The Saturday List #491 - My Top Ten tunes of the current decade

My amazing bandmate, vocalist and trumpeter, Mr Tom Hammond threw down a challenge to me. He didn't know he did, but any such thing requires a proper response. You see Tom posted a Spotify playlist of the ten best songs of the current decade. As anyone who knows Tom will know, it contains some brilliant music. Many of the bands are new to me, Tom is a different generation to me, having just turned 40. Like me, though, music is a central pillar of his life. Anyway, here is Tom's list. I'd comment it to every genuine music lover. 

Anyway, that's Tom's list. Here's mine. I applied a rule that Tom didn't. I only allowed one song per artist. I am not sure it would have made a huge difference. All of the artists on this list, I've seen live this decade apart from one, who, God willing, I will see in November. Here is why I chose the songs, apart from the fact that they are brilliant songs, by amazing artists! They are not in any particular order

1. Bilk - Band life blues. I started with this, as a homage to Tom, who introduced them to me. My favourite new band. What I most like about this band is that they are what the False Dots would sound like if we were formed in Chelmsford this century. I feel I could have written this song. It is almost autobiographical, give or take 45 years. Great live as well.

2. The Healthy Junkies - Son and a Daughter. This lot are great live. They are a lot more rocky than this, but this is an absolute classic. When I saw them, I immediately said to them after "Release that as a single". I don't know if that swayed their decision, but they have and it is a classic. It should be a no 1!

3. Blur - The Narcissist. Damon Albarn is a genius, Blur have been making great records for decades and this is, for me, the best song on their new album. They are an example to all of us geriatric rock and rollers.

4. Ben Sidran -  Rainmaker. Ben Sidran is my favourite Jazz artist. He's in his 80's, but he seems to get better every year. This song is a beautiful and very groovy tune. 

5. The Dualers - Johnny Dangerous. One of the best Ska bands on the  circuit. The best song from their recent album, IMHO. 

6. Wire - German Shepherds. Wire have been brilliant since 1977. They can do experimental, they can do punk and they can do lush pop, which this is. As I've got a German Shepherd, this one rather tickles me.

7. Sunny War - Ghosts. Probably my favourite new female artist of the decade (new to me that is). Saw her at the Slaughtered Lamb a couple of years ago. This is my fave song from her recent album (which features a collaboration with Steve Ignorant of Crass, who was a mate of mine back in 1978 until we argued about whether The Dickies were Punk Rock at their gig at the Marquee! Still love you to death Steve).

8. Ed Kuepper - Swing for the crime. A reworking of an old Saints song. A great track from my favourite Saints song Prehistoric Sounds. Ed has done a good job on the rework. I was torn whether a rework was appropriate, but it is a banger in both versions.

9. Madness - I'd do anything (If I could). I've probably seen Madness more times than any other band. It is easy and rather lazy to dismiss their later work. This song really stands up. 

10. Those Naughty Lumps - Bacon Archaeology. This lot are mates, this was recorded at the studio, but that has no bearing on it's inclusion. I think it is a great bit of punk pop. It is quirky, funny and up tempo. I like songs with quirky titles and silly subject matter. 

And I've included a bonus track! My favourite False Dots song of the current decade. I'll let you decide whether it should be in this list, but I rather like it. it is Groovetown

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