The 2013 Boneys...The Songs

[T_Bone0806]

Here we go with the countdown of my favorite songs of 2012. I started off
with about 220 candidates, then whittled it down to about 150 on the second
cut. I got it down to about 115 when it got real difficult. Nonetheless, I
managed to settle on these 100 songs. Please let me know if you have trouble
with any of these links.


#100. Comfortable-Ian Hunter

Let's start out smokin' with this raucous bit of pub-rock from the former
frontman of the 70's glam-rock band Mott The Hoople. Nothin' fancy here, just
some good old-fashioned meat and potatoes rock-n-roll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvrPqF6lqEU


#99. Wrong Idea-Shoes

This band made a little noise on the airwaves back in 1979 with their
album "Present Tense". They've made a number of records since, but fell
completely off the radar. They returned in 2012 with "Ignition", and as this
track from that cd shows, they haven't lost their gift for melodic pop. This one
may remind you of Fountains of Wayne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncP6Lg44uBo


#98. Barricade-Lifehouse

Change of pace track from their fine '12 release "Almeria". Gentle tune that
could fit right in with the soft country-rock that was comng out of Southern
California in the early 70'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RZxByT24Os


#97. Make It Through-Tyrone Wells

The prolific Mr. Wells released 2 full-length cd's and an ep in 2012. The result
was a lot of pleasant listening, including this pretty ballad.

http://songs.to/#!pl=bf4b8f56cb595ebf37 ... 2c0549134e


#96. Empty Threat-Kathleen Edwards

Nice, easygoing singer-songwriter type stuff here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mkXfCEGAF0


#95. Stray Heart-Green Day

Green Day released THREE albums this year, in rapid succession. This track comes
from the second one, and joins a "Walking On Sunshine" beat to a pop-punky
melody line that's quite appealing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN0b-adUt9I


#94. Don't Blame Me-Bleaker Street Cowboys

Nice 50's style easy rockabilly number that would've been right at home with a
Sun Records label on it. Unfortunately I can only find a 30 second soundbite for
you.

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Blame-Me/dp/B009A6L7GQ


#93. North Side Gal-J. D. McPherson

Let's stay in 50's mode. This time, it's a funky R & B burner that brings to
mind folks like Little Richard and Larry Williams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZGn4LncY0g


#92. Devil in a Cardigan-The Wellingtons

Power Pop from Australia.

http://thewellingtons.bandcamp.com/trac ... cardigan-2


#91. Beautiful Sunchild-Two Sheds Jackson

This band joins Toad The Wet Sprocket on the short list of bands that took their
name from a Monty Python sketch. Musically, it goes from a standard pop song
that really takes flight in the chorus, which sounds like something that The
Association might have cooked up in the 60's.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search/song?q ... k+hromadka


#90. Oh Yeah-Aerosmith

Can't say I thought too much of Aerosmith's first album in 10 years, but I liked
this one, which is old-school Aerosmith and NOT crappy Alicia Silverstone video
power ballad Aerosmith. The album coulda used more tunes like these from the
Boston bad boys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3hIOrbBURY


#89. I Make My Own Sunshine-Alyssa Bonagura

Light and fluffy pop ditty that was featured in a Lowe's commercial. And really,
who can resist a happy ukelele?.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUFDFePer_c


#88. I Used To Could-Mark Knopfler

Smoky barroom bluesrock from the former leader of Dire Straits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dBaXfFZecE


#87. Daybreak Over The Ocean-The Beach Boys

Similar to "Kokomo", but better.

http://www.myspace.com/thebeachboys/mus ... n-87827562


#86. At Last-Jeff Lynne

The Etta James chestnut, served up ELO style. This link leads to the entire
"Long Wave" album (which I also really liked), but to just hear "At Last",
skip to 17:33 in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USdyRXZNSts


#85. Things To Say-Safety Suit

Soft, easy rolling ballad from this Tulsa, Oklahoma band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8IAK1tCHUs


