1. “When I’m With You” – Best Coast
The indie world was drowning in beach-pop this summer, but Best Coast’s “When I’m With You” was heads and shoulders above the rest of the pack. I love the lyrical simplicity, and the three distinct segments of the song (four if you count the guitar solo). Browsing back at my iTunes play count, this was an easy number one. I saw them live four times this year, and never tired of this classic pop song.
2. “Something Else” – The Diamond Rings
The combo of twangy guitar and 80s synths and drum machines is so yummy! Love how the guitar carries the melody in the intro and serves as a vocal response throughout the song. It might have made #1, but I’ve only been listening since October. I can’t wait to see Diamond Rings live again when he opens for Robyn on her next tour.
3. “Knights and Week Ends” – Light Asylum
Singer Shannon Funchess sounds like she’s channeling a pissed off goth opera goddess. I love everything I’ve heard from Light Asylum, can’t wait for more.
4. “Intro” – The xx
Truth be told I had to have my arm twisted to go and see The xx earlier this year. Once I saw their live show I was a complete convert. I love the deep staccato guitar intro and the kraut-like deadpan beat. It’s such a teaser – with just the “ah . . . ah” vocals sprinkled in.
5. “On Melancholy Hill” – Gorillaz
Couldn’t believe this was Gorillaz the first time I heard it. I’m a real sucker for sweet-sounding synth pop with dark lyrics. This was an instant fav from the first time I heard it.
6. “Out Of Tune” – Real Estate
Most of the songs on my top ten list are straight-up pop songs. This one didn’t seem like it fit in, but consistency be damned. This one melts right into me and makes me feel like I’m being swirled up and taken away into a beautiful melancholy pity party.
7. “Soak It Up” – Houses
Love how the beat fades in and out, going from complete chill to a downtempo Balearic-disco fuzz-fest.
8. “Home” – LCD Soundsystem
This one comes out of the gate strong with that syncopated beat and just keeps getting better and better. To top it all off, there’s a little psychotherapy in those lyrics, too.
9. “Let’s Go Surfing” – The Drums
This song just makes me happy and helps me forget whatever stupid thing I was obsessing about. What more could a girl ask for?
10. “Gold Guns And Girls” – Metric
Love how calm Emily’s voice is as she sings, “Is it ever gonna be enough” over that crazy fast BPM. Makes me want to get up and dance each and every time I hear it.
