Can you believe it’s that time of year again? We can’t… but here we are bringing you the first part of our mammoth fortnight of eclectic “best of…” lists. First up we announce The AU Review’s Top 40 tracks of 2011, as voted by our fine contributors around the country.
40.
We kick things off with the wonderful Lanu who earlier this year released a brilliant album in the form of 12 Faces, and the track “Beautiful Trash”, featuring the Queen of Australian music in 2010, Megan Washington. It’s a fun and groovy track, and our contributors were particularly keen for us to have the Natural Double Remix make the countdown. And sure enough it just scraped in!
Lanu feat. Megan Washington – Beautiful Trash (Natural Double Remix)
39.
The Finn name is no stranger to anyone who has listened to music in the last 20+ years, though Liam Finn continues to work as hard as the next guy to get his music heard. And heard it has, with his latest record FOMO amassing critical acclaim across the country and the world. The track “The Struggle” was a favourite of the album and makes the countdown at number 39.
Liam Finn – The Struggle
38.
One of the success stories of 2011 are Brisbane’s Ball Park Music – and with tracks like this one, it’s no reason why. It’s fun, unapologetic pop, with a cheeky edge. Big things in store for this outfit, no doubt…
Ball Park Music – All I Want is You
37.
Architecture in Helsinki released their fourth album Moment Bends in April and preceded to play some of the biggest stages and festivals around the country, playing to packed houses wherever they went. Oh how far they’ve come… but tracks like “Contact High” remind you that they’ve lost little of the vibe that inspired them in the early days. A standout track from a very entertaining album.
Architecture in Helsinki – Contact High
36.
Another success story in 2011 has been the rise of Merrill Garbus aka tUnE-yArDs, from underground songstress to darling of the indie blog circuit (and a few radio stations along the way). Her track “Gangsta” particularly resonated with our contributors but we implore you to check out the rest of her catalogue… and don’t miss her performances in Australia in January! Having caught her at SXSW I can say without a doubt she’s not to be missed.
Tune-Yards – Gangsta
35.
What we’ve come to expect from Mr. Waits, sounding as brilliant as ever…
Tom Waits – Bad As Me
34.
There’s little I can personally say to sum up my feelings for this song. It’s a beautifully orchestrated, perfectly produced gem, and one of my favourites of 2011. Thankfully other contributors agreed and it has made the cut! Can’t wait for their shows as part of Laneway Festival next year…
Portugal. The Man – Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)
33.
Justice = Dance. Dance = Fun.
And this song is a very fine example of just how much fun it can be…
Justice – Canon
32.
Jebediah returned to the touring circuit this past year with a new album in their pockets – the phenomenal Kosciusko. The easy favourite of this album was “Control” and got quite a bit of love from the AU contributors… and it’s a damn fine live track too. Enjoy! It really is a pleasure seeing Jebediah back…
Jebediah – Control
31.
Our final track for this part of the countdown was quite a surprising addition to the list, as I personally hadn’t heard the track. But, enjoying my fair share of Incubus back in the day, it’s actually a very fine addition to their catalogue. So it’s no surprise that a couple of AU Incubus fans voted for it to be added to the list. After all, we always love hearing a band we loved back in the day return with the goods…
Incubus – Promises, Promises
Thanks to all the contributors who voted in our countdown and thanks to all of you who have read through this eclectic mix of our favourite tracks of 2011, and have supported us throughout the year. Keep checking back to find out our top 30 tracks, alongside a pile of other best of lists!
