1) “Beggin’” – Madcon [1-13-09]. A previously released R&B track by hip-hop group that perfectly blends pop with rap for prime danceability.
2) “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz from a formidable new siren out of Nigeria.
3) “Feel It” – DJ Felli Fel feat. T-Pain, Sean Paul, Flo Rida and Pitbull [2-10-09]. A monster line-up of hip-hop stars showcase their collaborative talent on this big-time club banger.
4) “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” – Say Hi [3-3-09]. A clubby alt-pop song with an 80’s feel – think men without Hats in The new Millenium – but way hipper.
5) “Love, Save the Empty” – Erin McCarley [1-6-09]. Rich-voiced singer-songwriter deals out an array of throaty, moody tracks.
6) “Not Fair” – Lily Allen [2-10-09]. With big country strings strumming in the background, coupled with he trademark hackneyed trashing of her guy in the sack makes for amusing, tongue-in-cheek track.
7) “Heartless” -- The Fray [4-7-09]. Denver-based band churns out a more dramatic alt-indie cover of Kanye Wests’s pop hip-hop smash hit from last summer.
8) “I Love College” – Asher Roth [1-13-09]. A white boy rap applauding the indulgences of sex, drug, drinking and rock and roll that goes down in college.
9) “I Don’t Know” – Lisa Hannigan [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.
10) “37 Stitches Acoustic Demo” – Drowning Pool [3-3-09]. A kitty-cocktail dose of this alt-metal group’s usual butt-kicking, but a palatable, gritty acoustic rocker nonetheless.
11) “Supplier” – Shawty Lo feat. Lil Wayne and Trey Songz. Loaded to the gills with upbeat cameos, you feel part of the bling-bling R&B party.
12) “The Best Revenge” – Fischerspooner [4-21-09]. A danceable track with driving beats and vocals from the innovative New York electronica duo’s latest album.
13) “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.
14) “Day and Nite” – Kid Cudi (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.
15) “Day Dreaming’” – DJ Drama feat. Akon and Snoop Dogg [1-12-09]. Akon and Snoop Dogg (-- one version includes T.I. as well! -- ) carry the tune for this underground hip-hop track that features a “g” who ponders his his fantasy girl, a go-go dancer.
16) “All I Really Want” – Rick Ross feat. The-Dream [4-21-09]. Ross is still rough but here he’s got flow as his hip-hop flows over a re-synthed disco sample.
17) “Mercy Angel” – Brian Blade [4-21-09]. Jazz musicina from Louisiana – drummer, singer-songwriter and bandleader – is behind beautiful, soulful mellow track from his latest album.
18) “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” – Pitbull. [2-24-09]. Dance-able, hippity-hop backbeat, along with the sing-along “uno, dos, tres quarto”lyrics charges this track from Cuban-American-emcee rapper.
19) “Dreamgirl” – Tay Dizm featuring Akon [1-9-09] Another clean R&B pop single with Akon carrying the fluffy melody and “Nappy Boy” making punctuating cameos.
20) “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.
21) “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track with comic-strip-character female vocals.
22) “Wetter” – Twista [2-24-09]. A naughty slow jam with Chicago hip-hopper’s fast-rollin’ raps coupled with an encouraging female vocals hook.
23) “Love, Etc.” – Pet Shop Boys [3-24-09]. A come-back single on recent E.P from the iconic post-modern 80’s British dance band who’ve been rockin’ the mic for over 25 years.
24) “I’ve Got Friends” – Manchester Orchestra [4-21-09]. A harder indie-rock sound from young band out of Atlanta.
25) “Panic Switch” – Silversun PickUps [4-14-09]. A heavy-rocker with a boomin’ bass line featuring Brian Aubert’s vocals from the Los Angeles-based rock quartet.
26) “The Future’s Nothing New” – The Alternate Routes [2-10-09]. Heavy on the electric guitar and slightly repetitive, but a solid alt-rock number from this foursome out of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
27) “So Human” -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune from the Cure by sassy Brit rapper.
28) “Angel on My Shoulder” (EDX’s Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) – Kaskade [3-24-09]. A classic dance-club/house track featuring smooth pop female vocals over cleanly produced-synths produced and by re-mixed by DJ and San Fran transplant Ryan Raddon.
29) “The Hazards of Love 1” – The Decemberists [3-24-09]. The title track from the from Portland, Oregon alt-band features dramatic vocals with acoustic background for a sweeping “folk opera-like” narrative track.
30) “Sugar” – Flo Rida feat.Wynter [3-17-09]. Like all of his tunes this one is danceable, upbeat, and this time around in duo on top of a ripped backbeat.
31) “69 Faces of Love” – King Khan and the Shrines [4-21-09]. A retro-sounding band that rocks a psychedelic R&B sound.
32) “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” – Cage the Elephant [4-13-09]. With initial chart success in England, this indie-alt rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.
33) “Brandy of the Damned” – Nickel Eye [1-17-09]. Nikolai Fraiture, bassist from The Strokes, works his guitar through a repetitive pub rock refrain “Don’t Let Them Get you Down, They’ll Step on you to Get to Higher Ground.”
34) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.
35) “Airstream Driver” – Gomez [3-2-09]. A highly-textured alt-rock single singing the praises of the big rig girl driver a la the Brit guitar band from North England.
36) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.
37) “People Got a Lotta Nerve” – Neko Case [1-20-09]. An honest alt/indie rock tune, honking the “maneater” horn, a distinct move away from Case’s country roots.
38) “French Navy” – Camera Obscura [4-20-09]. A retro-sounding alternative track with a pop sensibility from the sextet from Glasgow, Scotland.
39) “The Heartbreak Rides” – A.C. Newman [1-20-09]. From the prolific musician of New Pornographers fame, this solo effort fully embraces the indie alternative genre with dueling guitars and shared harmonies.
40) “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” – Morrissey [1-20-09]. More than anything, it’s good to hear from Morrissey again – on this hit single from his forthcoming album -- flinging and repetitive, but upbeat.
41) “You Can Get it All” – Bow Wow featuring Johnta Austin [unreleased]. An easy R&B track, over a groovin’ backbeat with big vibrato background vocals.
