The Top 208 Songs of 2008.
2008 has definitely been one of my favourite years music-wise for quite some time. Not since 2005’s Golden Year of Pop was I as excited about some of the stuff my ears were experiencing. At the start of each year, I open up a new MS Word document and, as the months go by, I enter in the songs I’ve heard through the year that I’ve loved. This years list saw a staggering 700+ songs make it to my ears as loveworthy, but only 208 of those have made it to the final cut.
I must stress that, the songs in the top 30 I wish I could have crammed all into the top 10. Those from 30 – 50, all in the top 20, and those from 50 – 208 all into the top 50. This was such a hard list to put together; possibly the hardest I’ve compiled yet. There are so many glaring omissions that, at the end of the day, just didn’t make it through the final hurdle. That doesn’t mean those songs weren’t loved though!
Here, in a countdown fashion, are my Top 208 songs of 2008, with miniature commentary provided for the first 30. I hope you enjoy reading through the list even half as much as I’ve enjoyed listening to the songs on it. And, for your enjoyment, if you haven’t already heard any of the songs I’ve listed, click on the respective title for a YouTube-esque link which will give you an opportunity to hear why I love the track so much. As you can imagine, that bit took me almost as long as putting the bloody list together.
My Top 75 Albums of 2008 and Top 25 Remixes of 2008 are also on the way…
-
01. VV BROWN – Crying Blood
Now THIS will be a surprise to anyone who’s not travelled with me in my automobile this year (or, you know, those of you expecting to see another V-related act at Number 1). VV Brown’s debut single “Crying Blood” was HUGE around these parts (and by that I mean “my ears”) shortly after it surfaced on the interwebs, and not much of a break has been given to it since. Easily my most played, most enjoyed and loved song of 2008, VV Brown’s exciting, modern and fresh re-imaging of “The Monster Mash” will forever be etched into my heart and ears as 2008’s greatest pop classic. And that video clip is pretty darn special too, innit?
02. VAN SHE – Strangers
The suspected Number 1! And the first Australian entry. For 70% of 2008, Van She’s “Strangers” was my solid (and only) choice for Song Of The Year. Listening to its insane catchiness and glorious chorus, it’s not hard to understand why. But then again; was it? My beloved Van She delivered one of the most exciting and promising Australian pop songs for well over a decade, and yet no one seemed vaguely interested. Whether this has anything to do with how poorly the CD single campaign was handled (let me guess; you couldn’t find the single stocked anywhere you looked? Join the queue – I had over 100 emails from people in the first two weeks of this singles release saying they couldn’t find it anywhere), or how stupid our nations commercial network radio stations are, I guess we’ll never really know. It’s such a shame though; because this is pop perfection at its finest and should have been Number 1 for years.
03. ADELE – Hometown Glory
The very first time I heard this song, I remember being gripped by how powerful it was. Discovering this track at the end of Adele’s debut album “19″ was one of the most rewarding musical moments of not only this year, but of any. Listen to that chorus; feel those lyrics. I crumble almost every time I hear this song.
04. BAG RAIDERS – Shooting Stars
Australian-made stuff here (the second of many in this chart), this epic Bag Raiders track was immense already in its own regard as an instrumental track when it dropped across the internets most loved electronic blogs over the year. Then, out of nowhere, they threw in the subtle vocals of Rhys from Ted & Francis; and those lyrics just sucked me in. This is another one of those special lyric moments; there isn’t a single line in this track that didn’t resonate with me on levels beyond belief. Magic happens… this song is a testament to that.
05. GIRLS ALOUD – Untouchable
More lyrical attachment here, Girls Aloud’s near-7-minute NU-NRG disco-ballad stomper “Untouchable” needs very little description. Without any meaning, we’re just skin and bone, like beautiful robots dancing alone… My heart just welts whenever I think of that line.
06. HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR – Blind
New Yorkers Hercules & Love Affair teamed with Antony (minus his Johnsons) for this, the biggest disco cut of the year. Venturing on 6 minutes, there isn’t a single dull moment within this floor-filling monster.
07. MADONNA – Give It 2 Me
Regardless of what you thought of Madonna’s “Hard Candy” project this year, there’s no denying that this, the second single to be lifted from the album, was one of her most fresh and exciting ideas in the last 10 years. That disco-seizure chorus! That whole retarded get-stupid bit! That dodgy horn! All very, very good things. Pity the video clip gave me bloody heartburn though.
