All "End of Year" lists are, as a rule, self-indulgent, and well, when have we here at FSD ever shied away from such endeavors? After all, why do you think this blog exists? And continuing along with our Points(s) of Attack, we just went ahead and created a 50 item selection of the best "soft spots" of the year. Whether or not pursuing these artists any further is of worth, well proceed at your own risk.And so, with any further delay, our top 50 singles (starting with 50-26), are as follows...
50. The Rake's Song
The Decemberists
On a "more than the sum of its parts" album, The Rake's Song stands out in its color and humor. Color because it is more Tarantino than it is "A Series of Unfortunate Events", giving it a hue brighter than black. And because how can one not laugh at the narrator's absurdly callous disregard?Apologies, we can now begin with the actual list...
49. Heart of Glass
Old School Freight Train
That title sounds familiar? Only the song will not. With a haunting rendition of the disco classic, Old School Freight Train makes this song all their own. By reeling in their bluegrass tendencies and sharpening their approach, the quintet forces the listener to feel the actual pain that blondie was feeling before pen was even put to paper. 48. I'm Broke
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
And what better title to represent such a financially disastrous year? Madoff fucked you? Black Joe hears you. And by the end of this funky soul number, he even might even make you feel better about it. Because, have you ever been fucked "with no grease?" Things don't sound so bad anymore, do they?47. Temporary
Slaid Cleaves
Easily one of the best closers of the year, Temporary captivates us when it should probably terrify us. Slaid delivers a matter of fact recount of life's final moment will be like, yet manages to wrap it in a stripped down dreamscape, assuring us that their is really nothing at all to fear, Temporary reminds us of the beauty that we she appreciate much more than we do. You know, before it all goes away.46. I Heard Your Voice at the Dresden
Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Featuring one of the most intriguing voices in all of music, Elvis Perkins chirps: Some have said our love is lost, but I swear I know my way from here. Backed by deadpan bubble gum professionals, the lyrics can be grim or merrymaking, but the wisdom heard in the delivery that makes the approach so alluring.45. The Ballad of the RAA
The Rural Alberta Advantage
A tribute to country living and memories of home, RAA presents a blueprint for the modern country single. It hums along in the good style that the Kid A era has come to be known for, yet pristinely communicates the heart and admiration that is the core of rural country music.44. Crooked Lust
Bowerbirds
Simple and spacious, while doing their best Andrew Bird impersonation, the Bowerbirds offer a plucked up psychoanalysis of someone all too aware of their temporary and ultimately insignificant presence in the grand scheme of things. Looking to break away, but still thankful for the awe inspired, the guitar echoes the confusion, as well as the genuine reverence present in the chorus.43. Run Chicken Run
Felice Brothers
On an album made up of far too many pokey durges, Run Chicken Run breaks rank allowing the Felice Brothers to drum up a backwoods banquet where both farm and city instruments roam freely but in orderly fashion. The perfect track for when things are a bit too quiet or you're feeling all too uptight.42. Life's a Dream
Built to Spill
Over the years Built to Spill has managed to perfect the whiny slow song thanks Doug Martsch's steady natural tone, as well as his composed rhythm guitar and glorious guitar solos. But what makes Life's a Dream so special is the ability of the rhythm section to not only play the support role, but also leave their own stylistic stamp, either through a smooth drum fill or prominent chorus-line harmonies.41. Little White Lies
Deer Tick
Speaking of perfection, at times Deer Tick seems to have the alternative country thing down a little too well, blending steel guitars and gritty but sensitive lyrics reflective of the life of a love-worn cowboy in a small town. But it wouldn't be Deer Tick without a frolic into the passionate evident in the song's second movement.40. I Buried a Bone
Blind Pilot
As easy as a walk in the park, Blind Pilot's casual jingle could fit well in just about any Wes Anderson film, the song is a meditation on wanting love, but also wanting to keep a safe distance. You know, just in case. Blind Pilot isn't quite ready to take the nation by storm, but their laid back style and striking melodies certainly will keep them around for some time.39. Tumbleweed Stew
Slaid Cleaves
A cowboy narrative with a psychadelic twist, Slaid fashions a jangled compilation of life as a drifter, working odd jobs, meeting randoms, and ultimately searching for his true place. Delivered with a rye smile over a busy country band, highlighted by a whirring mandolin, Slaid demonstrates that life can be more than just a holding pattern until death.38. Old Man Chicago
Alberta Cross