42) “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.
43) “Wake Up” (Afro – Fantabulous Mix) – Beef Wellington with Eugene Snowden, Swamburger from OPEN Remix, benefiting IntraHealth OPEN (2009). Swirling with tropical percussion and horns and yummy guitars and alive with soulful vocals and lyrics from the Orlando native.
44) “The Power of One (Change the World)” – Israel Houghton [3-24-09]. An inspiring contemporary Christian track from this southwest soul singer who’s gone solo from his group New Breed on his forthcoming album.
45) “Birthday Sex’ – Jeremih [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.
46) “Another John Doe” – TheNewNo2 [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.
47) “59” – 1990’s [3-24-09]. A retro-pop-groover from Glasgow trio’s sophomore album.
48) “Lost” – Gorilla Zoe [3-17-09]. An eerie hip-hop track off the sophomore album by rich-voiced Atlanta rapper.
49) “Bl3nd” – Tonex [3-17-09]. A cool Christian R&B track with subtle good will message – don’t blend, you’re unique in God’s eyes -- accompanied by an irresistible R&B backbeat & gospel choir, all lead by rapper-singer-producer-Christian-activist lead singer.
50) “I Get Off’—Halestorm [3-10-09]. The hit single from the band’s forthcoming album is a sexy hard-rocker dripping with big guitar riffs with The Hale Sisters working monster vocals and drums.
51) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.
52) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
53) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.
54) “If I Know You” – The Presets [3-23-09]. Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.
55) “Black Wedding” – Meg and Dia [3-3-09]. Big pop sound from high energy five piece band but really driven by two sisters, all from Draper, Utah and all Warp Tour veterans.
56) “Heartbroken, in Disrepair” -- Dan Auerbach [2-10-09]. – Big electric bluesey-rocker; a solo effort from Black Keys frontman.
57) “Help, I’m a Alive” – Metric [4-14-09]. A pop-rock, new-wave sounding lead track from the Canadian quartet’s latest album with new wave, Blondie-like vocals a la Emily Haines from Broken Social Scene.
58) “Chillin’” – Wale featuring Lady Gaga [4-18-09]. From the self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Rap for The Capital” (pronounced Wall-ay) teams up with a very-M.I.A.-sounding Lady GaGa for a hip-hop track plastered over na,na,na,na, hey-hey, good-bye.
59) “Meddle” – Little Boots [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic pop-disco and will release her debut album this fall.
60) “California on My Mind” – Wild Light [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!” – L.A., San Fran – fuck all of it.
61) “Sugar Lee” – Damon Fowler [1-27-09]. The kind of song that fills up the dance floor and brims with electric blues jams.
62) “Young” – Hollywood Undead [2-9-09]. A loud, agro mix of metal, rapcore and pop punk, this MySpace break -away group collectively demands to be heard because they’re “YOUNG!!!”
63) “Unreachable” – John Frusciante [1-20-09]. An almost-eerie, moody psychedelic indie track from Red Hot Chili Pepper rocker.
64) “Heartbreaker” – MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend [3-17-09]. John Legend’s classic R&B vocals are pasted up against the electronic duo’s signature synthetic sound and together make for a bold, post-modern sound.
65) “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.
66) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.
67) “Houses” – Great Northern [4-14-09]. Lead single from alternative group’s newly-released sophomore album features electric guitar and rockin’ Liz-Pahir-like vocals by keyboardist Rachel Stolte.
68) “Hey You” -- 311 [4-12-09]. The first track off latest album extols virtue of music-as-friend from band out of Omaha, Nebraska, who traditionally mix reggae with rap-metal.
69) “Champagne” – Cavo [3-17-09]. A mainstream rock jam, heavy on big-sounding riffing guitars by and up-and-coming modern rock band.
70) “Falling Away” – Jupiter Rising [3-17-09]. A pop dance track that rides the scales of harmony from West Coast team featuring chick power 80 Bug and Spencer Nezey (REPLACE WITH FULL SONG).
71) “Say It” – Blue October [3-24-09]. An honest, hard-rocker that gets to the heart of pride and a relationship gone sour from alt-rock Texas quintet.
72) “When She’s Near” – Fiction Family [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.
73) “The Mission” – Puscifer [leaked]. An alt-punk track heavy on gritty vocals and rock guitar with a hint of noir – dark and stormy – led by former Tool member, Maynard James Keenan.
74) “Pressure” – Company of Thieves [1-6-09]. An alt—indie track featuring sweet, slightly off-tune female vocals by Genevieve Schatz from this bass-free power trio.
75) “Sea of Tears” – Eilen Jewell [4-21-09]. Rising Boston singer-songwriter blends rootsy folk rock and blues on the title track of her newest album.
76) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.
77) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.
78) “Death” – White Lies [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.
79) “No Line on the Horizon” – U2 [3-3-09]. The lead track from the newest album from a la The Boys from Ireland is heavy on the arena-sounding guitar and Bono’s bigger-than-life vocals.
80) “From the Hips” – Cursive [3-10-09]. Typical of this indie bands varying tempos, moods and style, this track swings from lilting opening to rocking meat-in-the-sandwich.
81) “Sinner” – Big B feat. Scott Russo [2-17-09]. An upbeat collaboration between Jack-Johnson-like island rock and hip-hop.
82) “Bare Bones” – Madeleine Peyroux [3-10-09]. The mellow title track to her cover-free newest album shows off this French-American singer’s rootsy, jazz-influenced adult pop skillz.
83) “How Your Heart is Wired” – Bell X1 [3-3-09]. Smooth and mellow vocals overlaid on electro-synth backdrop from indie Irish rock quartet.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
RollnSmokeRecords Presents: The Best Songs of 2009
1) “Beggin’” – Madcon [1-13-09]. A previously released R&B track by hip-hop group that perfectly blends pop with rap for prime danceability.
2) “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz from a formidable new siren out of Nigeria.
3) “Feel It” – DJ Felli Fel feat. T-Pain, Sean Paul, Flo Rida and Pitbull [2-10-09]. A monster line-up of hip-hop stars showcase their collaborative talent on this big-time club banger.
