Tae's Tracks for 2010 (Part 1 of 2)

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since we compiled Our Favorite Albums of 2009. But, with the end of any year, it's good to reflect back on what you experienced.

What makes for a great song? Everyone's opinion differs on the subject. Music bloggers and critics are known for making lists of what you should have been listening to all year. When it comes down to it, a great song is a personal experience and sometimes there's no other way to explain the resonance.

Below (and in no particular order) are a few of the songs that stood out to me in 2010. Stay tuned for the second part of this list in the near future.

(the artist names link to official websites and song titles link to audio/video webpages)


Birds & Batteries - "The Villain"
California indie-pop group crafts an elusive, slow-burning mystery.

Nneka - "The Uncomfortable Truth"
Socially conscious neo-soul with Afro-beat rhythms and a hip-hop edge from this Nigerian-German songwriter.

Beach House - "Norway"
Dreamy layers of floating echoes and hushed vocals made this Baltimore duo's song one of my early picks from the year.

Yeasayer - "Ambling Alp"
Genre (and culture) bending indie worldbeat synth rock from the Brooklyn band's impressive sophomore album. Also one of the trippiest videos of the year.

Massive Attack - "Paradise Circus" and "Saturday Come Slow"
What can I say? I love me some Massive Attack. And with cameos from Hope Sandoval and Damon Albarn respectively, "Paradise Circus" and "Saturday Come Slow" were two of my most-rotated songs of the year. Moody, hypnotic and rather dystopian chill-out tracks from the pioneers of trip-hop.

Portico Quartet - "The Visitor"
British contemporary jazz that's atmospheric and cinematically noir. I just heard of the quartet this year from my sister, who's seen them perform in Paris and Boston. The use of an instrument called the "hang" lends an exotic steel drum-like element to the group's cool fusion.

Yelawolf - "Love is Not Enough" (explicit)
Southern rap coming from a white skateboarder in backwoods Alabama. Spitfire lyrics wax on smalltown America with some of the year's best beats to back it up. Yelawolf's "Love is Not Enough" is an underachiever's self-loathing rejection of heartbreak - crass but honest, with a chorus that will stick in your head.

Foals - "Spanish Sahara"
Brit math-rockers trade in their jitters on this powerfully restrained track. It builds from a whisper and breaks into the kind of unnerving, icy waves perfectly reflected in the subtly engaging video.

Janelle Monae - "Tightrope"
One of last year's biggest breakout artists, Monae's brand of funked-out soul and James Brown footwork earned her the respect of hip-hop moguls Big Boi and Diddy.

Blitzen Trapper - "Heaven and Earth"
Reverent piano ballad with a folksy alt-country bent. It's really quite lovely and hangs with you.

The National - "Bloodbuzz Ohio"
A somber roadtrip through Americana with churning rhythms to drive home the nostalgia.

The Black Keys - "Tighten Up"
After a decade of groovus, gritty blues-rock, this Akron, Ohio duo may have finally gotten their due. A great hook and plenty of whistling was enough to get back to some old school rockin'. The music video is playfully entertaining as well.


For Part II of the list, please click here.

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Matt & Kim - 'Cameras'

Matt & Kim's 'Cameras' took a long time before it finally grew on me. Today, I'm totally hooked on the tune.

Stream the irreverant 'Cameras' below:

	Matt & Kim - Cameras .mp3

Fantasia Barrino - 'I'm Doin' Me'

Despite her breathtaking chops, American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino, has never fully enjoyed the level of success that her reality t.v. counterparts, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, have experienced in the pop music world.

In August 2010, Fantasia released Back to Me, a contemporary, but rootsy, foray into rhythm and blues.  'I'm Doin' Me' is an infectious, yet substantive, single from the album.

Watch the video for 'I'm Doin' Me'-- spontaneous diner dance scenes and all, below:

Adele - 'Rolling In The Deep'

Adele is back with a powerful, ardent track that pulls at the heartstrings as well as the soul.

Watch the video to this moving R&B anthem below:

The Lonely Island (feat. Julian Casablancas) - 'Boombox'

A boombox can change the world.

Watch the cautionary tale below (as sung by The Lonely Island and The Strokes lead singer, Julian Casablancas):

Behind The Sample: Michael Jackson - 'Behind The Mask'

Like many children of the '80s, I grew up idolizing Michael Jackson. In fact, some of the earliest surviving VHS footage from my youth showcases my attempts at the moonwalk.

Despite many of his later accusations and odd behaviors, Jackson's early influence on my own musical upbringing always remained, so I was taken aback when I heard of his passing. To his fans, it was the end of an era.

