Favorite Songs of 2011 (20-11)

20. The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie by Red Hot Chili Peppers - While I think the name of the song is completely ridiculous, the song itself is my favorite Chili Peppers song in a while. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been a central part of my music collection for my entire life. They are one of, if not the only band in which I have tapes, CD's, Vinyls, and digital downloads. After twenty plus years of hit after hit "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" is further proof that The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the greatest bands of my generation.

19. Miss K by Deer Tick - I know that there are many different musical tastes out there, but I would be shocked to hear that there was anyone out there that does not enjoy this Deer Tick track. While I agree that it may take a certain appreciation for Indie-Folk Rock to enjoy many Deer Tick songs, there is no effort needed to appreciate "Miss K" for the beauty of a track that it is. Simply said - "Miss K" can make even the most miserable, up-tight person tap his foot and enjoy life.

18. Summer of '89 by Butch Walker & the Black Widows - I have absolutely no clue who the Black Widows are, but I couldn't care any less because Butch Walker could form a band with the Muppet Babies and I would probably buy the album. I am sure many of you are not familiar with Butch Walker, but in my opinion he is one of the greatest musicians (recording artist/songwriter/record producer) of the past few decades. He is the former lead singer of the band Marvelous 3 (which I am sure about 2 of you remember.) He then went on his own and released two insanely good albums (Sycamore Meadows and Left of Self Centered.) Walker then released the album The Rise and Fall of Butch Walker and the Lets Go Out Tonites as Butch Walker and the Let's Go Out Tonites. Finally, this year brought us Butch Walker & the Black Widows and this gem of a song. "Summer of 89" is one of Walker's best tracks to date. I wanted to be friends with Butch Walker back in the 90's when I was a teenager, and I want to be friends with Walker even more now that I am a 32 year old man. What does that say about him................. and me. 

If you truly care about me, you will watch this video. Then you will tell me about how much you love it either through oral communication, written expression, or any other mode of interaction that you deem appropriate.

Also, for all of you too lazy to look up Butch Walkers band Marvelous 3 (from the 90's) here is a video of their biggest hit, "Freak of the Week."

17. Not Your Fault by Awolnation - If I had only listened to this song this summer when it was handed to me by my co-bartender, Erin, it may have made it even higher than number 17. It turns out, however, that I didn't hear (and actually pay attention to it) until late November, just a few short weeks prior to making the countdown. I have since bought the Awolnation album and am blown away by how amazing it is. EVERY song is so unique and distinct that every time I listen to the album I am mesmerized. I almost did not give "Not Your Fault" a chance because I don't love the first 45 seconds of the song, but the chorus is my favorite chorus of 2011 and smacks me in the face every time. If you do not listen to this song then it is definitely NOT NOT your fault, meaning it is 100% your fault and you should be ashamed of yourself.

***** I understand the first 45 seconds may be a little odd, but you must stick with it to :47 and I promise you will not be disappointed************* 

16. We Are Young by Fun. - I heard of Fun. for the very first time in November and "We Are Young" was a surprise hit at the end of the year. Throughout the past few weeks I have seen many people post this video on their Facebook page and tell the world how much they love it (I am pretty sure the song was featured on some TV show). I have refrained from commenting because I did not want to spoil the surprise of how much I, too, love it. I am ashamed to say that I have not got around to purchasing the Fun. album yet, but I plan on doing so in the next few days. Also, the band is coming to Rhode Island in March and I will surely be in attendance. The concert is sure to be a ton of F.U.N.

15. Under the Cover of Darkness by The Strokes - I was never a huge fan of The Strokes until Julian Casablancas came out with his solo album. I became totally obsessed with the guy and now I am in love with The Strokes as well. I have issues, I know. Anyway, "Under the Cover of Darkness" is a complete blast (possibly even my favorite Strokes song of all time) and yet another reason why Julian Casablancas should run away should I ever be lucky enough to meet him in person. 

Here is a very special performance of Julian Casablancas "Out of the Blue" which made my top ten songs of 2011. 

14. My Body by Young the Giant - Once again I have shocked myself at how low a song appears on my own countdown. 

My Body is perfect. There is nothing wrong with My Body at all. EVERYONE loves My Body. My Body was a huge hit this past summer. Young and Old all love My Body. I love My Body.

The song is also pretty great and one of my favorite songs of the year, I simply (apparently) like 13 songs  a little, little, little bit more. Don't feel too bad for Young the Giant though, they are not through with this countdown just yet!

