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Last updated on Jun 2,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla“Hoppípolla,” Icelandic for “Hopping into Puddles,” finds Sigur Rós layering strings, piano, and their signature gibberish-language Hopelandic into a build-up that manages to feel tender and massive without breaking a sweat. The track slips quietly into the mainstream via BBC’s “Planet Earth,” and turns up with similar serenity in “Children of Men” and “We Bought a Zoo.” Nominated for Grammies, the band keeps one foot in post-rock, the other in abstraction. The music video is directed by Arni & Kinski. Writer(s) : Jon Thor Birgisson, Georg Holm, Orri Pall Dyrason, Kjartan Sveinsson Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb) Featured on the 2005 album Takk...
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 2 . Mono - Life In"Life in Mono" by British trip-hop duo Mono, formed by Siobhan de Maré and Martin Virgo, debuts in 1996. It gains iconic status through its use in Alfonso Cuarón's film "Great Expectations" (1998), starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow. The song features a melancholic atmosphere and a harpsichord sample from John Barry's "The Ipcress File." Its enduring popularity sees it appear in series like "La Femme Nikita" and ads for the Rover 25. Emma Bunton, former Spice Girl, covers it in 2006. The music video is directed by Tom Kuntz. Writer(s) : Martin Virgo, John Barry Publisher(s) : Bmg Rights Management Uk Limited, Universal Dick James Music Limited Featured on the 1997 album Formica Blues
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 3 . Gerry Cinnamon - SometimesGerry Cinnamon, an independent Scottish artist, releases "Sometimes" in 2017. The song, characterized by its folk-rock style and introspective lyrics, showcases Gerry Cinnamon, born Gerard Crosbie in Glasgow, known for dynamic live performances and authentic connections with audiences. Released on his label, Little Runaway Records, "Sometimes" is celebrated for its simplicity and raw honesty, embodying the DIY (Do It Yourself) ethos. The music video is directed by Keith Allen. Writer(s) : Gerard Crosbie Publisher(s) : Little Runaway Music Limited Featured on the 2017 album Erratic Cinematic
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 4 . LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends"All My Friends" by LCD Soundsystem, released in 2007, quickly becomes an indie rock anthem. Characterized by a repetitive piano riff, rhythmic progression, and introspective lyrics, it explores themes of aging and nostalgia. Frontman James Murphy draws inspiration from electronic music and punk rock. The song is critically acclaimed and frequently listed among the best songs of the decade. The music video is directed by Jamie Thraves. Writer(s) : David Ross McMahon Publisher(s) : Cd Baby Beta Featured on the 2007 album Sound Of Silver
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 5 . Yeah Yeah Yeahs - MapsYeah Yeah Yeahs' 2003 song "Maps" represents a pivotal moment in their career, with its plaintive message, "My Angus Please Stay," referencing Karen O’s relationship with Liars’ Angus Andrew. Produced by TV on the Radio’s David Andrew Sitek, this track achieves a raw emotional sincerity through minimalist guitar riffs and Karen O’s vulnerable vocals. Its influence is widespread, inspiring Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" and even a Beyoncé interpolation in "Hold Up." "Maps" resurfaces in pop culture periodically, with a notable dance trend on TikTok in 2024, securing its lasting resonance in the indie and alternative rock scenes. Writer(s) : Nicholas Zinner, Brian Chase, Karen Orzolek Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Music Ltd Featured on the 2003 album Fever To Tell
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 6 . Caesars Palace - Jerk It OutThe energetic garage rock track "Jerk It Out" by Swedish band Caesars Palace (also known as Caesars) is released in 2003. Its catchy guitar riff gains popularity through iPod Shuffle commercials and video games like "FIFA Football 2004." The music video is directed by Lope Serrano. Writer(s) : Joakim Frans Ahlund Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing International Ltd Featured on the 2002 album Love for the Streets
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 7 . Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You into the DarkThe minimalist acoustic ballad "I Will Follow You into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie is released in 2005. Written by lead singer Ben Gibbard, also involved in The Postal Service, the song delves into themes of mortality and unconditional love. It is acclaimed for its touching lyrics and stripped-down melody. Featured in TV series like "Grey's Anatomy," it becomes one of the band's iconic tracks. Writer(s) : Benjamin D Gibbard Publisher(s) : Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Where I M Calling From Music Featured on the 2005 album Plans
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 8 . Hot Chip - Boy From School“Boy from School,” initially titled “And I Was a Boy from School,” marks Hot Chip’s 2006 foray into wistful indietronica, backed by EMI’s request for a truncated title. The track draws multiple reinterpretations—from Portastatic’s lo-fi melancholy in 2006 to Tears For Fears’ synth-glazed 2013 take—stretching across genres with casual detachment. Its video, drenched in paste and paper, courts comparisons to “Art Attack,” an aesthetic choice Alexis Taylor describes as financially unwise but amusingly extravagant. Writer(s) : Alexis Benjamin Taylor, Joseph Goddard Publisher(s) : Goddard And Taylor Limited Featured on the 2006 album The Warning
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 9 . Editors - An End Has A StartAnchored by Tom Smith’s brooding vocals, this 2007 track delves into themes of mortality and hope amidst despair. Its atmospheric guitar work and melancholic intensity embody the band’s post-punk revival sound, creating a sonic exploration of resilience in life’s darkest moments. The music video is directed by Diane Martel. Writer(s) : Thomas Michael Henry Smith, Russell Leetch, Christopher Dominic Urbanowicz, Edward Owen Lay Publisher(s) : Soul Kitchen Music Ltd Featured on the 2007 album An End Has a Start
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 10 . Hot Chip - One Life StandHot Chip's "One Life Stand," released digitally on 30 November 2009 and physically on 1 February 2010, is a synth-driven meditation on turning fleeting intimacy into permanence, penned and produced by Alexis Taylor, Joe Goddard, Al Doyle, Owen Clarke, and Felix Martin. Its Roel Wouters-directed video features the band performing in a dizzying rotating space, interspersed with their own raw handycam footage. Chart-wise, it peaked at #41 in the UK and #99 on Switzerland's Airplay Chart. The music video is directed by Jim Jarmusch. Writer(s) : Nicholas John Mccarthy Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb) Featured on the 2010 album One Life Stand
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 11 . Franz Ferdinand - Take Me OutReleased on January 12, 2004, as the second single from Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut, "Take Me Out" propels the Scottish indie rock band into mainstream relevance. The track peaks at number three on the UK Singles Chart and dominates the US Modern Rock Tracks at the same rank, while landing number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its syncopated intro gives way to a riff-laden section, with Alex Kapranos citing "Enemy at the Gates" as thematic inspiration. Jonas Odell directs the Dadaist-style video, blending Monty Python-esque absurdity with Soviet visual tropes. Winning an Ivor Novello for Best Contemporary Song, it also tops Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2004 and ranks at number 100 in their 2009 All Time list. The music video is directed by Sophie Muller. Writer(s) : Joseph Goddard, Owen Clarke, Felix Martin, Al Doyle, Alexis Benjamin Taylor Publisher(s) : Goddard And Taylor Limited Featured on the 2004 album Franz Ferdinand
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 12 . Klaxons - It's Not Over Yet"It's Not Over Yet," a 2007 cover by Klaxons of Grace's dance-pop track featuring Paul Oakenfold, stands out with its rock, dance, and punk elements. As leaders of the British "new rave" movement, Klaxons bring a darker, more serious tone to the original optimistic, dance-oriented track, underpinned by a distinctive guitar riff. Writer(s) : Paul Mark Oakenfold, Robert Berkeley Davis, Michael Domi Wyzgowski Publisher(s) : Circa Music Ltd, Paul Oakenfold Music Featured on the 2007 album Myths of the Near Future
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 13 . The Raconteurs - Steady As She Goes"Steady As She Goes" by The Raconteurs, released in 2006, is the debut single from the supergroup formed by Jack White (The White Stripes) and Brendan Benson. With garage rock influences, the song features a catchy riff and lyrics about stability and change. The music video, directed by indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, shows the band playing in a minimalist setting. The music video is directed by Associates in Science. Writer(s) : Brendan Benson, Jack White Publisher(s) : Third String Tunes, Gladsad Music, Songs Of Universal Inc Featured on the 2006 album Broken Boy Soldiers
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 14 . The Flaming Lips - Fight Test"Fight Test" by The Flaming Lips, led by Wayne Coyne, released in 2002, is a psychedelic rock track known for philosophical lyrics exploring themes of regret, decision-making, and confrontation, with a catchy melody. Due to its similarity to Cat Stevens' "Father and Son," The Flaming Lips have to cede 75% of the royalties to Stevens. The music video is directed by Arni & Kinski. Writer(s) : Yusuf Islam, Wayne Micheal Coyne, Steven Gregory Drozd, David Fridmann, Michael Lee Ivins Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Lovely Sorts Of Death Music Featured on the 2002 album Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
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 15 . Interpol - C'mere"C'mere" by American alternative rock band Interpol, released in 2004, is a post-punk track. The band, consisting of Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler, Carlos Dengler, and Sam Fogarino, is known for dark atmospheres and introspective lyrics. "C'mere" addresses themes of desire and emotional frustration, praised for its intensity and musical depth. The music video is directed by Nima Nourizadeh. Writer(s) : Paul J Banks, Samuel J Fogarino, Daniel A Kessler, Carlos A Dengler Publisher(s) : Kobalt Music Services Ltd Featured on the 2004 album Antics
