The problem with creating a “Best of…” list is that, well, absolutely nobody is going to agree with you. Yet here I am, undaunted, rolling out my list of the best songs of 2013. A little warning: if you think Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, or Keith Urban have some of the best songs this year, then this list is most definitely not for you. Maybe it would would have been a little less arrogant if I were to call this list “The 50 Best Indie and Alternative Songs of 2013,” but this arrogant writer thinks that would be redundant.

This year, the indie scene was dominated by new acts, with 22 bands on this list releasing their first full-length album during 2013 (and seven more that we’re still waiting for a debut to drop).

While compiling this list, I forced myself to follow a couple of rules. First, I would only have one song per artist. Had I allowed more, this list would have been drowning in songs by The Naked and Famous, The Neighbourhood, and CHVRCHES. Second, the song had to be on an album that was released in 2013 (singles that preceded a yet-to-be released album were eligible, too). There were a couple of songs that I discovered in 2013 and really wanted to add to this list (like Purity Ring’s “Fineshrine”), but since the album was released in mid-2012, I reluctantly decided to leave them off. And finally, airplay was not a requirement. While most of the songs on this list received significant attention on the country’s indie and alternative stations, there were a handful of songs that did not receive airplay that were just too damn good to ignore.

I’ll stop stalling. Here’s my list of the year’s best, starting with #50. Every song title is hyperlinked to Youtube (with a couple of exceptions). It is my hope that you find a few songs that you hadn’t previously heard that become favorites of yours, as they are mine. I will now prepare myself for your comments telling me how wrong I am.

Update: It was suggested that I make a Spotify playlist available. Here it is, from #50 to #1: 2013 Top 50.

This California-based band hasn’t settled in on any one genre, but that seems to be by choice. See a live show and you’ll get a little bit of everything — some Doors-inspired classic rock, a little country, and even a little pop. “Get Me Golden” is an upbeat, almost too-happy summer anthem, somewhat reminiscent to Grouplove’s “Naked Kids.”

(photo by Mark Maryanovich at www.terraplanesun.com)

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I kind of caved on this one. I mean, “Reflektor” is a really good song. It’s on just about everybody’s top song lists. But it’s not my favorite. It just seemed that leaving Arcade Fire off this list wouldn’t be right.

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This is the kind of band that you know you’ve heard before but can’t quite place it. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Another infectious, danceable track that will get in your head and stay there just a little while longer than you want it to.

(photo by Will Morgan Holland at www.wildcubmusic.com)

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I really wanted to hate this song. The silly homophone for a title made me want to punch something. Or someone. Once I got past it, however, I couldn’t stop playing it. Their Modern Vampires of the City will be up for Album of the Year, and is dominating top 10 lists around the country. Baby baby baby baby right on time.

(photo source: vampireweekend.tumblr.com)

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“Black Chandelier” is one of several songs on this list by a band that has inexcusably failed to generate the kind of attention that they deserve. Opposites is the Scottish band’s sixth album (over 11 years), but most people wouldn’t know that. Shame…

(photo source: www.biffyclyro.com)

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This is their first song to chart in the US (#38 – alternative), but this Vancouver-based band has charted five songs in Canada. “I Love You” hit #1 on Canada’s Alternative chart. Maybe our neighbors to the north know a little something about music, eh?

(photo by Wendy Shepherd at: saidthewhale.tumblr.com)

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This Welsh band literally exploded on the scene (okay, not literally. That would be bad.) in 2011 with the fantastic “Whirring.” And while “Ladder” didn’t bring them the same acclaim, it is a worthy successor. Turn it up loud on your next run and I guarantee you will take 30 seconds of your personal best for the mile.

(photo source: www.thejoyformidable.com)

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There is nothing groundbreaking or new in this offering from lead singer Jared Leto and his bandmates, but I don’t care one bit. If 30 Seconds to Mars does the same thing for 20 more years, I’ll still be a fan.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/thirtysecondstomars)

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Die-hard fans of sisters Tegan and well, Sara, were disappointed in their super poppy and almost too accessible 7th album Hearthrob. But since I’m not a die-hard fan and only a little bit of a snob, I really enjoyed it.

