My Top 10 Songs Of 2014

As you can imagine, working in a record shop gives me access to an vast range of new songs and bands to try. In fact nearly every week I will take the list of new releases and go through them one by one. Alot of it sucks but you do get that one gem, that one cd that you would step over your own mother just to listen to again.....or maybe that's just me.

Anyway, each year I take what I feel are my top tracks and share them. They range from mainstream chart hits to complete and utter unknowns. They are songs that either provoke such euphoric emotion in me, or just songs that make me wanna shake my thing. So with out further ado, my top 10.

10. Heartsrevolution - "Kiss"

I will admit that since being in a relationship, I have appreciated love songs more then I was a bitter single teenager. But one thing that would help me appreciate them more if I was single, is to make them so much fun. This song reminds you that love is meant to be exciting, at least initially. The bouncy melody adds to the excitable nature of the subject matter, which is simply how great it is to kiss the one you love, sleep, and do it all over again.



9. A Great Big World - "You'll Be Okay"

Insecurity is an awful thing, it's been the reason why I have thrown perfectly good comics in the bin 'cause I thought they weren't up to scratch. So like me, it's nice to just have an external voice tell you that things aren't as bad as you perceive them. The song starts quiet and builds to the last chorus with whaling solos and drums, coinciding hopefully with a lifting mood for anyone that hears it.

 

8. Ed Sheeran - "Sing"

A second album from any break through artist is always going to be a difficult thing. No harder for Mr Sheeran who's first album blew up and hit the top of the charts and stayed there for a very very long time. His second album has done the same thing. If the slow tender love songs put you off, then Sheeran is versatile enough to give you a track with so much groove. I hummed this for weeks and I wont be stopping anytime soon. After hearing this, I doubt you will either.



7. Grouplove - "Shark Attack"

This is a difficult one to talk about 'cause as much as I love this song, I have no idea really what's it's about. I'm sure there will be an explanation somewhere out there, but it doesn't stop me tapping my feet. Like alot of songs that I grow to like, it's hearing the chorus where my decision is made. In this case, it will instantly put a grin on my face as I bounce around the room.



6. Catfish And The Bottlemen - "Cocoon"

Here is another example of a chorus that will hook me on the first listen, despite the bad language. I like songs that talk about romance in a realistic setting, in this case having to deal with the disapproval of friends. There is a radio edit that removes the F bombs but I don't believe it is as effective. It is the same reaction, nearly for word, most people would have if a friend or just and acquiescence ever said you were not good enough for your crush. I don't think many people would take that, neither those this song.



5. Twin Forks - "Back To You"

I've heard this band called a Mumford and Son rip off which is untrue and alittle unfair I feel. Mumford with their songs are more grander in scale while Twin Forks feel more intimate.....if that doesn't makes sense then forget it. The point is, I have been on a real binge of upbeat love songs that you want to dance to this year. Love songs, even if I was single, that are slow tempo miss the point to me. They should be exciting, energetic and lively. This is certainly a song I can imagine holding my ladyfriend's hands to as I spin her around. I know that only applies to me but it's my list so there.

 

4. Taylor Swift - "Blank Space"

The more I listen to more and more chart music, the more I get the feeling that it's just cool to dislike someone. Taylor Swift is one that comes to mind. I can understand the dismay that alot of people had for her track Shake It Off (which I was so close to putting on this list), I feel the negativity is unjust. Especially with this song, where the self awareness is at a fever pitch. The song is filled with clever lines that describe her turbulent love life up to this point. That's what makes a good artist I feel, someone that can turn eventful moments or thoughts they have and make something out of them, whether they be a painting or a song. While Shake It Off was kinda generic with how she will overcome the hate, this song opens herself in acknowledgement to her flaws. Plus it's a good beat too.



3. Brody Dalle - Meet The Foetus/Oh The Joy

I'm normally put off two part songs like these, I feel that a piece should hold up on it's own merits. However, we have a rare case where both songs complement each other to the point where they would be weak without the other. The first is solemn yet punchy, while the second smacks you over the head with the most infectious humming chorus I've heard in a long time. I still do miss the Distillers and while I can't say the whole of this album is like this, it's nice to know that Ms Dalle still has sum punk left in her.



2. Royal Blood - "Little Monster"

Gene Simmons of kiss fame said this year that Rock music was dead. This is the band I think of that makes me know how much crap he is talking. There are songs that grow on you and some that get you on the first chord. Royal Blood came from nowhere this year but burst onto the scene with simple but well executed rock fundamentals, play heavy and loud. It was tough to pick which song to choose for my list (also check out Figure You Out) but I had to give it to the song that started my obsession with having this album play on repeat in my shop. Not bad for a band with just a bass player and a drummer. 



1. Against Me! - "Talking Transgender Dysphoria Blues"

This was the first album I bought this year and at the time, I remember saying it was going to be my album of the year, I was right. Alittle backstory, back in 2012, lead singer Tom Gabel came out as transgender. Soon after, she went through various operations for hormone replacement and plastic surgery, and now goes by the name Laura Jane Grace. The album of the same name tales the story of Laura's desire to be treated and thought of as a woman, singing about leaving her then wife, threats of violence and her past when she had to hide her true feelings when back at school. Against Me have always been a band that have sung their songs with so much passion, whether acoustic or amped up. Laura coming out has changed nothing, they are still one of most beloved bands and they have once again, made an album and a song where you can feel the heartache in the voice as they scream at the top of their lungs. And that is why it's my top song if 2014.



I would love to see all of your pics from the past year so let me know and we shall compare. Let's hope 2015 has song memorable tracks from us once again.

Till next time 

Nay