Putting together a list of my favorite tracks for 2011 was a blast. Personally, I managed to see more live music this year than ever before, both in the SF Bay Area and Seattle, and I gorged myself on Indie music at SXSW in Austin this past spring. I pared down hundreds of candidates down to the top 40 songs that I will remember the year by. For me, 2011 was another great music year.

For many of the tracks, you’ll see that I’ve put pointers to other songs from that artist, as my not-so-underhanded way of adding more to this list.
Here we go, starting with number 40.
You can also view a summary list along with iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Rdio playlists.

My last playlist of 2011 (except, of course, for my best-of-the-year compilation still to come). While I thought all of the holiday music releases would drown out new tunes, I ended up with over 40 songs, winnowing the list down to a more manageable 22. I included sneak peek tracks from the upcoming 2012 releases for Miike Snow, School of Seven Bells, and others, along with several tracks from new LPs and EPs out in the last couple of months. Enjoy.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and Spotify playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

-Dave

Continue on to number 12 – 22.

We’re fully into Autumn now, so let’s all enjoy the narrow window before new music releases become swamped by special holiday-themed albums. There are some fantastic new releases this month, led by M83′s Hurry Up We’re Dreaming. There are also strong efforts from Loney Dear, Real Estate, and Surfer Blood, among others.

I’ve added these tracks to my latest rotation, and I hope you find something new for your own listening pleasure.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and Spotify playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way. I’ve also added MOG after getting a few requests for that service as well.

-Dave

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

September is upon us, and I love how the new album releases reflect the impending transition to Autumn. Several heavily anticipated new albums have just been released, and I encourage you to check them out, particularly from Neon Indian, St. Vincent, Mates of State, and Girls.

As always, I hope you find some new music in this list for you to add to your own listening rotation.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and Spotify playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

-Dave

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

Putting together a playlist at the height of summer can be tough with fewer releases, but there is a plethora of new beachy, blissed out tracks perfect for the season. I’ve included quite a few new artists never featured on any of my playlists, with a sprinkling of familiar folks out with new and upcoming releases. I’m particularly looking forward to the new M83 album.

So put in your earphones, head out into the sunshine and take a listen….

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and now Spotify playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

I’ve embedded videos where I could find them. Enjoy!

-Dave

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

Just because the tech giants are battling it out over who will win in the cloud music space doesn’t mean the artists are waiting on the sidelines. The releases have come fast and furious this month, with notable records from Wild Beasts, The Antlers, Fleet Foxes, and Okkervil River, among others, along with sneak peaks for new LPs due later this summer. I’m loving this list, and I hope you find something new for your own music rotation.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and other playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

Clicking on a song name should bring you to YouTube or other page where you can listen to the song online for free, or just check out the embedded videos. Enjoy!

-Dave

	Artist	Song Title	Album
1.	Craft Spells	After the Moment	Idle Labor
	Let’s open this list up with Stockton, CA-based Craft Spells. Lead singer Justin Vallesteros gives us hazy 80′s inspired synth pop that manages to surf the boundary between melancholy and sunny.
2.	The Naked and Famous	Young Blood	Passive Me Aggressive You
	This New Zealand quintet brings obvious comparisons to Passion Pit and perhaps MGMT. Sunny electro pop!
3.	Kyle Andrews	Lazer Tag With Imaginary Friends	Robot Learn Love
	Here’s the first single from Kyle Andrews’ new LP due later this summer. The Nashville artist is building his album around the concept of modern life and relationships through the lens of technology. You can download the track directly from http://www.kyleandrews.com/ or RCRD LBL.
4.	Yeasayer	Swallowing the Decibels	End Blood – Single
	Yeasayer released a record featuring two songs that didn’t fit on Odd Blood (one of my favorites albums of 2010)…. so this is kind of an echo or closing of a chapter as the band prepares for new ideas going forward.
5.	Wild Beasts	Albatross	Smother
	UK’s Wild Beasts’ third album doesn’t disappoint, featuring Hayden Thorpe’s unmistakeable stylized falsetto that I loved so much from their fantastic 2009 album Two Dancers.
6.	Wild Beasts	Lion’s Share	Smother
	This track feature’s Thorpe’s still-dramatic lower register over a metronomic piano track. Wild Beasts – Lion’s Share by Mindcircus
7.	Fleet Foxes	Lorelai	Helplessness Blues
	The full album is out now, and it’s fantastic.
8.	The Antlers	I Don’t Want Love	Burst Apart
	Brooklyn dream folk group The Antlers is back, this time with more electronic influences backing Pete Silberman’s haunting and atmospheric vocals.
9.	The Globes	Ghost	Future Self
	I saw this Seattle/Spokane group playing at SXSW in March with their own brand of accessible indie prog rock.
10.	Okkervil River	Rider	I Am Very Far
	Austin-based Okkervil River just released its sixth studio LP (all on Jagjaguwar)

