1.) Phoenix- “1901”
A sleek, stylish blend of European electro pop and indie dance rock that shined like a glimmer in the corner of everyone’s eyes. “1901” was both attractive enough to catch the ear of Top 40 listeners and fresh enough to draw in the hipster crowd. With its plush melodies and swanky guitar, it unified all music lovers onto the dance floor.
2.) Grizzly Bear- “Two Weeks”
No single this year was as hopelessly romantic as “Two Weeks.” The slow marching piano jabs and gushing, luscious vocals evoke vintage, dusted music boxes that open up to a pair of porcelain figures twirling around each other. It’s simple, lovely baroque pop that has been intricately fine-crafted well enough to last to the ends of time.
3.) Animal Collective- “My Girls”
Dueling with the equal-worthy “Summertime Clothes” for positioning, “My Girls” edges it out just slightly with Animal Collective’s ever spacey approach finding room to create something a bit more accessible with its acid-wash psychedelia and otherworldly verve strong as ever.
4.) The xx- “Islands”
Opening up with an ominous throb, it quickly gives way to an intimate, minimalist arrangement of swooping guitar plucks and sweeping percussion with tight-lipped vocals feeling like they are being whispered right into your ears. It’s a dance song, best suited for a more isolated, romantic setting.
5.) The Dead Weather- “Treat Me Like Your Mother”
More downright nasty than anything, “Treat Me Like Your Mother” is a thick, sludgy, trudging rocker that bleeds like machine gun fire while Jack White inspires the first spirited “air drumming” session of the decade as his back-and-forth with Alison Mosshart brings Bonnie and Clyde to mind.
6.) Yeah Yeah Yeahs- “Zero”
“Zero” functions as a remixed version of one of YYY’s own garage rock masterpieces, and with its disco club bass zingers and newly embraced synthesizers, the clubbed-out single shows a lighter side to Karen O & Co.
7.) The Flaming Lips- “Silver Trembling Hands”
Working as a summation of all things “Embryonic,” “Silver Trembling Hands” opts to use the frightful, freaky elements, like Wayne Coyne’s opening blood curdling scream, to make the more cheery moments all the more beautiful before shrieking off yet again.
8.) Bon Iver & St. Vincent- “Roslyn”
As natural as duets come, Bon Iver and St. Vincent perform in a way that feels less written and more unarranged, playing off each other elegantly, mirroring each other in a subtle manner leaving just enough room to explore while gripping each other tight.
9.) Dirty Projectors- “Stillness Is The Move”
It’s surprising how similar this works to an R&B track, though it’s been stripped down and deconstructed to its bare bones. Angelic vocals siren over that clipped skeletal structure making for an unexpectedly fun time.
10.) Girls- “Lust for Life”
Breathlessly romantic indie ballad feeling rather frank and sincere; a trembling guitar quake sways beside tamborine shakes and raspy lines about love, missed fathers and other wishes.
11.) Shakira- “She Wolf”
There’s a noticeably mechanical feel to “She Wolf,” written by The Bravery’s Sam Endicott, as it howls at the moon as it pops its hip and arches its back in a reach at intimidation, raising a hair or two in the process.
12.) Red Cortez- “Fell On the Floor”
Little-known California product that concocts a sound in the same vein as blues-rock heroes Cold War Kids, but in a much more polished mindset. This ditty fits that mold mixing a deep Spanish influence into a thing that shakes with vivacity and can hardly be contained.
13.) Miike Snow- “Burial”
This is what pop music could have sounded like. A duo known for their behind the scene roles in tracks ranging from Britney Spear’s “Toxic” to Madonna’s “How High” show that they are more than capable on their own with this icy, pure pop single.
14.) Passion Pit- “The Reeling”
It’s hard to pick one off of an album loaded with stellar outings, but this crinkling, scratchy ballad not only boasts a stellar video but stomps with indie vitality and ultimately becomes a very textural, lively thing to get your ear buds shaking.
15.) N.A.S.A.- “Gifted”
The standout on an album that had a few misses, bringing in a brilliant trio of Kanye West, Lykke Li and Santigold, it becomes an asteroid-hurling hook that boasts a certain swagger and swanky, cosmic feel.
16.) Dizzee Rascal- “Holiday”
‘90s house beats abound in this twitchy dance club anthem that is just cheeky enough to avoid being kitschy, and quickly evolves into a brilliantly good time for anyone with an ear for electro, pop or hip-hop.
