Ladies Who Rock, Dance Beats, French Guys, And One Incredible Married Couple

It's an annual rite of winter: The Big G Song Post.

I'll anger Brennan, steal from my bro, help Matt buy stocking stuffers, confuse people who listen to Kiss 108, talk about The National, forget stuff, get frustrated that I can't link the video, and as I creep towards 36, get to act the hipster, doofus, music, poseur that I so desperately want to be.

Before we get to the list, let me just say what a down year it was for music (you can say differently Brennan and I had listened to/since listened to many of the bands you listed in your comment. And while many of the bands you discussed show up here, others are just god awful. The Avett Brothers? I didn't like them when they were the Travelling Wilbury's. The Decemberists and Built To Spill?!? What are you, a 20 year old sophomore girl at Mt. Holyoke?). There were no releases from some of my staple favorites like Cold War Kids, Bloc Party, TV On The Radio, Coldplay, Arcade Fire, and those guys from New York with that song about some guy named Mr. November. And the releases from people I really like in Jay Z, The Heartless Bastards, Weezer, Massive Attack, were weak. Jack White and Dave Grohl's super groups were lame and the much anticipated Muse album was horrendous. Even my boys Death Cab- who didn't release an album- got into the poop party with an absolutely terrible single of of the New Moon Soundtrack. And every year, I have some Top Forty hits on my list and even in THAT world of Kelly Clarkson, T.I., and JT, there was nothing doing.

But, despite all that, I found a few good ones and maybe they will find their way onto your new iPod or New Year's Resolution Run List. In the words of Tone Loc, let's do it.

52. "Actor Out Of Work," St. Vincent: With women dominating my list, we may as well start it off with this catchy little diddy. Would have been higher on the list had her concert full of indie, hipster, fans who take themselves far too seriously hadn't ruined her performance.

51. "Song Away," Hockey: Don't ever look at a picture if these guys, because they look like a slightly cooler version of Good Charlotte, thus making you want to beat them up and ignore their music. But then you hear their hook filled music and can't resist. Plus, they sound like a slightly girlier version of The Walkmen and that's certainly no bad thing.

50. "(If You're Wondering If I want You To) I Want You To," Weezer: I'm so upset Klosterman beat me to the perfect line to describe Weezer (a band now known for disappointing their fans), but as much as they frustrate me, they still manage to fire out songs like this, keeping you just interested enough to hold out hope. But at this point, it's like the end of a relationship you know is doomed to fail and you are only holding on because you haven't found anything to replace him/her yet.

49. "Feeling The Pull," Swell Season: Not as good as the stuff on the Once soundtrack, but now that Elliot Smith has left us, this pair might be our best alternative for painful love songs.

48. "Over It," Dinosaur Jr.: Like every other band that I love who released an album this year, this wasn't their best effort, but if you want to hear Dino Jr. be Dino Jr., then grab this single or at least check it out on Comcast because the video is pretty cool too.

47. "Just Say Yes," Snow Patrol: Re-read the above and just insert Snow Patrol for Dinosaur Jr.

46. "Her Diamonds," Rob Thomas: Shut up. I still have credibility. I do. For real.

45. "Dominos," The Big Pink: Two things about this song. 1) Record companies and music marketing departments and program directors at radio stations amaze me because I have absolutely no idea how they retain their jobs. We are in the worst job market since wind up cars ruled the roads and somehow, these people have jobs. How they do when they CONTINUE to ignore songs like this absolutely fascinates me. This song would be a mega crossover hit. It would start on alt rock stations and then eventually end up on Top 40 stations before it was remixed and ended up on a hip hop station. So inother words: Dowload this. Please 2) With a chorus that goes: "These girls fall like dominos, dominos," how has this not been used in a Tiger remix with all his hos? People befuddle me.

44. "Kings and Queens," 30 Seconds To Mars: I cannot believe I like this song. Guess it brings me back to my emo high school days when I was emo before emo even existed. Hey Molly... there's something I discovered first... emo music! I probably shouldn't be proud of this...



43. "Intro," xx: Absolutely one of my favorite albums of the year (and they're 20.... Pricks) starts of with this awesome little instrumental. Like Coldplay did with "Life In Technicolor," let's hope xx someday set this one to lyrics.

42. "Bonfire," Third Eye Blind: When I want to be tarnsported back to my post college early 20s and the Goo Goo Dolls are unavailable, TEB is always an acceptable substitute.

