Top Ten Best Songs of 2015

Usually I make a "Best Albums of the Year" list, but in 2015 (and in recent years, in general) I've been more drawn to individual songs. So, here's my TOP TEN BEST SONGS of 2015 list, arranged alphabetically:

BRYAN ADAMS "You Belong To Me"

This song/video is totally my cup of tea. Sweet retro production by Jeff Lynne, beautifully simple arrangement, killer vocal performance, and great economy of composition. What a comeback!

THE DØ "Trustful Hands"

A Finnish woman and French man team up in this super cool Euro electro-pop duo. All their records are great.

ANA EGGE "Divine Mother"

One of the highlights of my year was seeing Ana perform at the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!

BRANDON FLOWERS "Can't Deny My Love"

If I had to pick a BEST ALBUM OF 2015 it would be Brandon Flowers' The Desired Effect. The album is loaded with fabulous songs and sounds, but this one was the single, so it gets to represent the record. Produced by my studio hero Ariel Rechtshaid.

LOVERS ELECTRIC "Dangerous Games"

This married electro-pop duo features pop genius Butterfly Boucher's sister Eden. They made videos for every song on their excellent 2015 album Strangers...this clip is especially beautiful and slightly disturbing.

RAE MORRIS "Closer"

Morris is a British piano pop prodigy, with producer Ariel Rechtshaid making his second appearance on this list! She's been releasing excellent singles, EPs, and videos for a few years, and in 2015 they were finally collected on her debut LP (which I had to import from the UK on CD!). This record really scratches my itch for classic Annie Lennox!

MUTE MATH "Monument"

This band has flirted with U2-inspired arena rock in the past, and electronic noodling of all kinds. Their new album is its most New Wavey and friendly...I'm into it. It's the best Duran Duran album not made by Duran Duran this year!

OH LAND "Flags"

A favorite of mine since 2013, this Danish artist mixes weirdness, joy, and Nordic pop sensibilities. Not unlike Lovers Electric, Rae Morris, and The Dø...female powered neo-Euro-synth-pop!

KEITH RICHARDS "Trouble"

This past June I got to see Keith (and the Stones) with my own eyes, during their tour stop here in Minneapolis. There are some gems on Keith's new solo album, and this, the first single from the album, is one of the best tracks he's ever released.

SLEATER-KINNEY "A New Wave"

Sleater-Kinney has sounded very very good to my ears this past year. I prefer their singles to their albums, and this is a classic. Great video, too!