The countdown continues...
7. What I Thought Of You - HOLLY THROSBY
The media fanfare over Seeker Lover Keeper this year meant that many people missed Team, Holly Throsby's solo record, entirely. That was a pity because Team was actually a much more cohesive album than Seeker Lover Keeper (which featured Throsby, Sarah Blasko and Sally Seltmann). 'What I Thought Of You' was a typically quiet, understated affair featuring hushed vocals, acoustic guitar and accordion; with neat, tender wordplay in the lyrics. It opened the album and set the tone for what would be Throsby's finest collection of songs to date. Listen to it here
6. Awkward - SAN CISCO
It would be easy to dismiss San Cisco as cheap, throwaway piffle. Their music is light, breezy and often hilarious. Songs like 'Awkward' appear harmless enough at first. But then something weird happens on the second or third listen: the West Australian four-piece start lodging themselves between your ears and refuse to budge. By the fifth listen, your brain is entirely consumed by their neat little hooks and clever little one liners. And then you're a gonner. Listen to it here
5. The Look - METRONOMY
It's been a vintage year for pop music and this lush, fruity tune from Metronomy is probably the pick of the crop. 'The Look' builds gradually, layer upon layer, starting with a mischievous little keyboard line, then vocals "going round in circles" and then - just for some extra bounce - that clever little bassline. The whole thing fits together so naturally that it sounds like it took five minutes to write and another five minutes to record (it actually took three years). Listen to it here
4. Lotus Flower - RADIOHEAD
Although King of Limbs was a disappointing follow up to 2007's In Rainbows, Radiohead still delivered one of the best individual tracks of 2011: 'Lotus Flower' (not to mention the best video clip too - who knew Thom Yorke could dance?). The song is vividly mournful and claustrophobic - thanks to Yorke's remarkable vocal dexterity. But it's also imbued with a deep funk as well - thanks to the skittering rhythm. If anyone ever tells you that popular music is just entertainment - that popular music can't possibly be considered "art" - play them this song and make them watch the video. Listen to it here
...the final three tracks will be revealed in the coming days...
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