Nolanpop’s 27 Singles (actual singles or single songs that are simply Robert Palmerable) of 2004

__2004-12-23 @ 12:20 a.m._______ 27. New Sense- Outside Chance -This track gives New Sense a whole lot to look forward to in the future. To me, this track solidifies BJ and Ryan as top notch, underrated musicians whose potential is pretty much unlimited. I like the way they straddle the line between the best of New Order and U2’s upbeat songwriting. Plus, BJ’s voice has never sounded better. 26. Phantom Planet- 1st Things 1st -I’m an unabashed fan of Phantom Planet, and I’ll be the first to say that this is not their best record...but this is one hell of single to NOT catch fire on the radio and MTV2. The band went for a much different sound on this album- maybe it came off too trendy ‘cause it didn’t get much attention at all- and ended up with a gritty, rambunctious group of tunes that sounded more like the Strokes meets the Rapture than the Elvis Costello meets the Beatles sound (that the band use to employ). But nothing can stop this song from its rock n roll strut. 25. Eminem- Mosh -I put this on here because I think it’s probably the most shocking song of the year and it’s a great song to boot. What’s strange about this single is that as we look back on it, maybe even a year from now, it will look more and more like a complaint and less and less like a battle cry simply because Kerry lost. I’m convinced that it would be the opposite if we would have redefeated Bush. 24. Aveo- Dust that Dreams of Brooms -I don’t know why this album and band haven’t gotten more press, ‘cause they seem to be the kind of band that would serve as great hip, indie media darlings. “Dust that Dreams of Brooms,” is a solid pop tune with instructions on how change your yuppie tendencies and find love inside yourself instead of using the material items you purchase to make you think you love yourself. Aveo uses warm, slightly broken, clean guitars with a tank of reverb and a tight rhythm section to drive home their intelligent, indie-pop. Maybe the fact that they’re so optimistic and earnest about it all is what charms me. I have no idea how old they are, but songs like this make me think they’re young. 23. Gwen Stefani- What Are You Waiting For? I’ve never liked No Doubt- in their whole career, I sort of liked one song. So it surprises me to see myself listing a song like this as one of the best songs of the year. But I LOVE this song. “What Are You Waiting For?” does an amazing job sounding funny, tongue-in-cheek, sexy, fascinating, and charismatic. Gwen Stefani sounds like a little sexy ass bitch, and almost makes me want to rethink my whole analysis of No Doubt’s last record and maybe even buy the rest of this solo effort. Ah, who am I kidding…I have this song and that’s about as far as it’ll go…but this song is much more than just respectable, it’s the second best overplayed, plastered-all-over-the-place pop song of 2004. 22. Headlights- Everyone Needs a Fence to Lean On -Champaign, IL, can put out some really amazing independent music, and while Headlights have only released a single ep on Polyvinyl Records, this single song is further proof that this trend will certainly continue. Graduating from Absinthe Blind High, the male/female vocal battle never seemed so subtlety demanding under the blending shades of guitar and synth like they do here in 2004. This is the highlight of the enemies ep, but the rest of the songs definitely won’t disappoint. 21. Frausdots- Dead Wrong -Some critics have said that this band has blatantly ripped off Echo & the Bunnymen and Joy Division, saying that they’re joining legions of bands trying to latch on to the next big thing in rock. Look, first off, anytime a critic starts spouting off about how a band is sounding a little too much like the aforementioned bands, I’m interesting in checking them out because 1) those bands kick ass and 2) it seems like the criticism is lazily applied and almost like a bitter, stab in the dark. There’s been countless times where I’ve looked up a band just because the review was average but mentioned the bunnymen/joy division combo. Frausdots are an example of a good band touching on shoegazer pop and giving a respectable nod to the early 80s post punk movement. On “Dead Wrong,” everything is done just right. Here we find a great guitar sound and an excellent riff with dead pan vocals that fit the song with absolute perfection. This reminds me of the Psychedelic Furs more than anything. But I’ll bet the Furs or even the Bunnymen wish they’d have written this gem. 20. Sonic Youth- Mariah Carey and Arthur Doyle Hand Cream We used to play this album in the record store all the time and I love everything on it. But, since I had to pick a single song, I’m going with the Mariah Carey song because not only does it rock, it’s just about the funniest track of the year. 19. The Glad Version- Options and Absolutes -The Glad Version are friends of Nolan, but friendship aside, this one hell of a monster tune. The production is huge and varied, but it doesn’t bog down the sincerity or natural beauty of this amazingly earnest tearjerker. Two keys to the song’s sound- the tuned down bass(?) guitar and the up-in-front mix of the horns. Congrats guys, this is a classic recording, and is no doubt one of my favorite single songs of ’04. 18. Channels- Chivaree -Well, I’m sorry, but J. Robbins is one of the best songwriters in rock n roll history and now he’s got another band going and, believe it or not, it fucking kicks ass. As Robbins gets closer and closer to pop and further from the D.C. sound he helped make popular, it’s becoming pretty apparent that the man can do no wrong even if he’s not playing punk rock or pulling out the J. Robbins signature howl. This tune also showcases his talent in picking drummers with inhuman talent- because, after hearing this track it becomes plainly clear that the guy behind the kit is like a jackhammer metronome. Enough already- get yourself over to the itunes store and by the new ep or at least “Chivaree.” 