#TheTenx5
37
Rei Ami
SNOWCONE
Single
2019
South Korea-USA
It's pretty clear why she was picked to be the singing voice of cute-but-feisty Zoey in KPDH - she was basically that character already in 2019. Love the emotional pivot at the midpoint, which is also v. Zoey-coded.
Jesus, even NWONW had more legs than NAM. Truly a feeble effort.
I remember reading about NAM in NME, and even at the time knowing that it was sad and doomed attempt at manufacturing a movement.
No idea, but after looking them up, it sounds kinda intriguing.
#TheTenx5
36
Taylor Swift
Shake It Off
Single
2014
USA
Big daft fun, with a chorus that stays for days. What more do you need?
Would a different dog help? There's still a good dose of corgi in there.
If you're wondering about that garbled bit in the second verse, the song originally contained a reference to Afrika Bambaataa. It was recorded before any sexual abuse allegations were raised against him, then later edited to remove the reference from the recording.
#TheTenx5
35
Spye
Oops, Sorry
Single
2014
UK
I already mentioned in #TheTwen2ie5 that I have a fondness for regional British raps, and this one is especially nice. Lovely tongue-twisting bars.
There's something of a cliffhanger for one specific character, but a lot of the main action is reasonably contained. If dangling plot threads annoy you, it might not be your thing, but there is still a lot to recommend it.
Did you watch the Dark Crystal series they did? I went into that with an air of belligerence but was won over very swiftly. Shame they cancelled it.
The 'guchi have just put out too many bangers, that's the problem.
#TheTenx5
34
Otoboke Beaver
Akimahenka
Single
2015
Japan
First thing I ever heard by this ridiculously awesome group, and it's remained a favourite of mine ever since. Loud, fast, brilliant.
#TheTenx5
33
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk
Single
2014
UK/USA
A smashing little boogie that I once saw a gigantic flame-throwing metal mantis dancing to in Las Vegas. One of those experiences you either never forget, or wonder if it really happened.
Magnificent! I'm looking forward to hearing it.
I've got a couple of Algerian options for my main - one of which was recently featured on the opening titles to a TV show. I'll be racking up some backups though, since I don't expect many folks to remember Algeria when it comes to listing choices.
Any chance that it's been featured in an Italian horror film?
It'll go in my longlist for sure. I've already found some very interesting stuff though. It's fun having one of the less-well-known nations.
I am proud to have been trusted with the care and curation of Algeria's #PWC26 entry. I can promise that I will provide a song list that is, as the Algerian motto states, by the people and for the people. That way, when we drop out in the qualifiers, we'll know we did our best.
Sometimes I like to remember that they did a cat-themed remix of the whole album, and the titles were even dumber. Tunes still banged, mind.
Keeping an eye on this, in case my PWC managerial application shakes out the way I expect...
They operate in a similar vein, for sure - poppy, but fierce.
For TOKEN 2, a classically abrasive and political track from the Aunts of No Wave. MURDER WITH YOUR TAX DOLLARS!
Erase Errata
Tax Dollar
Mornings! For TOKEN 1, here's a tremendous tune from last year, despairing at the current state of affairs, and recorded by a Ukrainian band for additional poignancy.
Electric Rime
Landslide
#TheTenx5
32
Friends
I'm His Girl
Single
2011
USA
Perhaps giving yourselves the same name as an internationally super-famous entertainment property might not be the best idea for sustained career longevity, but this tune is a slinky bop regardless.
If my understanding is correct, it goes in three steps:
1) Mains. If there's not enough of those, then...
2) Bonuses. If there's not enough of those, then...
3) Manager and Organiser have a backroom chat and fill the remaining gap(s) themselves.
In the unlikely event that there's a shortage of managers, I'll put myself forward for a tiny no-hoper nation. Otherwise, I'll be just as happy to play along in the audience. This is going to be fun!
8.6kg at the last weigh-in! I remember when I could comfortably hold him in one hand. They grow alarming fast, these pups.
Noodle the shiborgi with a big open smile on his silly little yapper. He is standing on a rug and is sporting a very tasteful tartan bowtie. His eyes are twinkling as he looks at the toy I am holding up out if shot.
Much the same as the other pic, but at a different angle so you can see more of his long corgi body and a bit of his curly shiba tail. He is an absurdly handsome pup. Obviously, I'm biased, but facts are facts.
Happy puppy timeline cleanse.
I checked it out after all the complaints this morning, and it's... just a really normal word. It's not even as bad as that time people lost their minds over "caulk" being the solution.
#TheTenx5
31
Fontaines D.C.
Boys In The Better Land
Single
2018
Ireland
A potently catchy number. Locks itself deep into my brain every time I hear it.
#TheTenx5
30
Zeal & Ardor
Devil Is Fine
Single
2016
USA
Playing around in the fields of blues, post rock and black metal, and cooking up something very special in the process.
