Welcome to the 12th instalment of dTunes. This year brings a mix of new discoveries, firm favourites and a return to form from some old friends. Enjoy the tunes that left a mark on me during 2015.

Side A- External

1. Dreams – Beck

Most famed for being a ‘Loser’, Beck returned to winning ways with his Grammy winning album this year. Opening up proceedings this year, ‘Dreams’ packs in power and hooks in equal measure. A modern day ‘Sledgehammer’ from the elder statesman of the pack.

2. T-Shirt Weather – Circa Waves

Remember the summer? It was in Autumn I think. You do need to be in a car on a sunny day to fully appreciate this one. Singalong, clapalong pop. What more do you need?

3. Forget The Numbers – Delorentos

Solid, reliable and consistent are not the types of traits that most bands would want on their epitaph. Delorentos are all of that but they also have a knack for great tunes and are a super live act to boot. This one is a great call to arms for the procrastinators out there. Just get over it.

4. Thank You – All Tvvins

The second of the homegrown entries for this year, I love the rhythm of this one. It reminds me of someone that I can’t put my finger on yet still sounds fresh and new. The intro alone nearly guaranteed this one its place. Love it.

5. Bros – Wolf Alice

Friends in Time. I know I often say ‘turn it up loud’ but for this one, you HAVE to turn it up load. Mandatory. Laced with traces of some of the shoegazers of the 90s in the mix, the tune sparkles throughout. The lighthouse of the collection. She She She Shine On

6. Sandy – Oh Mercy

It’s as if Echo and the Bunnymen got in the DeLorean with Marty McFly in 1985 and released this when they emerged last month. It’s uncanny. A sweet tune with pining lyrics to remind you what a lost love can feel like. Sandy has got herself a lovely song even if she doesn’t know it.

7. Lonely One – Dresses

I had a job picking only one tune from this crowd, check them out, they have some super songs. This particular track has been one of the first names on the dTunes teamsheet this year. “I am a season, nobody sees me, I won’t be lasting long”. Loneliness hasn’t sounded this good since Morrissey was at his miserable best.

8. Everything I Do Ooh Ooh – Janne Schra

Any song title that includes “ooh ooh” is a good clue of what’s to come. This year’s earworm of the collection. Two minutes of hooks, melodies, toe taps and of course a few “ooh ooh”s. I wonder would Bryan Adams get 16 weeks at Number 1 with this one?

9. Illuminate – Ham Sandwich

I’ve been close to including Ham Sandwich previously but couldn’t leave this one out. Despite (or because of) their moniker, they have gone from strength to strength. The new album is chock full of melody, brass and good times. This one will get you on your feet.

10. Let it Happen – Tame Impala

It will move you, surprise you and thrill you. Love this tune and all its moving parts that meander throughout. Check out the full length 7 minute version and lose yourself. Go on, let it happen.

Side B – Internal

11. Find Yourself – Jacco Gardner

Psychedelic synth pop that harks back to that great Air album from the early 90s. There’s a great pace to this one as it trundles along and then opens up for the chorus. Jacco is likely the least stressed member of the artists this year I’d say…

12. Livewire – Oh Wonder

OK, get comfy. This one is special. Another ‘turn it up loud’ request from me. This has a melody and effect that matches the lyrics. The song lifts you higher and higher as it progresses. Dazzling stuff.

13. Depreston – Courtney Barnett

Real Estate Rock, now that’s a first for me. As a subject matter, house hunting in the suburbs of Melbourne is hardly smash hit territory. Yet the speak/sing storytelling style works great here. The ‘spare half a million’ refrain at the end will surely feature in a bank ad before long.

14. Carried Away – Dionysia

These lads realise a good thing when they hear it. A catchy verse chorus verse is hard to beat. They didn’t even bother with trying to come up with anything else apart from a few “oh oh oh’s” in between. Y’all clap along now, folks.

15. Look At Us Now – The Frank and Walters

Any song that makes you feel better after hearing it is worth a spin. For 25 years the Frank and Walters have been performing this magic trick and putting smiles on faces. A new album on the way in March, they’re still at it – look at them now.

16. England Skies – Shake Shake Go

A song that is literally about a melody, I’m always a sucker for those (ref: The La’s ‘Timeless Melody’). The tune lifts away those grey skies and brings a smile to your ears.

17. Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins) – Father John Misty

Not the singing priest, no but this guy does manage to sound like something from the 60s, 70s, 80s and still sound fresh. This is a ‘nice’ song in the true sense of the word. He needs to work on those titles though. Brevity works best.

18. Hold On Tight – Greg Holden

The spirit of the song is what shines through here. The anthemic chorus and booming drums soar along but the gratitude theme is equally uplifting. I’d say this is a winner on the festival circuit. Carpe Diem.

19. Ba Ba Ra – The National Parks

Borrowing from the Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da model for coming up for with song titles, that’s where the simplicity ends with this tune. A beautifully crafted song that is rich in melody and memories. An unforgettable chorus… literally.

20. The Dying of The Light – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

A stunning album that is peppered with some of Gallagher’s best ever work, this bookends this year’s compilation nicely. His contemporary, Beck kicked us off with his dreams and we end here with those shattered dreams being offered a lifeline. The ability to make a tune soar and dive with the lyrics is a special talent. Once more Noel Gallagher manages to marry joy and despair and make it sound triumphant.

*****

That’s it for another year. thanks for listening, reading and watching.

If you’re on Spotify, you can get the playlist here: