1.  “Islands” by The XX

  From their debut LP, “Islands” highlights the dual vocals of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. XX is a moody, soulful indie rock band from England.  

 

2.  “Heart it Races” by Dr. Dog

Reminiscent of the Shins with mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation, Dr. Dog’s “Heart it Races” is bound to put a smile on your face.

 

3. “Coastin'” by Zion I

A mix of hip-hop and a very catchy chorus, this is the perfect song to play in your car with the volume up and windows down.

 

4.  “The Vowels (part 2)” by Why?

No, not the Who, Why? brings this experimental indie rock song off of their third full-length album Alopecia.

 

5.  “Jet Ski Accidents” by Wolf Colonel (aka Jason Anderson)

I have been listening to this catchy two-minute acoustic nugget for years and it never gets old.

 

6. “Little Bit” by Lykki Li featuring Drake

Hailing from Sweden, Lykki Li pairs with TV show actor turned hip hop artist Drake for this bass bumping tune.

 

7.  “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked (Devil Remix)” by Cage the Elephant

This remix takes Cage the Elephant’s rock single and gives it a chilled reggae vibe.

 

8.  “Rill Rill” by Sleigh Bells

  Sleigh Bells, an American Pop Noise band, signed to M.I.A’s boutique label N.E.E.T to produce their debut album, Treats containing this lighthearted, finger-tapping song.

 

9.  “Crabbuckit” by K-OS

Not sure what a Crabbuckit is?  Well, neither am I, but this song, a mix of jazz and hip-hop influences, will make you wish you were in SHOCK.

 

10. “Cult Logic” by Miike Snow

 From Miike Snow’s (yep, two i’s) debut album, this indie electro-pop trio follows in the footsteps of bands like Passion Pit and MGMT.

 

11. “Walking” by The Dodos

This San Francisco-based band uses African drums, country blues finger-picking and mellow vocals in this lovely song.

 

12. “Say it Ain’t So” by Weezer

An oldie but a goodie, I can never help but join in singing on the chorus.

 

13.  “Z Lebanese C.R.E.A.M.” by DJ Tip-Z

A mash of old-school Notorious B.I.G. and Thievery Corporation’s minimalist arrangement “Lebanese Blonde” is too perfect to describe.