13. Blame it On the Beer by Chase Rice - I don't think I listened to, or quoted a song more than "Blame it On the Beer" this year. I am not going to rant and rave about Chase Rice because I have already done that for his first THREE songs that have already made the countdown. "Blame It on the Beer" makes me want to be friends with Chase Rice more than any song in the history of music has made me want to be friends with anyone. I would trade every friend I have ever made in my life just to be friends with Chase Rice. I hope that doesn't offend anybody. If you know me, you know how much I exaggerate. (Although, in this case I am not exaggerating at all.) I would drop you all like a bad habit if Chase Rice wanted to be my friend.

Here are some of the lyrics from "Blame it on the Beer" that are so beautiful they bring a tear to my eye...

"Drink after drink my nights come alive, the more I think about it, how the hell have I survived. And all the things I've done over the years, I ain't takin' the blame on this one, let's blame it on the beers."

".... I call my best friend, he says you did it again, man we really gotta talk. You gotta calm your ass down, lay off the Crown, this is getting out of hand. I said I'm Sorry Dude, don't mean to be rude, can't say no to a free keg stand."

".... when I get my rum, I have so much fun Sweet Tea just won't suffice."

See, how can you NOT want to be best friends with him? I would give my blessing to any of my friends that had to ditch me in order to be friends with Chase.

Shockingly, Chase still has one more song make an appearance on the countdown. A record FIVE songs  - the most impressive feat in the history of Ryan's Countdowns?????

***** For some reason I can not find "Blame it on the Beer" on youtube, so go buy it yourself on itunes. It is worth way more than $0.99 so don't be a cheap bastard. I will, however, include this unreleased little ditty from Chase called "Kiss My Ass." You can bet your bottom dollar that if this song is on Chase's first full length album (which hopefully will be released some time in 2012) then you will surely be reading about it on next years countdown.

12. Sydney (I'll Come Running) by Brett Dennen - Chase Rice and Brett Dennen have been in a heated battle all 2011 for the title of favorite male solo artist. Chase has a song in the top ten, while Brett falls just short of the top ten with "Sydney (I'll Come Running.) Like Chase Rice I have already went on and on about how much I love Brett Dennen so there is no need to elaborate any further. "Sydney (I'll Come Running)" could come on at a funeral and I would probably start dancing and singing along. I don't think I have the self control needed to not be happy when this song is on. If Brett Dennen ran for US President I would probably drop my entire life and become his campaign manager. How about Dennen/Rice 2012?

I suppose that would be funny if I was not 100% serious. 

11. Bulletproof Heart by My Chemical Romance - I love just about everything My Chemical Romance does, but I did not expect "Bulletproof Heart" to be this high. As I rank the songs, however, I am listening to them to help me make my final decisions. I kept trying to place "Bulletproof Heart" a little lower than 11, but I simply could not do it. I am not sure what it is about My Chemical Romance, but I find their music always gets me pumped up, and I find almost all their songs epic. I think "Bulletproof Heart" is nowhere near as epic as, say, "Welcome to the Black Parade", but I still find it epic nonetheless. Every album MCR releases I am more dumbfounded that the group of kids that released "I'm Not OKAY, (I Promise)" back in 2004 are still one of my favorite bands, 8 years later. I find that insane. 

"Bulletproof Heart"

Top Ten Coming Soon!



Favorite Songs of 2011 (30-21)

30. Changing by Airborne Toxic Event - I have to admit that after "Sometime Around Midnight" I was pretty convinced that Airborne Toxic Event was going to be one hit wonders, and I am here to say that I was completely wrong. Not only was their entire album a joy to listen to, they come back two years later and are as strong as ever. The first time I heard "Changing" I knew that it would make this countdown. "Changing" proves that Airborne Toxic Event are a diverse and talented band that are way more than one hit wonders.

29. Time Spent in Los Angeles by Dawes - I have already expressed my regret for ignoring every song on the Dawes album other than "Time Spent in L.A." The song is the first track on the album and I enjoyed listening to it so much that I kept replaying it; never even giving the other songs a chance. I even went as far as to say the rest of the album was not good. Well, the past is in the past, and the album is pretty much all I have been listening to for the past month. "Time Spent in Los Angeles" will forever remind me of bartending on the beach and drinking in the sun, and therefore will always make me happy.

28. Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes by O.A.R. - O.A.R. surprised me more than any other band this year. I have been a O.A.R. fan for years, but I usually like about three songs on each album, and i'll be obsessed with one song per album. Their latest album, King, has many tracks that I thoroughly enjoy, and two that I am obsessed with. "Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes" is one of those obsessions. The song is very near and dear to me because I very, very, seldom make mistakes. In fact, in my nine years of teaching, countless clumsy students have asked me if they could borrow my "White-Out." My response every time is "Sorry, I don't have any. I don't make mistakes."
O.A.R.'s "Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes" forces me to accept the fact that even I may make an occasional blunder every now and then, and that is OK. Thanks O.A.R.