17.) Silversun Pickups- “Panic Switch”
Less Smashing Pumpkins than Sonic Youth, the song paces back and forth with a pithy bass line that battles tormented guitar ruptures while Brian Aubert’s signature falsetto yaps for a nice disparity from the murky wash.
18.) Brand New- “Sink”
A distinctly schizophrenic mood that flares into shouting and thrusting guitars before creeping into a more calmed state to only repeat the cycle again. It’s dark and dreary, but a catchy melody lurks along in the shadows.
19.) Still Life Still- “Kid”
The tamest product of a rather unpredictable album, it’s a sort of gorgeous memory of the childlike wonderment at which we looked at the world, brought on by flourishing, streaming guitar chords and light pitter pattering of footsteps.
20.) White Lies- “To Lose My Life”
With an unapologetic ‘80s gothic demeanor, dreamy though immediate choruses build to a pulsing crescendo complemented by retro beaming piano beats and thumping guitar wallops dominated by front man Harry McVeigh’s signature bellow.
21.) Jay-Z- “D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)”
Mish mashing all sorts of instrumentation, from electric guitar to xylophone scales, in a throbbing loop birthed to life with Jay’s fine-tuned, ever-current lyrics and signature flow with Kanye shouting for attention in the background sporadically
22.) Blue Roses- “I Am Leaving”
A very leisurely, grassy environment that begs to be heard outside of your favorite café. It’s a simple formula, but set apart with a high-pitched, sort of child-like voice sparkling above a simple pair of acoustic tugs and synth breezes.
23.) Anya Marina- “Satellite Heart”
A gentle, though silently powerful, ballad that plucks along in a very dainty manner, all while flexing a certain emotional strength; slowly burning like embers before flaming up at the very last minute with Marina’s willowy, brushing whispers.
24.) Stardeath and White Dwarfs- “I Can’t Get Away”
A sort of stoner waking from a chemical comatose type feeling that nudges along in an effort to get the day started, choked full of yelps, whistles, thuds, squiggles and crashes that seep like bong residue.
25.) The Veils- “The Letter”
A prodding, lush swirl of gothic thudding drums and panging guitars overflowing into a silky chorus that wraps around you like a curtain, never letting go, only untying for brief, gorgeous breakdowns that kiss at your cheek.
26.) Discovery- “Osaka Loop Line”
Ra Ra Riot vocalist Wes Miles with Vampire Weekend keyboardist/noisemaker Rostam Batmanglij join together in a piece of R ‘n’ Indie heaven.
27.) Telekinesis- “Coast of Carolina”
Standard pop rock noise that edges out ahead of the rest with an assured confidence, especially so in this lovely indie jaunt that’s as glowing as its namesake.
28.) BLK JKS- “Lakeside”
Early comparisons to TV on the Radio prove to be warranted, if not expanded upon with its Afro-glitz vigor and certain haunting, tribal exquisiteness.
29.) Cut Off Your Hands- “Happy As Can Be”
A big, engorging anthem of concussive percussion and surging guitars that crashes into an enveloping swell of ‘80s morose pop and a polished ‘00s indie sound.
30.) Kid Cudi- “Make Her Say”
A cosmic take on Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” guest spots from Mr. West and Common make for a delightful trippy time full of pops and sizzles.
31.) The Pains of Being Pure At Heart- “This Love is F***ing Right!”
Elementary progressions performed in a charming, lo-fi manner prompt fuzzy vocals and delicate chorus yelps accompanying gracious percussive thumps.
32.) Eulogies- “Bad Connection”
Beautifully saddening, melodies gush like raindrops against glass while pained whispers call back for a lost lover before animated guitar sweep in to cue a happy ending.
33.) Empire of the Sun- “Walking On A Dream”
Bizarre, flamboyant electro tune that sounds like what John Travolta would have strutted to if he had stared in Labyrinth instead of Saturday Night Fever.
34.) Mayer Hawthorne- “Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin’”
Hip shaking, soulful ballad that feels positively vintage; tried and true with a voice mirroring Al Green and the like.
35.) Arctic Monkeys- “Cornerstone”
The sole romance story in a album loaded with stoner rock fist clinchers that’s a testament to missing old lovers before encountering an equally exciting new somebody.
