THE A LIST (12.22.23)

It's Friday? Thank God. Welcome to this week's A List - where we dive into the top 10 most-played tracks from this past week.

Make sure to stay up to date with the latest and greatest songs carefully curated by your fellow music aficionados and delivered to you directly by our very own music director, Nils Illokken. Join Nils every Friday from 11a - 3p EST to hear this list and so much more!

Get in sync here at Inhailer.com, or conveniently from our new iPhone and Android apps, anytime!

#10 "West End Girls" (Pet Shop Boys Cover) - Sleaford Mods

Kicking off our A List right with the Sleaford Mods doing a Pet Shop Boys cover - and it is fantastic. They managed to keep the integrity of this classic 80's song while still making it their own. In the music video, you can see Andrew Fearn standing solemnly next to Jason Williamson just as Chris Lowe did with Neil Tennant in the original.

#9 "Twit Coin" - Pan Amsterdam

That bass line?!? We can't get enough of it. New York-based Pan Amsterdam knows how to blend two distinct genres: jazz and hip-hop. This song, "Twit Coin," features trumpets and trombones over a funky trap beat.

#8 "Can't Believe We're Here" - J Mascis

Number eight is coming at you with a feel-good song by J Mascis, formally known as the lead singer of Dinasaur Jr.. This one feels like a warm hug, a song you sing with all of your friends at a campfire.

Can't believe we're here

It's a shame I'm wasted

But to remember what you said

You're just charging straight ahead

#7 "Armatron" - STRFKR

This one is actually going to knock your socks off. STRFKR's use of synthesizers to convey a feeling is really quite impressive. "Armatron" is a song that isn't stagnant, the chord progressions and dynamics change throughout each verse. According to the band, the song has "this initial sassy vibe that evolves into this sentimental introspection that creates a really cool journey from start to finish."

#6 "The Answer" - Johnny Marr

You know him, you love him, it's Johnny Marr. Need I say more? This song has been on our top 10 for a while now because we can't get enough of it!!

I told you mamma  

I’m outta here again 

All set to begin  

I am gone  

#5 "The Mad Stone" - Everything Everything

Halfway there? That went by fast. This track is the type of song that takes a few listens to really comprehend it fully. There are just so many intricacies going on musically... and it is stunning. Whether it's the background vocals, strings, or synths, Everything Everything pays attention to every detail!

#4 "Hollowed Out" - Ducks Ltd.

Straight from Toronto is the all-too-talented Ducks Ltd! This song has a warm sound juxtaposed with some existential and thought-provoking lyrics. According to lead singer Tom McGreevy, "it’s about living with decline. About the feeling that the horizon of possibility in the world is forever being drawn in to align with the edges of the imaginations of a small group of careless rich people."

Their newest record, Harm's Way, is due on February 9th via Carpark.

#3 "Bubblegum Dog" – MGMT

One thing about MGMT is that they are always serving!! Fans and longtime listeners of the band have been discussing the meaning behind this single. Many believe that it's a reference to Nietzsche and His Pain Named Dog, others think it's their movement away from 'bubble gum' or the 'pop' genre.

#2 "Water Underground" - Real Estate

Need a new, warm, dreamy, indie rock hit to liven up your Friday? We've got you covered. Real Estate knows how to make a laid-back, almost beach-rocky song. The music video reflects this, with a tongue-in-cheek storyline. It was also inspired by the show The Adventures of Pete & Pete.

#1 "Petroleum" - Yard Act

Welcome to number one folks! Yard Act is at the top - and is it any wonder why? This song is giving us 90's Beck and we are loving it. The bass line is crisp, the vocals are smooth, and the drums hit when the chorus comes in.

We are so. excited. for their upcoming album, Where's My Utopia? out on March 1st.

Same time next week? Thanks for joining me for this A List!

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