27. Shake it Out by Florence and the Machine - Last year I caught a lot of slack for placing "The Dogs Days Are Over" at number 30, which many people considered to be "so low." While "Dog Days Are Over" was and is a great song, I feel confident that 30 was an accurate ranking. This year I actually like "Shake it Out" even more and placed it at number 27. Wouldn't you know, I have received slack for this too, with people saying that it may be placed a little "too high." I can't win when it comes to Flo. (If you are wondering who has been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at my list, maybe if you are a little nicer to me this coming year, you too, will get a sneak peek next December.) Fine, it was my brother.

Anyway, I love "Shake it Out" more and more every time I listen to it. A funny story about the song is that just yesterday I was running VERY late for work. I usually allow myself a minute or two extra in case a great song comes on the radio while I am preparing to enter work. That way, I would have enough time to sit in the parking lot and finish listening to it before I had to slug into the building. Well, wouldn't you know about 30 seconds before I parked the car "Shake it Out" came on the radio. I did not have a minute to spare, so I was not able to listen to the entire song. As you can imagine I was pretty bummed. I had the song stuck in my head all day, almost as if it was on pause in my head. Well, six and a half LONG hours later I returned to my car, turned it on, and what is on the radio? You guessed it, "Shake it Out" in almost the exact same spot where I left it. I couldn't believe my ears. I may have even screamed "Oh My God!" which would explain all the weird looks I was getting from my co-workers in neighboring cars.

26. Around My Head by Cage, the Elephant -  "Around My Head" is the third and final Cage, the Elephant song to make this years countdown. An interesting fact about Cage is that they have made my top 50 Songs of the Year Countdown the past three years, ever since their first song, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked." They have a very impressive track record here at Ryan's Countdown's.
I pretty much think I love this song simply because of all the "ohhh ohhhh ohhhh ohhh, ahhhh ahhhh ahhhhh ahhhh" parts and the "I. Don't. Think. It's. Veeery. Nice. To." parts. If you have never heard this song and have no idea what I am talking about then please listen to this song and love it with me.

25. Rope by Foo Fighters - If January 2011 Ryan, would have told January 2012 Ryan that "Rope" would not make the top TEN songs of the year I would have laughed at myself and then probably punched myself in the face. I was very confident that "Rope" would be in contention for song of the year. Not only did it not even make my top 20, but it is my THIRD favorite Foo Fighters song of the year. My placement of "Rope" at number 25 proves to me how many great songs were released in 2011. Foo Fighters will forever be one of my favorite bands of all time, and "Rope" is just one example of how modern and ageless these guys are.

24. Listen to Your Love by Mona - "Listen to Your Love" is one of the rare gems that I first heard in mid December while doing research for the countdown. I instantly fell in love with it and it wasn't long before it was one of my favorite songs of the year. I have not had time to listen to any other songs by Mona, but now that the crazy weeks of late December and early January are over I will be sure to check them out and give them a proper listen. If all their songs are anywhere near this good, you can expect to be hearing a lot more about Mona in future countdowns.

I look forward to getting to know Mona much more in the coming months.




23. Darling Buds of May by Viva Brother - Like the previous band, Mona, I had no idea who these guys were until I heard the DJ announce that they were about to play Viva Brother for the first time in the stations history. I was instantly hooked. I bought their album, saw them in concert, and even had a beer with one of the guys. If you read my Top Albums of 2011 countdown you know how much I love these guys. Their release, "The Darling Buds of May" is catchy as hell, but one of my least favorite songs on the album. It is what it is.  ( I hate that term more than anything, and would NEVER seriously use it, but it is the main line of the song, so I had to throw it in somewhere.)

22. Comeback Kid by Brett Dennen -  Not many people in New England know Brett Dennen because for some unknown reason that gets me really mad, no radio stations play his music (at least not in RI anyway.) Brett Dennen is a musical mastermind and must be shared with the world. If I was ten years younger or thirty years older, I would quit my job and be a volunteer promoter for Brett Dennen. He is that good, and so is this song.

21. If There Ever Was a Time by Third Eye Blind - I know what you are thinking. How can a Third Eye Blind song be as low as number 21. Well, I will say that 21 is my favorite number ever. Coincidence? Anyway, Stephan Jenkins is very, very political and decided to write this song in accordance with the Occupy Wall Street protests. He released it for free and just wanted to show his support for the movement. He is very opinionated and extremely intelligent and obviously very gifted. In 15 years I have never disliked anything Third Eye Blind has done; not one single song in 15 years. This is no exception. It took me a few listens to begin to really appreciate it and was very difficult to rank on the countdown seeing as I am quite bias towards Third Eye Blind. With that being said, they will more than likely release a new CD in 2012 (along with The Killers AND Neon Trees.) 2012 has a huge potential to be my favorite music year of all time. If all three bands actually get their CD's out, the 2012 countdowns here at Ryan's Countdown's will be one for the ages.

