2015: some tracks to remember

In truth, 2015 was a year in which I didn’t listen to a lot of new music - and a lot of what I listened to were new tunes from my old favourites. That means this list is thus inclined, but there were some good tunes out in any case...

Kosheen - "Yes Men" (1999)

Kosheen had a few chart hits in the early 2000s, but their first single went somewhat under the radar. On “Yes Men”, several ingredients of their later success are apparent.

Bloc Party - "The Love Within"

Bloc Party are back, with a new line-up and some new tunes. Hymns is upon us in January, but the band have released a couple of singles in the meantime. Thus, “The Love Within” should have been a exciting moment for fans, but ends up sounding pretty underwhelming.

Björk - Vulnicura

It was going to take something special to get me to review an entire album, but Vulnicura is the best thing I’ve heard all year. Created in the midst of her breakup with long-term partner Matthew Barney, the result is at times harrowing to hear; but as a result, this Björk’s most personal work for ages, in addition to the usual sonic brilliance.

Bloc Party - "Banquet"/"Staying Fat" (2004)

A true anthem of the previous decade, “Banquet” could be described as the Bloc Party tune. While their other songs from this era might stand out for lyrical quirks and emotional insight, this song has the band’s most recognisable guitar riff. The gripping drum intro and Paul Epworth’s electronica-tinged production are really distinctive features on Silent Alarm, while Kele resembles a young Robert Smith as he laments girl problems. Here's the original video (there was a glitzier one for the 2005 re-release).

Blur - "Lonesome Street"

Yes, I’m reviewing a single without any B-sides, but this is 2015. Even stranger is that Liam Gallagher, in between verbally barracking his brother, names a Blur tune as ‘song of the year’, though you suspect some proper Britpop might be right up his alley.

Joy Division - "Transmission" (1979)

Now this is some proper dreariness. It’s been said that the atmosphere of Joy Division gave rise to early goth rock and on “Transmission”, as you’re drawn in by Ian Curtis’ unsettling baritone delivery and a devilish bassline from Peter Hook, you can’t help but feel that this song is nothing if not dark and desolate.

The Chameleons - "In Shreds" (1982)

While not dealing in gloom and despair to the same extent as some of their peers in the early ‘80s, there’s a fair bit of anguish to be found on this early single from The Chameleons. While the trademark dreamy guitars have a part to play, “In Shreds” is won over by some raw punk energy and angsty lyrics from the brilliant Mark Burgess.

2Pac - "So Many Tears" (1995)

As I suspected when I decided to start focusing on B-sides, the blog was becoming a bit “indie”-orientated. But what better way to break that up than with a bit of ‘Pac?

The Libertines - "Up The Bracket" (2002)

Much has been made of The Libertines’ effect on reviving indie music in the UK and the truth is that since their decline, nobody has taken up the punk mantle with the same kind of flair and assurance. A great example would be the title track from their debut album.

The Smiths - Hand In Glove (1983)

The Smiths’ first ever single was a wonderful demonstration of everything the band was about. Doomed love, working-class defiance, jangly guitars and general despair; it’s all right here.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - "In The Heat Of The Moment" (2014)

I’ve got to be honest - when I first heard the “na-na-na-na-nah” at the start of this song, I absolutely hated it. I had high hopes for Noel after a pretty solid solo debut, but this just sounded like he was going down a poppy route that I wasn’t ready to roll with.

Björk - "Pagan Poetry" (2001)

Hugely controversial for its video, featuring blurry lovemaking and a wince-inducing skin-piercing dress, “Pagan Poetry” is also one of the finest moments of Björk’s illustrious career. It’s hard to think of many other songs which perfectly capture the raw feeling of desire in the way this does.

Sex Pistols - "Pretty Vacant" (1977)

In amongst the explosive statements of anarchy and royal-bashing on a lot of the Sex Pistols’ work, “Pretty Vacant” is a lot less controversial yet has to be considered among the group’s finest work.

PJ Harvey - "A Perfect Day Elise" (1998)

This single came out when a lot of critical attention was being focused on the roughness and dark mood of PJ Harvey’s output; which is basically what you get here. Lots of distortion and compressed vocals as Polly tells a rather grim tale. But what’s not to love about it?