Favourite songs of 2005

If it's hard enough to choose my best albums of the year, how hard is it to choose a top 10 of songs? Take for instance the Arcade Fire album, all amazing tunes, but how can you single one out? There were so many songs to choose from, but in some way these tunes stood out for me, for a variety of reasons. Here they are.









1. The Electric South featuring Bob Lind: Sing!
Hands in the air euphoric gospel-soul!









2. 7 Samurai: Marvin
A brilliant original rescoring and remixing of Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘I Want You’ in a soulful latin sylee.









3. The Shortwave Set: Is It Any Wonder?
An indie pop classic from the catchy little intro, through the simple piano riff, swoony vocals. The greatest song Saint Etienne never recorded.









4. Fiery Furnaces: Here Comes the Summer
It came out in winter, but it’s just what you need in these cold January days as you look forward to some light and warmth.









5. Hot Chip: Over and Over
A limited release for possibly the best tune Hot Chip have done. On this evidence, 2006 should spell big things for them









6. The Magic Numbers: Morning’s Eleven
This song was the set closer for their gigs in 2004 and early 2005. The album version isn’t as good as the live one, but still well worth it.









7. Sebastien Tellier: La Ritournelle
The French maverick’s lounge classic, played to death by Rob Da Bank on his Radio 1 Blue Room show.










8. Jamie Lidell: Multiply
The title (and stand-out) track from the new soul genius’ album.









9. Emiliana Torrini: Sunny Road (Manasseh Mix)
A great reggae re-working of the Icelandic folkie’s tune which works a treat in this different guise.









10. My Morning Jacket: Off the Record
MMJ leave the dusty country for Hawaii 5-0 meets slow soul jamming, with impressive results!