41. "The Fear," Lily Allen: I really, really love the poor woman's Feist that Lily Allen is. And she just continues to craft great singles.

40. "Relator," Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson: While I love Pete Yorn and his power ballads, I must say that Scar Jo, while always looking ridiculously hot, can't act for shit. But who knew she could sing? And guys, watch the video. Nice upgrade over gross, old Alanis, Ryan...



39. "California On My Mind," Wild Light: Yes, I know they are from New Hampshire. But I liked that girl who won Survivor and she's from Arkansas, so I can probably like one thing from New Hampshire as well. And it's not Loudon or white trash, so it may as well be Wild Light.

38. "The Blue Print," Dear Leader: Like Snow Patrol, Dear Leader sounds like Dear leader and like the rest of the bands releasing albums in 2009, it wasn't their best, but this is most definitely worth your time. Plus, they are opening up for Cheap Trick in January, so that must make them kind of cool, no? What do you think the crowd looks like at that place?

37. "Girls," Dirty Projectors: One of the better releases of the year, but still not up to the hype. I WANT Dirty Projectors to happen and they are close, but they aren't there yet. Except for this song. In the words of Guy Fieri, on point.

36. "Soft Shock," Yeah Yeah Yeahs: A great album from the band who brought us the best video of the aughts (not really sure why, I just love it). Definitely worth a purchase and this song should have been a far bigger hit than it was. Actually, let's relive that Best Video Of The Aughts...



35. "Up To Our Nex," Robyn Hitchcock: You know my measurement of a the loving of a song is when you hear it and say, "what is this?" Well, this happened with this great piece of Brit Pop during Rachel Getting Married (Tunde should have been in it far more). It's an immediate download and absolutely worth you $.99.

34. "The Walls Are Coming Down," Fanfarlo: A band compared to Arcade Fire hailing from Europe and produced by the same guy who produces albums by The National? Sure, I'm not going to like THIS. The album as a whole gets a bit folky at times, but one listen to this song and you're hooked.

GREAT BIG FAT CHEAT ALERT!!!

33. "Wake Up," Arcade Fire: Yes, it's from 2004's The Funeral, but it was re-recorded for the Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack and hearing it on the trailers made me really miss Arcade Fire (who hasn't released an album in nearly three years), so I put it on the list because it WAS released this year. And it's my list and all.

32. "Daniel," Bat For Lashes: The phenomenal run of indie rock women continues. This album could very well have been released by Tori Amos (that wouldn't make EVERYONE happy, I know) and no one would have known the difference, only in a lot of ways it is BETTER than Tori Amos. Call it Tori Amos without those weird, annoying songs that had too much banging on instruments. A far more melodic and tight album with "Daniel" being one of the stars.

31. "Eet," Regina Spektor: Speaking of women in indie rock...

30. "Simple As...," Kid Cudi: What I am dying for all hip hop to be. Smart, catchy beat, and goddammit ORIGINAL. MTV and 94.5 can sttick with pumping out and hyping tired releases from Eminem (seriously, he released an album this year) and lame singles "featuring" T.I. and Lil' Wayne. I'll stick with this. If only high school boys would follow suit.



29. "Too Fake," Hockey: Again, don't look at them. Just listen. And try not to dance a little.

28. "The Fixer," Pearl Jam: Yes, I'm saying Pearl Jam released a good song (maybe even two) this year. Don't fall off of your chair. In fact, they released a good album. While I often get frustrated with fans of Pearl Jam who think that Pearl Jam is the only band, I must give them credit for releasing this really tight 40 minute album. They got back to the basics and this song in particular actually seemed... Happy. I hope Eddie isn't getting to soft on us, but if this is the result, soften up baby.

27. "Paris," Friendly Fires: Next to hearing a song for the first time and getting dominated by it, there is nothing better than going to see the opening band and witnessing a great headliner. This was the case with The Friendly Fires and while there are many great tracks on the album, this is the best.

26. "Islands," xx: More greatness from these young punks.

25. "Sweet Disposition," The Temper Trap: So, I'm riding in my car and switch to WFNX and on comes this little diddy and I figure it must be some Leftover Lunch song or something because I have never heard it. And I actually LIKE it. No wait, I LOVE it, but there is absolutely no way that FNX broke a song is there?!? They are too busy playing Sublime, The Beastie Boys, and trying to make the new Muse happen, so this CANNOT be new stuff can it?!? But wait... IT IS!!! Forget Tiger Woods; the most shocking story of 2009 is that WFNX actually introduced a new song to me. Simply unbelievable.

