Back with a few mini-posts – ‘little bites of different things instead of lots of one!’
The inimitable Tom Middleton is out with a new disc, his debut solo album “LIFETRACKS”, from our friends at Six Degrees Records. The DJ, producer, remixer extradordinare and recording artist in his own right offers up a taste of what we can expect with this release by saying: “”Eno, Vangelis and Tomita are big inspirations. In the same breath, I’d name check the likes of electronica producers The Boards Of Canada, early Aphex [Twin], Black Dog, Zero 7, Air, Massive Attack and The Orb. Classical, electronica, jazz and pop, all clues to my musical personality and those apparent subconscious influences.” Check out the very pretty and swirly Shinkansen instrumental for yourself. It’s a FREE MP3, naturally.
(Former?) Dirty Vegas frontman Steve Smith has a new solo album out, and the good people at Frantic are making the bangin’ electro/retro track “Hit Me Up” available as a FREE download. Grab it here.
Guide reader Manuel from Belgium kindly directed me to not one –but two!– FREE MP3 compilations from German site trndtunes. The site’s not in English but the tunes can be easily accessed by clicking on the “1.0″ or “2.0″ album images in the lower right-hand corner. I’ve downloaded them both but have yet to give them a good listen. As soon as I do, I’ll update this post. Thanks, Manuel!
Incidentally, have you heard the new Seal track “Amazing” yet? It’s all that and a bag of chips! The Thin White Duke mix in particular is really spectacular. Damn that Stuart Price can do no wrong and it’s a nice return to form from a ‘killer’ artist who got a little too ballad-y for my taste in recent years. NOT FREE but soooo worth it! (I will say this though, “Amazing” has a very similar sound to Madonna’s “Get Together”.)
Almost forgot about this one… Mrs. Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson has recorded a single for her directorial debut, a short film entitled “The Trap”. The song, “Lessons Learned” isn’t bad, all things considered. Sounds an awful lot like an Indigo Girls tune to me. It’s all part of of Glamour magazine’s Reel Moments project that funds films for women, by women and directly benefits Film Aid International. But it’s FREE and that’s what I’m here for! And for every download, Glamour magazine will donate $1to Big Brother, Big Sister organization. You can download it here.
Back with another edition of Bits ‘n Bobs – ‘little bites of different things instead of lots of one!’
SAMANTHA JAMES » “Breathe You In”
I am loving this! It has to be one of my more favored tracks to come through my inbox in a long, long while. Heretofore unknown to me, DJ Samantha James, is following in her labelmate DJ Colette’s footsteps by being in front of the mic. This silky smooth house number is pitch perfect in every way. It’s simple, classy and utterly listenable. Get the FREE MP3 here.
AMAZON.COM launchesAMAZONMP3beta
Online superstore just launched it’s (supposed) iTunes killer, AMAZONMP3beta, featuring cheaper songs at a higher bit rate that are also DRM-free. I haven’t tried it out yet ’cause none of the big name artists featured actually float my boat but I’m curious to know what you think. Specifically, how well it works with a Mac. I’m also curious to know if you think their launch was “quiet” or covered everywhere; right now, I feel like it was a 5 out of 10 in terms of coverage. I definitely heard about it from several different sources but I didn’t feel beaten over the head… which was nice for a change.
10.3.07 UPDATE:
Be sure to sign up for the weekly AmazonMP3 newsletter! They’re already offering FREE tracks.
And lastly, as mentioned in this post, one of the best tracks of the summer finally arrives at the iTMS. Grab ROGUE TRADERS’ “World Go ‘Round” here.
