Hottest 100

If you're an Australian, you'll know the January 26th (Australia Day - for all those o/s players) is synonymous with Triple J's Hottest 100 Countdown.


Every year my shortlist has to be whittled down from around the 80 mark, to just 10 songs - it seems to get harder each year! I thought I'd share my votes as 10 songs that I thought deserve to be in the Hottest 100 of 2011.


I tend to vote for songs that I don't think will get as many votes - I haven't wasted a vote on Gotye's Somebody I Used To Know (and I sincerely apologise for this if you are reading Wally!) because I know that it has had enough exposure and has enough love to get in the top 3 (lets face it, it WILL be #1) and therefore didn't need my help. Having said this, I still actually think that was the best song released in 2011.


I digress. Here are my 10 votes, in no particular order, of 10 songs I believe deserve a place on the Hottest 100 list - even if they aren't the biggest songs of the year they can't be overlooked.





Fitz & The Tantrums - Moneygrabber
I only heard this song a few months ago but it instantly got me dancing and singing along. I love the nostalgic American feel to it and I still just never get sick of hearing this song.





Flight Facilities Feat. Jess - Foreign Language
Flight Facilities just keep releasing crackers. These guys are great producers and this song has been huge for them this year and a great follow up to last year's Crave You. Can't wait to hear more from them.





Foster The People - Helena Beat
I first heard this song back in January and it instantly struck a chord with me. It was summer, we were heading down to a party at my friend's shack by the beach and it was the perfect soundtrack. Every time I hear it, I get taken back to hot summer days and happy memories.





Husky - History's Door
Husky were a reasonably unknown Unearthed act until this song got picked up on Triple J and they have not looked back. They supported Gotye on his national tour in October and they were amazing. So very talented and this song is just beautiful.





James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream
This is another song that just overwhelmed me when I heard it - musically it is so free from any genre, it feels so raw and emotional. You feel like you're in this haze when you hear it - such beautiful chill out music and so unique.





Luke Million - Arnold
Haha. If you haven't heard this song, you really must play this video. It is hilarious. This was a bit of a token vote on my part - Luke Million is actually an Adelaide boy and a member of an awesome disco act called The Swiss (another band to watch - they're taking off in Europe and their live act is always fun x 100) and while I actually do love this song for the great bass line - It has actually taken off this year and has been played and requested on Triple J non stop. Luke deserves a spot in the 100 and I think he'll get in the top 50 because this song is awesome.





M83 - Midnight City
I first heard M83 back in 2008 and I hadn't heard much since, but when this track got airplay this year I instantly remembered what I love about this French producer. There is something that is constantly in his music that lets you know it is him. I can't put my finger on it, but I really respect how his music can be quite diverse and yet so distinctive. Plus - sweet saxophone solo at the end of this track!





Matt Corby - Brother
Wow. To think that Matt Corby was once on Australian Idol is really hard to comprehend. This track is so beautifully executed and soulful. Definitely an Unearthed act to keep your eye on - this song in particular has struck a chord with a lot of people and it hasn't even been around very long. 





New Navy - Zimbabwe
I love New Navy. I'm really picking up what they're putting down. I just can't get sick of hearing this track but their whole EP really is great. They have this kind of fusion of Foals and Phoenix and Foster the People and Seabellies and god knows who else which really just makes them instantly a band I like. Such a great summery track, it makes me want to drink beer in the sunshine.





Seabellies - Board the Apartment Up
I had the Seabellies album on high rotation at the beginning of this year and this particular track really reminds me of the day my beautiful friend & sort-of-step-sister Mimi moved to London - it was playing in the car as I drove from the airport to say goodbye and holy crapola, it induced tears! It really doesn't help that they sing "Don't go, don't, don't go"! Anyway, all that aside, the entire Seabellies album really resonates with 2011 memories for me and I could continue to have it as the only album in my car for a long time to come.


So there you go - my 10 votes for 2011. There were so many fantastic smaller acts that I wanted to give votes to but this whole 10 only rule really does make it hard. Special mentions go to Loon Lake, Big Scary, San Cisco, Joe Goddard, Kanye & Jay-z (although as if they need my vote!), Yuksek, The Holidays... yeah ok I could continue but I'll stop.

Have any of you got your votes in yet? Would love to hear your ten. 

xxx