2011 has been a
great year for music, and I’ve enjoyed so much of what it
had to offer. However, along with the new music I enjoyed, I
also discovered a lot of music that I totally stupidly slept
on. Whether it was the artist or just the song, apparently I
just wasn’t paying attention at the time. So here follows
that top ten songs (in no particular order) that I’ve been
jamming on this year, that did not come out this year.
- Zoe's Year-End List -
01):R.E.M.
- The Great Beyond:
Michael Stipe waxes poetic about the meaning of life while
the band's signature jangly guitars craft a catchy,
triumphant tune. The harmony at the end gets me every time.
(Released 1999)
02) :Why
- Against Me:
Yoni Wolf’s bored vocals team up with gorgeous synth riffs
and impatient drums. More existential ponderings, slightly
less positive bent, but that waterfall effect makes if all
fall down in such a pretty manner. (Released 2009)
03) :Tom
Petty And The Heartbreakers - Learning To Fly:
The majority of Tom Petty songs sound like they were written
for H-E-B commercials, and this one is no exception. But the
light, golden guitar just works so well, and the song just
screams "meaningful growing up anthem!" in all the right
ways. (Released 1991)
04) :The
Jayhawks - Blue:
Yes, I just wrote about The Jayhawks, but I can’t resist
including them in this list. This song is a slow burner -
the beginning is almost silly, but the chorus is way too
beautiful to pass up. The string arrangement gives depth to
this simple song. (Released 1995)
05) :Broken
Social Scene - Meet Me In The Basement:
I know I said the list was in no particular order, but In
this case, I lied. This is the best song. It may be one of
the best songs ever. Three words: totally killer horns. 'Nuff
said. (Released 2010)
06) :Wilco
- I Am Trying To Break Your Heart:
I’ve listened to this song a million times and am still
sorting through the layers. The multitude of tiny sounds
come together to make this an extremely interesting listen
that sounds something like heaven when played through good
speakers. I’m pretty sure this is what light would sound
like. (Released 2002)
07) :The
Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out:
Speaking of light, here comes Moz promising eternal
electricity. A song for all the gothic lovers, this timeless
classic is catchy and sweet in a totally disturbing way, and
R.E.M. really doesn’t have anything on their jangly guitars.
(Released 1986)
08) :Iron
And Wine - God Made The Automobile:
Iron And Wine knows a thing or two about beautiful songs,
and Sam Beam’s rough, inviting voice is at his best in this
song. The minimalist approach is perfect, and the shakers
are inspired. (Released 2009)
09) :Jens
Lekman - Sipping On The Sweet Nectar:
Have you heard his accent? Reason enough. In addition to
that, Lekman’s awesome samples and sound effects, self
conscious and honest lyrics, and grand melodies keep things
fun.
10) :Rilo
Kiley - The Execution Of All Things:
I’ve always loved "Under The Blacklight" (yep, I actually
liked it), but I've never really gotten into the other RK
material until now. If you’ve ever felt self-righteous and
totally awesome, and you like reedy female rock vocalists,
then I have the song for you! (2002)
- Zoe Cordes
Selbin -
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