As a special Friday bonus here is the Bonus List – the extension of our weekly A List (posted every Sunday) and another chance to showcase some of the other songs we’re still really liking right now.
[If you’re particularly interested, I set out how it works in last week’s debut; if not, just read on and enjoy the music]
There are some cracking songs on here; the first seven weeks – or so – of 2017 have been rather kind to music fans. So here we go, here are 11-20 in our current chart.
11. The XX – Dangerous (fourth week; up 2)
A tremendous statement of intent to kick off new album I See You. Every time I hear the opening notes I can’t help but smile at the joys this track – and the album – provide.
12. Mixhell, Joe Goddard – Crocodile Boots (Soulwax Remix) (third week; down nine)
A five minute industrial revolution full of dancing percussion samples and snippets.
13. Magana – Pages (new entry)
Twinged with sadness, Pages is the end of a story which seems to have come to an abrupt and not entirely mutual ending.
14. The XX – Performance (third week; up two)
A heart-dropping, mournful and gripping track that finds The XX back on familiar ground. Romy’s vocals are – as usual – emotional in a way so few other singers can manage.
15. POOLCLVB – Waiting for You (new entry)
Waiting for You sounds very much like the child of the nu-rave scene, with memories of Delphic and Klaxons coming flooding back.
16. Stage Van H – Orange Beach – Marko Melo Remix (fourth week; down four)
Orange Beach has a top-line that constantly teases you; dangling melodies and noises but withdrawing then before you get too comfortable and drawing your ears and imagination back to its dynamic underbelly.
17. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Sleep Drifter (new entry)
Sleep Drifter is the musical equivalent of being awake for 48 hours; everything is there but you’re not sure you can piece it all together.
18. Father John Misty – Ballad of the Dying Man (new entry)
On the Ballad of the Dying Man, Father John Misty has found himself back at his mischievous best.
19. Tall Tall Trees – Freedays (third week; down four)
Sounds like a product of vast and hazy country landscapes, and would comfortably sound at home alongside records by Fleet Foxes and Jonathan Wilson.
20. Tourists – Masquerade (new entry)
Synths, bass, guitars, drums and vocals come together like the five Power Rangers to create a grand and ambitious record that sounds both fresh and vintage.