4) “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” – Say Hi [3-3-09]. A clubby alt-pop song with an 80’s feel – think men without Hats in The new Millenium – but way hipper.
5) “Love, Save the Empty” – Erin McCarley [1-6-09]. Rich-voiced singer-songwriter deals out an array of throaty, moody tracks.
6) “Not Fair” – Lily Allen [2-10-09]. With big country strings strumming in the background, coupled with he trademark hackneyed trashing of her guy in the sack makes for amusing, tongue-in-cheek track.
7) “I Love College” – Asher Roth [1-13-09]. A white boy rap applauding the indulgences of sex, drug, drinking and rock and roll that goes down in college.
8) “I Don’t Know” – Lisa Hannigan [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.
9) “37 Stitches Acoustic Demo” – Drowning Pool [3-3-09]. A kitty-cocktail dose of this alt-metal group’s usual butt-kicking, but a palatable, gritty acoustic rocker nonetheless.
10) “Supplier” – Shawty Lo feat. Lil Wayne and Trey Songz. Loaded to the gills with upbeat cameos, you feel part of the bling-bling R&B party.
11) “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.
12) “Day and Nite” – Kid Cudi (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.
13) “Day Dreaming’” – DJ Drama feat. Akon and Snoop Dogg [1-12-09]. Akon and Snoop Dogg (-- one version includes T.I. as well! -- ) carry the tune for this underground hip-hop track that features a “g” who ponders his his fantasy girl, a go-go dancer.
14) “The Future’s Nothing New” – The Alternate Routes [2-10-09]. Heavy on the electric guitar and slightly repetitive, but a solid alt-rock number from this foursome out of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
15) “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” – Pitbull. [2-24-09]. Dance-able, hippity-hop backbeat, along with the sing-along “uno, dos, tres quarto”lyrics charges this track from Cuban-American-emcee rapper.
16) “Dreamgirl” – Tay Dizm featuring Akon [1-9-09] Another clean R&B pop single with Akon carrying the fluffy melody and “Nappy Boy” making punctuating cameos.
17) “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.
18) “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track with comic-strip-character female vocals.
19) “Wetter” – Twista [2-24-09]. A naughty slow jam with Chicago hip-hopper’s fast-rollin’ raps coupled with an encouraging female vocals hook.
20) “So Human” -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune from the Cure by sassy Brit rapper.
21) “Angel on My Shoulder” (EDX’s Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) – Kaskade [3-24-09]. A classic dance-club/house track featuring smooth pop female vocals over cleanly produced-synths produced and by re-mixed by DJ and San Fran transplant Ryan Raddon.
22) “The Hazards of Love 1” – The Decemberists [3-24-09]. The title track from the from Portland, Oregon alt-band features dramatic vocals with acoustic background for a sweeping “folk opera-like” narrative track.
23) “Sugar” – Flo Rida feat.Wynter [3-17-09]. Like all of his tunes this one is danceable, upbeat, and this time around in duo on top of a ripped backbeat.
24) “Brandy of the Damned” – Nickel Eye [1-17-09]. Nikolai Fraiture, bassist from The Strokes, works his guitar through a repetitive pub rock refrain “Don’t Let Them Get you Down, They’ll Step on you to Get to Higher Ground.”
25) “Love, Etc.” – Pet Shop Boys [3-24-09]. A come-back single on recent E.P from the iconic post-modern 80’s British dance band who’ve been rockin’ the mic for over 25 years.
26) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.
27) “Airstream Driver” – Gomez [3-2-09]. A highly-textured alt-rock single singing the praises of the big rig girl driver a la the Brit guitar band from North England.
28) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.
29) “People Got a Lotta Nerve” – Neko Case [1-20-09]. An honest alt/indie rock tune, honking the “maneater” horn, a distinct move away from Case’s country roots.
30) “The Heartbreak Rides” – A.C. Newman [1-20-09]. From the prolific musician of New Pornographers fame, this solo effort fully embraces the indie alternative genre with dueling guitars and shared harmonies.
31) “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” – Morrissey [1-20-09]. More than anything, it’s good to hear from Morrissey again – on this hit single from his forthcoming album -- flinging and repetitive, but upbeat.
32) “You Can Get it All” – Bow Wow featuring Johnta Austin [unreleased]. An easy R&B track, over a groovin’ backbeat with big vibrato background vocals.
33) “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.
34) “Wake Up” (Afro – Fantabulous Mix) – Beef Wellington with Eugene Snowden, Swamburger from OPEN Remix, benefiting IntraHealth OPEN (2009). Swirling with tropical percussion and horns and yummy guitars and alive with soulful vocals and lyrics from the Orlando native.
35) “The Power of One (Change the World)” – Israel Houghton [3-24-09]. An inspiring contemporary Christian track from this southwest soul singer who’s gone solo from his group New Breed on his forthcoming album.
36) “Birthday Sex’ – Jeremih [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.
37) “Another John Doe” – TheNewNo2 [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.
38) “59” – 1990’s [3-24-09]. A retro-pop-groover from Glasgow trio’s sophomore album.
39) “Lost” – Gorilla Zoe [3-17-09]. An eerie hip-hop track off the sophomore album by rich-voiced Atlanta rapper.
40) “Bl3nd” – Tonex [3-17-09]. A cool Christian R&B track with subtle good will message – don’t blend, you’re unique in God’s eyes -- accompanied by an irresistible R&B backbeat & gospel choir, all lead by rapper-singer-producer-Christian-activist lead singer.
41) “I Get Off’—Halestorm [3-10-09]. The hit single from the band’s forthcoming album is a sexy hard-rocker dripping with big guitar riffs with The Hale Sisters working monster vocals and drums.
42) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.
43) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
44) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.
45) “If I Know You” – The Presets [3-23-09]. Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.
46) “Black Wedding” – Meg and Dia [3-3-09]. Big pop sound from high energy five piece band but really driven by two sisters, all from Draper, Utah and all Warp Tour veterans.