The long awaited, oft-delayed solo debut of former Olive lead singer, Ruth Ann Boyle, is finally here!! I made a post about it back in 2005, pretty much at the start of Guide. Arriving with little fanfare, this collection of songs produced with long-time collaborator and one man band Enigma, Michael Cretu, is available only at iTunes Music Stores. Overall, I’m impressed with the songs with the standouts being the title track “What About Us” and “Dancing Into Hell” in my opinion. Most of the songs are dark, foreboding and smack of the same kind of sound we’re already accustomed to hearing when it comes to Ruth Ann guesting on Enigma tracks. WHAT ABOUT US is essentially a nice companion piece (or sequel) to Olive’s “TRICKLE” disc from 2000; It’s pretty downbeat but well-produced and ultimately very listenable. What’s missing is any of the 4 seemingly brilliant Jens Gad tracks mentioned in my post from two years ago (samples of which are no longer available on his site sadly). I am literally shocked that these tracks are not included. I can only hope and pray that these eventually see the light of day, possibly as b-sides in the very near future? Are you listening Ruth Ann/Jens Gad?? What about us?!
But for fans of Olive (and possibly Enigma), this album definitely does not disappoint. Click here to be taken to the iTMS to get “WHAT ABOUT US”.
Perfect for the lazy days of summer sun is BEBEL GILBERTO’s stunner “Bring Back the Love (Stuhr Remix)” which is so delicate yet practically perfect in it’s delicacy. There are many good remixes like the Prins Thomas mix… and the original isn’t bad either.
LISA SHAW makes two appearances on this list, just as she did on my year end list back in January. “Side 2 Side” has the clean deep house sound that only the excellent Miguel Migs can provide – and that I love so much. And going by her moniker Li’sha, she scores another hit with Miguel on this gorgeous house-y number from a few years ago, “Do It For You”.
American Idol runner-up KATHARINE McPHEE has got the funnest song of the summer in “Open Toes”, a paean to footwear that is so campy, it must have been written by a gay man. (Truth be told, Katharine’s entire self-titled disc is very good; I rarely listen to Top 40-type music but her album crosses a bit of dance, pop, ballads and R&B into one fine piece of listening. It’s so good, In fact, it’s the only Idol alum album I own.)
“Les Djinns (Trentemøller Mix)” by DJUMA SOUNDSYSTEM : An instrumental in the can-do-no-wrong hands of Trentemøller becomes an anthem rather than just a piece of lyric-less music.
“Makes Me Wonder”, the latest by MAROON 5, seems more to me like a boy band offering on par with *NSync or Backstreet Boys than something I’d equate to these alt-rockers, but hey, it’s catchy!
HELLOGOODBYE’s “Here (In Your Arms)” is another cheesy, vocoder laden track that, apparently, I’m a sucker for.
CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG’s “The Songs That We Sing” is sparkly and ever-so reminiscent of an old favorite of mine, Ivy.
The voice of EBTG, TRACEY THORN, continues to surprise and delight with her latest, “It’s All True.”
Two songs by my new favorite band o’ the moment: I MONSTER. I’m hearing “Heaven” everywhere – movie premiere DJs, at the mall and on a Macy’s commercial. It’s gorgeous and twinkly and strikes all the right notes. This song is going to be HUGE. “Daydream In Blue” has such a great retro 1960s Mamas and Papas feel to it, replete with record static, then shifts into a darker place and back again.
THE BIRD AND THE BEE – “Because” : Here’s one for you that almost defies classification. If you asked me when I first heard this ditty that I’d be a fan it of, I’d say, “Hell no.” Somehow it made it onto one of my iTunes playslists and thus kept playing. And after more than a few listens, I was hooked. Everything that makes it odd (the off-kilter, almost out-of-tune chords) is exactly what endeared itself to me.
JOHN LEGEND – “Save Room” : I love this song. It’s essentially a late 60s pop-rock number disguised as modern day R&B. I can’t help thinking this is what The Doors/Jim Morrison might have gotten up to in later years had things worked out differently.
I can’t recommend ERASURE’s new disc but I can suggest a replacement, the far superior and more enjoyable “NIGHTBIRD” from 2005 that has several very good tracks, namely the catchy “Don’t Say You Love Me”. Also of note, is the amazing acoustic re-work of “Rock Me Gently” from “UNION STREET”.
