Sooty's 2011 Year In Review Countdownmania

[ILoveJimmyPage]

A little disappointed that Lana didn't crack your top ten, Soots. Anywho, I credit Harmony for introducing me to Florence and the Machine and Sooty for giving me Lana. Two great finds last year amongst a whole lotta catching up on my classic rock after joining the forum! I even one-upped you and got the album before you... so there! In total agreement that Lana's softer, more layered and classic touched tunes best her hip-hop moments. That being said, the album as a whole is like one big musical buffet of goodness; a little something different to bring to the table for each taste. I'm a tab bit depressed you haven't gives us your thoughts on the other great tracks from Born to Die yet, Soots. I'll eagerly await the 2012 list to see.

 

[Soot and Stars]

A little disappointed that Lana didn't crack your top ten, Soots. Anywho, I credit Harmony for introducing me to Florence and the Machine and Sooty for giving me Lana. Two great finds last year amongst a whole lotta catching up on my classic rock after joining the forum! I even one-upped you and got the album before you... so there! In total agreement that Lana's softer, more layered and classic touched tunes best her hip-hop moments. That being said, the album as a whole is like one big musical buffet of goodness; a little something different to bring to the table for each taste. I'm a tab bit depressed you haven't gives us your thoughts on the other great tracks from Born to Die yet, Soots. I'll eagerly await the 2012 list to see.

Agreed on the variety boo and glad I'm on of two to crack your shell on new music finds. I did tell you my favorite track off of the album though!

 

[ILoveJimmyPage]

I've grown to appreciate Diet Mountain Dew actually!

 

[Soot and Stars]

I've grown to appreciate Diet Mountain Dew actually!

Still not my favorite but still good. Off To The Races and Dark Paradise are up on my top tracks!

 

[Soot and Stars]

#9
Adele-21



Turning Tables



Close enough to start a war
All that I have is on the floor
God only knows what we're fighting for
All that I say, you always say more

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you give me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables

Under haunted skies I see you, ooh
Where love is lost, your ghost is found
I braved a hundred storms to leave you
As hard as you try, no I will never be knocked down

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you give me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
Turning tables

Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
When the thunder calls for me
Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
Standing on my own two feet

I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you give me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah
Turning ohh



Well here goes, apologetically, my obligatory Adele accolades plus also solely ballad featuring as well. "Rolling In The Deep" and "Set Fire To The Rain" are great but that's just designed to reel people in and in that sense those songs wear off faster when artist like Adele are made for sappy, emotional ballads that show their range. It hasn't been any secrets that "Turning Tables has been my favorite Adele track as I've stated it in the thread plus voted for it against my number 2 track "Someone Like You" in a poll I made. The piano melody of "Turning Tables" is dramatic and gorgeous and you are pulled into the song instantaneously. You KNOW there's going to be a story here right off. That doesn't happen that often. The string flourishes here are great as well and adds to the drama but doesn't overdo it and let's Adeles vocals be the main focus. The story is an ambiguous but accessible back and forth story that people can put their own selves into. This song ha the best Adele vocal IMO as well as it's huskier rather than to raspy. It's a soulful ballad at it's best and I love it.



Someone Like You


I heard that you're settled down
That you found a girl and you're married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.

Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead, "
Yeah

You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised
In a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory days

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I'd hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."
Yeah

Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."
Yeah


This is a close second and I don't care if it's a sappy, syrupy ballad that's getting overexposed to the followers of radio. It is more syrupy than "Turning Tables" but I thank God that a stripped down song like this has been the first of it's kind to be that huge in forever. It seriously is a landmark. Even though people who consider ballads cheese and would make this their target I'm glad that this is cheesy because it's actually a positive vibe. I think radio should have cheesy, feel good songs. This is a moving on song and has a bouncy little piano melody for a ballad. Her vocal is different here than on "Turning Tables" and even though it's a little too raspy at times in comparison I do like the range it shows. There's more ebbs and flow here which help the story and give it more character. I'm not sick of this song and if a song has to be overexposed I'm glad it's one that stands out in today's scene and is a well, written, positive, redemption song that everyone can hum.


Take It All



Didn't I give it all,
Tried my best,
Gave you everything I had,
Everything and no less?
Didn't I do it right?
Did I let you down?

Maybe you got too used to
By having me around.
Still how can you walk away
From all my tears?
It's gonna be an empty road
Without me right here.

[Chorus:]
But go on and take it,
Take it all with you.
Don't look back
At this crumbling fool.
Just take it all
With my love,
Take it all
With my love.

Maybe I should leave
To help you see ‒
Nothing is better than this
And this is everything we need.
So is it over?
Is this really it?
You've given up so easily,
I thought you loved me more than this.

[Chorus:]
But go on and take it,
Take it all with you.
Don't look back
At this crumbling fool.
Just take it all
With my love,
Take it all
With my love.

