Best Tracks of 2021
A definitive list
Definitive as in, my opinion, on 23rd December 2021 at about 6pm. This could be different by Jan 1st. Or tomorrow. It’ll probably be different by the time I get to the end to be honest. Anyhow, here goes…
The Overload — Yard Act
More of a rant than a song in some ways but the timing, and the humour turn this into a story you can’t help get involved in, channelling a more in your face Jarvis Cocker.
Bad Dream — Azure Ray
If anything captured the ups and downs of the pandemic it was this dream-pop beauty.
ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS* — BLACKSTARKIDS
Where Azure Ray captured more than anything, the hope of getting through the pandemic, blackstarkids captured the futility of real social change. The A.C.A.B. acronym came to the fore after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 but actually originated in England in the early part of the 20th century and was used by skinheads, anarchists and football hooligans amongst others over the years… This song is more of a commentary on recent events in the US but set to a great soundtrack with more than a hint of Johnny Foreigner which is always OK with me.
Always — Alaska Reid
This feels really kind of intimate — in the lyrics, the variation in tone — one minute whispering in your ear, the next almost laughing at you, or herself. All backed be a fantastic, driving, slightly dirty beat.
Musician — Porter Robinson
We’re a long way from sitting by a pool in the Mediterranean sunshine with a Caipirinha in hand but this song does half a job of getting you there.
Crush — Ethel Cain
If the Twin Peaks remake held off a couple of years I reckon this would have been the perfect soundtrack.
Black Averageness — Shad
If this doesn’t put a smile on your face I don’t know what will. A glorious celebration of averageness. Bills fan. Paying the bills, man.
Chaise Longue — Wet Leg
Yeah this, and Wet Dream (their other only actual song) have been massively overhyped, but also, they’re both ace. So fully deserved in my opinion.
Fossil Fuel — Flight School
Where Sixteen is more Death Cab for Cutie or The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Fossil Fuel channels more of an Explosions in The Sky or American Football vibe. I’m happy with either, and ideally, both.
Girl Clout — Fresh
The best 120 seconds you will spend this year.