(Photo by Lindsey Byrnes – www.teganandsara.com)

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This song took me a bunch of listens to finally warm up to, but when it stuck, it stuck. This song is just plain badass. Cool vibe throughout, thanks to lead singer Matthew Shultz’s trademark indie-punk sound. If you like the Pixies, check out this Kentucky band.

(photo source: www.cagetheelephant.com)

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For me, AFI has always struggled in the shadows somewhere between Green Day and Blink-182 (some of you are going to kill me for that statement, I can already feel it. Send hate mail to idontcare@yahoo.com. I promise I’ll get it). They have had some solid singles, but I still couldn’t tell if I was listening to them or New Found Glory, or even After Midnight Project. That changed, for me, with “17 Crimes.” I had it on repeat for a solid month, and even went to my first AFI concert this year, thanks in large part to this song.

(photo source: www.afireinside.net)

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Now that I have pissed everybody off with my comments about AFI, I might as well keep it going. I stated on my Facebook page that Lorde’s version of the Tears for Fears classic was even better than the original. I got my ass handed to me by pretty much everyone I know. I think I even lost a few friends. One person said it sounded like “Adele was channeling Elmer Fudd.” But I’m sticking to my guns. If you want to listen to Tears for Fears, download their earlier album The Hurting instead of Songs from the Big Chair. If you want to listen to a dark, haunting version of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (by the hottest artist in the country right now), give this a listen. And if you hate it, well, join the club. Just don’t expect to see me at any of your meetings.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/lordemusic)

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Phosphorescent is another band that should be much more popular than they are. The Athens, GA-based indie rockers have been around for ten years, and their newest release Muchacho, is wonderful. And the gorgeous “Song for Zulu” is its best track. Also check out “Ride On / Right On.”

(Photo by: Jereon Vrijhoef – Source: www.facebook.com/Phosphorescentmusic)

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Clearly I’m trying to mellow everyone out with a third straight chilled out song, but after Cage the Elephant and AFI, it’s probably a welcome break. I found “Unbound” by accident—looking for another track on some random blog—and within 30 seconds I had totally forgotten about my original intent. It’s not easy to find info about this band, as there are several similarly named bands. Too bad they didn’t follow the lead of similarly-named CHVRCHES, because for them, that “v” made all the difference on Google and Youtube. Even though they are tough to find (Google them and you’ll learn all about the English doom metal band Cathedral), it’s worth the effort, especially if they are able to deliver equally engaging tracks to follow-up the beautiful “Unbound.”

(photo source: www.facebook.com/WeAreCathedrals)

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If you’re still awake, I’m going to finish you off with this gorgeous offering from the L.A.-based band affectionately known in social-networking circles as TATE. While “Timeless” may not be “Sometime Around Midnight,” (but come on, what is?), it’s a worthy successor and should give TATE fans confidence that they’ll be around for a long, long time.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/TheAirborneToxicEvent)

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Grouplove’s 2013 sophomore album Spreading Rumors is a more-than-respectable follow-up to their wonderful Never Trust a Happy Song in 2011. It’s always tough to follow a great debut, but Grouplove handled the difficulty with grace and catchy hooks. There are some solid songs here, and while “Shark Attack” is the best, don’t miss “Ways to Go” or “Didn’t Have to Go.”

(photo source: www.facebook.com/GROUPLOVE)

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Here’s another song that I wanted to hate. The alternative media has called Charli XCX an “indie pop” star, but all I saw was “pop star.” However, it took me no time to fall in line. Sure, “You” is a pop song, and yes, it is infectious as hell. But it also has an edge. And this “edge” feels real, not manufactured like what you hear from Miley, Selena, and the rest of the Fill-in-the-Blank Pop Stars.

(photo source: www.charlixcxmusic.com)

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Every time I hear this song, I wonder why I only have it ranked 33 on this list. The reason? It was a great year for music, and there are 32 songs that I like better. But “Waves” is a hell of a song. A little trivia: the band originally called themselves “The Astairs,” until the estate of Fred Astaire threatened to sue if they didn’t change their name immediately. Come on, dude’s dead. Been that way for 27 years. I’m rootin’ for Blondfire to catch, well, you know. And with a song like “Waves,” it’ll be easy to do.