08. THE JEZABELS – Disco Biscuit Love
These guys are a Sydney band and they deserve to be bigger than Jesus. I love their musical output, love their look, and just love them. They are my first really big thing of 2009, and I hope everyone else follows suit. I’m not going to say much about this song. You know when a song hits you so hard lyrically that the thought of discussing it could tear you in half? Listen to the lyrics in this track and you’ll get a feel of a rather personal situation I’ve gone through in the last few months. On paper, it sounds like an incredibly brilliant idea for a song (and, perhaps, even a little bit funny, which is exactly what I thought of it until it all sort of happened to me), but in theory, when you’re listening to the song and experiencing it on such a level it could have been written about you (in places), it’s so, so much more. If I didn’t have so much emotional baggage in relation to this song, it may have been my choice for song of the year. These guys have a debut EP out in February next year and I can guarantee it’ll be bloody amazing.
09. LADYHAWKE – My Delirium
Another one which fits with the above description. Lyrically, it was like Ladyhawke had ripped a page out of my 2008 diary circa April and written a song about what she’d read. The biggest moment on her self-titled album, and also her biggest live number.
10. VAN SHE – A Sharp Knife
More lyrical heartbreak. This was one of two tracks performed by Van She’s bassist Matt Van Schie on their debut album “V”, and is a fairly great reason as to hope he gets a couple more tracks to croon on come the sophomore effort. Beautiful and tragic, each time I see them live, I sincerely hope I get to hear this.
11. THE PRESETS – This Boy’s In Love
When I first heard this song, it made me believe that one day, I’d too fall in love with someone who felt exactly the same way for me as I do for them. And every time I’ve heard it since, it fills me with hope. Those keys and that chorus are unexplainable… but it really is all about that final 30 seconds isn’t it? Gets me every single time.
12. KANYE WEST – Love Lockdown
Kanye goes Cher! I really dig how experimental Kanye got with music in general for this albums campaign, and “Love Lockdown” was a prime example of just how experimentation didn’t necessarily mean you had to throw away all pop sensibilities.
13. SANTOGOLD – L.E.S. Artistses
I don’t see all the pit-up’s against M.I.A. Santogold is an artist with her own special blends to offer popular culture in her own right. This song is momentous; a building tiger with a memorable growl come those final 60 seconds. And that video clip… wow…
14. LITTLE BOOTS – Stuck On Repeat
Sometimes internet-hype artists just aren’t worth anyone’s time, and you’re often left wondering why they’ve taken up so much valuable blogging space. Thankfully, the stellar Little Boots was one of those acts whose actual talents surpassed any hype given to her. Watch this space in 2009; if all goes to plan, those boots of hers will be quite big very, very soon.
15. METRONOMY – Heartbreaker
Metronomy’s “Heartbreaker” is an exciting collection of popular bleeps-and-bops that take all the special levels of funk music and crank their impact to about 9 on the rector scale. And, once again, 2008 is a year about lyrics for me, and the lyrics in this one were mega-powerful.
16. LADY GAGA – Paper Gangsta
Gaga left quite an impression on me this year. But it was this album bonus track which really nabbed my attention and secured itself as my favourite moment from her incredible debut “The Fame.” This could have easily been a single rather than just some last-minute bonus moment; Gaga sounds like Uffie in places and that chorus is out of this world.
17. GIRLS ALOUD – The Loving Kind
More lyrics, more resonating. Girls Aloud, Xenomania and the Pet Shop Boys team up and concoct this magical piece of disco romance. Heartbreaking and beautiful.
18. VAN SHE – Changes
There was some time I was unaware if this or “Stranges” would be my favourite Van She single of the year. After many months of deliberation, I (obviously) chose the former, but that’s not to say “Changes” is any less special. There are double hand claps, lines about orange and apple juice, and a middle-8 sent from pop music heaven. I listen to this song and am genuinely baffled as to why these guys aren’t bigger than they are. I’ve pimped them enough through 2008 (and since 2006), but there’s an obvious reasoning behind my forceful fanways. This song, their music, these guys; they are the greatest Australian band of recent years. Maybe even of all time. Listen to this song and tell me you can’t hear it?