I will change if I must.
Slow it down and bring it home, I will adjust.
Oh if only, if only you knew,
Everything I do is for you.

[Chorus:]
But go on
Go on and take it,
Take it all with you.
Don't look back
At this crumbling fool.
Just take it,
Take it all with you.
Don't look back
At this crumbling fool.
Just take it all
With my love,
Take it all
With my love
Take it all
With my love.


I'm liking this song more and more and to me this is the most classic, soulful song on the album. It almost could be number two and it's close. This is the most reminiscent of the songwriters of the 70's IMO. There's a powerful gospel like feel to this as well. This could honestly be A Capella to me as what holds it back behind the others is musically there's no depth to it. Adeles vocal as well as the background vocals do it ALL here and the piano melody could be replaced with anything. The vocal here is ACE though. There's a grit here that is missing from the rest of the album and I think it's great. Three good songs regardless of whether people think she deserves her place or not. I couldn't do two shits if this was an artist that failed and I found this disc out of a dumpster. It would still be rated here!
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[Soot and Stars]

#8
Alexander-S/T



Truth



Truth
The truth is that I never shook my shadow
Every day it's trying to trick me into doing battle
Calling out "faker" only get me rattled
Want to pull me back behind the fence with the [cattle]
Building your [lenses]
Digging your trenches
Put me on the front line
Leave me with a dumb mind
With no defenses
But your defenses
If you can't stand to feel the pain then you are senseless

[Since] this
I've grown up some
Different kind of fighter
And when the darkness come let it inside you
Your darkness is shining
My darkness is shining
Have faith in myself
Truth

I've seen a million numbered doors on the horizon
Now which is the future you choosen before you gone dying.
I'll tell you 'bout a secret I've been underminding
Every little lie in this world come from dividing
Say you're my lover, say you're my homie,
Tilt my chin back slit my throat take a bath in my blood get to know me
All out of my secrets
All my enemies are turning into my teachers.
Because, lights blinding, no way dividing what's yours or mine when everything's shining
You darkness is shining my darkness is shining
Have faith in ourselves
Truth
Yes I'm only loving, only trying to only love
That's what I'm trying to do is only loving
Yes I'm only lonely loving feeling only loving
Till I'm feeling only loving
Ya say it ain't loving ain't loving my loving
But I'm only loving only loving only loving
Only loving the truth.



I admit it. Musically this year I've become what I hate. I've become a hippy. A tripped out bohemian. Just musically though! I can't help it! These melodies, displays of enthusiasm and lyricism has made me a huge fan of the musicality that's as free as the bohemian lifestyle they display. This song was my first 2011 song I grabbed onto and couldn't stop listening to. I bought it on a whim as well as the 2010 bigger sounding band that Alexander sang for "Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes". On this disc Alexander is more settled and a better songwriter than the trippy aforementioned group. Musically they both have the happy roaming through the desert whistling carefree through the desert vibe I like. Picture a bunch of hippies playing tambourines and bongos and you got it. I don't care, I LOVE it. Lyrically I LOVE this song. This is a mantra song and I follow every line to it. The rhythm is awesome musically AND vocally like a good hip-hop artist. Alexanders vocal inflections are simple yet great. I like how he emphasizes words like darkness and shining. I love the instumental at 2:34 and how he skats over it. A simple song that others won't hear as much in but I love it!


Glimpses


I found peace, in my way
But it didn't last, beyond the day
I've had glimpses around the bend
But in the morning, I start again
I feel the sun, hot on my face (mmhm)
And I hear my blood giving way

I've had some glimpses around the bend
You know if I didn't, I'd have killed myself today

Now mama I'm so tired, from the bullsh*t
(Mama yea yea)
My soul cried, from the bullsh*t
(Mama yea)
And I'm so tired,
But I know I'll make it with you by my side
Mmhm

Perhaps I'm crazy
Still I'm thinking, there is change in the air
We were trying together (mmhm)
Now we're trying just to care
Now if we find peace
Oh let it stay
Let it last beyond the day

I've had glimpses of our tomorrow
But Lord if I didn't I'd kill myself today

Now mama I'm so tried, from the bullsh*t
(Mama yea yea)
My soul cried, from the bullsh*t
I'm so tired
I know I'll make it with you by my side
(Yeah, oooooo)


This is a close second and what's stopping it perhaps is I got into it later than Truth". It's an amazing song that really makes me think of Cat Steven but with more soul and emotion. I love the classic feel to this and I love the emotion in this vocal. I mean "so tired of the bullshit" is perfect for such an emotional delivery. I love the instrumental this morphs into like an eerie western. The vocal turns into a great soul vocal and pushes the lines of subtlety but it works for me. When it strains it reminds me of a favorite vocalist of mine Gregg Alexander so win IMO! Another great song! Good job ya ****ing hippy!