#84. Afterglow-Black Country Communion

This is a supergroup consisting of guitar wizard Joe Bonamassa, Vocalist/Bassist
Glenn Hughes (who joined Deep Purple with David Coverdale for the "Burn" and
"Stormbringer" albums after Ian Gillan and Roger Glover left), Derek Sherinian
(formerly of Dream Theater) on keyboards and Jason Bonham (son of the late Led
Zeppelin drummer John, and seemingly at his young age has sat in with every band
currently in existence. This song sounds like a lost track from the "Houses of
the Holy" or "Physical Graffiti" albums. EXTREMELY Zeppelin influenced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O97kWjGW6BM


#83. Silenced By The Night-Keane

A band that usually manages to land at least one Boney with each released. On
this one they sound more like The Killers (who we'll also hear from on this
countdown) than Keane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HrV_B0qrdY


#82. Touch The Sky-Julie Fowlis

Not one, but TWO songs from the Disney/Pixar film "Brave" makes the list.
Here's the first one. Some very nice music capturing the feel of the old
Scottish times the movie is set in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSmXMMc28yw


#81. Virginia-Elliott Yamin

Season 5 of "American Idol" remains, for me, the best ever. And even though I
will never apologize for pulling for Taylor Hicks that season, I will admit that
this guy here was probably the purest talent of the bunch. He lays down some
mighty tasty soulful chops on this gospel-flavored midtempo workout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP7zXKX1lAY


We're just getting started. #80-#61 coming up....

[T_Bone0806]

#80. In The Morrow-Brandi Carlile

With a voice that reminds me of Bonnie Raitt, this singer, who got some
attention with her song "The Story" a few years back, gives us a nice
alt-country ballad here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhVufY2Y3OU


#79. Good Luck Charm-The Dirty Guv'nahs

Some more no frills Stones/Black Crowes/Faces rock-n-roll. At least SOMEBODY'S
still making this kind of music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prP7q1N81Fk


#78. Lens-Alanis Morissette

A hippy-dippy-trippy tune of the type she does so well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK8r9Q0Vx_4


#77. Hold That Thought-Ben Folds Five

And a rolling piano ballad of the type HE does so well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5wBjcdo2oE


#76. Bells & Whistles-Matt Webster

Alas, just a 30-second sound bite here...the sugary goodness of its
falsetto-driven chorus is what won me over..you at least get part of that in
this clip.

http://www.amazon.com/Bells-Whistles/dp/B008DXJJOE


#75. Divisible/Indivisible-Scott Warren

A big, bouncy, brassy pop song. Coulda been a 60's hit for The Monkees, Turtles,
Boyce & Hart, etc.

http://scottwarren.bandcamp.com/track/d ... ndivisible


#74. Split Decision-Bonnie Raitt

This lady can still rock when she gets the notion to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuWfvdtGNsk


#73. Too Lazy To Love You-Frank Bango

With a voice that channels Lennon with a stuffy nose, I have been a fan of this
guy for a while now. Enough, in fact, to contribute to the Kickstarter campaign
to get the album this track comes from, "Touchy/Feely", made. The download of
the completed cd made it money well spent, indeed. The sweet-natured melody of
this song hits my ears just right, and the video is a chuckle, to boot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qdlWvpup3s


#72. Hard Way Home-Brandi Carlile

Ms. Carlile is back for an encore on our countdown, this time with a more
uptempo selection. Nice harmonies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AV5TRO1BqU


#71. On The Road-Keane

Another repeat performer on the list, here's a happy, fast-paced call to hit the
highway and see where life takes you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KppAzdztrlM.


#70. Oh Love-Green Day

Green Day also returns to us with this stadium-ready anthem. In the chorus, when
Billie Joe sings "I'm wearing my heart..", I expect him to continue with "like a
crown", as the lyrics and melody line of the first 4 words are an exact match for
that phrase in "The Great Pretender". Note: I linked to the You Tube video that
displays the lyrics rather than the official video, which if it didn't blur out
the "naughty bits", would definitely be R rated. The Boneys do not wish to
offend those who may find the video sexist, immoral, objectifying of women, or
extremely unrealistic because HE never had groupies that looked like that....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_05XAPR8q8


#69. Live and Learn-Men Without Hats

No, I wasn't kidding earlier this year when I said this album wasn't half bad.
If this had been the followup to "Safety Dance" many moons ago, MWH would not be
classified (right or wrong) as a "one hit wonder". This is, dare I say it, a
very pretty 80's style tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lGfOZCjf6s


