from The Chi-Lites' 1970s song Are You My Woman (Tell Me So). Jay Z brings the track home with his rap bridge before wifey finishes it off with a stunning bridge of her own and a booming concluding chorus. This is dancy RnB at its finest.

15. MGMT - Kids (2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe4EK4HSPkI&ob=av2e: Described by a music critic as a 'noisy New Order-style synth jam', these Connecticut neo-psychedelic indie poppers pay a crunching homage to the great joys and the inevitable lows of childhood. All the band ask for is to live life when you're young and enjoy the time you have until you go out into the big wide world alone to set up your life. Sometimes we should all take a leaf out this book. Ironically, some of the quirky looking Muppet like characters and left of centre imagery in the video may give children nightmares upon first viewing. Nonetheless, the song is a joy to the ears.

14. The Knife - Heartbeats (2003)
  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcv3v6XfEvM: No no no, I am not talking about the acoustic version by singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez that you heard off that famous TV brand advertisement. Rather this is the original electronica version so craftily put together by this Swedish group. The song oozes clever synth beats and Bjork esque vocals, and its hypnotic tone may or may not make you sway back and forth on your desk chair to the tune of the vocals. I best be off to JB Hifi to get that 56 inch TV I was suddenly craving for, damn advertising!!!!!

13. Kanye West Feat. Lupe Fiasco - Touch The Sky (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkwQbuAGLj4&ob=av2n: It is not every day that a song comes around which sounds so uplifting, so joyful and so emphatic that you feel like getting off your sweat soaked computer chair to do something to help your grandmother, your dog, or that Jehovahs Witness who asks if you believe in the Lord while shoving a copy of Watchtower in your hand. Kanye enlightens the listener with mistakes he made in his life, and he proclaims that if you put the effort in you will 'touch the sky'. The highlight for me besides the gorgeous horns sampling is Lupe's supporting rap. He almost makes the track his own, and to almost do it when rapping with Kanye West is an achievement in itself. The music video pays homage to the US stuntman Evil Knievel.

12. Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pBFiEvlwlQ&ob=av2n: Whether you deride this Aussie rock group as being AC/DC copycats, or if you praise them as hard rock revivalists, you can come to a mutual decision about how awesome this ballsy single is. For a short while, Jet brought back hard rock to the masses, opening the floor for people to rekindle their love for and discovering for the first time Aussie rock bands like Cold Chisel, AC/DC and Midnight Oil, all of which heavily influence Jet's music. The theme of this track may be cliche at best, but underneath this is crunching instruments and a melodic guitar driven track that deserves repeatable listens.

11. Peter, Bjorn and John - Young Folks (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51V1VMkuyx0: Sweden has had quite a strong representation in this countdown. From the electro pop of Robyn, to the indie rock of The Hives, to the electronic synth of The Knife, the Swedes have shown that they can produce marvellous musical artists in all genres. The majority of people remember this song for its catchy whistling, which in itself is a great addition, but the youthful male and female vocals and the accompanying band make this sunny folk number highly memorable and definitely one of the most enjoyable songs of last decade.

10. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY&ob=av2e: It is a common myth that the now iconic riff at the start of the track is made by a bass guitar. Rather it is created by Jack White's semi acoustic guitar through a whammy pedal set down an octave. But why should we care? Jack and Meg White churned out their surefire signature hit in 2003, and the track was used in various commercials and other media, and even the Italian soccer team adopted the song when they won the 2006 World Cup. The dropped 'bass' riff and the patient drums in the verses, cascade into a melodic flurry of power chords and tom toms in the chorus. The Stripes show that elaborate guitar solos and highly produced drum beats need not show their face in jawdroppingly electric tunes like this.

9. The Strokes - Last Nite (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOypSnKFHrE&ob=av2e: Frustration with relationships is not a new subject touched upon by Casablancas and co., but the New York indie rockers tell an honest tale of a man's escape from his emotionally exhausted girlfriend, while crying out that girlfriends, people and spaceships don't understand his problem. Sounds like a dead horse being flogged I  know, but The Strokes belt out this story in their trademark indie retro style. It is claimed that the band refused to make a music video for the song, and instead asked the record company if they can just play the song live, which they were granted permission for. This single laid the platform for the influential and popular group that they were to become over the next decade and beyond.

8. Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad (B.O.B.) (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVyVIsvQoaE&ob=av2e: Wait a minute........could this hip hip duo actually produce a great hit with things like higher tempos. jungle rhythms and a choir who can bring the song home with a memorable protest chant??? As far fetched as that sounds, somehow Outkast were able to produce one of the greatest songs of the last decade, a radical departure from their medium tempo hip hop numbers that made it to radio before and after this single's release. Don't let the archaic title fool you into thinking this is some war protest song, this song is 5 minutes and 4 seconds of absolute hip hop chaos, and I mean the term chaos in the most positive light.

7. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize?? (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXGb3JoGp0w: If I could sum up this glorious melodic soundscape in one word and one word only, it would be 'validating'. You can't not listen to this song and feel validated for having the ultimate gift of all, one that you cannot place a dollar value on, life. The Lips ask us questions that we do not think about much, the question with the most impact being 'do you realise, that everyone, you know, some day, will die?'. I have never felt so inspired to go out and live life to the fullest, and I hope this has the same impact on you. Please purchase this song, now!

6. Feist - 1234 (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABYnqp-bxvg&ob=av2e: I would just like to put it out there. I am not some advertising guru who is using familiar theme songs for different electronics products to subliminally command you to go out and buy things like a new TV or a fruit branded music player. This particular song should not be remembered as that song on that iPod ad that everyone remembers came out a few years ago. As the lead singer of Canadian indie group Broken Social Scene, Feist delivers a cutesy acoustic track, with the highlight being her wise and exuberant vocals decorating this gorgeous song. At least Canada has some decent musicians which is a joy to know about.

5. Johnny Cash - Hurt (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp4UI_FxGLE: Now, I am a man's man. It takes me a lot to feel emotion in any form of media, but upon first listening to this instant classic cover of the Nine Inch Nails' song, I couldn't help but shed a tear. This is one of those rare covers that actually are much better than the original, and you can't help but well up while hearing Cash's raspy vocals reverberating throughout the song. Hurt is so hauntingly beautiful that it has been said that even Trent Reznor cried when he first heard this cover. The accompanying music video reflects on Cash's long career with his frail elderly figure adorning it, and it is one of the greatest videos ever to be released. RIP Johnny.

4. The Avalanches - Frontier Psychiatrist (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLrnkK2YEcE&ob=av2e: Sampling seems to be commonplace in many dance and hip hop tunes, and while some sampling works exceptionally well, some can be cheaply added resulting in the song being brought down. But what if a song came out that was nothing but samples from various films and songs? You might think 'that sounds god awful', but this short lived Australian electronic group create something that sounds weird upon first listening. But as you listen to it a few times, this concept grows on you, and things like samples of horses neighing, parrots squawking and a teacher uttering the line 'that boy needs therapy' repeatedly work so well when combined with instrumental sampling of horns and turntables among other things. The album Since I Left You which the single is included on is one of the most acclaimed Aussie albums of the 2000s, and tracks like this validate these claims. I declare this the best Aussie song of last decade.

3. The Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU3mc0yvRNk&ob=av2n: The 2000s was a very cruisy decade in terms of pop culture, and the simplicity of some structures in music was revived. People dropped their turntables and picked up their dust filled guitars, and anthemic doosies like this one symbolised this revolutionary method of producing music. The Dandys recorded easily their most recognisable song, and within days of its release rock radio and music sites knew they stumbled on an extraordinary wunderfind. A staple in karaoke bars, the Brown Sugar-esque guitar riff accompanies a highly rotational fun filled jamboree.

2. Outkast - Hey Ya! (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw&ob=av2e: In the summer of 2003, we were deeply shocked at all of the commercially produced summer tracks that were being released to coincide with the Christmas holidays. Within this manufactured lagoon of shit, an eclectic neo-soul/rock/funk single was released by a well known hip hop group, and we were all thankful to the gods above that there was something worth playing on repeat on those hot summer nights. Think of this song as if someone threw in the funk of Prince, the rockin' melody of The Beatles, the soul of Ike Turner and the New Wave of Devo, but which actually bodes together perfectly. The phrase 'Shake it like a Polaroid picture' was popularised after the song's release, and the video is a homage to The Beatles' 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

I have blessed you all with 149 of the best tracks of last decade, and it is now my pleasure to give you my favourite song of the 2000s. And the winner is............

1. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (2004)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijk4j-r7qPA&ob=av2e: We have to thank indie rock for revitalising the four piece rock group with simple and catchy melodies. For these Scottish rockers, they have composed the song that defined the last decade. This memorable track starts of as a mid tempo groovedown, 48 seconds into it the tempo drops, and out bores a moderate indie rhythm. It beggars belief how Franz pull off such a transition, but they managed to defy the odds and nail it. This is the first guitar driven British anthem to be released in years, and its sound signifies the last decade. A truly deserving number one.

Well that wraps up my first ever list of songs, and as mentioned in the opening paragraph, I thank everyone from all corners of the globe for following my blog and I hope you enjoyed reading my list and watching the music videos. If all goes well I may publish another list in the near future, but we will see what happens. If you would like to go back through the countdown as well read my blog on the ten worst songs of 2000s, please feel free to do so.

Stay safe, and thanks again.

Pooge

My Top 150 Songs of the 2000s - Bonus Blog: The 10 Worst Songs of 2000s

Good evening fellow bloggers, I hope you are enjoying my list of the 150 best songs of the decade that was the 2000s. We have only 20 more songs left on the list, but I thought I would be generous and write a bonus blog before releasing the last part of my series next week. With every great thing there is sometimes the complete opposite: an inconceivable mess of epic proportions. Something so purile and horrid that you wished you cut out your eyes and cut off your ears for seeing and listening to it. Before I let you all ascend into musical heaven, I will be taking you all on a trip to musical hell. Luckily I will only list ten and not 150 of the worst songs of last decade. For those who wish to close this window at this point, please proceed, but for those with the guts to get started, may the gods have mercy on your souls......let's begin.

The 10 Worst Songs of the 2000s

10. Simple Plan - Welcome To My Life (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0U0AlLVqpk&ob=av2n: The band that started the emo movement, and the band that fuelled the short lived Myspace craze of the mid 2000s. These Canadians have placed themselves in the same echelon of other terrible Canadian musicians, including Celine Dion, Justin Bieber and Nickelback, and the whining why me vocals will make you wanna throw yourself out of a window. There is one thing to say about the single and SP's career overall: welcome to my bin.

9. Ke$ha - Tik Tok (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs&ob=av2n: In the case of Britney Spears' Toxic and anything from Robyn, pop music in the 2000s can really work with well thought out production values and melodies. In the case of this pop robot monkey, the rules of making decent pop are thrown out entirely. This has to be one of the most overproduced, nonsensical pieces of shit you could ever subject your audiotry canals to. The awful Auto Tuned pop-rapping and dumb lyrics really top off this 3 or 4 minute shitfest.

8. Ricky Martin - She Bangs (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihtX86JzmA&ob=av2e: Latino listeners and middle aged and elderly people were in joyous raptures when this cheesy latin dance hit landed on our shores. For normal people with musical knowledge outside of Fox FM, we collectively blew chunks out of our mouths while our beloved relatives would play this heaping pile of cow dung ad nauseum for months after its release. Looks like I will be crossing Puerto Rico off my list of places I want to travel to.

7. Holly Valance - Kiss Kiss (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rCDOVzWDts&feature=fvst: If this single proves anything, it shows all you need to launch a short lived musical career within the confines of your home country. If you can act in a local soap opera then you have a record deal. This style of dance pop has been done to death, and we all know it is not Valance singing those awful vocals and constantly mwah mwah mwahing, rather it is the machines in the recording studio doing this. Besides Kylie Minogue, there has not been one decent singer to come out of Summer Bay or Ramsay Street *puts up flame shield to protect himself from Delta Goodrem lackies*.

6. Black Eyed Peas - My Humps (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEe_eraFWWs&ob=av2n: Yes Fergie we understand......you're bragging about your lady lumps, or humps, or bumps or whatever the fuck you want to call them. How The Black Eyed Peas went from being a promising underground hip hip outfit to a pop rap driven laughing stock is beyond me, and Fergie's inception into the group has done nothing but detriment to music in general. I am embarrassed to even listen to this while I am writing this entry.

5. Crazy Frog - Axel F (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k85mRPqvMbE&ob=av2e: Everyone who lived through the 2000s remembers when before the iPhone changed the way that ringtones would be added to phones, morons would stay up late at night and pay $50000000 for a 3 second ringtone. Such bastardry resulted in the conception of this disgrace of a novelty cartoon character with no pants. What is worse than releasing an awful ringtone, why releasing a single cramming your head with the constant 'ring a ding ding ding' to the sampling of the Beverly Hills Cop theme song of the same name of course. Thank goodness that these ringtone companies are out of business.