47) “Heartbroken, in Disrepair” -- Dan Auerbach [2-10-09]. – Big electric bluesey-rocker; a solo effort from Black Keys frontman.
48) “Meddle” – Little Boots [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic pop-disco and will release her debut album this fall.
49) “California on My Mind” – Wild Light [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!” – L.A., San Fran – fuck all of it.
50) “Sugar Lee” – Damon Fowler [1-27-09]. The kind of song that fills up the dance floor and brims with electric blues jams.
51) “Young” – Hollywood Undead [2-9-09]. A loud, agro mix of metal, rapcore and pop punk, this MySpace break -away group collectively demands to be heard because they’re “YOUNG!!!”
52) “Unreachable” – John Frusciante [1-20-09]. An almost-eerie, moody psychedelic indie track from Red Hot Chili Pepper rocker.
53) “Heartbreaker” – MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend [3-17-09]. John Legend’s classic R&B vocals are pasted up against the electronic duo’s signature synthetic sound and together make for a bold, post-modern sound.
54) “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.
55) “Champagne” – Cavo [3-17-09]. A mainstream rock jam, heavy on big-sounding riffing guitars by and up-and-coming modern rock band.
57) “Falling Away” – Jupiter Rising [3-17-09]. A pop dance track that rides the scales of harmony from West Coast team featuring chick power 80 Bug and Spencer Nezey (REPLACE WITH FULL SONG).
58) “When She’s Near” – Fiction Family [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.
59) “The Mission” – Puscifer [leaked]. An alt-punk track heavy on gritty vocals and rock guitar with a hint of noir – dark and stormy – led by former Tool member, Maynard James Keenan.
60) “Pressure” – Company of Thieves [1-6-09]. An alt—indie track featuring sweet, slightly off-tune female vocals by Genevieve Schatz from this bass-free power trio.
61) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.
62) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.
63) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.
64) “Death” – White Lies [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.
65) “No Line on the Horizon” – U2 [3-3-09]. The lead track from the newest album from a la The Boys from Ireland is heavy on the arena-sounding guitar and Bono’s bigger-than-life vocals.
66) “Red Hot Gal” -- Mick Fleetwood Blues Band [3-3-09]. Big, fat blues sound – Clapton-like -- from classic rock and roll icon.
67) “From the Hips” – Cursive [3-10-09]. Typical of this indie bands varying tempos, moods and style, this track swings from lilting opening to rocking meat-in-the-sandwich.
68) “Sinner” – Big B feat. Scott Russo [2-17-09]. An upbeat collaboration between Jack-Johnson-like island rock and hip-hop.
69) “Bare Bones” – Madeleine Peyroux [3-10-09]. The mellow title track to her cover-free newest album shows off this French-American singer’s rootsy, jazz-influenced adult pop skillz.
70) “How Your Heart is Wired” – Bell X1 [3-3-09]. Smooth and mellow vocals overlaid on electro
2) “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz from a formidable new siren out of Nigeria.
3) “Feel It” – DJ Felli Fel feat. T-Pain, Sean Paul, Flo Rida and Pitbull [2-10-09]. A monster line-up of hip-hop stars showcase their collaborative talent on this big-time club banger.
4) “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” – Say Hi [3-3-09]. A clubby alt-pop song with an 80’s feel – think men without Hats in The new Millenium – but way hipper.
5) “Love, Save the Empty” – Erin McCarley [1-6-09]. Rich-voiced singer-songwriter deals out an array of throaty, moody tracks.
6) “Not Fair” – Lily Allen [2-10-09]. With big country strings strumming in the background, coupled with he trademark hackneyed trashing of her guy in the sack makes for amusing, tongue-in-cheek track.
7) “I Love College” – Asher Roth [1-13-09]. A white boy rap applauding the indulgences of sex, drug, drinking and rock and roll that goes down in college.
8) “I Don’t Know” – Lisa Hannigan [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.
9) “37 Stitches Acoustic Demo” – Drowning Pool [3-3-09]. A kitty-cocktail dose of this alt-metal group’s usual butt-kicking, but a palatable, gritty acoustic rocker nonetheless.
10) “Supplier” – Shawty Lo feat. Lil Wayne and Trey Songz. Loaded to the gills with upbeat cameos, you feel part of the bling-bling R&B party.
11) “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.
12) “Day and Nite” – Kid Cudi (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.
13) “Day Dreaming’” – DJ Drama feat. Akon and Snoop Dogg [1-12-09]. Akon and Snoop Dogg (-- one version includes T.I. as well! -- ) carry the tune for this underground hip-hop track that features a “g” who ponders his his fantasy girl, a go-go dancer.
14) “The Future’s Nothing New” – The Alternate Routes [2-10-09]. Heavy on the electric guitar and slightly repetitive, but a solid alt-rock number from this foursome out of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
15) “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” – Pitbull. [2-24-09]. Dance-able, hippity-hop backbeat, along with the sing-along “uno, dos, tres quarto”lyrics charges this track from Cuban-American-emcee rapper.
16) “Dreamgirl” – Tay Dizm featuring Akon [1-9-09] Another clean R&B pop single with Akon carrying the fluffy melody and “Nappy Boy” making punctuating cameos.
17) “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.
18) “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track with comic-strip-character female vocals.
19) “Wetter” – Twista [2-24-09]. A naughty slow jam with Chicago hip-hopper’s fast-rollin’ raps coupled with an encouraging female vocals hook.
20) “So Human” -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune from the Cure by sassy Brit rapper.
21) “Angel on My Shoulder” (EDX’s Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) – Kaskade [3-24-09]. A classic dance-club/house track featuring smooth pop female vocals over cleanly produced-synths produced and by re-mixed by DJ and San Fran transplant Ryan Raddon.
22) “The Hazards of Love 1” – The Decemberists [3-24-09]. The title track from the from Portland, Oregon alt-band features dramatic vocals with acoustic background for a sweeping “folk opera-like” narrative track.
23) “Sugar” – Flo Rida feat.Wynter [3-17-09]. Like all of his tunes this one is danceable, upbeat, and this time around in duo on top of a ripped backbeat.
