Trotter's Top Ten Singles of 2012

What an amazing year 2012 was, seeing people push themselves further than ever before and producing career-defining moments was truly inspiring.

But enough about sport...wasn't music dire this year?  Yes, I say this every year (I even say 'I say this every year' every year now) but I don't even have a little paragraph full of songs that just missed out on the top ten.  In fact when I have to say that one of my guilty pleasures Kasabian probably went further than most to make a huge noise (with "Switchblade Smiles") then you know you're in trouble.  So I'm giving all this TTT nonsense fairly short shrift this year - on the bright side it will make choosing the Top Fiddy of the '10's much easier in eight years time.  So while 2012 has been marvellous in many ways, musically it has been like listening to Arcade Fire in Hyde Park while people around you film it with their iPads i.e. a little bit of a let-down.  On top of all that we can't even make any Jimmy Saville jokes anymore.

Now then...onto the Top Ten...

Number 10

Niki and the Dove 'DJ Ease My Mind'

This is what Ke$ha sounds like in her own head.  Unfortunately for her she's just a glitter-faced pale imitation to this fine trio from Stockholm.  'DJ...' is a textbook quiet yet banging anthem, so there.

Number 9

We Are Augustines 'Book of James'

Certainly top of my list of 'bands that rip off Springsteen' not least because of some nice beards and not trying too hard to be one with the common man by having more tattoos than actual skin.  Rousing, yes.  Singalong, that too.

Number 8

Gotye 'Somebody That I Used to Know'

Yes, this was everywhere this year and lost its magic a while back, but fair's fair it's a standout track of the year in a year with very little to standout.  It is also the best nursery rhyme that Sting never sung (though he is probably halfway through writing his madrigal nursery album as we speak).  There is also a Muppet version of the video, which makes me think that the first law I pass when I'm king of the world is that every song should have one.  Just so you know.

Number 7

Stooshe 'Black Heart'

Ah yes, nostalgia for when all girlband trios griped about their man what done me wrong.  This song also made me realise I now have no idea what's going on in the hit parade when I finally heard it and realised it was by that band with a naff name I'd seen listed in charts for a while.  This very probably explains why it's better to hear a song out of context first before judging it (though there's very little fun in that is there?)  They subsequently had several top ten placings taken from them by killing Left Eye all over again with their version of 'Waterfalls' which I shall spare you the link of as it's Christmas.

Number 6

The Rapture 'How Deep is Your Love'

No, not THAT 'How Deep is Your Love' but instead a rousing gospel disco anthem from the folk who brought you 'House of Jealous Lovers'/Misfits Theme Tune (tm).  Video also contains dozens of fine Sunday Hats.  Sunday Hat wearing Muppet videos would be obligatory should I become king of the world.  Just so you know.

Number 5

Sleigh Bells 'Comeback Kid'

Do NOT mess with chicks with guns or they will make your ears explode.  In an aural sea of stodge, Sleigh Bells drove a tank through the opposition with some fine riffing guitars and stomping electronic, punchbag pummelling bass.  Huzzah!

Number 4

Kylie Minogue 'Timebomb'

Second to Sunday Hat wearing Muppet videos are videos in which short shorts wearing Kylie cavorts around Soho on the back of a motorcycle.  Soho must have had a coronary that day.  This song also contains Wooops.  Yes it's a tad predictable that our Kyles is in my Top Ten (she is to the Singles what Interpol is to the Albums to be honest) but this track proves she's still got a few good tunes in 'er without resorting to Madonna-esque embarassments.  Not quite sure she should've gone all 'Abbey Road Sessions' on us though bless her.

Number 3

Jessie Ware 'Wildest Moments'

Although I'm not entirely convinced by all of Jessie (obligatory end of year Top Tens) Ware's output I can't really fault this sleek, souful slice of plaintive pop.  Despite some pounding drums throughout the track, conversely the real power of the song is in Jessie's understated delivery, not feeling the need to impress on how talented a vocalist she is, just letting the song have room to breathe.  Other Jessie's should really take note.

Number 2

Blur 'Under the Westway'

I really have no way of knowing whether this was a leftover from '13' or 'Think Tank' era Blur but it's quality probably indicates it's not just been languishing in Damon's sock drawer for the best part of a decade.  Reminiscent of what makes Blur such a great British band, not the cartoon bombast of 'Girls and Boys' or 'Parklife' but the melancholic nostalgia captured in the likes of 'This is a Low' and 'Out of Time'.  It's a painful reminder of what we're missing to be honest.  Boys, why you no make new album??!?!

Number 1

Bat for Lashes 'Laura'

Absolutely no contest this year.  By far and away the best quality tune of 2012, proving that you don't need to be a rousing indie-band anthem or a slice of shiny power pop perfection to be Number One round here (though...er, I guess normally you do).  Another example of the power of understatement, Natasha sings beautifully over sparse instrumentation, conveying the frustration and regret wrapped around consoling a friend about past times and feelings in the song perfectly.  I've also never at all under any circumstances wept like a mad fool over this song and its equally moving video either, no sir.  It's a classy note to end the year on and proof, I guess, that it wasn't such a paltry 12 months after all.

So, there you go.  As ever, have at it...

And here's a playlist of these and the top albums for your listening pleasure.