Ridgeback: Autumn 2010
Fall -- three months of the year where it's not too hot, but not too cold. The leaves are changing (figuratively and physically), and it's time to chillax, but not too much. We still got things to do before it gets cold outside.What makes this season stand out from the others? It's when football begins, when the kids mumble as they go back to school (as do the teachers), and when those shows we like make their triumphant return. Duh.And like the summer before it, autumn deserves its own soundtrack, don't you agree? Probably not. But I'm keeping on with this once-a-season playlist -- and here it is. Originally written: Sept. 17, 2010 |
| 1 | Ashlee Simpson
Pieces
Yeah, Mrs. Fall-Out-Boy is known more for her failed lip-sync than she was for her actual music. But believe it or not, Jessica Simpson's more talented sister delivered on this adult contemporary hit. |
| 2 | Act of Congress
Five Minutes of Fame
Everyone wants five minutes of fame, and few express it better than this unknown quasi-country group -- especially when they recreate a Michael Jackson classic for five seconds. |
| 3 | Black Eyed Peas
Now Generation
They traded in their hip-hop roots for pop on each new album, but they'll never give up their love for anthems. The E.N.D. was filled to the brim with them, and few are catchier than this song about the "now generation." |
| 4 | P!nk
Please Don't Leave Me
The most 80's song she's done yet, in music and lyrics. But the biggest secret in this song? Pink doesn't want you to leave her. Not ever. |
| 5 | Be Your Own Pet
Black Hole
Tennessean punk? It shouldn't exist -- BYOP's break-up proved that. But for the four years they were around... well. Not all of their songs were about going on a killing spree out of boredom. But this one is. And it's awesome. |
| 6 | Neon Trees
Animal
In almost every way, this indie-pop/rocker sounds like a reject from the Twilight Saga's soundtrack -- or was it because it's too good? The Killers like them enough. Who are we to disagree? |
| 7 | Hey Monday
I Don't Wanna Dance
It starts off almost like Buffy meets Twilight, but then the beat kicks in and you think "If Paramore can be successful, why can't her poppier little sister?" (Note: the two lead singers, while hot, are not related). |
| 8 | Stars
My Favourite Book
There have been songs made for every time and every mood. If the title didn't give it away, this is the song to listen to when you want to curl up with a good book. Pick one up today. |
| 9 | Priscilla Renae
Dollhouse
Hard to say if this song is too pop for this not-diva. But if you wanted to dance while you told off your man, congratulations: this is your jam. Now whoop their ass. |
| 10 | The Rescues
Break Me Out
This song could be a modern classic, if such a term existed -- four-part harmonies, pop-guitar aesthetics, and memorable contemporary production. The 2010 hit that never was. |
| 11 | Ne-Yo
Beautiful Monster
Michael may be gone, but if one thing is for sure it's that his ghost lives on. As Ne-Yo struts his stuff, the world breaks down around him -- and he STILL makes it out alive. |
| 12 | Black Label Society
In This River
Zakk Wylde never wrote this song for anyone, but with Dimebag Darrell's tragic passing, this became a reminder of greatness -- a tender song with an exciting solo. Metalheads, put your weepy eyes on. |
| 13 | Rilo Kiley
Portions for Foxes
Indie music's darling, singing a song about sex and lust. No wonder this song was such a success. |
| 14 | Trailer Choir
Rockin' the Beer Gut
Country music fans sure know how to rock the beer gut -- and accept all those who do. So why not make a song about it? |
| 15 | Farewell to Freeway
Portrait
Metal? On my playlist? Of course -- when the intro is so quiet, when the vocals are so throat-sheering, when the whole thing sounds like a mess but still turns out memorable, why not? |
| 16 | Cyndi Lauper
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
To wash down all that metal, some 80's pop from Madonna's former fiery-haired rival. Again, why not? It's so much fun. |
| 17 | Iron & Wine
Boy With a Coin
Sam Bean is as fashionable as freak-folk gets. But okay, this song is freaky in it's accessibility -- steady hand-claps, and temple-thumping drums, and easy-to-sway-to guitar. |
| 18 | Arcade Fire
Ready to Start
Streamlined, ornate, expansive -- what else is new? Indie-torchbearers Arcade Fire have always been this way, but on this standout track from their newest release they simplify things... sort of. |
| 19 | K'naan
Wavin' Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)
You think American rappers have it bad? This Somalian-born rapper may have something to say about that -- this Coca-Cola-sponsored remix made specifically for the World Cup. Now sing-along, all together now... |
| 20 | Creed
Hide
Remember when Creed used to be the biggest band in the world? So do I. While one can be forgiven for dwelling on their oh-so prominent Christian themes, this non-single remains a great reason to remember them fondly. |
| 21 | t.A.T.u.
All the Things She Said
Russian lesbian dance-pop? No way! Great way to end an eclectic (or is it?) mix of songs -- catchy, poppy, mainstream, successful. Plus, I mean... they're super hot. Icing on the cake, man. |
|