Everyone now and again a song comes along that has the ability to seemingly make everything all better. Usually these songs follow the blues format, and Old Man Chicago is certainly not unique in that regard. It is unique in that its obvious passion and blistering guitar, in no way reduce the consoling tone of this spirited ode.37. Bicycle
Memory Tapes
At a time when so many robo-acts have become both impossible to dance to or comprehend, it is good to know the Memory Tapes are still out there holding true to style and intent. Unfolding in a futuristic dreamscape, fleeing from the past, Bicycle races toward a distant unknown with all the confidence that only their will true freedom be discovered.36. Right Where They Left
White Rabbits
A fat bass, a heavy double beat, some sinister, snaking guitar, and low-end piano hammering away? Must the be the White Rabbits at it again. White Rabbits are like the big bear from "Swingers." They're edgy, and even though you're not sure about their aims, they're still probably going to get the girl. If only because they play it so damn cool.35. Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna
Sunset Rubdown
Wrapped in an unintelligible myth story featuring aspect of the modern world, the listener can spend hours trying to unwrap the meaning behind the bizarre lyrics. And the crooked waltz constructed by the swirling keys and off-kilter percussion only serves to intensify this whirlwind yarn.34. Summertime Clothes
Animal Collective
Using their trademark residual harmonies and woolly synth layering, Animal Collective sheds their high-falutin methods and drops a warbling slice of brit pop track that would make XTC proud. Bouncing along at a steady pace, the vocals bubble to the surface as if flowing forth from the bottom of a fishbowl, delighting all the while.33. The Second Song
Assembly of Dust
Frontman Reid Genauer has been crafting folk tunes for years, but rarely has he had such flair for pop sensibilities. The Second Song tells the tale of a family being torn down the middle, like a rock band falling flat after a few minor hits. Packed with crystal clear acoustic guitar thanks to a guest appearance by Keller Williams, The Second Song hums along as if undisturbed by the gloomy subject matter.32. Nothing Seems the Same
Heartless Bastards
Further exemplifying the Bastards' range, Nothing Seems the Same is a shoulder-swinging jaunt that slowly builds into a swarming avalanche of dirty cool. Building and dropping, you're forced to wait the band to make a move, holding you in the palm of their hand because you just have to see what's going to happen next.31. No One Loves Me and Neither do I
Them Crooked Vultures
Just because this super trio contains one of the more distinguished members of rock history, you didn't think this would be a mere exercise in posh rock sentiment, did you? Featuring one of the best hard rock breakdowns you've heard in a long time, this case study in the sociopathy of sleaze, further solidifies Josh Homme's place as one of the most ubiquitous characters of the last decade.30. Country Disappeared
Wilco
Beginning with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco has had a habit of dropping one or two achingly gorgeous tracks on each of the their albums (Jesus Etc, On and On and On), but Country Disappeared may top them all. Rising over the flawless composition, Tweedy's voice has never sounded so strong, yet so gentle. Plain and simple, this track is a thing of beauty.29. Calm Me Down
Port O'Brien
Shrouded in the depression that follows when you realize that the notion of home loses its comfort in time, this slow ballad appears to be caught in an obvious rut. That is, until it breaks out of it. In time, soggy chords are replaced by a brightly plucked string arrangement. All that's missing is a wailing guitar solo, but the band has been notified of its absence.28. Vampire Lake
The Builders and the Butchers
There aren't many bands that revel in the battle between good and evil quite like The Builders. Calling on vast amounts of Southern Baptist imagery and bolstered by a layered bayou instrumentation, this is a tune that could have just as easily been played during the opening credits of "True Blood." Only the show could never match the levels of pleasure generated as when this song is playing.27. The New Wu
Raekwon
On an album that feels more like a Wu Tang reunion more than a Wu side project, Wu disciples can find pleasure in the most Wu-like track on the album. With appearances from Meth and Ghostface, it's classic hardcore hip hop, laid down over RZA's trademark dark doo-wop production. It's all so smooth yet provoking, elements that the best Wu Tang tracks have always rocked.26. Cinderella
Langhorne Slim
On Be Set Free, Langhorne had really glossed over his generally raucous approach. Songs that were always thoughtful were now marked most by their reserved approach. Only this isn't the case on Cinderella, a organ-fueled stomper relying on a boisterous call-and-response between Langhorne and his band. It most accurately reflects his live performance, which is where Langhorne truly shines. 
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