1. Yeasayer “Tightrope” – I’m all about this band right now and was happy to write an article about their time in the studio for Consequence of Sound. It’s different from what we heard on their debut but it’s nice. It’s a simple and sweet tune, with West-African influenced drums, that was donated to the Red Hot charity for the album, Dark Was the Night. Get a copy and help their cause – everyone wins.

2. Talk Talk “It’s My Life (Remix)” – I believe this remix was released in the ‘80s. Although No Doubt did a justifiable cover of this song, it still doesn’t compete with this remix. It’s pretty much the same song but with a pumped mix that is dance floor ready.

3. Joy Division “Transmission” – This band, who is arguably the Beatles of post-punk, have influenced a wide range of artists, including Bono, who has stated in the past that there would be no U2 without Joy Division. This is a good sample of Joy Division’s work but it’s not their best, which is not saying a lot because so much is so good.

4. Pavement “Serpentine Pad” – Quirky antics, loud guitars, cha-cha-cha interstices? Nice. Corporate angst at its most fun.

5. Teddybears “Punkrocker (featuring Iggy Pop)” – I wish I cared enough to investigate this band further but I don’t have it in me, oddly enough. This song is one of those tunes you crank while driving on an endlessly open road, with the headlights off at night, using the moon and stars to guide you to oblivion just like Columbus.

6. Deastro “The Green Harbor” – I also wrote an article about this 22 year old from Detroit for Consequence of Sound, which was a unique opportunity to catch a talent on the rise. There are not many things more satisfying than discovering new music and I hope that you get to find this tune somewhere for your listening pleasure. This airy, indie-electronic pop (whew) is an example of what you can look forward to.

7. Led Zeppelin “Houses of the Holy” – Yeasayer’s Anand Wilder is pissed. Why’s he pissed? Because his band gets included with a lot of shitty indie bands who receive more positive reviews than they deserve. He said that bands like Led Zeppelin were bashed for putting out music that would be considered prodigious today. Very true and here’s an instance of what he was talking about.

8. Cut Copy “Out There On The Ice” – Sure, they aren’t that original when considering ‘80s pop and ‘90s house music but goddam, they’re good. This track was released on In Ghost Colours and it’s only a little gem amongst gems. This dance-star hit is festooned with a riding bassline, cheesy lyrics, and organ stabs – welcome to neue new wave.

9. Ministry “Burning Inside” – Heroin riddled Al Jourgensen and co. when they were at their pinnacle of creative zeal. It’s amazing that you can still plug this song into any stereo, crank it to 11, and can still feel the same burn you felt the first time, except on this go-round, you know the chorus. Set the world on fire.

10. The Horrors “Draw Japan” – OK, I had a case of the ethical blues while considering whether or not to include this song. It may seem that I’m on these guys’ dicks by posting a favorable review of their latest effort and including them on a previous top 10 but I can’t help it. This zombie rock tune was from their debut, Strange House. Pick up this album and their latest and write me in the morning.