I've always described the 2000's as an amalgamation of all of the best parts that have come before it. Whether it's fashion, design or music, all of it cuts and pastes from trends of the 60's, 70's, 80's and (thankfully least of all) the 90's. However due to the wonderful power of hindsight, we can trim off all those ugly fads that took the world by storm when we knew no better, and what we're left with is the best of the best.
And what better way to celebrate the versatility of this great time we live in (creatively at least), than to count down the top 100 songs of the 2000's.
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NUMBER 100
Mariella - Kate Nash
English singer-songwriter Kate Nash took us all by surprise with her debut album, Made Of Bricks in 2007. A less abrasive incarnation of Lily Allen's sonic identity, Nash provided snappy songwriting with bubbly melodies, with Mariella most representative of the idiosyncrasies of her style. So cheerful and accessible I defy anyone (bar my mother, who against all reason, refuses to give her a chance) to not find something about Kate Nash to like.
NUMBER 99
Evil - Interpol
Post-Punk revivalists Interpol have one of the most recognisable sounds of the 00's, thanks in no small part to Paul Banks' iconic vocals, and their huge commercial successes, especially in the UK. Evil ranks up there as one of their best songs, whether it's the driving bassline that takes center stage throughout the song, or both the quality and accessibility of the of the lyrical work, Interpol really got it right.
NUMBER 98
Fix Up, Look Sharp - Dizzee Rascal
When I first heard this song, I wasn't familiar with the UK Grime scene at all. It was both shocking and strangely compelling, whether it was the almost unintelligible rapping of Rascal, or the stripped down Crunky background beat, consisting of only drums and female backing vocalists, something about this song made me want to keep listening. Dizzee Rascal has this talent of making a niche genre sound so accessible, whether it's because of the huge name collaborations he is often a part of or a natural talent to do so, the man's genius; while not outwardly obvious, really begins to sink in as each new single comes out and blows your mind.
NUMBER 97
Ordinary - Red Riders
One of the more recent songs to make it into the list, Ordinary channels the 80's New Wave sensibilities shared by bands such as The Cure (more specifically their early work) and the straight up indie rock that is so popular these days, especially in Australian bands, to create the timeless sound of love lost and failed relationships. Something about this song just puts you in a good mood. It really feels like the sonic representation of youth, all its flaws and potential, wrapped up into a neat 3 minute package.
NUMBER 96
I Believe - Simian Mobile Disco
The iconic synth line draws you in, Simon Lord's vocals keep you there. This track, from Simian Mobile Disco's debut album, really shows you why these 3 guys formed a band (Simian) way back when in the first place. Of all the collaborations on the album, I Believe works best. Everything gels together and it all just sounds like it was meant to be. Catchy, compelling, intelligent and put plainly, really fucking stylish; I don't think i'm the only one hoping for another Simon Lord collaboration from Simian Mobile soon.
NUMBER 95
Take Your Mama - Scissor Sisters
Easily the best Scissor Sisters song, before the tragic "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" stage which is probably best not spoken about. The combination of acoustic guitar, piano, and of course, the falsetto glam rock stylings of Jake Shears is clearly a winning one.
NUMBER 94
We Used To Vacation - Cold War Kids
Cold War Kids generated a hell of a lot of hype in 2006, retreating back into obscurity almost as quickly. However while they were at the top they gave us one hell of an interesting album. We Used To Vacation, as song about parental alcoholism tearing a family apart, was definitely a stand out track, displaying the strengths of the band and their overall appeal; Blues and Soul infused Piano Rock and a pessimistic outlook on life.
NUMBER 93
Alice Practice - Crystal Castles
A recent conversation with a friend essentially summed up Alice Glass' frontwoman qualities. He said to me "she really sounds like she's in pain the whole time" and it's basically the best way to describe the duo. Nobody could ever accuse Glass of not giving every word screamed less than 130% of herself, and the Chip Tune beats provided by Ethan Kath really serve to create one of the strangest sounds you may have heard this decade. Whenever I listen to Alice Practice i feel an immense sense of dread and impending doom, it's not a happy feeling but by christ it's powerful.
NUMBER 92
The Spaces Between - Expatriate
Expatriate were a New Wave Sydney band now based in Germany, and their style was one highly reflective of the sounds of bands such as Depeche Mode and The Cure. Listening to The Spaces Between sounds like a trip in a time capsule straight back to the best sounds of the 80's.
NUMBER 91
Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups are the closest you will ever get to the greatness of The Smashing Pumpkins in the 90's; today. Borrowing heavily from the grungy yet expansive and beautiful sounds of classics such as The Pumpkins' 1979, Lazy Eye, is one of those songs you really have to hear. The explosion of emotion roughly halfway through is one of my favourite moments in 2006.
NUMBER 90
The repetition of this song is both it's strongest aspect and the most alienating part of it. You'll either really love the cacophony of sound and simplistic sing-a-long lyrics, repeated over and over, as it were, or you will loathe it. I'll admit i'm not the biggest fan of Hot Chip, but this is easily one of their strongest efforts, and definitely deserves its place in this list.
So that's the first 10, come back tomorrow for 89-80. The list will be updated each day until number 1 is reached.
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