The fact that “Spill” by Byron Bay, AUS band Plts isn’t a massive radio hit here in the States is a tragedy. “Spill” is a pop-rock beast that will continue to linger in your mind until you hear it again.
I am not sure what Australia has been putting in their water over there, but the Aussies killed it in the alt rock world this year. Plts, get to the States ASAP and “Spill” some of that water over here.
Plts has set the bar real high for themselves, and I can not wait to see what they have in store in 2018.
9. “One Night Only” – The Struts
From the first five words, there is no denying that “One Night Only” is The Struts. Lead singer, Luke Spiller has one of, if not the most distinguishable voice in rock today, and The Struts are in a league of their own in the fact that everything they release is damn near perfection.
“One Night Only,” like all Struts songs is meant to be played loud and is an example of why they are the best modern day glam rock that you will find anywhere in the world.
8. “The Sky is a Neighborhood” – Foo Fighters
Not only is Dave Grohl a living legend in rock and roll, and a lyrical genius, but he also dabbles in astronomy as well. He wrote “The Sky is a Neighborhood” after watching a Neil DeGrasse Tyson video called “The Most Astounding Fact.” (below)
“The Sky is a Neighborhood is loud, angry, and as perfect as just about everything else the Foo Fighters have been doing for the past 24 years.
7. “Run For Cover” – The Killers
“Run For Cover” was originally written by The Killers back in 2008 for consideration to be included on their third studio album, Day & Age.
I guess the problem with being as talented as Brandon Flowers is that when you are such an amazing lyricist, you can’t include all of your songs on your album.
But, after 9 long years in limbo, The Killers finally debuted the song on June 10th at their show at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Speaking from first hand experience of being in the front row, it was as amazing as you would imagine.
The older and more mature Flowers and the guys in The Killers get, the more they solidify themselves as kings of post 2000 alt rock, and the standard which all others have to live up to.
6. “Hiccups” – WATERS
“All of my mistakes
All my heartbreaks
I got no regrets
This time, ’cause
All of my fuck-ups
All of my hiccups
Only brought me to you”
“Hiccups” was one of the first songs I heard in 2017 and halfway through the first listen, I said out loud, to myself, “well, I know what my favorite song of 2017 is going to be.”
While it didn’t quite make my number one song of the year, it did make the top six, and was easily one of my favorite songs of 2017 from beginning to end.
So next time you have a hiccup or fuck up royally, have no regrets, because it very well may lead you to something better. So go ahead, and fuck up as much as you want in 2018.
5. “I Miss Those Days” – Bleachers
The song of the year to sum up your college experience, “I Miss Those Days,” is about once upon a time being lost, but realizing that maybe it wasn’t such a bad time.
With the best use of horns in a rock song in years, The Bleachers have topped themselves with “I Miss Those Days,” as it is their best, most entertaining track in the bands three year history.
4. “Someone To You” – BANNERS
“Shine a Light” put Liverpool native BANNERS on the map back in 2015, but “Someone To You” has solidified him as a force to be reckoned with in the alt rock world.
“Someone To You” is a perfect blend of laid back, meaningful lyrics, and a big, last minute chorus that will knock your socks off.
BANNERS will hopefully be “somebody to us” for many years to come. Someone that delivers tracks as great as “Someone To You” again and again.
3. “Numbers” – J. Roddy Walston & The Business
“Numbers,” about loving and hating someone at the same time, may be the most relatable of 2017.
We all know that those that you love the most are also the ones that you can’t stand the most. Couple that with the ridiculously fun chorus and the fast, upbeat tempo, “Numbers” is one of the most memorable songs of 2017 that has not received a fraction of the attention and recognition it deserves.
2. “Seattle Rain” – 888
The biggest mystery to me of 2017 is how the hell “Seattle Rain” was not a massive radio hit.
The Denver, CO band’s shamefully underrated hit “Seattle Rain” is their most catchy, radio-friendly track to date, but for some reason, the track failed to make it big on the airwaves.
