I’m having an old man moment, a “How can it almost be new year already?” confusion that’s bedeviled me for the last week or so; it felt like my Christmas feeling didn’t really kick in until a couple of days before the main event - and then, extra-unusually for me, then kicked straight back out - and now I feel surprised that it’s almost 2010. What happened to all the time? Have I really been working that hard? Wait, don’t answer that one.
Anyway, what with all the “Decade In Review” blogging I’ve been doing for io9, I’m kind of stuck in that mindset, and so: Six songs that I heard and fell in love with this decade, anyone? Please to enjoy:
Camille, Ta Doueur:
Camille in general, I’ve fallen in love with, but this was the first song I heard by her and the one that I have the most nostalgic sweetness for based on lyrical intent alone. Plus, Camille live is the best show I’ve seen in the last ten years, easily.
Arctic Monkeys, Brianstorm:
The Arctic Monkeys are one of those bands that, like the Streets, give me this romanticized view of British pop music years after I’ve left the country. But they sound awesome and their lyrics are smart and witty and funny and I can’t resist. Also, the spin-off band, The Last Shadow Puppets and My Mistakes Were Made For You:
The Streets, Let’s Push Things Forward
Already bizarrely dated (”Enhanced CD”?), but always a mix of the past and the present, Mike Skinner at his best manages to be honest and sincere despite the snark and the smarts. I still want to see a collaboration between him and Damon Albarn.
Nellie McKay, Ding Dong:
I have a big crush on Nellie despite the uneven (read: overproduced, overlong and a bit shit) second album. But, again: Good tunes and funny lyrics. Apparently, that’s the key to my heart this decade. Who knew?
Danger Doom, Crosshairs:
As much as I like MF Doom (and I really do), Danger Doom really worked for me because of Danger Mouse’s choice of samples and what he did with them; there’s something playful and yet really evocative about every track on this album that manages to transcend the gimmicky Adult Swim guest shots (and I say that as someone who loves Adult Swim).
Little Boots, Meddle
A relatively recent discovery, but there’s something about this song - and this performance, in particular - that seems perfect, all handclaps and girlpop and threats and just everything you could ever want in a pop song, but skew-wiff somehow, slightly “off” and all the better for it.
Beyonce, Crazy In Love
If I need to explain why this is awesome, then I give up.
To those who follow the calendar that says that tomorrow starts a new year, have a good night tonight, and here’s to 2010 being better than 2009 (And, for that matter, the next decade being better than this one). Fingers are crossed, and hopes are high.
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Content © Graeme McMillan, 2008-2009.
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