(photo by Catie Laffoon/Red Bull. Source: blondfiremusic.tumblr.com)

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Three sisters with a name few people can pronounce correctly (closer to “hi-umm” than “haym”) burst onto the scene with their first album, Days Are Gone, which charted in the top 10 in almost every country that tracks music. It hit #1 in the U.S., so if you haven’t heard of them yet, consider yourself out of the loop. And you’re welcome.

(photo source: haimtheband.com)

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Lead singer Matt Berninger doesn’t sound like anybody else. And that’s a good thing. A really, really good thing. The closest I could come is my reaction when I first heard The Crash Test Dummies in the 90s. But The National is better. By a mile.

(source: www.facebook.com/thenationalofficial)

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I am convinced that if this track was the first single Jimmy Eat World released off this summer’s album Damage, they’d still be on the charts. Don’t get me wrong—there are a lot of really good songs on this album, including what was their first single, “I Will Steal You Back.” But there is something about “How’d You Have Me” that channels the ghosts of “The Middle,” “Sweetness,” and “A Praise Chorus.” Seriously, this song should not be relegated to the scrap heap of Jimmy Eat World songs.

(photo by author, Wickenburg, AZ)

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If you’re listening to this list from my Spotify feed, this is a terrible segue from the previous Jimmy Eat World song. But if you can help me out and get refocused quickly, “Black Out Days” is impossible to ignore. Even though Phantogram is still a secret to most of America, I still feel like I arrived late to the party. They sold out their most recent appearance here in Phoenix, something not a lot of bands have done in this venue. Clearly, somebody knows something. And what they know is that Phantogram is damn good. With a devastating bassline and Sarah Barthel’s dreamy vocals, “Black Out Days” would make the Cocteau Twins proud. Do not put this track on before bed. You’ll never fall asleep.

(photo source: phantogrammusic.virb.com)

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OK, I cheated a bit here. “Youth” has been around a while. But Daughter remastered it and released it as a single for their 2013 album, If You Leave. And since I hadn’t heard it before this release, I’m calling it new. Because it’s awesome. There wasn’t a song released this year with more devastating lyrics (“And if you’re in love, then you are the lucky one, ‘cause most of us are bitter over someone…). One word: gorgeous.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/ohdaughter)

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The Cold War Kids are back, baby! It’s been six years since the Kids last had even a modest hit in America (“Hang Me Out to Dry”), but don’t tell them that they’ve lost it. “Miracle Mile” is a loud, stellar track.

(Photo © cararobbins Source: www.facebook.com/ColdWarKids)

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Sir Sly is trying to be, well, sly. For a long time, nobody knew anything this band. All anyone had to go on was a killer track that seemed to be gaining traction every day. For a while, erroneous rumors swirled that members of the band Foster the People were behind Sir Sly. Over the last few months, they have emerged from the shadows (they even have a real Facebook page now) and have struck, well, gold with their first single. “Gold” is a catchy indie tune that seems to channel Pink Floyd and a little hip hop. Hmm…maybe that’s just what I hear. Anyway, if you like The Neighbourhood, you’re gonna dig this song.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/sirslymusic)

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Good Lord, this is a catchy song. I knew it was going to be on this list within 30 seconds of my first listen. Great vocals (thanks in part to contributors Kele and MNDR) add to this dance track that will surely be remixed and worn out in clubs from Miami to Ibiza.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/remixartistcollective)

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All right. We’ve come to the part where you stop what you are doing and pay very close attention to me. Listen to this song. Listen to this band. How in the hell did their first full-length album, Twistification, come and go this past summer without catching fire? This album is chock-full of amazing songs, so much so that I had a hard time picking just one. Sure, “Crystal Vases” attained moderate success on college radio stations, and “Good Day Radio” is totally worth putting in your Spotify rotation. But “Wake Up” feels like it could have been a summer anthem, and frankly, it should have.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/thelastroyals)

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Southern California band The Neighbourhood burst on the scene in April with a slot at Coachella, and then a month later released their first EP. The NBHD then played the coveted KROQ (Los Angeles) Weenie Roast, and then went on tour with Imagine Dragons. It was tough to choose between “Female Robbery,” “Afraid,” and “Sweater Weather.” Each are fantastic tracks that deserve to be on this list. And their debut LP, I Love You is worth the money. Don’t nickel-and-dime this album, get the whole enchilada.