24. "Graffiti Eyes," stellastarr*: So my second favorite band releases a new album and the best they can do is number 25 on my list? Yup. I told you 2009 was disappointing. The lead singer was apparently too busy writing a screenplay that was purchased for $1,500,000 by Warner Brothers and is currently in development (true story). This guys side gig is writing one of the three best songs EVER in "My Coco" and my side gig is writing a blog that four people read. Life isn't fair.

23. "I Feel Better," Frightened Rabbit: More great Brit Pop, only with a slightly harder edge. As rocking as a song as you will find on the list and exactly the evidence you can give to those who see that music in this era is terrible.

22. "Sugarfoot," Black Joe Lewis: James Brown reincarnated as an indie rock band. Black Joe Lewis sort of restores your faith in music and when you hear, there is almost no way you cannot like it. I wish more radio stations would play stuff like this because there IS innovation out there that isn't weird. Black Joe Lewis shows us that good old American rock and roll is alive. You just have to look beyond Top 40 stations to find it.



21. "Little Secrets," Passion Pit: THE band of the moment right now delivers with their debut full length (they have an unbelievable EP as well). For those of you who love MGMT- and there are a TON of you who do- Passion Pit is 2009's MGMT, only MORE dancy if you can believe that. My boy McLough says they are too happy, but happy dance beats are right up my alley.

20. "You've Got The Love," Florence And The Machine: One of the two best albums of the year closes with this gem. There are a fleet of good songs on this and they run the full range of styles and sounds. This one has a distinct Moby feel and if you are looking for a gift for someone, impress them with your refined musical pallette and pick this disc up.

19. "I'm Confused," Handsome Furs: The other best album of the year. You'll see the Handsome Furs and Florence and The Machine paired together often over these last twenty songs. This song gets bonus points for the best video of the year. You'll see why.



18. "Lisztomania," Phoenix: Who knew the French could rock? Check out their version of this on SNL and try NOT being a fan.

17. "Siren Song," Bat For Lashes: This HAS to show up on some cheesey MTV show soon. Or at the very least, it will be in a fan video of Twilight clips or something. Has hit written all over it.

16. "Bulletproof," La Roux: The next in line of the awesome dance beats released this year. Could actually be higher, but I've only spent a couple weeks with it, so I didn't want to overreact. That said, you'll be singing, "Bulleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetproof!" all month.



15. "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked," Ida Maria: I often hate stop songs like this that become popular solely because of their sex related lyrics ("I Touch Myself" and "Laid" are two great examples), but try NOT singing along to this song. And a sweet little guitar hook to boot.



14. "With A Girl Like You," Dave Sitek: The only white guy in TV On The Radio contributed a song for the Dark Was The Night two disc compilation and it is unbelievable. So good in fact, that I thought it had to be a cover. Well, it's not. Check out those horns. And that guitar. I'm begging you.

13. "Last Dance," Raveonettes: Who knew the ultimate indie hipster band could write a song that would be a mega hit if it were to be on KISS 108 tomorrow?!? This is absolute proof that great music is not dead, but people are just looking in the wrong place. Also, maybe the best lyrics of the year.



12. "Zero," Yeah Yeah Yeahs: As many of you know, a key measurement of the greatness of a song is what I feel or how I react the first time I heard it. That opening keyboard and slow build made me sit in my freezing cold car until the end.

11. "VCR,"- xx: Yup, these young'uns again. Absolutely the best song on the album. And who knew that a duet NOT featuring Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton could be good?



