I've been asked to write a clarifying blog post to address what may seem like a hypocritical stance in regards to A Christmas Carol. On Thursday, I wrote a less-than-flattering post that described motion capture technology as fundamentally flawed and that it would "never rise above the sphere of the console." Not three days later, I had shelled out 12.75 to see it in IMAX 3D. You may be asking yourself, (and rightfully so) "What gives Mr. Fancypants?". Well, I'll tell you what gives:
It was my friend MT's birthday and we wanted to surprise her.
That's all she wrote. No wavering feelings about Motion Capture, no uncalibrated moral compass, no loss of integrity. The movie still stunk and I still think motion capture is going nowhere fast. But hey it made 31,000,000 this weekend, so what do I know? We now return you to your regularly scheduled air of superiority.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Christmas Carol: A Review
At it's core, A Christmas Carol has always been a story about redemption. A miserly, crotchety old man is forced to come to grips with his shortcomings with the help of three ghosts, conveniently representing his past, present and future. We all know this. We have seen the story told in so many incarnations and permutations over the years, that it is nearly impossible to fathom a new reimagining bringing anything new to the table. That was before IMAX 3D. As I addressed in great detail a few days ago, Robert Zemeckis is processing this familiar tale through his Motion-Capture meat grinder, hoping to enrich the story for a new generation as well as make an exorbitant amount of money. While I'm sure the latter will come to pass, I'm not so sure on the first point.
As I've said before, in order for a movie to be a success, it must tell it's story effectively. By borrowing from such inspired source material, this film is alloted a great head start, so long as it doesn't fall flat in the telling. Casting Jim Carrey as Mr. Scrooge is an obvious decision. Who better to play a rubber-faced looking character than the most famous rubber face in the industry? Credited with playing 8 parts on the IMDB page, he harumphs and scowls his way through each character (with the exception of the younger Scrooge), building the monster that is Ebenezer Scrooge before our very eyes. This is where motion capture as a film device shines. By slapping the rubberized, gruesome layer of motion capture detail over Jim Carrey's familiar mug, a new Scrooge is born. The familiar deadened, glossy eyes that come with Motion Capture somehow add to his character, extinguishing any semblance of humanity or compassion we would certainly see in a live-action rendition of the story. The story is also quite effective in it's action sequences, a portion of this is certainly due to the use of 3D, but credit should also be given to some inspired choreography and imaginative sequencing. Unfortunately, when the film attempts comedy or emotional gravitas, it feels slight.
This is the inherent problem with Motion-Capture technology. It looks too cartoonish to carry emotional weight, but at the same time too realistic for much of the physical comedy to hit home the way it wants to. This is a real problem when the third act of your film needs to pull at the heartstrings and you cast a master of physical comedy as your lead. The technology that was such a strength in painting Scrooge as a face of evil and establishing an eerie atmosphere, now makes the emotional scenes feel like watching wax museum mannequins try and perform Hamlet. Everything looks and sounds real from a distance, but loses credibility the closer you get.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
First In Line: The Carter
So apparently a Lil Wayne documentary was filmed last year, hoping to shed some light on the enigmatic rapper via his own words. The trailer offers traditional glimpses of rap star life, showing hordes of cash and drugs, but matched closely with some sobering imagery of Wayne's demons. Culled from multiple interviews and live recording footage, it seems as though this documentary cuts through the aura of Lil Wayne and drives to the heart of the matter. Shown at Sundance and several other film festivals, it has received glowing reviews thus far. How this wasn't on my radar already is beyond me, but I will be first in line to see this. Check out the trailer below:
Friday, November 6, 2009
Sweet Indie Band of the Week: The Antlers
Taking a page out of the Bon Iver handbook, The Antlers are the once-solo project of Peter Silberman, taking the vocal formula that made Bon Iver such a smashing success and adding a bit more ambiance and if you can believe it, an even higher falsetto. Singing so close to the microphone that you can hear him breathe and his lips open to speak, The Antlers have produced a fantastic, sobering record in Hospice, wrought with emotion and musings about mortality. Below is the music video for their single Two.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Why I Will Not Be Seeing A Christmas Carol
Two prior films have been released using the "MoCap" process in recent years, starting with The Polar Express (2004) and most recently, the big screen adaptation of Beowulf (2007). Motion Capture involves the filming of live actors performing scenes, and then translating that movement onto a digital model. Different than Rotoscoping (used often by Richard Linklater in Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly and those stupid Merril Lynch commercials), the movements of the actors are translated into a purely computer generated model, whereas rotoscoping uses the captured movements as a guide for the hand drawn animation overlayed upon it.
Motion Capture has been the gold standard in videogaming for years because it has several advantages. First, it can capture results quickly, allowing videogame manufacturers to save time and money associated with employing an entire team of CGI engineers. Secondly, and most important for videogaming, Motion Capture technology does a tremendous job recreating facial features and a wide array of lifelike movements which traditional CGI has a very difficult time replicating. This is vital when you are creating a sports game and the athletes need to look and move exactly like they do in reality. However, when motion capture technology goes beyond the realm of videogames, it markedly loses steam.
Issues that you wouldn't typically notice in a videogame, really begin to stand out when you attempt to make a feature length film using motion capture. Most glaringly are the eyes of the characters. I never realized how expressive eyes were until I looked into the eyes of the CGI Tom Hanks in the Polar Express and felt pure terror. For some reason, when you slap CGI skin onto a computer model, the eyes become dulled and hollow, looking eerily like revived dolls hell-bent on killing you and your family. Not a great attribute for a children's film. I think the people involved may have realized this, as they made significant strides in Beowulf, but the facial characteristics still felt a little "off". With A Christmas Carol, it seems as though they gave up completely on recreating faces, instead attempting to make Scrooge look "cartoonish", but really just making him look gruesome. Secondly, every film featuring motion capture has been an adaptation of a book, taking fantastical stories that were successful because they allowed children to employ a little imagination and attempted to root them in reality. In a desperate attempt to reconcile destroying childhood memories, the films have been released in 3D, and feature plenty of gimmicks to distract you from their shortcomings.
There are new film techniques coming out every other week, but at the end of the day a film needs to tell a story effectively. If you want to use professional actors, film the film and use CGI when it's appropriate. If you want it to be more lively, use CGI and let your imagination run wild. Unfortunately, Zemeckis and company have their hands so completely tied trying to make plastic actors look human that they have no choice but to adapt a book and use 3D gimmickry rather than come up with an original, thoughtful story. Until motion-capture can change course, it will never rise above the sphere of the console.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Most Anticipated November Releases
November is usually a month rife with Oscar bait, and this November is no different. With the exception of November 13th (uncoincidentally the week the new Twilight movie is released), every coming week promises to bring a new Oscar-worthy film to a theater neaer you. Here are my most-anticipated.
November 6th
The Box
While this may look like Hollywood fluff and I LOATE Cameron Diaz, it has a few things going for it.
