My favourite tracks of 2004
People all over the world. Join hands.
1. Miss Kittin - "Professional Distortion"
Did anyone else notice how much her vocals sounded like The Waitresses? I also loved the electric guitar intro with the "he's so stupid" dialogue: kinda like the original version of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" where Madonna should have said "Kiss me, dark & handsome Jesus."
2. Jens Lekman - "If You Ever Need a Stranger (to sing at your wedding)"
In a recent trip to Indianapolis, I saw his full length cd "When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog" and instantly I was intrigued by what I heard at the listening station. It's interesting enough to read about some guy from Scandinavia (or somewhere) on an independent record label from Bloomington, Indiana. IYENAS is a sweet and idealistic view of searching for the one. Hopefully before the mood is ruined before the older brother of the bride is dancing around the hog trough (it's a hometown tradition).
3. Nancy Sinatra - "Let Me Kiss You"
Morrissey really is miserable, bless him. Nancy gestures his track with the warmth of an unexpected fruit basket to his back door. It really brings being humble to a whole other level.
4. Robbie Williams - "Radio"
It took 2 comparisons by 2 completely unrelated individuals in reference to the Human League regarding "Radio" and who would I rather have singing a Human League(ish) song rather than Phil, Susan, or Joanne? You should see the video too just to see what's crawling around in his pants.
5. Saint Etienne - "Fascination"
Saint Etienne continues their lush and fragrant songwriting with this sparkly pop melody. Allegedly, this will not be on the new record in 2005.
6. Duran Duran - "What Happens Tomorrow"
Of course the new record (since we've waited over 3 years for it) is fantastic, but what made WHT stand out from the rest of the goodness was how much this track reminded me of the days of Arcadia. You can hear it from the 2nd chorus through the end of the song. Goosebumps.
7. Peaches (with Iggy Pop) - "Kick It"
On my trusty post-it note of potential songs for the year end listing, this one was first due to early January release of the single. Not long after, I saw the video which was a tribute to Night of the Living Dead with both Peaches and Iggy fending off zombies and kicking major stone-skinned ass. This song has helped me run up a hill more than once.
8. Rammstein - "Mein Teil (Pet Shop Boys You Are What You Eat edit)"
Loosely based on the true story of a cannibal in Germany, this song scared the knickers off of me and I don't even have the translation of the lyrics. The German language is scary to listen to as it is (i.e. Falco's "Jeanny"). I'll be honest, this song would have never made it without Pet Shop Boys' remixing because they added the faint sound of rhythmic door knocking if you listen closely. Creepy.
9. Phoenix - "Holdin' On Together"
This was discovered while from a simple inquiry into this band from France. I got the full length cd to review for the magazine and while the lyrics are a bit nonsensical, the instrumentation is cleanly glorious electro-pop cool. As I said in my review of their album "Alphabetical," I'm okay with not knowing the full story of this song because I don't need to.
10. Alison Moyet - "God Give Me Strength"
I guess I need to start listening to more Elvis Costello because I absolutely loved this song just for this one line alone: "see, I'm only human, I want him to hurt." It's a shame she's not a wailer like she used to be but her voice has healed me on many occasions. Only Alison Moyet and Sarah Cracknell (Saint Etienne) are allowed to use my bath towel in a pinch.
11. Junior Jack (feat. Robert Smith) - "Da Hype"
I was shopping for porn one day and I ran across a couple of the bear porn videos--thinking to myself . o O (oh I know him... and him... and him too.). This porn place with the best selection in the metro area also plays the best music. They were playing a dance music station with a sort of countdown of dance tracks of the week and directly after Kylie's 'Red Blooded Woman (Narcotic Thrust mix)' was "Da Hype." So kaleidoscopic in the electro loops, Robert Smith dials the right number with his signature squealing.
12. Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out (Daft Punk mix)"
I had to go to great lengths to nab a rarity like this and it was worth it. Although, it's not a far cry from the original version but I do love the distortion carefully placed throughout. If you're not a fan of an occasional cringe while listening to music, then I would suggest the original version.