Naturally, I was a bit hesitant to embrace Jackson's latest "album", Michael -- a collection of unfinished songs recorded by Jackson and delivered posthumously by several producers on behalf of his estate.

While it's hard to say from an outside perspective whether the album stays true to Jackson's meticulous and perfectionist vision, it is obvious that the producers worked hard to make this collection sound like a complete album. And while it may not always meet the insurmountable expectations of mourning fans, it does have some outstanding moments.

I would even go so far as to suggest that a few of the tracks on Michael are among Jackson's best in years.

One particular track which has quickly become an album favorite of mine is called "Behind the Mask." The song is refreshingly full of the energy and danceability that originally earned Jackson his throne as the King of Pop.

According to one Metafilter blog, "Behind the Mask" has been long-awaited by his fans - a song that's been sitting on the shelf since Jackson's time working with producer Quincy Jones and possibly recorded as far back as his Off The Wall or Thriller days.

You can listen to Michael Jackson's "Behind the Mask" below: *



What I didn't realize when I first heard "Behind the Mask" was that it is essentially a reinvention of another song by the same title by Yellow Magic Orchestra.

The original version was recorded in 1979 by the influential Japanese group, who are often credited as pioneers of modern electronic music.

Stream Yellow Magic Orchestra's original version below:

	Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

You may immediately notice that Jackson's version of the song retained the otherworldly keyboards and robotic vocals of the original, while ramping up the dance rhythms. But it's once MJ takes control with his signature vocals that the song cruises into hyperdrive.

After hearing Jackson's contribution, one might wonder how the original melody was ever conceived without him in mind.

But there's more to this story...

Jackson's recording never made it to album form until now. What is interesting is that the song was re-recorded by Jackson's keyboardist, Greg Phillinganes.

Phillinganes joined Eric Clapton's band and the song "Behind the Mask" was then released on Clapton's 1986 album, August.

Don't believe me? Stream Eric Clapton's version of the song below to hear for yourself:

	Eric Clapton - Behind The Mask .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

* (The Michael album credits "Behind the Mask" songwriting to Jackson, Chris Mosdell and Ryuichi Sakamoto (of YMO), with production by Jackson and John McClain.)

Deadmau5 - 'Ghosts N Stuff'

Deadmau5 may be best known for his distorted Mickey Mouse visual alias that serves as a logo on many of his album covers.  He's also notable for his sweet beats as well.

Watch the video for 'Ghosts N Stuff' below:

Tame Impala - 'Solitude is Bliss'

The band is Tame Impala. The song is 'Solitude is Bliss.'  It's some great stuff.

Watch the video below:

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Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - '40 Day Dream'

This isn't the first time we've featured an Edward Sharpe song from the band's album, Up From Below.  This time, we have '40 Day Dream,' a song that summons the tenderness of Journey's 'Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'.'

In our last post about the band, reader "Sean" mentioned that Edward Sharpe put on a great live show, so what better way to demonstrate '40 Day Dream' than to feature one the band's live performances?  In fact, this live performance contains the same dynamism as the studio cut does.

Watch '40 Day Dream [Live]' below:

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Plain White T's - 'Welcome to Mystery'

Yes, this is the same band that sang 'Hey There Delilah.'

Plain White T's are back with a track that is more sophisticated, more nuanced, and more mature than their original single that first put them on the pop music map.

Stream 'Welcome to Mystery' below:

Plain White T's - Welcome To Mystery.mp3

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The Go! Team - 'T.O.R.N.A.D.O'

There isn't a whole lot to say about this song, other than it is completely awesome.  The samples are dope, and the energy level is through the roof.

Stream 'T.O.R.N.A.D.O.' by The Go! Team below:

	The Go! Team - T.O.R.N.A.D.O. .mp3

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Young the Giant - 'My Body'

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Young the Giant has released an infectious, anthem-ready track in 'My Body.'  The song is a romp-stomp of a rock single that entices even the most bashful to start nodding their heads and to pump their fists.

Stream 'My Body' below:

Young the Giant -  'My Body'

Peter Murphy - 'Cuts You Up'

In 1990, Bauhaus lead singer, Peter Murphy, released his third solo disc, Deep.  Unlike his previous two solo albums, Deep was thrust into the Billboard charts due to the surprise success of its key single, 'Cuts You Up.'  Indeed, 'Cuts You Up' spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard modern rock charts in America.

'Cuts You Up' is one of my favorite alt rock tracks from the nineties.  It is a strategic pairing of R.E.M.-jangle pop with the glam antics of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust.

Watch the video for 'Cuts You Up' below:




(As an added bonus, check out the video at the 1:09 mark.  Gotta love the deliberate head shake from shadow to light).

