Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Anything music related. Latest songs, good new bands, and blasts from the past.

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undeadmonkey
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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by undeadmonkey »

#36

Leestu - Stand Atlantic, Righteous - I liked this, probably even more than the original. was interesting seeing the different take on it

Surfer - Boyracer, For The Rest Of Yr Life - don't know if it was supposed to sound this way or it was my speakers or something, the music was way louder than the lyrics. I enjoyed the music at a normal sound level. when i had it louder to try to understand the lyrics i wasn't such a fan..... does that mean im getting old??

Didn't care for the others. promise I even gave Taytay a fair shot, listened to the whole thing. I didn't hate it and if it was probably some unknown singing, i would enjoy it, but it just seems so disingenuous from her. I know i'm in the minority

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Shrykespeare »

SONG #35


JOHNERLE

Trail Of Dead, Don't Look Down





LEESTU

Fontaines D.C., Televised Mind

My favourite song from their latest album. A great atmosphere that drags me into the song and I sort of zone out, BUT if you pay attention there is a lot going on musically as well. So, zone out or pay attention – either way the song works on both levels.





SCREEN

Billie Eilish, everything I wanted





SHRYKE

Chaz Cardigan, Tightrope

Presence deplete like the bank
When I don’t have you near with me
Off in my brain - off in my brain
When I'm caged in my thoughts
Baby you're the key to get
Through all the locks

One of the artists I’ve been most pleased to find in 2020 was Chaz Cardigan. The Kentucky native, whose influences include The Beatles, Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Nirvana, Talking Heads, Bjork, and Prince, wowed me with his debut EP, so much so that I can guarantee this won’t be the first song from it that will appear on this countdown.

Album: Vulnerabilia
Other great tracks: Being Human, S.O.S.





SURFER

TRAAMS, The Greyhound

It has been almost five years since we last heard anything of substance from TRAAMS, the wonderful little post-punk band from Bognor Regis. However, what a colossus to come back with! At nine minutes plus, Stuart Hopkins and co. have created a song that starts with the motorik thrust of Krautrock before building and building, adding layer upon layer of guitars, drums and sax (courtesy of Lewis Evans of fellow top 50 countdowners Black Country New Road) until it explodes into a cacophony of oost rock brilliance. Has heightened my anticipation for their new album this year greatly.






TRANSFORMERS

Hayley Williams, Over Yet

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams experimented with a ton of different styles on her debut solo LP "Petals for Armor", but ironically the top standout ended up being a track that utilized the new wave sound Paramore embraced on their last full length. The way that her voice just glides over these big, goofy synths is incredible and there's no doubt that she could've fronted a band that was as big as Blondie or Duran Duran if she was born a few decades earlier.





UNDEADMONKEY

High Valley, Rivers Still Running

The only other country song on my list. Also the complete opposite of the last song on my list, that was for when i was mad, this song was for when i was hopeful. 2020 was a year of ups and downs.

Happy 60th birthday Jet Li! (4/26/23)

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Shrykespeare »

John's having trouble posting from his phone, so he sent me some comments.



Time for some Saturday snark...

Terminal Jape – Pretty much what I've come to expect from these guys. Fine for 2:20, but I'll never seek it out.

Jessie's Girl 2 – Pure cheese, and I was really surprised to see anyone revisit that old chestnut. I thought the modern interpretation of the original was that it was a creepy song about the male gaze. This one doubles down into full misogyny.

Bully – Nice retro 90s sound there. Made me think of a Canadian band called Jale. Nothing I haven't heard before, and nothing I need to hear again.

Prisoner – Every time she repeats the word Prisoner I think she's about to break into Let's Get Physical. Olivia Newton John could actually sing and didn't need autotune.

Billie Eilish – Quite simple, but nice. What little I know of her usually sounds more distinctive. If she was 13 when she did this I can overlook the lack of originality.

Righteous – Didn't care for the original, nor this. That 90s sound feels very dated to me.

Shins – That was the Shins?!?! Handclaps are almost always a dealbreaker for me. Too cheesy by half. There's also a classic Big Country song called The Great Divide, so any song by that name has a lot to live up to.

Boyracer – The production here is so much more open and airy than I've come to expect from you. That alone makes me want to revisit this, even if the song didn't seem terribly special the first few times. There was even a hint of zydeco in it, which was very unexpected from you.

SZA – Nothing here for me.

Blackbear – Way too infantile for me. Billie Eilish sounded more mature at 13.
Happy 60th birthday Jet Li! (4/26/23)

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numbersix
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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by numbersix »

Not a huge amount grabbing me. Maybe because I'm more actively getting into 2021 music than looking back to last year.

All the Trail of the Dead stuff is pretty solid, though.

