Another year, another awkward experience of trying to figure out the best way to post a top 10 song list into Tumblr.
Last year it took me way too long to figure it out so I just gave up. I really wish there was a better way to do this on @staff than posting YouTube links, as I hate the ads, and embedding videos is limited to 5. If anyoneās got a better way to do this, please tell me.
Iām going to follow through with it this year, because I like to compile a list of my favorite songs for later reference anyway, and I may as well share them publicly. Ranked from best to least best:
1. Mansionair - Speak Easy
Holy Christmas wreath. This is one of those songs that forces you to pause whatever youāre doing, and think. I canāt believe the amazing production qualities on this too, the polish is just in the right places.
Especially soothing to listen to when passing out on the couch after a Sunday long run ;)
This was seriously at a tie for number 1, I love this song. Itās as uplifting as much as it is relaxing too.
What do you call this borderline folk and electronic indie style of music, folk fusion? Anyway, Iām not a fan of folk but Iām a fan of its modern take. Ā
They deserve extra kudos for the amazing half body dance moves in the video.
3. Alex Winston - Down Low
One of the best songs of the year from this strong female artist. Now, this is an example of how far weāve come with music over the past 20 years. On one hand itās cheaper and more accessible than ever (thank you Songza and Apple Music). But on the other hand this is exactly the type of high quality song that wouldnāt even existed, without breaking into the top 10 a few decades ago!
Thatās kind of sad, but it usually goes that more recently artistās 2nd or 3rd songs break through now (see Future Islands, their masterpiece is Give Us The Wind from 2010. Give us the what now?). If they manage to pull off music as equally as amazing.
4. Tame Impala - Eventually
I used to be big on psychedelic fusion music in the late 90ā²s (remember Kula Shaker, or the Dandy Warholsā¦anyone?). While Iāve mellowed in my obsession on this genre, every few years a song comes out and reminds me how good this can be!
One of those amazing songs where thereās no audible lyrics in the chorus. Iāve always thought that good music is about the melody and production, and less about the lyrical content. This one proves it to me again.
From Seattle, this song has the ability to be big & dramatic, but soothing.
6. Pure Bathing Culture - Pray For Rain
If youāve heard this song before watching the video, be warned - the video starts off normal but then gets WEIRD. But if commentary on the state of narcissism is what youāre after, then this is required viewing. Musically, this reminds of Fleetwood Mac at their peak.
7. Future Islands - A Song for Our Grandfathers
Yes, this song might have technically been released on their 2014 album. But I have this compulsion to rate FI in my yearly lists since 2011, when Give Us The Wind was the best song Iāve heard from anyone in many years.
But this song was just released as a single this year, it was my favourite songs on the album anyway, and you have to check out the family feel of the video. These guys put their heart into everything.
8. The Paper Kites - Electric Indigo
Iām already enough of a sucker for a delay effect on a snare drum as it is, without having an amazing voice and melody on the top!
The video tells a fun little young romance story, so go check it out. #danceorgo
9. Alvarez Kings - Tell Tale Heart
āWeāre allllllllreeady thereā! I may be not much of a lyrics guy, but these just jump out at you.
One of those songs that wouldāve romped into the Billboard top 10 when Friends was in its 1st season, but has barely gained 1000 YouTube views. Oh well, another song thatās our little secret ;)
Stop it! Just stop with the good music in 2015 already. My āother mentionsā section is getting filled up enough as it is.
Is Halsey responsible for the colored hair trend thatās making a comeback? This song has exploded since the first time I was hunting around on YouTube for a clip, and it still doesnāt have one.
Her voice in this song - as well as the style - almost makes her sound Swedish. Iāve always been a fan of Swedenās very melancholic pop style merged with unique soundscapes. But I was surprised to find out sheās American.
11. Grace Mitchell - Raceday
I canāt stop. I have to include one more. I broke the rule - 10 becomes 11. This song is actually good enough to be 1st on any list though, and itās hardly even been played anywhere (as of writing this, YouTube views is at a staggering low of 3,469)! Thatās how strong 2015 has been for music.
Another song thatās tragically going to drift off without getting recognised, listen to it while you can. Play before a race if youāre a runner like me.
Check these out if youāre bored and you have the time to search for more seriously good music:
Peking Duk - Take Me Over
Daughter - Doing The Right Thing