#4 - Phoenix - “1901”

I remember hearing a ton of people making a big fuss when Phoenix released this track for free through their website, and I couldn’t help but think, “But wait, no one’s really even heard of Phoenix.” Well, now they have, and largely thanks to this song. Crazy how the buzz machine works — again proving rule #1 of generating buzz: don’t suck.

#5 - Micachu - “Golden Phone”

Prior to seeing Tune-Yards, Micachu was easily my favorite live act of the year. Their songs are brilliant precisely because they turn the elements of pop songs on their heads to create even better pop songs. More specifically, they play prepared guitars, ukuleles, wine bottles, trash can lids, and even vacuums, but manage to create incredibly coherent sounds.

#6 - Animal Collective - “My Girls”

Contrary to Animal Collective albums of the past, Merriweather Post Pavilion offers numerous tracks, including this one, that stand up on their own as pop gems. Sure, all the instrumentation is electronically looped, but the song structure, melodies, and harmonies are all out of a more traditional playbook, just with the band’s special touch.

#7 - Grizzly Bear - “Two Weeks”

This song and album have gotten an absurd amount of love this year, but at least in the case of the song it’s well deserved. I can’t say I like the album, but this track’s arching vocals and syncopated rhythm section complement the keyboard melody impeccably.

#8 - Your Nature - “Cherokee Blood”

Another incredibly young, incredibly mature band, Your Nature’s debut EP would have holes in it were I listening on vinyl. Everything about this song screams authentic rock’n’roll and just feels natural. Can’t. Get. Enough.

#9 - Fever Ray - “Triangle Walks”

I became enamored with this album early in the year and haven’t let go. It’s chilling and haunting, but at the same time incredibly rich and beautiful. It also carries an heir of truly international music — Swedish singer singing in English to European synths marked with Japanese chimes.

#10 - Local Natives - “Sun Hands”

I would say I’m biased as I’m lucky to call these guys friends, but I heard this song before they were my friends and it sold me on the band. Harmonies + crescendos + rolling basslines and drums = WIN! If you get to see these guys live, hang onto your hats for this epic.

#11 - Tune-Yards - “Hatari”

This song wins not only for its catchiness, but also for its unbelievable vocal display (needs to be seen live to truly grasp her power). It is a shining example of Merrill’s ability to fuse pop with some tribal sensibilities that I have no idea where she picked up. If you leave this countdown learning nothing else, learn this: you absolutely positively must see Tune-Yards live if you have the opportunity.

#12 - Harlem Shakes - “Sunlight”

Another track that just flat out feels good. Bask in its glow.

#13 - Islands - “Tender Torture”

I said previously that Islands was impossible to truly love (and also nearly impossible to ignore), but this song gets as close as they come to being soulful. Layering soul on top of their already impeccable pop sensibilities makes for a potent songwriting recipe.

“I’ve seen some great things / but I don’t want to see anything / if I can’t see you”