1. It is scored by the Arcade Fire
2. It is helmed by Richard Kelly, director of the cult-classic Donnie Darko.
3. It is based on a popular Richard Matheson short story titled Button, Button.
The Men Who Stare At Goats
While this screams Coen Brothers, it is actually directed by Grant Heslov, the Academy-award nominated screenwriter behind Good Night and Good Luck. Based on a Non-fiction book of the same name which explored the US Army's exploration of the paranormal as a military force. Starring George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges.
November 20th
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Incorrectly labeled as a remake of a 1992 film starring Harvey Keitel, this film features Nicholas Cage as a New Orleans police Lieutenant who develops a painkiller addiction following an accident and finds himself investigating a drug dealer. Directed by Werner Herzog (Rescue Dawn, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Nosferatu) it supposedly features Cage's "best performance in years". I'll believe it when I see it. But I will see it.
November 27th
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
From the inexhaustible creative mind of Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic) comes a stop-motion animated feature based on the beloved Roald Dahl children's book of the same name. I have very fond memories of this book as a child, and am glad that Wes Anderson is trying his hand at a wholly animated film as he clearly has an eye for the art direction it requires. After making a name for himself with the brilliant Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, it seemed as though he lost a bit of focus with The Life Aquatic, offering more style than substance. Many consider his most recent film, The Darjeeling Limited to be a return to form, I personally think he is at the point in his career where he needs to stop deconstructing genres and instead embrace an established one and make it his own.
The Road
Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel and directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition), The Road takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where roving bands of cannibals roam the terrain and a man and his son struggle to reach the coast. A heartwrenching, grimy book, I hope that Hillcoat can do it justice. I've seen a couple trailers for it, making it seem like a movie about the apocalypse (it isn't), a horror movie (maybe, but not exactly) and a triumph of the human spirit (puh-lease). Although advertising it as the morbid character study may not make for hefty box office receipts, I think that it's a bit more accurate. This movie has been finished for over a year, and has been pushed back nearly 5 times, normally a death knell for a film like this, but reviews have been quite solid thus far.
The Princess and the Frog
Disney has done quite a number on themselves in the past decade, releasing one great film (The Emperor's New Groove), a couple mediocre ones (Lilo and Stitch, Enchanted, Bolt) and a TON of crap (all CGI films not associated with Pixar + all cash-grab straight-to-video sequels of Early-Mid 90's hits). Directed by the same team as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, this is advertised as Disney's return to form, promising hand-drawn animation, a full-fledged score and an all-star voice cast. I have my concerns but I hope 2D animation can make a comeback, because it relies on the plot and characters rather than flashy animation to drive the story.
November 6th
The Box
While this may look like Hollywood fluff and I LOATE Cameron Diaz, it has a few things going for it.
1. It is scored by the Arcade Fire
2. It is helmed by Richard Kelly, director of the cult-classic Donnie Darko.
3. It is based on a popular Richard Matheson short story titled Button, Button.
The Men Who Stare At Goats
While this screams Coen Brothers, it is actually directed by Grant Heslov, the Academy-award nominated screenwriter behind Good Night and Good Luck. Based on a Non-fiction book of the same name which explored the US Army's exploration of the paranormal as a military force. Starring George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges.
November 20th
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Incorrectly labeled as a remake of a 1992 film starring Harvey Keitel, this film features Nicholas Cage as a New Orleans police Lieutenant who develops a painkiller addiction following an accident and finds himself investigating a drug dealer. Directed by Werner Herzog (Rescue Dawn, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Nosferatu) it supposedly features Cage's "best performance in years". I'll believe it when I see it. But I will see it.
November 27th
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
From the inexhaustible creative mind of Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic) comes a stop-motion animated feature based on the beloved Roald Dahl children's book of the same name. I have very fond memories of this book as a child, and am glad that Wes Anderson is trying his hand at a wholly animated film as he clearly has an eye for the art direction it requires. After making a name for himself with the brilliant Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, it seemed as though he lost a bit of focus with The Life Aquatic, offering more style than substance. Many consider his most recent film, The Darjeeling Limited to be a return to form, I personally think he is at the point in his career where he needs to stop deconstructing genres and instead embrace an established one and make it his own.
The Road
Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel and directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition), The Road takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where roving bands of cannibals roam the terrain and a man and his son struggle to reach the coast. A heartwrenching, grimy book, I hope that Hillcoat can do it justice. I've seen a couple trailers for it, making it seem like a movie about the apocalypse (it isn't), a horror movie (maybe, but not exactly) and a triumph of the human spirit (puh-lease). Although advertising it as the morbid character study may not make for hefty box office receipts, I think that it's a bit more accurate. This movie has been finished for over a year, and has been pushed back nearly 5 times, normally a death knell for a film like this, but reviews have been quite solid thus far.
The Princess and the Frog
Disney has done quite a number on themselves in the past decade, releasing one great film (The Emperor's New Groove), a couple mediocre ones (Lilo and Stitch, Enchanted, Bolt) and a TON of crap (all CGI films not associated with Pixar + all cash-grab straight-to-video sequels of Early-Mid 90's hits). Directed by the same team as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, this is advertised as Disney's return to form, promising hand-drawn animation, a full-fledged score and an all-star voice cast. I have my concerns but I hope 2D animation can make a comeback, because it relies on the plot and characters rather than flashy animation to drive the story.
200 Greatest Tracks of the Decade
Now in an easy to mock format!
Amy Winehouse-Rehab
Beck-Lost Cause
Beirut-Nantes
Beyonce-Crazy In Love
The Black Keys-When the Lights Go Out
Bloc Party-Banquet
Cat Power-Werewolf
Clipse-Grindin
Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeroes - Janglin'
Eels -Fresh Blood
Elbow-Newborn
Eminem-Stan
Damien Rice-Cannonball
Death Cab For Cutie-I Will Follow You into the Dark
The Decemberists-O Valencia
DJ Danger Mouse-Change Clothes
Does It Offend You, Yeah-Dawn Of The Dead
The Flaming Lips-Do you Realize??