Sadly not available on iTunes yet is ROGUE TRADERS’ “World Go ‘Round“, which is currently featured in Old Navy’s “Summerland” spot, this hard rockin’ dance act is Australia’s answer to Garbage. I can’t wait for the remix used in the commercial to be released!
And lastly, because ‘Poverty’ is part of my name and this blog’s raison d’être, I bring you Kaskade’s “Words And Melody” for FREE. It’s a sultry, beautiful number that’s ready to boil to the surface with energy but cools itself off just before it can explode into frenzied chaos. Download it here.
This is music Molly O’Poverty style: On The Cheap. For just $9.99 you get 68 tracks PLUS 3 one-hour+ continuous mixes of said tracks!! Even if you like only half – or a quarter – of the songs, it’s one of the best deals in music I have ever seen and absolutely, positively worth the ten bucks. There are massively good and recognizable artists on these three discs, acts like Trafik, Gabriel & Dresden, Bent, X-Press 2, UNKLE, Leftfield, Trentemøller and Danny Tenaglia are just a few of the highlights.
If you’re a fan of house music, snap this up this deal before the management at the iTunes Music Store realizes their grevious mistake!
It’s not the gift I intended at year’s end, but I thought I’d share the tracks that got me through last year. Due to no one’s fault but my own, there are simply not enough free tunes still available for download to make up my Year Two CD. (Many of the MP3s I featured were either from Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape compilations or Beatport freebies that are no longer free.) As expected, my tastes are all over the map. So listen, discover and enjoy them as much as I have!
“To Be Loved (Toby Tobias Remix)” by Bent : A unique beat from a truly iconoclastic band. Great to hear new stuff from the duo.
“Born to Fly (Dave Warrin Fly Mix)” by Lisa Shaw : The first of two entries in this year’s iMix featuring incomparable voice of Lisa Shaw. 2006 saw the release of Lisa’s long awaited solo album, CHERRY . I don’t think it burnt up the charts but for me, she can do (almost) no wrong. She also went back in the studio with Blue Six to lend her considerable talents to their new single (out now), “Tropicalia”. Check it out.
“Desire (Christoph Kardek’s Deep Vocal mix)” by Hanna Hais : Perfect deep house au français.
“Philly” by DJ T. : One evening while down in Los Angeles for the holidays, I heard this on KCRW’s Nocturna show. I didn’t want it to end. Always a good sign.
“Magic Love (Ashley Beedle Black Magic Vocal Remix)” by Bent : The second entry by Bent. To say I was obsessed with this song throughout the year would be a gross understatement. Who else but Bent could transform Captain & Tennille’s 1979 track “Love On A Shoestring” into this? Phenomenal!
“Sean (Eric’s 2WFU Dub)” by Aya : Another track I wrote about in a previous post. This kept me going through most of the summer.
“Be Still (Jay-J’s Shifted Up Mix)” by Kaskade : Ryan Raddon (also know as Kaskade) manages to do it again. This lyrical and pulse-pounding remix by Jay-J elevates a mediocre dance number into something that just makes you move.
“Look On the Floor (Angel City Extended Remix)” by Bananarama : From the “I can’t believe it” category comes this fluffy, I-must-be-a-gay-boy ditty replete with requisite cheesy vocoder effects. Once the chorus sinks in though, it’ll stay in your head for a long, long time. So very cheesy but in a good way. It’s kinda nice to hear the Bananas again.
“Don’t You Want Me (King Britt Scuba Mix)” by Jody Watley : Ah, Miss Watley… If you weren’t featured on the first season of Bravo’s “Work Out” I wouldn’t have even known you were still alive. This smooth remix reminds me of why/how you became popular in the first place. An out-of-date track updated for today’s more sophisticated tastes.