So listen now to the best song of 2017 that you didn’t have the privilege of hearing.
1. “The Man” – The Killers
The irony isn’t lost on me of the fact that “The Man” from Vegas legends, The Killers, is about a cocky man that believes he is the shit, and is his own big
gest fan. The irony comes with the the fact that Brandon Flowers is indeed, the coolest man alive. (I have done countless hours worth of research to confirm this fact.)
“The Man” is rock, pop, funk, soul, new wave, glam rock, disco rock and pure perfection. I would expect nothing else from the greatest Las Vegas band of all time, and the best alt rock band of the 2000’s. What we have known for years is now official, “Mr. Brightside” is now officially, “The Man.”
Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone has a happy, healthy 2018.
Canadian rock band, Simple Plan released their 5th studio album this year titled Taking One For the Team. Their second single off the album, “Singing in the Rain” is a story of how no matter how shitty life may be, they will not let anything drag them down.
“I got a song in my heart and I’m bulletproof,
There’s nothing in the world that’s gonna kill this mood.
No matter what life wants to throw my way,
I’ll be singing, I’ll be singing in the rain.”
His car won’t start, his girlfriend broke up with him, a fortune-teller tells him that he is doomed, but he doesn’t care because there is a storm coming and he is going to sing in the rain and make the best of his awful, miserable life.
Whenever you are having a bad day, “Singing in the Rain” will help you realize that you need to man up, move on, and make the best of what you have.
49. “You Look Like I Need A Drink” – Justin Moore
One of the most clever breakup songs of the year is Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need A Drink.” It’s country, rock and pop all rolled into one incredibly fun song.
When his girlfriend walks into the house Moore can tell something is up, and has a feeling that he is about to be dumped. His response: “you look like I need a drink.” This will now be my go to phrase whenever I feel as though I am about to get bad news. Or good news. Or any news at all, I suppose.
48. “Soundcheck” – Catfish and the Bottlemen
“Soundcheck” is the first single off Catfish and the Bottlemen’s second studio album, The Ride. It is a tale of the lead singer of a band being so in love that he rushes through his soundcheck just to be able to catch his girl on her fag break. Needless to say, Catfish and the Bottlemen are Welsh.
“And I raced through soundcheck
Just to meet you on your fag break
And you convinced me
To put life aside and want you.”
The song is pure rock with a catchy melody and fist-pumping chorus, which makes it one of, if not the best Catfish and the Bottlemen song to date.
47. “Peace Of Mind” – The Killers
“Peace of Mind” was recorded ten years ago when The Killers released Sam’s Town, which in my opinion is the greatest album of all time, and many believe to be the most underrated album of the decade. But, then again, I am very Killers biased as they are my favorite band.
“Peace of Mind” never made the album, but when the band re-released the album for the ten-year anniversary, they included the bonus track of “Peace of Mind.” And of course it is, like everything else The Killers do, perfect.
46. “Figuring It Out” – SWMRS
SWMRS formed after drummer Joey Armstrong (son of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong) and lead singer Cole Becker watched the movie School Of Rocktogether in school.
“Figuring It Out” is one of the most infectious songs of the year, and by the second or third time you listen to it, you will be singing along. The song is punk rock meets rock and roll, with a dabble of very tolerable pop. It is anthemic and meant to be played as loud as your radio (or iPhone) can go.
The band may be young, but it sure seems like they are figuring out this whole music thing with ease. Expect to hear much more from SWMRS in the coming years.
45. “Parlor” – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats could sing about boiling water and make it into one of the most addictive songs of the year. Case in point, “Parlor” is insanely fun and begs for you to get up and dance. You won’t care what Rateliff is saying, nor what the song is about because you will be too busy pushing loved ones aside as you make your way to the dance floor if you ever get invited to another wedding in your life.