Franz Ferdinand-No You Girls
Harlem Shakes-Sunlight
holy fuck -lovely allen
Hot Hot Heat-Bandages
Jens Lekman-A Postcard To Nina
Jesca Hoop-Summertime
The Killers-For Reasons Unknown
LCD Soundsystem-Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
The Lonely Island-I'm on a Boat (Featuring T-Pain)
Major Lazer-Keep It Goin' Louder
Mando Diao-God Knows
Missy Elliott-get ur freak on
The National-Abel
Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer
The New Pornographers-The Bleeding Heart Show
Panda Bear-Take Pills
Queens of the Stone Age - No One Knows
Radiohead-Nude
Rich Boy-Throw Some D's
The Shins-Sleeping Lessons
Spoon-The Underdog
Sun Kil Moon-Glenn Tipton
Tapes n' Tapes-Insistor
T.I.-Hurt
T.I- What You Know
Timbaland-Way I Are (Feat. Keri Hilson)
The Veil-The Tide That Left and Never Came
Wale-The Cliche Lil Wayne Feature
The Walkmen-Little House Of Savages
The White Stripes-Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground
Wrens-13 Months In 6 Minutes
Animal Collective-Chores (2007)
Arctic Monkeys-Mardy Bum (2007)
Basement Jaxx-Where's Your Head At (2001)
Bat For Lashes-Daniel (2009)
The Big Pink-Dominos (2009)
Black Kids-I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (2008)
Bowerbirds-Olive Hearts (2008)
The Bravery-An Honest Mistake (2005)
Bright Eyes-First Day of My Life (2005)
Broken Social Scene-Ibi Dreams Of Pavement (2005)
Chad VanGaalen-Clinically Dead (2004)
The Cloud Room-Hey Now Now (2005)
Coldplay-The Scientist (2002)
Dan Deacon-The Crystal Cat (2007)
Doves-Black and White Town (2005)
The Dream-Walkin On The Moon (Feat. Kanye West) (2009)
Elbow-Grounds for Divorce (2008)
Eminem-The Way I Am (2000)
Estelle - American Boy (feat. Kanye West) (2008)
The Exploding Hearts-Modern Kicks (2003)
Feist-One Two Three Four (2008)
Fleet Foxes-He Doesn't Know Why (2008)
Hot Chip-Boy From School (2006)
Interpol-Evil (2004)
Justice- Stress (2007)
Justin Timberlake-Cry Me a River (2002)
Kanye West-Jesus Walks (2004)
Kate Nash-Foundations (2007)
The Killers-All These Things That I've Done (2004)
Lil' Wayne-Let The Beat Build (2008)
Lily Allen-Ldn (2006)
Los Campesinos!-You! Me! Dancing! (2007)
M. Ward-Here Comes the Sun Again (2005
Justice\MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix) (2008)
The National- Mr. November (2005)
The Notwist-Gloomy Planets (2008)
Peter Bjorn & John-Young Folks (2006)
Phoenix-1901 (2009)
Radiohead-Myxomatosis (2003)
The Roots-Seed 2.0 (2002)
The Shivers-Beauty (2004)
Sigur Rós-Hoppipolla (2005)
Spoon-I Turn My Camera On (2005)
Stars-Your Ex-Lover Is Dead (2005)
The Streets- Dry Your Eyes (2004)
The Strokes-Someday (2001)
Sufjan Stevens-John Wayne Gacy, Jr (2005)
Tap Tap-100,000 Thoughts (2005)
The Unicorns-Jellybones (2003)
Vampire Weekend-Oxford Comma (2007)
100. Bright Eyes-Lover I Don't Have to Love (2002)
99. Lady Gaga-Poker Face (2009)
98. Spoon-Paper Tiger (2002)
97. Arctic Monkeys-Flourescent Adolescent (2008)
96. The Lonely Island-Lazy Sunday (Feat. Chris Parnell) (2006)
95. TTC-Dans Le Club (2005)
97. Arctic Monkeys-Flourescent Adolescent (2008)
96. The Lonely Island-Lazy Sunday (Feat. Chris Parnell) (2006)
95. TTC-Dans Le Club (2005)
94. Das Racist- Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell (Wallpaper. RMX) (2009)
93. Broken Social Scene-KC Accidental (2002)
92. Feist-The Park (2008)
91. Clipse-Dirty Money (2006)
90. Gorillaz-Feel Good Inc. (2005)
89. Daft Punk-One More Time (2001)
93. Broken Social Scene-KC Accidental (2002)
92. Feist-The Park (2008)
91. Clipse-Dirty Money (2006)
90. Gorillaz-Feel Good Inc. (2005)
89. Daft Punk-One More Time (2001)
88. Lil Wayne-We Takin' Over (Remix) (2007)
87. Blind Pilot-One Red Thread (2009)
87. Blind Pilot-One Red Thread (2009)
86. The Arcade Fire - Intervention (2008)
85. Cat Power-The Greatest (2006)
84. The Von Bondies-C'mon C'mon (2004)
83. The Avalanches-Since I Left You (2000)
82. The Postal Service-The District Sleeps Alone Tonight (2003)
81. Radiohead-Reckoner (2008)
80. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-Mama, Won't You Keep Them Castles in the Air and Burning? (2007)
79. The Shins- New Slang (2001)
78. Kanye West-RoboCop (2009)
77. The Hives- A Little More For Little You (2004)80. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-Mama, Won't You Keep Them Castles in the Air and Burning? (2007)
79. The Shins- New Slang (2001)
78. Kanye West-RoboCop (2009)
76. Junior Boys-In The Morning (2006)
75-51
75. Animal Collective-Peacebone (2007)
74. Sufjan Stevens-For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti (2003)
73. Rihanna-Umbrella (2008)
73. Rihanna-Umbrella (2008)
72. Dungen-Panda (2004)
71. The White Stripes-Fell in Love With a Girl (2002)
70. Kanye West-Flashing Lights (Ft. Dwele) (2007)
69. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone (2005)
70. Kanye West-Flashing Lights (Ft. Dwele) (2007)
69. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone (2005)
68. Diplo and Santogold-LES Artistes (XXXchange Mix) (2008)
67. Outkast - B.O.B. (2000)
66. Modest Mouse- Float On (2004)
65. Burial- Archangel (2007)
64. Panda Bear- Comfy in Nautica (2005)
63. The Strokes-12h51 (2003)
63. The Strokes-12h51 (2003)
62. Justin Timberlake-My Love (feat. T.I) (2006)
61. Lil' Wayne-Steady Mobbin (2009)
61. Lil' Wayne-Steady Mobbin (2009)
60. Jay-Z-99 Problems (2004)
59. The Go! Team-Huddle Formation (2004)
58. Coldplay-Shiver (2000)
57. Beyonce-Single Ladies (2009)
56. Beirut-Elephant Gun (2007)
55. Britney Spears-Toxic (2003)
54. Hot Chip-Ready for the Floor (2008)
53. Iron & Wine-Upward Over the Mountain (2002)
52. Marissa Nadler- Diamond Heart (2007)
51. Radiohead- There There (2003)
50-26
56. Beirut-Elephant Gun (2007)
55. Britney Spears-Toxic (2003)
54. Hot Chip-Ready for the Floor (2008)
53. Iron & Wine-Upward Over the Mountain (2002)
52. Marissa Nadler- Diamond Heart (2007)
51. Radiohead- There There (2003)
50-26
50. The Killers- Mr. Brightside (2004)
49. Cat Power-I Found A Reason (2000)
48. Phoenix- Long Distance Call (2006)
47. Friendly Fires-Skeleton Boy (2009)
47. Friendly Fires-Skeleton Boy (2009)
46. Band Of Horses-The Funeral (2006)
45. Justice vs Simian-We Are Your Friends (2006)
44. Titus Andronicus-Titus Andronicus (2008)
43. Antony & The Johnsons-Hope There's Someone (2005)
44. Titus Andronicus-Titus Andronicus (2008)
43. Antony & The Johnsons-Hope There's Someone (2005)
42. The Love Language- Lalita (2009)
41. Devotchka- How it Ends (2004)
41. Devotchka- How it Ends (2004)
40. Okkervil River- For Real (2005)
39. Feist-Mushaboom (2004)
38. TV On The Radio-Staring at the Sun (2004)
37. Lykke Li- Dance Dance Dance (2008)
36. Passion Pit-Sleepyhead (2009)
