Geekscape Year in Review: Top 12 Songs of 2010!
I had way too much fun with the “best” songs of 2010, which is why there are 12 songs on my list instead of the conventional 10. Does anyone remember fun and laughter?! Yes? Great news!
Whether a hilarious video or a catchy chorus, 2010 gave us songs that made an impression. Lighthearted fun, nostalgia, sexy-pants-dropping, intense longing, hair-whipping and tongues affixed in cheeks are all well-represented on this; my favorites of the year.
By no means definitive, (there could have been an entire valid sub-category dedicated to the countless killer artist-collaborations of 2010, many involving B.o.B. and Eminem) in crafting I remembered that I really, truly am a geek at heart. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
12) BRANDON FLOWERS, MAGDALENA
I’ve never been on The Killers’ bandwagon, but damn is this catchy. The “oh oh oh oh” chorus, the religious symbolism, the chilled out bridge, the dramatic pause, the choral background. Sold!
11) LYKKE LI, GET SOME
Oh hey, Swedish sprite, you are bringing the sex: “I’m your prostitute, you gon’ git some.” Factor in overt drumming and shakers, talk of guns and Wild West imagery, and damn, even I want to get up in there. The album is out next year, but the single prompted an appropriately weird remix from Beck and a digitized-aggressive remix from Mike D. Not bad fans to have…
10) LADY ANTEBELLUM, NEED YOU NOW
Equal parts steel guitar, male and female vocal twang, and overall longing make for a country ballad. A country ballad that was a huge hit for a reason. I like my booty calls with a shot of whiskey.
9) APRIL SMITH AND THE GREAT PICTURE SHOW, TERRIBLE THINGS
You might have caught this gem on Showtime promos for both “Weeds” and “Californication.” Nasty, swinging, cabaret-esque little ditty exploring the dark side.
8) MUMFORD & SONS, LITTLE LION MAN
It’s rare that I hear a pronounced English accent while singing. And wait, is that a banjo? Is this a country-folk English band? Yes. Does this song rule hard? Absolutely.
7) STEEL TRAIN, TURNPIKE GHOST
This song is on fire. Tegan & Sara’s chilled-out cover is on ice.
6) BRUNO MARS, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
If you didn’t get laid this year, it’s your own damned fault; Bruno Mars gave you the blueprint. Minorly insecure girls + nerdy dudes + smooth vocal stylings & pianos = Bruno Mars’ fierce lil’ single. Get in there, nerdy dudes; girls aren’t that complicated. Tell her she’s beautiful. Tell her every day.
5) WILLOW, WHIP MY HAIR
She’s 10 and she’s whippin’ it rull good. I adore this child, her braids, her vibe, her catchy production-heavy little-big song.
4) ARCADE FIRE, WE USED TO WAIT
The video is a “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” of sorts that tugs at childhood heartstrings. A promotionally (word up, Google Chrome!) and financially (large, large budgeted) over the top extravaganza, the song is good, the interactive experience is great. www.thewildernessdowntown.com if you missed it.
3) KATY PERRY, TEENAGE DREAM
Sorry if you’re rolling your eyes, but this is one of the best pop songs of the year, period. It doesn’t leave your head. And that is gold. And if you listen to it eight times in a row at any given point like I do, it’s all of a sudden about your own nostalgia, not the idiot teenagers of the present going all the way.
2) HOT CHIP, I FEEL BETTER
I was in stitches back in March when this dropped, and ever since with Kyng, Mar’Vaine, Octavian and Popeye who make up “Hot Chip: The Faux Boy Band” in the official video for “I Feel Better.” The track is profoundly amazing with a Euro-dance-synthy situation the band will even admit is a bit cheese. Nothing beats seeing the five proper Brits that make up the band destroyed by lasers by the end. Hands down, favorite video of the year.
1) CEE-LO GREEN, FUCK YOU
Do I really need to say anything? Nope! Incredible.