#68. Weather In My Head-Donald Fagen

Slinky, funky, jazzy, and oh-so-good. Mr. Fagen steps out from Steely Dan every
now and then to release a solo record, but the apple doesn't fall very far from
the Dan tree, which is ok with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GItylidTLB4


#67. Stars-Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

Pretty pretty ballad from the normally more rowdy Potter & company. I prefer
this version with Chesney, which is actually a bonus track on the album, to the
official hit version. It just sounds richer and has more impact. I'll post links
to both versions, however.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2sk13_TeNk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml7TmC__eDc


#66. On High-Gavin Guss

Nice, tight little power-popper. This guy scored a couple of Boneys a couple of
years ago and does it again this year. He makes some excellent music that nobody
hears.

ON LINK BELOW, SCROLL DOWN TO TRACK 5 AND CLICK

http://finrecords.com/store/gavin-guss/on-high


#65. Carry On-fun.

The first of 3 songs on our countdown for this multiple Grammy nominee, these
guys also have reaped their share of Boneys. Those Grammy folks don't ALWAYS get
it wrong. Well, other than the fact that those of us who bought their PREVIOUS
album a couple of years ago might take issue with the best NEW artist
nomination....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7yCLn-O-Y0


#64. Mulholland Drive-The Gaslight Anthem

A pulsating, throw your fist in the air rocker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR4-F-P-Y6Q


#63. One Lovely Day-Citizen Cope

Lovely little song, it was featured in the movie "Battleship" FWIW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKc9pjaOJfo


#62. Loveblind-David Myrh

OK, this may be a little too sugary for some, and I'll admit that it's not too
far of a stretch to imagine it being sung by some Disney Channel-concocted
artist (in which case I'd likely have hypocritically bashed it), but it comes to
us instead from Mr. Myrh, who was part of the Swedish power pop duo The
Merrymakers, responsible for some awesomely tasty melodic pop in their day.
This would've been a stone cold smash back in the early to mid 70's. This might
put you in a sugar induced coma, but it's an irresistable slice of ear candy to
me.

http://peterspowerpop.blogspot.com/2012 ... blind.html


#61. Simple Life-Tyrone Wells

Earnest easy pop in the vein of Jason Mraz and the like.

http://positionmusic.com/track.php?id=1 ... lay=lyrics


Up next: #60-#41.

[T_Bone0806]

#60. Anything Could Happen-Ellie Goulding

Quirky pop. Not the sort of thing I usually go for, but she hit the right spot
with me on this, as she did with her previous hit "Lights". Haven't really cared
for much else I've heard from her, but I do like those two.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hzgS9s-tE8


#59. One More Shot-Rolling Stones

One of two new songs from their greatest hits package "Grrrr!". They're actually
promoting the other song, "Doom and Gloom", which is pretty good as well, but I
prefer this one. I'm such a rebel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iecBKNWn6hc


#58. Live-Ultravox

Reunited English band who were part of the new wave brigade in the late 70's/
early 80's. Member Midge Ure was a prominent contributor to the Band Aid/"Do
They Know It's Christmas" project. This is pure 80's here on this tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umi9pNZdzsY


#57. Nowhere Left To Go-Joshua Hyslop

A quiet whisper of a song, beautiful but very melancholic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLeVg0kHuRw


#56. The Way It Was-The Killers

Just the kind of modern pop song with 80's sensibilities they excel at.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hgOQ8Qg510


#55. 93 Million Miles-Jason Mraz

This is all over VH-1 (well, when they actually decide to actually PLAY music
videos) these days. Soooo pretty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcQwIxRcaYs


#54. Anna Sun-Walk The Moon

Another catchy modern pop tune. Similar in sound to Panic! at the Disco and Fall
Out Boy...and yes, this also has some 80's overtones.
Seems to be a trend here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDVW81bXo0s


#53. Riga in the Fall-Gavin Guss

Guss makes his second appearance on our countdown with this pretty ballad..it
just hit me that Guss sounds a lot like the singer in Fountains of Wayne.

video is right there on the homepage. Just push the play arrow.

