1. The Afterlife – Paul Simon – So what does happen once you croak? “You fill out a form first and then you get in the line”. The Unbearable Lightness Of Death.
2. I Do – Colbie Caillat – I bet this makes my top ten list at the end of the year.
3. Four Letter Word – Beady Eye – Liam might well be an ass, but he still has a great voice.
4. Marry You – Bruno Mars
5. Parachute – Ingrid Michaelson – Nice metaphor, the background vocals work like a great hook.
6. Someone Like You – Adele – She might be a soul singer but this ain’t soul: it is an understated pop ballad of immense and intense power.
7. Goodnight – the Rural Alberta advantage – I have a friend who is gonna catch em at Bowery Ballroom on March 10th, and believes they are one of the great indie folk bands. A sorta budding decemberists. Me? I think they are mewling waste of times.
8. Undercover Of Darkness – the Strokes – Theere is another song streaming on NME but I haven’t heard it yet.
9. She’s So Up – The Knuxx – A great rock band with all the energy mustered by any one this year. The riff is indelible.
10. Jejune Stars – Bright Eyes – ONE MORE WEEK til Radio City Music Hall.