4. James Blunt - You're Beautiful (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofSnsGkops&ob=av2e : In hindsight, I could have added any of this former army sergeant's god foresakenly terrible songs on this list, but Blunt's corny lead single off his equally corny album, Back To Bedlam, has the honour of making it. Blunt sounds like that he swallowed a balloon full of helium before singing, and the tired themes of love lost and what could have been will make you smack your head against your desk. Don't say I did not warn you.......

3. Soulja Boi - Crank That (Soulja Boi) (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UFIYGkROII&ob=av2e: I heard a rumour that rappers like Ice Cube thought he was a piece of shit stain on the concept of hip hop. No one could disagree with this after hearing this disgraceful rap 'song'. I don't even understand what he is saying, I don't understand why this guy hasn't been popped by other rappers, and I don't know why this was allowed to leave the recording studio and go and get sold to poor teenagers and kids. This is the worst hip hop song of all time, hands down.

2. Nickelback - How You Remind Me (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cQh1ccqu8M&ob=av2n : Now some of you may be thinking that I am being harsh by focusing on hip hop and pop in this list, but not every genre is pure and enjoyable to listen to entirely. Even rock music has a turd in the river of gold. Nickelback have the dubious honour of featuring a song in my Top 150 (Figured You Out) and a song in the Top 10 with this repetitive three chord dross stinker. Chad Kroeger sounds like he forgot to take his Strepsils for his sore throat, and the band's forced machoness is so goofy it's laughable. Kroeger exclaims in the chorus 'are we havin' fun yet?' and my answer is.....HELL NO!

I would like to apologise and congratulate you all for making it through most of the list. But before we get to number one, here are some honourable mentions of crap songs released in the last decade to remind you all of why music has to have the stench of the Yang with the goodness of the Ying:

Creed - With Arms Wide Open (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99j0zLuNhi8&ob=av2e
50 Cent - Candy Shop (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRcnnId15BA&ob=av2e
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo-A_eCzZXY
Hinder - Lips Of An Angel (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiSfTyrvJlg&ob=av3e
Fast Food Rockers - Fast Food Song (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3dPXxPGbmM&feature=fvst
Akon - Lonely (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EEW-9NDM5k&ob=av2e
Baha Men - Who Let The Dogs Out? (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He82NBjJqf8
Eminem - Just Lose It (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dcVOmEQzKA&ob=av2e

And now, for the worst song of last decade, I bring to you none other than........

1. Paris Hilton - Stars Are Blind (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYLon-rki10: What the fuck were they thinking? A socialite who is nothing but a plastic doll with no talent gets the green light to release this UB40 wannabe reggae trash? Aspiring singers and musicians from around the world must have revolted and thrown out their home mixing machines when they found out that Paris got a gig and a single and album release. Where do I start with this disgrace? Is it the overpitched vocals? The clearly ripped off reggae beat? The vacuous and unoriginal lyrics? Or it is simply just her chihuahua looking face on the album cover that makes you wanna hurl? Whatever it is, I encourage you to do the following: ask your worst enemy to borrow some money, go to the nearest music shop and buy this single or album in the bargain bin, go get your beloved dog and take them to a park, and throw that CD like a frisbee and watch your pooch mangle the shit out of it.

Well that was a bonus blog, but next week I will present 20 to 1 on the Top 150 of 2000s list. See you soon :)

My Top 150 Songs of the 2000s - 50-21

For the last two weeks we have taken a trip down nostalgia lane reflecting on what I think are the best songs released last decade. Many great artists from different genres have been represented.


Uh......not these guys no........

So far I have served you 100 of these tracks, and just when you thought you couldn't take any more goodness, I will now serve you the next 30 songs on my list. Starting from number 50, we will make the journey up to number 21 for this instalment. And finally next weekend, I will present to you all....THE FINAL 20!!!!!!

So without further ado, here are tracks 50 to 21. Enjoy.........

50-21

50. Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy1dYFGkPUE&ob=av2n: Every so often a really fun dance track comes along and its joyful goodness blows your mind. French electronica duo Justice succeed in delivering this feeling by dishing out their signature song. The cutesy vocals really top off this glorious fun track.