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

A ton of new releases (both LPs and EPS) are out as well as a number of early singles for releases coming in May. In particular, I’m excited for the new Fleet foxes record and some of Danger Mouse’s new collaborations. This list is one of my more eclectic collections featuring indie pop, alt folk, indie rock, electronic, and even R&B-influenced artists. I hope you find something new to add to your own listening rotation.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and other playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

Clicking on a song name should bring you to YouTube or other page where you can listen to the song online for free, or just check out the embedded videos. Enjoy!

-Dave

	Artist	Song Title	Album
1.	I’m from Barcelona	Charlie Parker	Forever Today
	I fell in love with this band with their last album “Who Killed Harry Houdini”, and I’m excited to see that this Swedish mega group (they have over 25 members!) put out some new tunes. Check out the new upbeat album’s leadoff track.
2.	TV On the Radio	Second Song	Nine Types of Light
	It’s only appropriate that this is the second song on this playlist, and it’s also the second song that I’ve featured from this Brooklyn group’s latest LP. Tragically, TVotR is currently in mourning, having lost their bassist Gerard Smith just two weeks ago after a long battle with lung cancer. R.I.P.
3.	The Weeknd	Wicked Games	House of Balloons
	OK, The Weeknd went from a sort of underground murmur to a full blown phenomenon. This Toronto group gives us visceral lyrics over a mix of R&B and lush beats. Do yourself a favor and download their digital EP available for free at their site
4.	Figurines	Hanging from Above	Figurines
	Danish indie rock group brings their distinctive harmonies and skewed melodies with a touch of french pop on their fourth LP.
5.	The One AM Radio	In a City Without Seasons	Heaven Is Attached By a Slender Thread
	After a 4 year hiatus, this aptly named Los Angeles-based trio is back with their fourth LP
6.	Thousands	Red Seagulls	The Sound of Everything
	Thousands is an acoustic duo from Seattle. Here’s a video of a private live performance of a beautiful alt folk track off of their latest album.
7.	Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi	Two Against One (feat. Jack White)	Rome
	Super collaborator Danger Mouse has a new project called “Rome” due out in May, this time with an Italian composer. Check out this sneak peak track featuring Jack White.
8.	Panda Bear	Last Night At the Jetty	Tomboy
	Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox (AKA Panda Bear) is back with another solo effort following his very successful album Person Pitch in 2007. Here’s a fan-made video for this standout track.
9.	Blue Sky Black Death	Farewell to the Former World	Noir
	BSBD is a San Francisco and Seattle-based duo that are known for mixing instrumentation and sample with hip hop and electronic influences. Mellow and moody.
10.	Holy Ghost!	Wait & See	Holy Ghost!
	I just saw these guys live as the opening act for Cut Copy during their Seattle tour stop. The NY-based electronic band (now up to six members) even had Nancy Whang (from LCD Soundsystem) on as special guest.

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

If you ever are given an opportunity to go to SXSW, you should jump at it. For an indie music lover, downtown Austin is heaven for those 5 days in March. There really isn’t quite anything like it, with close to 100 separate venues hosting showcases starting at noon and ending in the wee hours the next day. I tried to take advantage of my trip, managing to see over 40 bands over the festival in venues ranging from a 2500 person amphitheater to a tiny backyard courtyard behind a bar. Needless to say, this list has quite a few tracks that I was able to hear live sprinkled with a few other surprises. I hope you enjoy.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and other playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

Clicking on a song name should bring you to YouTube or other page where you can listen to the song online for free, or just check out the embedded videos. Enjoy!

