BRITTICISMS

Playing Favorites: 2010 Songs of the Year

(so foine)

This is the first year in which I couldn’t come up with my ten favorite songs of the year. There was so much new good music that my top ten turned into a top fifteen. Robyn, Twin Shadow, and (surprisingly) Arcade Fire make two appearances each. Anyway, these are my favorite songs of the year. Not necessarily the best, but certainly the ones I just couldn’t get enough of from month to month.

TOPS!

“Little People (Black City)” by Matthew Dear

The first time I heard this song, I cried. I’m embarrassed to admit as much, but it truly is one of the most beautiful and triumphant things I’ve ever heard.

“Dancing On My Own” by Robyn

Every time is like the first time.

“I Go Away” by MNDR

I wish that I still sang like I used to because this is the sort of song that I would want to perform. The first time I heard this, I felt genuinely jealous that this wasn’t my song…and I’m not even a performer anymore.

“I Can’t Wait” by Twin Shadow

It took a while for people to jump on the Twin Shadow bandwagon but I’m so glad that other people can share in George’s brilliance. His album was one of the most fun during the year.

“Sprawl II (Moutains Beyond Mountains)” by Arcade Fire

A little “Heart of Glass,” a lot melancholic.

“BTSTU” by Jai Paul

The most perfect swagger-inducing song of the year. This is the only way you can get a Justin Timberlake fix in 2010.

“I Only Know (What I Know Now)” by James Blake

Pretty much spent the year drunk on James Blake’s music. When it hits you, it hits you hard.

“Slow” by Twin Shadow

A personal anthem?

“Dance Yrself Clean” by LCD Soundsystem

A perfect build-up.

“Boyfriend” by Best Coast

Perhaps the best album opener of the year. I loved her album as a whole but no song could top the perfection of this gem.

“Quitter’s Raga” by Gold Panda

Try to find a bad part in this song. It is impossible. One of the most perfect, most complete tracks of the year. Everything is in its place.

“Blame Game” by Kanye West featuring John Legend

A perfect sample. One of the best examples of Kanye’s keen ear.

“Ready to Start” by Arcade Fire

I listened to this on repeat throughout the summer, in the mornings when I felt weak, as a pick-me-up, as a motivator.

“High Hopes” by Onra featuring Reggie B.

You know what I did when I was employed all summer? Listened to this, in the park, licking waffle cones topped with cookies n cream ice cream. It is a most perfect summer jam.

“Spider Baby Jesus” by Duffy and the Doubters