Niki N. Phaser

               Yes, I gave in and embraced the cliché of making ‘best of the year’ tops. Still, ‘top’ is a strong word, it sounds so… hierarchical, so definite, things that can be calculated with numbers. Artistic value has a lot to do with the moment. While I’m listening to a great song and I’m really feeling it, I’m not thinking “This song is slightly less wonderful than another great song”. Music is not a sport. When it comes to art, each individual is the judge. Music is the place where the mind and the heart meet, it has nothing to do with other people’s opinions. You should also know that some of the songs from this list might be released as singles in the future, so read the date when this was posted before sharing with your friends… Ok, enough with this mumbo-jumbo, let’s see who made to number 1, people!!!!!

11. Morrissey – It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore

His recent albums are pretty far from the fresh outta The Smiths stuff. I’m talking about the music, because the lyrics have always been briliant – the guy just can’t be topped when it comes to editing ideas into the most simple and yet poetic words. It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore it’s one of the most powerful songs he wrote in years, talking about how politeness and hypocrisy have nothing to do with one’s expression of love: “All the gifts that they gave can’t compare in any way to the love I am now giving to you right here right now on the floor”. LISTEN

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Grunge major players Alice In Chains have finally completed a reunion project, recording a new album with singer William DuVall, who is replacing Layne Staley, dead of an OD back in 2002. The album is called Black Gives Way to Blue and will come out in September. They also have several gigs lined up, including a slot at the Epicenter show alongside Linkin Park and Street Sweeper Social Club. A few dates in Germany will mark their return to Europe, where they played last in 2006. The first single and video, A Looking in View is available at their official website. Judging from this song, this is the real thing. These guys are not just surfing the 90′s nostalgia wave, they still have some heavy riffs left in them. On the other hand, they probably know they woun’t get the spotlights of their younger years that’s why they selected a seven minutes PG-18 video to announce the comeback. Both the song and the video worth your attention.