Hangin' Out In 100b

It’s been quite a long time since we looked at the current singles charts, so this week we’re going to use the BBC Radio 1 Chart Show list and pick on the Top 10.

#10: Biffy Clyro, “Mountains” (YouTube link)

To be honest, I don’t get Biffy Clyro. There’s nothing bad about this, I just don’t understand the total devotion some people have with this band. In any case, they’ve dropped two positions since last week but are still rocking out in the Top 10.

#9: Kid Rock, “All Summer Long”

I’m sort of shocked that this song is doing so well in the UK. It’s also dropped two places but has been in the chart for 11 weeks – erm, all summer long, as it happens. This single sounds particularly American to me, and to tell you the truth, a little bland for Kid Rock, so I’d never have expected it to be such a big hit on this side of the world. I do however, like the use of the “Sweet Home Alabama” riff and choir in the chorus, so it’s got that going for it.

#8: Madcon, “Beggin’” (YouTube link*)

Holy crap – rap from Norway?! Who knew? This is pretty cool, the video’s got a whole 1970s Shaft / Foxy Brown thing going on and the song is ridiculously catchy. I’m curious what else Madcon will bring us now that they’ve broken through to international charts (as far as I can tell, this is their first big hit).

#7: The Script, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” (YouTube link*)

The Tamboosh once told me her theory that groups like this are the boy bands of the 00s. This totally proves her point.

#6: Eric Prydz, “Pjanoo” (YouTube link)

Hmm, dance-type music is one of the few genres I don’t really listen to, so I can’t judge if this is any good or not. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t convert me into a dance/techno (dude, I don’t even know what to call it!) fan, either. What’s up with the tiny Indians?

#5: Rihanna, “Disturbia” (YouTube link*)

I’m usually quite impressed with Rihanna and her willingness not be exactly like every other gorgeous singer out there in Popland. Sadly, this single is kind of a dud for me – it’s not different enough to stand out, like her singles often do, and it’s not catchy enough to make up for it.

#4: The Pussycat Dolls, “When I Grow Up”

Since I don’t get paid for this, you can’t make me listen to the Pussycat Dolls. Seriously, I won’t do it.

#3: Cliff Richard, “Thank You For A Lifetime” (YouTube link)

Oh, dear. I couldn’t skip two in a row, could I? This is pretty much as painful and cringe-worthy as I expected it to be. Please say this is a farewell / retirement song – that might improve it a little.

#2: Katy Perry, “I Kissed A Girl”

I’ve read a lot about Katy Perry but not heard her music until now. This single is apparently very controversial, which I guess should be expected, but it all seems a little silly to me. Though, to be fair, if it wasn’t, it probably wouldn’t be so popular. It’s a decent enough pop song, pretty much what pop should be, in my opinion: catchy, danceable, fun – but let’s face it, it’s no “Umbrella” or “Crazy In Love”.

#1: Kings Of Leon, “Sex On Fire” (YouTube link*)

Ah, the mighty Kings Of Leon at #1, right where they should be. They get a tiny bit more stadium with every release, but that’s not a bad thing, as long as they continue to hang on to that Southern grittiness that made them so great in the first place. This feels more John Cougar Mellencamp than any of their previous singles, but I can get down with that. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really looking forward to Monday’s release of Only By The Night – we can always do with a little more KOL in this world.

And there you have – another week, another totally in-depth chart investigation here at 100b. Until next time…

* Sadly, these YouTube channels won’t allow embedding on these videos. Which, of course, is completely absurd since it’s basically free advertising. What the hell is up with that?! Hrmph.