Indie30 is set to return for our 4th year on January 30 with another dose of the latest independent music news, reviews, features and tracks while our signature feature, the Top30 chart returns Monday, February 13.

2012 is already shaping up as yet another stellar year for new music so check in regularly and grab your music fix.

For our final act of 2011, we bring you the 100 tracks that made the most lasting impression on our musical souls this year. Each unashamedly catchy, we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Every track is available for download and/or stream through youtube. Many of the tracks are accompanied by official music videos or live performances. The list this year counts down to 1 rather than in past years where we have featured the top of the chart first.

A big thank you to each and every artist we have featured on our site this year. Because of your undoubted abilities and determined artistic independence, you illuminate the lives of those of us fortunate enough to come across your endeavours. And thanks also goes to our regular readers and visitors. You make the sometimes tedious task of making the content come to life worthwhile. Have a great holiday season and we look forward to doing it all again in 2012.

Here's some words about the Top Five and for the entire list click on the link above or here.

5. County Line

Cass McCombs (USA)

From the album, 'Wit's End', Domino

Download here

Cass McCombs Label Page

2011 has been a prolific year for the enigmatically talented Cass McCombs with two albums released during the year. The exquisitely mournful, yet hauntingly beautiful, it is perhaps the best thing McCombs has done, capturing the essence of his melancholic disposition. 

Official Video

4. Green Aisles

Real Estate (USA)

From the album, 'Days', Domino.

Download here

Live on Fader TV

3. Psychic Driving

Soft Metals (USA)

From the album, 'Soft Metals', Captured Tracks.

Download here

Soft Metals Soundcloud

2011 was a breakout year for the Portland electronic duo Soft Metals and this absolute ripper is the lead single from their self titled debut. A pulsating synth driven delight with an inexorable build up that rarely lets you go. Fantastic effects and a great vocal. 

Audio Only

2. Hauntin' Me

Keep Shelly In Athens (GRE)

From the single, 'Hauntin' Me', Transparent. 

Download here

Keep Shelly In Athens myspace

Who on earth could get away with producing a track that virtually apes a Metallica intro, combines it with dirty sax and then turns it into piece of Balearic bliss, albeit with a dark side. Only the mysterious Grecian duo and one of the most blogged acts of 2011, Keep Shelly In Athens, that's who. Undoubtedly, their best track among the two EP's and singles they've released in the past 12 months.

Official Video

1. Believer

John Maus (USA)

From the album, 'We Must Become The Pitiless Censors of Ourselves', Upset The Rhythm.

Download here

John Maus Label Page

The modern day wall of sound from our much loved cerebral pop maestro. John Maus consistently pushes the boundaries of pop to the point of nearly overdosing us on the stuff we love but know is not good for us. With 'Believer' he takes us to the very edge of the existential elements of pop music by giving, as always, every ounce of his being. 

Official Video