Australia Day. It’s a day for celebrating our great country. A country of mates, of backing the underdog and offering a helping hand to those that have stumbled. Unless you fell over drunk. Then you’re fair game and it may end up on YouTube.
Australia Day. The one day of the year when music lovers and non lovers alike, come together to celebrate the best of last years tunes. The Triple J Hottest 100 has become an institution in Australia. A countdown of the hottest 100 songs of the previous year voted by the public. Aussies love a good democratic election.
With winners ranging from gloriously constructed compositions that can raise goosebumps and freeze you in time, to the ridiculous and absurd that are so catchy you can recite them word for word twenty years later. Whether you love them or hate them they all hold a special place in our hearts.
Memories of Australia days past
I’ve spent Australia Days doing many different things and each one involved music. From sitting in a wading pool drinking a cruiser, with mates who think nudie runs would be the most Aussie thing ever, to relaxing on the couch with a good book – all with the radio cranked.
By far my favourite was a few years ago at the Big Day Out, my other favourite Aussie musical institution. I’d had my phone handy all day, checking countdown updates.
This particular year I was completely clueless as to who might win. It was just starting to get dark and we were camped out on the grass near the main stages soaking up Powderfinger when Bernard (Fanning) breaks into Little Lion Man announcing the winner to the ecstatic crowd.
Some of my favourite number 1’s
As is the potential for any vote there is the chance the best band may not win. I guess it all depends on perspective. One of my favourite number ones is Denis Leary’s ‘Asshole’ – to this day I can still recite it word for word and out of tune.
Other faves include Powderfinger’s ‘My Happiness’; Jet’s ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’; Augie March’s ‘One Crowded Hour’; ‘Little Lion Man’ by Mumford and Sons; ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ by Gotye featuring Kimbra.
These are all songs I’ve listened to over and over and still enjoy. Each time they take me back to a place or a feeling. Each exhibits the mark of a great song; it builds an emotional bond with the listener, strengthening a memory.
Besides getting together with family and friends the most Aussie part of the Hottest 100 is the love for the Aussie bands. We love music, we support our bands. I always cheer a little bit harder when an Aussie band makes it in. I may not always like the band but they’re one of ours, they get the love.
Happy Australia day to you and yours, whatever you may be doing. Whether it be a BBQ with mates, barefoot bowls or nudie runs. Enjoy the people in your life.
What’s your favourite Australia Day tradition? Share in the comments.
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