As we all know, it’s an impossible task to distill 20 years into 20 songs, so I have simply chosen 20 incredible tracks, as to come up with a legitimate ‘favourite 20 songs’ would have seen me comfortably miss the deadline.
So here we go…my musical story of the last two decades, with no ranking or particular order.
Reflex – Wavering (2012)
Heavenly dance pop from the mysterious Reflex; I heard this by chance in a shop and have heard it not by chance a thousand times since.
Beach House – Once Twice Melody (2021)
Title track of the otherworldly duo’s subtly brilliant most recent album, it could be their best ever track.
Bloxx – 5000 Miles (2020)
One of many standouts from the band’s wonderful lockdown debut album, Lie Out Loud.
Roots Manuva – Facety 2:11 (2015)
An extraordinary collaboration between Rodney Smith (AKA Roots Manuva) and Four Tet that pummels itself into your consciousness and refuses to leave.
Ash – Buzzkill (2018)
Blistering and comically radio-unfriendly 2018 return from the reinvigorated trio, as good as anything that went before. Bonus backing vocals from The Undertones too!
Lionlimb – Turnstile (2016)
From that devastating opening chord, it was clear something special was on the way. A truly magnificent single.
Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You) (2014)
Maybe the TV event of the last two decades, let alone one of the best songs. Imagine not loving this! Go on, I dare you!
Splashh – All I Wanna Do (2013)
It was never going to be easy for a band based half in Australia and half in England to have much longevity, but Splashh’s two albums from the middle of the last decade are very special. Their live shows were a joyous thing to behold too, usually ending with most of the audience on stage!
Adam Green – Friends Of Mine (2003)
Just about qualifying for the criteria of this list, Adam Green is a unique character who combines his trademark bizarrely humorous lyrics to brilliant tunes, like this one.
Marika Hackman – Mountain Spines (2012)
I still remember vividly going for a walk at dusk and hearing this song for the first time, it stopped me in my tracks and I downloaded it as soon as I got home (very 2012, eh?). Since then Marika Hackman has gone from strength to strength, making some of my favourite albums of all time, let alone the last 20 years. And a new one coming soon!
Sweet Baboo – Wild Imagination (2017)
Stephen Black has amassed a catalogue of wonderfully charming music over the last 15 years or so. It’s hard to choose a favourite but you’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by this lovely song about his son.
Normil Hawaiians – Search For Um Gris (2015)
In the list on a technicality, as it is from a 1985 album that lay unreleased until 2015. But any excuse to get this incredible track any small amount of publicity shouldn’t be missed…I’ve never heard anything quite like it.
The Dears – Lost In The Plot (2003)
The Canadian band have released so much good music in the last couple of decades, including a relatively recent purple patch, but this dramatic 2003 single is probably still their best known.
The Go! Team – Grip Like A Vice (2007)
It feels like The Go! Team are a little under appreciated these days, anyone seeing them live in the last 20 years will know that there aren’t many better out there. And the records are great – like this fabulous 2007 almost-hit.
The Woodentops – Ride A Cloud (2023)
The fact that there is a new Woodentops song out in 2023 is a reason to rejoice. And far from standing still, they have constructed a brilliantly otherworldly track that sounds nothing and yet everything like The Woodentops.
Josh Rouse – Winter In The Hamptons (2004)
If you aren’t familiar with the work of Josh Rouse, this is a very good place to start. From perhaps his best album, but there is a lot of competition in his catalogue for that title.
Anne – Tarvantovaara (2011)
God bless Rich in Birmingham’s Ignite Records (it’s in the Oasis market, folks) – once or twice a year I go to his shop and buy a couple of records on his recommendation. I had never heard of the eminently un-Googleable Anne, but this has been one of many winners he has sent my way. Shoegaze heaven!
The Cribs – Swinging At Shadows (2021)
From their excellent Singles Club (which comprised of four non-album singles in quick succession), this is one of their very greatest songs.
Radar Brothers – Ebony Bow (2013)
Will the World ever wake up to the genius of California’s Radar Bros? This track is the highlight of their most recent record, Eight, from a whole decade ago. Let’s hope there’ll be another, one day.
Nabihah Iqbal – This World Couldn’t See Us (2023)
There’s been a lot of great music this year, so let’s wrap up this list with one of my recent favourites, from the absolutely incredible DREAMER album.