19. THE SATURDAYS – Up
After initially disliking these UK broads when that first single of theirs, “If This Is Love” (or whatever it was called, I cannot be bothered to remember) dropped, I reluctantly took a stab at this, their follow up single. Thank god I did. “Up” provided me (and anyone travelling in my car as I played it) with many-a-fun sing-a-long as I drove from destination to destination. And as it turns out, their album wasn’t that bad after all either.
20. COLDPLAY – Viva La Vida
Chris Martin decided it was time to focus on making good, quality pop music again, and I thank him for it. This is, by far, the bands greatest single to date, from their most accomplished and stunning long player.
21. JUSTICE – Planisphere
This track almost makes it to a 20 minute running time. BONKERS!! “Planisphere” takes Justice’s musical output – for me – to a completely new level. I thought they were musical geniuses before, but this proved they were more like musical visionaries instead (though perhaps that’s the same thing, just with a different word thrown in the mix?) This pushed their dark sound boundaries further than “Stress” or anything from their excitingly dark debut album did. It was almost like an electronic socialist movement being made, rather than just a musical piece for a Dior fashion show.
22. ANNIE – Songs Remind Me Of You
More lyrics that resonate. Annie and Richard X team up for what is arguably the best piece of music either of them have had anything to do with. Plus, can you hear the subtle Visage/Mel & Kim references throughout? What a bloody corker of a song.
23. GIRLS ALOUD – Love Is Pain
Some people have said that THIS sounds more like a Girls Aloud/Pet Shop Boys collaboration than “The Loving Kind” does, and I can definitely hear why. This, what is obviously more of a homage to the duo, rather than something they created together, is classic Girls Aloud stuff. A bonza chorus, it all comes to a wondrous halt as Cheryl coos “love is pain, woah-oh-oh-oh” as the track draws to fade. Amazing.
24. ANTIGONE – Promiscuity
One of the most experimental, exciting and zippy tracks the year brought, Antigone’s “Promiscuity” is one of those very few songs you can actually classify as Avant Garde Pop Music. Combining a gorgeous blend of light-and-dark shades, “Promiscuity” presents itself as a stalky little minx that takes a little bit of shoulder-nudging to understand in the first minute or so, but once its got you, it’s all incredibly special to deal with and you cannot help but crave more.
25. LA ROUX – Quicksand
Another blog-hype artist that is most certainly worth all the net-scribblings she’s been getting. I’ve heard some of her other material and she really is the bees knees. Magnificent song, this, one that’s coming with me right into the cruel Summer Australia has planned for me over the next three months.
26. KATY PERRY – Hot N’ Cold
Whatever you think about Perry herself, you cannot deny this song is FIERCE. And that ace video clip almost made my vid-top 10 too, you know…
27. SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM – When We Were Young
Floor-destroying song with a generally quite terrible video clip, this was the first REAL sign of Sneaky Sound System taking themselves seriously as a proper pop act. There isn’t much within this bonkers piece of music you can’t enjoy – in particular that magnificent and gorgeously placed operatic finish. Wonderful stuff.
28. SOLANGE – Sandcastle Disco
2008 was the year I chose Solange (or Sunlounge) as my Knowles of choice. Forget that ego-driven sister of hers, the batshit crazy Solange was the right choice to make don’t you think? And this song; ohhh, what heaven! I’d make sandcastles with this crazy broad whilst listening to disco music any time of the year.
29. t.A.T.u – Snegopady
This is t.A.T.u’s greatest song ever, from what was their greatest album. No idea what they’re banging on about in the lyrics though, but the title sort of reminds me of Snuffleupagus.
30. VAN SHE – It Could Be The Same
This is SUCH a big live favourite, and I’m surprised the boys haven’t pushed for it to be released. Another Matt-fronted track, there is an exciting and raw sexual energy about this monster that ignites the musical devil within. An astonishing moment to listen to in its audio originality or to watch live.