Bad Bad Love



It was all colors and heat,
And rain falling in the streets,
And bad bad love.

When she asked, "what do you need,"
I said "what do you believe,"
I need bad bad love.

How can I care anymore?
Bring me a love
A bad bad love
Right now
Oh, bad, love, oh!

I went marching though the mall today,
Singing bad bad love.
I went marching through the ghetto today,
Singing bad bad love.

She asked "what is it you need,"
"A love the devil can't reach,
I need bad bad love."

Our scriptures turned to sand,
Our boy become a man,
With a bad bad love.
Fill me with love,
(Oh) bad, bad, love,
Bad bad love
Right now


This is a more spirited Dylanesque meets doo wop song. I could just stop there as that's ballsy enough to be win right there. I honestly think that Alexander is a far better singer than Dylan and I love his spiritual crooning at 1:47! The rhythm, background harmonizing and preach it brotha sermonizing for the rest of the song is awesome. This song I just found was featured in the Fright Night remake in the credits. I must have stopped the movie too late as i don't recall this but they pickeda good song here to feature Alexander IMO.
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[ILoveJimmyPage]

I really don't think I can add anything to your Adele post that I haven't said before. I'm very surprised to see her in your top ten, Soots. I expected the more obscure stuff you like to fill it out. I disagree with your song choices but then again I like the more upbeat songs like "Rolling in the Deep", "I'll Be Waiting" and "Rumour Has It" while you tend to gravitate towards the ballads and emotionally-relevant tunes. Hands down my best music discovery in years. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with an artist as fast as I have with this love affair I have with Adele's soulful and refreshing output. I agree she stands out leagues in front of today's crowd and I hope she can keep the momentum going in whatever she pursues next.

 

[Soot and Stars]

I really don't think I can add anything to your Adele post that I haven't said before. I'm very surprised to see her in your top ten, Soots. I expected the more obscure stuff you like to fill it out. I disagree with your song choices but then again I like the more upbeat songs like "Rolling in the Deep", "I'll Be Waiting" and "Rumour Has It" while you tend to gravitate towards the ballads and emotionally-relevant tunes. Hands down my best music discovery in years. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with an artist as fast as I have with this love affair I have with Adele's soulful and refreshing output. I agree she stands out leagues in front of today's crowd and I hope she can keep the momentum going in whatever she pursues next.

I figured you may be surprised with the placement. I just think Adeles a ballad artist. It's just like with Christina Aguilera. She had plenty of poppy hits but those aren't the ones that truly display the vocals on an artist with that sort of range. I honestly wouldn't have bought the c.d. when I did unless my friend Rob was telling me how great it was. "Rolling In The Deep" was decent enough but nothing revolutionary IMO. I'd known Adeles work from "19" and I was like"Hmmmm, they are trying to get her that one big single". Turns out that the album actually warranted it because as a whole it's a great piece of work with something for everyone excepts for exclusive hard rockers and metalheads of course.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

Agree with both what both are you are saying. I think it's pretty obvious that all of the music is built around Adele's voice and I think ballads highlight a singer's voice usually much better than uptempo songs so she is really able to shine more on those songs. I can't disagree with "Turning Tables" being one of the best songs on "21" but for me Sooty, I'll take "Don't You Remember" or "One and Only" over "Someone Like You" or "Take It All". I like how she pushes her voice beyond a point that she stays at for other songs and that they aren't quite as sad or sappy as other songs on that album.

 

[Soot and Stars]

#7
Foo Fighters-Wasting Light

Walk



A million miles away
Your signal in the distance
To whom it may concern
I think I lost my way
Getting good at starting over
Every time that I return

I'm learning to walk again
I believe I've waited long enough
Where do I begin?
I'm learning to talk again
Can't you see I've waited long enough?
Where do I begin?

Do you remember the days
We built these paper mountains
And sat and watched them burn?
I think I found my place
Can't you feel it growing stronger?
Little conquerors

I'm learning to walk again
I believe I've waited long enough
Where do I begin?
I'm learning to talk again
I believe I've waited long enough
Where do I begin?

Now
For the very first time
Don't you pay no mind?
Set me free again
You keep alive a moment at a time
But still inside a whisper to a liar
To sacrifice but knowing to survive
The first decline another state of mind
I'm on my knees, I'm praying for a sign
Forever, whenever
I never wanna die
I never wanna die
I never wanna die
I'm on my knees
I never wanna die
I'm dancing on my grave
I'm running through the fire
Forever, whatever
I never wanna die
I never wanna leave
I'll never say goodbye
Forever, whatever
Forever, whatever

I'm learning to walk again
I believe I've waited long enough
Where do I begin?
I'm learning to talk again
Can't you see I've waited long enough?
Where do I begin?