http://gavinguss.com/


#52. Skyfall-Adele

Old school Bond theme. I've heard the movie is good. Haven't seen it yet, but
the theme song sure kicks ass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-gLRp5bSpw


#51. All Over Me-The BoDeans

Americana rock-n-roll from another band that made its first record a long, long
time ago.

http://www.myspace.com/bodeans/music/so ... e-87536557


#50. How It Starts-The Features

First heard this on a commercial for the Ford Mustang. A nice, tight little
indie-rocker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWMwD_fNhCY


#49. Looking For A Life-David Myrh

Another wonderful pop tune from this Swedish melody master.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud9k1LPyz14


#48. Only a Mountain-Jason Castro

Cheerful "keep your chin up" tune from the "American Idol" alumni. He's entered
the Christian music market, although this one isn't overtly religious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OWLs1G3q1o


#47. Payphone-Maroon 5 w Wiz Khalifa

I could've done without the rap, of course (would you expect anything else from
me?), but the melody is undeniable. THE ORIGINAL VERSION CONTAINS SOME NAUGHTY
WORDS, AND NOT JUST IN THE RAP..right in the chorus as well. Therefore, I've
chosen to link the "clean" version, which also takes out the rap, so as not to
offend those offended by such things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGPd9Z397YQ

HOWEVER, IF YOU PREFER YOUR MATERIALS UNCENSORED, HERE IS THE LINK TO THE
ORIGINAL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzxwOrT6Beo


#46. Easy Come Easy Go-Great Lake Swimmers

Add another to this list of accoustic instrument based groups who are getting
some attention in the wake of Mumford & Sons' huge breakthrough. This one adds
some electric instrumentation to the fiddles and mandolins and such, but it's
still real musicians playing real music. Some fine male & female harmonizing
as well on this folk/rock hybrid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsjVXBNz1DM

#45. What You Do To Yourself-Blair Gilley

Power Pop heaven!! Brings to mind Eric Carmen & the Raspberries. This link is to
his website. Scroll down to the last tune to get a soundbite.

http://www.blairgilley.com/music.cfm


#44. Beautifully-Jay Brannan

Pretty but sad little song about loving someone who doesn't love you back but
still tries to be your friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqezNt0gYfU


#43. Someone To Watch Over You-Matt Webster

Ben Folds-like piano ballad with a very innocent melody line. Wistful. This is
about a minute and a half clip of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9nGe0awPio


#42. Give Me Back My Love-Michael Grimm

The soulful voice of this former "America's Got Talent" winner fuel this 70's
style power ballad. Previously unreleased track recorded prior to his "AGT" run,
it was released this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iO6C7ivfqY


#41. Just Breathe-Willie Nelson

Even folks who don't like country seem to have a soft spot for Willie. He just
has a way with a song. And he's the coolest old dude ever!
Here's the first of two appearances for Nelson on the countdown, an easygoing
ballad (a cover of a PEARL JAM song...again, how cool is Willie?) sung with son
Lukas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NRK-81pG6Q


We move into the Top 40 next.

[T_Bone0806]

It's getting serious now, as into the Top 40 we go..(where's Casey Kasem when
you need him....

#40. Demons-Imnagine Dragons

This band placed 3 songs on my list, ALL in the Top 40. Not bad. They like to
go with those big, anthem-like choruses and this power ballad is no exception.
Someone compared this song to Coldplay, and I'd say it's a fair comparison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T07F_JtZqV4

#39. Live and Die-The Avett Brothers

A couple of years ago on the Grammys there was a featured segment with two young
bands from the blossoming folk/alt. country revival, culminating in a
performance by Bob Dylan. Mumford & Sons was one of those bands. This was the
other. While the former has gotten a WHOLE lot of attention, the latter group
should not be overlooked.Check out this lilting little melody. Fiddles, banjos,
upright basses, and smiles!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5CMDmxtpbc

#38. Not The End-The So Manys

Just this much shy of being a boy band ditty, I'll admit, but the chorus is
undeniably catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gjVm5sNiHE


#37. You and I-Paper Route

Another "Big 80's" sounding tune with synthesizers, layered vocals and loud
percussion. Oh, and a killer hook as its chorus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GavKw-yDo98


