Wednesday, December 15, 2010

My Top 50 Singles of 2010

Top 50 Singles of 2010
Major Lazer, Diplo & Switch
Majority of the music I've listened to this year was from past decades and unreleased material. so forgive me for digging so hard to pull out what I think is this years Best of the Best. No Beibers, No KE(Key)-ShAs, no G6's. My top fifty of twenty ten all for you, the others don't matter.
50. Airplanes - Local Natives

49. Up in The Air - Erykah Badu

48. Not Myself Tonight - Christina Agulera
Xtina's played all of the element to a cliche pop song with this one.. it worked for me
47. Giving Up the Gun - Vampire Weekend

46. Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi

45. Glitter In the Air - Pink

44. Nuthin But A Hero - Tabi Bonney


43. In The Sun - She and Him

42. Only Girl (In the World) - Rihanna

41. Flash Delirium - MGMT

40. New Morning - Alpha Rev

39. Get Outta My Way - Kylie Minogue


38. The High Road - Broken Bells

37. Radioactive - Kings of Leon

36. Power - Kanye West

35. Madder Red - Yeasayer


34. Animal - Neon Trees

33. Baby Father - Sade

32. Born Free - M.I.A.

31. Daydreaming - Kid Sister

30. Whip My Hair - Willow Smith

29. Nothin' On You - B. O. B.
that song you'll listen to every summer

28. Dominos - The Big Pink


27. Keep It Goin' Louder - Major Lazer

26. Fader - The Temper Trap

25. Happiness - Alexis Jordan

24. Indestructible - Robyn

23. Islands - The XX

22. XXXO (Remix Ft. Jay-Z) - M. I. A.

21. Monster - Kanye West
Nicki made this happen

20. Cold War - Janelle Monae

19. Rocket - Goldfrapp

18. Norway - Beach House


17. Waves of Change (Kaskade Remix) - Samantha James


16. In For the Kill - La Roux
I've known about La Roux for year now and I've been trying to include La Roux in all of my countdowns. But most of her music was released a year ago. However, the re release of "In for the Kill" is a shoe in for this list.

15. Sexy People - Lolene

14. Acapella - Kelis

13. Shark In the Water - V.V. Brown


12. Do It All Again - Corinne Bailey Rae


11. Telephone - Lady Gaga

10. Tight Rope - Janelle Monae

9. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
This song is like two years old... but everyone is diggin it and I am too.


8. O. N. E. - Yeasayer

7. Dog Days Are Over - Florence & The Machine

6. Window Seat - Erykah Badu

5. 4th of July - Kelis


4. Commander - Kelly Rowland

3. Hang With Me - Robyn

2. Alejandro - Lady Gaga

1. Dancing On My Own - Robyn
There is no second guessing when it comes to Dancing On My Own as Single of the year. MTV calls it "The Hit that somehow wasn't. Robyn is topping end of the year Album charts, single chart, and video charts. She made appearances on Gossip Girl, The VMA's, Letterman, and Vevo. It is unbelievable how America is still somewhat ignorant of her craft. Dancing On My Own kicked of Robyn's Body Talk Collection right. That massive beat, Anthmic chorus, and powerful video; DOMO was My "Hot One" in July and now my hottest single of the year..

Monday, December 13, 2010

My Top 25 Music Videos of 2010

Top 25 Videos of 2010
Estelle Kardinal Offishall Freak
There a probably a lot of good underground videos i haven't seen but this is what I like. 25 is a good number opposed to the shit they put out these days...
25. Alexis Jordan –Happiness
24. Usher – OMG
23. Ciara – Ride

