10. Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire
The Australian dance scene has exploded this year, most notably with Cut Copy's "In Ghost Colors" taking over clubs, Urban Outfitters PA's, and pseudo-hipster's playlists. This track in particular captures not only the energy Cut Copy brings to the dance floor, but the emotional aspect that captures the listener/dancer and separates Cut Copy from the rest of the pack.
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9. Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream
As I said earlier, the Australian scene has really come to the forefront of dance music (this year nearly eclipsing the french scene that has brought us favorites like the über-trendy Daft Punk and Justice. Empire of the Sun really had my heart with their Battlestar Galactica meets David Bowie's Labyrinth aesthetic, and once I actually put the record on, I was hooked. Walking on a Dream is the perfect representative of the first half of this album (which, IMO is the only half worth listening to). A nice, relaxed, soon-to-be classic dance song.
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8. Current 93 - I Looked to the South Side of the Door
With baited breath, Current 93 fans are still awaiting their upcoming full length Anok Pe Current 93 Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain. Earlier this year, we were treated with a four song EP, highlighted by this track. I Looked to the South Side of the Door perfectly captures not only the neoclassical aesthetic of Current 93's recent works, but also leaves the listener slightly disturbed, as they have not in over a decade. An absolute masterpiece of dark, beautiful poetry.
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7. Chairlift - Bruises
I originally wasn't going to include this song, but when I saw its ridiculous play count in my library, I knew ommitting it would be nothing short of a lie. Perhaps the catchiest, happiest song of the year, Bruises is sure to both please and annoy listeners for years to come. This is 2008's "1,2,3,4" (Feist). Let's wait and see if Caroline rewrites the song for Sesame Street next year.
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6. Sigur Rós - Gobbledigook
Choosing a Sigur Rós song for this years top 10 was not only difficult and heartwrenching, but obvious and simple. While it was tempting to include one of the more emotional songs from the second half of the album (more typical of the band), Gobbledigook simply stands out from the rest of their songs, not only on this album, but in their entire catalogue. Upbeat, cheery and whimsical, Gobbledigook illustrates just how much Sigur Rós has evolved with every increasing album since Von.
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5. MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix)
Let me be straight with you, MGMT on their own doesn't really belong in my top 10, but this remix really hits the spot. Justice takes a bonafide pop song and adds their own brand of electrofunk to it, in a way that only they can. Now the track is not only incredibly catch, but bursting with previously untapped energy.
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4. Antony & The Johnsons - Another World
Antony's Another World EP was a complete treat this year, the title track in particular. Each word stacks another brick on the already broken back of the lyricist, accompanied by simple, melancholy piano. One of the mellowest, most beautiful sad songs in years.
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3. M83 - Skin of the Night
Choosing an M83 song was probably the hardest part of this list. Saturdays=Youth is just such a stellar album from start to finish, it's not easy to pick just one sweet spot. Skin of the Night takes it all though, with its lush, dueling male and female vocals and drum machine beating like an electric Phil Collins. This is really the successor to Phil's "In The Air Tonight". This is like the ultimate 80's dark-pop song, but with all the modern tenets of a 2008 electronic track. Beautifully written, and beautifully produced.
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2. Bon Iver - Flume
Finally, something from Wisconsin worth talking about. Bon Iver really ran with the sad man folk aesthetic and found something special. Guitar, synth, and zither (or is that an e-bow?) do their best to hold up the broken whimpering of the singer, but in the end, nothing can save him – or the listener – from their lonliness. As catchy as folk can be, and so so sad. A perfect song for a walk alone right after a heavy rain.
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1. Boduf Songs - Last Glimmer on a Hill at Dusk
This was really a no-brainer. Boduf Songs creates a minimal folk epic with all the anger and gloom of a black metal record. Boduf Songs has really written a simple song here, yet it feels layered, multifaceted despite its inclusion of only banjo, percussion, and vocals. Last Glimmer on a Hill at Dusk belongs in your library, on repeat, permanently. For a man who sounds like he's giving a toast to the end of time (or at least the end of his time), he leaves you wanting more and more. The obvious highlight of his 2008 album, and the obvious best of the year. 6/5 Stars.
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Runners Up:
• Sigur Rós - Ára Bátur
It was really tempting to put this track in, as it captures the sad, slow essence of the band (after all, they are a self-described "Slow Motion Rock" band). At almost 9 minutes long, it's not quite as easily digestable as Gobbledigook, but deserves a listen anyways. Too much of an "album track" to make the list, it was sadly cut.
• Young Widows - Took A Turn
I don't know what to call this band. Punk? Metal? Post-_____? All I know is this track is slow, heavy, and supercharged with vengeance. Young Widows was one of the great surprises of the year, and this track highlights their groove-oriented hard rock, with a bit of ISIS-heaviness thrown in for fun.
• Hercules & Love Affair - Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix)
I wish wish wish that this was a top 11 so I could include this song. Antony leads the pack on this one, with some of the funkiest disco of the year. Seriously though, want to make your band infinitely better? Have Antony sing for you. He takes an already great disco song and turns it into a spiritual journey that could turn any meathead into a complete Dancing Queen.
So that's that. A whole year narrowed down to ten tracks. I hope you found something you can enjoy, and seriously, listen to that Boduf Songs song.
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