(photo source: thenbhd.com)

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Kitten has established themselves as one of 2013’s must-see live shows, thanks in part to the high-octane antics of 18-freakin’-year-old lead singer Chloe Chaidez. The Los Angeles-based band (seeing a pattern? L.A. is on fire) went on tour with Paramore during the summer, and ended the year headlining with a band that is primed to blow up in 2014 — Parade of Lights (see below). Also check out songs “G#” and “Like a Stranger” (which reminds me a little of “When We Kiss” by the short-lived 80s pop duo Bardeux. Check out 3:01 mark of “Like a Stranger” and pretty much any part of the Bardeux song). Fans of the 80s will love Kitten’s rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” and they’ll also tease you with a little bit of Alphaville’s “Forever Young” if you see them live. If you wish you could still see a Siouxsie and the Banshees concert, and long for the on-stage chaos of Roger Daltrey, Kitten will surely make you happy.

(photo source: www.kittentheband.com)

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This indie pop duo from, you guessed it, Los Angeles, was everywhere this year. If you haven’t heard this song yet, well, you probably spent some time in Guantanamo Bay.

(Photo by V. Jay Tabula. Source: capitalcitiesmusic.com)

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Believe it or not, the apostrophe in this band’s name is not a grammatical error. The Calabasas-based band is yet another L.A. (adjacent) newbie that are tearing up the indie airwaves. The Mowgli’s broke onto the scene this year with “San Francisco,” but I’m giving the nod to “The Great Divide,” one of this year’s great feel-good songs.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/themowglis)

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Little miss controversy finally released her first full-length album, Night Time, My Time, after a long delay and several rewrites. Some critics blasted the album, citing meaningless lyrics and songs devoid of good hooks. However, several other writers have it on their “Best of” lists of 2013. I agree with the latter. This is a great album all the way through, and “Nobody Asked Me” has as infectious a hook as any song in my top 50. The entire album has a nostalgic 80s feel to it. “24 Hours” sounds like it should have been in St. Elmo’s Fire. “I Will,” could have rolled the credits for National Lampoon’s Vacation, and “I Blame Myself” could have been in any number of that decade’s romantic comedies. Don’t skip “Boys,” or “Heavy Metal Heart,” either. Seriously, this is an incredible album, especially if you have a soft spot for everything John Hughes.

(photo source: skyferreira.tumblr.com)

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2013 has been a great year for first-time bands, and charting at #18, Smallpools is no exception. This four-piece indie pop band, from New Jersey, nearly broke Billboard’s Top 20 on the alternative chart with “Dreaming.” Early next year, they will be touring with Grouplove and MS MR on the same bill. Do not miss that show.

(Photo by: Keith VLK. Source: www.facebook.com/smallpools)

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Choosing one song from this Brooklyn-based band’s debut self-titled EP was not easy. Their first single, “Believer,” is stellar (as is the video), but “Best Day of My Life” feels just a bit more complete and self-assured. It’ll be nice to hear what they can do with a full album.

(photo source: 25.media.tumblr.com)

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I’m actually surprised this song is only at #16. It shows how strong the talent has been this year. “We’re the Kids” is all you’re getting from this L.A. band this year, making it this writer’s most anticipated EP for 2014. Expect to see an EP by the end of February and they are hopeful to have a full LP available by the end of summer 2014. They are currently on tour with Kitten, so if they’re in your area, check out this double-feature with two of the year’s brightest new bands.

(Photo by SamuelWestre.com. Source: www.paradeoflightsmusic.com)

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It wasn’t long ago that indie pop was dominated by British acts. This year, it’s been all about Southern California. London’s Bastille is making sure that we don’t forget about our friends across the pond. Their first full-length album, Bad Blood was released in the U.S. in September, and they are touring the U.S. this spring. Expect to see them at Coachella in April.

(photo source: www.bastillebastille.com)

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Pin up all of Atlas Genius’ songs from their album, When it Was Now, on a dartboard and throw a dart at it. Wherever it lands, that’s the song on this list. “All These Girls” is probably my favorite song on the album, but I put “Trojans” here because this is the single that exposed me to the Australian trio. Also check out “If So” if you’re one of the nine people who hasn’t heard it yet.