Favorite Songs of 2011 (40-31)

40. The Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga - As I have said in the past, there are a few Lady Gaga songs that I used to be quite embarrassed about liking, this, however, is not one of them. "The Edge of Glory" is a true rock song and since the first time I heard it I have felt no shame in singing along with Gaga. It was only recently that I found out that the song is actually about the death of her beloved grandfather back in 2010. I found this quote from her about the song on wikipedia.....

"The song was about how when my grandma was standing over my grandfather while he was dying. There was this moment where I felt like he had sort of looked at her and reckoned that he had won in life. Like, ‘I’m a champion. We won. Our love made us a winner.’ They were married 60 years. I thought about that idea, that the glorious moment of your life is when you decide that it’s okay to go, you don’t have any more words to say, more business, more mountains to climb. You’re on the cliff, you tip your hat to yourself and you go. That’s what it was for me in that moment when I witnessed it."

—Gaga talking to Jon Pareles of The New York Times about the song.

If that doesn't make you want to die, I don't know what will.



I learned many valuable lessons in 2011, but one of the biggest lessons learned was that there is no need for me to be ashmaed that I enjoy some of Lady Gaga's tunes. "The Edge of Glory" is an epic, 80's style rock, dance track masterpiece and I, Ryan Jacobson, love it!

I am pretty sure I watched this American Idol performance about 12 times in a row.

The official video for the track. I have said the joke before, and I will say it again. If she is not careful she might find herself falling off that "edge of glory all the way to the cement below."



39. Let's All Go to the Bar by Deer Tick - I loved this song before I ever even heard it. It could have been 3 minutes of static and I would probably still place it in my top 50 songs of the year simply for its title. I know Deer Tick has been around for a while, but I just started loving them with their new album, Divine Providence. "Let's All Go to the Bar" is an instant classic drinking song and will be played on bar jukeboxes for decades to come (more than likely by me.)

38. Lonely Boy by Black Keys - "Lonely Boy" may be my favorite Black Keys song of all time. I just got their new album for Christmas, but have not had a chance to listen to it yet. As far as "Lonely Boy" goes I enjoy it much more than their big hit from last year, "Tighten Up" because for some reason I never seem to get tired of hearing "Lonely Boy" while "Tighten Up" started to drive me crazy by October of last year. Either way, Black Keys are two very talented guys and I can't wait to hear what other gems await on "El Camino" when I start listening to it tomorrow.

This may be the cheapest video in the history of music videos to produce. How much does a bottle of Jack Daniels go for these days?


37. People Say by Portugal. The Man - This may be the biggest error in the history of Ryan's Countdowns. I have to admit, however, that this error is not my fault. Apparently "People Say" was officially released a long time ago. YEARS. Here is a little breakdown of "People Say."

* June 1st, 2009 - Portugal. The Man released the song as an official single. It was available as a free download on the bands official site.Yes. 2009!
* July 21, 2009 - The band releases the album The Satanic Satanist (which includes "People Say") and the band also releases the album  The Majestic Majesty which has an acoustic version of "People Say."
* October 1, 2010 - Portugal. The Man released the video for the song. Well over a year after it was originally released. Very Bizarre.
* Winter/Spring/Summer of 2011 - "People Say" is in heavy rotation on 95.5 WBRU as well as Sirius Radio.
* December 21, 2011 - "People Say" is included on WBRU's list of options to vote for as song of the year for 2011.
* January 4, 2012 - In its biggest achievement to date, "People Say" lands at number 37 on Ryan's Countdowns.

I am so confused about "People Say" but regardless of its release and relevance in 2011 I love the song, and feel as though placing it in this years countdown is acceptable, although there will forever be a little doubt in the back of my mind as to its qualifications on this years list.

36. Going Out in Style by Dropkick Murphys - I am starting to get to the point in the countdown that I can't believe that the songs are this low, but I loved so much music this year that I suppose #36 is not too bad of a placement. I am really beginning to question weather Dropkick Murphys will ever release a track that does not make me run to my computer or CD insert and learn every single word of the song. There are not many bands that I can think of that puts out more songs that are as fun to sing along with as Dropkick Murphys. I have seen these guys live many times and just when I think I have seen all they can do they drop a song on me like "Going Out in Style" and make me need to see them all over again.

I think I just decided on my New Years resolution. I will be going to Boston every single weekend until I somehow make my way into their circle of friends. Also, if Kevin Youkilis is in one more Dropkick video that may be all it will take for him to move up into my top ten favorite athletes of all time.




