It was quite a year in Canadian music with some serious breakthrough artists putting out killer albums and raising a  delightful ruckus around the world. This time of year, we like to rank things and call out particularly fantastic work. It's all subjective, of course. But it’s all the rage, man. So to that end, and in no particular order, here are the 10 songs that I’ve played more than any others in 2014.

 

“Beat The Drum Slowly” by Timber Timbre

One of the most unique and compelling bands out there, Timber Timbre continues to innovate and push their sound. Any song from their 2014 release  Hot Dreams warrants a place on this list, but this one is particularly bitchin' as it gives us another chance to check out the sweet video featuring animation by Chad VanGaalen.

 

 “Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays.

This pleasing-to-the-ear pop tune was one of the songs of the summer and rocketed this Toronto band onto more than one Best of 2014 list. It's got catchy pop hooks in spades, and the dry humour hits home. We expect more exciting things to come from Alvvays led by singer and songwriter Molly Rankin.

 

“Waves” by Bahamas

Toronto’s Afie Jurvanan, a.k.a. Bahamas, could soon become one of Canada’s most successful musical exports. He’s that good. He also moves slowly (on purpose) so it might take him a bit longer than some, but there is no doubt he’ll get there. Known first as a guitar whiz, I like this song because it shows off his incredible voice.

 

“Little Lover” by The Barr Brothers

This Montreal band always keeps it interesting, never settling, always moving. The entire album, just their second, is stunning, but this song is just too gorgeous and shows off everything that's is well and good about The Barr Brothers. For more on the Barr Brothers see our profile from November 2014.

 

“The Summer of Tough Love” by The Golden Seals

Singer-songwriter Dave Merritt continues to turn out delightful pop music over the old Internet sans touring or a record label or any of that fancy stuff that allows one to exist as an artist. And yet it’s really good, so check out The Golden Seals  and then pick it up at Zunior.

 

“More Than Any Other Day” by Ought

Okay, I love Talking Heads and this band has a similar art pop edge to them and that is a very rare and amazing thing. Ought is smart and creative, and this driving tune demonstrates just how good they can be. They will conquer.

 

“Jigsaw Heart” by Elliott Brood

The “death rockers” of Elliott Brood get personal on their new album Work And Love and this song stands out as a great homespun, kneeslapping tune ideal for those lively Brood crowds. And it features the mandolin. You just can't argue with that.

 

“Can’t Leave The Night” by Badbadnotgood

The young crew of Badbadnotgood, products of the Humber College jazz program, have been so impressive fusing hip hop with jazz, and this wicked song is the most compelling on their very solid third album aptly entitled III.

 

“Saturday Night” by The Wooden Sky

Gavin Gardiner has been busy crafting The Wooden Sky’s latest album (our profile on it from November) in addition to setting up the band’s own record label. He’s doing something very right, this song is a sweet, country-rock gem.

 

“Kitchen Knife” by the Devin Cuddy Band

The son of Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and company in the Devin Cuddy Band released a fresh and original debut album in 2014. The title track is a sweet boogie woogie tune with Cuddy tickling the ivories and crooning away with fine results.