speed of dark

I finally getting down to the top ten, and this is where it got really difficult to pick a particular song from an artist, and to figure out where the song should fall on my list. I don't really think that any of these songs are "better" than any other song on this list, but the point of a ranked list is to put things in a rank. See 11-15, 16-20, and 21-25, and you'll notice that all of these songs are terrific and wonderful and worth listening to.

10. sunset rubdown: three colours II

buy the album | absolutely kosher site | myspace fansite

I was a little disappointed by Sunset Rubdown's 2006 full-length release, Shut Up I Am Dreaming. While it had some good tracks on it, I guess I was expecting another Wolf Parade album and it didn't come close. The self-titled EP featuring Three Colours II, and their 2005 full-length release, Snake's Got A Leg were stronger, more heartfelt, than Shut Up.... This EP evokes the sound of a band just coming together and feeling each other out, learning to play as one, and it has a fresh, soft flow.

9. elf power: an old familiar scene

buy the album | official website | myspace

This was another lucky find for me - I first heard this song from a compilation album (I think it was from stranded in stereo). Elf Power has been around a long time but unfortunately for them, fame has been fleeting. They seem to be getting some merited attention lately and I hope they are able to become more widely known. Enjoy and check out the album Back to the Web for more.

8. say hi to your mom: these fangs

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I absolutely adore this song about wanting to hide one's imperfections from someone else, and understanding when others might want to do the same. In fact, the album Impeccable Blahs, seems to be almost entirely about vampires. I wonder what those nice boys are hiding? We met them...they did not appear to be vampires, but then again it was nighttime when we saw them. I liked several tracks from this disc, including "Sweet Sweet Heartkiller" and "Not As Goth As They Say We Are". This band often has great, funny song titles and their older stuff is really worth a listen, and their website is also worth some time.

7. band of horses: weed party

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The entire album, Everything All the Time, is excellent, and I picked this song over the more obvious The Funeral, although I like both songs about equally. This one, however, is slightly more upbeat and makes me think of a high school party where illegal substances are being consumed, not that I condone or even know of such a thing occurring (love the "yee-haw!" at the beginning). Do yourself a favor and listen not only to the aforementioned songs, but also the rest of the album. Everything All the Time is appearing all over on other blogger's best of lists, and it's worth all of the acclaim.

6. tapes n tapes: insistor

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I'm not sure about the rest of their songs on their album The Loon, but this one I adore. It runs through my head and makes me want to dance. The Minneapolis-based band is currently on tour in Australia, but I hope they come back through L.A. soon. Tapes n Tapes was given 8.3 honors by Pitchfork (take that how you wish) and I think it's well deserved.

Stay tuned for my final five songs, and then the songs that didn't quite make the final cut.