35. The Walkmen-The Rat (2004)
34. Ryan Adams-Oh My sweet Carolina (2000)
33. Interpol - Obstacle 1 (2002)
32. Wilco-Jesus, etc.. (2002)
31. The Arcade Fire-Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) (2004)
33. Interpol - Obstacle 1 (2002)
32. Wilco-Jesus, etc.. (2002)
31. The Arcade Fire-Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) (2004)
30. Wolf Parade-I'll Believe In Anything (2005)
29. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (2004)
28. Spoon-The Way We Get By (2002)
27. Justice-D.A.N.C.E. (2007)
25. The Decemberists-Red Right Ankle (2003)
24. Patrick Wolf-The Magic Position (2007)
23. Animal Collective-My Girls (2009)
22. M.I.A.- Paper Planes (Remix)feat. Bun B and Rich Boy (2007)
21. Beirut-Postcards From Italy (2006)
20. The Strokes-Hard To Explain (2001)
19. Lil' Wayne-A Milli (2008)
18. UGK-Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) (2007)
17. LCD Soundsystem-All My Friends (2007)
16. Outkast-Hey Ya! (2003)
15. Radiohead- Idioteque (2000)
14. Ratatat-Seventeen Years (2003)
13. Dr. Dre-Forgot About Dre (2000)
12. Bon Iver-Skinny Love (2007)
11. Sigur Rós-Glósóli (2005)
10. Iron & Wine-Jezebel (2005)
9. Kanye West-Can't Tell Me Nothing (2007)
8. The Knife-Heartbeats (2003)
7. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth (2005)
6. The White Stripes-Seven Nation Army (2003)
5. The Tallest Man On Earth-The Gardner (2008)
4. TV On The Radio-Wolf Like Me (2006)
3. The Black Key-The Lengths (2004)
2. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Maps (2003)
1. The Arcade Fire-Wake Up (2004)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
200 Greatest Tracks of the Decade (25-1!!!1111)
Well Ladies and Gentlemen, the wait is over. Hours of my time scouring Google Images and Youtube and very nearly an hour of your time has culminated in this monumental occasion. While I don't claim to be the authority on music, suffice to say that I listen to a LOT of music. I thumb my nose at lot of popular music, but as you already know from my earlier posts, when a song is GREAT (see Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, et al), I have no qualms about singing its praises. I'll stop with the disclaimers, but I wanted to thank you, whomever you are for taking the time to read the list, or simply to click through. I appreciate the support (attention). Enjoy songs 25-1.
25. The Decemberists-Red Right Ankle (2003)
Before The Decemberists wrote 9 minute songs or reached for epic every time they picked up their guitars, they wrote incredibly affecting songs like this. The hammer-ons and imagery Meloy emotes describing the parts of a leg (sounds stupid, it isn't) or a gypsy uncle is a gift, especially when he wraps it in such a tender melody.
24. Patrick Wolf-The Magic Position (2007)
Foot stomps, hand claps, clarinet, vivacious violins, a xylophone and a freaking bell tower for good measure. All in a day's work for the likes of Patrick Wolf. The song careens like snowball down a mountain, gaining momentum and mass verse by verse until your only choice is to join in or get out of the way.
23. Animal Collective-My Girls (2009)
This is how good Animal Collective can be when they choose to. Completely immersive sounds coalesce and fall apart, verses cycle and overlap, sounding unquestionably like Animal Collective but fresh and accessible at the same time.
This is how good Animal Collective can be when they choose to. Completely immersive sounds coalesce and fall apart, verses cycle and overlap, sounding unquestionably like Animal Collective but fresh and accessible at the same time.
22. M.I.A.- Paper Planes (Remix)feat. Bun B and Rich Boy (2007)
Before it was featured in 345908390 movies trailers, Paper Planes was just the little song that could. The indie banger from Maya Arulparagasam was fantastic, but it was missing a little something. It's no surprise that verses from Bun B and Rich Boy would be the perfect compliment to a song already featuring fingersnaps and gunshots, two rap song staples.
21. Beirut-Postcards From Italy (2006)
The song that put 19-year-old wunderkind Zach Condon and his band Beirut on the map. How he is able to channel Balkan folk music from his New Mexico basement is astounding. The song simultaneously sounds familiar and foreign, ancient and contemporary and was only a glimmer of things to come.
The song that put 19-year-old wunderkind Zach Condon and his band Beirut on the map. How he is able to channel Balkan folk music from his New Mexico basement is astounding. The song simultaneously sounds familiar and foreign, ancient and contemporary and was only a glimmer of things to come.
20. The Strokes-Hard To Explain (2001)
This being the 3rd Strokes song on the countdown, I don't need to explain what this probably sounds like. What I do need to say is that this is the best song they've ever done.
I say the right things
But act the wrong way
I like it right here
But I cannot stay
I watch the tv
Forget what I'm told
Well I am too young
And they are too old
I say the right things
But act the wrong way
I like it right here
But I cannot stay
I watch the tv
Forget what I'm told
Well I am too young
And they are too old
19. Lil' Wayne-A Milli (2008)
Lil' Wayne is the greatest rapper alive. On a hiccuping beat that would make Kanye and Jay-Z run for cover, Lil' Wayne rides it like a wave, never missing a beat, never hesitating, all the while unleashing some the best lyrics he has ever recorded. No chorus, no filler, just Wayne. It's no coincidence that every rapper in the game got on this beat last year, but none were able to capture what Wayne did with the original.
18. UGK-Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) (2007)
It's always a mixed blessing when a rap song features 4 of the biggest stars in the game, as someone inevitably crushes it and everyone else falls flat. That does not happen in this song. Andre 3000 starts the song with the best verse he's ever done, setting the bar unreasonably high Pimp C, Bun B and Big Boi. Each come equipped with their own beat, allowing them to rise to the occasion, making this one of the first rap collaborations that amounts to more than the sum of it's parts.
17. LCD Soundsystem-All My Friends (2007)
Amidst a frantic piano part and fizzy techno blips, James Murphy has some pretty profound things to say about life and youth. As the intensity and instrumentation grows, his delivery gets more and more sentimental, until he gives up on the verses, resigned to yelling "If I could see all my friends tonight" over and over, the track falling apart around him in the process. See the awesome video in my Favorite Videos of the Decade list here.
