Best Tunes of the Decade 70-61

70. Single Ladies – Beyonce

Beyonce has so many great tracks this decade, it’s difficult to choose the right one for the top 100. I’m going with Single Ladies because of how it make my boyfriend squirm, and how it caught on with everyone, even the football team!

69. You Rock My World – Michael Jackson

Considering how much Michael Jackson was a focus this past year, it seems only fitting that he should have a spot in the top 100, even though his best tracks were released in the 80s and 90s. You Rock My World, from his 2001 album Invincible, is worthy of this list with Michael’s trademark style, and smooth sexiness he only ever seemed capable of in song and on stage.

68. CrabbuckitK-os

From the 2004 album Joyful Rebellion, Crabbuckit has such a smooth flow, and fresh vibe. Even now, the track is 5 years old, and it’s still fresh like the carton was opened yesterday. I love when Canadians make good music!

67. Come into my World – Kylie Minogue

Pop beauty Kylie Minogue had a real hit of an album in 2002 with Fever, even in North America where she typically doesn’t get the same sort of attention she finds in the UK and Australia. Come into my World is my favourite turn from the album.

66. DesperateRogue Wave

Desperate comes to us from a Daytrotter session by Rogue Wave after their 2007 album Asleep at Heaven’s Gate. A hauntingly beautiful song that, for me, surpasses all the tunes that made it on the album, and lands a spot in the top 100.

65. I’m not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you – Black Kids

From the 2008 album Partie Traumatic, I’m not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you is a hipster favourite.

64. Dream MachineMark Farina

Dream Machine has special significance for me, as it is the tune that always reminds my Perfect how much he loves me! What could be better? From Mark Farina’s 2003 album Air Farina.

62. Dog Days Are Over – Florence & the Machine

Florence had once heck of a year in 2009. Music appreciators all over the world feel madly in love with her after her album Lungs was released in July 2009. It is difficult to pick a best track from the album, as so many of them are fabulous. Dog Days Are Over is certainly one of those fabulous tracks.

63. FlatheadFratellis

From the 2007 album Costello Music.

61. Don’t Stop the Music – Rihanna

Rihanna makes perfect pop music, which earns her a place in the top 100. Don’t Stop the Music is my favourite track from her 2008 album Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded.

The Best of the Decade

Music for the Holidays

Friday, 19 December 2008, 7:01 | Written by: marilyn
Tags : , , , , ,

I am all cozied up with an eggnog latte, feeling the holiday spirit. I’m officially on vacation, and Santa Clause will be coming to town in no time… I just hope that he’ll be able to find me this year… I’m heading to Lima, Peru tomorrow! I’m not worried though, he’s pretty smart, and I bet he has the best GPS technology available.

HallelujahJeff Buckley

From Jeff Buckley’s critically acclaimed album Grace, found new popularity when the song was featured on the The O.C. Mix 3 Have A Very Merry Chrismukkah soundtrack. The song isn’t truly a Christmas song, though it has a very Christmas feel, despite the lyrics have very faith challenging connotations. The word Hallelujah comes from the Hebrew word for praise, and carries great meaning in both the Christian and Jewish faiths. Originally written by Leonard Cohen, the lyrics contain multiple biblical references contrasted with sexual overtone, which I find to be very intriguing, particularly when pondering the connection between love, sex and faith.

Just Like ChrismasLow

Just Like Christmas is delightful Christmas tune with warm female vocals, jingle bells and an uplifting rhythm with occasional deep bass drum, which has that potential to join the classics on the annual Christmas play list. From Low’s 1999 mini Christmas album that brought them notoriety when their version of Little Drummer Boy was featured in a Gap commercial. The EP is an unique addition to the holiday shelf, a must own for fans of Low. If you don’t know the works of Low, they are worth checking out, particularly if you are a fan of The Jesus and Mary Chain, or Mazzy Star.

Little Drummer BoyThe Flaming Lips

From The Flaming Lips’ gem of an EP Due to High Expectations…The Flaming Lips Are Providing Needles for Your Balloons, the Lips’ impromptu live version of The Little Drummer Boy starts off with Wayne’s preface “we won’t worry about it if we forget the words”, setting the tone for a very playful rendition of the classic carol. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this limited edition EP if you find it in your local used CD store, it has some of my favourtie Lips’ tracks that are quickly becoming hard to find.

ChristmasRogue Wave

Christmas (Please Come Home)Death Cab For Cutie

The two above tracks are great holiday songs done completely in the style of the artists. If you’re looking for holiday tracks that won’t be grating on the ears by the time the turkey hits the table, and you are a fan of the smooth sounds of Rogue Wave and Death Cab for Cutie, give these tracks a try.

Silver BellsJenn Grant

Jenn Grant’s offered three special holiday songs through her myspace at Christmas time last year. I love just about everything she puts out, so I had to include her playful rendition of Silver Bells, even though I know almost nothing about it.

Merry Christmas… from Lima, Peru!!

Feliz Navidad!!