Simplicity is better. There’s not much going on in this video, but Ciara’s dance performance and brothel- like attire prove to be what going on.
22. Alesha Dixon – Drummer Boy
21. Rihanna – Rude Boy
20. Sade – Soldier of Love
19. Benny Benassi - Spaceship
18. Estelle - Freak
17. Vampire Weekend – Giving Up The Gun
16. Nicki Minaj - Your Love
Nicki’s massive attack may have been a massive flop, but the singer surely recovered herself in this revamped edition of “Your Love.”
15. Major Lazer – Keep It Going Louder
Who doesn’t love a colorful video with playful distorted images
14. Lolene – Sexy People
Lolene welcomes us to her Electric Hotel
13. Willow Smith – Whip My Hair
Wow Willow. She came out swinging ……………paint of everybody
12. Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness
11. Janelle Monae – Tight Rope
10. The XX – Islands
I feel like im watching the same thing over and over go up in flames
9. Goldfrapp – Rocket
There would be a couple of people tied on to my rocket
8. Mgmt – Flash Delirium
7. Robyn – Dancing On My Own
6. She and Him – In the Sun
What will it take for me to get in to this school
5. Lady Gaga – Alejandro
4. Erykah Badu – Window Seat
I can’t recall how many times this made me want to strip in public
3. Florence and The Machine – Dog Days Are Over 2010
2. Yeasayer – O. N. E.
1. Lady Gaga – Telephone
I don’t know why people are trying to act like this video wasn’t their best of the year. What is better than Thelma and Louise breaking out of jail, engaging in lesbian kissing, committing massive homicide on unlikely townspeople, and dancing over their dead bodies? Every product placement, every curse word, and every smoking cigarette is classic. Gaga did good.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Best Albums of 2010