35. Up All Night by Blink 182 - "Up All Night" is Blink 182's answer to critics asking the question, "Can they still be as good as they once were?" The answer is a resounding, "Yes."  I stated earlier, the world has seen Blink 182 grow up from crazy, naked, party animal teenagers, to crazy, semi-naked, fathers and husbands. "Up All Night" is their best song in years and I think it is safe to say that if Mark, Tom, and Travis can get along with each other, Blink 182 will still be rocking hard as old, (hopefully fully-dressed) grandfathers.

34. The Pole Song by Chase Rice - I know many of you are probably sick and tired of me ranting and raving about Chase Rice, but I can't help but love everything this guy does. "The Pole Song" was released as part of the "Bring on Summer" EP (along with "Comin' Home with Me, #43 on the countdown.) Every song that Chase Rice releases makes me want to be friends with him even more, and "The Pole Song" shows just how hilarious he can be. The song is about how a man holds his pole while fishing, and all the ways you can handle it, and reel it. After making the countdown more than any other artist this year, it is clear that I would let Chase Rice hold my [fishing] pole any time (mostly because all I do when fishing is pound beers anyway.) He can have the damn thing.

33. Sunset in July by 311 - My favorite type of songs are songs written about the joys of summer. Working as a bartender on a beach during the summer, I see many sunsets in July, and they are all pretty breathtaking. 311, to me, is a summertime band, but as much as I love "Sunset in July" it is quite difficult to fully enjoy when it is 9 degrees outside and about 49 degrees in my house. The song does, however, help me to have hope that July will soon be here and the dog days of summer are just around the corner. I think if I could be in any band it would be 311 because they seem to be quite carefree, as if there don't have a worry in the world. Listen to the song and tell me that these guys have any stress in their lives whatsoever.

32. This is Why We Fight by The Decemberists - This song is dedicated to all my Windjammer co-workers down here at the beach. This summer we must have heard this song over 200 times, and to be honest, I am still not tired of it. As anyone who has worked in a bar/restaurant knows, tensions can be high at times between staff members. After a long day of work "This is Why we Fight" would always bring us back together as one big, happy, loving family. (The 15 beers each probably didn't hurt either.)

31. Many of Horror by Biffy Clyro - I get so upset that Biffy Clyro is not more popular than they are. In my opinion, they may be the most underrated band of the past ten years. The are so unique from any other band out there and people should be counting down the days until their next album is released. Unfortunately, however, many people still have not discovered Biffy Clyro and it's an absolute shame. "Many of Horror" was released just over a year ago, but did get some play on WBRU at the beginning of 2011. While "Many of Horror" is not as good as "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies" from their previous album, it is still a very solid track and deserves to be shared with the world. Drop whatever you are doing, and listen to Biffy Clyro, you will thank me later.

Just about every Biffy Clyro song is an experience in itself. "Many of Horror" is no exception. They are brilliant.

Favorite Songs of 2011 (50-41)

50. You and I by Lady Gaga - As I have said earlier, I try real hard to not like Lady Gaga's music. Reason being is that once I find myself smitten with a Lady Gaga song it is nearly impossible for me to not sing along. There are only so many popular radio stations here in Rhode Island, and when you see someone screaming along to a song next to you while driving down the highway it is not too difficult to find what song they are signing to and either rock along with them, or laugh at them because they are signing along to such a ridiculous tune. I used to be embarrassed to sing along with "You and I" but through time I have come to accept the fact that I like Lady Gaga and do not care if people laugh at me when I sing along. This song also comes on in class just about everyday that I let my fourth graders listen to a little background music. They used to laugh when I sang along, but now completely ignore me and chalk it up as their crazy teacher having major issues.

I would not expect anything less from Lady Gaga in her videos. Very odd.



49. Louder Than Ever by Cold War Kids - I have heard of the Cold War Kids before but never got around to giving them a listen. After listening to "Louder Than Ever" I feel like I need to go back and check out more of their work that I may have missed out on in the past. I am usually a very sympathetic person, however, whenever anyone says anything about someone being hard of hearing or deaf, I often make a joke and say "what?" or "excuse me?" as if I did not hear the person.

Example #1

Other Person - It was so loud in the backseat of the car, I couldn't hear anything.
Me - "What did you say"

Other Person - It was so loud in the backseat of the car, I couldn't hear anything.
Me - Excuse me, I can't hear you.

Other Person - I COULDN'T HEAR ANYTHING
Me - What?