It's always a mixed blessing when a rap song features 4 of the biggest stars in the game, as someone inevitably crushes it and everyone else falls flat. That does not happen in this song. Andre 3000 starts the song with the best verse he's ever done, setting the bar unreasonably high Pimp C, Bun B and Big Boi. Each come equipped with their own beat, allowing them to rise to the occasion, making this one of the first rap collaborations that amounts to more than the sum of it's parts.
16. Outkast-Hey Ya! (2003)
Everyone on earth danced to this song at one point in time. Everyone has a memory associated with it and every memory inevitably involves them "shaking it" like a Polaroid picture. Such was the phenomenon of Hey Ya! in 2003. Sounding like an amalgam of everything awesome, this song should be beamed into outer space to facilitate interstellar contact.
15. Radiohead- Idioteque (2000)
I lied when I said Radiohead is best when Thom's voice is front and center. This is their crown jewel on their already gaudy throne. With muffled drums and an eerie sense of calm paranoia, it is a prophetic, apocalyptic vision of the 21st century.
14. Ratatat-Seventeen Years (2003)
If I had a nickel for every time I drunkenly hijacked someones speakers in the middle of a lame party to play this song, I'd probably have $18.
If I had a nickel for every time I drunkenly hijacked someones speakers in the middle of a lame party to play this song, I'd probably have $18.
13. Dr. Dre-Forgot About Dre (2000)
I don't know why I love this song. I didn't know when I was 15 and I still don't know now almost 10 years later. Oodles of rap tracks before and since have featured strings, spastic delivery and kooky sound effects, but compared to this they all sound like uninspired knockoffs.
12. Bon Iver-Skinny Love (2007)
Bon Iver's debut album For Emma, Forever Ago is the stuff of legends. Suffering from mono and a recent breakup, Justin Vernon shacked up in his father's hunting cabin for the winter, finding solace in the remote wilderness. From this isolation, a hushed, beautiful record was born. Skinny Love finds Bon Iver strumming an ancient guitar and cooing in muffled distant tones, reliving the moments that precede the end of a relationship. His words convey the frustration and anguish associated with trying to hold together something falling apart at every seam.
Bon Iver's debut album For Emma, Forever Ago is the stuff of legends. Suffering from mono and a recent breakup, Justin Vernon shacked up in his father's hunting cabin for the winter, finding solace in the remote wilderness. From this isolation, a hushed, beautiful record was born. Skinny Love finds Bon Iver strumming an ancient guitar and cooing in muffled distant tones, reliving the moments that precede the end of a relationship. His words convey the frustration and anguish associated with trying to hold together something falling apart at every seam.
11. Sigur Rós-Glósóli (2005)
It takes 15 seconds for it to become completely clear that this song is something special. The underwater electric guitar, the glistening bells, and Jonsi's breathy melodies march toward something unmistakably Sigur Ros. The repeated tease of the chorus offers some hints, but cannot prepare you for the elation and goosebumps to be felt at precisely 4 minutes and 34 seconds. It is as close to a religious experience as you are likely to find in a pair of headphones. Watch the music video here.
10. Iron & Wine-Jezebel (2005)
A completely intoxicating folk song from a master at the top of his game. While he has expanded his lo-fi sound from his humble beginnings on The Creek Drank the Cradle, this song speaks to the intimacy that he still retains while broadening the musical palate around him. Though surely housing religious themes, Sam Beam gracefully tells the biblical story of Jezebel as one about devotion and loyalty, allowing you to draw your own conclusions.
A completely intoxicating folk song from a master at the top of his game. While he has expanded his lo-fi sound from his humble beginnings on The Creek Drank the Cradle, this song speaks to the intimacy that he still retains while broadening the musical palate around him. Though surely housing religious themes, Sam Beam gracefully tells the biblical story of Jezebel as one about devotion and loyalty, allowing you to draw your own conclusions.
9. Kanye West-Can't Tell Me Nothing (2007)
Sounding like a joke but anything but, Kanye clearly lays out his vices and allows a fleeting glimpse into the perils of fame and trying to be good in a genre where bad is king. Without sacrificing his trademark swagger, Kanye's verses alternate between arrogance and humility, lashing out at himself and his critics in equal measure. While this song was released two years ago, his antics today still show him struggling with these demons, but it's quite a thrill watching him try to exorcise them in this song.
8. The Knife-Heartbeats (2003)
To call this song a love song would be a bit of a stretch, but it certainly houses some lustful sentiments. Steel drums and a lazer light show for a rhythm section, the song shrugs off any characterization you try to pin on it, which is perhaps why it has been covered so many times. There's something here for everyone.
To call this song a love song would be a bit of a stretch, but it certainly houses some lustful sentiments. Steel drums and a lazer light show for a rhythm section, the song shrugs off any characterization you try to pin on it, which is perhaps why it has been covered so many times. There's something here for everyone.
7. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth (2005)
How to I love this song, let me count the ways:
1. The relentlessly snappy guitar part.
2. Alec's cracking, sighing, snively voice that he has no interest in hiding or smoothing.
3. The disappointment you feel when you fear the song isn't going anywhere, until it slaps you across the face with a wordless chorus after the fourth (FOURTH) verse.
4. The way the song slowly deconstructs itself thereafter.
How to I love this song, let me count the ways:
1. The relentlessly snappy guitar part.
2. Alec's cracking, sighing, snively voice that he has no interest in hiding or smoothing.
3. The disappointment you feel when you fear the song isn't going anywhere, until it slaps you across the face with a wordless chorus after the fourth (FOURTH) verse.
4. The way the song slowly deconstructs itself thereafter.
6. The White Stripes-Seven Nation Army (2003)
Opening with one the catchiest riffs of all time, Jack White lets it all hang out here. Before he indulged his rock-side with side projects like The Raconteurs, he had songs like this to tinker with. Make no mistake about it, this song is a vehicle for his electric guitar, and boy does he bring it.
5. The Tallest Man On Earth-The Gardner (2008)
Though he is from Sweden, Kristian Matsson sounds uncannily like Bob Dylan with better pipes. With manic guitar strumming and finger-picking he belts out a depraved love song, detailing the suitors he has killed and buried in his beloved's garden to get to her. Disturbing to be sure, but his majestic delivery brings to mind an indomitable knight well before deranged serial killer.
Though he is from Sweden, Kristian Matsson sounds uncannily like Bob Dylan with better pipes. With manic guitar strumming and finger-picking he belts out a depraved love song, detailing the suitors he has killed and buried in his beloved's garden to get to her. Disturbing to be sure, but his majestic delivery brings to mind an indomitable knight well before deranged serial killer.
4. TV On The Radio-Wolf Like Me (2006)
Buzzsaw guitars and thunderous drums make this song even more primal than it's sex-with-a-werewolf lyrics can muster. A brief breakdown offers a shred of relief, only to dive back in all over again, somehow conjuring even more vivacity and carnal energy, appropriately closing with a howl.