#36. Next To Me-Emeli Sande

What is going on with all of these powerhouse female vocalists coming out of the
U.K.? This young lady has a big voice, and those pounding drums and piano merge
well with her soulfully-inflected vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nwdjQmc_N8


#35. Run To You-Mike Schmid

An absolutely beautiful song that comes from a downloadable collection of tunes
benefitting Danbury Hospital in Connecticut, who are handling counselling
services for those affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy. This singer/pianist,
similar in style to the great Ben Folds although less quirky, deserves a much
bigger audience...I've enjoyed most every piece of music I've heard by him (his
song "Snow Day", from a Christmas ep and about holidays when his grandma was
still alive, pretty much breaks my heart every time I play it)..

http://songsforsandyhook.bandcamp.com/t ... ike-schmid


#34. Magnolia-Alberta Cross

Slowly building midtempo number that sounds like they're standing on a
mountaintop and singing to the valley below as the sun rises. The falsetto
counterpoint in the chorus is singalongy good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpL66AsZOwo


#33. All The World-The BoDeans

Second track on our countdown from their "American Made" album. More Americana
lite rock with a dash of country seasoning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTPvn30zjEM


#32. We Are Young-fun. with Janelle Monae

One of those songs you couldn't escape if you listened or watched any sort of
pop music radio or tv. Luckily I don't listen to much radio, so I never got the
opportunity to get sick of this. Theatrical, big anthem choruses, multi-layered
harmonies that carry a bit of a Queen-like texture...that's fun.'s stock in
trade. Certainly in evidence here. SPOILER ALERT: We're not done having fun. in
this countdown yet..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv6dMFF_yts


#31. Right Down The Line-Bonnie Raitt

From her excellent "Slipstream" cd, here Ms. Raitt nails the Gerry Rafferty song
by applying a reggae-lite spin on it. I love the original, and this is a fresh
enough take on it that I love this, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T_aMNbXVdA


#30. Stubborn Love-The Lumineers

Somehow this manages to be stark and bleak, and bouncy and footstompy at the
same time. Cellos & fiddles in the mix. Yes, this is part of that Mumford & Sons
sound, but it also has its own flavor. They performed this on a recent "Saturday
Night Live" episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1iDBtcEm0w


#29. It's Okay-Coin

Opening with a blast of hooky synthesizer goodness and evolving into a Maroon-5/
Train-like hip-shaker, this is kinda hard not to nod your head along to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azY3jrotONY


#28. Paint My Life-SHEL

The sisters in this band have crafted a beautiful sound here..What a haunting
melody here. Adding to the effect are ghostly harmonies and a lonely sounding
violin. Almost as if someone crossed the Wilson sisters of Heart with Enya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXG5ZJoLnVc


#27. Land of Hope and Dreams-Bruce Springsteen

The type of rousing stadium anthem he does so well. Yeah, it's more effective
done live, but on record it's still pretty moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXrT8rQ0axM


#26. She's So Mean-Matchbox Twenty

Just a catchy little pop-rock number.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8WLa6umgdw


#25. Gone-Jeremy Fisher

A song made for strummin', pickin' & grinnin' on the front porch with a jug of
moonshine. Clever lyrics. On this link, scroll down until you reach
"listen to mint julep" and click on the play arrow. "Gone" is the first song on
the disc.

http://www.jeremyfishermusic.com/


#24. No One's Home Anymore-Scott Warren

Haunting tune featuring some interesting changes in time signatures and
instrumentation..an unusual song but one that sticks with you.

http://scottwarren.bandcamp.com/track/n ... me-anymore


#23. This Moment Now-Tyrone Wells

Just a pretty, pretty song.

http://positionmusic.com/track.php?id=1 ... lay=lyrics


#22. Drive By-Train

Not only was this all over the radio, it was also used for a car commercial so
it was all over tv as well. One of those folks either really like or really
hate. I think it's catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxqnFJ3lp5k


#21. On Top of the World-Imagine Dragons

Their second appearance on the countdown, this time bringing a bit of an
Caribbean island vibe to this exuberant slice of feel-good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgltSp_mU7M


Up next, my 20 favorite songs of 2012...working our way toward #1.

[T_Bone0806]

Well, here we go...the cream of the crop, the pick of the litter, the rice of
the roni...my 20 favorite songs of 2012...