Leets, I tried really hard to get into Fontaines's new album but it disappointed. Not much energy in it, and musically it's even more limited. Televised mind is literally a single verse for 4 mins. I think the lads rushed the record.

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Shrykespeare »

#35

JohnErle - Trail of Dead, Don't Look Down - This week has been an interesting look into this group. There are a lot of great elements in the songs you presented, with quite a range of styles.

Leestu - Fontaines D.C., Televised Mind - The instrumental track would have been more interesting if the annoyingly repetitive lyrics hadn't totally overshadowed them. Sorry.

Surfer - TRAAMS, The Greyhound - This was about four minutes too long for me. Otherwise, it was good.

Tranny - Hayley Williams, Over Yet - Totes agree with everything you said, Tranny. Great choice.

UDM - High Valley, Rivers Still Running - I generally like, on average, one country song per decade. This isn't going to be that one.
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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by BanksIsDaFuture »

That Hayley is giving me strong Debbie Gibson/Tiffany vibes and I love it
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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Leestu »

#36

Surfer: Boyracer, For The Rest Of Yr Life - don't think I've heard Boyracer before but I liked this a lot...had a late '80s jangle pop/twee feel but then goes lo-fi noise pop, with, as you say, fuzzy pop melody hooks

John: Trail Of Dead, Who Haunts The Haunter - still liking these Trail Of Dead songs...there is variety but also a consistent sound...and yeah Hawkwind are (mostly) awesome - King Gizz cite them as a huge influence

UDM: blackbear, hot girl bummer - I didn't recognise this by title or artist but I have heard it a few times before from one of my sons...it's not bad and the lyrics do make me smile

Shryke: The Shins, The Great Divide - a bit different to the normal The Shins sound, more Broken Bells than The Shins but that's James Mercer as well (with Danger Mouse) so fair enough...like most The Shins/Broken Bells material I respect it without liking it
Shrykespeare wrote:
January 30th, 2021, 12:14 am
Leestu - Stand Atlantic, Righteous - Don't know the original, but I like this version. I imagine it's very different from the Juice WRLD version.
Tranny picked the Juice WRLD original at #46 if you wanna do a back to back comparison

Screen: Taylor Swift, Cardigan - the positive critical response and the presence of The National's Aaron Dessner as producer and co-writer on a lot of the songs made me check this album out, and although I appreciate the move towards indie folk, indie folk as a genre can be inherently a bit dull and a hard genre to stand out in - in my opinion you need one or a combination of three things; a unique and/or highly emotive voice, relatable or thought provoking lyrics, and music/songwriting just a bit different to the norm - I don't think Taylor Swift hits any of these three things here

Tranny: SZA, feat. Ty Dolla $ign, Hit Different - heard this on the radio a bit and it doesn't do anything for me, but SZA never has...I agree she is the strong point of this song though and Ty doesn't add much value

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Shrykespeare »

SONG #34


JOHNERLE

Jason Isbell, Be Afraid

My first reaction to this album was profound disappointment since it felt like such a step down from Isbell's recent efforts. Once I got past that I recognized it as a solid effort, if not his best.





LEESTU

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Honey

I find their mellow hippy side so relaxing.





SCREEN

Meg Myers, Monster





SHRYKE

Semisonic, You’re Not Alone

Gaze in my eyes and tell me I'll be alright
Even if I don't get what I need tonight
Sometimes the complexity gets a little complex
But other times it's easy as baking a pie
Falling off a log and living 'til you die
What would even be the point if we knew what comes next?

Yes, THAT Semisonic. The same band you heard interminably on radio a little over two decades ago with the hit “Closing Time”. Well, they released their first album since 2001 last year, and…it’s not too bad, actually. Dan Wilson’s voice hasn’t changed one iota, which I expect many of you will be indifferent to. On the other hand, there’s something inherently sweet about the lyrics of “You’re Not Alone”, delivered at a time when the whole world is feeling more than a little isolated.

Album: You’re Not Alone (EP)
Other great tracks: All It Would Take, Don’t Make Up Your Mind, Lightning





SURFER

Destroyer, Crimson Tide

I have been following Dan Bejar's career closely since I heard him as part of Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers back in the early 2000s, and his work with Destroyer is always likely to surprise as he detours from his previous output to strive for something inventive. His last record, Have We Met, embraced the convergence of post-punk and synth pop of the 80s, and makes for one of his most commercial records to date. This is emphasised no more so than on Crimson Tide, which backs Bejar's anglophile, crooning vocal with synth beats and drums that captivate. The new wave beats would fit nicely on a dancefloor, while the overarching lyrics intrigue as usual, ensuring Bejar remains as much an enigma in the genre as ever.





TRANSFORMERS

Rina Sawayama, Who's Gonna Save U Now?:

A full-on glam rock anthem that leans all the way into the wall-to-wall cheesy excess that drove that genre is just one of the reasons why Rina Sawayama is the most exciting and dynamic artist in pop right now.