Other person - I hate you
Me - hahahahahhahahhahahahahahahhahahaha         hahhahahahahahahhahahhahahahahhahahaha


Now that I know "Louder Than Ever" I may have to use some of it in my next deaf person joke. Maybe after saying "what?" three times, I will now say "Now I can hear you louder than ever" just like Cold War Kids.

48. A Million Years by Alexander - I always became very excited when this song came on while I was bartending. The song can make you happy even when you have 80 drunks screaming your name for you to get them a Pina Colada and a Corona with lime........... And an ice water. After watching the video for "A Million Years" it is abundantly clear that Alexander (or whoever produced the video) was on a tremendous amount of drugs when he thought up of the concept. Just watching the video makes me feel like I have been on a week long drug ecscapade.

47. Paradise by Coldplay - It is not often that I like a Coldplay song upon first listening, but "Paradise" really sucked me in the first time. I have never liked Chris Martin more after watching the video for "Paradise." It is about a man (Martin) dressed in an elephant costume. He decides to leave his home in London to find his paradise; the African safari. When Martin finally reaches his paradise his band mates are also dressed in elephant costumes and playing their instruments. It is probably my favorite video of the year and is a must watch if you are bored (which you must be if you are reading this.) the video will make you will love the song even more than you already may.

46. Shake Me Down by Cage the Elephant - The song was technically released last November, but the video did not come out until January and the song was not eligible for last years countdown, so it had to make this years. This is the second of three Cage the Elephant songs to make the countdown, and ironically, the second relation to elephants in as many videos. Maybe somebody should have "caged the elephant" in the last video. Hahahahahhahhahahhahahahahahhaahhahahhahahaha
This video is pretty awesome as well. It was nominated for Best Rock Video at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, but ultimately lost out to something much more deserving (which you will be reading about in a few days.)

45. Promises, Promises by Incubus - Incubus never changes. This song could have fit in on any of their last few albums, yet still they always sound modern and current. "Promises, Promises" may not be anyone's favorite song of the year, but I can't imagine anyone not liking the song. It is a really well-written, thought provoking song that most everyone can relate to. "Promises, Promises" proves to me that Incubus is way more than just a 90's rock band that has faded away; they are extremely talented guys that will hopefully be around for another few decades.

44. Get it Daddy by Sleeper Agent - I have never heard of Sleeper Agent before "Get it Daddy" but if this song is any indication of how much potential they have then I am very excited to hear what they do next. Sleeper Agent, however, could very easily go the way of becoming one hit wonders if they do not jump upon the success of "Get It Daddy." They actually seem like really cool kids and I hope to hear a lot more of them in 2012. If by the end of 2012 we do not get any more Sleeper Agent gems then I think it will be pretty safe to say we may never hear from them again. Another song like "Get It Daddy" could catapult them into mainstream rock and Sleeper Agent could be a band to watch out for in the alt. rock world.

43. Comin' Home with Me by Chase Rice - As I said in my previous post Chase Rice is my favorite person of 2011. "Comin' Home with Me" is the second of FIVE Chase Rice songs to make the countdown this year. I love songs that go through stages of someones life (Garth Brooks' "Unanswered Prayers", Carrie Underwood's "All-American Girl", and Kenny Chesney's "There Goes My Life" are a few that come to mind) and "Comin' Home with Me" is as good as any. Chase Rice should be a superstar in the country music scene, and hopefully 2012 will be his year to shine even brighter.

42. Lost in My Mind by The Head and the Heart - I talk about music with a lot of people and I have never heard of anyone not really liking this song. It has a little something for everyone; rock fans, country fans, folk fans, and pop fans all get their fix from this beautiful song. It is nearly impossible to not sing along with the "Whahooooooooo oooooooo ooooooo, Whahooooo oooooooooooooooooooo" part. Even bar patrons were participating by the end of the summer as they kept hearing myself, my co-bar tender, Erin, and my bar back Joey, signing along. Go buy this album and don't worry how scary the album cover is, you'll get use to it.

41. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall by Coldplay - This is my favorite Coldplay song since Viva La Vida and is definetly in my top 5 favorite Coldplay songs of all time ("Fix You" easily wins that race.) Like most Coldplay songs I have no idea what Chris Martin is talking about, but I could not care any less. Chris Martin could sing a Chinese Food Take Out menu and I would still love it and try to sing along. I can't think of any artist that I have grown to love more than Chris Martin. I never really liked the guy (and I have no idea why) but this year he really grew on me and now I think he is one of the most talented musicians of our day. I have never wanted to go to a Coldplay concert more than I currently do, and hope I get that chance someday in the near future. I do feel that it is crucial to be near the very front of the stage at a Coldplay concert as I would feel like a complete idiot jumping up and down to Coldplay songs while sitting in the last row if the balcony.

