Top 50 Songs of 2019

I don’t often make a year end favorite song list. There are a gazillion songs that were released in 2019. And it’s just an overwhelming task to take on – moreso than albums. So these songs are just a small collection of ones I played on my ipod (yeah, I still have mine), and Spotify. It’s random, it’s funny, it’s head scratching, it’s booty shaking, it’s whatever got me through this ridiculous year of 2019. Enjoy.

And Happy New Year.. it’s a wrap. FINALLY.

50. Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar
49. Beck – Star
48. Bishop Briggs – Champion
47. SebastiAn – Handcuffed to a Parking Meter (Feat. Sparks)
46. Michael Kiwanuka – You Ain’t the Problem
45. Lil’ Kim – Pray for Me (Feat. Rick Ross and Musiq Soulchild)
44. Dermot Kennedy – Moments Passed
43. Hayley Kiyoko – Demons
42. Lady Antebellum – Be Patient With My Love
41. Brandon Banks – 8 Figures
40. The Black Keys – Every Little Thing
39. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Giannis (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
38. Hayden James – Better Together
37. Jamie Cullum – Taller
36. Lucky Daye – Concentrate
35. Lizzo – Tempo (Feat. Missy Elliott)
34. Billie Eilish – Bad Buy
33. Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved
32. Post Malone – Circles
31. Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – Senorita
30. Iggy Azalea – Sally Walker
29. Ed Sheeran – Beautiful People (Feat. Khalid)
28. P!nk – Hurts 2B Human (Feat. Khalid)
27. Mabel – OK (Anxiety Anthem)
26. Rob Thomas – Timeless
25. Ben Platt – Honest Man
24. Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
23. NF – Time
22. Snoh Aalegra – Love Like That
21. Tori Kelly – Pretty Fades
20. Lizzo – Juice
19. Megan Thee Stallion – Hot Girl Summer
18. Niall Horan – Nice to Meed Ya
17. Backstreet Boys – New Love
16. The Weeknd – Heartless
15. Jonas Brothers – Sucker
14. Sleater – Kinney – RUINS
13. Labrinth & Zendaya – All For Us
12. Taylor Swift – You Need to Calm Down
11. Fitz and the Tantrums – 123456

FINAL TEN SONGS
10. Tegan and Sara – Don’t Believe the Things They Tell You (They Lie)
9. Normani – Motivation
8. Summer Walker – Come Thru (Feat. Usher)
7. Missy Elliott – Throw it Back
6. Halsey – Graveyard
5. Ariana Grande – thank you, next
4. Sam Smith and Normani – Dancing with a Stranger
3. Raphael Saadiq – Sinners Prayer
2. Lil’ Nas X – Old Town Road (Remix) (Feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)
1. Lizzo – Truth Hurts

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My Favorite Albums of 2017.

It’s that time of year again. Seems like yesterday 2017 began and now it’s over. So that means I’m going to share my favorite 30 albums of the year. I’m not going to call them the “best” but these 30 albums were on rotation for a period of time this year on my ipod. I enjoyed them all. They helped me stay sane, awake, and got me through the day when I felt like the world was just setting up shop on my shoulders, never to leave. There was a lot of fluff this year though. I will not share that with you. Some music left me scratching my head and thinking, “Really? People LIKE this?” But that’s for another discussion. If you follow me on twitter, you might have seen random one liner tweets about bands or singers that caught my ear and held onto my attention. If you haven’t listened to anyone on this list, and you want to broaden your mind, check them out. Don’t close off your mind to new music. There are plenty of diamonds in the rough. I would also be remised if I didn’t give a huge shout out to all the ladies who made some great music this year. I truly got a kick out of going back and seeing how many albums on my hard drive and ipod I had that were made by ladies, young and old. To quote Annie Lennox, “Sisters are doing it for themselves.” Whether the songs were about love, or injustice, or family issues, the voices of women made a huge impact this year. And I hope for years to come. So, here is the list. Happy New Year One and All..

30. Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile –Lotta Sea Lice
29. Jamey Jasta – The Lost Chapters
28. Alex Lahey – I Love You Like a Brother
27. Annie Mac – Annie Mac Presents 2017
26. Blush – Blush
27. Beware of Darkness – Are You Real?
26. Gorillaz – Humanz
25. Tove Lo – Blue Lips
24. LCD Soundsystem – American Dream
23. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears – Backlash
22. Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra – Ibiza Classics
21. David Banner – The God Box
20. Whitehorse – Panther in the Dollhouse
19. Daddy Issues – Deep Dream
18. Curtis Harding – Face Your Fear
17. Larkin Poe – Preach
16. St. Vincent – Masseduction
15. Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly, and James McAlister – Planetarium
14. Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me
13. Grace and Rachel – Gracie and Rachel
14. The National – Sleep Well Beast
13. Syd – Fin
12. Jay Z – 4:44
11. Frankie Rose – Cage Tropical

And the final ten….