“Jump (Extended mix)” by Madonna : Quite possibly one of her best tracks ever. Certainly in my top five of all time by Her Madgesty. And put to the best possible use in The Devil Wears Prada. (Even though this was part of CONFESSIONS… from 2005, and it made my Best of Oh-Five list as a runner-up, the single and its remixes weren’t released until mid 2006.)
“Damage (featuring Tracey Thorn)” by Tiefschwarz : Looks like there’ll be no more Everything But The Girl, sadly. This is as close to their sound as we can get until Tracey’s solo disc comes out, hopefully some time in ‘07.
“Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera : I know, I know. You’re not used to Top 40 on my Guide but this song has “it” in spades; A great retro groove and kick ass lyrics. Its this year’s “Crazy In Love”. And that’s not a bad thing.
“Is It Any Wonder” by Keane : These guys had a great year (almost too great if you know what I mean). This song, especially the Tall Paul remix, reminded me how much I missed any new offering by Coldplay.
“He Knows The Sun” by The Legends : One of my favorite songs of late 2005/early 2006 finally arrived at the iTMS. Better late than never.
“Changes” by Tahiti 80 : Another terrific Franco offering. If you can find it, the Borderline remix is tons better.
“Different Sound” by Teddybears : Used to great effect in the Intel Core 2 Duo commercials. Appeals to me in that Goldfrapp-kinda way.
“Koop Island Blues” by Koop : Already said what I had to say about it here.
“No One Else (The Amalgamation Of Soundz Remix)” by Natalie Walker : Killer remixers grab hold of a track and milk it for all it’s worth.
“Warrior” by Andy Caldwell : Lisa Shaw strikes again as guest vocalist making a mellow, must-have track.
“More Shine” by Si*Se : From the very beginning of ‘06, this track stayed on my playlists throughout the entirety of the year, which is almost unheard of. Congrats to the ear at iTunes that brought this to our collective attention. “More” I say!
“Travel In Time” by Kate Havnevik : Sounds a lot like last year’s featured Mint Royale.
“Lazy Lover” by Brazilian Girls : An older song, but new to me, used effectively in an Axe shower gel commercial. Just proves great music can be found anywhere.
“Loosen Your Hold” by South : Nice iTunes Live session from a group of guys just waiting to break it big-time. I’ve featured them before and I’ll continue to do so until the rest of your ears catch up.
“What Now” by Aloe Blacc : Don’t let the warning label deter you. There’s nothing explicit about this song except its perfect leisurely beat. I heard this at the Virgin Megastore and just had to have it.
“Shiva (TC Remix)” by Thievery Corporation : Just lovely, as is almost everything the Thievery boys touch.
“Venice Beach Dub” by Stuph : Let the tide take you…
“Can’t Take It In” by Imogen Heap : 2006 was her breakout year. She managed to put Frou Frou behind her and crafted a unique album (SPEAK FOR YOURSELF) and image for herself. She also honed a fervent fan base. So, despite all her terrific singles this past year, why has this one stuck in my head so? If I could answer that, I’d be a millionaire.
I’ve held off writing this post long enough. Not because I didn’t want to… but because I wanted to do this band justice, not in some rushed posting.
The J-pop group m-flo first came to my attention via a short post on arjanwrites back in late 2004 or early 2005 about the Scumfrog Space Cowboy Disco edit remix of “I Wanna Be Down” (The album version features Ryuichi Sakamoto, although I’m not sure to what extent his talents are featured in the remix). I searched high and low and was never able to find a digital file of that remix. Finally, I broke down an ordered the 12″ vinyl from Juno Records even though I don’t own a turntable. Once I got that digitized and gave the remixes a listen, well, I was hooked. Then came an even lengthier obsession.
