Music in My Year

Hey everyone,

I don't want to disappoint, but this post isn't going to be about a live show I went to. I have decided, on this late date in 2011, to reflect upon the music that has affected my life the most this year. I found some new bands, a favorite band of mine broke up, and as always I have some kind of obsession. With all this in mind, here are my thoughts on this year in music - my music.

1) LCD Soundsystem. I am so sad that they have broken up, because their album "This Is Happening" has pretty much ruled my life for the past six months. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. Aside from the wonderful and most often played "I Can Change," "Drunk Girls," and "Dance Yrself Clean," there are so many more amazing songs on the album. "All I Want" is just, well, beautiful, and gives me that feeling of yearning within which I can experience every emotion I've ever felt in my life (sidenote: I prefer the London Session version). "All My Friends" reminds me of all the great times I've had with groups of friends, and all the good times I can imagine happening in the future. It's upbeat but still has that tinge of reminiscence that deepens the emotion beyond just "happy." I like songs that imply a hint of sadness within what is otherwise gorgeous and exhilarating, so I think it's amazing in its complexity. "Home," both the song and the concept, has had a special meaning for me this year, having lived in 3 different places within these 12 months. All the other songs are equally enjoyable - "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House," "Pow Pow," "Yr City Is A Sucker," "One Touch" - they're never enough! This album is definitely on my "Best Of Eternity" list.

2) The Virgins. I found their song "Rich Girls" just a few weeks ago, and I'm totally hooked. It's catchy, sexy, has fun lyrics, and makes me want to shake my groove thing. I feel rich and sexy when it's on, so of course I love it! I'm desperately hoping that they end up at First Ave or 7th Street Entry sometime next year. I kind of doubt it, since their last EP was released in 2007, but maybe they'll get some more music going and end up in Minneapolis. A girl can dream...

3) Dom. I went to see this band at 7th Street Entry this year - I failed to post about it due to my own inebriation that evening - and I totally love their energy. Their biggest song, "Living in America," makes me feel like life is good, fun, and sexy; that maybe I can still do everything I want to do; and that jumping around in my living room (or at the Entry) with a huge grin on my face is okay.

4) The Goondas. As always, my most favoritest local band deserves a mention. Their new album, Chud, came out this year much to my delight, and their release show at the Entry was super kickass. And how could I fail to mention their awesome set at my birthday party in July!! (Note: Josh's new nickname is Eggman. Ask if you require more details.) I'm sad that I missed their last show in 2011, but I hope to be a regular again at their shows in 2012.

5) Kaiser Chiefs. I know they've already been exposed as one of my favorite bands of all time, but I had an epiphany this year. Their song "Remember You're A Girl" from the Off With Their Heads album has been named my defining song. It's "My Theme Song." Officially. If I make it to their show in Vancouver on March 25, they might be on my list for 2012, too! What is it with me having to cross the country to see them play live?!

6) Jarvis Cocker. I only have one song of his, but man, it is to be relished. "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time" should be the rallying song of all single women everywhere. Or their friends who watch them date morons, assholes, losers, and douchebags. Or bartenders. (Too soon?)

7) M. Ward. My second theme song is his "Magic Trick," and I smile every single time I hear it. I usually sing along, actually, even if I'm at work and get strange looks from my coworkers. Or I mouth along and get even stranger looks. I'm pretty used to that though.

8) Fun dance music. I'll admit, I've done more than my fair share of dancing in my living room this year. All three of my living rooms, that is, usually with a beer/wine/mixed drink on the coffee table. I've been addicted to the following songs for my dancing frenzies:
"SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake;
"Lovesick" by Lindstrom & Christabelle;
"Poker Face" and "Scheisse" by Lady Gaga;
"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z;
"Living In America" by Dom;
"She's Enough" by Atmosphere; and
"Amor Fati" by Washed Out.

9) Guilty pleasures. Yes, I have a selection of cheesy songs that I'm hesitant to admit that I have loved this year. Like, I loved them so much I paid for them. Yeah. Seriously. Please don't judge - I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one!
"I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & The News
"I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" by Beyonce
"In a Big Country" by Big Country
"Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
Now, I'll admit, a lot of these happened after watching one too many VH1 "I Love The..." specials while drinking. That's my excuse.

I hope you've enjoyed this musical retrospective. I certainly have. And I'm sure there are a lot more songs or artists that I could have mentioned, but I'm going to call this as definitive as I can make it. I hope you all had a great 2011, and here's to a fabulous 2012!