Approximately a week ago, author Joe Hill Tweeted his picks for top songs of the year in playlist form, with the added stipulation that you put them in a particular order. With the “giving anything a try” attitude, I built it and began to listen. Not only was this a great playlist by song choice, but it was also crafted exceptionally well. What ensues is an explanation of why it works, and why you should create it!

1. The Horrible Crowes = “Last Rites”

Every good playlist needs and opener, and this song facilitates that need rather well. It’s short, sweet, and to the point.

2. The Black Keys – “Lonely Boy”

Aside from being one of the greatest music videos of last year (I mean come on, a black guy doing white guy dance movies? No Brainer.), the machine that is The Black Keys makes a two piece whole. It fits well into place as the second song on the playlist, and as dumb as it may sound, comforting the listener.

3. Florence + the Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”

It’s hard to hate this song, it’s so intriguing and invigorating. The instrumentation isn’t something you’re totally used to, and keeps a playlist going, toning it down, but now slowing it at the same time.

4. Coldplay – “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall”

With this song, the playlist gains a visual aspect to it. The entire album was built from a visual aspect, which the music video relates to the audience well. The tone from the previous song to this fits well making it sound like a natural stepping stone.

5.  Seether – “Country Song”

Ah the slow build rocker. To be honest, I haven’t thought much of Seether the last few years, but this song is catchy as hell. I consider it’s place in the playlist like that of the fifth man in the batting line up, hit for power.

6. Hayes Carll – “KMAG YOYO”

There is nothing like straight up old country. Most will cringe, but the added addition here fits the beat motif of Seether’s song, making it a great intro to country (surprisingly), and also a nice organic move.

7. The Black Keys – “Gold on the Ceiling”

You can never have enough Black Keys on a playlist. They are easily the best playlist band by far. No elaboration needed, you can put a Black Keys song anywhere and it will fit.

8. Justin Townes Earle – “Rogers Park”

I consider JTE the secret weapon of this playlist. “Rogers Park” will put you on your ass by how good it is, but it also provides a great interlude in the middle of the playlist. I’ve always loved how this song has the Bloodkin “End of the Show” feel to it; it could just as easily fit at the end of the playlist, but at this position, adds integrity.

9. Nickelback – “Lullaby”

Kind of interesting that the “crossing the streams’ portion, happens shortly after the interlude. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, in terms of crossing the streams, read THIS. However, it’s hard to hate Nickelback, despite their average rocker status, it’s catchy as hell, and makes a nice little slow down to the rest of the playlist.

10. Mumford & Sons – “Winter Winds”

There is no such thing as a bad or inappropriate Mumford & Sons song on a playlist. They may be the best folk band that Europe has ever produced, and this song will hit you as such, great next step indeed.

11. Girls – “Honey Bunny”

This is my first foray into Girls (haha you can have your jokes), but the throwback Beatles/Buddy Holly esque pop goodness adds that nostalgic feel while keeping it new.

12. Mat Kearney – “Hey Mama”

This is one of those unexpected surprises; truth be told, it’s been a while since I’ve listened to Mat Kearney, but this song is great. The transition is also well timed, from old nostalgic pop to the newer sounding.

13 Meursault – “Crank Resolutions”

The nice thing about playlists is that you get to hear bands you’ve never heard, 9 times out of 10. “Crank Resolutions” is one of those unique songs that makes a playlist worth the exploration. It transitions well, and provides a second visual element.

14. James McCartney – “Wings of a Lightest Weight”

The Parallels between who created this playlist and who sings this song are a nice aside, but still McCartney on his own is as compelling as his father if not more. What’s most compelling about this song is that there is no drum track, it’s simple, taking you somewhere different from the previous song, but staying in a similar tone.

15. The Head and the Heart – “Lost in My Mind”

There is something bittersweet about indie folk, kind of like a surprise in the cereal box. The Head and the Heart is the surprise at the bottom of the cereal box. This song also makes the winters more frugal.

16. The Black Keys – “Little Black Submarines”

If there is a playlist must, this is the song. It’s placed perfectly, providing the ultimate coda. A little bit acoustic, a little bit electric, and a total ass kicker. This could be the best song that The Keys have put forth.

I know, I went on for like a thousand words on a playlist, but construction this superb is rarely seen these days. Making a playlist is more songs piled together. The playlist before you is prov0king in many ways.

I’m sure you’re wondering why there is a part two to this; well I’ve created my own playlist as a sort of response, which you will be seeing soon.

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