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Beau Brady's Top 10 Songs of 2018

Beau Brady of Excuse Me shares his 10 favorite songs of 2018:

10. KIDS SEE GHOSTS - “Reborn”

I wouldn’t be surprised if Kanye returns to this song to cheer him up after what was likely his worst year since he was in an actual car crash. Keep moving forward…

9. Mitski - “Nobody”

Be The Cowboy is filled with perfectly crafted songs, though “Nobody” may be Mitski’s greatest achievement to date. Prepare for your heart to swoon at the 2:20 mark when Mitski’s voice sails to the highest highs singing the praises of nobody and everybody at the same time.

8. Beach House - “Dive”

You can’t go wrong picking any song on Beach House’s 7 as a top song of the year. For me, it’s that moment when those raw drums roll into frame that cannot be topped on this album. Dive in and hear for yourself.

7. MGMT - “When You Die”

Similarly, you could pick a number of songs off Little Dark Age and end up with a top song of the year. MGMT brought hooks back in spades this year, but none of them were more impressive than making the idea of accepting death so catchy.

6. Father John Misty - “Please Don’t Die”

If MGMT walked you to the edge and patted you on the back, Father John Misty will turn you around and back to the light every time you hear “Please Don’t Die”. Music is often life-affirming, but you don’t hear songs often that take this direct an approach. Sometimes it’s important not to mince words and be blunt.

5. Spiritualized - “I’m Your Man”

Grandiose is what J Spaceman does best. Released as an early single for his latest album And Nothing Hurt, “I’m Your Man” instantly proved Spiritualized hadn’t lost their magic.

4. Arctic Monkeys - “Four Out Of Five”

Alex Turner took a sharp left turn with the new Arctic Monkeys album. But if their live performance of their lead single was any indication, their conceptual new album was worth the time for this song alone.

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3. Parquet Courts - “Freebird II”

It’s tough to pick a favorite from Parquet Courts WIDE AWAKE! While I lean towards the album closer “Tenderness”, the fact they created a sequel to one of the most famous songs ever written and it feels like it fits in it legacy is worth celebrating. Add to the fact that anybody shouting “FREEBIRD” at a Parquet Courts show will actually get it now.

2. Iceage - “Take it all”

Pick any song from the B-side of Iceage’s Beyondless and it could go in this spot. Each song hits a completely different style never explored by the band. Though nothing sounded sweeter when they slowed it all down on “Take it all” in the middle of the B-side.

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1. Deafheaven - “Near”

How this song manages to work as a standalone song while also anchoring “Canary Yellow,” one of the most intense Deafheaven songs ever recorded, will never cease to amaze me. Look no further than this song to see how far Deafheaven have evolved as a band. Arresting beauty that brings a tear to my eye every time.

Please listen to this song:

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Beau Brady hosts the all vinyl radio show Yr Welcome every Friday at 9 p.m.
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