I’m sure 2010 will got down in ukulele history as the year of Hey, Soul Sister (don’t even think about it: released November 2009). But I’ll be remembering the year for the diversity, skill and invention on display from the ukers. And it’s heartening to see that, despite all the mainstreamification and talk of the uke being for big get-togethers, it is still an instrument played by weirdos.
The real purpose of the vote: to get people watching excellent musicians. So if there’s a video you think has been cruelly overlooked, be sure to give it a nomination because I’ll be watching anything I missed first time round.
For the first stage, everyone gets to nominate up to 5 videos – leave them in the comments. From those nominations, I’ll cobble together a list of ten (ish) that will be voted on next week. Use whatever criteria you like. I went with whichever videos/songs I enjoyed most.
The Rules
The rules remain as ramshackle as ever:
– There has to be a ukulele in there.
– Videos must have been originally uploaded in 2010.
– Videos must be publicly available online.
– Maximum of five nominations per person.
– Post your nominations in the comments.
– Nominations close midnight 7th February (Hawaii time).
– Ten acts with the most nominations go into the final vote with their most nominated song going forward.
– No prize. Just the love and admiration of the heaving masses.
– No sucking up by voting for me.
Don’t panic if your comments don’t show up right away. First time commenters and comments contains a few links can get held back for spam checking.
My Nominations
Serious problems narrowing it down to five this year. It kills me to leave out Manitoba Hal.
Little6ster – I Wish…
SoftSpot – Half a House
Jónsi and Nico Muhly – Go Do
Kaki King – Falling Day
Secret Home Party – Reciprocation
Videos You May Like
To jog your memory, here are some more videos that have caused a stir in the comments, on the net or in my pants:
Keston Cobblers Club – You Go
Brett Domino – Justin Timberlake Medley
Manitoba Hal – Poulet Shack
4DJB25 – Esmerelda
Savannah Smith – Ventriloquism
Sanfordandsong – Flim
Matt Griffo – One Love
Jim Boggia – Thunder Road
Ben Lerman – Ben Lerman Plays the Ukulele
Ukulollo – Knight Rider
U900 – Twist and Shout
Agathe and Fine – Rambling Man
The Ooks of Hazard – Kids
Lila Burns – Young Hearts, Young Minds
White Hinterland – No Logic
The Bobby McGee’s – Bang Bang Bang
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra – Short People
Jake Shimabukuro – Bohemian Rhapsody
James Hill and Victoria Vox – Billie Jean
Yoyoyo Acapulco – Orange
Mike De Velta – Fuller’s Hill
Bella Hemming – Play Guitar
Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer – Songs for Acid Edward
Antarctica Takes It – C&F
Sophie Madeleine – The Rhythm You Started
Veronica Sbergia and Max di Bernardi – Take It Easy Greasy/Dirty Mother Fuyer
my nominations have to be keston cobblers club and the ooks of hazard. frankly my two favourite uke songs of last year.