24) “Brandy of the Damned” – Nickel Eye [1-17-09]. Nikolai Fraiture, bassist from The Strokes, works his guitar through a repetitive pub rock refrain “Don’t Let Them Get you Down, They’ll Step on you to Get to Higher Ground.”
25) “Love, Etc.” – Pet Shop Boys [3-24-09]. A come-back single on recent E.P from the iconic post-modern 80’s British dance band who’ve been rockin’ the mic for over 25 years.
26) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.
27) “Airstream Driver” – Gomez [3-2-09]. A highly-textured alt-rock single singing the praises of the big rig girl driver a la the Brit guitar band from North England.
28) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.
29) “People Got a Lotta Nerve” – Neko Case [1-20-09]. An honest alt/indie rock tune, honking the “maneater” horn, a distinct move away from Case’s country roots.
30) “The Heartbreak Rides” – A.C. Newman [1-20-09]. From the prolific musician of New Pornographers fame, this solo effort fully embraces the indie alternative genre with dueling guitars and shared harmonies.
31) “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” – Morrissey [1-20-09]. More than anything, it’s good to hear from Morrissey again – on this hit single from his forthcoming album -- flinging and repetitive, but upbeat.
32) “You Can Get it All” – Bow Wow featuring Johnta Austin [unreleased]. An easy R&B track, over a groovin’ backbeat with big vibrato background vocals.
33) “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.
34) “Wake Up” (Afro – Fantabulous Mix) – Beef Wellington with Eugene Snowden, Swamburger from OPEN Remix, benefiting IntraHealth OPEN (2009). Swirling with tropical percussion and horns and yummy guitars and alive with soulful vocals and lyrics from the Orlando native.
35) “The Power of One (Change the World)” – Israel Houghton [3-24-09]. An inspiring contemporary Christian track from this southwest soul singer who’s gone solo from his group New Breed on his forthcoming album.
36) “Birthday Sex’ – Jeremih [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.
37) “Another John Doe” – TheNewNo2 [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.
38) “59” – 1990’s [3-24-09]. A retro-pop-groover from Glasgow trio’s sophomore album.
39) “Lost” – Gorilla Zoe [3-17-09]. An eerie hip-hop track off the sophomore album by rich-voiced Atlanta rapper.
40) “Bl3nd” – Tonex [3-17-09]. A cool Christian R&B track with subtle good will message – don’t blend, you’re unique in God’s eyes -- accompanied by an irresistible R&B backbeat & gospel choir, all lead by rapper-singer-producer-Christian-activist lead singer.
41) “I Get Off’—Halestorm [3-10-09]. The hit single from the band’s forthcoming album is a sexy hard-rocker dripping with big guitar riffs with The Hale Sisters working monster vocals and drums.
42) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.
43) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
44) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.
45) “If I Know You” – The Presets [3-23-09]. Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.
46) “Black Wedding” – Meg and Dia [3-3-09]. Big pop sound from high energy five piece band but really driven by two sisters, all from Draper, Utah and all Warp Tour veterans.
47) “Heartbroken, in Disrepair” -- Dan Auerbach [2-10-09]. – Big electric bluesey-rocker; a solo effort from Black Keys frontman.
48) “Meddle” – Little Boots [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic pop-disco and will release her debut album this fall.
49) “California on My Mind” – Wild Light [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!” – L.A., San Fran – fuck all of it.
50) “Sugar Lee” – Damon Fowler [1-27-09]. The kind of song that fills up the dance floor and brims with electric blues jams.
51) “Young” – Hollywood Undead [2-9-09]. A loud, agro mix of metal, rapcore and pop punk, this MySpace break -away group collectively demands to be heard because they’re “YOUNG!!!”
52) “Unreachable” – John Frusciante [1-20-09]. An almost-eerie, moody psychedelic indie track from Red Hot Chili Pepper rocker.
53) “Heartbreaker” – MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend [3-17-09]. John Legend’s classic R&B vocals are pasted up against the electronic duo’s signature synthetic sound and together make for a bold, post-modern sound.
54) “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.
55) “Champagne” – Cavo [3-17-09]. A mainstream rock jam, heavy on big-sounding riffing guitars by and up-and-coming modern rock band.
57) “Falling Away” – Jupiter Rising [3-17-09]. A pop dance track that rides the scales of harmony from West Coast team featuring chick power 80 Bug and Spencer Nezey (REPLACE WITH FULL SONG).
58) “When She’s Near” – Fiction Family [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.
59) “The Mission” – Puscifer [leaked]. An alt-punk track heavy on gritty vocals and rock guitar with a hint of noir – dark and stormy – led by former Tool member, Maynard James Keenan.
60) “Pressure” – Company of Thieves [1-6-09]. An alt—indie track featuring sweet, slightly off-tune female vocals by Genevieve Schatz from this bass-free power trio.
61) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.
62) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.
63) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.
64) “Death” – White Lies [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.
65) “No Line on the Horizon” – U2 [3-3-09]. The lead track from the newest album from a la The Boys from Ireland is heavy on the arena-sounding guitar and Bono’s bigger-than-life vocals.
66) “Red Hot Gal” -- Mick Fleetwood Blues Band [3-3-09]. Big, fat blues sound – Clapton-like -- from classic rock and roll icon.
67) “From the Hips” – Cursive [3-10-09]. Typical of this indie bands varying tempos, moods and style, this track swings from lilting opening to rocking meat-in-the-sandwich.
68) “Sinner” – Big B feat. Scott Russo [2-17-09]. An upbeat collaboration between Jack-Johnson-like island rock and hip-hop.
69) “Bare Bones” – Madeleine Peyroux [3-10-09]. The mellow title track to her cover-free newest album shows off this French-American singer’s rootsy, jazz-influenced adult pop skillz.
70) “How Your Heart is Wired” – Bell X1 [3-3-09]. Smooth and mellow vocals overlaid on electro
Monday, June 1, 2009
RollnSmokeRecords: Best Songs of 2009
1) “Beggin’” – Madcon [1-13-09]. A previously released R&B track by hip-hop group that perfectly blends pop with rap for prime danceability.
2) “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz from a formidable new siren out of Nigeria.