I'm learning to walk again
I believe I've waited long enough
I'm learning to talk again
Can't you see I've waited long enough?



The Foo Fighters are one of those bands I've faithfully bought since the 90'sas they've always came out with solid work. They have a habit of coming out with perfect power hooky singles and not having the best overall albums to support. Solid, yes but not enduring IMO. Not since the classic The Colour and the Shape would the Foos have this high of a place on any year end list of mine. This is a perfect album of hooks and anthems and I think it's a simple album yet has everything that makes this band best when they are at their best. It's just heavy enough to be credible rock but it's infectious on every level. The single Walk has been my favorite since I bought the album. It's own of those anthems I referred to and is a pick me up of a song. Honestly, it's one of the best singing vocals I think I've heard from Grohl. Grohl tends to have the formula where it's like he goes through the motions just so he can scream during the chorus. He actually sings here good in the chorus and builds to a chorus. Hard to scrutinize such a simple song but it's really an awesome track!


These Days


One Of These Days The Ground
Will Drop Out From Beneath
Your Feet

One Of These Days Your Heart
Will Stop And Play Its Final
Beat

One Of These Days The Clocks
Will Stop And Time Won't
Mean A Thing

One Of These Days Their Bombs
Will Drop And Silence
Everything

But It's All Right
Yet It's All Right
I Said It's All Right

Easy For You To Say
Your Heart Has Never Been Broken
Your Pride Has Never Been Stolen

Not Yet Not Yet

One Of These Days
I Bet Your Heart'll Be Broken
I Bet Your Pride'll Be Stolen I'll Bet I'll Bet I'll Bet I'll Bet

One Of These Days
One Of These Days

One Of These Days Your Eyes
Will Close And Pain Will
Disappear

One Of These Days You Will
Forget To Hope And Learn To
Fear

But It's All Right
Yet It's All Right
I Said It's All Right


Easy For You To Say
Your Heart Has Never Been
Broken
Your Pride Has Never Been
Stolen

Not Yet Not Yet

One Of These Days
I Bet Your Heart'll Be Broken
I Bet Your Pride'll Be Stolen

I'll Bet I'll Bet I'll Bet I'll Bet

One Of These Days One Of These Days

But It's All Right
Yet It's All Right
I Said It's All Right
Yes It's All Right
Don't Say It's All Right
Don't Say It's All Right
Don't Say It's All Right

One Of These Days Your Heart
Will Stop And Play Its Final
Beat

But It's All Right

Easy For You To Say
Your Heart Has Never Been
Broken
Your Pride Has Never Been
Stolen

Not Yet Not Yet

One Of These Days
I Bet Your Heart Will Be
Broken
I Bet Your Pride Will Be Stolen
I'll Bet I'll Bet I'll Bet I'll Bet

One Of These Days
One Of These Days
One Of These Days


I like this song the best lyrically off the album and the bouncy rhythm of it. It's about mortality and walking in others shoes and a bunch of themes all tied in together. It's just a song with a fun vibe despite the content and has the elements of a typical Foo Fighters single with the chorus yet sets itself apart with an even poppier sunnier approach than usual. Once again I love Grohl's singing on the verses! Another great hooky, big song!


Miss The Misery



If I Had My Way
If I Had To Lose
Wouldn't Take Back One Thing
Never Had Much To Choose

Then It Dawned On Me
Coming Down On You
Like A Cold Sky Raining Under A Burning Moon

Waiting All Your Life Your Wish Is Coming True
Bless Your Heart For Beating Me Right Out Of You

Miss The Misery
Need A Reason For A Change
Need A Reason To Explain
So Turn It On Again

Don't Change Your Mind
You're Wasting Light
Get In And Let's Go-o-o-o, Go-o-o-o

What A Nice Long Leash
What A Nice Tight Noose
Never Worked For Me But Sure Would Look Good On You
Been Waiting All Your Life Your Wish Is Coming True
Bless Your Heart For Beating Me Right Out Of You

Miss The Misery Need A Reason For A Change
Need A Reason To Refrain
So Turn It On Again

Don't Change Our Mind
You're Wasting Light
Get In And Let's Go-o-o-o, Go-o-o-o

Miss The Misery Give Me A Reason For A Change
Miss The Misery Give Me A Reason To Refrain

Miss Your Misery Today
Miss Your Misery Today
C'mon And Turn It On Again

Don't Change Your Mind
You're Wasting Light
Don't Make This Right
Don't Make This Right
Get In And Let's Go-o-o-o, Go-o-o-o


I came so close to moving this to number two but i gotta rep my actual experience and this was instantaneously part of my top three on the album but it's still in the growing process for me. I love how it's heavier, denser and darker than the other songs and I love the guitars on this one. I love how it's kind of grungy like they were on the first two albums. Also the harmonies on the chorus are great! Should I change it! Gah! Can't decide!
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