17. John Vanderslice- Pale Horse -This whole album rocks, but I’m going with the opener. This is such a fantastic tune, with its distorted acoustic guitars, spliced drums, and commanding/paranoid lyrics. Vanderslice never lets us down or let’s us get bored, and this song is the perfect example of how he does it- instrumentation is blended and varied to perfection with an unbelievable sense of rhythm and placement. You can almost see Vanderslice mapping out all the intricacies on pop song construction paper. 16. The Secret Machines- Nowhere Again “Nowhere Again,” is a fucking incredible rock song and I can only hope that The Secret Machines stick around for awhile, because the chemistry in this band is stunning. On this song they sound like equal parts Spiritualized/Led Zepplin/Flaming Lips, and have a monster classic rock groove riding throughout. “Nowhere Again,” would be perfect for a four minute intergalactic acid trip. 15. Elliott Smith- Pretty (Ugly Before) Well, Elliott Smith turns out to be just a sad, sad story all together, doesn’t it? Such an amazingly talented fella who fights all kinds of drug problems/depression just to get better enough to make a great record and make a great comeback, only to have one horrible enough day…to kill himself. Then, to top it off, he’s ALWAYS wrote these dark, depressing, intimate songs that made you want to root for the guy. All that rooting went south the day he ended his life, and now the only way he lives on is inside the songs we have on record. Poor taste jokes will ensue for decades to come as music lovers discover/re-discover Mr. Smith, which is par for his depressing course, I guess. But anyways, this track is my favorite from From a Basement On the Hill and maybe a little less depressing as some of the others. Actually it’s not really any more or less depressing, just a great pop song that just couldn't help but come out of Elliott Smith. 14. Guided By Voices- Girls of Wild Strawberries -While GBV’s last album may not be the greatest record they’ve ever recorded, it does have some striking moments. “Girls of Wild Strawberries,” is the first day of a Midwestern spring, bouncing along optimistically and innocently, like the fresh pop songs GBV have always been capable of recording. This is a tip of the hat to the Byrds, but it’s also an official document of what Bob Pollard can do so off-handedly- brilliant, simple chords with a lo-fi, genuine aesthetic sound that only authenticates why so many of us love this band. To state the obvious, GBV will be missed. 13. Ambulance LTD- Stay Where You Are -These bratty ass, motherfuckin’ talented bitches made a great record this year, and I’ll be the first to admit that it took me awhile to yell “uncle.” This is the song that breaks them apart from the rest of the young fuckheads that made it big this year (aka the Killers, Jet, ect.). I guess the reason I find this song to be so fascinating is the fact that they combine so many influences into this thing, and it still doesn’t sound forced or congested. I think Ambulance LTD will be around for a long time as long as they don’t listen to what all the hip magazines have to say about them and keep their confidence right where it is. In other words, dudes, um, like, stay where you are and stuff. 12. The Walkmen- Little House of Savages -Break out the booze and the air guitar, if that’s your fancy. Either way, rock n roll’s greatest moments are found in songs like “Little House of Savages.” The Walkmen are just odd enough and unorthodox enough to turn off big radio and gain a strangle hold on independent music fans everywhere- in other words, they have all the indie credit you could possibly want. I’m pissed at myself for not going to see them at Gabes this past spring, because I’m sure they played this song and I know it had to be a highlight. One other thing- does anyone else think Hamilton sounds like a drunk and cool Rod Stewart? 11. Morrissey- First of the Gang to Die - Easily Morrissey’s best single in over 10 years. And being the rabid Morrissey fan that I’ve become over the past two years, I have to list this song as one the best of the year. 10. Kool Keith- Mental Side Effects -Weird ass MC extraordinaire, Kool Keith, can spit out the perfect, completely ridiculous phrase for you to go about the town repeating to all of your new, confused friends. On some level he makes sense I guess, but until then, I’ll be laughing my ass off after I tell ya that “you’re like chicken wings with no dunkin’ sauce!” without a clue as to what it really means. And, hey, this song continues a fued between Kool Keith and Andre 3000…how can you go wrong with a hip hop fued on record? “Benny I wore the Black Elvis wig…then I took it off ‘cause I was bored, now you just puttin’ on the Black Elvis wig…I got bored and left LA, glad to see you’re just movin’ there, Benny….I’m very proud of you Benjamin, are you a stalker? Or do you wanna lay down that pride you hide and do a track together?” Good shit. 9. Franz Ferdinand- Jacqueline -Easily the coolest rock riff of the year, this song kicks ass and puts their corporate rock radio peers to shame. Some mistaken this song as “Holiday,” due to the repetition of the word, eh-em, holiday. And I know I’ll get all kinds of flack for choosing this song over “Take Me Out,” but this is my own personal list and it just doesn’t get a hold of me like “Jacqueline,” does. 8. Moving Units- Anyone Moving Units are from LA and claim