3) “Feel It” – DJ Felli Fel feat. T-Pain, Sean Paul, Flo Rida and Pitbull [2-10-09]. A monster line-up of hip-hop stars showcase their collaborative talent on this big-time club banger.
4) “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” – Say Hi [3-3-09]. A clubby alt-pop song with an 80’s feel – think men without Hats in The new Millenium – but way hipper.
5) “Love, Save the Empty” – Erin McCarley [1-6-09]. Rich-voiced singer-songwriter deals out an array of throaty, moody tracks.
6) “Not Fair” – Lily Allen [2-10-09]. With big country strings strumming in the background, coupled with he trademark hackneyed trashing of her guy in the sack makes for amusing, tongue-in-cheek track.
7) “I Love College” – Asher Roth [1-13-09]. A white boy rap applauding the indulgences of sex, drug, drinking and rock and roll that goes down in college.
8) “I Don’t Know” – Lisa Hannigan [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.
9) “37 Stitches Acoustic Demo” – Drowning Pool [3-3-09]. A kitty-cocktail dose of this alt-metal group’s usual butt-kicking, but a palatable, gritty acoustic rocker nonetheless.
10) “Supplier” – Shawty Lo feat. Lil Wayne and Trey Songz. Loaded to the gills with upbeat cameos, you feel part of the bling-bling R&B party.
11) “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.
12) “Day and Nite” – Kid Cudi (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.
13) “Day Dreaming’” – DJ Drama feat. Akon and Snoop Dogg [1-12-09]. Akon and Snoop Dogg (-- one version includes T.I. as well! -- ) carry the tune for this underground hip-hop track that features a “g” who ponders his his fantasy girl, a go-go dancer.
14) “The Future’s Nothing New” – The Alternate Routes [2-10-09]. Heavy on the electric guitar and slightly repetitive, but a solid alt-rock number from this foursome out of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
15) “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” – Pitbull. [2-24-09]. Dance-able, hippity-hop backbeat, along with the sing-along “uno, dos, tres quarto”lyrics charges this track from Cuban-American-emcee rapper.
16) “Dreamgirl” – Tay Dizm featuring Akon [1-9-09] Another clean R&B pop single with Akon carrying the fluffy melody and “Nappy Boy” making punctuating cameos.
17) “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.
18) “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track with comic-strip-character female vocals.
19) “Wetter” – Twista [2-24-09]. A naughty slow jam with Chicago hip-hopper’s fast-rollin’ raps coupled with an encouraging female vocals hook.
20) “So Human” -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune from the Cure by sassy Brit rapper.
21) “Angel on My Shoulder” (EDX’s Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) – Kaskade [3-24-09]. A classic dance-club/house track featuring smooth pop female vocals over cleanly produced-synths produced and by re-mixed by DJ and San Fran transplant Ryan Raddon.
22) “The Hazards of Love 1” – The Decemberists [3-24-09]. The title track from the from Portland, Oregon alt-band features dramatic vocals with acoustic background for a sweeping “folk opera-like” narrative track.
23) “Sugar” – Flo Rida feat.Wynter [3-17-09]. Like all of his tunes this one is danceable, upbeat, and this time around in duo on top of a ripped backbeat.
24) “Brandy of the Damned” – Nickel Eye [1-17-09]. Nikolai Fraiture, bassist from The Strokes, works his guitar through a repetitive pub rock refrain “Don’t Let Them Get you Down, They’ll Step on you to Get to Higher Ground.”
25) “Love, Etc.” – Pet Shop Boys [3-24-09]. A come-back single on recent E.P from the iconic post-modern 80’s British dance band who’ve been rockin’ the mic for over 25 years.
26) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.
27) “Airstream Driver” – Gomez [3-2-09]. A highly-textured alt-rock single singing the praises of the big rig girl driver a la the Brit guitar band from North England.
28) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.
29) “People Got a Lotta Nerve” – Neko Case [1-20-09]. An honest alt/indie rock tune, honking the “maneater” horn, a distinct move away from Case’s country roots.
30) “The Heartbreak Rides” – A.C. Newman [1-20-09]. From the prolific musician of New Pornographers fame, this solo effort fully embraces the indie alternative genre with dueling guitars and shared harmonies.
31) “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” – Morrissey [1-20-09]. More than anything, it’s good to hear from Morrissey again – on this hit single from his forthcoming album -- flinging and repetitive, but upbeat.
32) “You Can Get it All” – Bow Wow featuring Johnta Austin [unreleased]. An easy R&B track, over a groovin’ backbeat with big vibrato background vocals.
33) “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.
34) “Wake Up” (Afro – Fantabulous Mix) – Beef Wellington with Eugene Snowden, Swamburger from OPEN Remix, benefiting IntraHealth OPEN (2009). Swirling with tropical percussion and horns and yummy guitars and alive with soulful vocals and lyrics from the Orlando native.
35) “The Power of One (Change the World)” – Israel Houghton [3-24-09]. An inspiring contemporary Christian track from this southwest soul singer who’s gone solo from his group New Breed on his forthcoming album.
36) “Birthday Sex’ – Jeremih [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.
37) “Another John Doe” – TheNewNo2 [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.
38) “59” – 1990’s [3-24-09]. A retro-pop-groover from Glasgow trio’s sophomore album.
39) “Lost” – Gorilla Zoe [3-17-09]. An eerie hip-hop track off the sophomore album by rich-voiced Atlanta rapper.
40) “Bl3nd” – Tonex [3-17-09]. A cool Christian R&B track with subtle good will message – don’t blend, you’re unique in God’s eyes -- accompanied by an irresistible R&B backbeat & gospel choir, all lead by rapper-singer-producer-Christian-activist lead singer.
41) “I Get Off’—Halestorm [3-10-09]. The hit single from the band’s forthcoming album is a sexy hard-rocker dripping with big guitar riffs with The Hale Sisters working monster vocals and drums.
42) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.
43) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
44) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.
45) “If I Know You” – The Presets [3-23-09]. Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.