44. “Life Itself” – Glass Animals
Glass Animals had a huge year in 2016 thanks to their breakout hit, “Life Itself.” The band told Variance magazine back in May that the song was about “a “guy who was born a bit strange, and struggles to become part of society. Because of that, he spends more time alone in his own head, getting stranger, and it becomes an awful cycle of doom.”
I can’t get a job so I live with my mom/I take her money but not quite enough/I sit in the car and I listen to static/She said I look fat but I look fantastic
Yikes! That sounds way more depressing that one would assume based on how fun and catchy the song is. So next time you have a huge smile on your face while bee- bopping around to this infectious track, remember the sad story of what it is about and have some decency, you insensitive jerk.
43. “Not Easy” – Alex Da Kid
Alex Da Kid may be a newcomer in terms of being known as a solo artist, but he has produced many hit songs for some of the biggest names in music. The 34-year-old out of England has produced massive hits for artists like Dr Dre, Enimem and Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Imagine Dragons, just to name a few.
“Not Easy,” released just a few weeks ago, is about to take the world by storm and will surely be one of the biggest hits of 2017. It is about breaking the heart of someone you love and feeling awful about it. Alex Da Kid is about to be a household name, and “Not Easy” will put him on the map as the solo artist that all others will strive to be.
42. Glitter & Gold – Barns Courtney
Much like “Fire,” Barns Courtney’s other song that made this year’s countdown, “Glitter and Gold” is about overcoming rejection and not giving up on your dreams. Whatever Courtney did to help him get over his rejection from a record label worked because 2016 was his biggest year yet with two radio hits that are equally enjoyable.
It may sound terrible, but let’s all hope that Barns Courtney gets rejected more often so he can reward us with more incredible music in the new year. No offense Barns.
41. “The Driver” – Charles Kelley feat. Dierks Bentley
“The Driver” is far and away this years best song with the use of multiple perspectives. The song tells the insanely beautiful story about a musicians life on the road.
Stage 1 is from the perspective of the driver of the equipment.
“I’m the driver, bringing their circus to town
First one in and the last rolling out, shutting down
The up all-nighter, all the stars and sunrises I’ve seen
Every corn field and town in between
West to east”
Stage 2 is from the perspective of the “dreamer.” The fans that attend the shows and wait for hours to get in the first row.
“I’m the dreamer, soaking up every line
Searching for truth all the time, oh yeah
The believer, that music can save a soul
The one who’s at every show in the front row, singin'”
And the final stage is the perspective of the singer. The star of the show that used to be exactly where the dreamers are standing.
“I’m the singer, pouring out all that I had
Every love song and heart break gone bad
And looking back, when I was younger
Sitting right there where you are
Sending a prayer to the highest star
And here we are”
The song is all tied together with a chorus so beautiful that it will send chills down your spine. Charles Kelley (with the help of Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay) hit the ball out of the park on this track, making it one of the best country songs of the year that even a rock and roll guy will appreciate.
Now that Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas season is in full swing. Christmas trees haphazardly strapped to the top cars, black Friday stampedes at WalMart, and creating lists of excuses for why you can’t attend a Christmas party that you don’t want to go to, are all staples of the holiday season. But nothing says Christmas is right around the corner like the release of the annual Killers’ Christmas song.
Beginning in 2006, and every year since, The Killers have donated 100% of their proceeds from their Christmas song to Product (RED), which raises awareness and funds to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Africa.
From silly songs about a deranged Santa and personified lumps of coal, to tear-jerking songs about war and being away from your family and friends during the holidays, Brandon Flowers and The Killers have solidified themselves as the leaders of modern-day Christmas rock music.
And this year, which has been widely rumored to be their last year releasing a Christmas single, they have decided to package all 11 songs into an album fittingly titled Don’t Waste Your Wishes. An apropos title, considering the only wish I have for Christmas next year is that The Killers decide to continue their holiday tradition and give us more Christmas joy.
Though The Killers can do no wrong in my eyes. and each song is special in its own right, below is a ranking of all 11 of their Christmas songs.
