2011 Top 10 songs - Part 1

#10: Future Islands – The Great Fire

If you let me be there again / I’ll be still, won’t say a word

The expectations for the new Future Islands album were high, and the first glimpse of it brought this wonderful song immediately into my attention. The gorgeous combination of Herrings rough voice with Wasner’s sweetness is just what you can wish for in a quiet afternoon.

It comes as no surprise in this top-10, with a unique touch of beauty from this awkward duet.

#9: The Black Keys – Gold On The Ceiling

Gold on the ceiling / I ain't blind / Just a matter of time / Before you steal it / It's alright

As close to their unique Rock & Roll approach as it can get. Reminding their fans why they're so fucking awesome. You can’t get anything wrong out of this, they seem to be saying ‘Remember our name, cause we’re here to stay baby’.

Please do never leave us.

#8: PJ Harvey – The Words That Maketh Murder

I've seen and done things I want to forget / coming from an unearthly place / Longing to see a woman's face / Instead of the words that gather pace / The words that maketh murder.

Here she is, bright, new, insightful, patriotic. PJ rarely gets it wrong, but The Words That Maketh Murder just brings the best of the familiar nostalgia only she’s capable to share. 

And it’s all so real and tangible. A great song.

#7: Destroyer – Kaputt

Wasting your days / Chasing some girls all right / Chasing cocaine to the back rooms of the world all night

Definitely one of the best 2011 tracks. All combined, probably one of the surprises – if not THE surprise – of the year. The song’s freshness, the 80’s touch, the good vibe, all magical. Brings back the adolescent in all of us, those warm summer nights. 

Never-ending inspiration from the boys from Canada.

#6: Tune-Yards – Bizness

I say, I'll bleed if you ask me / I'll bleed if you ask me / That's when, that's when, he said no

What can I say about this song? It takes a person no time to understand this is special. Good special. It took me 10 times to actually say: ‘this is amazing’. And after that, it only has become even better. Garbus is love at 10^th sight, one of those that turns into a marriage of 50 years in a sec after that.

Can’t wait for what comes next.