Favorite Songs of 2011

This year, rather than only choosing 50 songs from 95.5 WBRU to make my list of favorite songs of the year, I decided to use 50 songs from WBRU AND add in my favorite 25 songs that are not played on WBRU (a few country tunes, some embarrassing Lady Gaga tunes, and a few folk rock gems.) There was a lot of music I enjoyed this year that did not get played on 95.5 and it would not be fair for me to not include them when ranking my favorite music of the year. So, for the first time, this years countdown will feature my 75 favorite songs of the year rather than my top 50. I will, however, not bore you with a write-up of 75 songs. I will simply list them, include the video if possible, and move the countdown along. Once I get to the top 25 or 50, I will go into more depth about why I love the song. Enjoy!



75. Adolescents by Incubus

The first of two Incubus songs on the countdown.

74. Somebody I Use to Know by Gotye

I am so glad I found Gotye this year. This guy's voice is unbelievable.


73. Replica by Big Talk

Great song, great video, great album, from the great RonnieVannucci (drummer from The Killers.)



72. Irresistible Force by Jane's Addiction

This could very well be my favorite Jane's Addiction song of all time.


71. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People

I loved the song for quite a while, but grew very tired of it after hearing it all day every day. Still, it deserves a spot on the countdown. 

70. Curl of the Burl by Mastodon



Most of their stuff is way too hard core for me, but I really enjoy this tune.

69. Options by Gomez

"Options" is a feel good song. If you don't smile while listening to it, then you are a pretty miserable person.

68. Help is on the Way by Rise Against

Another solid track from Rise Against. They can't release a bad song.

67. Aberdeen by Cage the Elephant

The first of three Cage the Elephant songs on this years countdown.

66. The Sound of Winter by Bush

Bush is back!

65. Young Blood by The Naked and Famous

I pretty much have no idea what they are singing in this song, but nevertheless I make up my own lyrics and sing along.

64. Helena Beat by Foster the People

I have no idea why I am so harsh on Foster the People, but I am. Maybe I will like them more in 2012.

63. After Midnight by Blink 182

I am very happy that Blink is back. They were gone for way too long.

62. Whirring by The Joy Formidable

Pretty terrifying video, but awesome song.

61. Dominio by Jessie J

She scared the hell out of me when she sat on stage and sang with a broken leg at the MTV VMA's but I am no longer scared of her, and really, really like "Dominio" a lot.

60. Block After Block by Matt and Kim

I have never been a huge Matt and Kim fan, but I think that has now changed.

59. Got it All by Portugal. The Man

Great year for Portugal. The Man

58. Don't Gotta Work It Out by Fitz and the Tantrums

I was obsessed with this song for a few weeks this summer. The entire album is enjoyable. I strongly suggest purchasing it at some point in the near future.

57. Dark Horses by Switchfoot

Not my favorite song on the album, but Switchfoot can do no wrong in my eyes.

56. Junk of the Heart (Happy) by The Kooks

If you just listened to that I am pretty sure you are still smiling.

55. All I Want by A Day to Remember

If you need to get pumped up, this is the song for you.

54. Honey Bee by Blake Shelton

My first country song to make the countdown. Blake Shelton is pretty damn cool.

53. New Low by Middle Class Rut

"New Low" is a new high for Middle Class Rut as far as I am concerned.

52. Girls of the SEC by Chase Rice

I am pretty sure Chase Rice is my favorite person of the year. He made the countdown FIVE times. More than any other artist. I love everything this guy does. If you haven't heard him yet, go buy all his songs on ITunes right now. Even if Country Music is not really your thing, I am pretty sure you will dig him.

51. Take It Or Leave It by Sublime with Rome

It is difficult to enjoy this song when it is 30 degrees outside. Sublime is a summertime band to the extreme.

Top 50 songs will be my usual lengthy write-ups and explanations as to why each song made it on the countdown! I try to post 50-40 tomorrow!

Favorite Album of 2011 (3-1)

I can not stress enough that all three of these albums are worthy of being called my favorite album of the year. They are the epitome of "all killer, no filler." If you are not hip and don't get what that means; each track on the album is a killer song, and none of the tracks are "filler" just to have enough tracks to make an album. Dummy.