Don’t Waste Your Wishes: From Worst To Best
11. “I Can Feel It In My Bones” (featuring Ryan Pardey) 2012
A story about making it on to Santa’s “naughty list”, “I Feel It In My Bones” is a sequel to the wildly popular 2007 Killers’ Christmas classic, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa.” The video shows Flowers and fellow band members Ronnie Vannucci, Dave Keuning, and Mark Stoemer having nightmares in bed, just like a child may, the night before Christmas while wondering if they would be on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
“Maybe I was naughty once, but now I’m nice” pleads Flowers as he tries to prove his case for why Santa should reconsider his decision to permanently keep the boys on the naughty list.
“I Feel It In My Bones” is almost certainly the least catchy and radio friendly of all their Christmas songs, but is a terrifying reminder of how thankful I am that The Killers were not formed in the 1980’s, as this is probably what the majority of their music would have sounded like.
“We are livin’ in a difficult time
We’ve been walkin’ down a difficult line
Put your feet up baby, it’s Christmas time
Cumpleaños feliz
Happy Birthday Guadalupe”
The video, however, portrays the story of a man (Luke Perry) searching for his long-lost love. No, he was not searching the Peach Pit or West Beverly Hills High for Brenda Walsh or Kelly Taylor, he was searching the desert for Guadalupe.
9. Joseph, Better You Than Me (featuring Elton John and Neil Tennant) 2008
In 2008, The Killers decided to ditch Santa, and get back to the original reason for the holiday, the birth of Jesus. “Joseph, Better You Than Me” is about the difficulties that Joseph must have endured from being the father of Jesus, and all the responsibilities that were dropped in Joseph’s lap.
Unable to get a cameo by Joseph, himself, The Killers managed to get the next best thing for their Christmas song this year; Sir Elton John.
8. “Christmas in LA” (featuring Dawes) 2013
“Christmas in LA” tells the tale of a struggling actor that has spent one too many Christmas seasons away from his hometown and in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
It’s easy to feel sympathy for the songs lonely actor (played by Owen Wilson in the video) because Flowers effortlessly portrays how un-Christmas-like, LA in December can be, especially for a struggling, lonely actor.
So, this Christmas, when your relatives are judging you for drinking too much eggnog, and a fight is about to ensue, just remember that there are poor, lonely models and actors in LA that are jealous you get to spend the holidays with your loved ones, regardless of how annoying they may be.
7. “Dirt Sledding” (2015)
Last years Christmas single, “Dirt Sledding” was the third and final chapter in the Killer’s Santa trilogy (the other two being “Don’t Shoot Me Santa (2007), and “I Feel It In My Bones” (2012).
Flowers and the boys finally have their happy ending, when they trick Santa into befriending them by disguising as the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Jack-O-Lantern and Thanksgiving Turkey.
It may have taken ten years, but “Dirt Sledding” is a perfect ending to the story of how the guys in The Killers have made the jump from the naughty list to the nice list, and back on Santa’s good side.
“Sometime you forget. You get so caught up in business and being an adult that you forget to have fun and enjoy things and be nice to people.”
He is referring to the fact that the band created and recorded the song to donate to the Product (RED) charity. Having no way of seeing into the future, he did not know that over 10 years later, the band would still be creating instant Christmastime staples.
“A Great Big Sled” is one of The Killers’ most playful and jovial songs to date. The video features 1970’s-style “homemade video” footage of the boys’ in various holiday celebratory playfulness, which is quite fitting, as it feels like it was ages ago that “A Great Big Sled” was released.
5. “Cowboys’ Christmas Ball” (2011)
Far and away their most energetic Christmas single, “The Cowboys’ Christmas Ball” could hold its own on any “Best Christmas Songs to Dance to” countdown. Using the lyrics from a 1890 poem (of the same name) by William Lawrence Chittenden, The Killers transformed a 120 year old “song” and made it into something that could be played on nearly any radio station today.