Coming in at number 10 is Man on the Moon 2: Mr. RagerKid Cudi - Man on the Moon II album artwork
Kid Cudi has proved on this record that he isn’t any old Hip Hop Artist. I must admit when he first came out, I wasn’t really feeling the whole poker face cover. Ew. But on this Album he’s really come into his own. The lead track “ Erase Me” is a fun loving drunk party record about Cudi being a rejected lover. I have no clue what Kanye is talking about on the record but I like it. The song actually reminds me of something Weezer would do but Cudi style. However, the rest of the album doesn’t follow “Erase Me” listeners will experience heavy Hiphop Cudi, Science fiction Cudi, and Drunk, high,whatever Cudi. All these Cudis cohere into one distinct album Mr.Rager.
9. Christina’s BIONICChristina Aguilera Bionic
Ok so I know this album has got a lot of smack especially from sales, but Bionic is primarily a good album. “Not Myself Tonight” may not have been a strong first single and the Gaga act may not have worked. But songs like “Elastic Love”, “Glam”, and “Vanity” prove to be definite Xtina hits. Only if she backed this album and created her own futuristic style, this era may have worked for her. The title track Bionic produced by switch was like the top song on my itunes. Xtina could have done some damage. But all well that ends bad. Bionic is not a flawless album it has some duds like “Woohoo” and “Desnudate” but the good ones definitely outshine the rest. I wish she kept pushing.
8. Kelis Flesh ToneKelis - Flesh Tone
Kelis should have called this record Brave (one of the tracks of the record). Coming far from “I hate you so much right now” and her powers of persuasion on “milkshake”, Kelis has proven to be as bendable and eclectic as the best. Flesh Tone is like the gay club holy grail. Kelis fully embraces the dance culture on this album, even featuring segues that blissfully transition over to the next songs. Who does that these days???? Aside from her boring videos and low sales, the music speaks for itself. Flesh Tone is clearly this year’s best dance album with its only flaw being that it is too short.
7. Soldier Of LoveSade, Soldier of Love
Every ten years we get one artist who can blend all sounds and make it sound good. Every ten years we get a new Sade album. Soldier of Love came real early this year and definitely kicked the year off right. Sade shows that they still know what it takes to sell a million and be relevant after ten years. Lead single “Soldier of Love” a fun soulful borderline dance track that was clearly bold and had immense crossover appeal. I was generally hoping the rest of the album would sound the same, but I was fortunately mislead. Sade delivers an album that is particularly stronger than its first single. The tracks on the album clashed many genres and they flowed together flawlessly through the end of the CD. Now, the only problem is that we have to wait another ten years of a new record
6. Return of The AnkhErykah Badu-New Amerykah Part 2 Return Of The Ankh
Ms. Badu didn’t have to strip off her clothes to sell a record because the music bares all itself. Return of The Anhk is a strong effort from Badu as it taps back into those “On and On” days and carelessly boasts in new tunes like “ You loving me” The thing I strongly love about this album is the flow. Anhk does not sound like a collection of wannabe radio hits. It mostly sound like a progressive soul session that get better as you listen. It is seriously what R&B and Soul have been missing. This is not an album to be picked and pulled. All of the songs work together and sing together. One can’t help but listen from beginning to end every single time.
5. Teen DreamTeen Dream
Since discovering this band on a college rock station, I have been hopelessly obsessed. Beach House’s latest album Teen dream is pleasurable surf board music. At first the sound seems to be something of the beach boys but it is definitely deeply emotional and heavier than those records. Songs such as “Norway” and “Real love” carry that addicting relaxed emotion throughout the album. I recently heard an acoustic rendition of the song “used to be” and was immediately floored. Teen Dream is the soundtrack to my life.
4. Kanye’s Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy7306b_kanye-west-my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-official-album-cover-explicit-edition
Kanye is back with a new album. At first I could care less, but then when I saw that Amazon was selling the record for 3.99, I jumped on that faster the a bowl of roasted chicken flavored ramen. Downloading the album was probably one of the worst things I’ve could’ve done. I should have went out and bought the physical copy. Dark Fantasy is a surprisingly great album. It’s far from 808 and definitely darker, but the construction on the record is flawless. The album seems like an apocalyptic event that marks the end or a new beginning for the controversial rapper. Kanye features everyone and every instrument on the record; he even features Elton John. Dark fantasy digs deep in the soul and pulls out a liking for Hip Hop again. This is clearly Kanye’s best work as well as the best hip hop record of the year.
3. Odd BloodYeasayer - Odd Blood
I have an undeniable weakness for music that clashes every genre together and pulls something out extraordinary of it. Yeasayer’s Odd Blood proves that music is more than just lyrics and a beat. It is a creative art form. When I discovered this band earlier this year, I was amazed and thrilled by the multicultural sound. The imagination of Odd blood is powerful, experimental, and electrifying. Tracks like “Love Me Girl” starts off as a dungeon- like dance instrumental then transforms into a 80’s/90’s-esqe edgy club pop song; vocals and all. I was mainly impressed the cultural elements of lead singles “Ambling Alp” and “O.N.E.” Those songs as well as the rest of the record balance sounds of bubbly pop, tribal percussions, big band composition, and hell of a lot more. These songs play as anthemic, colorful, imaginary, and tasteful. It’s good to know that there is still music with a bundle of substance.

2. Body Talk***Body Talk*** OUT NOW
For six whole months I have been praising the work of the Body Talk collection. So it is only natural for this collection to be on the latter part of this list. Body Talk is Robyn’s first “Albums” in five years; featuring Body Talk Pt.1, Pt.2, and the downloadable Pt.3. I’ve have become very upset with the dancehall queen singer, when she announced that Body Talk Pt. 3 was to feature previous songs of the collection and five new ones. There was much anticipation for part three however, the compilation disc does make it easier to place on Album of the year charts. Featuring “the best of” and “the newbies”, body talk seems to be overwhelming and not cohesive. But for new listeners, this record may sound like smash after smash after smash. I had to put myself back when I first heard these records and think of how amazed I was. Body Talk Pt.1 & 2 surely delivered making Pt. 3 sound like the greatest of the greatest. I only wish I haven’t experienced these songs back in June and September; because I love to be a new listener taking it in all at once.

