10
|
Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris and Chrome - Dance Wiv Me
Ladies and gentleman, the oddest of odd couples in the pop spectrum. Nonetheless, absolutely inspired. Dizzee Rascal's star is certainly back in the ascendancy after his performance here - clearly needing to burn off some testosterone, strutting round like a peacock flashing his plumage at the tastiest girl in the club. And then of course there's the contribution from Calvin Harris, a real killer of a hook, and one of the simplest but catchiest choruses that I've heard in a long time. It even made it onto XfM's playlist for a spell, before (I suspect) the Morrissey fans complained that they thought Kiss 100 had hijacked the station.
Jason M
No of votes: 18, Score:
82, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
9
|
Katy Perry - Hot And Cold
Artist link: 5
Katy Perry burst onto the forefront of the music scene this summer with the second single "I Kissed A Girl" from her "One Of The Boys" album. The most controversial song since the first single "I'm Gay". This third outing is far less gimmicky and yet manages to stand on its own two feet. A delicious blend of guitar chords, dance floor beat and catchy vocals sung in a Pink-like rocky style but without the pretentious "I'm a rock chick" attitude all combine to make this unforgettable pop song that will get everyone from indie kids to ravers singing along.
Henry I-S
No of votes: 18, Score:
96, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
|
|
7
|
Estelle feat. Kanye West - American Boy
"Whose the hottest in the world right now?" Britain's sweetheart has stolen the hearts of many an American Boy, including Mr. Ego himself - Kanye West. And it was this duet with Kanye that introduced her to America, where female r&b stars come (and go) by the dozen. On both sides of the pond, all spring and summer long, we happily sung along - a catchy tune, great chorus, easy rhymes. With A-list collaborators like John Legend, Will.i.am, & Mark Ronson, a long list of award wins & nominations, and just pure talent and soul - this American girl thinks Estelle's just getting started.
Jane B
No of votes: 18, Score:
101, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
6
|
Elbow - One Day Like This
Artist link:15  38
It seems Britain finally managed to differentiate pop arse from Elbow in 2008 as The Seldom Seen Kid transformed the band from the nicest men in indie into the nicest men in award-winning music. 'One Day Like This' is 'Oh What A Beautiful Morning' for the 21st Century, as Glastonbury and audiences around the country reached their arms into the air and beseeched the universe to hear and understand this mantra. These six minutes of distilled, woozy happiness are the perfect soundtrack to early morning sunshine or a beautiful summer sunset. Throw those curtains wide - one song like this a year would see me right.
Danny G
No of votes: 18, Score:
130, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
5
|
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl
Artist link:9
Lesbianism and pop music - brilliant! Why didn't I think of that (in an entrepreneurial way)? And not just any lesbianism but experimental, ChapStick lesbianism with the tATus to prove it. Before imagining too hard, I guess we should check just who had the cherry-flavoured lips - if she looked like Les Dawson then the image is somewhat tarnished. Concept aside, this is actually rather disappointingly produced - see Katy Perry perform it with her live band to fully understand just how good a piece of work Cathy Dennis turned in.
Danny G
No of votes: 21, Score:
105, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
4
|
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
Artist link:43
Marmite. You know the score. And by all accounts, I should be heartily sick of it by now - you can hardly get about an hour through most commercial radio stations without this appearing. Even good ol' Bibsy Radio 1 decided to use it underneath their massive promo (you know, the one where every DJ on their roster earnestly eulogises about their love of music, in front of some serious neon lighting). But, I appear to be showing no signs of Ting Tings fatigue - it still sounds just as fresh and vibrant as when I first heard it. You can hear Katie White's Riot Grrl heritage in her vocal style (whereas anyone who can tell what it is Jules De Martino is singing in the background deserves an award), but for once the musical skeleton in the closet is probably the main contributing factor to what made it one of the defining musical moments of the year.
Jason M
No of votes: 21, Score:
121, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
3
|
MGMT - Time To Pretend
Artist link:21
What the hell is going on here? Not just the song, but the band themselves. Are they part of some bizarre neo-Paganist sect? Or are they simply off their nuts on horse tranquilisers snowballed with furniture polish? A group of people wearing bedsheets, feathers and rolled up trousers all having a paddle and chucking burning bands into the ocean? This pretty much sums up Time To Pretend: flares weirdly arcing over a sea swirling currents of different coloured waters with the reverb turned up to ten.
P Shoo
No of votes: 21, Score:
145, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
|
|
1
|
Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
Artist link: 19 20  40
Well, it's been a few years in the rock wilderness at the zenith of Top 50 Singles, but at long last, one returns to claim the coveted slot. Now, you might want to be sitting down before I begin...... because apparently Caleb Followill nearly scrapped the song during recording (well, Wikipedia says so, so it must be true). Mercifully, the lure of their first UK number one single was too great and so they kept it. We should also be thankful that Caleb is still at a tender young age, so the virility implied in the song works, because I really couldn't imagine a song like this having the same appeal eminating from ZZ Top, or Motorhead. Honourable mention should also be made to the gusto given to the delivery of the vocals on the chorus line - which ensures its classification as rock anthem is justified. A supreme effort from a consistently good band.
Jason M
No of votes: 29, Score:
183, Highest vote: 1st
|
 |
|
Thanks go to the following people for assisting with getting together our comprehensive aide-memoire: Greg B, Kat B, Dan Mc
A MASSIVE THANKS also to all those who slaved over a hot keyboard to produce the write ups: Danny G, Paul H, Paul M, Kat B, Andrew S, Isaac H, Milly H, P Shoo, Dan Mc, Greg B, Elliot H, John M, Jane B, Henry I-S, John C, Swiss T, Catherine Mc
2
3
12
19