Buzzsaw guitars and thunderous drums make this song even more primal than it's sex-with-a-werewolf lyrics can muster. A brief breakdown offers a shred of relief, only to dive back in all over again, somehow conjuring even more vivacity and carnal energy, appropriately closing with a howl.
3. The Black Key-The Lengths (2004)
There aren't a lot of instruments that emote heartache like the despondent wail of a slide guitar. This, coupled with Dan Auerbach's smoky voice and lyrics that detail the futile lengths we go to for love never fail to make me a complete emotional wreck.
There aren't a lot of instruments that emote heartache like the despondent wail of a slide guitar. This, coupled with Dan Auerbach's smoky voice and lyrics that detail the futile lengths we go to for love never fail to make me a complete emotional wreck.
2. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Maps (2003)
I can't say anything about this song that hasn't already been mentioned. Beautiful, beautiful, beau-ti-ful song. Hearing a hurt Karen O is like seeing a limping puppy.
1. The Arcade Fire-Wake Up (2004)
I instinctively get goosebumps when I hear the opening chords of this song. And then my goosebumps get goosebumps. Profound and exhilarating, Win Butler sings of growing up and growing old, never feeling like an adult, only bigger, broken children, "turning every good thing to rust."
I instinctively get goosebumps when I hear the opening chords of this song. And then my goosebumps get goosebumps. Profound and exhilarating, Win Butler sings of growing up and growing old, never feeling like an adult, only bigger, broken children, "turning every good thing to rust."
Monday, November 2, 2009
200 Greatest Tracks of the Decade (50-26)
I'm quickly learning that although the weekend sounds like the ideal time to hammer out a few blog posts, it's not really feasible. That and I'm gradually whittling down my vocabulary and my reservoir of snide comments with every post. I need to get some more material. Forgive me if these descriptions become a bit more terse as a result, although I have a feeling that will be a welcomed change for most of you. Here we go!
A cartoonish amalgum of handclaps and trumpets, it's no surprise that the music video features a dance number, flying toast and a wormhole. From anyone else, completely stupid. From Feist, completely perfect.
38. TV On The Radio-Staring at the Sun (2004)
While I'm probably in the minority, I think TV on the Radio have gone downhill since this song. With cooing harmonies and a pulsating bassline, traditional love song it is not, but that doesn't make it any less sexy.
While Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse had both experienced their fair share of success prior to teaming up for Gnarls Barkley, they soared into the stratosphere with this song. Brilliant in it's simplicity, it strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and humility.
50. The Killers- Mr. Brightside (2004)
The Killers don't write songs like this anymore. Frankly, I don't think anyone does. A rock song with hooks that would make Timbaland jealous. You can feel this song growing and growing towards something, as verse is trumped by a catchier bridge, which is completely obliterated the chorus.
49. Cat Power-I Found A Reason (Velvet Underground Cover) (2000)
Cat Power's allure stems from her vulnerable, fragile voice. She often sounds lost and forlorn, barely holding herself together. Maybe that's why I love this song so much. She actually sounds happy here (as happy as Cat Power gets), and I can't help but feel happy for her.
48. Phoenix- Long Distance Call (2006)
With bands like Phoenix and Justice trailblazing throughout the decade, it's a good time to be from France. Of course you wouldn't know it from listening to Phoenix. They sound American as well, Phoenix. Without baggage or pretensions, Phoenix toys with the listener here, teasing the chorus, building momentum only to kill it off, but when they finally jump into the chorus, buckle up.
47. Friendly Fires-Skeleton Boy (2009)
Before the verse starts, Friendly Fires do an admirable Justice impression, mixing in some twitchy rhythms and gurgling basslines before they sing a note. From here they swing from cowbell to strings to snaredrums, never lingering longer than 10 seconds but still leaving quite an impression.
(Forgive the Twilight drivel, this is what I found on youtube. He is pretty dreamy though.
47. Friendly Fires-Skeleton Boy (2009)
Before the verse starts, Friendly Fires do an admirable Justice impression, mixing in some twitchy rhythms and gurgling basslines before they sing a note. From here they swing from cowbell to strings to snaredrums, never lingering longer than 10 seconds but still leaving quite an impression.
(Forgive the Twilight drivel, this is what I found on youtube. He is pretty dreamy though.
46. Band Of Horses-The Funeral (2006)
For a song that sounds like a lullaby for the first 90 seconds, Band of Horses certainly make up for lost time in the last two minutes. Never has such morbid subject matter sounded so pretty.
45. Justice vs Simian-We Are Your Friends (2006)
Another instance of Justice sprinkling their awesome dust on an otherwise forgettable song. The tumbling synths and dreamy keyboards play an admirable second fiddle, but the real showcase is the androgynous scream of a chorus, that I hope was looped, because otherwise the singer surely had an aneurysm.
44. Titus Andronicus-Titus Andronicus (2008)
Serious punk for serious times. Titus Andronicus thrash and yelp their way through indecipherable verse after indecipherable verse until they unleash one of the most fist-pumping head-bobbing choruses of the decade.
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
43. Antony & The Johnsons-Hope There's Someone (2005)
Antony is the male Cat Power. Or at least I think he's male. He twinkles on a piano, but this song is a capella as far as I'm concerned. And what a capella it is. Antony voice flutters like a bird's song, expressing a desperate longing for love and fear of death that is disarming and entrancing.
44. Titus Andronicus-Titus Andronicus (2008)
Serious punk for serious times. Titus Andronicus thrash and yelp their way through indecipherable verse after indecipherable verse until they unleash one of the most fist-pumping head-bobbing choruses of the decade.
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
YOUR LIFE IS OVER
43. Antony & The Johnsons-Hope There's Someone (2005)
42. The Love Language- Lalita (2009)
A fantastic song from one of the best bands I've had the pleasure to see this year. If anyone writes better hooks than this North Carolina ensemble, I'll eat my shoe.
41. Devotchka- How it Ends (2004)
The song used the tremendous effect in the film Everything Is Illuminated, is straight up chill-inducing, especially when paired with clips from the film as it is here.
A fantastic song from one of the best bands I've had the pleasure to see this year. If anyone writes better hooks than this North Carolina ensemble, I'll eat my shoe.
41. Devotchka- How it Ends (2004)
The song used the tremendous effect in the film Everything Is Illuminated, is straight up chill-inducing, especially when paired with clips from the film as it is here.
40. Okkervil River- For Real (2005)
The gentle strumming and subdued vocals that open this song do not prepare you for what is to come. Schizophrenic lyrics and jarring electric guitar sound like the door slamming behind you in a haunted house. However insane it sounds in places, it never feels out of control, at that's probably the most unsettling realization of all.