#20. Point of No Return-ELO

Jeff Lynne released two cd's at the same time in the fall of 2012. One was under
his name andcontained "ELO-ized" standards and oldies. The other was under the
ELO moniker and featured some of ELO's biggest hits re-recorded by Lynne. That
latter disc also included this brand new tune, which would not have been out of
place on "A New World Record" or "Out of the Blue".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AS7moM035Y


19. Somebody That I Used To Know-Gotye

At this point there probably aren't too many who don't know this one. In fact,
its ubiquity may have led to its ranking here instead of in the top 5, where I
thought it might land when I first heard it. I think maybe I heard it one too
many times. Still, it IS good tune, and certainly different than the usual hit
song these days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY


#18. The A Team-Ed Sheeran

This sweet, pretty melody is in direct contrast to the bleak lyrics concerning a
drug-addicted hooker whose dreams have died.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAWcs5H-qgQ


#17. Everybody Talks-Neon Trees

Boppin' little modern pop tune that makes it hard to sit still.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5G9tIe84lE


#16. Hall of Fame-The Script

This is another cool anthemic tune. It's got a great big power chorus
that won't leave your head. Of course, it won't be long until we're sick to
death of it when every sports program uses it for their profile pieces,
highlight packages and promos (MLB Network is already on it). For now, I rather
like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adAdN5IRDMY


#15. Lover of the Light-Mumford & Sons

These guys scored big on the Boneys 2 years ago, and their followup cd, "Babel",
is gonna do pretty well also. This another fine example of their unique blend of
low key folk and bluegrass with high powered, dramatic rock sensibilities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMJUbZrNnA8


#14. She Can Do It All-Kurt Baker

The best 1965 #1 record that isn't actually from 1965 and will never sniff the
charts. No kidding, this guy PERFECTLY captures the joy and innocence of the best
British Invasion music. The melody is achingly young and sweet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjq5vLoYack


#13. Between The Raindrops-Lifehouse w/Natasha Bedingfield

Currently in VH-1's top 20 videos, a easy rollin' ballad with an undeniable
chorus. The vocalists blend very nicely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG6-bU6esKo


#12. Somewhere Trouble Don't Go-Joe Bonamassa

The blues-rock guitarist carrying the torch for classic rock channels his inner
Bad Company here. This makes me feel 16 again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc8RxZnEAu0


#11. It's Time-Imagine Dragons

The track getting the most attention from their album, it starts with handclaps
and mandolins and evolves into a rompin', stompin' ode to being true to one's
self.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sENM2wA_FTg


#10. Locked Out of Heaven-Bruno Mars

The versatile Mr. Mars seems to be at home in just about any genre, which keeps
his records from being repetitive and predictable. He takes a page out of the
playbook of The Police on this hit from his latest cd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-fA-gBCkj0


#9. The Scientist-Willie Nelson

Don't get me wrong, I love the original version by Coldplay, but Willie just
plain steals it from them with this awesome reading. Seriously, it sounds like
Willie has poured every pain, every regret he's ever had into his vocal. He
doesn't just sing the lyrics, he LIVES them. An emotional, raw performance that
touched me deeply.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v525UGbA448


#8. Learn Me Right-Birdy with Mumford & Sons

Another one from the "Brave" soundtrack. Soaring and majestic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUoZN4cpfmM


#7. I Will Wait-Mumford & Sons

Might as well keep M. & Sons on the bandstand, as they come in at #7 with this
track from "Babel". What a great band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGKfrgqWcv0


#6. Crazytown-Aimee Mann

Former voice of 'Til Tuesday ("Voices Carry") and sister-in-law of Sean Penn
scores big with me with this immensely catchy midtempo pop confection. Mann is
known for matching deceptively happy sounding melodies with somber lyrics, and
this song is no exception.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNZ9jG-BBLU


#5. That's Why God Made The Radio-Beach Boys

Made to coincide with the Beach Boys' 50th anniversary summer tour, the album
containing this title track showed us there was still some magic in there. Too
bad it eventually and predictably blew up again when the equally predictable
assholishness of Mike Love surfaced once more. Ah, but listening to this song,
for a brief time it was the 60's again and, except for the unavoidable absence
of Carl and Dennis, we were picking up those good vibrations, especially when
they reach the chorus and those unmistakable harmonies soar into the heavens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAmk-Wk2pNA