Numbers 31 – 208 after the jump…
31. MILEY CYRUS – See You Again
32. KATE MILLER-HEIDKE – Can’t Shake It
33. VAN SHE – Virgin Suicide
34. NADIA OH – Got Your Number
35. LAKA – Pokusaj
36. ASHLEE SIMPSON – Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)
37. LADY GAGA – Poker Face
38. TED & FRANCIS – Erlend
39. GIRLS ALOUD – Miss You Bow Wow
40. BRITNEY SPEARS – Amnesia
41. LADYHAWKE – Back Of The Van
42. ANTIGONE – More Man Than Man
43. MADONNA – She’s Not Me
44. SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM – 16
45. THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS – The Age Of The Understatement
46. LILY ALLEN – The Fear
47. AXLE WHITEHEAD – I Don’t Do Surprises
48. CUT COPY – Far Away
49. SOLANGE FT. BILAL – Cosmic Journey
50. DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH? – Epic Last Song
51. KINGS OF LEON – Sex On Fire
52. BLACK KIDS – I’ve Underestimated My Charm (Again)
53. DAMN ARMS – Destination
54. DIZZEE RASCAL FT. CALVIN HARRIS & CHROME – Dance Wiv Me
55. ANNIE FT. GIRLS ALOUD – My Love Is Better
56. GOLDFRAPP – Caravan Girl
57. GIRLS ALOUD – The Promise
58. SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM – Kansas City
59. INFERNAL – Downtown Boys
60. LOST VALENTINOS – Bismarck
61. VAN SHE – So High
62. LO-FI-FNK – Want U
63. RED BLOODED WOMEN – You Made Your Bed
64. ALESHA DIXON – The Boy Does Nothing
65. THE KILLERS – Human
66. MIAMI HORROR – Illumination
67. THE TEENAGERS – Homecoming
68. CLOETTA PARIS – Breakdown
69. FRANKA BATELIC – Ruza U Kamenu
70. CUT COPY – Feel The Love
71. LADYHAWKE – Better Than Sunday
72. LEONA LEWIS – Run
73. LADYHAWKE – Love Don’t Live Here
74. KANYE WEST FT. MR. HUDSON – Paranoid
75. GRACE JONES – Williams Blood
76. MGMT – Time To Pretend
77. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
78. LATE OF THE PIER – The Bears Are Coming
79. CAR STEREO WARS – Radio Edit
80. CRYSTAL CASTLES (FT. VAN SHE) – Vanished
81. JORDIN SPARKS – Tattoo
82. GOLDFRAPP – A&E
83. DUFFY – Distant Dreamer
84. VAN SHE – The Sea
85. KEANE – Spiralling
86. KLEERUP FT. MARIT BERGMAN – 3 AM
87. LITTLE JACKIE – The World Should Revolve Around Me
88. CASSETTE KIDS – You Take It
89. P!NK – Please Don’t Leave Me
90. THE PRESETS – If I Know You
91. LADYHAWKE – Magic
92. SUGABABES – Nothing’s As Good As You
93. TAME IMPALA – Remember Me
94. THE PRESETS – Aeons
95. THE TEENAGERS – Sunset Beach
96. ANNIE – What Do You Want (The Breakfast Song)
97. CHARLOTTE PERRELLI – Hero
98. BEYONCE – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
99. ANORAAK – Never Ending Romance Disaster
100. LADY GAGA – Just Dance
101. TAKE THAT – Greatest Day
102. BOOMKAT – Runaway
103. McFLY – The Last Song
104. DAN BLACK – HYPNOtise
105. MADONNA – Miles Away
106. MR OIZO – Positif
107. BRITNEY SPEARS – Womanizer
108. CLOETTA PARIS – Broken Heart Tango
109. COLDPLAY – Violet Hill
110. METRONOMY – Holiday
111. HOT CHIP – Don’t Dance
112. IDA MARIA – I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked
113. KANYE WEST FT. KID CUDI – Welcome To Heartbreak
114. KYLIE MINOGUE – The One
115. LADYHAWKE – Dusk Till Dawn
116. LATE OF THE PIER – Focker
117. P!NK – So What
118. THE PRESETS – Talk Like That
119. VAN SHE – Memory Man
120. RIHANNA – Disturbia
121. AMY MEREDITH – Running
122. SHINICHI OSAWA FT. ANIA – Push
123. SUGABABES – Every Heart Broken
124. SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR – Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer
