Top 50 of 2024 / #45-41: More Aussie Jams, A Psychedelic Icon and Hip Hop Rebels

We keep pushing towards the top 10 as we make our way through some of the best tracks of 2024. This block sees the Aussie connection continuing within some hip hop and a bit of a comeback record. This is an exciting and eclectic block with a variety of genres and styles. Enough of my blabbing…let’s get into the music.

45. King Stingray: Cat 5 (Cyclone):

Aussie First Nations band King Stingray has really hit the ground running over the past 2 or so years. A perennial music festival favourite, the band has been able to translate that unstoppable live energy into their studio work. Cat 5 (Cyclone) is a fusion of Aussie surfer jam with First Nations instrumentation and language. This is a song about, love, nature and the connection to land. This is a band on the rise, so get on board now.

44. Westside Gunn: Dr. Britt Baker

Westside Gunn has been on the top 50 multiple times. His blend of hard staccato flow with swingin’ 70s soul backing beats is irresistible. Moreover his southern trap-esque flourishes of gun fire imitations and random callouts adds to the who experience. Yes, this track has the same name as woman wrestler for the WWE and the connection between hip hop and wrestling, especially Ric Flair, is perfect. The ego, the bravado and the showmanship is all on show and I love it.

43. Childish Gambino: Talk my Shit

Gambino’s self proclaimed final record under his stage name is one of his best. Bando Stone and the New World is about stardom, love, success, insecurity and people using you for your fame. It also sees Gambino ranging from classic R&B tracks, to some cutting hip hop to 90s style skate punk. Talk my Shit is a great example of Gambino doing what made him famous, which was spitting some fire bars, “I’m make a Billie like I’m Eilish.” This is a fun track with some great bars and great guest spots by Amaarae and Flo Milli.

42. Paramore: Burning Down the House

In a largely uninspiring tribute record, Paramore jumps out as the band that actually met the brief. They were close enough to the original Talking Heads track to pay it proper respect, but far enough away from it to give it a fresh spin. Let’s be honest, no one can do this track like Byrne and the Talking Heads, but Hayley Williams and Paramore do an excellent. Williams’ vocal is edgy and unique enough to give the track the punk vibe the Talking Heads were known for when they burst on the scene at CBGB. The Talking Heads is one of my favourite bands and I think Paramore did a great job with this cover.

41. David Gilmour: The Piper’s Call

In a homage to Syd Barrett with the track’s link to their debut record with Syd, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Gilmour rails against the trappings of fame. Gilmour sings about how fame can swallow you up with the promise of eternal youth and living in the moment. Gilmour’s classic guitar work and epic vocal are on full display and really drive home the emotional core of the track.