Merry List Season everyone! The holidays are finally upon us, and we can unwrap our listy gifts all December long.
A listicle fan such as myself has it hard most of the year. When the Hottest 100 wraps up each Australia Day, it is several months until I can dive into musical countdown lists again. There is a brief respite in July, when people post their ‘Best Albums Of The Year So Far’ lists, but still, it’s a lot of waiting.
I even forced myself to watch the ARIAs just to get some enjoyment from people judging art.
But now we’re here. As the calander flipped over to December, the lists flew out of websites in a flurry. It’s been heaven. But now it’s time to sit down, rack my brains, and deliver you The Comprehensive List Of The Best ‘End Of Year’ Lists In 2015. It’s been a hell of a year, but here are the top contenders.
7. Pitchfork’s 50 Best Albums Of 2015
The Holy Bible of self-important music opinions on the internet dropped its Top 50 Albums list like a sermon from God himself.
Pitckfork is king, so it’s important to not only memorise its top five to ten each year, but to check your own list against Pitchfork’s to make sure there are a few similar albums.
We recommend not choosing anything in the top five, though, instead going for some deeper cuts like number 19 and number 30. If you’re feeling extra obscure, Pitchfork even put out a list of theMost Overlooked Records. Dawn Richards made both lists somehow – being both overlooked and appreciated.
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6.Rolling Stone’s Readers’ Poll
Top 10 lists have been dominated this year by artists Kendrick Lamar, Courtney Barnett, and Sufjan Stevens. So when the biggest music magazine in the world, Rolling Stone, put the vote out to its readers, it was sure to be a list to remember. Those readers decided thatwithout a shadow of a doubt the best song released this year was by… Madonna.
It’s been a while since Madge has topped a list, or even a chart for that matter. ‘Ghosttown’, the number one song in the eyes of Rolling Stone readers, didn’t even crack into the Billboard Top 100. The people at RS themselves gave the album three-and-a-half stars. Feel free to speculate on how this one beat out all the other top favourites, ’cause it beats me.
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5.triple j (and everybody else)’s #Hottest100 of 2015
Do you love lists? Do you just love someone slapping a ranking on a bunch of things for your sick enjoyment? Do you rush around the internet learning everything from the staff at triple j Unearthed’s favourite songs to the definitive ranking of Shapes flavours?
Then you are in the most beautiful time of year, as the Hottest 100 is approaching. People from around the country are laying their votes down in the world’s biggest music democracy, and then naturally posting them all over the internet. The #Hottest100 hashtag is currently filled to the brim with Top Ten lists. Find out if you have the same favourite songs as Dave from Wagga, and viciously judge anyone who voted for ‘Downtown’.
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4. James Hetfield’s Top 10 Thingz Of 2015
Why bother reading about the Top Ten Metal Albums of the Year when you can just ask one of the gods of heavy metal? James Hetfield from Metallica has listed his ‘Top 10 Thingz’ for the year. He gaveBaronessa shoutout for their album, and the list also features stuff like Justin Bieber’s wardrobe, and shooting a sniper rifle from a moving helicopter. You know, metal shit. Check that handwriting too \m/
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3.GolfDigest’s Top 10 Shots On The PGA Tour 2015
Put away your Tame Impalas and your Peking Duks and let’s get down to real business; was Shane Lowry’s approach on the final hole at WGC-Bridgestone the best PGA shot of the year? Let’s find out.
Relive the 10 best shots of 2015 with one video. https://t.co/MHfYa7DYux
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 16, 2015
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Who would take their opinions from just one end of year list? That’s just ludicrious (unless it’sthe BRAG’s list,of course).
Thank God Metacritic is a thing that exists, because they have compiled lists from music websites from around the world, done a tally, and come up with a definitive Album of the Year list. In which Kendrick Lamar schools everyone.
Just take a moment to admire the scenery here – have you ever seen such a clean, simple, undeniable list? We’re lookin’ atfactshere, son.
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1.Rolling Stone’s 20 Best Lists Of 2015
“Make a list about lists,” I told myself.
“No-one has done it, you’ll be a hero,” I said.
And it was not until late that very evening that I stumbled upon Rolling Bloody Stone and their list of lists that puts mine to shame.Although their list does lack the witty banter and sarcasm that makes this one so attractive, they’ve got 20 of the best and weirdest lists from the year.
Completely ignore your job as you scroll through and find out the definitive ranking of breakfast options at Maccas, and which presidential candidate matches up with which R.E.M. song.
Merry Christmas, BRAG readers, and see you next year!
