I think I'm coming down with something. Bloggers (and their readership) know it as list fatigue. I came up with this grand countdown of my 25 favorite songs from 2013, but now I just don't have the passion to sit here and format the whole thing. So, I'm going with an abbreviated idea that might be better since the list would have looked an awful lot like my best albums list anyway. I'll just tell you my most listened to single was David Bowie's "Where Are We Now?" The song seemed to drop from the heavens. I'll remember the day the video appeared (without warning) like some recall where they were the day Kennedy was shot. Sorry, that was in bad taste. Yet, I kept in there, didn't I?
"I Know It's Over" from Math and Physics Club was right behind Bowie on the list. It takes me back to playing 'London 0 Hull 4' in Mom and Dad's basement circa 1986. 'English Electric' was my top album, and if I only had a few minutes and needed an OMD fix, my go to in '13 was "Helen of Troy." Edwyn Collins really touched me with the ballad "It's a Reason." I could go on and on, but I have decided to nip it and give a brief list of the songs in my top 25 that didn't come from selections on my favorite albums list. Perhaps something here will be new to you and keep you from catching my dreaded list fatigue.
La Luz - "Brainwash"
I still haven't bought the debut full length from these Seattle gals, but I loved the '60s sounds from this non-album single.
Just Handshakes (We're British) - "London Bound"
Add this little synth-pop nugget to your next road-trip mix. Reminds me of early New Order.
Seabirds - "Real Tears"
Matinee has mined another precious jangly gem, this time from landlocked Nottingham of all places. It's as impressive a debut single as I heard all year.
The Primitives - "Lose the Reason"
I really enjoyed the covers album 'Echoes and Rhymes,' but it's nice to know they can still write perfect pop songs after all these years.
Parquet Courts - "Stoned and Starving"
I'm already regretting the exclusion of 'Light Up Gold' on my favorite albums list. These guys definitely jam econo.
Dream Boys - "Born Yesterday"
I saved the best for last. The self-titled album from this L.A. paisley-pop outfit probably should have made my list too. For now, give this ode to c86 a sample.
Bad Santa VII
1 hour ago
4 comments:
Only one song came in ahead of Lose The Reason for me this year. A Primitives album is really quite necessary in 2014. Lose The Reason was sandwiched inbetween The Best Jewel Thief In The World by Prefab Sprout below it and Vocal by Pet Shop Boys which kept it from the top. Vocal is a really special song. According to my iTunes counter, I listened to Vocal, Lose The Reason, Lost In Static from the incredible Visage comeback album and Picture This by B.E.F. with Kate Jackson from MOQD 3 - Dark more than any other songs this year.
As for list fatigue - yes, I still have to upload my album pics from 2013 to my blog...
Happy New Year, Echorich. In case you were interested, The Best Jewel Thief In The World came in at No. 5 on my list. Just about any songs on Crimson/Red (and English Electric, for that matter), could have made my countdown.
There are two albums you have touted I will eventually get... Kitchens of Distinction and Pet Shop Boys. I have listened to KOD several times online, and it is amazing. Thanks for that one. Looking forward to your list.
I'm looking forward to investigating some of these artists. Well, not Bowie or The Primitives. Looking forward to more posts from you this year.
Happy New Year, George. Looking forward to reading your blog again this year.
Post a Comment