The Top 31 Songs of 2011: 20-11

I've already shared with you songs 31-21 of my fave songs of the year (check 'em out here)...here's my breakdown of numbers 20 through 11.

20. Shannon and the Clams, "The Cult Song"
Shannon and the Clams are a West Coast garage band, who write simple, 3-chord punk songs that are somehow livelier and more raucous than ordinary 3-chord punk songs, thanks to front woman Shannon Shaw's off-kilter song-writing and a healthy dose of "Ooga Boogas." "The Cult Song" sounds a little bit like a bunch of drunk muppets doing a capella, but in a good way.

19. The Horrors, "Moving Further Away"
By far the longest tune on the countdown, clocking in at 8 1/2 minutes, "Moving Further Away" is an epic exploration of fuzzy synths and danceable grooves, examining the inevitability of growing older and friends "moving further away." Segueing from melody to fade-out (seagulls chirping in the background) to exuberant, morbid reprise -- "Moving Further Away" belies its long running time by keeping intensity levels high -- then cuts out suddenly, leaving you hoping you for more.

18. Tennis, "Marathon"
A breezy, effortless gem, "Marathon" is a blissful piece of twee pop, as sweet as a Popsicle on a summer day. Set against a backdrop of finger snaps and gently strummed guitar, Alaina Moore's vocals resonate with unadulterated innocence as she weaves the tale of an ocean journey, all "shifting shoals" and "high tides." Precious.

17. I Break Horses, "Wired"
On I Break Horses' "Wired," the band creates an alternative world of swirling layers, wispy vocals and flowing, circular keys that cushion and engulf you like a cloud. One part dreamy shoegaze, one part eletro-pop, one part downtempo Starbucks lobby music, "Wired" manages to be both strikingly gorgeous and slightly dischordant, minor chord progressions undercutting Maria Lindén's airy vocals.

16. Grimes, "Vanessa"
Claire Boucher, the mysterious and beautiful force behind Grimes, is a master at creating atmosphere. "Vanessa" is trance-y, moody, seductive and slightly discomforting, as if propelled by sexy, dark forces. Plus how oddly beguiling is this video? I know this is what MY friends and I do during our girls-only sleepovers. (Not really.)

15. Spectrals, "Get a Grip"
Spectrals founder Louis Jones writes sunny, '60s-influenced, surf rock charmers not dissimilar from many pop acts today (see: Surfer Blood, Best Coast, the Morning Benders.) But unlike the aforementioned, Jones imbues his tunes with a classical influence, incorporating bits of jazz piano and tin-pan alley for a result that feels effortless and timeless.

14. Craft Spells, “After the Moment”
Craft Spells' "After the Moment" is one of those songs that feels like you've heard it a million times, its swirling synths and deep vocals reminiscent of the best of New Order. Creator Justin Vallesteros negotiates the fine line between vapid '80s dance tracks and emotionally-invested bedroom pop with absolute finesses, creating a tune that makes you want to bob your head along, but also reminisce fondly about magical nights with past loves.

13. Cut Copy, “Where I’m Going”
Cut Copy's 2011 album Zonoscope is a thrilling listen of colorful psych pop -- and "Where I'm Going" is amongst its best...a hazy slice of exuberance complete with twinkling keys, pulsing beats, and full, echo-y, vocal harmonies punctuated with ardent "Yeahs!" This is music to listen to in the summer, outside, dancing barefoot in an open field. As soon as June arrives I will do just this!

12. The Black Keys, “Lonely Boy”
God this song is infectious! Less fuzzy and more focused than past releases, "Lonely Boy" is a rollicking, toe-tapping rocker about a guy who...can't get any from his prude girlfriend. But he doesn't care because he's rocking too hard! Dan Auberbach's guitar line here is positively staggering. Pretty sure they'll still be playing this on the radio a decade from now.

11. Dum Dum Girls, “He Gets Me High”
The Dum Dum Girls are one of my favorite bands making music right now, and this song (from the EP of the same name) might be my favorite. Dee Dee's voice is dark, smoky, and emotive and..the reverb! the guitars! To me, "He Gets Me High" evokes images of dark bars in seedy neighborhoods and falling for guys who you know are no good because they are sexy and have access to drugs. Except after listening to "He Gets Me High" a couple times...I feel no need to seek out a seedy bar, because hearing Dee Dee sing about it feels debaucherous enough.

And there you have it...another 10 down. Stream songs 20-11 for free right here -- then stay tuned for the final 10 on Friday!

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