125. BENI – My Love Sees You
126. LADYHAWKE – Paris Is Burning
127. VAN SHE – Talkin’
128. THE TWELVES – When You Talk
129. PROXY – Raven
130. COLDPLAY – 42
131. CRYSTAL CASTLES – Air War
132. BRITNEY SPEARS – Mmm Papi
133. WILL-W. – My Life Story
134. MISS KITTIN – Metalhead
135. GIRLS ALOUD – Revolution In The Head
136. KANYE WEST – Say You Will
137. MR OIZO FT. ERROR SMITH – Erreur Jean
138. P!NK – Could’ve Had Everything
139. SHINICHI OSAWA FT. AU REVOIR SIMONE – Star Guitar
140. VAN SHE – Black Dot
141. SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR – Off & On
142. GIRLS ALOUD – Turn To Stone
143. GRACE JONES – (This Is) Life
144. ANNIE FT. FREDRIK SAROEA – I Can’t Let Go
145. TAME IMPALA – Slide Through My Fingers
146. SANTOGOLD – Say Aha
147. BAG RAIDERS – Turbo Love
148. LADYTRON – Ghosts
149. THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS – Standing Next To Me
150. LILY ALLEN – I Could Say
151. BRITNEY SPEARS – If U Seek Amy
152. LITTLE JACKIE – Cryin’ For The Queen
153. MARTHA WAINWRIGHT – You Cheated Me
154. BUSY P FT. MURS – To Protect & Entertain
155. PARRALOX – Creep
156. BRIT & ALEX – Let It Go
157. MARIA – Hold On Be Strong
158. MADONNA FT. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE – 4 Minutes
159. CYNDI LAUPER – Into The Night Life
160. DAS POP – Fool For Love
161. HOT CHIP – Ready For The Floor
162. LATE OF THE PIER – Space & The Woods
163. ESTELLE FT. KANYE WEST – American Boy
164. BLACK KIDS – Hit The Heartbrakes
165. ANI LORAK – Shady Lady
166. RED BLOODED WOMEN – Colour Me Dirty
167. SAM SPARRO – Black & Gold
168. THE SATURDAYS – Keep Her
169. THE TING TINGS – That’s Not My Name
170. LADY GAGA – Paparazzi
171. GIRLS ALOUD – Live In The Country
172. GRACE JONES – Hurricane
173. JORDIN SPARKS FT. CHRIS BROWN – No Air
174. DANITY KANE – Sucka For Love
175. KANYE WEST – Street Lights
176. BRIAN McFADDEN – Alice In Wonderland
177. KLEERUP – Thank You For Nothing
178. JESSICA MAUBOY – Running Back
179. KANYE WEST – Coldest Winter
180. LATE OF THE PIER – Broken
181. ADELE – Chasing Pavements
182. SHAZAM – Pool Party
183. CRYSTAL CASTLES – Courtship Dating
184. LENKA – The Show
185. FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS – Inner City Pressure
186. MERCY ARMS – To Me Now
187. MR. G – Naughty Girl
188. GABRIELLA CILMI – Save The Lies
189. MYLENE FARMER – Degeneration
190. N*E*R*D – Everyone Nose
191. FRANKMUSIK – Vacant Heart
192. P!NK – Bad Influence
193. PUSSYCAT DOLLS – I Hate This Part
194. VAN SHE – Temps Mort
195. SHERYL CROW – Out Of Our Heads
196. SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM – It’s Not My Problem
197. HOLY GHOST! – Hold On
198. THE TEENAGERS – Starlett Johansson
199. VAN SHE – Kelly ‘08
200. THE TING TINGS – Great DJ
201. WALTER MEEGO – Keyhole
202. ZOOT WOMAN – We Won’t Break
203. SAM SPARRO – No End In Sight
204. SUGABABES – Girls
205. THE JEZABELS – Be A Star
206. CYDNI LAUPER & THE HIVES – A Christmas Duel
207. LAURENT WOLF – The Crow
208. THE VINES – True As The Night
-
very comprehensive list buddy. few in there I wouldn’t have picked you to love!
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm -
given that most of this year the only english tv we have had has been cnn, bbcworld, mtv and the clips on viva i too have had a very pop year adem. and A LOT of your list floats my boat from here to china and back.
