Kerrang! Radio's Singles Of 2011
As picked by our DJ's and station lynchpins
You’ve seen our hyper-eclectic picks of the best albums of 2011, where heavy metal titans rubbed shoulders with country veterans and avant-garde French producers, and now it’s time to unveil our impeccable DJ’s, producer Fearny and Kerrang! Radio programming director James Walshes’ choices of the top singles of the past 12 months. Expect one or two surprises!
!Bury Tomorrow – ‘Royal Blood’ “Considering it’s only just come out, it’s a bit of a last minute entry, but as a fan and supporter of Bury Tomorrow since pretty much day dot, it’s incredible that they continue to surprise and wow me at every turn. Royal Blood is both savage and melodic in equal measure, technical without ever losing the listenable edge that have garnered Bury Tomorrow so much support over the years. Big things are on the way, check this video out with them on their recent While She Sleeps Tour!”
We Are The Ocean – ‘The Waiting Room’ “I love this track, and I know it's ace because it sprang to mind immediately when I was asked this question… that's how I know it's my single of the year.”
!The Black Keys – ‘Lonely Boy’ “I got dragged into our studio B with Loz Guest to have an exclusive listen to this track way before it got released..as a massive Black Keys fan anyway I was so excited to hear it, and when I did, I was just so excited..you could instantly hear a radio hit.. this band have been consistently good for years and years..it’s so settling to see them get the exposure they deserve. And the video…STRONG!”
The Pierces - ‘Love You More’ “My guilty pleasure. A folky, 60’s influenced girl group with gorgeous melodies and sad ‘doomed’ love songs. A great album and a great single.”
!Korn ft. Skrillex – ‘Get Up’ “Easily the best single of the year for me, the god-fathers of nu-metal proved this year that they’re far more than just a nostalgia band. Much like they did back in the 90s with the first couple of albums, they’ve fused their trademark metal riffs, dirty bass and pounding rhythms and Jonathon Davies’ distinctive vocals with contemporary electronic and dub-step grooves to create something progressive and brand new. All hail the rebirth of KoRn.”
The Rifles – ‘Tangled Up In Love’ “Great melody and a band who should be destined for great things if there is any justice.”
!Foster The People – ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ “Single of the year has to be Pumped up Kicks because that song came out in the middle of summer, and whenever it came on the radio I’d be in the car with the windows down, it’s a feel good tune. Kasabian’s ‘Days are Forgotten’ is also one of my favourite singles of the year, purely because of how immediately catchy and Led Zep-like it was. The first time I heard it I fell in love and couldn’t wait for the album.”
“Single of the year is…well I’m not sure, can’t pick maybe Foo Fighters Rope? Maybe The Xcerts covering Drinking in LA? Maybe Lower Than Atlantis Beech Like a Tree? Maybe The Joy Formidable Wiring?... as I said I’m not sure.”
!Taking Back Sunday – ‘El Paso’ “To be honest, I haven't always been a TBS fan but this song totally knocked me for six. Heavy, quirky, rocking, solid, interesting – it's like Band Of Skulls fusing limbs with a legendary emo band (while still making sense). Worth checking out.”
Jane’s Addiction – ‘Irresistible Force’ “If your name is Jason Bourne and you’re about to parachute off a mountain after taking out hoards of baddies, listen to this as you jump. Truly epic.”