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Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly. |
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 1 . 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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 2 . 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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 3 . Fat Les - VindalooReleased in 1998, "Vindaloo" by Fat Les, is a humorous song that becomes an unofficial anthem for the England football team during the 1998 World Cup. Fat Les, composed of Keith Allen, Alex James (Blur's bassist), and Damien Hirst, created this track to celebrate camaraderie and football passion. It parodies fan chants, incorporating elements of burlesque comedy, and its music video parodies The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony." The music video is directed by Roel Wouters. Writer(s) : Keith Howell Charles Allen, Steven Alexander James, Guy Adam Pratt Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Rock Music Co Ltd, Chrysalis Music Ltd
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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 . Fat Les - JerusalemFat Les’s "Jerusalem" reimagines the traditional English hymn, originally a poem by William Blake, with a satirical edge. Released in 2000 by the eclectic collective composed of Blur’s Alex James, artist Damien Hirst, and actor Keith Allen, this version retains the soaring, patriotic tone of the original, but is injected with the group’s irreverent humor. The song, often heard in sports arenas, particularly during cricket and rugby matches, also found its way into popular culture through its association with the 2012 London Olympics. While maintaining the solemnity of Blake's verses, Fat Les transforms "Jerusalem" into a boisterous, tongue-in-cheek anthem of British eccentricity. Writer(s) : Ben Hillier, Simon Anthony Boswell, Steven Alexander James, Keith Allen Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Rock Music Co Ltd, Domaine Public Oeuvre
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 6 . 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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 7 . 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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 8 . Hot Chip - One Life Stand"One Life Stand" by Hot Chip, released in 2010, is an electro-pop song exploring themes of commitment and fidelity. The British group, known for energetic performances and catchy melodies, blends house and soul elements. The track is produced by band members Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard, also involved in side projects like The 2 Bears. The music video is directed by Jim Jarmusch. Writer(s) : Joseph Goddard, Owen Clarke, Felix Martin, Al Doyle, Alexis Benjamin Taylor Publisher(s) : Goddard And Taylor Limited Featured on the 2010 album One Life Stand
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 9 . 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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 10 . 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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 11 . 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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 12 . 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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 13 . 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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 14 . Interpol - EvilReleased in 2004, "Evil" by American alternative rock band Interpol, is a standout track from their second album. The song is known for its catchy rhythm and cryptic lyrics. Its notable music video features a distressed puppet, enhancing its association with the early 2000s post-punk revival aesthetic. The music video is directed by Richard Ayoade. Writer(s) : Daniel A Kessler, Samuel J Fogarino, Paul Julian Banks, Carlos A Dengler Publisher(s) : Kobalt Music Services Ltd Featured on the 2004 album Antics
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 15 . 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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 16 . 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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 17 . Franz Ferdinand - Take Me OutPropelling the band to international fame and quickly becoming a modern rock classic, "Take Me Out" by Scottish band Franz Ferdinand, released in 2004, is an iconic post-punk revival track of the 2000s. Produced by Rich Costey, who has worked with Muse and The Mars Volta, the song features a catchy guitar riff and syncopated rhythms, distinguished by its mid-song tempo change and '70s influences. The music video is directed by Sophie Muller. Writer(s) : Nicholas John McCarthy Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb) Featured on the 2004 album Franz Ferdinand
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 18 . Interpol - Slow Hands"Slow Hands" by American band Interpol, released in 2004, is an energetic rock track with post-punk influences. Led by singer Paul Banks, the band is known for incisive guitar riffs and cryptic, open-to-interpretation lyrics, as often seen in Interpol's songs. The music video is directed by Henry Moore Selder. Writer(s) : Paul J Banks, Daniel A Kessler, Samuel J Fogarino, Carlos A Dengler Publisher(s) : Kobalt Music Services Ltd Featured on the 2004 album Antics
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 19 . Interpol - Obstacle 1"Obstacle 1" by Interpol, released in 2002, is an iconic post-punk revival track. Influenced by Joy Division and The Cure, the band is known for dark soundscapes and introspective lyrics, exemplified by lines like "I wish I could eat the salt off of your lost faded lips." The song's intensity and immersive atmosphere are heightened by a music video featuring a woman dancing before being electrocuted. The music video is directed by Daniel Levi. Writer(s) : Daniel Alexand Er Kessler, Carlos Andres Dengler, Samuel J Fogarino, Paul Julian Banks Publisher(s) : Kobalt Music Services Ltd Featured on the 2002 album Turn On The Bright Lights
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 20 . The Wannadies - You & Me SongReleased in 1994, "You & Me Song" by Swedish band The Wannadies, active since the late 1980s, is a pop-rock track that gains popularity after being featured in the soundtrack of "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Known for its optimistic lyrics and catchy chorus, the song is often used in contexts celebrating love and friendship. Writer(s) : Paer Anders Wiksten, Fredrik Goesta Schoenfeldt, Gunnar Bror Karlsson, Stefan Roland Schoenfeldt, Christina Asa Bergmark Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Music Network Publishing Ab Featured on the 1994 album Be A Girl
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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. |
ADJACENT GENRES
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31.09% / 2.04%
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