46) “Black Wedding” – Meg and Dia [3-3-09]. Big pop sound from high energy five piece band but really driven by two sisters, all from Draper, Utah and all Warp Tour veterans.
47) “Heartbroken, in Disrepair” -- Dan Auerbach [2-10-09]. – Big electric bluesey-rocker; a solo effort from Black Keys frontman.
48) “Meddle” – Little Boots [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic pop-disco and will release her debut album this fall.
49) “California on My Mind” – Wild Light [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!” – L.A., San Fran – fuck all of it.
50) “Sugar Lee” – Damon Fowler [1-27-09]. The kind of song that fills up the dance floor and brims with electric blues jams.
51) “Young” – Hollywood Undead [2-9-09]. A loud, agro mix of metal, rapcore and pop punk, this MySpace break -away group collectively demands to be heard because they’re “YOUNG!!!”
52) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [to be released June 9]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
53) “Unreachable” – John Frusciante [1-20-09]. An almost-eerie, moody psychedelic indie track from Red Hot Chili Pepper rocker.
54) “Heartbreaker” – MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend [3-17-09]. John Legend’s classic R&B vocals are pasted up against the electronic duo’s signature synthetic sound and together make for a bold, post-modern sound.
55) “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.
56) “Champagne” – Cavo [3-17-09]. A mainstream rock jam, heavy on big-sounding riffing guitars by and up-and-coming modern rock band.
57) “Falling Away” – Jupiter Rising [3-17-09]. A pop dance track that rides the scales of harmony from West Coast team featuring chick power 80 Bug and Spencer Nezey (REPLACE WITH FULL SONG).
58) “When She’s Near” – Fiction Family [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.
59) “The Mission” – Puscifer [leaked]. An alt-punk track heavy on gritty vocals and rock guitar with a hint of noir – dark and stormy – led by former Tool member, Maynard James Keenan.
60) “Pressure” – Company of Thieves [1-6-09]. An alt—indie track featuring sweet, slightly off-tune female vocals by Genevieve Schatz from this bass-free power trio.
61) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.
62) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.
63) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.
64) “Death” – White Lies [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.
65) “No Line on the Horizon” – U2 [3-3-09]. The lead track from the newest album from a la The Boys from Ireland is heavy on the arena-sounding guitar and Bono’s bigger-than-life vocals.
66) “Red Hot Gal” -- Mick Fleetwood Blues Band [3-3-09]. Big, fat blues sound – Clapton-like -- from classic rock and roll icon.
67) “From the Hips” – Cursive [3-10-09]. Typical of this indie bands varying tempos, moods and style, this track swings from lilting opening to rocking meat-in-the-sandwich.
68) “Sinner” – Big B feat. Scott Russo [2-17-09]. An upbeat collaboration between Jack-Johnson-like island rock and hip-hop.
69) “Bare Bones” – Madeleine Peyroux [3-10-09]. The mellow title track to her cover-free newest album shows off this French-American singer’s rootsy, jazz-influenced adult pop skillz.
70) “How Your Heart is Wired” – Bell X1 [3-3-09]. Smooth and mellow vocals overlaid on electro-synth backd
2) “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz from a formidable new siren out of Nigeria.
3) “Feel It” – DJ Felli Fel feat. T-Pain, Sean Paul, Flo Rida and Pitbull [2-10-09]. A monster line-up of hip-hop stars showcase their collaborative talent on this big-time club banger.
4) “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” – Say Hi [3-3-09]. A clubby alt-pop song with an 80’s feel – think men without Hats in The new Millenium – but way hipper.
5) “Love, Save the Empty” – Erin McCarley [1-6-09]. Rich-voiced singer-songwriter deals out an array of throaty, moody tracks.
6) “Not Fair” – Lily Allen [2-10-09]. With big country strings strumming in the background, coupled with he trademark hackneyed trashing of her guy in the sack makes for amusing, tongue-in-cheek track.
7) “I Love College” – Asher Roth [1-13-09]. A white boy rap applauding the indulgences of sex, drug, drinking and rock and roll that goes down in college.
8) “I Don’t Know” – Lisa Hannigan [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.
9) “37 Stitches Acoustic Demo” – Drowning Pool [3-3-09]. A kitty-cocktail dose of this alt-metal group’s usual butt-kicking, but a palatable, gritty acoustic rocker nonetheless.
10) “Supplier” – Shawty Lo feat. Lil Wayne and Trey Songz. Loaded to the gills with upbeat cameos, you feel part of the bling-bling R&B party.
11) “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.
12) “Day and Nite” – Kid Cudi (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.
13) “Day Dreaming’” – DJ Drama feat. Akon and Snoop Dogg [1-12-09]. Akon and Snoop Dogg (-- one version includes T.I. as well! -- ) carry the tune for this underground hip-hop track that features a “g” who ponders his his fantasy girl, a go-go dancer.
14) “The Future’s Nothing New” – The Alternate Routes [2-10-09]. Heavy on the electric guitar and slightly repetitive, but a solid alt-rock number from this foursome out of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
15) “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” – Pitbull. [2-24-09]. Dance-able, hippity-hop backbeat, along with the sing-along “uno, dos, tres quarto”lyrics charges this track from Cuban-American-emcee rapper.
16) “Dreamgirl” – Tay Dizm featuring Akon [1-9-09] Another clean R&B pop single with Akon carrying the fluffy melody and “Nappy Boy” making punctuating cameos.
17) “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.
18) “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track with comic-strip-character female vocals.
19) “Wetter” – Twista [2-24-09]. A naughty slow jam with Chicago hip-hopper’s fast-rollin’ raps coupled with an encouraging female vocals hook.
20) “So Human” -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune from the Cure by sassy Brit rapper.
21) “Angel on My Shoulder” (EDX’s Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) – Kaskade [3-24-09]. A classic dance-club/house track featuring smooth pop female vocals over cleanly produced-synths produced and by re-mixed by DJ and San Fran transplant Ryan Raddon.
22) “The Hazards of Love 1” – The Decemberists [3-24-09]. The title track from the from Portland, Oregon alt-band features dramatic vocals with acoustic background for a sweeping “folk opera-like” narrative track.