49. Britney Spears - Toxic (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOZuxwVk7TU&ob=av2e: 'First you have Nickelback, then Lady Gaga, and now BRITNEY SPEARS? WTF is the matter with you man?'. As I mentioned in the Nickelback entry, even hack musicians can have an awesome song. One of only two decent songs by Brit (the other being 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'), Miss Spears' breathy vocals accompanies a punchy Bollywood style strings arrangement and a jazzy beat. This is pop at its absolute best, and its a shame the rest of the pop industry can't produce original material like this. Listen out for the surf guitar throughout the song, it sounds almost too good to be true.

48. Missy Elliott - Work It (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOZuxwVk7TU&ob=av2e: Missy is living proof that the ladies can get down and lay down a phat hip hop beat much like their male counterparts. Off the acclaimed album Under Construction, Work It provides a dandy hip hop beat with bustin' rhymes by Missy. This would be the most hilarious dating video in history if this were put on RSVP. And FYI, the next line after 'I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it' is this sentence sung in reverse. And we all though Missy was possessed for three seconds.......

47. Lil Wayne - A Milli (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Uhn-dU3Gg: I must warn you before proceeding to watch the Youtube video, you will have the drone of 'A Milli, A Milli, A Milli, A Milli' ingrained in your mind for quite some time. This has a pumping bass line that is dynamic enough to wake the dead, and Wayne produces some slick rhymes to accompany the drone and booming bass. Who needs huge production values and lots of sampling when this minimalist arrangement can be accomplished?

46. Eagles of Death Metal - Cherry Cola (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmkSeIuPJ4g: These garage rockers flaunt their magic once again in their second entry in this list. What more is there to say about this rockin' groove down? Crunching guitars, groovin' bass lines, good drumming, and babes drenched in a red soft drink in the music video. This is the ultimate male fantasy wrapped up in a quick time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

45. Gorillaz - DARE (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAOR6ib95kQ&ob=av2e: Since when did cartoon bands become so edgy and versatile? Forget bands like The Archies from the 1960s who sang lovey dovey ballads about sugar and honey, Damon Albarn's (of Blur fame) 'virtual band' Gorillaz sound oh so fresh. This second single off their second album Demon Days has this 'group' energising us fellow listeners with an almost retro sounding hip hop/dance number. Sure Feel Good Inc was good as well, but DARE is infinitely more entertaining to listen to.

44. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxlgcuQRU&ob=av2n: This is essentially an unconventional love ballad about lead singer Karen O's relationship with Liars frontman Angus Andrew. But don't let this description throw you off, there's no cheesy sentimentality to be heard throughout the entire track. Karen O yearns to see Andrew once again, and this track sounds so glitzy that it sounds like glitter has been thrown onto the speakers with the edgy guitar work and pounding drums. This band went on to become very successful in the alternative music scene, and we are glad this was the case.

43. Foo Fighters - Low (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySlZdASmGCM&ob=av2e: While Times Like These and All My Life may have been more well known tracks off the album One by One, Low is the underrated third single off this album. The creepy guitar work and different pace is so unconventional for the Fooeys that it is unbelievably enjoyable to listen to. The music video is a strange yet appropriate match with the song. If you have ever wanted to see Grohl or Jack Black in a dress, now is your chance.

42. Gotye - Learnalilgivinanlovin (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkONn8tadp4: If you wanted the perfect song to wake up to every morning, then this sunny Motown-esque track by this Belgian-Australian artist is the one. This man has released nothing but outstanding tunes since his debut album, and this song that I cannot be bothered to spell out is the shot in the arm that you need when you are upset. This masterpiece concludes with a groovy drum fill to really get you to sit upright in bed in the morning. Amen for music like this.

41. Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red Wine (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBJnRyVXeo4&ob=av2n: Speaking of talented Australian artists, these Perthians had the audacity to go one better from their previous album, resulting in a thumping opening single off the album of the same name. The music video represented a transition from a carefree alt rock band to a serious adult contemporary outfit. This was my favourite song of the year 2006, and you will understand why when you hear it.

40. Basement Jaxx - Good Luck (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO9I61gYlms: You would be forgiven if you thought that Aretha Franklin was providing amazing vocals for this hit single by this British electronic duo. Lisa Kekaula's soulful vocals will leave you in awe, and Jaxx have managed to create a groovy dance number heavily influenced by old school RnB and Motown. Good luck trying to dispute all of this.

39. Cog - Run (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJNjyKnK2W4: Easily the shortest spelt title by the shortest spelt band, these Sydney alt rockers lull you with a sense of calm during the verses, with the drone of 'IIIIIII-I-I-IIIIII-I-III, I want, youuuuu' driving through the speakers. But just when you think the calm will continue after the second verse, out come the chugging guitars and anticipating drums, resulting in a clusterfuck of sound which will have all of your senses engaged.

38. Daft Punk - Robot Rock (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFZjqVnWBhc&ob=av2e: Usually Daft Punk will slowly get into the crust of a track. however within three seconds the pumping drums and synth correlate and turn into a non stop melodic electro calamity of epic proportions. Guitars, synth, drums and bass all play a key part in this track, and Daft once again makes you get up and jive to this sensational instrumental number.

37. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Weapon Of Choice (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94c7fdAxTas&ob=av2n: For those who do not listen to Triple J, yes this song was off one of the Guitar Hero games a few years back.......American rockers BRMC chant their views on freedom and liberation from suppression, and the catchy chorus is sure to fire up your senses. This rock track is the shizz, please get it now if you do not have it.

36. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83KR_UBWdPI: While I'm copping it from teenyboppers about why not enough pop is not on here, I am being hounded by hipsters as to why their favourite underground band that are so edgy that they haven't even formed aren't on here. Well here you go hipsters: this is a soaring indie tune about yearning to be in paradise (either that or it's about a guy stuck in traffic). Canadian hipsters Arcade Fire breath a lot of enthusiasm in this song, and the combined male and female vocal duo is sumblime to say the least.

35. Bloc Party - Banquet (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdkmhquF60o: By now you may be aware that the 2000s was a perfect outlet for aspiring indie bands to produce music and deliver them to our bored ears. This English post punk band is no exception to the rule. Bloc Party introduce us to the standard jangly guitars and melodic drum beats, so sit back and enjoy this feast the BP have to offer.

34. Grinspoon - Lost Control (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSkd6HJThlo: Compared to fellow Aussie rockers The Vines, Grinspoon has about 5 or so years more experience in the game. They have rocked it ever since they emerged as Unearthed Triple J winners in the 1990s, and Spoon tear it up in style with this overdriven track. This is sure to let you loose and headbang in your bedroom, bathroom, study or garage pretty much from start to finish.

33. Incubus - Wish You Were Here (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8295rOMvtQI&ob=av2n: How this American band faded into obscurity I will never know. In 2001 Incubus released what would be their magnum opus album, Morning View, and out of it came a few singles. The best one was definitely this one. According to frontman Brandon Boyd, Wish You Were Here 'captures the serenity and comradery of the band's summer experience with blissful melody and shimmering instrumentation. And who can not forget record scratching that is included? Most of the time it doesn't work, but on here it's very appropriate.

32. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor (2005): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK7egZaT3hs&ob=av2e: If bangin' tunes and DJ sets are your favourite pasttimes, then this sizzling debut by these now popular British indie rock group is your cup of English Breakfast tea. The track is chocka block with innuendos and 1980s pop culture references, and Alex Turner and his rag tag bunch of indie slickers will have you dancing to electro pop like it's 1984.

31. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYF7H_fpc-g&ob=av2e: That muthafuckin' fishstick lovin' genius is at it once again on this influential (wishful thinking) countdown. Mr West recounts his unabashed faith in God with the backing of a mid tempo hip hop beat and chanting choir, coupled with a rolling drumbeat to intensify the gospel according to Kanye. If this is the way of the church and its teachings in the near future, then sign me up.

30. Birds Of Tokyo - Broken Bones (2007): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5p4OS-iqgU: Ian Kenny's more rock orientated Perth group Birds of Tokyo provide a more easy listening type of music compared to the niche stylings of alternative metalists Karnivool. Kenny delivers a heart wrenching diatribe on love lost, and his band support him immensely with harmonic soaring guitars and booming basslines and drums. BOT should be proud for creating such a strong track off an equally strong second album, Universes.

29. Queens Of The Stone Age - No One Knows (2002): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE&ob=av2n: For pure rock enthusiasts, QOTA broke open the doors of rock music in the late 90s with their original stuttery guitar riffs and down and dirty melodies. A few years later, they released their critically acclaimed third album, Songs For The Deaf, and their lead single was so accessible and original, even pop loving Backstreet Boys adoring teenyboppers were secretly buying the single and/or album and flailing around to this signature hit. And once again, Nirvana/Foo Fighters/nearly every band in the last 15 years member Dave Grohl assisted on the drums. That man never takes no for an answer, but in a good way there's no problem with that.

