For more than two years, we’ve been bringing you new independent music from across the region, shining a particular spotlight on our own city. Now in our 50th edition, we’re getting a tad nostalgic, so we’re looking back over the past couple of years in a special podcast. We’ve asked critics, tastemakers and influencers in local music to nominate a song that sums up the past 24 months in our indie scene. Here’s what they came up with.

ToNick Last Christmas
www.alivenotdead.com/tonick
Nominated by: Raffi Kamalian, COO of AlivenotDead.
“Adding a Cantonese spin to the 80s classic, this song became a hit on YouTube and local forums at the end of 2010. Adding their characteristic style of local humour, the song tells the very Hong Kong story of boy meets girl, girl spends boy’s money.”

The Revolver Tranquility
www.therevolver.net
Nominated by: Bun Ng, writer for Bunny Warren music blog (bunnywarren.org) and host of Radiodada (radiodada.hk).
“The Revolver has been hard at work with a low profile for some time. At the same time, they do not exhibit any lagging quality. That quite represents bands in Hong Kong. This song is a change in style for them − a fine one with an excellent video.”

Joey Ou and Friends <<有心無核>> Determined to be Non-Nuclear
Nominated by: Wong Chi-chung, CR2 radio host and music critic.
“This anti-nuclear song released after the March 11 nuclear crisis features Joey Ou, Yip Sai-wing, Ever, Kolor, Supper Moment. It’s anthemic and epic.”

TieShuLan Hollywood Road
www.myspace.com/tieshulan
Nominated by: Cathy Chan from Rock Motel (facebook.com/RockMotel).
“TieShuLan deserves more attention. The band sound is back but it is kind of limited to the mainstream. There are so many great bands in the scene and all they need is a chance.”

9 Maps No Pulse for Uncle John
www.facebook.com/9maps
Nominated by: Justin Sweeting, music director for Untitled Entertainment, the Clockenflap Festival and The People’s Party (and manager of 9 Maps).
“It’s a charming, simple song. The twin vocals are key, though the special craft is in the pacing and appreciation of space.”

My Little Airport Donald Tsang, Please Die
www.mylittleairport.com
Nominated by: Gary Chan, founder of RE:SPECT magazine and band manager of Supper Moment.
“This song captures Hongkongers concerns and dreams. It kicks the government in the face in a funny tone and the lo-fi recording works! After it launched, people and the media loved it but nothing changed, which really represents HK.”

Dark Himaya My Personal Demon
www.myspace.com/darkhimaya
Nominated by: Chris B, founder
of The Underground (undergroundhk.com).
“Girl power, melodies, passionate singing and girls on guitar – this has it all. It’s deep, it’s different and it shows that bands in Hong Kong are now more willing to experiment and find their own niche market.”

JoyTrendySound <<多吃蔬果>> Vegetables
Nominated by: Yuen Chi-chung, critic and editor of MCB online (mcb.com.hk).
“As a vegetarian, I love this song title very much. A mild and upbeat indie-rock song which brings you the positive energy.”

Fragile <<花火>> Fireworks
www.myspace.com/hkfragile
Nominated by: Kimi Lam from Hidden Agenda (hiddenagenda.hk).
“I picked this song because Fragile is my favorite local band. They always let me know how important Hidden Agenda is to Hong Kong. Every time I listen to this song, I remember not to give up.”

UniXX Dead Man Walking
Nominated by: Alok Leung, founder of Lona Records (UniXX’s label).
“Energy and a catchy melody. Still one of the finest songs I’ve ever heard in the HK band scene.” 

Time Out Pod 50 by Time Out HK 2