13. Client - "Overdrive"
You know how some songs can emulate a certain colour? This song's colour is stainless steel. Okay, that's stupid but in its own simplistic way, it has that early Depeche Mode feel to it. Or is it just because Martin L. Gore is doing the backing vocals. I dunno but I love it.
14. The Magnetic Fields - "I Thought You Were My Boyfriend (Rob Rives edit)"
I didn't assess any of the songs this year in any particular order but if I had to choose single of the year, it would have been this one. Allegedly (Kathy Griffin), Stephen Merritt likes to hang out in gay bars in New York just to not have a good time. Misery equals mental nutrition. Out of all the quirkiness of all his songs, this one hits home to many betrayed gay men and we've all been there from time to time.
15. Keane - "Everybody's Changing"
Some act are more surprising than others. What I mean by that is the hype can be expected by some bands like the Scissors but since I haven't heard much of Coldplay or Radiohead, Keane was a big shocker to me. "Hopes and Fears" is a brilliant piece of music by a rock band with no guitars. "Everybody's Changing" is pure human relevance.
16. Kylie Minogue - "I Believe In You"
Kylie enlists the Scissor Sisters to co-write and produce a pop song. Try... to find anything wrong with that. Does this song remind anyone else of Rod Stewart's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" or am I crazy?
17. George Michael - "Flawless (go to the city)"
I await the day when George releases a full album of songs like this. I can appreciate the introspection of his ballads but this one was pure pop fun.
18. Scissor Sisters - "Comfortably Numb"
This is going to be one of those songs that I will never get tired of (much like Kylie's CGYOOMH). From the story behind the recording of it to the fan reaction to the triumph of the grammy nomination. The Scissors carefully planned each recording with a signature style so diverse, it's nearly impossible to explain with adjectives other than amazing and climactic.
19. Snow Patrol - "Chocolate (Grand National mix)"
The original plan was to include Grand National's remix of "In it for the Money" by Client. This one was a better fit because the mix matched the song better. I got the Snow Patrol CD and it was merely okay. This track stood out amongst the others but Grand National took it in a direction much like New Order at their moodiest to match the sweet melancholy vocals by... ....whoever the lead singer is (I don't have the details at this time). Longing makes for great pop music.
fin.
1. Miss Kittin - "Professional Distortion"
Did anyone else notice how much her vocals sounded like The Waitresses? I also loved the electric guitar intro with the "he's so stupid" dialogue: kinda like the original version of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" where Madonna should have said "Kiss me, dark & handsome Jesus."
2. Jens Lekman - "If You Ever Need a Stranger (to sing at your wedding)"
In a recent trip to Indianapolis, I saw his full length cd "When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog" and instantly I was intrigued by what I heard at the listening station. It's interesting enough to read about some guy from Scandinavia (or somewhere) on an independent record label from Bloomington, Indiana. IYENAS is a sweet and idealistic view of searching for the one. Hopefully before the mood is ruined before the older brother of the bride is dancing around the hog trough (it's a hometown tradition).
3. Nancy Sinatra - "Let Me Kiss You"
Morrissey really is miserable, bless him. Nancy gestures his track with the warmth of an unexpected fruit basket to his back door. It really brings being humble to a whole other level.
4. Robbie Williams - "Radio"
It took 2 comparisons by 2 completely unrelated individuals in reference to the Human League regarding "Radio" and who would I rather have singing a Human League(ish) song rather than Phil, Susan, or Joanne? You should see the video too just to see what's crawling around in his pants.
5. Saint Etienne - "Fascination"
Saint Etienne continues their lush and fragrant songwriting with this sparkly pop melody. Allegedly, this will not be on the new record in 2005.
6. Duran Duran - "What Happens Tomorrow"
Of course the new record (since we've waited over 3 years for it) is fantastic, but what made WHT stand out from the rest of the goodness was how much this track reminded me of the days of Arcadia. You can hear it from the 2nd chorus through the end of the song. Goosebumps.
7. Peaches (with Iggy Pop) - "Kick It"
On my trusty post-it note of potential songs for the year end listing, this one was first due to early January release of the single. Not long after, I saw the video which was a tribute to Night of the Living Dead with both Peaches and Iggy fending off zombies and kicking major stone-skinned ass. This song has helped me run up a hill more than once.