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 16 . Hot Chip - Over and OverNamed single of the year 2006 by British music magazine NME, "Over and Over" by Hot Chip, released in 2006, is an electro-pop song distinguished by its hypnotic rhythm and repetitive lyrics set against dynamic synths, guitars, and electronic beats. The track quickly becomes a dance floor hit, praised for its originality and energy. The music video is directed by Chris Grismer. Writer(s) : Felix Martin, Joseph Goddard, Alexis Benjamin Taylor Publisher(s) : Goddard And Taylor Limited, Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 2006 album The Warning
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 17 . Joe Goddard - GabrielJoe Goddard’s “Gabriel,” featuring Valentina’s hauntingly emotive vocals, debuts in the UK on July 31, 2011, as a digital download. Written by Joe Goddard, John Beck, and Valentina, the track showcases Goddard’s production finesse. Baptized an underground summer anthem, it receives heavy spins on BBC Radio 1, courtesy of Nick Grimshaw. Chart-wise, it ascends to No. 49 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 12 in Belgium (Flemish). The Gabriel EP spans “All I Know” and “Jump.” A surreal Utile Creative, Jazz Goddard-directed video surfaces on YouTube that August. Grand Theft Auto V immortalizes it on Soulwax FM. Goddard, Hot Chip co-founder and Greco-Roman label mastermind (think Disclosure, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs), is a nucleus of creative chemistry. Writer(s) : Joseph Goddard, Valentina Pappalardo, John Robert Beck Publisher(s) : Good Groove Songs Ltd, Goddard And Taylor Limited, Warner Chappell Music Publishing Limited Featured on the 2011 album Gabriel EP
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 18 . Sonic Youth - Bull In The HeatherReleased in 1994, "Bull In The Heather" is a perfect example of Sonic Youth's avant-garde approach to alternative rock. With Kim Gordon on lead vocals, the song stands out for Thurston Moore's dissonant guitars and unconventional structures. The song's title is reportedly inspired by the name of a racehorse. The music video is directed by Tamra Davis. Writer(s) : Steve Shelley, Kim Althea Gordon, Lee M Ranaldo, Thurston Joseph Moore Publisher(s) : Sonik Tooth Music Featured on the 1994 album Trash
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 19 . Two Door Cinema Club - What You KnowCapturing the moment when a couple realizes what's wrong and needs to move on, "What You Know" by Two Door Cinema Club, released in 2010, is an indie rock track with melodic guitars and a danceable rhythm. The Northern Irish band, comprising Alex Trimble, Sam Halliday, and Kevin Baird, quickly makes a name on the music scene with this catchy, energetic song. Writer(s) : Kevin Stephen Baird, Samuel Matthew Halliday, Alexander James Trimble Publisher(s) : Transgressive Publishing Ltd (Prs) Featured on the 2010 album Tourist History
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 20 . Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll"Heads Will Roll" by American band Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released in 2009, is an electro-rock track mixing synth-pop and post-punk elements. Known for dynamic performances and eclectic musical style, the band, comprising Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase, sees this song used in films like "Project X" (2012) and TV series such as "Glee." Writer(s) : Deborah Conway, Stephen Philip, Helen June Carter, Dorland Bray, Tyler Lee Bates Publisher(s) : Domestic Harmony Music Pty Ltd Featured on the 2009 album It’s Blitz!
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ABOUT INDIE ROCKThe Music of Indie RockIndie Rock stands out with its use of traditional rock instruments like electric guitars, bass, and drums. However, it frequently experiments with unconventional instruments like violins and accordions, creating rich, diverse sound textures. Indie Rock songs often feature catchy melodies and distinctive guitar riffs. Unlike mainstream rock, which typically follows a verse-chorus-verse structure, Indie Rock plays with freer, more experimental song structures. This flexibility allows for deeper exploration of themes and emotions through music. The lo-fi production aesthetic of Indie Rock is marked by intentionally raw, sometimes imperfect recording quality, giving a sense of closeness and authenticity. Many Indie Rock artists embrace a DIY ethic, often recording in home studios with minimal equipment and capturing tracks in a single take. The Words of Indie RockIndie Rock lyrics are frequently introspective and poetic, often deep and sometimes cryptic, covering a wide range of personal and social subjects. Common themes include: The Cultural Impact of Indie RockBy blending elements of alternative rock, punk, and pop, Indie Rock has paved the way for sub-genres like indie pop with its catchy songs, indie folk with its acoustic arrangements and poetic lyrics, and post-rock with its rich sound textures and extended compositions for immersive atmospheres. Indie Rock has also had a significant impact on fashion and visual arts. The associated style often features vintage clothing, skinny jeans, and band t-shirts, promoting a relaxed and unconventional look. The visual aesthetics of Indie Rock, with artistic album covers and creative music videos, have influenced many visual artists. Collaborations between musicians and visual artists have produced memorable works. Indie Rock has gained visibility through its use in films, TV series, and advertisements, helping introduce the genre to a broader audience. |
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