I'm sorry I haven't been commenting at all on your lists - I'm working straight through the holidays and leaving for holiday this Friday, so I'm trying to get this done before I go! You guys are great. Hope you enjoy it
Roger's Top 50 Tunes: Part 3
20. Vampire Weekend - Unbelievers
One of my all time favourite VW songs is "Giving Up The Gun" - and this song has that exact seem feel. A little less eccentric and spontaneous, but more nostalgic and care free. The quick whip songwriting is on point, and hopefully this continues it's slow descent into the Alternative top 10 in early 2014.
19. Bruno Mars - Treasure
Bruno made the top 20 last year with his Police homage, 'Locked out of Heaven'. His album is just that - a homage, a homage to so many different sounds. Here is an example of how Bruno nailed the disco funk sound, with the upbeat, toe tapping, funk of a jam 'Treasure'. Give me that Jackson 5 feel.
18. Imagine Dragons - Demons
When I heard this track, I immediately thought of glory alternative 90's rock. Bands like 3 Doors Down, Third Eye Blind, Gin Blossoms, etc - bands with the ability to churn out searing rock ballads that don't veer into the emo category too much. This song is bread and buttered for multiple format success, and that's exactly what it did.
17. Justin Timberlake f. Jay Z - Suit & Tie
This was our introduction to the new 8-minute man, Justin Timberlake. What's with all the lengthy tracks dude? Not to mention - the big band feel and Sinatra vibe here totally suits JT's persona, and was a refreshing change from a potential EDM album that I was initially expecting him to break through with. Although this track was met with initial resistance at radio, it's explosive performance at the Grammy's ignited a deserved 2nd life, and now, it stands as one of the most successful tracks of the year.
16. Alt J - Breezeblocks
It's part Radiohead, part Interpol. Two of my favourite bands of all time. 'An Awesome Wave' was remarkably ambitious, and I'm so glad these guys found a niche to carve into on the format. Saw them live at Osheaga, and their brooding bass fills the night sky extremely well.
15. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble
Last year, T Swift similairly found herself entrenched in the top 20 with the cheeky 'We Are Never' - this year, her "dub step" pop anthem proved an infectious jam that few could escape from. Throbbing bass lines in the chorus, a hillarious goat parody video, and a schizophrenic like hashing of the verses and refrain - this was a remarkable change up in the Taylor Swift resume
14. Hollerado - Pick Me Up
Maybe a few of you will know these homegrown Ontario beauties. This song was the lead single off their new album 'White Paint' - and keeping it short - the song reminded me of mid 90's Green Day and 'Buddy Holly'-type Weezer. Light hearted and care free, these guys are clearly just here for a good time.
13. Tame Impala - Elephant
All year I read about the development story for these guys. Before the end of the year, 'Elephant' was an enduring top 10 smash on the format. With its memorable guitar solo, this is a contemporary "vintage" track. I get all Led Zeppelin kinda feels when I hear this song. It never got old, and it very briefly, made Blackberry cool again (commercials reference).
12. Jay Z f. Justin Timberlake - Holy Grail
This song and it's launch is the epitome of "how to" PR the **** out of your brand. The 'Legends of the Summer' tour announcement, the release of Jay Z's album through a Samsung app, and the fact that JT could do no wrong at this point - and they unleash this sprawling epic. Jay Z on point like always, and JT stealing the show yet again with his memorable chorus and refrain. This was one of the most impressive live shows I've ever seen. Hopefully some of you were able to catch it
11. Drake - Hold On, We're Going Home
Way back throwback 80's Aubrey. I'm not sure this song could have been any better. Heard this on his tour with Miguel - and he wore a fat man Hawaaiin shirt while singing it. That's how relaxed, shoulder swagging this track is.
Roger's Top 15 Albums: Part 2
10. The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars
Although the reality of their demise as a band put a slight damper on the release of this album, it is still exceptionally strong from start to finish. The elements from their debut album we quickly came to love and appreciate are all here; incredible harmonies, an ode to the yesteryear of country and folk rock, and a searing vulnerability to the voice of Joy Williams. Songs like "I Had Me A Girl" and "Dust to Dust" - you can't help but stop what your doing and just listen. They command your attention, and now they've left while at the top of their game. The fact that I got to see them open for Adele a few years back, is something I'll always put in my favourite music moments bank.
9. Jay Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
The Samsung App launch was just the beginning. And even if he did get upstaged by his partner in crime Beyonce at the end of the year in the "how to release your album" competition - Jay Z has to be commended. He provided a platform for his music that was relevant and accessible to an excited market, and the product was commendable. All that considered, can you say Ka ching? '****withmeyouknowigotit', 'Tom Ford', 'Picasso' - reinforce one of the top lyricists in the game ability to assert his position upon the throne
8. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires Of The City
This album has easily been heralded as VW's best thus far - and it's topping a lot of year-end lists. And I'm not about to disagree. These guys have always been eccentric, off the charts, and always assimilating musical styles beyond their years and integrating them to surprising results. This album definitely feels slower, songs like "Step", "Hannah", "Obvious Bicycle" - have a solemness to them that's a brilliant change of pace. But they don't leave their fans lingering for spontaneity and creativity, look no further than a song like "Diane Young" or "Ya Hey". Well done gentleman.
7. Drake - Nothing Was The Same
This was another record that was surprisingly well reviewed. But beyond the infectious, career defining lead single 'Hold On' - a lot of this record isn't accessible like the tracks from his last album 'Take Care' - which is probably my favorite Drake record. Nonetheless, he hits the ground running yet again with at least half a dozen commendable tracks laced in classic quick whip rhymes, memorable lines, and a decent enough hook. 'All Me', 'The Motion', 'Language', 'Too Much', 'Worst Behaviour' - they didn't necessairly smoke during the live show, but together, they make a meaty album that you'd be pressed to find filler on. 'Wu Tang Forever' is fantastic as well.
6. Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Easily the most important, talked about album of the year. Now you ask, I am talking part 1 or part 2? Honestly - don't get me started on part 2. While I do like it, and some of the tracks are completely likeable, the whole effort pales in comparison to the first and nearly discredits the originals brilliance. But, I digress. 10 songs, most of which are WAY too long, except for the tidy 'That Girl' - which should have been a single. JT is here for the long run. Everybody is on board. Guys, girls, moms, dads, you name it - he has appeal to everyone. His 15-minute VMA performance was likely one of the greatest musical moments in some time. And it shows how far he has come from the days of N Sync. What does this have to do with the album? Well, it shows the guy can do whatever he wants and people will give it a worthwhile shot. The smooth RnB sounds and pulsating disco dance jams of his past two albums were left behind. Instead, he got together with some crazy cats from Tennessee to produce an ultra funky, Sinatra-like, but totally contemporary masterpiece. The only song that doesn't fit the mold is 'Mirrors' - and it's the albums best track. More on that later.