10. Talib Kweli – Radio Silence

 

9. Miguel – War and Leisure

 

8. Fergie – Double Dutchess

 

7. Jlin – Black Origami

 

6. Partner – In Search of Lost and Time

 

5. Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life

 

4. Alvvays – Antisocialites

 

3. Beck – Colors

 

2. SZA – CTRL

 

1. Kendrick Lamar – DAMN

 

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Throwback Thursday Album (a few days late): Sheryl Crow’s “Sheryl Crow”

 

I haven’t always been a fan of Sheryl Crow.

I’m going to date myself here but when Tuesday Night Music Club dropped, I wasn’t particularly fond of “Leaving Las Vegas.” It was slow sounding, and back then I was still a rap and hip hop head listening to WuTang Clan, Biggie, with the few rock bands that snuck into my tape (yes I was around for tapes) collection – Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M, The Black Crowes, etc. These were all artists that kept me awake, alert, and entertained. And I wasn’t thrilled with Sheryl’s voice overall. The, like most teens my age, “All I Wanna Do” dropped, and I instantly changed my tune towards her. It was fast, funny, and had a great melody. Pretty much pop rock gold, which turned into platinum for her. Followed by “Can’t Cry Anymore” and I was pretty much hooked.

Then her second album, “Sheryl Crow,” finally arrived. I remember vividly ordering the tape from our campus store (which stopped selling cassettes and instead sold cds for EVERY artist) and once it arrived, I was completely blown away with it. She produced it, which back then and now for that matter – for a woman to produce her own music – pretty much unheard of  unfortunately. While Bill Botrell was behind the debut album production, this one was Sheryl. Plus 1. It was filled with just absolute greatness. I can’t say back in 1996 offhand that every cassette I owned was great from beginning to end, but THIS album my dear friends was. Every song to me, was a potential single, and every song had a message, hiding behind the pop rock and the quirky sound effects. The melodies worked extremely well with her voice and the lyrics were simple yet effective. And let’s face it on a “A Change Would Do You Good,” there were hand claps. I’m a fan of the hand claps. More songs need hand claps. That was a no brainer hit.

“If It Makes You Happy” to this day makes me laugh – not in a mean way, but the chorus kills me. “If It makes you happy, it can’t be that bad. If It makes you happy then why the hell are you so sad?” Why does it kill me? Because this chorus reigns true to life to this day, 21 years later. Things that make people happy should make us happy, not sad. If it makes us sad, then we shouldn’t continue to do things that make us sad. It’s just that simple. Plus 2. I also love the fact that while she sings the chorus, it comes completely across as shouting to me – as if she was trying to drive the idea home. I hear ya Sheryl. I hear ya. Even my mom thought this was a hit and she doesn’t like anyone.

Another favorite of mine, “Sweet Rosalyn,” is about a woman who keeps her head above water, working just enough to get by but she needs something to keep her going, to continue the fight, to keep her moving forward as they say. My favorite line is “Well, maybe we all could use a little grace to know when to run and when to stay in one place.” It’s not a long song lyrically, but it still makes an impact with the instrumentation. Between the slide, the dobro, and twangy guitars, I was pretty much sold on this one. Sheryl throws down on this one y’all. Check out this video of it.

 

 

I will always support Sheryl because I remember her fighting with Walmart in regards to the song, “Love is a Good Thing.” For those who don’t know, there’s a lyric about kids who use guns they purchased at Walmart. At that time, it was very true. And Walmart didn’t take too kindly to her statement (despite the stories hitting the news revealing where the guns came from) and removed her album from the stores. She stood firm though, and she didn’t give in. That to me, was completely awesome. And fierce. You rule Sheryl. She wanted it to be known that we need to do something about gun control. She sings it so nonchalantly but in doing so, made a big statement. Plus 3.

The opener, “Maybe Angels” is the song that kicked off my love for this album…the piano in particular. It just sounds so weird with the guitar riff that it fits. So weird. But it fits. And the subject matter about not being able to feel angels, but they are around. “I swear they’re out there, I swear…” It’s a mid tempo toe tapper (Say that FIVE times fast. I dare you. It’s ok. I’ll wait.” She finds angels to be mysterious, but she knows..she has a feeling…that the unexplained..can only be answered by angels. The rockers who have passed away, they’re coming back too. Ok, Sheryl. I believe you.