8. Rammstein - "Mein Teil (Pet Shop Boys You Are What You Eat edit)"
Loosely based on the true story of a cannibal in Germany, this song scared the knickers off of me and I don't even have the translation of the lyrics. The German language is scary to listen to as it is (i.e. Falco's "Jeanny"). I'll be honest, this song would have never made it without Pet Shop Boys' remixing because they added the faint sound of rhythmic door knocking if you listen closely. Creepy.
9. Phoenix - "Holdin' On Together"
This was discovered while from a simple inquiry into this band from France. I got the full length cd to review for the magazine and while the lyrics are a bit nonsensical, the instrumentation is cleanly glorious electro-pop cool. As I said in my review of their album "Alphabetical," I'm okay with not knowing the full story of this song because I don't need to.
10. Alison Moyet - "God Give Me Strength"
I guess I need to start listening to more Elvis Costello because I absolutely loved this song just for this one line alone: "see, I'm only human, I want him to hurt." It's a shame she's not a wailer like she used to be but her voice has healed me on many occasions. Only Alison Moyet and Sarah Cracknell (Saint Etienne) are allowed to use my bath towel in a pinch.
11. Junior Jack (feat. Robert Smith) - "Da Hype"
I was shopping for porn one day and I ran across a couple of the bear porn videos--thinking to myself . o O (oh I know him... and him... and him too.). This porn place with the best selection in the metro area also plays the best music. They were playing a dance music station with a sort of countdown of dance tracks of the week and directly after Kylie's 'Red Blooded Woman (Narcotic Thrust mix)' was "Da Hype." So kaleidoscopic in the electro loops, Robert Smith dials the right number with his signature squealing.
12. Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out (Daft Punk mix)"
I had to go to great lengths to nab a rarity like this and it was worth it. Although, it's not a far cry from the original version but I do love the distortion carefully placed throughout. If you're not a fan of an occasional cringe while listening to music, then I would suggest the original version.
13. Client - "Overdrive"
You know how some songs can emulate a certain colour? This song's colour is stainless steel. Okay, that's stupid but in its own simplistic way, it has that early Depeche Mode feel to it. Or is it just because Martin L. Gore is doing the backing vocals. I dunno but I love it.
14. The Magnetic Fields - "I Thought You Were My Boyfriend (Rob Rives edit)"
I didn't assess any of the songs this year in any particular order but if I had to choose single of the year, it would have been this one. Allegedly (Kathy Griffin), Stephen Merritt likes to hang out in gay bars in New York just to not have a good time. Misery equals mental nutrition. Out of all the quirkiness of all his songs, this one hits home to many betrayed gay men and we've all been there from time to time.
15. Keane - "Everybody's Changing"
Some act are more surprising than others. What I mean by that is the hype can be expected by some bands like the Scissors but since I haven't heard much of Coldplay or Radiohead, Keane was a big shocker to me. "Hopes and Fears" is a brilliant piece of music by a rock band with no guitars. "Everybody's Changing" is pure human relevance.
16. Kylie Minogue - "I Believe In You"
Kylie enlists the Scissor Sisters to co-write and produce a pop song. Try... to find anything wrong with that. Does this song remind anyone else of Rod Stewart's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" or am I crazy?
17. George Michael - "Flawless (go to the city)"
I await the day when George releases a full album of songs like this. I can appreciate the introspection of his ballads but this one was pure pop fun.
18. Scissor Sisters - "Comfortably Numb"
This is going to be one of those songs that I will never get tired of (much like Kylie's CGYOOMH). From the story behind the recording of it to the fan reaction to the triumph of the grammy nomination. The Scissors carefully planned each recording with a signature style so diverse, it's nearly impossible to explain with adjectives other than amazing and climactic.
19. Snow Patrol - "Chocolate (Grand National mix)"
The original plan was to include Grand National's remix of "In it for the Money" by Client. This one was a better fit because the mix matched the song better. I got the Snow Patrol CD and it was merely okay. This track stood out amongst the others but Grand National took it in a direction much like New Order at their moodiest to match the sweet melancholy vocals by... ....whoever the lead singer is (I don't have the details at this time). Longing makes for great pop music.
fin.