This was the first year that my music listening was determined by an algorithm. Sure, I may put the music I like on iTunes but whether I hear it or not is up to the Shuffle gods. As such I have no idea what whole albums were good or even if I got to hear everything, but it was a great year for 60s and 80s influenced pop.  

Here’s are the tunes that were on high rotation at Club C’ran – in random shuffle order:

 

The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance  +  A-Punk   Vampire Weekend

Yeah, I know it’s cheating cobbling the two of them together but I love the African rhythms with a punk-pop sensibility of A-Punk and well, The Kids was one of those ‘songs of 2008’ that had its little hook in my head most of the year.

 

I Feel It All  Feist

While I probably heard more of the ‘other’ Feist track (that was used in a very popular ad), I think I prefer this one for the melody and simplicity. And Feist was certainly a winner on can’t-look-away, weird-ass videos this year.

 

Valerie  Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse

Poor ol’ Amy Winehouse. Not her year was it? But then she did provide the no-nonsense vocals for this little stomper of a song. Hats off to Ronson for his homage to 60s soul.

 

Mercy  Duffy

While on the topic of 60s soul, what a cracker of a song this is eh? With a dexied-up nod to Northern Soul, Duffy must be the blackest white girl singer since Dusty Springfield. 

 

4 Minutes  Madonna and Justin Timberlake

Yes, I know it’s embarrassing but I quite liked it. And it got, um, played a lot. It’s pure cheesy dance pop with a thin veneer of environmental consciousness. Love it.

 

The Whistler + Destination Calabria (Acappella)  Claude Vonstroke + Alex Gaudin Feat Crystal Waters

I’m not fond of the individual songs but I love the mix. Stripped back and bassy – I can’t ask for any more in a dance tune. Plus Crystal Waters brings just a dash of handbag disco to the mix. Earworm plus.

 

Stop Me  Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriweather

Apparently I hated this song when it was first out which is quite possible as I get a little touchy when people start covering The Smiths. But, I obviously had a change of heart because in 2008 this little ditty was on very high rotation on the tunes, in the car and on the player. Oh, and it had a cute-as-a-button video as well.

 

1 Thing  Amerie

This isn’t a 2008 release but was an RnB request from Carolyn that eventually snuck up on me. Again, catchy minimalist tune shows what you can do with some drums, a sample and sassy vocals.

 

Daydreamer + Chasing Pavements  Adele

What would it be like to be so god-damned talented at such a young age? And how does she make MOR cool? Again, two tunes from an album that was much played this year. From the simple acoustic arrangement of Daydreamer to the big strings of Chasing Pavements, Adele’s power soul captivates.  Hope to hear more from the young ‘un.

 

Movin’ Up (Stupid Fresh remix)    Glory Parade featuring Angie Brown

Again, not a new one for 2008 but it was on some compilation that came out this year. This one I discovered in the car. It has this cranking bassline that drops out into a handbag vocal and then drops back in with a vengeance with dubbed out Ms Brown vocal. Superb electro house.

 

I Don’t Need This Trouble   Alice Russell featuring Natural Self

Funky soul at its best with a bit of a blues-twist. I don’t think anyone would be troubling Ms Russell after hearing her on this tune.

 

When You Touch Me   Freemasons

Get your handbag and your chardy cos we’re going out with the girls! This is one of those songs that crept up on me on a car compilation. 100% goodtime song.

 

Sweet About Me   Gabriella Cilmi

What can I say about this? It was everywhere this year – from the supermarket to the ARIAs. I think it’s perfect pop. Yet another of 2008’s talented teenagers.

 

Time to Pretend  MGMT

I’m not quite sure why I like this MGMT tune. It’s full of hopelessness and ennui – and any other day I’d call it a whiny-boy-song. Maybe it’s just the catchy synth or maybe it just represents youth or maybe I just heard it too many times.

 

Freak (BART B More Secured Dub)  Sandy River & Haze

Oh heck, it’s minimalist, bassy dance music – of course I’m going to like it.

 

100 Days, 100 Nights  Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings

Soul is alive and well – as is the sound of the Hammond organ. Oh it just makes me want to put on my pink taffeta dress with the big hoop skirt and go out and find meself a fella to break my heart.

 

Back in Your Head  Tegan & Sara

This is the song that won me over to the Tegan and Sara phenomenon. I’d previously found their voices all a bit grating – but demanding vocals work on this track. And its great to see out-there baby dykes on tv. (Carolyn reckons that the Tegan & Sara look is so prolific in Newtown that every second dyke has ‘that’ haircut.)

 

That’s Not My Name  The Ting Tings

I’ve liked this sassy little number since first hearing it as a live radio recording. You’ve got to love a tune about finding one’s voice and for those of us who are vocally-challenged, it’s the perfect song to shout along to.

 

Interestingly, five of my fave twenty were on the BBC Sound of 2008 that was announced twelve months ago. And if the synth-pop heavy 2009 list repeats the trend then it could be a fun year for music.