I won’t go on and on, but this is truly a great album. From beginning to end, it entertains, and you hear something different with each listen. AND she broke the dreaded second album slump AND the “Best New Artist” curse that hits many after winning a Grammy. Thank you Sheryl for releasing a perfect pop gem. My ears thank you as well.

 

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New Year, New Music… 3 Months Late.

Happy new year folks.

Sorry I’m very late with this. Still battling the demons. And losing more than winning. But I give to you another show full of new music. So I hope you listen with open ears and an open heart. From rock to dance, there’s something for everyone. And that’s the great thing about music. Sit back, open a few beers, or whatever floats your battleship, and have fun.

Stream and download here —> Podcast #44

 

 

 

Break Into Your Heart – Iggy Pop

Sound And Vision – David Bowie

The Outlaw Josey Wales – Zella Day

City Lights – Wolfmother

A Womans Wisdom – Wild Nothing

Lead Me to the Water – Shake Shake Go

Ch-Ching – Chairlift

Green With Envy – Sea Pinks

Eat The Rich – Motörhead

What Happened To Us? – Hoobastank

Dancing On Glass – St. Lucia

Forgiveness – Editors

Make Me A Believer (feat. Mac Powell) – Andy Mineo

Best in Me – Chris Trapper

Love Type Thing – Tegan And Sara

Walk With The Noise – IAMX

The Switch – DMA’s

Take My Heart – La Sera

I’ve Got Love On My Mind – Natalie Cole

 

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Will They or Won’t They? LCD Soundsystem

As of 5 hours ago, Consequence of Sound posted a link saying that LCD Soundsystem will reunite next year. And then, their record label, or James Murphy’s label said that this is untrue. Could this be for hype? Or are they shooting down wishful thinking? I really hope that wishful thinking turns into a reality. I like many, many, MANY, others would love to see a reunion and gladly give LCD our money. Until then, enjoy these LCD Soundsystem genius danceable lovin’ flashbacks.

Make sure you turn the volume up.

 

 

 

 

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My Favorite Top 40 Songs of 2014.

And here as promised, are my favorite songs of the year. They were upbeat, and catchy and in some cases, throwaway but still enough to garner my attention for over a minute. It’s all over the map. Some will agree. Some will disagree. I admit, there isn’t a lot of rap on this list. I just don’t listen to as much rap as I used to because the beats sound the same now. It’s really sad. But a few made the list that I really really loved. So, enjoy reading my earbudders.

40. Magic – Coldplay
39. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
38. La La La (Feat. Sam Smith) – Naughty Boy
37. Animals – Maroon 5
36. Fury Oh Fury – Nico Vega
35. No Fear – Common
34. Can’t Do Without You -Caribou. Long intro that’s repetitive, BUT once 1:30 kicks in, it’s all good.
33. Digital Witness – St. Vincent
32. Time of Our Lives (Feat. Ne-Yo) – Pitbull
31. Ghost – Ella Henderson
30. Brill Bruisers – New Pornographers
29. Sugah Daddy – D’Angelo
28. Outside – Foo Fighters
27. Black Rage – Lauryn Hill. Yes, she did make a single. Yes. I wish she’d make an album.
26. Röyksopp and Robyn – Do it Again. God I love Robyn. That is all.
25. Transgender Dysphoria Blues – Against Me!
24. Gogon City (Feat. Jennifer Hudson) – Go All Night
23. You and Me – You + Me
22. Get to You – Antigone Rising
21. Bury our Friends – Sleater-Kinney Thank Buddha they’re back. And they’re good.
20. I Wanna Get Better – Bleachers
19. January 28th – J. Cole – This dude is worth listening to. One of the few …
18. Rather Be – Clean Bandit (this band saddens me because while I LOVE this song, the album was such a major DUD)
17. Habits (Stay High) – Tove Lo
16. Right Now – Mary J. Blige
15. Stay with Me – Sam Smith
14. I Really Don’t Care (Feat. Cher Lloyd) – Demi Lovato
13. Bang Bang – Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Nicki Minaj
12. Shake it Off/Out of the Woods – Taylor Swift – tie. Sadly she won me over. #popgold
11. Boom Clap – Charli XCX
10. Anagram – Young the Giant
9. Chandelier – Sia
8. Turn Down for What? – DJ Snake and Lil Jon
7. Head Underwater – Jenny Lewis. For the 30 something females like myself, a MUST listen.
6. Two Weeks – FKA Twigs. Beautiful Music Video.
5. All About that Bass – Meghan Trainor
4. Fancy (Feat. Charli XCX) – Iggy Izalea
3. Want it All – Tender Games. Seriously. This album was pretty great.
2. Beyonce’ (Feat. Jay-Z) – Drunk N’ Love – You. Just. Couldn’t. Escape. This. Song.

