#1 - Dirty Projectors - “Stillness Is The Move”
It has to be somewhat difficult for an avant-garde band like Dirty Projectors to transform into the creature that produces this sort of diva-level female fronted track, but their execution is impeccable. Better yet, it fits into the (outstanding) album seamlessly. Perhaps the biggest difference between previous records and Bitte Orca is the emphasis on the female vocalists to play the characters while the guitarist/male singer focuses on crafting the story around them, and no better song is an example of that move than this one. Smart, innovative, and beautiful, this track is undoubtedly deserving of our #1 spot.
Teaser: as a special treat, we will have two new, free tracks from these guys in the next week. Stay tuned for greatness in 2010!
#2 - Miike Snow - “Animal”
I’m sure I’ll get some notes arguing this isn’t the best song on the album (and the beauty of the album is that ANY song could be here), but I’d ask those folks what the first song to get them hooked on Miike Snow and wager the majority of responses landed here.
“I change shapes just to hide in this place / but I’m still, I’m still an animal”
#3 - Yeasayer - “Ambling Alp”
A musician friend of mine recently said he didn’t think Yeasayer had the commercial potential of Phoenix. I’m very hopeful that this track (and forthcoming album) will prove him wrong, even in spite of its egregiously NSFW video. Sure, it’s a little weird (and sure, the singer’s voice warbles a bit), but the catchiness and positive message outweigh all the rest.
“Stick up for yourself, son / Nevermind what anybody else done”
#4 - Phoenix - “1901”
I remember hearing a ton of people making a big fuss when Phoenix released this track for free through their website, and I couldn’t help but think, “But wait, no one’s really even heard of Phoenix.” Well, now they have, and largely thanks to this song. Crazy how the buzz machine works — again proving rule #1 of generating buzz: don’t suck.
#5 - Micachu - “Golden Phone”
Prior to seeing Tune-Yards, Micachu was easily my favorite live act of the year. Their songs are brilliant precisely because they turn the elements of pop songs on their heads to create even better pop songs. More specifically, they play prepared guitars, ukuleles, wine bottles, trash can lids, and even vacuums, but manage to create incredibly coherent sounds.
#6 - Animal Collective - “My Girls”
Contrary to Animal Collective albums of the past, Merriweather Post Pavilion offers numerous tracks, including this one, that stand up on their own as pop gems. Sure, all the instrumentation is electronically looped, but the song structure, melodies, and harmonies are all out of a more traditional playbook, just with the band’s special touch.
#7 - Grizzly Bear - “Two Weeks”
This song and album have gotten an absurd amount of love this year, but at least in the case of the song it’s well deserved. I can’t say I like the album, but this track’s arching vocals and syncopated rhythm section complement the keyboard melody impeccably.
#8 - Your Nature - “Cherokee Blood”
Another incredibly young, incredibly mature band, Your Nature’s debut EP would have holes in it were I listening on vinyl. Everything about this song screams authentic rock’n’roll and just feels natural. Can’t. Get. Enough.
#9 - Fever Ray - “Triangle Walks”
I became enamored with this album early in the year and haven’t let go. It’s chilling and haunting, but at the same time incredibly rich and beautiful. It also carries an heir of truly international music — Swedish singer singing in English to European synths marked with Japanese chimes.
#10 - Local Natives - “Sun Hands”
I would say I’m biased as I’m lucky to call these guys friends, but I heard this song before they were my friends and it sold me on the band. Harmonies + crescendos + rolling basslines and drums = WIN! If you get to see these guys live, hang onto your hats for this epic.