I desperately wanted ASTROMANTIC, the album “I Wanna Be Down” was taken from. I tried the usual routes (amazon.com/co.uk) and sixty days after placing the very expensive order –it was something like $55 US– the order was cancelled inexplicably. Finally, as a last resort, I ordered it from G.E.M.M. the global music “store”. You can find practically everything there, even obscure stuff; Someone somewhere in the world most likely has it… and has it for sale.
After what seemed like forever and expending a great deal of energy and resources, I finally had ASTROMANTIC in my hot little hands. And let me tell you, it was no disappointment. In fact it was beyond genius. Amazing. Fantastic. And gorgeous. I was humbled by the sheer force of their talent and the incredible, clever songs.
Now on to the music. What’s stunning is their ability to seamlessly blend genres –hip-hop, pop, DnB, electronica/dance, even jazz– with their rapid-fire vocal style singing/rapping in Japanese, English and, on one song, in Spanish. I can’t imagine the genius it takes to write raps in multiple languages, because the words can’t just rhyme or flow, they have to make sense if translated all together. So much of their stuff is accessible and quite radio-friendly; I stunned that more people haven’t picked up on them and recognized their insane talent.
Most, if not all, of m-flo’s recent songs feature a collaborator whom they credit in their song titles as “Loves so-and-so.” (The have a thing about capitalizing their funky song names.) A vocalist named LISA was the third member of the group but she left before ASTROMANTIC was released; They seem to be doing alright without her.
Luckily for everyone, ASTROMANTIC and their latest offering, BEAT SPACE NINE is now available at the iTMS. And they’re perfect for summer. Here are my best-of picks:
WAY U MOVE / Dragon Ash - This could be a Red Hot Chili Pepper’s song… until the two-minute mark where it all shifts into high gear and becomes an altogether different/fantastic song. Fans of Daft Punk should love this. [Inexplicably one of their best cuts is not offered on iTunes.]
Get On! / Crystal Kay - A fusion of all kinds of styles is present here, including delightful whistling. Almost unclassifiable. This song just makes me giddy. (I know they’re not saying this, but I keep hearing the urban slang word for booty: bedonkadonk.)
Astrosexy / CHEMISTRY - starts off with a great Deee-Lite -like intro and morphs into something BT might produce. Bonus: can you spot the famous techno sample mixed in there?
the Luv Bug / BoA - I love this song! One of the more instantly accessible songs. Just beautiful.
I Wanna Be Down (Loves Ryuichi Sakamoto) - So glitchy and cut up yet smooth, graceful and rhythmic. m-flo is the only other band I can think of that even comes close to matching the production style of Brian Transeau.
Taste Your Stuff (loves BENNIE K) - Totally radio-friendly. Better than anything Gwen Stefani is doing. Heavier guitar and video game sounds… Why is this not a hit?
Loop In My Heart (loves EMYLI & YOSHIKA) - Couldn’t you just hear Beyoncé doing this? She should stop putting Jay-Z on her records and collaborate with them. Sadly, 95% of American’s will never even hear –or recognize for that matter– the sheer talent of the m-flo boys just because they’re primarily a Japanese language act.
SO EXCLUSIVE (love Sowelu) - My favorite track off BEAT SPACE NINE. “Oh my, if it’s alright.” Yes, it most certainly is. Better than “alright” in fact. As I said before, I can’t resist a song with hand clapping.
A.D.D.P. (loves MONDAY Michiru) - A great cut. Shows you what m-flo is capable of… all in one song. Almost entirely in English, too. Wish I knew what the title stands for; all I can glean is “analyze” and “process”.
HEY! (loves Akiko Wada) - Genius. Take well-known backbeat. Make it spacey and soulful. Rinse and repeat.
There you have it. Not all the tracks… just some of the ones that I think are especially good. You should definitely check out both their albums and the remixes available. Enjoy!
p.s. Did I say “genius” too much?? It’s the only word I can think of to describe their phenomenal talent.
