Indie-rock dominated my MP3 player this year (Animal Collective, Phoenix, XX, The Horrors). "Fame Monster" Lady Gaga's catchy, Madonna-inspired pop beats made a suprisingly #1 fan out of me. Festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo brought forward some of my all-time childhood favorite bands to rock my world from the likes of Echo the Bunnymen, Jane's Addiction, My Bloody Valentine, and Depeche Mode. And, thankfully, next year is shaping up to be just as equally exciting with new music from indie-rock(and dance) titans Yeasayer, Hot Chip, Spoon, MGMT, Battles, These New Puritans, LCD Soundsystem and the Klaxons (need i say more?). But, for now, I'd like to highlight some of the best albums to date. Every track on this list is an essential must have for any DJ or fan of good music.

Best albums, and the best song on each one

10. The Yeah Yeah Yeah's: It's Blitz "Runaway"

9. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion "My Girls"

8. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix -"1901"

7. XX xx "Crystalised"

6. Amanda Blank: I Love You "A Love Song"

5. Horrors Primary Colours "Three Decades"

4. Fever Ray: Fever Ray "Seven"

3. Sonic Youth: The Eternal "Antenna"

2. Simian Mobile Disco Temporary Pleasures "Cruel Intentions" feat. Beth Ditto

1. Depeche Mode – Sounds of the Universe "Wrong"

Best album title

Worst album cover

Spiral Stairs: The Real Feel (Matador)



Band I am surprised I learned to love

Lady Gaga

And, this is why!

Band I can now love in public

Lady Gaga


Best new artist

Miike Snow

Best Live Act

The Yeah Yeah Yeah's

Best music video

Matt Kim: Lessons Learned (directed by Taylor Cohen and Otto Arsenault)

Best weird music video

Major Lazer: Keep It Goin' Louder (directed by Eric Wareheim)