(photo source: www.atlasgenius.com)

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When I first heard “Harlem,” I called everyone I knew and told them to listen immediately. I dare you to be in a bad mood after listening to this song. I beat the crap out of my iPod this summer, thanks to this track and what has become their second single, the equally entertaining “Tonight You’re Perfect.”

(photo source: newpoliticsrock.com)

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Most people first heard this gem from Southern California’s The Colourist on “that Nokia commercial.” I, however, got a tip from a friend, who told me to make sure I got to the Fitz & the Tantrums concert early enough to see the opening act. Sure enough, the Orange County (CA) foursome, led by lead singer and drummer (!) Maya Tuttle, stole the show. And clearly I wasn’t the only one to think so, as they went on to open for The Naked and Famous’ nationwide tour. And did I mention that the lead singer also plays the drums?

(photo source: thecolourist.tumblr.com)

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I first saw this Louisiana band play a couple of days after Christmas (2012) at a dumpy little nightclub in Scottsdale, AZ. About 20 people showed up, which I immediately realized was a miscarriage of justice. Frontwoman Nora Patterson has one of the best voices on the indie circuit today, and her partner-in-crime, Gary Larsen, has more fun on stage than any lead singer should be allowed to have. Luckily, Arizona redeemed itself when they came back a couple of months later and played a sold-out show at the Crescent Ballroom with A Silent Film and Gold Fields. Also check out their fantastic cover of The Knife’s “Heartbeats.”

(photo source: web.stagram.com)

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Don’t ever accuse England’s The 1975 of short-changing their fans. After a slew of EPs, they released their debut full-length (and self-titled) album in September. And full-length it is, clocking it at an almost obscene 39 songs. Their first single, “Chocolate” could have easily been on this list, as could “The City” “So Far (It’s Allright),” and “Fallingforyou.” But “Sex” is the standout. Catchy hooks and dirty lyrics abound (you’ve got to be 18 to see their video on Youtube – link below), this feels like the kind of song I’ll be listening to 20 years from now.

(photo source: the1975.com)

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Five years ago, Portland and Seattle seemed to own the Indie music scene. No longer. Night Terrors of 1927 is yet another Los Angeles-based band, and opened a lot of eyes (and ears) with their first single, “Dust and Bones.” Sirius/XMs Alt Nation fell in love with it, and the band was able to ride the wave of its only single for nearly six months. They released a five-track EP, Guilty Pleas, in November. “Dust and Bones” is well deserving of a Top 10 slot—give it a listen and hear for yourself.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/NightTerrorsof1927)

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I have never been much of a Placebo fan, but that changed the first time I heard “Loud Like Love,” the first track on their album of the same name. Placebo has been making music since 1994, bucking the trend of first-time bands dominating this list. Not a lot of people have heard this song yet, which is kind of a head-scratcher.

(photo source: www.placeboworld.co.uk)

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Fueled by two incredible videos (yes, I said two), “All I Want” is a gorgeous anthem that will likely define this band for years to come. Check out their videos on YouTube, but have a couple of tissues close by. Both tell the age-old tale of the ugly duckling trying to impress the pretty girl, against seemingly insurmountable odds. Sure, it’s been done before, but rarely so eloquently. And never with backdrop of such a beautiful song. Expect a third video soon, as the ending of the second leaves the door open for one more. I highly recommend downloading their album, In a Perfect World, which is jam-packed with 11 gorgeous songs. If you want one more to be safe, try “One Day.”

