4. “Indian Summer,” Stereophonics
While not necessarily a bad thing, Stereophonics being lumped in with the Britpop scene was a detriment, and one that the Welsh trio have fully superseded. “Indian Summer” is a testament to the fact that they can just write a good fucking pop song with a storyline, make it emotive and present an opportunity for the crowd to jump in effortlessly on a jaunty chorus.
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3. “Wings,” Haerts
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There’s some pop, some shoegaze, some cheese and something intangible that gives the sense this might feel dated in a few years but is still amazagon. In other words, it’s Miley Cyrus-like without having to admit you dug “Wrecking Ball,” (minus the shoegaze obvz). I’ll take it.
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2. “Man I Need,” Jagwar Ma
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Not even a clairvoyant Ian Brown could’ve predicted a Madchester revival would take place Down Under this year, but take it from someone who under questionable judgment crowd surfed to this gem in a tuxedo and Ronald Regan mask at Iceland Airwaves — the bagginess lives! Bonus is the white label version of the Aussie’s track, which totally dips into “I Am the Resurrection” territory.
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1. “Open,” Rhye
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If you’ve ever been in a failing relationship that you’re desperate to hold onto, then the Sade sounding Michael Milosh delivering the opening verse where he’s a fool for his lover’s absolutely anything will resonate. “I’m a fool for that shake in your thighs/I’m a fool for that sound in your sighs/I’m a fool for your belly/I’m a fool for your… love” has you either telling him to GTFO or become your therapist because he understands. “Stay open,” things could turn around (Hint: they probably won’t). Oh, and there was that crazy video where the couple gets down in a house that isn’t theirs.