36.) Doves- “Kingdom of Rust”
Dense guitar strums make for a gravely situation with hopeful bellows and quivering taps eventually flooding into a string-steeped bridge and happy getaway.
37.) El Paso Hot Button- “Spiderweb”
Local blues-rock hero takes a lighter approach, and the slow cascading guitar and dreamy percussion recalls the Shins’ “Sleeping Lessons” meets Beach Boys.
38.) Matt & Kim- “Daylight”
Ear pleaser for all who take it in, a punchy key line and luminous skyline that smacks a grin across your face as you bound towards the dance floor.
39.) The Mary Onettes- “Puzzles”
A big, John Hughes-esque teen anthem that feels heart broken on the verge on reconciliation with monstrous, dreamy hooks abound.
40.) Charles Hamilton- “Brooklyn Girls”
A soulful street side siren full of playful boasts breathed through a steamy flow and sleek clenching hook filling to a thick, poppy chorus.
41.) Julian Plenti- “Only If You Run”
Paul Bank’s solo effort basically equals Interpol minus Carlos D, and this song epitomizes it best with beastly drum booms and gnashing guitar strikes to punch it up.
42.) Japandroids- “Wet Hair”
Static soaked, mud caked overdub with a wonderfully upbeat, catchy melody bubbling underneath with a cutting chic edge.
43.) Chester French- “She Loves Everybody”
Simultaneously leaning towards the future and throwing back to the ‘70s, this track feels a heavy influence of Neptunz production without deviating off their own funky path.
44.) The Almighty Defenders- “All My Loving”
Shuttering start to a vivacious sermon, with King Khan manning the pulpit with the choral support of the raspy Black Lips
45.) Volcano Choir- “Island, IS”
A snowy rush of chilly acoustic skips all from the comfort of a fireplace-warmed lodge courtesy of Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and his equally talented cabin mates.
46.) Fool’s Gold- “Surprise Hotel”
Authentic African pop sound that practically accompanies the grit of sand between your toes, gentle wash of ocean up your body, cooling you from those shiny sunrays.
47.) Julian Casablancas- “11th Dimension”
Sunny organ synthizers give a bright element to a rather murky, subway tunnel noise racing full speed ahead with Casablancas the only other passenger on board.
48.) Rain Machine- “Give Blood”
Kyp Malone’s (TVOTR) solo experiment that wriggles to life, contrasting his dreamy, falsetto cry with a disjointed marriage of bells, rings, bongo and squirming synth snarls.
49.) Gentleman Reg- “You Can’t Get It Back”
Straightforward, vintage subdued folk-rock that succeeds in its simplicity, lifted above the gray with tight percussion rolls and shimmering vocals.
50.) Other Girls- “Hey Fella! You Fell”
Nod to Band of Horses with a certain untamed, Midwestern flair with glinting guitar pulls and contained yelps brushed into loads of color.
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TheJR 2 years, 5 months ago
I've heard of maybe 10 of these songs. This article should instead be titled "Some songs I like"
Lansdallius 2 years, 5 months ago
I think the writer of this column should at least clarify that these are his favorite songs of the year in particular. I can say I haven't heard of 80% of the artists on this list, and I'm not a fan of what I have heard.
whatsherface 2 years, 5 months ago
While it would have been a good idea to have an editor's note saying this was the writer's personal opinion, I like this piece and I like these songs.
I agree with the majority of these. Great stuff, Joshua Boydston. You have great music taste.
fickabounce 2 years, 5 months ago
i am in complete concurrence with the author of the last comment. what a dork.
oumotorcyclist 2 years, 5 months ago
Top 50 Singles according to what? Are these just the columnist's favorites? If so, then why is there no exposition before jumping into the list? Why is this newsworthy? It's almost as if the columnist made a playlist of songs from 2009 from his personal library, started a shuffle and wrote down the songs in the order they came in while filling in descriptions with the help of a thesaurus.
As I've mentioned in comments on other columns, it seems as if there's a lack of editor input on some of these online posts. Even having a simple introductory paragraph saying where this came from would have made this column at least slightly journalistic in nature.
EsSmith 2 years, 5 months ago
Agree with the music taste or not, and let it be said that I do not, these are not the top 50 singles of the year. I was curious to see what the top songs were, and instead found a list of Joshua Boydston's favorite songs. Absurd waste of time.