(photo source: www.facebook.com/Kodaline)

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Hear this song once and fall instantly in love. Sweden’s Nonono has a hit on their hands with this foot-tapping song about freedom and their frustrations with the music industry. The BBC called it an “intoxicating pop anthem,” and I couldn’t say it any better. It’s one of the best songs of the year, and has the whole of American begging for more. The band is currently teasing us with a 5–song EP (Pumpin’ Blood EP), and if that is any indication, their upcoming debut is going to be stellar. Expect a huge year from Nonono in 2014.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/nononoofficial)

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This is one of two songs on this list that I knew would be a hit when I first heard it this past spring. Lizzy Plapinger fronts this New York-based duo. If you want to get technical, this song is a couple of years old, written in 2010 and released in 2012. But for almost three years, the only people who were able to hear it were those lucky enough to see MS MR playing at local gigs. They released their first album, Secondhand Rapture, in May, and thus qualify for inclusion. Well, that and the fact that it’s a damn good song. Don’t move on without listening to “Bones,” the first track on Rapture. It’s dark, mysterious, and dreamy—the kind of song that might have you turning the lights back on if you’re home alone. Warning: The creepy video (Bones) may not be safe for work. Look for MS MR to join Smallpools and Grouplove on tour in the spring of 2014.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/msmrsounds)

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When I first heard “Pretty Boy,” I was sure it was going to be my favorite song of the year. It is a stunning song—it stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. More than any other song on this list, how in the hell did this not propel Young Galaxy to super-stardom? Ultramarine is the Canadian band’s fourth album, and it’s stellar from start to finish. If you like “Pretty Boy” as much as I do, check out the bands brand new single (not on any album yet) called “Crying My Heart Out.” It’s nearly as good as “Pretty Boy.”

(photo source: www.facebook.com/younggalaxy)

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I had a hell of a time figuring out how to rank my last three spots. All three are worthy of the top slot, and by the time you read this I will probably regret the way I placed them. Little Green Cars is an Irish indie folk band that also burst onto the scene at the beginning of the year, even garnering a slot at the Coachella Music Festival. If you like Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers, and Of Monsters and Men, add these guys to your playlist. Their album, Absolute Zero, ranks as one of the best of the year. It’s packed with wonderful folky tracks, but nothing compares to the brilliance of “The John Wayne.” It’s one of the best videos of the year, too. Give it a listen, then do it again. Repeat.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/littlegreencars)

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Choosing one song from this Scottish trio proved to be as difficult as anything I did in compiling this list. Their initial album, The Bones of What You Believe is brilliant from start to finish, with tons of standout tracks (most notably “Recover,” “We Sink,” and their first single, “The Mother We Share“), but “Lies” takes the cake with its infectious dance track, vicious beats (thanks to Iain Cook and Martin Doherty) and upbeat vocals by the almost unbearably talented Lauren Mayberry. Early this year, I drove to Los Angeles and back in 24 hours just to see their set at the Fonda Theater. And it was worth every ounce of gas. Bet the house that they’ll be at Coachella this year.

(photo source: www.facebook.com/CHVRCHES)

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This was another impossible choice, by what is unquestionably the best album of the year. The New Zealand fivesome, led by lead singer Alisa Xayalith and her boyfriend Thom Powers, followed up their chart-topping first album, Passive Me, Aggressive You, with a more mellow, but no less stunning In Rolling Waves. I’ll admit, I was a little confused during my first listen of the new album. I was looking for the upbeat, dance-worthy tracks like the first album’s “Punching in a Dream” and “All of This,” but they were nowhere to be found. But something magical happened after the third listen. Everything came together—there isn’t a wasted song on this album. You know it’s good when you find yourself listening to the unknown songs more than their first single, “Hearts Like Ours.” “Rolling Waves” and “Grow Old” provide jaw-dropping bookends for “The Mess,” and the album concludes with three of the most gorgeous songs I’ve heard all year (“We Are Leaving,” “To Move With Purpose,” and “A Small Reunion”). But it’s “The Mess” that will take your breath away. Alisa and Thom start the song with a back-and-forth that feels like they are taking swings at each other, with all of the anger and passion that you would expect in a lover’s quarrel. I’ve listened to it a hundred times (at least) and every time still feels like the first (well, third). Early next year, The Naked and Famous will kick off a North American tour with Imagine Dragons, and don’t be surprised if they steal the show.

(photo source: author pic, Tucson, AZ)

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(Note: I had to send you to Myspace to hear this most of the songs from the new Naked & Famous album, as there are only crappy live versions available on Youtube. You don’t need a Myspace account to hear them. Just click! Or better yet, download the entire album. You will not be disappointed. When you get to Myspace, you will see all of their songs listen in the player. Just scroll down until you find the song you are looking for.)