Feature: Top Ten Songs of 2010
1. Games: “Shadows in Bloom” [That We Can Play EP, Hippos In Tanks]
Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) and Joel Ford (Tiger City) have officially tapped into something memorable here. While Outer Limits Recordings’ “Julie” came close, this was the immediate show-stopper for the top song of 2010. This song has it all: the expertly cut-up vocal line, reverberated handclaps, synthesizer detailing that would make Devo jealous, and so much more. Fly the friendly skies with Games by watching the video above!
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2. Outer Limits Recordings: “Julie” [Julie 7″, Olde English Spelling Bee]
This exquisite take on lo-fi baroque pop pushes all the right buttons. Sam Meringue has shown a lot of promise on Outer Limits Recordings’ Foxy Baby LP, but his talent for composing memorable hooks is in full swing on “Julie”. Where else could you find a sweeping ballad about a girl with a penchant for killing? Exactly.
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3. Steve Reich: “Double Sextet (I. Fast)” [Double Sextet/2×5, Nonesuch Records]
Nevermind that Steve Reich won the Pulitzer Prize for this piece. Nevermind that he has written countless substantial neo-classical works. Just spend 8 1/2 minutes listening to this opening movement, and all will be revealed. Not since 1988’s Different Trains have I heard Reich so inspired! The chordal and rhythmic information utilized in “Double Sextet” is staggering.
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4. Soft Powers: “Strawberry Soup” [Bad Pop, Self-Released]
Georgia’s Soft Powers came out of nowhere this year and attacked the blogosphere with a vengeance. When they released Bad Pop for free on Bandcamp, people began to take notice. “Strawberry Soup” was the one that gripped me and threw me across the room upon first listen. A fuzzy piece of lo-fi disco funk, the cut kills it for its criminally (yet appropriately) short 3 minutes.
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5. Autre Ne Veut: “OMG” [Autre Ne Veut, Olde English Spelling Bee]
A bit of Prince era-inspired throwback (with the use of the Linndrum), “OMG” successfully combines pop sensibility with avant garde tendencies. This could’ve easily ended up a mess, but soars thanks to a crisp production and solid arranging all around. I’m still picking apart textural details after 50 listens. You should do the same! :)))
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6. James Ferraro: “Roses and Mystery” [Night Dolls With Hairspray, Olde English Spelling Bee]
After years of composing loop-based psych music, James Ferraro has finally entered the realm of pop with his latest release, Night Dolls With Hairspray. “Roses and Mystery” plays out a seemingly never-ending chorus that never overstays its welcome. Crackling, distorted vocals and periodic bell chimes enter the fold amidst orchestrated synthesizers and intricately placed guitar figures. Essential listening!
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7. The Books: “Beautiful People” [The Way Out, Temporary Residence Limited]
An angelic male vocal choir sings lovingly of fractals and other numeric information. Eerie string samples crescendo and retreat as fast as they came. And let’s not forget the unmistakably gorgeous brass ensemble closing off the coda. Pieces of music mapped out so meticulously such as The Books’ “Beautiful People” are in rare quantities. These two gentlemen are developing stellar composition habits!
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8. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti: “Fright Night (Nevermore)” [Before Today, 4AD]
It’s always stunning to witness unique chord progressions like the ones found in Ariel Pink’s “Fright Night (Nevermore)”. Even though the rest of Before Today doesn’t hold up so well, this cut more than makes up for that! The cool, breathy falsetto vocals of the chorus soar while the underlying synth and guitar arrangements complete the mood.
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9. Clive Tanaka y su orquesta: “Neu Chicago” [Jet Set Siempre 1º, Tall Corn Music]
This past summer was annoyingly over-flooded with beach throwbacks, but none hit harder than Clive Tanaka’s “Neu Chicago”. Steel drums play out the intro while tasty guitar embellishments interweave around themselves. Vocoder vocals have not been processed so meticulously and successfully since Daft Punk’s Discovery LP. Although I might add that this is the one time on Jet Set Siempre 1º that we get a chance to hear Mr. Tanaka’s voice unaffected. Beautiful!
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10. Madvillain: “Papermill” [Adult Swim Presents Singles 2, Adult Swim]
And the award for best German sample goes to…. Madvillain! Another slam dunk for Madlib and DOOM, “Papermill” races through it’s almost 2-minute duration and forces repeated listens. The bass line is equally as addictive as the electric guitar melodies, and let’s not forget the Manfred Krug vocals!!
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Runner Up: Starflyer 59: “Time Machine” [The Changing of the Guard, Tooth & Nail Records]
It didn’t quite make the cut, but Starflyer 59’s “Time Machine” deserves equal recognition. A nostalgic pop gem that is impeccably arranged and recorded, Jason Martin and co. hit gold with this one! Listen for the west coast percussion nods, soaring theremin melodies, and wonderful guitar/organ interplay.
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