-Dave

	Artist	Song Title	Album
1.	Wye Oak	Civilian	Civilian
	I was fortunate to see this band and Wild Flag close out a SXSW showcase, and Baltimore duo Wye Oak definitely was a pleasant surprise.
2.	TV On the Radio	Will Do	Nine Types of Light
	Here’s the first single of the upcoming album due on April 12th from Brooklyn’s genre-bending indie rock group. You can see the official video on YouTube (embedding restricted).
3.	The Weeknd	What You Need	House of Balloons
	Mysterious duo gives us a downright sexy track on their self-released digital EP available for free download on their site.
4.	The Head and the Heart	Lost In My Mind	The Head and the Heart
	Seattle favorites Head and the Heart was all over SXSW playing to packed houses with their version of Americana. Not sure why Seattle has become such a hotbed of alt-folk and alt-country, but this sextet is looking like it’s ready for a wider audience.
5.	Yuck	Get Away	Yuck (Bonus Track Version)
	Yuck was a nice surprise opening a big SXSW showcase as Stubb’s (outdoor amphitheater) with a rocking set to start out the evening. This UK-based group features 3 Londoners, a drummer from New Jersey, and a bassist from Hiroshima.
6.	Parts & Labor	Outnumbered	Constant Future
	Here’s a standout track off of the new album from this experimental noise rock group out of Brooklyn. Song streamable on MySpace.
7.	James Blake	Limit to Your Love	James Blake
	London’s James Blake brings us his spare vocals over echoing dubstep tracks. See him live if you get a chance. This track alternates between a simple piano backdrop and a vibrating track that will shake your sternum.
8.	Papercuts	Do You Really Wanna Know	Fading Parade
	Here’s an indie pop track from the latest release off of Papercuts latest album (first on Sub Pop). This San Francisco group is built around singer/producer Jason Quevar.
9.	Smith Westerns	Weekend	Dye It Blonde
	This foursome out of the north side of Chicago (including two brothers) also made a splash at SXSW this year giving us their mix of britpop meets noise pop. Official video only streamable on YouTube, so here’s an acoustic performance for you to see instead.
10.	The Dodos	Sleep	No Color
	Another San Francisco indie rock band that I saw at SXSW. Here’s one of my favorite tracks from their fourth LP, streamable from The Hype Machine.

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

Arcade Fire won the Grammy for Best Album of the Year? Whoa. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more: that one of my favorites actually won the award for the first time or the resulting enraged uproar on the Internet from all of the Lady Gaga fans. Too funny. But back to the task at hand…. Here’s a spanking new list of tracks that I’m listening to now, and I hope you enjoy it. I’m particularly psyched about the new Destroyer album, and there are a bunch of new releases from favorites (Tapes ‘n Tapes, Lykkei Li, Iron & Wine) plus many new surprises, particularly the track from Foster the People, which is already stuck in my head after a few listens.

Below the track list, I have links to the iTunes Ping playlist, Amazon, Rdio, and other playlists if you prefer to listen to them that way.

Clicking on a song name should bring you to YouTube or other page where you can listen to the song online for free, or just check out the embedded list. Enjoy!

-Dave

	Artist	Song Title	Album
1.	Young Galaxy	We Have Everything	Shapeshifting
	For their third LP, Montreal-based Young Galaxy turned over their raw recordings to Dan Lissvick, and with only conversations over Skype, the Swedish producer transformed this group to new heights. And check out the amazing video for this beautiful track.
2.	Foster the People	Pumped Up Kicks	Foster the People – EP
	What a debut for the Mark Foster-led foursome out of Los Angeles. This incredibly catchy single is going to be huge.
3.	Grouplove	Colours	Grouplove – EP
	Exuberant indie power pop is what Los Angeles-based Grouplove unabashedly gives us, and it feels good.
4.	Destroyer	Kaputt	Kaputt
	I was obsessed with Destroyer’s last album Destroyer’s Rubies, and was excited to see what Dan Bejar (of New Pornographers) had up his sleeve for the new album. This time, he brings a spacey jazz vibe to be the table complete with saxophone and woodwinds.
5.	Destroyer	Chinatown	Kaputt
	Add some trumpets for this one:
6.	Two Door Cinema Club	What You Know	Tourist History
	This indie rock group from Northern Ireland released their debut album in 2010 and just released this catchy single featuring Ben Gibbard-esque vocals.
7.	Girls	Heartbreaker	Broken Dreams Club
	Fresh off their breakout LP Lust For Life, San Francisco-based Girls released this jewel of a track on a follow-up EP released in November.
8.	Lykke Li	I Follow Rivers	Wounded Rhymes
	Swedish indie star Lykke Li is giving us a sneak peek of her upcoming sophomore album with this track and accompanying beautifully-shot video.
9.	Tennis	Marathon	Cape Dory
	A pop duo out of Denver gives us gorgeous retro 60′s female vocals.
10.	The Decemberists	Down By the Water	The King Is Dead
	The Portland indie folk rock group just released their 6th LP, with this track as the lead single.

Continue on to number 11 – 20.

Looking back at my favorite tracks of the past year is something I always look forward to. It has been another exceptional year for music, which has made it almost impossible to whittle this list down. I had to restrain myself from making this a top 50 list and have pared it down to my favorite 30 that I will most remember 2010 by.

So, without further ado… here are my favorites, starting at number 30.