Madonna give it 2 me, yes yes yes. So damn rave it hurt at the concert! i never thought i would swing so far in her favour, but yeah, you and mo finally get your way.
top 3 artist wise, brits, katy perry and adelle.
but yeah, circus still wins over all the others & adelle just wins with anything she puts her filthy mits (and scrumptious vocals) on. and as far as katy perry goes, catchy singles aside, anyone who can pull of the euro VMA’s with such squeaky plastic finesse is a hero in my books.
top work mister man!December 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 pm -
what a freaking amazing list. I wish i travelled with you in your car more often (i sense you are not bus people!!) You have made me politically incorrect today at work because after reading your spot on description of Give It 2 Me, i called someone a monster tard. Which is probably very wrong indeed. Some great selections on here (katy perry not withstanding) although i think 207 and 208 should be the other way around
fab read dudeDecember 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 pm -
What a fantastic list of pop you have here, Adem! Lots of Annie, Girls Aloud, Van She (what a shocker they were not your #1!), Presets and SSS. I want to thank you for all the music you’ve introduced me to this year, Adem! To think, last year I had no real appreciation for SSS or the Presets or Van She even. The horror! I so look forward to what 2009 is going to bring us, and you know I’ll be here for the ride.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:16 am -
So many songs!
I predict big things for V V Brown.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:06 am -
Good gravy on a stick.
I’ll tell you, this is why I restricted myself to UK single releases… I’d be having a panic attack every hour if I tried to make a list of every 2008 song. It means I miss out on mentioning some fantastic tracks, though… Although the best will be mentioned along with my albums.
But anyway. ‘Tis a FANTASTIC list. ‘Crying Blood’ is really a shock, though… I like it but I’d never say it was one of the best of the year. Hope things go well for VV, though, she could be a star.
Just working my way through the ones I haven’t heard (mostly Australian songs, it must be said)… loved the Jezabels song, shall note them down. Love ‘Paper Gangsta’, too… better than most of the album (which I look forward to decrying once the Gaga hits here next year). And- I’ve been meaning to check out Antigone for a while, but GOOD LORD this is good. (Though ‘Promiscuity’ doesn’t actually seem to be on her MySpace, and I can’t find it anywhere. But her other songs are fantastic.)
It must be said, though, that I never have and probably never will understand the adoration for ‘L.E.S Artistes’… I like it, sure, but her album has MUCH better stuff on it and I do feel like I’m missing something there.
Among the many other things I could note (’Mmm Papi’? Really?), I’ll just say that you are possibly the best person ever for actually including some Eurovision entries (particularly ‘Shady Lady’). And I’ll shut up now.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:35 am -
Brilliant list! My favorite line? “2008 was the year I chose Solange (or Sunlounge) as my Knowles of choice.” Couldn’t agree more on that one, for sure. Keep up the great work!
December 24th, 2008 at 2:30 am -
Thanks for the great list, Adem – I definitely haven’t heard a lot of these tracks and I’m finding some new faves.
December 24th, 2008 at 6:39 am -
Snaps for the Sunlounge but I’m seriously pissed re: Outta my Head not making the top 20.
December 24th, 2008 at 10:25 am -
a scrumptiuous list there Mr adEm! Wish I had sat in your car more often this year, however, the list has taken me back to many a lift where my ears were left bleeding (in a fun way – from the volume that is!!!WENDY)
I just chucked a couple of the unknowns into youtube and there is some great stuff out there and it is a pity a lot of it doesn’t get to people who appreciate it – stoopid aus radio and stuff!December 24th, 2008 at 11:41 am -
Love it, but wondering why there isn’t more Kid Cudi in there? Day and Night would have made my top fiddy this year.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm -
Chestwig: I’ll take that as a compliment!
Stef: HAHAHA I’m still yet to see Perry do euroTV awards but am definitely eager to do so after your glowing reports. Surprised, but pleased, you love Adele. She’s such a fab-chav.
Paul: MONSTER TARD. That’s gold! And yes; maybe you need to come to Australia soon so we CAN drive around and be loons on the road together, non?
Yuri: My pleasure. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my pop scribblings. THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME! I’m still quite surprised that folks actually read through this whole list…
Dan76: So do I. She’s faaaab!
