The Temper Trap - Fader

Artist: The Temper Trap Track: Fader Album: Conditions Year: 2008
I'm surprised it has taken me this long to feature a song by The Temper Trap, because I absolutely LOVE The Temper Trap. I haven't come across a song by them that I didn't like, which made picking out this song very difficult. "Sweet Disposition" launched this band into popularity. I was excited to see the song finally get popular, but soon I couldn't get away from it. So, I decided to check out the rest of their album, and surprise surprise! I pretty much loved all of it. 
The song hooks me from the first few words of the first verse. The "whoo-hoo-hoo"s of the chorus are kind of infectious and may be considered by some to be generic and poppy, but whatever. I feel energetic from listening to it. I also love the lead's vocals, especially his falsetto. It's beautiful!
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Poets of the Fall - War

Artist: Poets of the Fall Track: War Album: Twilight Theater Year: 2010
I went through a big Poets of the Fall kick a few months ago and this song was the one that got me hooked on the band, so I thought it appropriate to feature this one. If you have ever played the game Alan Wake, you may recognize this song. It was featured there which is how I discovered this band.
I love Marko Saaresto's voice. It's so rich and strong and there's something about it that's just very different from most of the lead vocalists in my music collection. The song itself has a wonderful cinematic sound to it and lyrics are beautiful.
Also, make sure to check out more of their music because Poets of the Fall has a talent for excelling at different styles of music and it makes it hard to pin them down into a genre. There's probably something in their discography that will appeal to you, no matter what kind of music you like.
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

The National - Apartment Story

Artist: The National Track: Apartment Story Album: Boxer Year: 2007
As I'm posting this, Spotify is not working, so I hope the player starts working as soon as Spotify is up and running again.
I love The National and it's because of the atmosphere of their music. The vocals can be monotonous and the instrumental part can be repetitive, but that's what I love about it! Some people may say differently. "Apartment Story" is a good example of that. The the bass and drums create that repetitive instrumental backing that I mentioned and the vocals are deep and slow. For me, it's very calming. I can listen to this song over and over again. 
I also love the chorus. The line "tired and wired, we ruin too easy" really gets me for some reason. The words and the notes as well. Also, I love the second half of the song. "Stay inside our rosy minded fuzz" is a beautiful image to me. I can perfectly see what that moment feels like.
Can you tell I love this song? I don't think I've ever rambled this much on a post!
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy

Artist: Friendly Fires Track: Skeleton Boy Album: Friendly Fires Year: 2008
"Skeleton Boy" is one big cascading wave of synth beats, poppy melodies, and infectious vocals. It's got a kind of cosmic dance beat that makes you lose yourself in the song and dance away wherever you happen to be. Indie kids wishing to dance will have fun with this one.
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Gomez - How We Operate

Artist: Gomez

Track: How We Operate

Album: How We Operate

Year: 2006

The best way I can describe this song is mysterious and entrancing. I think you will agree with me after listening to just the first 30 seconds. Gomez has three strong vocalists and "How We Operate" features the vocals of Ben Ottewell. They're gritty and raw and I love the way they mix with the plucking guitars.

This album also features my other favorite by Gomez, "See The World". I had the hardest time deciding which one to feature today, but I finally decided on this one. It's just so entrancing! (And yes, I've already used that word, but it's the best one I can think of).

Click here for lyrics, music video & links!

One EskimO - Astronauts

Artist: One EskimO
Track: Astronauts
Album: One EskimO - EP
Year: 2009
Here's another one of those floaty tracks that I just love so much. One EskimO is an English band with a wonderful, refreshing sound. Their debut single "Kandi" has been getting a lot of attention, so I decided I should give a little love to my other favorite track of theirs, "Astronauts." The lead vocals are smooth and dreamy. Combine those with soft guitar chords, simple piano notes, and ambient electronics, and I'll pleasantly slipping into dreamland.  Another cool thing about this band is the fact that they created their own animated series for their music videos. Seriously. Go watch them. They're kind of adorable. Click here for lyrics, music video & lyrics!

TV On The Radio - DLZ

Artist: TV On The Radio
Track: DLZ
Album: Dear Science
Year: 2008
Some may recognize this track from the popular TV series Breaking Bad. It played in what became my favorite scene out of the entire series. The song had a lot to do with that. That being said, this song automatically makes you feel awesome whenever you listen to it. Especially when driving. From the almost primal beats to the slowly building vocals to finally trailing off with a haunting whistle. In between is a whole mess of percussion and voices that somehow manage to electrify the music. Click here for lyrics & link! 

POLIÇA - Wandering Star

Artist: POLIÇA
Track: Wandering Star
Album: Give You The Ghost
Year: 2012

This song feels like a spell to me: the kind where you just lose your grip on reality and spin around in circles. But, maybe that's just me. The vocals are tender with a haunting, "cathedral" effect. I especially love the drum beat. 

Make sure to watch the music video for this one! It's what really pulled me into the song. 

Click for lyrics, video, & links!