Alright, let’s do this.
Nick’s Favourite Music of 2011
It’s that time of year again. Specifically: it’s the end of it, and like any blogger worth his salt, I’m writing me a Best of 2011 list. I felt last year’s was a step up from the previous iteration, but considering the fun I had with the 30 Day Song Challenge I tried out in March, I want to spread things out this year and look at each song in turn. This method allows me to post each song here too, instead of linking to YouTube videos in a massive wall of text. So you can look forward to one of these every day for the next fifteen days.
Now, without further ado, and in no particular order…
M83 - MIDNIGHT CITY
M83 have always made great LOUDquietLOUD synthpop tunes, and ‘Midnight City’ is no exception. And the vocal sections of those songs have always felt kind of weak compared to the Godzilla-sized riffs of the instrumental chorus (especially in a live setting).
But the sheer scale of the instrumentals balance out any other parts that might lack in substance. Hell, the music practically is its own lyric sheet. As you listen, you can see the neon skyline unfolding in your mind’s eye, nothing but night clubs, taxis and a clear night sky.
‘Midnight City’ would be a pretty good song even if it only lasted for three minutes, but what happens at 3.02 pushes the song from “good” to “great” territory. The two greatest words in the English language (and popular music’s very own “cellar door”): SAXOPHONE SOLO!
Seriously, there’s no greater way of saying “Shit just got real” than a saxophone solo. Now stop reading this and dance.
Winner of this year’s ‘Oh Shit’ award
Last year’s winner. [Also relevant]