I want to know this time if you're really finally mine
I need to know that you're not lying so I want to see you tried
And I don't want to hear you say it shouldn't really be this way
'Cause I like this way just fine
I want to know this time if you're really finally mine
I need to know that you're not lying so I want to see you tried
And I don't want to hear you say it shouldn't really be this way
'Cause I like this way just fine
39. Feist-Mushaboom (2004)
38. TV On The Radio-Staring at the Sun (2004)
37. Lykke Li- Dance Dance Dance (2008)
Sounding like a Swedish Feist, Lykke Li takes the otherwise cutesy and sappy and melts away all your pretensions. So when she says "I couldn't possibly tell you how I mean, but I can dance, dance, dance" you are crushed by its simplicity and depth at the same time.
Sounding like a Swedish Feist, Lykke Li takes the otherwise cutesy and sappy and melts away all your pretensions. So when she says "I couldn't possibly tell you how I mean, but I can dance, dance, dance" you are crushed by its simplicity and depth at the same time.
36. Passion Pit-Sleepyhead (2009)
While people can shrug off Passion Pit as disgustingly sweet and peppy, this song simply cannot be denied. Whatever preconceptions you may have about nasally vocals or handclaps are steadily ground down by a pounding drumbeat until you can't help but smile.
While people can shrug off Passion Pit as disgustingly sweet and peppy, this song simply cannot be denied. Whatever preconceptions you may have about nasally vocals or handclaps are steadily ground down by a pounding drumbeat until you can't help but smile.
35. The Walkmen-The Rat (2004)
"You've got a nerve to be asking a favor". That's a tone-setter if I've ever heard one. Not interested in using any wordplay or ambiguity, this song froths-at-the-mouth in a swarm of guitars and snarls. I don't know why he is so pissed, I only know that I want nothing to do with it.
34. Ryan Adams-Oh My Sweet Carolina (2000)
Ryan Adams writes too many songs. Let's get that out of the way. He comes out with 3 albums a year and while most disappoints, when it sticks, it really sticks. Here he sings with the nostalgia and longing of a man on his deathbed, recanting the things he's done and lamenting those he never did.
up here in the city
it feels like things are closin' in
the sunset's just my light bulb burnin' out
i miss kentucky
and i miss my family
all the sweetest winds, they blow across the south.
33. Interpol - Obstacle 1 (2002)
Layers of guitars ebb and flow in and out of one another, attempting to mirror the constantly changing vocal pacing. Or maybe it's the vocals trying to keep up with the 3 different wandering guitar parts. Although they converge at the chorus briefly, they diverge again only to end together, having taken very different roads to reach the same conclusion.
32. Wilco-Jesus, etc.. (2002)
Why this song wasn't a massive crossover hit is beyond me. I guess I should just be grateful that it got released considering Wilco had to leave their record label to find someone to give it a proper release. Jeff Tweedy evokes an apocalyptic scene wrought with shaking buildings and tears, but promises to be around when the dust settles, which is really all you can ask for.
31. The Arcade Fire-Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) (2004)
What to say about the Arcade Fire that hasn't already been said a thousand times over. This song is bursting with energy, at times emotional but always eloquent. Win Butlers cracking voice makes every word feel so real that it almost feels voyeuristic to listen to.
up here in the city
it feels like things are closin' in
the sunset's just my light bulb burnin' out
i miss kentucky
and i miss my family
all the sweetest winds, they blow across the south.
33. Interpol - Obstacle 1 (2002)
32. Wilco-Jesus, etc.. (2002)
Why this song wasn't a massive crossover hit is beyond me. I guess I should just be grateful that it got released considering Wilco had to leave their record label to find someone to give it a proper release. Jeff Tweedy evokes an apocalyptic scene wrought with shaking buildings and tears, but promises to be around when the dust settles, which is really all you can ask for.
31. The Arcade Fire-Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) (2004)
30. Wolf Parade-I'll Believe In Anything (2005)
"Give me your eyes, I need sunshine." Simple words say so much. I'm not sure if the subject of this song is a longtime girlfriend or is a complete stranger, but that doesn't change what Spencer Krug is feeling here. He loves her unflinchingly and will follow her anywhere, teetering between creepy and chivalrous.
"Give me your eyes, I need sunshine." Simple words say so much. I'm not sure if the subject of this song is a longtime girlfriend or is a complete stranger, but that doesn't change what Spencer Krug is feeling here. He loves her unflinchingly and will follow her anywhere, teetering between creepy and chivalrous.
29. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (2004)
The way this song makes a complete 180 a minute in still gets me everytime. They could have easily split the two and made two great standalone songs, but instead they threw them together, connected only by a thin guitar riff. And it works like gangbusters. The way it daringly jumps the tracks and manages to right itself again makes the payoff that much sweeter when it turns into such a romper-stomper.
28. Spoon-The Way We Get By (2002)
Most of Spoons songs, while awesome, sound like they are about someone else. A friend of a friend, maybe a character in a book. This one is too great to be about someone else.
We get high in back seats of cars
We break into mobile homes
We go to sleep to 'Shake Appeal'
Never wake up on our own
We get high in back seats of cars
We break into mobile homes
We go to sleep to 'Shake Appeal'
Never wake up on our own
27. Justice-D.A.N.C.E. (2007)
Just as Justice punches up other people's tracks, they have more than enough creativity to let it all hang out on their own material. The scratchy TV sounds tease like an interlude, until you realize that they are actually going to do it. A song that plays just as strongly in the club as it would on a school bus, it nearly bubbles over with the unbridled energy and enthusiasm. The music video is fantastic also, see my Top Music Videos f the Decade Post here.
26. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy (2006)
Friday, October 30, 2009
200 Greatest Tracks of the Decade (75-51)
I'm going to try and crank out the next 25 songs before I head out to engage in ghoulish behavior. At the risk of repeating myself, here are songs 75-51.
75. Animal Collective-Peacebone (2007)
Jarring from the start, disjointed lasers merge steadily with a drum beat before a series of stream-of-consciousness lyrics create an unsettling, prehistoric habitat punctuated with roars and screams. As much a trip to listen to as I'm sure it was to make.
74. Sufjan Stevens-For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti (2003)
To call Sufjan Stevens a folk singer would be selling him short. He is an ambitious vagabond, having recorded electronic material and impeccable orchestral works in addition his more traditional folk work Now, allow me to contradict myself. This is song is pure folk through and through, featuring a meandering banjo part and Sufjan's delicate voice. Solemn trumpets and eerie backing vocals add to the ambience, making the song much more haunting than expected.
73. Rihanna-Umbrella (2008)
A lazy verse from Jay-Z, and a pretty lifeless beat, this song begins as any other faceless R&B crossover track, but as soon as Rihanna dives into the chorus, you can't help but be charmed. The chorus is slow, predictable and repetitive, but that is exactly what a good pop song should be. Once it clicks, it doesn't try and rock the boat. It simply gives you exactly what you want.
72. Dungen-Panda (2004)
From the Psych Rock capital of the World (Sweden?!?) come Dungen. They sound straight out of the 70's, featuring scratchy guitar solos and hyperactive drumming. The Swedish lyrics translate into some pretty bitter stuff, but I'll gladly take jaded Swedes over whiny Americans any day of the week.
