Written by Robelgordo

Back by popular demand!

(From Taff and Slappy.)

The idea here is that American and British music largely transcends borders as these are the dominant popular cultures. However as a music fan, you may appreciate hearing what other countries are doing. So today I’m linking the top four Australian songs for 2009 as voted by people that listen to the national independent radio station Triple J. To get a sense of what you’re in for, the six international singles to make the top ten in the same poll were:

#1. Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
#4. Lisztomania – Phoenix
#6. Bulletproof – La Roux
#8. Not Fair – Lily Allen
#9. Uprising – Muse
#10. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine

And now for the tracks you wouldn’t have heard.

#2. Parlez Vous Francais? – Art v Science
I’ve seen Art v Science play live at least four times. They were one of my favourite undiscovered acts, although now they are on the verge of cracking commercial radio. They play dance music the old-fashioned way (without the aid of computers). This single is a bit gimmicky and I imagine will polarise people, but I think it’s got a great sense of fun. The video clip is excellent. Even worth watching on mute if you hate the song.

#3. Chase That Feeling – Hilltop Hoods
Hilltop Hoods are Australia’s most successful hip-hop act ever.

(Actual video is here: xhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq8PyyMbrYQ)

#5. Broken Leg – Bluejuice
I discovered BlueJuice. Here on the front page two years ago I linked their first song. They didn’t even have a Wiki page! Another band I’ve seen multiple times, usually early in the day at festivals or as a support act. This song is now starting to get some commercial play, about six months after it was released as a single. Fun and catchy – if you don’t like this you probably lack a soul. Also a good video.

#7. Coin Laundry – Lisa Mitchell
Lisa Mitchell was barely 16 when she auditioned for Australian Idol and blew everyone away singing and playing an original song acoustically. Of course, she finished about 9th because she stuffed up Frank Sinatra night or some shit. A teenage girl who can write songs and play guitar needs to impersonate the Brat Pack to be a music success. Anyway, she disappeared for three years and came back with an indie record and no fanfare. This is the most popular song from the album. It’s a nice pop song. I don’t know if she’s that attractive, but there something about her elvishness in this clip I find adorable.

So that’s what Australian non-commercial radio listeners liked in 2009. Please comment of your favourite below, as the winning act receives an old soccer jersey.