28. The Black Keys - Your Touch (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKXlgISd3iA&ob=av2e: Now from going to easily accessible to very niche (at the time), this Ohio blues rock duo were rockin' the alternative scene with pre-Lonely Boy ditties like this one. The song is featured in some TV shows and a couple of movies, in particular Entourage and Zombieland respectively, The Keys prove that all you need is a distorted electric guitar and a drum kit to create a dynamic tune about longing for someone's 'touch'. Luckily the boys still produce great music despite the fact that their single Lonely Boy is popular on radio.

27. Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eimgRedLkkU&ob=av2n: Who would like another supergroup joke similar to the Audioslave one a few posts back? OK......what do you get when you cross the lead singer of Australian dream rockers The Sleepy Jackson and the lead singer of Aussie electro group Pnau? This short lived but widely acclaimed electro duo, and this highly successful dreamy electro pop track. You can't help but laugh when you watch these two do poses in slow motion to the backdrop of gorgeous Shanghai. I hope they release new material in the future.

26. Eminem - Stan (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOMhN-hfMtY : Everyone has heard news and read about that one obsessed fan who puts everything to the side to try and get in touch with their favourite artist, actor or sports star. They even go to the lengths of dressing and talking like their idols. Marshall Mathers really brings this concept home with this very tragic story of a crazed Eminem fan named Stan, who ends up meeting an unfortunate end with his pregnant girlfriend (played by British songstress Dido in the music video) as he never received a response from three letters sent, which did not get to Eminem due to numerous circumstances. I have included the link to the long version of the song as the radio version does not do this hip hop masterpiece justice.

25. Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAjR4_CbPpQ&ob=av2e: Daft Punk........can these electroheads do something other than make catchy and terrific house tunes? Bouncy 80s esque synths, shiny guitars, supportive percussion, and vocoder driven vocals combine together in a blender to create this masterful tune. While this is no lyrical odyssey (but seriuosly, why do Punk needs deep lyrics?), this will be sure to get you bouncing off the walls with a glass of raspberry cordial in one hand and a handful of Maltesers in the other.

24. Jay Z - 99 Problems (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZObiu6kRU&feature=fvst: What, so infulential hip hop artists have more problems in life other than which bling to wear and which hoes to bang? Inconceivable. Jay Z tells a tale about dealing with a redneck racist policeman, those devilish rap critics, and dealing with an aggressor. With help from producer Rick Rubin, this story is laid down with a guitar riff and a stripped down beat. Some of you people may not agree with this on the list, but I've got 99 problems and the trolls ain't one, hit me!

23. The Presets - My People (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZe9YxJNs48&ob=av2e: Unbeknownst to many listeners, this signature tune by Sydney dance duo The Presets is a story about the unity of asylum seekers locked in a detention centre. To the majority it was about 'being with all of my people, nah nah nah' or something of that nature. The song's crazy energetic beat is what most listeners like about this track, and it's a shame that this song was not adopted by Kevin Rudd when contesting the election against the refugee hating John Howard in the 2007 election. Kudos once again to Triple J for bringing this group to the masses.

22. M.I.A. - Paper Planes (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewRjZoRtu0Y&ob=av2e: According to Sri Lankan-British lady rapper M.I.A., this song was written due to the frustration faced when trying to obtain a visa to the US of A to promote her first album and also do a tour. The chorus is one of the most bad ass ones you will ever here, and it is not recommended to have this blasting through your headphones will lining up to pay for your groceries at your nearest Woolies. It is even cooler in the fact that The Clash members Paul Simonone and Joe Strummer helped write the track.

21. Modest Mouse - Float On (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTAud5O7Qqk&ob=av2e: What better way to finish the first 130 songs of my countdown than with this grand indie tune by this grand American band. The band provide a positive aspect on the way that life should be viewed. Sure shit happens to people all the time, but we all 'float on' in the game of life anyway. If only everyone thought this way. The music video confused the shit out of many people not familiar with them as Franz Ferdinand released their tune 'Take Me Out' with a similar video around this time.

Well how about that, we only have 20 songs left on the countdown!!! My blog next week will feature the 20 best tracks on this list. If you wish to review songs 101-51 again, please feel free to visit my previous blogs. Until then, I will see you next week for the grand finale :).