Welcome to WAWSTSF’s #20-11 best songs of the year. These are tracks that were pretty much the best of the best of 2008. These are songs that got my attention all year round and got plenty of play count raises even during the intense album listening period that is winter in order to get an album list ready. Give them a go, and I promise you should find something that you like, or hate. Either way give it a go:
- This first single from the Icelandic band received comparisons to Animal Collective. I can see that. With some tribal influenced drums that give the majestic band a new sound. The la la la’s are playful but also add up to a great harmony. Sigur Rós proves here they can write all kinds of songs.
19. British Sea Power – No Lucifer
- British Sea Power continues to aim for stadium anthems and they hit gold here. The strings, along with the uplifting vocals, soaring guitars, football chant create one hell of a feeling. This song builds and doesn’t lose it’s stream anytime soon. This is some good stadium rock that isn’t full of itself. Cheers to British Sea Power!
18. The Last Shadow Puppets – The Age Of The Understatement
- I was anxious to hear what Alex Turner’s side project would sound like, and after hearing this first single I knew Turner did it again. It sounded like a 60’s western rock opera. The lyrics were unique but familiarly Turner’s. This is what the Last Shadow Puppets are all about. If someone asks what they sound like, show them this song.
17. Beach House – D.A.R.L.I.N.G.
- Originally Gila was the song to beat off of “Beach House” but after repeated listens ‘D.A.R.L.I.N.G.’ stood out. The haunting organs give it a dark atmosphere that plays perfectly with the moving lyrics sung by Victoria Legrand. This is a beautiful track that sounds “that much” better at nighttime…and at a beach if you can find one.
16. Little Joy – Don’t Watch Me Dancing
- This song is a gem by this little joy of a band. The sincere singing from Binki Shapiro, the mellow plucking of the acoustic guitar are so relaxing. The song makes you ache for summertime again. This will put you in a very tranquil state, and put a smile on your face.
-When I downloaded Vampire Weekend’s Blue-CDR Walcott stood out to me. It was such a great song. The keyboard line is so memorable and is only the beginning of a song full of hooks, melodies, clever lyrics and sweet strings. The song should continue to be the song they finish their set lists with forever. It is the only proper way. I always wonder why they didn’t finish the album with this instead of Kids.
14. Wolf Parade – Fine Young Cannibals
- It was hard for me to decide which Wolf Parade song to put on my list. I knew one had to make it, but they are all quality. Well I remembered how epic and well constructed this song sounded live. There is something about Dan’s singing that gives the tune a special trait. This is good song writing. Please just download the mp3, and let the music impress you already.
13. Cut Copy – Lights & Music
- This is the music DJ’s should be blasting at parties. The song is everything about dance music done right. They throw in guitars and drums and create one hell of a song. This song still sounds fresh no matter how many times I blast it. Everyone that I have shown this song/band to has said it is quite good. Hit play and dance. Right now! NOW!
- How did this song, or this band not get more attention?? Coffee is a song written way ahead of these musicians time. It has elements of Americana in it that you rarely see in young bands. The singer’s voice has a strange appeal but it is what drew me in initially. It still gives me goose bumps. This songs something special. Hopefully people will hear this and get their name out.
- Santogold crafted one of the best pop songs of the year with Lights Out. Right away this song stuck out to me, and its appeal gets better every time. That bass line kills, the chorus too. Lights out, let the song play!
