More proof 2011 isn't that hot? Except for "!+!", this list of faves from a year ago are simply superior. I miss the good old days…
1. The Days Of Our Lives – The Hold Steady – Better than anything on the good but not great album, Finn mixes faith, sin, desire, good guys and a party. Tell the little lambs he's not coming home…
2. I Can Change – LCD Soundsystem – Murphy's best song is also his most complete. This could be covered on acoustic guitar, it could be a fully formed power ballad. It tugs so hard, it is so deeply felt. Made him a superstar.
3. Sink/Let It Sway – SSLYBY – Music opinion haters make their point and then some on this uber-power pop masterpiece.
4. Club Can't Handle Me (feat Flo Rida) – David Guetta – Guetta is having problems following this one up. The songs he is choosing aren't quite there. Plus, Flo Rida's speed rap is all flow and melody.
5. I Want You Back – Sonos – The version to beat, a smart as hell a cappella version breathing new life.
6. We Belong Together – Randy Newman – Terrific theme from a great kids movie., Won an Oscar for best song.
7. Next Girl – The Black Keys – Now, this is getting silly. Their best song ever is a crunch blues riff par excellence.
8. Cry When You Get Older – Robyn – Steadied her reputation before blasting it into the stratosphere. "Hold up a second I've got something on my dirty mind…" Sold out T5 all year long and followed it up with a too short set at Radio City Music Hall.
9. More Keith Richards – Quitzow – Party girl growing older.
10. Sometimes I Don't Need To Believe In Anything – Like prefab Sprout meet, er, Teenage fanclub. The album didn't sustain it.