It’s so weird to think that tomorrow is the last day of the challenge. I am curious as to what the next twenty songs will be, but I think there is already an entire genre I can subtract from the list of possibilities (but more on that when I post the video with my loves/hates/etc.). However, I’m still on a bit of a happy, Just-Went-To-Warped mood, so no Monday blues for me! Let’s get this done!
1. Paper Planes – M.I.A.
Whenever I think of this song, I just remember the film Slumdog Millionaire (brilliant film, by the way), and I think that may be the only reason I really enjoy it. The beats are catchy and the lyrics aren’t awful, so it’s definitely not something that will make you want to rip your ears out. I don’t mind it, anyway. It’s similar to some of Lily Allen’s old stuff, so how can you hate it? The only thing I don’t like is the cheesy sound effects (gun shots and cash register dings).
2. Mercy – Duffy
Oh wow. Do you remember when everybody and their mother was completely obsessed with Duffy? Seriously, I used to go to the Virgin Megastore (man, that feels like a million years ago…), and this chick’s poster and albums were everywhere. In fairness, I completely get it. She has this mod sound to her that gives you chills for how brilliantly she sounds classic, but also how Duffy’s style has the attitude that the 21st century needed. I love this song in particular. It is so good, and her vocals are perfection, especially when you add in the epic instrumental quality. This is just an overall stellar track.
3. Sabali – Amadou and Mariam
Explaining this song is impossible, but to say I didn’t enjoy it would be a lie. I love the vocals and the overall style of it. I am so surprised I’ve never heard this before (that I know of). With a melodic flow of words, subtle beats, and techno influence, there’s little to dislike. This is a happy tune.
4. Divine – Sebastien Tellier
The 80s influence is either endearing or horrifying. I haven’t decided yet. I like how boppy it is, and how strange it is, to be honest. As soon as it begins, it seems to be over, but it’s really just the song changing. For a beat, it becomes more driven by the piano and has a softness to it reminiscent of a small, intimate live show. The more the song plays, the more I like it.
5. Mykonos – Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes aren’t everyone’s taste, but I’ve always liked them personally. It’s that folksy sound that I really enjoy. This one reminds me of a CD my Uncle Peter gave me of old gypsy stories. As a kid, I listened to all of them all the time, because they fascinated me. They had gorgeous, steady beats behind them, and a musicality very similar to Fleet Foxes’ “Mykonos.” However, Fleet Foxes do add a bit more of a rock and roll vibe, especially with the inflection of the vocals.
6. Time To Pretend – MGMT
I remember the first song I heard from MGMT; it was “Electric Feel” and I hated it. My cousin Ashley, on the other hand, thought it was “mint.” However, I didn’t mind this one. I don’t know why. Mainly, it’s catchy and it’s pretty much a facetious jab at the industry as a whole I think (make music, get rich, marry a model, etc.). Maybe it’s a jab at the way we all operate, I don’t know. But I do know that most people know the transient sound in the introduction of the song.
7. Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
Such a great song! There is something so beautiful about this track, and I don’t know whether it’s because it’s a mixture of soothing and exciting or what, but I will own up to playing this on my iPod on a regular basis. The vocals are gorgeous and soulful, and the instruments don’t overshadow that. In fact, neither the vocals or the instruments overshadow one another; they seem to work together very well, collaborating, as opposed to the typical competition you can almost sense on other tracks. This is the anthem for being so content in a moment, you don’t want to leave.
8. L.E.S. Artistes – Santogold
I really enjoy how “snappy” (pardon the pun) this song is. With excellent timing and vocals that just make you want to sing along, it is impossible to go wrong with this track. I could listen to this again and again, just because I do find it so enjoyable. The chorus has a great, infectious energy to it.
9. Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon
Ah, the rock and roll edge of this track, the guttural vocals, and the whole damned thing just make this song stand out of the pack. I personally think “Use Somebody” is slightly better, but that’s just because I love how melodic it is. “Sex On Fire” still hits people with it’s classic rock inflection and blunt tone. It’s a song that you’re meant to rock out to; each chord on the guitar encourages it. Seriously, try and tell me you haven’t sang along to this at the top of your lungs.
10. One Day Like This – Elbow
I love the fact that the vocals on this track aren’t distorted by what people expect. The vocalist’s Mancunian accent is still ringing out loud and clear on this song, and I love it. Lush instrumentation, fantastic lyrics, and just a whole sound that makes it easy to adore. I personally will be adding this to my playlist in the future. I cannot believe I have never heard this song before; this may be a new favorite of mine.
All in good spirits this Monday as I get back to the wind and grind, but my Warped Tour grin is still on my face. My voice is also slightly gone, but that’s all that talking and singing! Lots of water to be drank today and lots of music to help me unwind and rest up. Who’s excited to hit the end of this challenge? I am!
The fresh-faced jazz-crossover group Fresh Dixie just unveiled their new video for their cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” The acoustic session was recorded at Monnow Valley Studios, UK.
Planet Stereo 