Limited writeups tonight, as we meet country music's brightest band, hear the class of 2008's comeback, deal with the highest charting hip hop song of the year (which is sad for me, and even sadder for mainstream hip-hop!), do a double with an overrated but exciting new act and see the first appearance of the most beloved band in the (indie) world right now.
36. Vampire Weekend - Cousins
Outside of maybe Animal Collective, Vampire Weekend is probably the most controversial band in all of "indie" rock? Do they seriously try to claim their sound as their own? How can they when they're just a bunch of "West African downbeat/Talking Heads ripoffs?" And why do they brag so much about their status as children of privilege? I understand the questions, but most give VW a much too easy reading. It's unfair to deny the talent on display, and to not admire them for not pretending to be anything other than a bunch of upper middle class Columbia graduates who love to dress in Crocs.
Cousins, the second single off their upcoming
Contra, presents an arresting argument for their complexity. "Me and my cousins/and you and your cousins/It's a line that's always running ... I can see it coming." With these lines, they both admit and address their ascribed social status (unlike some other individuals you'll be seeing about eight spots down the list), but with one line, they make the case for changing it all. "You can turn your back on the bitter world." With
Cousins, they do.
35. La Roux - In For the Kill
In for the Kill, La Roux's first single, acts as a shock to the system. In a year of sub-trance and vocoder, the synths that fizzle throughout the track seem to reach further than the 80s wasteland everyone else in pop is stuck in. The bridge is a highlight, with yearning vocals aplenty. It's undeniably catchy, but it just doesn't have the punch that ...
34. La Roux - Bulletproof
...
Bulletproof does. Elly Jackson's voice is an ...
acquired taste, and it often veers on the side of TOO MUCH - too much shrillness, too much nasality, too much lack of range. But she's at her strident best here, DEFIANTLY :tierra/butnotreallyI'musingthiswordcorrectly: telling off all would be suitors. Although she (and they) try her (their) best, La Roux can't help but be completely winning.
33. Miranda Lambert - White Liar
Cleverer than most artists her age, Miranda Lambert shapes
White Liar to be a seemingly normal tale of cheating hearts, but, as always with Miranda, there's something more - "Here's a bombshell just for you - turns out I've been lying too." Played with her trademark fire and grit,
White Liar has deservedly become the biggest single of her career thus far.
32. Girls - Laura
Possibly the sweetest song released all year, but with enough shades of gray to bring tears to my eyes ever time. "Reach out and touch me, cause I'm right here ... I really want to be your friend forever/friends forever." I hate to use this cliche, but I'd doubt the accuracy of anyone's heart if it doesn't break somewhere during this song's five minutes.
31. The xx - Islands
Like an opening blast,
Islands states The xx's mission statement as clear as a ringing bell: a focus on minimalism, to heighten emotion. The dialogue the two leads have with each other barely rises above a whisper, but its' intimacy speaks volumes on the power of love - and finding someone who won't "ever have to leave."
30. Phoenix - Liztomania
Liztomania, the second single from
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, works in different ways than it's predecessor. As usual, the lyrics Thomas Mars spout verge on incomprehensible (not because of his barely detectable accent, but because they kinda don't make sense), but this doesn't matter - thanks to a constant, chugging build, this song is undeniable.
29. Drake - Best I Ever Had
(LMAO I've been watching the Degrassi marathon all day! TRUE STORY.)
Best I Ever Had has a lot of detractors, and I understand why. That video? The constant ******** - eating grin Drake audibly sports? But I think that's precisely the point - his insincerity is so immaculately presented that one can't help but fall in love with it. It's not a surprise he was one of the strongest actors on his show - he's got it down pat.
P.S. - that beat? is seriously sick. SERIOUSLY.
28. Animal Collective - Brothersport
I can't think of another band that could turn one brother's pleading to another to release pent-up feelings after their father's death into a heart-pounding, stupendously joyful pop epic. Encompassing the freak sounds of their past with newer, tribal influences,
Brothersport showcases a band at the peak of its' power.
SPOILER ALERT!!! This will not be the last Animal Collective appears. Not by a long shot?
What's next? Why, numbers
27 - 1, and the nine best TV shows/movies/remixes I've seen/heard/experienced this year, and a special look at nine albums I've heard.
Plus - the campiest song and video of the year! :trust:
Although why you surprised? LOL