Bag Raiders - 'Way Back Home'

Electro-pop duo, Bag Raiders, released single 'Way Back Home' a few months ago here in the States.  The group's sound bears resemblances to Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, as the chorus of 'Way Back Home' presents a softer goth appeal.

Stream 'Way Back Home' below:

	Bag Raiders - Way Back Home .mp3

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Kent - 'The King is Dead (Kungen Är Död)'

Kent may have formed in Sweden more than two decades ago, but I must concede that it wasn't until today that I really knew much about them.

Indie-pop heroes in their native Scandinavia, Kent never caught on as much in the United States, and were often dismissed as sappy Radiohead copycats.

In 2000, the band released the much more critically-acclaimed Hagnesta Hill, which featured the lead-off track, "Kungen Är Död" - Swedish for "The King is Dead."

The song starts with trademark '90s alternative guitar and builds into sinuous waves of fuzz. In particular, the distorted riffs behind the melodic chorus make for a standout track on "The King is Dead."

You can stream the song below:



To hear the original Swedish version of "Kungen Är Död", click here.

The Malpractice - 'Boss Stallion'

I couldn't find much information on The Malpractice, other than the fact the group is from Denmark.

Otherwise, the band's latest single, 'Boss Stallion,' is a danceable, electro-rock caper that is undeniably catchy.

Watch the video for 'Boss Stallion' below:

Middle Class Rut - 'New Low'

Middle Class Rut has been blistering the airwaves with the captivating 'New Low.'

With a methodical rhythmic structure, the tune is slightly haunting whilst all the while maintaining a healthy pop rationale.

Stream 'New Low' below:


Middle Class Rut - 'New Low'

Birds of Tokyo - 'The Saddest Thing I Know'

I randomly heard 'The Saddest Thing I Know' on the Music Choice alternative music station the other day, and I was instantly hooked.

Penned by Australian group Birds of Tokyo, 'The Saddest Thing I Know' takes a little while to build up to its rockin' parts, but once it does, the chorus hits the listener with a wallop of energy and a bangin' anthem.

Stream 'The Saddest Thing I Know' below:


Birds of Tokyo - 'The Saddest Thing I Know'

Lostprophets - 'For He's a Jolly Good Felon'

Several years ago, Lostprophets was one of my favorite bands  on the move.  Then, suddenly, the group seemed to disappear from my radar.

Unbeknownst to me until now, Lostprophets released a new album in March of this year.  One of the singles from the album is cleverly titled, 'For He's a Jolly Good Felon.'  The tune is really not too bad, and it's a shame the song hasn't received more exposure.

Watch the video for 'For He's a Jolly Good Felon' below:

Foals - 'Total Life Forever'

David Byrne's influence bleeds through on Foals' 'Total Life Forever.'  It's slightly disjointed, features prominent variation in volume, and carries itself forward with a strong sense of vocals.

Stream 'Total Life Forever' below:

	Foals - Total Life Forever .mp3

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Dead Confederate - 'Giving It All Away'

Despite the band's namesake, Dead Confederate's 'Giving It All Away' has very little to do with Southern Rock.  Instead, it harnesses the languid notes of nineties alternative rock, culminating in a fluid, audible concoction.

Watch the intriguing video for 'Giving It All Away' below:

Fences - 'Girls with Accents'

Fences is the moniker for artist Chris Mansfield.  Discovered in Seattle by Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara, Mansfield was convinced by Quin to record his studio debut in her Vancouver studio.

Watch the video for the first single from Fences, 'Girls with Accents,' below:

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Ra Ra Riot - 'Boy'

Sometimes a more palatable version of Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot doesn't insert quite as much quirk or sonic aberration in its recordings as the former tends to.

'Boy' fits within this framework and ends up being a quite likable song.

Stream 'Boy' below:

	Ra Ra Riot - Boy .mp3

The Waterboys - 'The Pan Within'

The Waterboys are a long-standing British band that gained a foothold in the early '80s with their melodic rock and philosophical, literary knowledge.

Released on the band's 1985 album, This is the Sea, "The Pan Within" is an alternative rock epic full of piano, violin and (what I assume to be) a pan flute.

A couple listens to this song may find you wanting to run dramatically through the fields and become one with nature.

This is fitting, because Pan was known in Greek mythology as the goat-legged god of the pasture - shepherds, flocks, wild nature, rustic music, sexual prowess - you name it.

Sound appealing? Listen below to release your inner Pan.

	Waterboys - The Pan Within .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Arcade Fire - 'Suburban War'

The Suburbs is really something of an album.  'Suburban War' is prime as well.

With accents of introspection and solemn tonality, 'Suburban War' has a way of lightly pulling at your soul.

Stream 'Suburban War' below:

	Arcade Fire - Suburban War .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine