Kimbra, A-Trak, & Mark Foster - Warrior

Artist: Kimbra, A-Trak & Mark Foster Track: Warrior Album: Vows (Australian Tour/New Zealand Deluxe Edition) Year: 2011
I loved this track from the first time I heard it. The three rising artists were sponsored by Converse to collaborate and produce a fresh track for their "Three Artists, One Song" campaign. I must say they chose their artists well. Kimbra lends her beautiful, floaty vocals to the verses and meets with Mark Foster's high, fresh vocals in the chorus. I can definitely feel the sound of Foster the People coming through in the bouncy synths and crisp beats, especially in the bridge. I don't really know anything about A-Trak other than the fact he's remixed for several popular artists.  It's another one of those tracks that fills me with this funky energy and makes me want to take on the day full-stride. Hope it does the same for you! Click for lyrics, music video, & links (lots of links this time)!

Paul Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise

Artist: Paul Oakenfold ft. Shifty Shellshock Track: Starry Eyed Surprise Album: Bunkka Year: 2002
Remember this song?! I distinctly remember it playing in a Diet Coke commercial that they played in theaters before the previews. It was full of bubbles and people skating around in roller skates on a rooftop. I picture that ad every time I listen to this song. It popped up on my shuffle and I just had to feature it today out of nostalgia. 
This song just fills me with bubbly energy and I dare you to say it doesn't do the same for you. Sure, it sounds rather commerical, but sometimes I need some upbeat, dance pop. The lyrics are simple, yet fun and the beat is crowd-friendly. Just a great, feel-good track dripping in early 2000's that will never leave my music collection.
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!

Miami Horror - Holidays

Artist: Miami Horror ft. Alan Palomo

Track: Holidays

Album: Illumination

Year: 2010

Despite being in the fall months, this song has a distinctly retro summer feel. Alan Palomo from Neon Indian features his crsip vocals. I love the fun, disco sound and swirling synth beats. Like I said, it's a great summer song.

I actually like several of the other tracks on this album, so if you like this one, be sure to check out the rest of Illumination!

Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

LIGHTS - Siberia

Artist: LIGHTS
Track: Siberia
Album: Siberia
Year: 2011

LIGHTS's high, innocent vocals blend perfectly with a mix of distorted bass and heavy synthesized beats. Heavy emphasis on the distorted part. The chorus is extremely catchy and I found myself humming it after I heard this song for the first time.

Click for lyrics & link!

Little Dragon - Twice

Artist: Little Dragon
Track: Twice
Album: Little Dragon
Year: 2007

This is one of those songs that puts me in a slow, mellow mood and I just get lost in the song. One of those songs that if it pops up on random (especially if it's raining) I just have to stop everything and sink. I think it's absolutely beautiful.

Also, make sure to watch the music video (linked below). I've seen so many interpretations of it.

Click for lyrics, music video, & links!