23) “Sugar” – Flo Rida feat.Wynter [3-17-09]. Like all of his tunes this one is danceable, upbeat, and this time around in duo on top of a ripped backbeat.
24) “Brandy of the Damned” – Nickel Eye [1-17-09]. Nikolai Fraiture, bassist from The Strokes, works his guitar through a repetitive pub rock refrain “Don’t Let Them Get you Down, They’ll Step on you to Get to Higher Ground.”
25) “Love, Etc.” – Pet Shop Boys [3-24-09]. A come-back single on recent E.P from the iconic post-modern 80’s British dance band who’ve been rockin’ the mic for over 25 years.
26) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.
27) “Airstream Driver” – Gomez [3-2-09]. A highly-textured alt-rock single singing the praises of the big rig girl driver a la the Brit guitar band from North England.
28) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.
29) “People Got a Lotta Nerve” – Neko Case [1-20-09]. An honest alt/indie rock tune, honking the “maneater” horn, a distinct move away from Case’s country roots.
30) “The Heartbreak Rides” – A.C. Newman [1-20-09]. From the prolific musician of New Pornographers fame, this solo effort fully embraces the indie alternative genre with dueling guitars and shared harmonies.
31) “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” – Morrissey [1-20-09]. More than anything, it’s good to hear from Morrissey again – on this hit single from his forthcoming album -- flinging and repetitive, but upbeat.
32) “You Can Get it All” – Bow Wow featuring Johnta Austin [unreleased]. An easy R&B track, over a groovin’ backbeat with big vibrato background vocals.
33) “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.
34) “Wake Up” (Afro – Fantabulous Mix) – Beef Wellington with Eugene Snowden, Swamburger from OPEN Remix, benefiting IntraHealth OPEN (2009). Swirling with tropical percussion and horns and yummy guitars and alive with soulful vocals and lyrics from the Orlando native.
35) “The Power of One (Change the World)” – Israel Houghton [3-24-09]. An inspiring contemporary Christian track from this southwest soul singer who’s gone solo from his group New Breed on his forthcoming album.
36) “Birthday Sex’ – Jeremih [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.
37) “Another John Doe” – TheNewNo2 [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.
38) “59” – 1990’s [3-24-09]. A retro-pop-groover from Glasgow trio’s sophomore album.
39) “Lost” – Gorilla Zoe [3-17-09]. An eerie hip-hop track off the sophomore album by rich-voiced Atlanta rapper.
40) “Bl3nd” – Tonex [3-17-09]. A cool Christian R&B track with subtle good will message – don’t blend, you’re unique in God’s eyes -- accompanied by an irresistible R&B backbeat & gospel choir, all lead by rapper-singer-producer-Christian-activist lead singer.
41) “I Get Off’—Halestorm [3-10-09]. The hit single from the band’s forthcoming album is a sexy hard-rocker dripping with big guitar riffs with The Hale Sisters working monster vocals and drums.
42) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.
43) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
44) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.
45) “If I Know You” – The Presets [3-23-09]. Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.
46) “Black Wedding” – Meg and Dia [3-3-09]. Big pop sound from high energy five piece band but really driven by two sisters, all from Draper, Utah and all Warp Tour veterans.
47) “Heartbroken, in Disrepair” -- Dan Auerbach [2-10-09]. – Big electric bluesey-rocker; a solo effort from Black Keys frontman.
48) “Meddle” – Little Boots [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic pop-disco and will release her debut album this fall.
49) “California on My Mind” – Wild Light [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!” – L.A., San Fran – fuck all of it.
50) “Sugar Lee” – Damon Fowler [1-27-09]. The kind of song that fills up the dance floor and brims with electric blues jams.
51) “Young” – Hollywood Undead [2-9-09]. A loud, agro mix of metal, rapcore and pop punk, this MySpace break -away group collectively demands to be heard because they’re “YOUNG!!!”
52) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [to be released June 9]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.
53) “Unreachable” – John Frusciante [1-20-09]. An almost-eerie, moody psychedelic indie track from Red Hot Chili Pepper rocker.
54) “Heartbreaker” – MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend [3-17-09]. John Legend’s classic R&B vocals are pasted up against the electronic duo’s signature synthetic sound and together make for a bold, post-modern sound.
55) “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.
56) “Champagne” – Cavo [3-17-09]. A mainstream rock jam, heavy on big-sounding riffing guitars by and up-and-coming modern rock band.
57) “Falling Away” – Jupiter Rising [3-17-09]. A pop dance track that rides the scales of harmony from West Coast team featuring chick power 80 Bug and Spencer Nezey (REPLACE WITH FULL SONG).
58) “When She’s Near” – Fiction Family [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.
59) “The Mission” – Puscifer [leaked]. An alt-punk track heavy on gritty vocals and rock guitar with a hint of noir – dark and stormy – led by former Tool member, Maynard James Keenan.
60) “Pressure” – Company of Thieves [1-6-09]. An alt—indie track featuring sweet, slightly off-tune female vocals by Genevieve Schatz from this bass-free power trio.
61) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.
62) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.
63) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.
64) “Death” – White Lies [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.
65) “No Line on the Horizon” – U2 [3-3-09]. The lead track from the newest album from a la The Boys from Ireland is heavy on the arena-sounding guitar and Bono’s bigger-than-life vocals.
66) “Red Hot Gal” -- Mick Fleetwood Blues Band [3-3-09]. Big, fat blues sound – Clapton-like -- from classic rock and roll icon.
67) “From the Hips” – Cursive [3-10-09]. Typical of this indie bands varying tempos, moods and style, this track swings from lilting opening to rocking meat-in-the-sandwich.
68) “Sinner” – Big B feat. Scott Russo [2-17-09]. An upbeat collaboration between Jack-Johnson-like island rock and hip-hop.
69) “Bare Bones” – Madeleine Peyroux [3-10-09]. The mellow title track to her cover-free newest album shows off this French-American singer’s rootsy, jazz-influenced adult pop skillz.
70) “How Your Heart is Wired” – Bell X1 [3-3-09]. Smooth and mellow vocals overlaid on electro-synth backd
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