The video takes place at a Cowboy Christmas Ball that gets attacked by nasty outsiders. However, a poor man’s C3PO and Zingbot from Big Brother, show up to save the day, and more importantly, the Christmas ball.
CP3O’s cousin, and Big Brother’s Zingbot save the day in 2011’s Cowboys’ Christmas Ball
4. “Joel, the Lump of Coal” (2014)
https://youtu.be/DikMxTInkPs
For their 2014 Christmas single, The Killers enlisted the help of late night host, Jimmy Kimmel to come up with the story of everyone’s favorite lump of coal, Joel, who is unaware that he is not a gift that any child wants.
“Joel, the Lump of Coal” follows Joel’s journey from Santa’s Village to his arrival at one naughty child’s house on Christmas morning. And while the song may be silly and playful, it also sends a message of hope, as the little boy who receives Joel, makes the best with what he has been given, and ends up learning a valuable lesson once Joel decides to sacrifice his life for the boy.
Joel, the lump of coal, is the modern rock version of Rudolph, the Rednosed Reindeer, and is a great reminder for people of all ages, that if life hands you a glass of virgin eggnog, you can always add rum to it when nobody is looking, to make it amazing.
3. “Boots” (2010)
One of the most sentimental Killers’ Christmas songs, “Boots”, is known to be Brandon Flowers’ favorite of all their holiday songs. It is about remembering back to the most pleasant Christmas’ of your childhood and using those memories to help you through more trying times. It is additionally heart-wrenching due to the fact that Flowers lost his mother to cancer a few years back.
“I close my eyes,
Think about the path I took.
Just when I think these times,
Have gotten the best of me.
I can see my mother in the kitchen.
My father on the floor,
Watching television.
It’s a wonderful life.
Cinnamon candles burning.
Snowball fights outside.
Smile below each nose and above each chin.
Stomp my boots before I go back in.”
The video, which features an extra dapper Flowers looking like he stepped straight out of a GQ ad, begins with a clip of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The fact that the combination of The Killers and It’s a Wonderful Life didn’t make my head explode is a Christmas miracle in itself.
2. “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” (2007)
The second annual Killers’ Christmas song is now known as the first in a trilogy of songs about Santa. In “Don’t Shoot Me Santa,” the boys encounter Santa after he kidnaps Brandon and plans on shooting him for being an extra naughty boy. Brandon pleads with Santa and begs his forgiveness, saying…
“Hey, Santa Clause
No one else around believes me
But the children on the block they tease me
I couldn’t let them off that easy
They had it coming, so, why can’t you see
I couldn’t turn my check no longer
The sun is going down and Christmas is near
Just look the other way and I’ll disappear forever.”
In the end, Brandon escapes with the help of his band mates, which opens the door for the sequel song, “I Feel It In My Bones.” “Don’t Shoot Me Santa ” is old school Killers at its best, and has become a quintessential track on any holiday rock music playlist.
1. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (2016)
Heavily rumored to be their final Christmas single, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is mind-bogglingly beautiful, and will turn even the biggest holiday Grinch’s heart warm.
The track, released last week, begins with an over 3 minute long story of Brandon’s childhood and his family’s move from Henderson, NV to Utah, where he experiences his very first white Christmas.
The story then leads to where his love of music began, and a very special music teacher that introduced him to the track “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The song, about being at war and writing a letter home to your family telling them that you would be home for Christmas, even though there is a solid chance you wouldn’t be home, is quite possibly the most devastatingly beautiful Christmas song ever written.
The special guest (I won’t spoil the surprise) that The Killers have with them on what could be their final Christmas song, makes this not only their best, but also their most important holiday single to date.
If indeed, The Killers are done with their Product (RED) charity songs, the Christmas journey they sent us on over the past eleven years will go down as one of, if not the most comprehensive, diverse, and satisfying rock Christmas albums of all time.
Click here for more information on Don’t Waste Your Wishes