#4. Home-Phillip Phillips

Winner of the most recent "American Idol" season. Honestly, I did not like this
guy (or anyone else that season, really) and stopped watching. Therefore, I had
no idea this was him when I heard it playing on NBC's Olympic Coverage (whenever
the female gymnasts were featured), nor that it was his "coronation" song
(which traditionally sucks). Imagine my surprise on both counts. The topper was
hearing Phillips distancing himself from it by saying it was not really his
style or the type of song he would choose to record. Which explains why I like
it so much, I guess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE


#3. Call Me Maybe-Carly Rae Jepsen

I guess this would be my guilty pleasure song of the year. At least I know I'm
not alone. A guy I work with, whose musical tastes usually run to the liikes of
Dylan and The Band, admitted to me that he loves this song. So what is it about
this song? Are there evil subliminal messages compelling us to like it? Is it
those wonderful staccato strings that punctuate in counterpoint to the singer?
Or just a perfectly crafted pop tune? I only know that many many people you
wouldn't think would like this song do, in fact, like it. Like it very much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic


#2. Ho Hey-The Lumineers

Just a couple of instruments, stomping feet and a great big singalong chorus
made so that one fist can be raised in the air and the other can keep a grasp on
a mug of beer was all it took to create this never leave your head tune. I hear
this song and I'm singing it the rest of the day..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvCBSSwgtg4


#1. SOME NIGHTS-FUN.

...unless I hear THIS song, then I'm singing THIS the rest of the day. Probably
the only vocalist who can use Autotune and not annoy me. I think it's because I
saw the band perform live on tv so I know the guy can really sing, indicating
that they use the Autotune for an effect, and not because they HAVE to in order
to stay in key. Anyway, this is another theatrical anthem with a shout it to the
heavens chorus. As many times as I've heard it, I am not yet sick of it. Nothing
topped it in 2012 for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQkBeOisNM0


So there you have it. As always, hope you might have found a few new things to
like from this list. Thanks for letting me indulge myself. Till next year, keep
the music playing!

[SportsFan68]

Thanks, MrBone!

I didn't have a chance to listen to all of em that intrigued me, but I'll get there. Excuse me, I have to pull myself away from the computer before I go through the entire list . . .

[Ritterskoop]

I was hoping hoping hoping that Some Nights would have stayed atop the list, even almost a year later!

It is THAT GOOD.

[Snaxx]

Thanks T-Bone for taking the time to post all of those links!
Here is the link to the Men Without Hats tune, (a trip back to the 80s indeed), as there was a duplicate link of the previous song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lGfOZCjf6s

[T_Bone0806]

Thanks Snaxx, I fixed it. I knew there'd be some flub ups somewhere..I'm not talented enough to do that much writing, copying and pasting without screwing up...

[Catfish]

Thanks, MrBone!

I didn't have a chance to listen to all of em that intrigued me, but I'll get there. Excuse me, I have to pull myself away from the computer before I go through the entire list . . .

Ditto!
Love,

[etaoin22]

THANK YOU!

Could be for much, but specifically for putting "Oh Love'" and "The Great Pretender" in the same sentence.

I'm not nuts, then!

[littlebeast13]

Holy crap! I wasn't counting, but I think I actually recognize about 8-10 of these, including several in the Top 20! Much better than last year's 1 or 2. Then again, in 2011 I was listening to a 90's station, and now I'm back to the variety station that picks up on the more popular songs of today....

I do appreciate anyone dedicated enough to anything to do a Top 100 list, let alone a yearly one!

lb13

[Big-Haired Mini]

*Whew!* I realized I hadn't put anything in the selection list during the Bored shutdown days, so I'm happy to see you have Next To Me on the list. The only drawback to it is how simplistic/repetetive the composition of the song is, but she sings the heck out of it.

And her name is really Adele! I guess she had to go with her middle name to avoid confusion, huh...

[Big-Haired Mini]

So, no Black Keys? I like Lonely Boy.

I had heard a song that was so grating to my ears I had to turn it off any time it came on, and was shocked to see it was nominated for a couple Grammys! I just can't listen to "Adorn"--it's nails on a chalkboard bad to my ears!

[starfish1113]

Great list, TBone!

The bad news is I only know 26 of them. The good news is I know 13 of the top 20! My favorite song of the year is there (A Team), along with those fun. songs that I thought were only I and a bunch of teenage girls liked, but I guess I'm wrong!

[T_Bone0806]

So, no Black Keys? I like Lonely Boy.

I had heard a song that was so grating to my ears I had to turn it off any time it came on, and was shocked to see it was nominated for a couple Grammys! I just can't listen to "Adorn"--it's nails on a chalkboard bad to my ears!

I liked Black Keys, but nothing made the final cut. Perhaps I'll post a few more tunes that just missed the boat. I figger these are more than enough to digest for now...

[T_Bone0806]

Dear everyone:


If you happen to listen to #45 (What You Do To Yourself), please tell me (if you can) who his voice reminds you of. I do hear some Eric Carmen in there, but that is not the name that's on the edge of my brain and the tip of my tongue.


It's been driving me batty...

[tlynn78]

Can't wait to dig into this at home! Thanks for doing this, T-bone!

t.

[Ritterskoop]

Dear everyone:


If you happen to listen to #45 (What You Do To Yourself), please tell me (if you can) who his voice reminds you of. I do hear some Eric Carmen in there, but that is not the name that's on the edge of my brain and the tip of my tongue.


It's been driving me batty...

Rooney?

[T_Bone0806]

Dear everyone:


If you happen to listen to #45 (What You Do To Yourself), please tell me (if you can) who his voice reminds you of. I do hear some Eric Carmen in there, but that is not the name that's on the edge of my brain and the tip of my tongue.


It's been driving me batty...

Rooney?

That's not the name I was trying to pull, but I will have to go check my Rooney cd's just in case. Thanks, Skoop!

[Ritterskoop]

Dear everyone:


If you happen to listen to #45 (What You Do To Yourself), please tell me (if you can) who his voice reminds you of. I do hear some Eric Carmen in there, but that is not the name that's on the edge of my brain and the tip of my tongue.


It's been driving me batty...

Rooney?

That's not the name I was trying to pull, but I will have to go check my Rooney cd's just in case. Thanks, Skoop!

It's more the instrumentation than the vocal that sounds like Rooney, so let us know if you think of the voice. I'll do more listening in a day or two, after school gets caught up.

[mrkelley23]

His voice sounds like any number of 70s schmaltz-pop types, including Randy Van Warmer, Christopher Cross, and What's his name that John Belushi smashed the guitar of in Animal House.

Don't think those are what you're looking for, since he still sounded more like Eric Carmen than anything to me, but I'll keep thinking.

[T_Bone0806]

His voice sounds like any number of 70s schmaltz-pop types, including Randy Van Warmer, Christopher Cross, and What's his name that John Belushi smashed the guitar of in Animal House.

Stephen Bishop

Don't think those are what you're looking for, since he still sounded more like Eric Carmen than anything to me, but I'll keep thinking.

Thanks. I dunno, maybe it IS Eric Carmen, but I can't think of the specific song that is at the back of my brain. I know there's a specific note phrase that is clawing at me, what this guy's voice matches perfectly. At some point I'll hear it, or it'll just spring into my brain more likely, and I'll shout out "eureka!!!"...undoubtedly at the most inopportune time possible

[Ritterskoop]

This is not the answer you are looking for, but the first two songs on Blair Gilley's EP sound a LOT like ........ James Durbin, AI 4th place finisher three years ago. The later songs don't sound like him, but I could totally hear Durbin in those first two. For what that's worth.

The rest of the scorecard:

After skipping and tripping through the Boneys, I bought 7 albums off the albums list (already had 5 and knew I wouldn't like one), and from the singles list:

3 singles (2 by Green Day + Phillip Phillip's Home, which somehow I had not yet bought)
2 EPs (Two Sheds Jackson, Blair Gilley)
3 albums (Keane, Ultravox, which reminds me in a good way of Pet Shop Boys, and Paper Route)
one single I can't find on iTunes, by Coin - pretty good haul!