Top 10 Songs of 2011
2011 really won’t be remembered in my mind for its huge selection of great music, but Ive managed to cobble a Top Ten list together. In no particular order (10-2):-
10. David Lynch – “Good Day Today” (iTunes Link)
Filmmaker extraordinaire turned music icon? Seemed impossible but David Lynch of Twin Peaks, Elephant Man and Blue Velvet fame put together an album of many facets…rock, alternative and dance. Highlight of the album was the track “Good Day Today”. Worth a listen, but don’t expect profound lyrics.
09. The White Buffalo – “Wish It Were True” (iTunes Link)
(I pinched the following from his myspace page, because it sums him up beautifully!)
The White Buffalo is quite possibly a legend in the making. A throwback to the time of hard touring, hard drinking artists who really lived what they sang about. Everything about him is big, from his imposing physical size to his amazing vocal range. He’s as comfortable playing in a dive bar as he is in front of thousands in a European arena. With only an EP out, but literally hundreds of songs written and more coming all the time, the future is exciting for a guy who has that much raw talent.
This song is one of those. Fabulous.
08. Moby – “Sweet Dreams” (iTunes Link)
Moby has got to be one of the most consistent musicians around, but what a lot of people don’t know is the amount of instrumental music he creates usually as a companion piece to each new album. The Deluxe edition of his most recent album, Destroyed, featured a second album of incredible pieces of music, capable of firing the emotions of one’ soul. Sweet Dreams is one of those.
07. UNKLE feat Nick Cave – “Money and Run” (iTunes Link)
Two men not afraid of convention, this year saw two respected musicians cross paths and genres to release one of the catchiest tunes of the year.
06. Lamb – “Build A Fire” (iTunes Link)
After a number of years hiatus, Lamb reformed/re-teamed and found themselves rejuvenated enough to produce one of their best albums yet. Lamb-like to keep the fans happy, 5 saw the band reach a new level of musical maturity, capturing new fans along the way. Long may it continue.
05. Peter Gabriel – “Downside Up” (iTunes Link)
Hot on the heels of the “Scratch My Back” project, Mr Eccentric himself decided to inject some new life and direction into some of his favourite tracks from his catalogue. The standout for me was “Downside Up”, originally featured on the OVO album. The use of the string orchestra took this song to whole new level of ‘epic’. Stunning, emotional and grandiose.
04. Gotye – “Eyes Wide Open” (iTunes Link)
Although technically released Nov 2010, I only discovered this a couple of months later, so its in the list! What a stunning revelation Gotye has been, and a great addition to the pool of emerging Australian talent. Making Mirrors is a great album full of many different genres. Despite “Somebody That I Used To Know” being the critical hit of the album, this is without a doubt my favourite from said record.
03. Depeche Mode – “So Cruel” (iTunes Link)
It seemed an absurd idea. Take one of the greatest albums of the 20th century and give each track to a credible artist or band and reinterpret. The result? One of the best cover albums ever made! The standout for me was Depeche Mode’s cover of the very personal “So Cruel”. The Mode took this song to a new emotional level. Yes Im biased (Mode=Best Band EVER) but I felt they improved on the original, with an incredibly raw and heartfelt vocal by Dave Gahan. What a shame he can’t do that more often anymore with their original material!
02. How To Destroy Angels – “Is Your Love Strong Enough” (iTunes Link)
I’ve said it before, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is the greatest artist of my generation. His work on the soundtrack “The Social Network” earned him an Oscar, and his follow-up, the soundtrack to the imminent “Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” is nothing short of stunning. A dark, twisted mix of minimalism and electronica, it features a stunning cover of Bryan Ferry’s “Is Your Love Strong Enough” recorded by Reznor’s alternate band, HTDA. Incredible production and execution, its a stunning rendition by a man who hasn’t even peaked career-wise. And more HTDA / NIN next year too!
AND THE SONG OF 2011 is:-
01. Moby – “Stella Maris ” (iTunes Link)
The album, “Destroyed” by Moby was without a doubt my favourite album of 2011. Not a bad track on this album, every song showed a man back at the height of his creative ability. Stella Maris is one of a couple of instrumental tracks found on the main album, but its an incredibly evocative piece. It brought back both good and painful memories upon first listen, and its orchestral background gave the song a huge canvass. My pick of the year and also Destroyed, my choice for Album of the Year.
