As a mobile DJ I often get asked the question: “What do you listen to?” Often my response is just like everyone else’s “I listen to a bit of everything” Which is somewhat true expect for the fact that I really don’t like modern country. With that being said the main genre for me is indie rock or alt rock so this list will mainly consistent of those types of music. Just a note all the titles are links to the YouTube videos of the songs. If you like any of the songs please purchase them legally!

15. Under Cover Of Darkness – The Strokes

This was the lead single for the Strokes fourth studio album, Angles. It was the first release from the band in five years. Being a long time Strokes fan I really couldn’t wait for this album.

14. After Midnight – Blink 182

Blink 182′s latest album was long awaited for me as well. Blink was one of the first Punk Pop bands I got into in my early teens. After taking a long hiatus the band came back with a much more mature album titled Neighborhoods.

13. Blood Pressure – Mutemath

I heard Mutemath for the first time on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation channel, which by the way is a great station for this type of music. The song has a great bassline throughout and an awesome guitar riff in the main chorus.

12. Calgary – Bon Iver

Bon Iver is one of the many bands I saw live when I went to the Lollapalooza music festival back in 2009. I loved their first album and their 2nd self-titled album Bon Iver was no exception.

11. Two Against One (Feat. Jack White) -Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi

For some reason I’ve never been much of a White Stripes or Jack White fan. After hearing this song he did with Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi though he changed my mind at least for this song.

10. Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine

This year I really got into female lead singers for some reason as far as my music choices go. You will see that, as you get closer to my number 1 pick. But before you to do do yourself a favor and check out Florence + The Machine.

9. You Are A Tourist – Death Cab For Cutie

Before this year I really didn’t pay much attention to Death Cab For Cutie. However I wish I did. Their newest album Codes And Keys was suburb!

8. Changing – The Airborne Toxic Event

This track brings back some good memories from this summer but I won’t get into them here. Airborne Toxic Event is a fun band with some great music be sure to check em out!

7. Whirring – The Joy Formidable

Another track that was widely played on Alt Nation. It was really tuff to put this song at number 7 however the picks ahead of it are just that good!

6. Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People

Yes I know you are going to tell me I have jumped on the bandwagon with this one. Truth is I discovered this band before they ever reached the Top 40 radio stations and even before the alternative ones. If you are getting tired of hearing this song or think it’s overplayed I encourage you to dig deeper into their catalog. (And no this song is not about a school shooting)

5. MoneyGrabber – Fitz & The Tantrums

MoneyGrabber is a very soul inspired track. According to the lead singer the band is greatly influenced by Motown. Don’t expect to hear any guitars in this song as the band doesn’t have a guitar player.

4. Listen To Your Love – Mona

Mona was formed in Tennessee in 2010 but gained lots of popularity in the UK. However in their single Listen To Your Love was released in the US in 2011. If you want to purchase their entire album to will have to wait until February.

3. Something To Die For – The Sounds

This track is a clash between my recent obsession with female lead singers and my long time fixation with synth keyboards. Match that with an awesome bassline and you got yourself all of the ingredients for a great song.

2. Get Away – Yuck

Don’t be turned off by the band’s name. Yuck is anything but that in my opinion. They have a similar sound to Sonic Youth. Two of the band members were formally of Cajun Dance Party a college rock band formed in the UK.

1. Helena Beat – Foster The People

If you dig deeper into Foster The People’s catalog you will run across Helena Beat, which I have chosen to be my top song of 2011. I love the keyboard parts in this song and if I had a band you would hear tons of synth keyboard!

Thanks for checking out this blog post. I know it’s a little different then our past posts so I would love to hear what you think. Don’t be afraid to leave a comment and put in your 2 cents.

(All album links are Amazon Associate links, which means we get a small commission if you purchase them)