to be original “dance punk.” For most of their latest record, they tediously fulfill that claim. But on this track, sparks fly and they let the music come together and form the best single to NOT rock the hip corporate radio charts. The keyboard groove is absolutely magical and makes it completely senseless to not grant it top 25 status. Let it go, and see yourself rocking out to it at the show or at your favorite bar- there, see it? Yes, it’s ok, you can dance now. 7. Interpol- Not Even Jail -Easily the coolest or at least the most original sounding song on the new album, Interpol “come alive,” on this song and sound like a really, really inspired band. Of course, this will never, ever be a single on the radio, but WILL or SHOULD be the show stopper. The song where hipster fuckfaces stand there with arms crossed, shaking their heads, thinking “man, it’s just like Vice said- they’re ripping off the eighties,” until the end of the song when they realize “hey wait…that song just kicked me in my $80 thrift store, vintage pants and I can’t help but think ‘that kicked ass’…huh, this sucks ‘cause I’m suppose to hate Interpol…damn it, this sucks.” 6. Air- Universal Traveler This is probably my third favorite Air track of all time. I specifically recall riding in a car in California, in the Oakland Hills, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, crossing the Bay Bridge, riding the Bart, walking the Berkeley streets alone, listening to this song. It was comforting, it was appropriate, and it made me feel alone and in good company. It didn’t make me feel sad, it didn’t make me feel homesick, it just gave me solace in all of my travels in 2004. 5. Modest Mouse- Float On -This will be know as the song that broke Modest Mouse big, even though they’ve had a half a dozen albums come out before this one. “Float On,” seems so hopeful and yet simultaneously cynical, and I think it’s that juxtaposition that makes the song so captivating beyond the brilliant songwriting. It’s one of those songs that magically pulls itself into place without strain, one of those songs that could’ve never been planned to be as good as it turned out. What’s also interesting about “Float On,” is that Modest Mouse basically made a career on dark, nasty, even bleak, indie-rock that was just as good in many ways, but was never as hopeful or easy. That’s not to say this is the closest to pop the band has ever been, maybe just the best pop they’ve ever made. 4. The Arcade Fire- Wake Up -This song is very similar to “Float On,” for me. The intro is just awe-inspiring and really is the definition of a band making “emotional,” music to me. Raw, heartfelt music that kicks you so fucking hard in the gut that you can’t cry…just numb with pain. I think the thing about this song that is so amazing is the way he makes his case for not wanting to grow up because of what lies ahead- monotony, worry, pain, death. And it’s all too much to bear- but what are you going to do? “I guess we’ll just have to adjust.” No one wants to, but that’s what you’ll have to do because the only other option is death. One day you wake up, and realize you’re an adult…and if you think about it, that’s a really sad day. 3. Britney Spears- Toxic -How can it be? How does someone that can’t sing, can’t write, calls Punked her favorite book (even though it doesn’t exist), idolizes Madonna as her favorite songwriter (even though she doesn’t really write songs), and be so Barbie doll looking and shallow, have one of the most amazing, critically acclaimed songs of the year? That’s how good the production is on this song- that it can make Britney Spears, the easiest pop star to hate, sound damn good, dare I say flat out incredible. Think about it- what if Bjork or Imogen Heap or Gwen Stefani or any of these other respectable pop stars would have gotten a hold of this tune…would you still be ragging on it? 2. Brian Wilson- Wonderful I’ll admit that I was never a big beach boys fan. And still, it sometimes bugs the shit out of me to hear most of the non-Pet Sounds stuff. But Smile, while I understand was not written and in some respects not released in 2004, was properly re-introduced to me this year with its official Nonsuch release and I am completely floored by the detail and craft of Brian Wilson. Really, I just picked one of my favorites from Smile and put it on the list here, even though “Wonderful,” is quite just that. What I find to be even more fascinating than the actual content of the album is Brian Wilson’s ability to make Smile sound so good today, even though he’s the aging rocker that he is. Could Paul McCartney do a Smile-esque album today? Never in a million years. Matter of fact, I think almost all of who would be considered to be Brian Wilson’s peers would never have the guts or the sheer ability to be so ambitious or courageous. “Wonderful,” perfectly displays all of these qualities and as I listen to it while I write this, I think I’m right in saying that it is the best song on the album or at least one of the top three. 1. My Favorite- Homeless Club Kids -Speaking of Morrissey (clocking in up there at number 11), My Favorite is the kind of band that would have never existed if it were not for the Smiths. They live to continue the intellectual, gloomy, bookwormy, catchy pop that their idols brought to the forefront of rock n roll. This song is an absolute classic, and instantaneously will blow your mind the second you “get it.” My guess, you’ll probably listen to this song for three or four days straight…it’s that good. I get sick of stuff pretty easily, but I listened to this song for, like, two weeks straight when I first moved out to Berkeley. Then, I was fortunate enough to see them twice in one day to get my fill! << | >>