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40. We Have Band - Divisive
Just making the list this year is WHB’s ‘Divisive’, a single from their self-titled debut. Irresistibly likeable pop, synth heavy and annoyingly catchy, easily the best track on the album. You will be singing along halfway through the first listen. It is impossible not to. Honestly. I’m writing this from the quiet carriage of a train and getting disapproving looks from the old lady across the aisle.
39. Daft Punk - Derazzed
The most classic ‘Daft Punk’ sounding Daft Punk song off their work for the new Tron film. Imagine the guitar off ‘Da Funk’ with the atmospheric party beat of ‘One more time’ and you’re halfway there. Soon coming to a nightclub with you. Proof the French duo still do it better than anyone else.
38. Jamie Lidell – I Wanna Be Your Telephone
A return to classic Lidell, here is track that somehow blends motown, electro, and funk. The song features less of a structure and sounds more like an informal jam session, which is just what we love this funky bastard for. His self-styled “international trans-continental superhits” just keep coming.
37. The New Pornographers – Your Hands (Together)
First single from latest album Together, this band seems to go from strength to strength. The lead single from and all round superb album, the energetic folk-rock never fails to charm. Taken to with an enthusiastic and positive attitude, the strong vocals and lively drum section make this a stonker of a song: a simple but great hook has you captivated from the start and a punchy ending that will make you want to hear it again almost instantly. Excellent wake-up music, this band always manages to put me in a good mood.
36. Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer
Electro-pop at its greatest, Neon Indian have not yet earned the recognition they deserve. With catchy synth beats throughout the album Psychic Chasms, the band look on the verge of rivalling the electro greats, such as MGMT and Hot Chip, but they’re not quite there yet. However, this perfectly put together tune creates a futuristic summery feel and just listening to it can bring that summer smile back to your face on even the coldest day.
35. The Tallest Man on Earth – King of Spain
Dylan mark 2. This Swedish singer/songwriter is the best thing to have happened to indie-folk music since the enigmatic Jeff Buckley. Kristian Matsson (a.k.a. The Tallest Man On Earth) has the voice of a 20 a day angel with gravelly tones that can exude hope as easily as cynicism. Infectious, optimistic and yet plagued with pain and hurt, everything this man has produced has a true touch of brilliance. Fresh and upbeat yet strangely nostalgic, ‘King of Spain’ is a perfect example of why this artist is the king of his genre.
34. Tindersticks - Falling Down A Mountain
OK now, be warned: a few seconds into this track you are going to hear hints of a mariachi band. Now, I know that after being subjected to a year of Mumford & Sons, mariachi bands are something of a sore topic for us all. But this one is deployed artfully, I promise. The taster from their similarly titled eighth studio album, Falling Down A Mountain sees the Nottingham trio scatter their slow-burning minimalism across six-and-a-half minutes to create an ambience pitched rather close to what I imagine jazz heaven to be like…
33. Stagecoach – Map to the Freezer
Refreshingly, this band is lots of fun. ‘Map to the Freezer’ from EP Crash My Ride hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. The mandolin provides something a little different to the pop-rock track, but not overwhelmingly so. The London based quintet sound like they don’t take themselves too seriously, and this shines through the song fantastically. Definitely one to watch in future.
32. Paloma Faith – Upside Down
With a 1940s inspired backdrop to this catchy single, Faith’s smokey vocals only compliment this upbeat single. Her debut album shows a full range of skills and song styles from the artist, from the heart wrenching ‘New York’ to the jazzier ‘Stone Cold Sober’. Appealing kooky, Faith catches both the eye and your heart.
31. Eliza Doolittle – Pack Up
Taking the George Henry Powell marching song to a different sound entirely, this upbeat anthem is nothing but fun. A range of jazz instruments give this song a 1940s spin, complimented by Doolittle’s light vocals. Bringing a smile to your darkest day, the young songstress is refreshing change from other female solo artists around at the moment.
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