My biggest problem with thinking about songs last year was that there was so many of them it was difficult to keep track of them in any sort of order. This year, I decided to get smart and leave “Best Songs Of 2014” as an essentially list of faves by release date and add another list of just clear up the top ten, maybe top 20 by the end of the year songs in order of preference. Welcome to yet another list!
1. Head – Lydia Loveless – The descending lick here is pro-forma rock and roll and Loveless’ voval is low, growly and sexy.
2. Rather Be – Clean Bandit – This is a fascinating song, an EDM pop song of the highest order, taken further by the odd instrumentation in the background. Plus Jess Glynn’s exemplary lead vocal.
3. Sour Times – The Civil Wars The best Portishead cover you may ever hear, all the heavy dub is gone and the song is completely revealed.
4. Once Upon A Dream – Lana Del Rey – Remarkable how Lana managed to take the lovely lilting Disney classic and made it a nightmare painting.
5. Emotions – Katy B – If the album disappoints, this full bloodied ballad does nothing of the sort.
6. XO – Beyonce – The best song on her new album should top every chart in the workd; a gorgeous pop ballad.
7. Hi-Five – Angel Olsen – Singer-songwriter on electronics and ambient.
8. A Tribe Called Red – Angel Haze – Completely unique and brilliant use of Native American tracks by the “crossbreed”.
9. Unconditional Love – Against Me! – Best rocker seems to be straight up
10. Long Hair – Drowners – The chorus is absolutely addictive
