2006: #10 - "Gold Lion"

Before they became fake new-wavers, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were fake noise-punkers, churning out would-be garage stompers that were betrayed by an eager sheen and saddled with the yowling sound effects/affects of frontwoman Karen O. What some viewed as cocky, confident, exciting and fearless, we saw as rehearsed, histrionic and unnecessary, the epitome of style over substance. Occasionally a melody would sneak through, and you'd have a quality indie rock tune. But those moments were few and far between.

Released during their transition phase from noise to pop, "Gold Lion" was one of those moments. Karen O. keeps the antics to a minimum, to great effect, with a lone wolf howl punctuating each chorus. Surprisingly, this was the coolest part of the song for me. Complementing the improved vocals, huge huge drums and acoustic (!) guitars prove to work really well here also, and though it all sounds sort of Pixies (also, Green Day), "Gold Lion" was unlike any of the major label "indie rock" being touted on the radio and in rock mags during the mid-00's.