I’m trying to make up for the lack of posts with lots of material. So here goes… [You may have to click links twice to be taken to the song at the iTunes Music Store –where applicable– even if you already have iTunes open.]
“I’ll Call You (Kaghoul mix)” by Soul Mekanik : Just smooth, lush and beautiful. Let it take you to another place. Find it at Beatport.com. (Sorry no direct linking available!)
“Breathe (2am)” by Anna Nalick : Not new… but you’ve heard it almost everywhere forlorn lovers need to run in the rain to tell their beloved something of extreme importance.
“Loitering” by Harold Budd & Robin Gutherie [Music from the film Mysterious Skin] : Just one select off this entirely haunting score. It seemed strange and also so familiar when I watched the film. That’s because it features a prominent member of Cocteau Twins. I feel like it could be the perfect musical companion piece (sequel?) to Gustavo Santaolalla’s Brokeback Mountain score.
“Can’t Take It In” by Imogen Heap : Didn’t see Narnia so I had no idea Immi was featuring during the end credits until she sang it in concert. The opening chorus almost struck me dead. She can do no wrong apparently.
“You’re A User” by Beverly and Larry : God, so damn good! And FREE to boot! I’m find myself just saying, “You’re a user” at random times during the day. I think it puts my co-workers on edge. [found via the excellent Knobtweakers]
“Ele” by Dumb Dan : Even more tastiness from the BEVLAR netlabel. Remember “Swamp Thing” by Grid? This reminds me of a more accessible version of that groovy track. If you haven’t picked up on it yet, it’s FREE. [also found via Knobtweakers]
My Room Is White (Flying Lotus remix) by Mia Doi Todd : Unusual eastern-flavored beats but strangely rhythmic and soothing. [Apologies. The link takes you to another remix. Sometimes Apple doesn’t list remixes names so it’s impossible to tell which mix you’re linking to!]
“Keep It Down” by Ben Crea : Just one track off his great EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH internet album. This one slyly works in a sample of “Voices Carry” from Til Tuesday. Another track, “Time Goes By” features a sample of “Hung Up” by Madonna. I dig the cover art, too! Available for FREE at the Internet Archive. [via Knobtweakers]
“Feel the Beat (Satie)” by Najwa : Older goodness from this Swede. Her new song “So Often” is slow to build but oh so good. Keep an eye out for it as it’s not available at the iTMS yet.
This has been a terrific year for music in my estimation, probably the best since ‘91-92 in terms of the wealth and breath of great poptronica. My year-end ‘best of’ is more aptly a selection of my favorite single releases, songs that I listened to the most and brought me the most amount of pleasure.
I’ve been studying my peers in this field and they all seem to echo the same sentiments: Last year it was all about the Scissor Sisters. 2005 is the year of the Franz Ferdinands, The Kaiser Chiefs, the Clap Your Hands and Say Yeahs, The Arcade Fires, Spoons, The Killers and Anthony and The Johnsons, et-cetera et-cetera blah blah blah. Frankly all those bands and their ersatz counterparts bore me to tears. Now, don’t read more into that statement and think that I’m saying they’re all no good. On the contrary, they have their place… just not on my playlists. All these faux-glam-indie-emo rock outfits have a sameness that I disdain. They are not “greats” in the same sense as Elvis, The Beatles, Bowie or Elton John or even Madonna. They may have some longevity but I sincerely doubt they will be remembered in the annals of rock-n-roll history. Just the same as I believe you can’t manufacture an “idol” every season. Not all of my favorites will make it into the Hall of Fame either, but at least I’m not blindly regurgitated popular sentiments. [Sorry, too many selections to show album art on all of them!]
Now, onto my favorites:
Favorite New Old Song Discovered This Year: Xploding Plastix >> Sunset Spirals – Where was I when this came out?? Wish I had been clued into this release back in 2003. Sparkling vocals courtesy of Sarah Cracknell (of Saint Etienne fame).