And my #1 FAVORITE SONG OF 2014
Wait for it…

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPTOWN FUNK (Feat. Bruno Mars) – Mark Ronson

 

“Don’t believe me just watch.” Hands down one of the funkiest tracks I’ve ever heard. Of course those two should give The Time and Morris Day a shout out for biting their style, but I loved this from the first time I heard it and it was my go to song to make me smile this year. I can’t wait for Mark’s album.

See you all next year. Thanks for reading.

 

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Podcast #39: The One Before the End of the Year Smash.

Hello again fellow Ear Budders,

Well, this is the last podcast before my end of the year favorites next month. This one is full of new music so free your mind, sit back, and relax. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.

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As usual, click on the pic for a bigger view.

 

Something of Freedom – Frank Turner

Up (feat. Demi Lovato) – Olly Murs

Dangerous (feat. Sam Martin) – David Guetta

Little Things – Oh Land

Years Of War – Porter Robinson

Teenage Millionaire – The Veronicas

Lovelife – Take That

Time of Our Lives (feat. Ne-Yo) – Pitbull

Cruel Intentions – Art Department

In the Clear – Foo Fighters

Shut Up and Dance – Walk The Moon

Burials – Dirty Heads

Forgive and Forget – You Me At Six

Therapy – Mary J Blige

Reach Out – Rumer

I’ll Never Be Free – She & Him

With You (feat. FMLYBND) – Dirty South

You & I (Forever) – Jessie Ware

Holding Back The Years – Simply Red

 

See you next month for the BEST OF. It’ll be legendarily awesome.

 

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Podcast #38. The No-Namer. I just Want You to Listen.

Hey, kids, rock n’ roll…

Here’s another show for you. New stuff, not so new, but probably new to you. I hope it sounds as good to you as it did to me as I made it. Enjoy.

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Lessons – SOHN
Earth Is Speeding -The Vaselines
SH09 Is Back – Lamb
Simple As This – Jake Bugg
Can’t Take It Back – Lissie
Honey – Royal Teeth
Bad Blood – Taylor Swift
My Blue Supreme – Interpol
Fuck Em Only We Know – Banks
Don’t Wake Me – Robots Don’t Sleep
Girls – Santigold
Talking – September Girls
Lucky G1rl – Shaka Ponk
Hurts Like Heaven – Shearwater
Something’s Missing – Sheppard
Amour t’es lá? – Snarky Puppy (with Magda Giannikou)
Wicked Waters – Benjamin Booker
Everything Turns to Grey – Agent Orange
Minnie The Moocher -Robbie Williams

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Podcast #37 All That and a bag of Slop..

Ok folks. I’m back. Did you miss me?

I’ve returned with a new set list of tunes that will hopefully heal the ears from the crap they had to listen to during the week. As usual I will ramble. But they’ll be short ramblings this time.

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Here it is…

Procession – New Order

Runaway – Pink

Cool under Heat – The Clash

Anaheim – Beebs and Her Money Makers

Bad Dreams – Phantogram

Hostage – Sia

Light Years Away (feat. DBX) – Tiësto

2 Is 8 – Lone

She’s Playing Hard to Get – Hi-Five

Celebrate – Empire of the Sun

Spooky – Dusty Springfield

Closer – FKA twigs

Not In Vain – Alex Clare

Brill Bruisers – The New Pornographers

Scandinavia – Morrissey

Like a Machine – Thousand Foot Krutch

Last Train Coming – Maylene & the Sons Of Disaster

50,000 Watts -Rosanne Cash

Enjoy!!

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Podcast #36. One mix under a groove.

Welcome to another round of randomness my fellow earbuds. It’s a cosmic slop mix as usual but I hope you enjoy it. There were a few I even forgot about until I was searching through potential songs to play. Anyhooters, sit back, open a cold one, drink a warm one – whatever floats your battleship – and enjoy it.

 

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Ready For It – RAC

Never Say Never – Radio Edit – Basement Jaxx

Boom Clap – Charli XCX

Cruel Sexuality – La Roux

I Believe – Bright Light Bright Light

At Home (Disclosure Remix) – Crystal Fighters

Paranoid Bait – White Fence

Wild Heart – Bleachers

Schemers – SKATERS

To Us All – Eno • Hyde

Sunstroke – La LuzIt’s Alive

Take Me – Paloma Faith

Shapeless – Wild Cub

You’re the One – Chrissie Hynde

What Doesn’t Kill You – Jake Bugg

Kids In NY – The Julie Ruin

Carry On (Live) – fun.

Talking In Your Sleep – The Romantics

 

 

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