1. Janelle Monae’s The ArchandroidJanelle Monae-The Archandroid
Have you ever listened to an album that was so good; it makes you think it should’ve been turned into a movie? Well I’ve only experienced that five times and four of those times come from the 80’s. The fifth however, comes from a little known artist that goes by the name of Janelle Monae. The Archandroid: suites II and III is the psychological journey of an Android named Cyndi Mayweather, who was sent back in time to free citizens of Metropolis from the Great Divide. The Great Divide is a secret society that uses time travel to suppress freedom and love. And is up to Cyndi Mayweather , as the Archandroid, to free these people from this miserable time. A very interesting story huh? The music of Archandroid speaks for itself. Monae’s voice is very captivating on the record as she expresses her different vocal ranges on songs like “57821” & “Come Alive.” The lead single “Tight Rope” is a funky dance record about doing that tight rope through all of the highs and lows of life. The music composition on the song is so amazing that it overshadows the actual “tight rope dance” :; unless Monae does it. Archandroid’s sound takes from many different eras in music. “Babopbye Ya”( 8 minutes of greatness!! She even raps in it too) sounds of a 60’s jazz era while “Sir Greendown” resembles a 70’s smooth ballad. The power of the smooth bionic70’s fantasy “Say You’ll Go” sends chills down my spine every listen; especially during the magical closing of the song (It’s great). It is clear that Monae took the best from those time periods and amplified them as part of her own unique style. The Album also flows together. I love how “Dance or Die”, “Faster”, and “Locked Inside” fall into one another. It’s like a nonstop dance session. The Archandroid delivers a fantastically theatrical collection of music. Probably the most theatrical since Micheal Jackson’s Bad ( One of the five).This is only Monae debut full length album; so there’s definitely way more to come. And when that brilliant director decides to turn this brilliant work into a film, I will be first in line.


Do you like my list? Tell me what you think and also share what you think is the Best of the Beat in 2010.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Best of The Beat 2010


As 2010 winds down, people will go through trouble trying to fill their stockings with presents. Others fiercely plan for intense new years eve celebrations. and the weird odd looking music lovers count down their favorites of the year.
therefore, I want to share what I think is the best of the beat in 2010.
2010 was filled with the electronic take over. items such as facebook and twitter have become more popular then they have ever been. Most of the popular songs sampled techno or house music not really letting listeners experience the full artistic form of the genre. And this year, one of the most beloved and boring genres officailly died. R & B. If it is not attached to hip hop, pop, or any other genre it can not succeed. When was the last time we've seen an R&B crooner hit the top Ten by themselves. R&B is getting to the point of having absolutely no identity!! Which is pretty sad because I basically grew up on the genre. However, in recent days it has yet to woe me.......................................... wait! ..maybe?????????????????? NO.... it's just dead.
I must add, 2010 was the year of none other than GAGA. Has anyone noticed how Gaga is having the effect on everything from music to fashion to facebook to pop culture. She is taking over. Celebs like Willow, Fergie, and Nicki Minaj have all jumped on the same crazy creative band wangon as the Bad Romance singer. She has literally taken over. Even though I love Gaga and I love her music, I must admit she would be nothing without the likes of Madonna and Grace with them seriously being to first of the first, respectively.
Speaking of, this year has forced me to officailly drop the mainstream and go Alternative and Old school. I have recently re-fell in love with Madonna's Erotica Album and soaked in Madonna's 1989- 1996 Era.....Strike a pose..... I have also discovered and totally dove into Queen songs & Freddie Mercury. I am so upset that its taken me this long to find out about this awesome band. And I have never blasted 80's/ 90's music so much. Janet's "Throb" is at the top of my itunes playlist. It's ridiculous, it's like i've stepped into a time machine and went twenty years back. I find myself dressing like these icons.....hair bands and everything. Im reciting lines from their songs into my facebook posts......."don't you want me bay bay, don't you want me OoooH oh Oh!." I even get excited when they're on T.V. "OMFG straight up!!!! I lOve THis SONG!"
2010 has been lacking the luster and has proven that the 80's and 90's era was better. just listen to the new Black eyed peas single ....... prime example....very creative -_-
But some how I have been able to find the likes of Monae, Kanye, and a couple of relivant artist across the pond to successfully create The Best of the Beat in 2010. so hopefully you think so too.

let the countdowns begin :-)

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