71. The White Stripes-Fell in Love With a Girl (2002)
The White Stripes do not mince words. They do not mince anything. Or at least they don't here. They thrash through this track in less than two minutes, packing verses/chorus/verse/chorus so tightly they virtually overlap in places. This unabashed rock coupled with one their most innovative music videos (and that's saying something), make it quite a classic.
70. Kanye West-Flashing Lights (Ft. Dwele) (2007)
This is not Kanye's first song on this list, and (SPOILER) it's not his last either, but this song is definitely his hardest to peg. The beat sounds like a club banger, the orchestration sounds like a ballad, and the subject matter is somewhere between nostalgic and bitter. It's not Kanye's strongest rapping by any means, but the way he dances so deftly around his feelings, he leaves the interpretation completely up to us.
69. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone (2005)
68. Diplo and Santogold-LES Artistes (XXXchange Mix) (2008)
A lot of people unfairly compare Santogold (now Santigold) to MIA, and that is a shame. While they both have their merits, Santogold has much better pipes and a better ear for melody. In the original version, a sleepy electric guitar part paints Santogold as too cutesy. In this Diplo version, the guitar are replaced with a tumbling fizzy horn and a Postal Service like twinkly synths, making Santogold sound infinitely stronger and more confident, and transforming the song entirely.
67. Outkast - B.O.B. (2000)
This song is completely unhinged. Andre 3000 and Big Boi rap like Busta Rhymes, marching band drums, hand claps and maracas are everywhere, but there's no time to even notice. This is the hip-hop version of the White Stripes song I review a couple songs back. Unadulterated rapping from some of the best in the game.
66. Modest Mouse- Float On (2004)
This is the first Modest Mouse song I ever heard. I remember stopping what I was doing and watching this music video when it came on MTVU my freshman year of college. Sure the guitar part is nifty, but what's with that guys voice? Does he know how he sounds? Why is he yelling? The years since have endeared me to Isaac Brock's yelp and Modest Mouse's jangling formula, but they still haven't produced a better foot-stomping, head-bobbing chorus than this one.
65. Burial- Archangel (2007)
Some people call this stuff dubstep, some people call it "hyperdub". I'm not sure if he does it with sample, or if this is his real voice. None of that really matters. It contains some of the most soulful R&B hooks I've heard in a long time looped and cut and spliced smoothly with the skill of a surgeon.
64. Panda Bear- Comfy in Nautica (2005)
Speaking of sampling, where do I start with someone like Panda Bear. Maybe I should preface it with the face that he's a member of Animal Collective. While that may explain the rickety train noises, and the indiscriminate roaring, Animal Collective does not write Beach Boy-level harmonies like this. Animal Collective would layer them under so many other sounds that they would never even reach your ear. I'm glad Panda Bear kept this track for himself. It's beautiful.
63. The Strokes-12h51 (2003)
While The Strokes do nothing to break new ground here, for those of us who understood they were at the top of their game here, why would you want them to? Julian's lazy vocals show a little life and a few well-timed handclaps and a follow-the-bouncing-ball guitar riff make for something pretty special. There are worse ways to spend 2.5 minutes of your time.
62. Justin Timberlake-My Love (feat. T.I) (2006)
Everyone, Male or Female, Republican or Democrat, Black or White, has one thing in common. They f-ing LOVE Justin Timberlake. I am no different. Timbaland throws in some "Are You That Somebody?" baby-giggles and a few beatbox breakdowns, but this song is completely Justin's. He sounds more like Michael Jackson here than he ever has, and that is probably the highest compliment I can pay him.
61. Lil' Wayne-Steady Mobbin (2009)
So what I only heard this song for the first time a couple weeks ago? So what if the chorus steals a line from "A Milli"? Just when I think Lil Wayne may be spreading himself a little too thin, and may need to reel himself in a little bit, he releases a song like this and makes me hold my tongue. I don't know what album this is on, I don't even know if it is out yet, but do yourself a favor and track this down. Even Gucci Mane, (someone I wasn't a fan of before) crushes his verse with a mushmouth delivery that would make Biggie proud. NSFW, obviously.
60. Jay-Z-99 Problems (2004)
I've never been a big Jay-Z fan. His delivery always sounds forced to me and his rhymes aren't especially innovative. None of that applies to 99 Problems. Brilliant premise, fantastic lyrics, a rap masterpiece.
59. The Go! Team-Huddle Formation (2004)
The Go! Team sounds like cheerleaders on a car chase. The whirring guitars, handclaps, the enthusiastic harmonies of the chorus give you no time to decide whether you want to be a part of this ride. You are on it, and whether you like it or not, you are going where they are going. I love it.
58. Coldplay-Shiver (2000)
Now THIS is Coldplay's best song. Chris Martin restrains his usual heavy-handed lyrics and lets the instruments carry the load for a little while, flitting in and out when appropriate. But when it's appropriate, he really excels. Angelic, if not a bit stalkerish, you get the feeling that he would do absolutely anything for the subject of this song, for better or worse.
57. Beyonce-Single Ladies (2009)
Even though we already knew it was one of the greatest videos of ALL TIME. ALL TIME. It's hard not to call it one of the best songs of the decade also. More infectious than influenza.
56. Beirut-Elephant Gun (2007)
Whether or not you buy into Beirut's kitschy, eastern European carnival ensemble, you simply cannot deny that Zach Condon has an absolutely pristine voice. I could eat it up I love it so. Like every Beirut song, there are accordians, trumpet solos, and if you aren't completely swept away, you may want to check your pulse.
55. Britney Spears-Toxic (2003)
I'm not going to expound on this song. You know you love it. As do I, that's why it's here. Nearly flawless from the violins to the Morricone guitars.
54. Hot Chip-Ready for the Floor (2008)
Hot Chip are almost certainly nerds. I'm sure they have horn-rimmed glasses and dance around their laptops when they made this song. They may have even had a wedgie. Whatever circumstances allowed them to make this incredible tune, they need to find them replicate them in a controlled setting.
53. Iron & Wine-Upward Over the Mountain (2002)
Iron and Wine make beautiful folk songs that sound like they were written and recorded 70 years ago. His voice has a smokey vibrado that brings to mind an old barn and a fireplace. I'll let his lyrics speak for themselves:
So may the sunrise bring hope
Where it once was forgotten
Sons are like birds
Flying upward over the mountain
52. Marissa Nadler- Diamond Heart (2007)
Basic finger-picking sets the stage for Marissa, but the real focus here is her beautiful voice. Allowed to echo and carry freely, it is both haunting and captivating for the duration.
51. Radiohead- There There (2003)
One of Radiohead's more straightforward rock songs this decade, it's no coincidence that is probably their most beautiful. With refreshingly straightforward lyrics and some dizzying peaks, it really proves that in order to be the best, you must first completely master the basics. Radiohead flexes their mastery of melodies here.
More tomorrow!!
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