Hottest 100 food matches
If we've learned one thing in the last 12 months, it's that public voting can lead to, shall we say, unpredictable results. From Boaty McBoatface to Brexit, the Donald to Duterte – sometimes democracy unfolds in the strangest of ways. At least here in Australia, the results of Triple J's Hottest 100 are never ever controversial (HA!)
Spending the day arguing about musical taste is a January 26 tradition. We say take it a step further – put your mouth where your money is, and match your taste to your tastebuds. Here are ten delicious snacks to compliment tunes very likely to appear at the pointy end of this year's countdown.
1. Flume (featuring Kai) – Never Be Like You
At short odds to take out the #1 spot, this jam by Australian producer Flume would pair nicely with an icy-cool crowd-pleaser like gelato. Kai's vocals have a sweet note but there's a sharp bite in those lyrics – try a cone of strawberry balsamic, or something a bit citrusy. Watch that your scoop doesn't then melt all over the dancefloor.
2. Peking Duk (featuring Elliphant) – Stranger
A great canape for every backyard Hottest 100 party (and perfect for the imminent start of the Chinese Lunar New Year) a Peking Duck pancake will go down a treat with this total banger. Make sure you get crispy duck skin and meat, a dab of hoisin and evenly sized batons of spring onion and cucumber. Wrap for a rapturous snack.
3. Tash Sultana – Jungle
Reggae-infused, tropical and slightly hypnotic – what matches 'Jungle' better than a hot and spicy Thai jungle curry? There's no coconut milk in here to dilute the intensity – just pure unadulterated flavour. Vegan and vegetarian fans of Tash can enjoy this just as much – use tofu and starchy vegies like pumpkin for best results. A sweet sprinkle of sultanas on top will help counter all that spice.
4. PNAU – Chameleon
This song is basically the aural form of a packet of mixed lollies. It sounds like a sugar-high feels. Head to your local corner store and fill up a paper bag with all your favourites - sour worms, coke bottles, carob buds and liquorice allsorts. Cram a handful into your mouth and use that sugar rush to dance like a fool.
5. Violent Soho – Viceroy
Two words here: rock cake. Like the boys from Violent Soho, these treats look tough but are pretty sweet on the inside. They'll survive a few hours in your back pocket and are a total crowd-pleaser. Bake a batch, put this song on loud and form that circle pit. Rock cakes might just be the best nosh to help you mosh.
6. The Weeknd (feat. Daft Punk) – Starboy
So when The Weeknd sings about 'all red Lamb' he might be referring to a Lamborghini, but I choose to wave a freshly cooked cutlet in the air. That line about 'Twenty racks a table' could be a drug reference – or it could be about racks of lamb. Daft Punk are going to have to remove their helmets to enjoy their lamb roast with all the trimmings.
7. Milky Chance – Cocoon
Pair this jam with one of those huge, thick milkshakes that comes in a metal tin. There should be heaps of chocolate flavouring, scoops of vanilla ice cream and maybe some malt. It's a tune that sounds like one of those beachside cafes where you can sit at a table but still dangle a leg out the window - don't be afraid to make a few slurping sounds when you hit the bottom of the glass.
8. Illy (feat. Vera Blue) – Papercuts
That chorus of 'when we fight fire with fire' sounds like your standard Australia Day sausage sizzle to me. Pair this true-blue Aussie hip-hop number with some white bread, beef snags, caramelised onions and a good squirt of tomato sauce. For maximum impact, be wearing green and gold zinc and a pair of double pluggers.
9. Miike Snow – Ghengis Khan
It's a song about jealousy, possession and behaving like the leader of the Mongol Empire. Get right into the spirit by whipping up a batch of stir-fried Mongolian beef and then refusing to share it with anyone else at your Hottest 100 party. They'll probably push you into the pool and you'll probably deserve it.
10. Amy Shark – Adore
There's something about this song that feels like a salty breeze on your skin. Find a secluded beach and listen to this as you cuddle up with a loved one over a steaming box of fish and chips. It's the perfect food to share as the sun sets, and chances are you're probably chowing down on a nice piece of flake anyway.