UNDEADMONKEY

Sia, Together

No idea what Sia's directing capabilities are, i think her movie is to be released here in a few weeks, but I enjoyed this song, it was happy and joyful and that's what I needed from my music this year.

Happy 60th birthday Jet Li! (4/26/23)

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Shrykespeare »

John's latest round of comments.



I know Carey Mulligan says all criticism should be constructive now, but I can't resist the snark...

Televised Mind – This was pretty good, and worth a few more listens to see if it sticks.

Chaz Cardigan sounds like the name of the preppy villain from an 80s teen comedy. I wish the song had been more 80s. It had its moments, but ultimately not for me.

TRAAMS – Nice and hypnotic for about four minutes, but ultimately way too repetitive. The additional layers arrive far too late, and are way too low in the mix to distract from that monotonous bass line.

Hayley Williams – This is way too sugary sweet to be compared to Blondie or Duran Duran. Madonna, maybe. Not for me.

High Valley – For those of you who still don't understand the difference between Country and Americana, keep this song in mind when listening to Jason Isbell or Steve Earle. This is every radio-friendly modern country cliche in the book. The only lyrical box they didn't check is the ol' hound dog.

King Honey and the Bunny Wunnys – I appreciated the attempt to mix Madchester and 60s sounds, but it didn't really work for me.

Semisonic – The fact that they're from that era somehow makes that retro sound more palatable. Maybe they're just better at it because it comes to them naturally. Not bad for such a long dormant band.

Dan Bejar is a local legend, but I was never impressed by the little I'd heard and never really dug any deeper, which is probably a little rude since I may have crossed paths with him in the 'hood a few times. This still doesn't make me want to explore his stuff any further.

Rina Gagayama – Gaga meets hair metal? Sometimes you surprise me, kid. Horribly over-compressed, and not for me.

Sia - Not for mia.
Happy 60th birthday Jet Li! (4/26/23)

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Shrykespeare »

John, don't ever not be snarky. You're right, Chaz Cardigan is the perfect name for a preppy 80's villain. Not sure why he chose that name (his real name is Chaz McKinney). Maybe I'll learn someday.



#35

Screen - Billie Eilish, everything i wanted - I've heard this a few times. It's not bad. Is this her signature song? I suppose it'll do for now.


#34

JohnErle - Jason Isbell, Be Afraid - Was this country? Or Americana? I'm confused, especially since I liked it. (punches self in balls)

Leestu - King Blizzard and the Dairy Queens, Honey - Hippie? Oh, yes. All that was missing was the sitar. Like the first half much better than the second.

Screen - Meg Myers, Monster - Wow. This is from 2011, Meg's debut single. I think it's been at least nine years since I've heard this. Didn't thrill me then, doesn't now.

Surfer - Destroyer, Crimson Tide - Loved the synths and piano. The vocals were just okay.

Tranny - Rina Sawayama, Who's Gonna Save U Now? - She should be called "Lady Gagaku". It was just okay for me.

UDM - Sia, Together - I like a couple of her songs. This won't make it three.
Happy 60th birthday Jet Li! (4/26/23)

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Leestu »

#35

Screen: Billie Eilish, everything I wanted - there is a warm melancholic beauty to this song

Surfer: TRAAMS, The Greyhound - yeah what you said...happy to lose myself in this!

John: Trail Of Dead, Don't Look Down - nice...a bit of a college rock/jangle pop influence going on here which is a plus for me

UDM: Hayley Williams, Over Yet - John is correct with the clichedness, but there is an appealing cheesy positivity to this

Shryke: Chaz Cardigan, Tightrope - it was okay

Tranny: Hayley Williams, Over Yet -I've never really liked Paramore or Hayley Williams...the bassline was alright though

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by transformers2 »

#35
John: Another solid track. The instrumental portion in the middle was particularly good.

Leestu: Pretty good post/art punk song with some nice riffs. Could be a grower if I can get more into the vocals.

Screen: Little bit overhyped (it's a very popular pick for her best song to date in music nerd circles), but still a very good track.

Shryke: Kid can sing, but his music isn't for me at all.

Surfer: Dug the spacey garage atmosphere (the subtle sax was a nice touch) and thick guitar tone. May have to check out their new record when it drops.

UDM: Finding out these were guys from Canada was the only surprise this delivered. Super dull and generic country.
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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by transformers2 »

#34:
John: Meant to get around to listening to this record after enjoying most of Isbell's stuff you picked for The Top 100 of the 2000's. This was great and I'm definitely going to listen to the whole record in the next day or two.

Leestu: I'm starting to think I was in a bad mood or just too tired to process what the hell I was hearing when I heard K.G. initially because both this and Intrasport resonated with me immediately on second listen. A weirdly enchanting song that only King Gizzard could make.