10. "Funny The Way It Is," Dave Matthews Band: yes, I'm rapidly approaching my 36th year on Earth and yes, I have a Dave Matthews song cracking my top ten for the year. I don't hink I've ever gone back and forth with an artist more than I do with Dave Matthews. I know, I go back and forth with nearly EVERYTHING, but I usually just go back and then STAY forth, not go back again and then forth again... And then back and forth again (is this even making any sense?) like I do with Dave Matthews. He was awesome when I was in college. He suffered my backlash during my angry twenties. Then he released an awesome solo album. Then I saw him suck live when he jammed too much. Then he bounced back with a good show. Then his songs starting showing up in cheesey rom-com movie trailers. Then he played Fenway. Then he released too many live albums and was weird in interviews. Then he was awesome in concert (or maybe I was really drunk in the waiter service luxury box). Then he was weird in movies. And finally he released "Funny The Way It Is," which has the years best chorus. Try not being happy when that chorus kicks in. So I think- after almost 36 years of wisdom- I am at peace with Dave and who and what he is: He's a pretty damn good artist that has annoyed me over the years- largely because of his white Polo hat wearing fan base- and he will eventually be recognized as being far more influential than we currently realize he is. There. Dave Dissertation Done.

9. "Dog Days Are Over," Florence And The Machine: I just cannot say enough about this album and what a massive hit it could potentially be. I'm talking Jagged Little Pill massive. that's really how good it is and that is not a Big G exaggeration. You'll love the stop and restart in this one too.

8. "All We Want Is Everything," Handsome Furs: Noticing a pattern here? FATM and Handsome Furs are linked because I just cannot decide who released the better album this year. Another phenomeanl song for the best husband and wife team in music.

7. "Sleepyhead," Passion Pit: Put this on in your car as you are driving home from work on a Friday. Now try NOT singing along and doing a your car seated dance as these beats come pouring out of your speakers. By far the most fun CD of the year. And the most surprising too.



6. "Oh! Forever," BrakesBrakesBrakes: Okay, so you know my "what the hell is this song rule?" Well, one night I decide to watch Gossip Girl (not "s" Molly, just like you told me). I'm still unsure why I chose to do this. I think I wanted to see where these now rapidly ascending actors (Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford) got their start. Plus I like to be down with the pop culture. But enough excuses. I'm watching the show and on comes this catchy little tune (my sister would later tell me that Gossip Girl always has awesome music. How irrelevant is MTV again?). It sounds good at first and for whatever reason, the show keeps playing the song. I say to myself, "wow, this song is good... Wow this song is really good... Wow, this song is REALLY, REALLY good... Wow, this song is I'm downloading this and putting it atop my current run playlist right now good!!! So thanks Gossip Girl. But more importantly, thanks BrakesBrakesBrakes for writing the best mini-jam of the year. I wish I could rock out to this last 90 seconds of this song on Rock Band every night. I'll even give you the Gossip Girl clip, just so you can enjoy Blake Lively's tour de force performance just as I did.



5. "Daylight," Matt and Kim: I liked it before the Bacardi commercial I swear. Not LONG before, but before. True story.

4. "1901," Phoenix: I feel generic and boring putting this song in my top five as it is in everyone's top five, but how good is that little guitar riff that they keep repeating over and over?!? Good job Frenchies!!!

3. "Kiss With A Fist," Florence And The Machine: If I played this song for you right now you would think it is A) A lost Janis Joplin track, B) A White Stripes tune with a guest singer, or C) the single best rock song you've heard all year. And how is that a bad combination? And it's two minutes long, so it thunders so hard, yet leaves you wanting more. It has unbelievable lyrics, which I still can't decide if they are the angriest word I have ever heard or the most passionate (or maybe both?). And it makes you want to jump around and do the Bon Jovi fist pump, which, while a God-awful action to actually think of yourself doing, is wildly enjoyable when listening to a song like "Kiss With A Fist." For you casual music listeners, this is your absolute must download of the year. I will give you back your 99 cents if you don't like it. Honestly. Bill me.



2. "Radio Kaliningrad," Handsome Furs: All I have to say is that on occassion, I will just be walking down the street and think of the "WOO!" that is dropped midway through this song. I often hope that I don't say that "WOO!" out loud, else people think I am either on the spectrum or have tourettes. But ANY song that makes you want to randomly do that has to be an incredible song, no? And then on top of that, it's one of the best live songs you've ever heard. there are too many versions of it to find the perfect one, so go youtube it yourself and enjoy.

1. "Blood Buzz," The National: El Presidente is going to write about how awesome he is. Shaughnessey is going to rip Schilling. Klosterman is going to write about Guns N' Roses. And Simmons is going to mention The Shawshank Redemption. I'm going to put a song by The National as my number one, even when they haven't released an album in two and a half years. Deal with it. That said... Listen to that mini jam at the end... Between Clooney winning an Oscar and The National releasing new music, maybe 36 won't be so bad.