3. Viva Brother, Famous First Words

Famous First Words is probably my favorite album name of the year. Releasing your first CD and naming it Famous First Words is a stroke of genius. Not too surprisingly, I happened to be listening to WBRU the first time they ever played Viva Brother on the radio. Their first single, "Darling Buds of May" is such a ridiculous song, but catchy as hell and I found my girlfriend and myself singing along before the song was over. It wasn't long before I purchased the CD and was very impressed. Famous First Words is a perfect mixture of ten beautiful, exciting, fist-pumping tunes, and put together in such a nice neat little package. Maybe it is because it is only ten songs, but this CD always seems to fly by. I pop it into my CD player, NEVER hit the skip button, and way too soon it is back to number one again. I suppose the only problem I have with it is I wish it had two more tracks.
I had the pleasure of seeing them in concert a few months back at The Met, which is a VERY small venue. They killed it, and even though I was probably the only fool singing alone to every single song, they got the small crowd pumped up in no time at all.
I hope the these guys move to the States for good and release another album real soon because if not I may have to fly to Slough, England to get my Viva Brother fix.

BUY THIS ALBUM. Or steal it. I don't care. Just get it.

"New Year's Day" - If this song was officially release, it would probably be my favorite song of the year. It technically still is, but it can't make my favorite songs of the year list because of the strict guidelines that the owner of this site (me) puts on "Top Songs of the Year" lists.
Also, what is the over/under for how many times I listen to this song on New Years Day? I would say about 200.

"Time Machine" - I wish I had a time machine to take me back to October, 18th 2011 at The Met, the Viva Brother concert.

"Darling Buds of May" - "it is what it is" is my least favorite quote of all time, but when Viva Brother sings it, I love it.






2. Foo Fighters, Wasting Light

Unlike Viva Brother, Foo Fighters do not need me to talk about what a terrific band they are. I don't care if you like Rock music or not, if you can't admit how talented Foo Fighters are then you deserve to permanently lose your hearing.
I know this may be a bold statement to make, seeing as Foo Fighters are one of my favorite bands of all time, but I think Wasting Light is my favorite Foo Fighters album ever. And I LOVE just about all Foo Fighters albums. Besides "White Limo", which kind of scares me, every single track could be a hit single on the radio. "Rope", "Walk", and "These Days" were three huge radio hits, but it could just as easily have been "Back & Forth" which is impossible to listen to and not start moving your body back and forth, "A Matter of Time" which sounds much like old school Foo Fighters to me, or the epic, Kurt Cobain (Grohl's former band mate in Nirvana.) tribute, "I Should Have Known" which is about the suicide of his friend. The song also features Nirvana's other band mate, Krist Novoselic on bass and accordion, which is the coolest thing ever.
If "Rope", "Walk", and "These Days" still did not convince you to buy the album, you probably are not ever going to buy it, but you are missing out on a future classic album. I actually bought the Vinyl, CD, and downloaded "Rope" before the album was released. I know, I have issues.

I am not sure why, but I am obsessed with all Foo Fighters videos, no matter how simple they may be. "Rope"

"Walk" - OK, this is why I am obsessed with all Foo Fighter videos. I remember now.

"One of these days, your heart will stop and play its final beat" - Foo Fighters, "These Days"

PLEASE, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please watch this. This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. The Kurt Cobain tribute song "I Should Have Known" on David Letterman, IN BLACK AND WHITE!!!!!




1. Grouplove, Never Trust a Happy Song

               Grouplove's Never Trust a Happy Song and Foo Fighters Wasting Light went back and forth until the very end for the title. Literally, just this last second I made up my final decision. I think the ultimate reason I decided to put Foo at number two and give number one to Grouplove is because I have known Foo Fighters for so long and knew that I was going to obsess over their album before it even came out. With Grouplove, however, I never knew they existed before they released this debut album. Let's say this: if Wasting Light was Foo Fighters first album, I would have dropped dead of excitement. Never Trust a Happy Song utterly shocked me with how amazing it is.
               It often takes me a very long time to get through the entire album because I usually play each track multiple times. The album is an amazing combination of songs, all of which are quite different, but one is just as mesmerizing as the next.
"Colours" was a huge hit this year, and "Tongue Tied" is now continuing to make its way up the charts.

 

"Colours"

                                                                        "Tongue Tied"

 I personally think the fun clap-along "Naked Kids" will be a top ten song if released. It is modern and sounds very similar to many of the alt. rock tracks that make it in the billboard top ten.

"Chloe" could make Ebenezer Scrooge smile like a little kid on Christmas morning, and make a 95 year old man get up and start dancing.

"Chloe" - Tell me that is not incredible.

And "Cruel and Beautiful World" is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in my entire life.

I honestly could rave about every track on the album and would not do it justice. Hopefully by me placing the album at number one proves to you how terrific it is and persuaded some of you to pick it up. There is no excuse for you to not own this album. I'll even buy the damn thing for you, you cheap bastards.
GET IT!



Right after Christmas I will return with my highly anticipated, annual list of my top 50 songs of the year. This year, however, there will be a major new twist in the countdown! You'll just have to wait a few days and see what it is!

Merry Christmas all.

Rock on!~