Screen: Not bad, but her melodramatic delivery grated on me at times.

Shryke: I did a double take when I saw Semisonic's name. That's an act that hasn't been on my radar since "Closing Time" was inexplicably quoted in my high school yearbook (2010 was at least a decade too late for that shit :lol: .) 'Twas a perfectly fine little pop rock tune and always good to see a long inactive act put forth a sincere comeback effort.

Surfer: Well pal, this was a terrific piece of revenge for all the metal I've exposed to you in the past year. The rhythmic spoken word nature of the vocals combined with those stupid fuzzy synths and pots-and-pans snares made this nothing short of pure torture for me to sit through.

UDM: While I feel like the Grinch shitting on a song that's designed to be purely joyful, I can't pretend like I didn't find this to be pretty fuckin obnoxious (particularly the spoken parts).
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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by Leestu »

#34

Screen: Meg is better than most in this genre and style... a little bit under-rated in my opinion

Surfer: Destroyer is great, always reliably good to great albums, and Have We Met is no exception. This is a good opener, setting the tone of the album. I will have a different track from this album coming up on my facebook 100 later.

John:
Jason Isbell, Be Afraid

My first reaction to this album was profound disappointment since it felt like such a step down from Isbell's recent efforts. Once I got past that I recognized it as a solid effort, if not his best.
This^^^...mainly the first sentence, not yet the second

Shryke: its not as annoying as Closing Time

Tranny: while I agree with you that she is one of the more interesting pop artists at the moment and I like this song more than most, it's still too pop for me to really enjoy and return to

UDM: sometimes I can appreciate SIa, but not today

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Re: Top 50 Songs of 2020 (40-31)

Post by silversurfer19 »

Catching up:

JohnErle:
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead, Who Haunts The Hunter, Dont Look Down - The first one has a decent bit of shoegaze going on in it, but ultimately not one of my favourites from the record, but yay! You finished with my favourite song of that album! Don't Look Down is awesome.
Jason Isbell, Be Afraid - Dare I say this reminds me a little of Ryan Adams... Not really for me, however, though I can imagine it goes down a treat in a packed pub. Not that we will ever find out.

Leestu:
Stand Atlantic, Righteous - I think I enjoyed the other version of it, will have to go back and listen again. This was just a little too emo-ish and didn't really leave an impression unfortunately.
Fontaine's DC - Televised Mind - Yeah, this is the song that lost me on the last record. Even beyond the almost non existent lyrics, the music isn't even that interesting.
King Gizzard - Honey - Would fit in perfectly in the late hippie movement, enjoyed the twang of the guitar quite a bit. Definitely explored more sounds on this last record which must be applauded. Song doesn't ultimately go anywhere beyond the basic core but it was decent.

Screen:
Billie Eilish, Everything I Wanted - Really nice production, sombre tone worked with her vocals well. Probably need to invest some time in her now as that is two songs of hers I have quite liked.
Meg Myers, Monster - Decent vocals and the violin is a nice additon, but the song doesn't really go anywhere.

Shryke:
The Shins, The Great Divide - I can listen to James Mercer's vocals all day long, and they are certainly the highlight of this track that had a kind of Postal Service vibe to it, which I enjoyed. Lacks the ideas of some of the best of The Shins, but this was good.
Chaz Cardigan, Tightrope - Tone was all over the place in this, so even if I liked his vocals, I could never get a chance to get into this.
Semisonic, You're Not Alone - Am I alone in recalling Semisonic for Secret Smile rather than Closing Time? This reminds me a little of Brendan Benson funnily enough and was actually listenable. The group don't seem to have evolved or matured that much over the past 20 years, but saying that, I'm sure they would say the same of me... .

Silversurfer:
Boyracer, The Rest Of Yr Life - Glad this went down so well, they are a bit of a long time favourite of mine who literally just 1 of my friends are aware of despite them being around so long. Even JohnErle almost approved!
Destroyer, Crimson Tide - Your welcome, tranny!

Transformers:
SZA, Hit Different - I'm sure its fine, but didn't really bother me at all in anyway way.
Hayley Williams, Over Yet - Not what I would have expected from the Paramore girl, definite Madonna vibes, but ultimately not something I would ever seek out.
Rina Sawayama, Who's Gonna Save U Now - She seems to have won over a lot of critics, but with the Gaga-esque sound I'm not really sure why.

UDM:
Blackbear - Hot Girl Bummer - Really dislike the vocals and overly heavy bass. The lyrics just send it over the edge.
Hill Valley, River's Still Running - Exactly the sort of country I avoid.
Sia, Together - Doesn't really stand out and doesn't even benefit from Sia's usually strong vocals.

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