Merit Badge: Mylo >> DESTROYROCKNROLL – While technically a 2004 release, Mylo gained the attention he so justly deserved for “Drop The Pressure” this year. The entire disc is genius. It’s criminal that iTMS doesn’t carry this album and that it’s still only available as an import after all this time.
Team 9’s “Square 1″ (Coldplay’s “Square One” and Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy”)
Runners-Up: Madonna >> Sorry, Jump, How High – The masses justifiably embraced a return-to-form from Her Madgesty. A flat-out terrific disc makes runner-up status sheerly cause of it’s late-in-the-year release. CONFESSIONS has brought me a great deal of enjoyment… but only for the last couple of weeks.
Coldplay >> Speed of Sound – Bland? Maybe. But there’s a great quality to their take on generic rock. Nobody does it better.
The Finalists:
14) Junior Senior >> Take My Time – Sad that another group can utilize the talents of the B-52 girls better than the B’s have been able to in years. [Import only; Not available at the iTMS]
12) Fannypack >> Nu Nu Yeah Yeah (Double J & Haze Radio edit) – Originally discovered on Fluxblog earlier this year, this terrific ditty has the sound I wish American R&B artists were emulating. I think I would have new-found respect for Beyoncé if this were her release.
11) Feist >> One Evening – Sultry, smokey gin-joint, crackling fireplace in the background music for displaced lovers.
10) Mint Royale >> Little Words – Swirly, gorgeous piano and strings. “I know they’re just little. But I mean those little words.” To me, way deeper than little.
9) The Juan Maclean >> Give Me Every Little Thing – I love the intro to this song and then how it shifts into – what I think – is a very macho, footballers/rugby players chant, kind of like New Order did with the World Cup song a decade or so ago. The video is hilarious, too.
8) Morningwood >> Nth Degree – From it’s opening notes, you know you’re in for something special. Pop/rock that plays well in the car, in the club and in the bowling alley. Cheeky and talented, I expect big things from Morningwood. [Thanks to the good people at Captiol Records for supporting my Morningwood habit and supplying me with links and a CD]. Watch the crafty video here [quicktime].
7) Sebastien Tellier >> La Ritournelle – Meaning “the old story”, this sparkling gem is a testament to love unfading. It also has an old-fashioned, yet contemporary sound you just don’t hear very often. Plus, I can’t resist a song that uses strings to their fullest. Truly original and stunning.
6) Kylie Minogue >> I Believe In You – Except for the vocal pitch break at the end, this is a nearly perfect example of poptronica; smart, catchy and groovy. 9.9 out of 10. I believe in you, Kylie. Come back to the Five and Dime when you’re up to it.
5) Annie >> Me Plus One – While everyone was swooning over ‘Heartbeat’, this song snuck in, took its hold on me and would not let go. Allegedly the story of Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell, it makes for an interesting story-based song, unheard of in the popsphere for its ability to skewer but yet remain delicious and hooky.
4) Deep Dish >> Dreams – This revisionist version of the Fleetwood Mac classic does the unthinkable: makes a perfect 1970s anthem into bouncy, driving music. At least they had the good sense to re-use Stevie and not some crap soundalike.
3) Royksopp >> Only This Moment – More Nordic goodness. I’m fascinated by the lyrical structure of this song. It’s so seamless and blends two voices into one. Trust me, THE UNDERSTANDING is a wholly fantastic release. More accessible that their last album, MELODY A.M., it shines with the likes of “Beautiful Day Without You”, “Follow My Ruin” and “49 Percent”.
1) Ladytron >> Destroy Everything You Touch – Cooly robotic in nature but more warmth than you’d expect. They managed to keep the chill of goth but make it available to the masses. My pick for the best single of the year. Not only is it the best song, but the video is awesome, too. You can watch it here [windows media file].
All available songs at the iTMS are grouped into an iMix here. I’ll be posting part II of my year-end Best Of in a week or so… Watch for it!
