2011 has been a year of reflection for me. I hate saying I’m reflecting. It sounds deeper than it should. Although I’d love nothing more than to tell you how unreflective I’ve been, you’ve seen how sparse my attendance to this site has been. So either I’d better have been reflecting, or I might need somebody to call 9-1-1. I KID! I fully realize that, in my kidding, I may have just blown my only chance to use this site as a cry for help. Hm. Details.
Ehneehoo. 2011. Know how you get to the end of the year and everyone wants to come out with their ‘Best Of’ lists? Best Dressed (Princess Kate). Best Political Scandal (Herman Cain). Who cares?! I hate those lists. SO I MADE ONE!
(I make no sense. I’m sorry. I’ll be featuring others throughout the week. I KNOW!)
You Da One – Rihanna (Talk That Talk)
I have mixed feelings about Rihanna’s music. She makes catchy tunes, then throws her snatch at the camera when it’s time to shoot a video. This song is no exception. To say the video is NSFW may be a bit harsh. But when this became an Ode To Vagina around 0:39, I put my foot down. I’m all for Grrl Power. And I really like the song, don’t get me wrong. But seriously. I get it. You have a vagina. So do I. But, like I tell my kids: What do you want, a cookie?
Ni**as In Paris – Jay-Z and Kanye West (Watch The Throne)
Speaking of videos, WHY is there no video for this song? I rock so hard when this beat drops, I’m threatening to give myself scoliosis. It is palpable. I don’t care who you are or your station and status in life. You WILL love this song. Oh yes. You will. Two examples, just to give you an idea of its power…
Example #1: They have to perform it more than once live in concert.
Example #2:
You can’t walk the runway when this song plays! That sh*t cray.
SONG OF THE YEAR (for me).
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 f/ Christina Aguilera (Hands All Over Me)
There were TONS of tracks I loved on this album. But one morning, I saw them perform this song on The Today Show, and I knew it was over. They had me at the whistling. It wasn’t until after The Voice (yet another competitive singing show on network television I refuse to watch) had ended that I heard Maroon 5 sang this song on an episode with Christina Aguilera. My worst fears were confirmed when the video premiered and there she was. All four feet of her. Doing all that yelling and hand-waving and WILL YOU SHUTTUP ALREADY! Love the song. Love the band. Love the video. No love for Aguilera. (Think I’m hating? Google her. Read some comments on a few articles. VITRIOL.)
Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye f/ Kimbra (Making Mirrors)
I wish I could say I found this song on my own. Gold like this, you want to be responsible for its discovery. I’m not that heartbroken. Finding it via the recommendation of someone you (virtually) follow ain’t a bad way to go. Put this in the I Listen To Music That Doesn’t Fit My Race Or Culture box. Perfect example. Also? Tell me this isn’t a distant relative of Eric Stoltz. Also, also? If Sting had a brother? Or a cousin? No? Close your eyes, listen to the song again. How about now? And we all know how Mama gotz to have her Sting. SUH-WOON.
Sexy And I Know It – LMFAO (Sorry For Party Rocking)
I once dated a guy who was broody, moody, and oh so serious. There was some humor, but the brood and mood outweighed it. At the time, he was perfect for me. We were one in the same, our seriousness exuding cool and hip, on the verge of aloofness. Then, I met B-Fam. This is going to sound way worse than I mean it, but LMFAO is B-Fam for me. I really like them because they don’t take themselves seriously. At all. Total polar opposite. Just like with B-Fam, I had no idea they were my style until it was too late and I was shaking my booty. And their videos and live performances are so much fun. I would love to sit in on one of their studio sessions. How in the world do they cut an album? They’re probably rocket scientists or some twisted stuff like that. Oh, and I guess I should say NSFW. If I had issue with Rihanna’s crotch, I have to be fair here. Oooh, man, do I ever.
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People (Torches)
As much as I tout the importance of listening to lyrics, I have to confess I never paid any attention to these initially. I loved the beat. It was catchy. Little hummable tune. And DAMN THAT WHISTLING. What is it about whistling that I really like in a song? It should be annoying, but it’s not. ARGH! One day, I’m sitting in the car, waiting on my family to return out of some store from an after-work errand, and this song is playing. I’ve heard it so many times at this point, I tune it out. Only then, do I hear the lyrics. Is it just me, or is this Pearl Jam’s Jeremy just… happier? It’s not, is it? OK. Just checking.
Best Thing I Never Had – Beyoncé (4)
People try to hate her (my husband included), but tell me you didn’t applaud when she unveiled her pregnancy at the VMA’s? Yes, you did. Don’t lie to me. Had B-Fam tapping is toes to the song, and everything. That was classic. Like a slap in the face and a SURPRISE! all at the same time. You can hate if you want, but I love Beyoncé. There. I said it. The girl is bad. You can’t deny her. This song and video is another reason why you can’t hate her. Dude. You effed up. Sucks to be you right now. HELLO! Tell me there isn’t a guy (or girl, fellas, c’mon) that you know is PERFECT to sing that song to. Perfect, like, you are singing this song at the top of your lungs in your bathroom to your reflection but your reflection is that person you’re envisioning from your past. C’mon. No? Just me again? Fine.
Jessie J – Price Tag f/ B.o.B (Who You Are)
This isn’t even my favorite song on her album, but it is my children’s favorite song on her album. I swore this was Natasha Bedingfield when I first heard it. Close (British), but no. I hate Pocketful of Sunshine (thank you, Easy A, for the affirmation). So far, nothing Jessie J has done makes me cringe. Her pre-record deal YouTube videos are proof that we don’t need these stupid singing competitions, Simon Cowell. I don’t care what you say. We don’t. Stop forcing them into our homes you blimey buggerfaced bastard!
*HD