David: It’s a fucking task, I’ll tell you now, but it’s one I enjoy putting together so much. I’ll complain about it for weeks leading up to compilation stage but, deep down, I look forward to putting it all together. Shady Lady deserves her spot on that list, as do all the Eurovision moments I’ve given a placement to I think. As for “Mmm Papi” – it’s just so ridiculous I can’t help but like it. Sort of like Madonna’s “Spanish Lesson.” So hideous yet appealing at the same time.
John: Thank you! And how grand is Sunlounge????
Ultimate Cowboy: Thank you! If that’s all this list does – opens up a few new gems to people who’ve never heard them before – then my job is done. So thank you!
Hope: You must take the other 35 songs into consideration though. IT WAS A VERY HARD YEAR AS I SAID.
Cath: WENDY! (I miss you!!!!)
Tim: A certain Crookers remix of Kid Cudi’s “Day & Night” appears in the top 5 of my remixes of the year, which will be online in list-form possibly just before or just after NYD. I didn’t include ANY remixes in this years Songs of the year (Kelly Rowland Work, Sunlounge I Decided, et cetera) because I wanted to place them in their own list. But yes; Kid Cudi was felt by moi, and definitely in remix form.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:06 pm -
FANTASTIC List Adem – Kind of a shock at Number One – not number 2!
A really pleasant surprise seeing Kanye West up so high, and That madonna song – Nor were the Presets a surprise!
I love how the further down the list you progress, the more mainstream it gets….Really rather amusing!
December 24th, 2008 at 1:36 pm -
wow, VV, I never knew you loved it so much! Maybe I missed a post of 2? anyhoo, you might want to stock up on the promo side of her http://www.vinylexchange.co.uk/Product.asp?Action=Artist&ArtistID=321623&Artist=V%20V%20BROWN&m=n
glad g.a.’s ‘untouchable’ is in there, what an epic! Have you got the deluxe edition of ‘out of control’ to hear the girls talk about the pains recording it?
I’m glad you had an amazing music filled year, it’s been chock block true but maybe the memories of past bumper years outshine the last couple…keep up the good work!
December 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm -
whoah! amazing+very comprehensive adem. alot of work gone into this vast list of songs. 2008 has been a great year for music, lets hope 2009 follows suit.
December 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm -
Aaron: Thanks mister!! I knew the number 1 would be a surprise, I hadn’t mentioned that song once on here…
Mark: Nope, you didn’t miss any posts. I didn’t write any! Was just one of those songs I loved so much but didn’t write about. All I could think at the time was to say “this is really good.” Which would not have been constructive commentary…
Patch: Thanks maestro, and hear hear!
December 24th, 2008 at 5:15 pm -
Hey Adem!
Hope you’re feeling better by the time you read this.
I’m so honoured to be in your Top Songs of 2008 among such find company. I am glad I’m not the only who thinks “Untouchable” is the strongest track on “Out of Control”!!!! I am shocked re: V.V. Brown being on the top of your list though! And #22 – what a shame this track will never really see the light of day
Boo Island Records!!All the best to you over the holidays, Adem!
Lots of love.
xo
W
December 25th, 2008 at 1:33 am -
Great list, Adem! I’ve found some great new material, although I can’t possibly even attempt to listen to all the songs on here that I haven’t heard.
December 27th, 2008 at 6:45 pm -
Only a music nut like you could have Mylene Farmer on his list. Comprehensive or whaaat!
If I could have every track, please, on a CD, posted to….
December 28th, 2008 at 12:30 pm -
Too…hard…2008…too…much…songs!
If in doubt, pick a Eurovision failure that’s what we say!
December 31st, 2008 at 2:42 pm -
Class act of the year, you are Adem. With the blog design of 2008! xoxo
January 1st, 2009 at 2:36 pm -
Adem, this list is a stunning piece of work on all levels.
It’s SO great to see Lo-Fi-FNK on the list; I know your list is just songs, not necessarily singles, but if it turns out that was a single in any way, I’m going to be SO upset with myself for not having “Want U” on mine.
I’ve not heard the t.a.T.u album yet, but it sounds like it and “Snegopady” are must-listens.
This list really would make for the best radio sequence or mix tape ever. I think I may genuinely work it through song by song to acquaint myself with the songs I don’t know.
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm