As a song for the scorned, this is about as uppity as you’ll ever hear the words “Fuck you” being sung. Though the song was pretty well neutered on its way to radio (“Forget you!”), Cee Lo generated a lion’s share of buzz and put his name in the mouths of those who don’t know him from Goodie Mob or Gnarls Barkley. Of course, none of this buzz would matter if the song sucked. Thankfully, it has proven to have some legs beyond the initial reaction of “Oh my god! Did you hear that song called ‘Fuck You!’? I can’t believe that’s the name of the song!”
Hip-hop newcomer Big Sean and alt-hop duo Chiddy Bang are on their respective paths to stardom. 2010 saw the former become part of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music family, while the latter continued to generate internet chatter with a solid mixtape and EP. The collaboration is another step into a new direction for hip-hop, where rappers are getting away from the boom-boom-clap of typical street beats and embracing beats built off alternative sample sources (see: Kid Cudi). Lyrically, Sean and Chiddy demonstrate the skills that brought them to the bigs. The hook by Zaphoon Jones (aka the white guy from Chiddy Bang) isn’t the best, but the track is tight overall. If you’re not sold, the video’s pretty cool too.
Detroit-based singer/songwriter Alexandra Winston’s current claim to fame is a pair of EP’s and a host of covers. What’s most intriguing about her is her ongoing work with The Knocks, the New York-based electronic production duo whom I’ve grown to like quite a lot over the last year. Her lo-fi sound is usually pretty playful, which matches her mousy vocal style quite well. She’s easy on the eyes too, if that matters to you. Another good one to check out is “Choice Notes,” if you’re interested.
While 2010 wasn’t as big a year for chillwave as 2009, there were still a few standouts. The first to grace this countdown is this nice piece by one-man-band Jack Tatum, aka Wild Nothing. Bathed in characteristic warmth found in his music, “Summer Holiday” sounds exactly what the title would indicate. It’s a soundtrack to fond memories of family trips, going to camp, playing at the beach, etc. All in all, it’s a great little pick-me-up on any rainy day.
As Big Boi ascended to hip-hop royalty in the relative absence of Andre 3000, it’s fitting that the one track he did with his Outkast cohort was left off the triumphant Sir Lucious Left Foot due to label complications (again). “Lookin’ For Ya” begs for a good rump shake as the legendary hip-hoppers reunite with long-time collaborator Sleepy Brown on the energetic Boi-1da production. Hearing this really, really makes me want to see Outkast back together again.
French producer/DJ Breakbot busted out this funky disco hit this past summer, garnering heavy airplay in his native France. “Baby I’m Yours” also received a ton of remix treatment thanks to the internet, which is always a good sign of a versatile song. The Aeroplane mix is also a favourite, but I keep coming back to the original. It’s an uncomplicated dance track devoid of any metaphor or ambiguity. Sometimes, that’s a good thing.
One of 2010’s “it” bands was California surf-rockers Best Coast. In my opinion, their album “Crazy For You” suffered from a chronic sameness. Taken individually, though, many of the tracks are strong enough to stand on their own. Most critics seemed to focus on the single, “Boyfriend,” as the best of the bunch. Forever trying to find the next-best track to call my own favourite, I have grown most fond of “Our Deal.” Lead singer Bethany Cosentino laments an unfortunate relationship as she wails over the otherwise laidback groove. The background ahhs and faint tambourine jangles complete the surfy goodness.
For better or worse, Amy Winehouse’s legacy in the UK lives on. The Motown revival continues with acts such as Raphael Saadiq and Mayer Hawthorne leading the pack. Plan B is lesser known, but he’s actually not too bad. The former rapper decided to flip the script and try his hand at singing. There are times where it’s evident he’s not a born and bred crooner, but he generally gets the job done. The Defamation of Strickland is probably one of the most slept-on albums of 2010. Give it a chance if you haven’t already!
Something about this song screams “Metric” to me, but it definitely has a cleanliness and electronic edge that you would expect from an ace like Kaskade. I don’t have the beat on what hardcore house fans think about the veteran hitmaker, but he’s always been alright in my books. Credit the assist to Dragonette for ramping up her diva quotient to match the electrifying synths. “Fire In Your Shoes” is short at only 2:39, but it’s got good replay value.
It’s impossible to talk about pop music without hearing about Bruno Mars. Credited for co-writing Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You!” and a score of his own hits and guest spots, few artists were as visible as Bruno Mars in 2010. He’s got a knack for sugar-sweet lyrics and his voice is as clear as a bell. Seriously, people are probably getting married to this song as you read this. He’s that dude right now. Nuff said?
70-79 coming tomorrow!
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