The only thing better than a great indie track, is a great indie track with a great indie video. We check out huge amount of music each year, and videos are often part of that process. There have been many powerful and unique videos over the year, including one you can't watch on a tv, a brand new concept and sign of the digital times. It has been difficult to choose just ten, and some beauties have been left out, Grinderman and The Besnard Lakes to name two. Here's to an awesome 2010 in indie music as we look forward to what 2011 has to offer.

Here are ten of the best from the last twelve months.

1. We Used To Wait

Arcade Fire (CAN)

From the album, 'The Suburbs', Merge

An interactive film by Chris Milk, clip version.

Without a doubt the best clip for 2010 is this collaboration between film-maker Chris Milk, Google Chrome and Arcade Fire. A work of art in the truest sense, it is utterly original. Enter your childhood address or suburb, and through Google Earth imagery your street becomes part of the video. Memories come flooding back giving emotional attachment to the film in a way no other medium has ever done before in this way. This project could all sound like some art-wank piece seen in a modern gallery, 'video art', but it really is a watershed. Processor intensive, it may crash a couple of times before it runs smoothly, but keep trying, it is well worth it. The track used is perfect in its role, creating the right tension and feeling to carry you through this five minute experience. Try it out yourself below.  

 

Create your unique interactive version using Google Chrome or Safari 

www.thewildernessdowntown.com

2. The Suburbs

Arcade Fire (CAN)

From the album, 'The Suburbs', Merge

Directed by Spike Jonze, a look at the suburbs from a very different perspective. Neat houses in rows, trimmed lawns, convenience stores, helicopter gunships and tanks. It's a scary scene made more so due to the familiarity of the scene, it's where many of us grew up, and is the running theme through the album. It is a bookend to our number one video, 'We Used To Wait'. 

3. Splitting The Atom

Massive Attack (ENG)

From the album, 'Heligoland', Virgin

Directed by Edouard Salier, this video is an assault on the senses. With Massive Attack's deep dark soundtrack we take a fly-by through a mega-city in the midst of a battle, snap frozen as buildings shatter. As with the following video, 'Atlas Air', the power of the technology now available is giving film-makers like Edouard Salier something unique to create their beautiful work with. 

 

4. Atlas Air

Massive Attack (ENG)

From the album, 'Heligoland',  Virgin

Directed by Edouard Salier. A giant mutant killer rabbit tears through a monochrome war zone. This is the second part to the 'Splitting The Atom' video, but while retaining the same feel and visual style, is executed in a totally different way. The use of music and visuals working together is beautifully illustrated at 3:43 when the music kicks up a notch and an airport terminal lights up like a massive car stereo. It's brilliant.  

5. Meet Me In The Basement

Broken Social Scene (CAN)

From the album, 'Forgiveness Rock Record', Arts & Crafts.

Response to G20 Summit in Toronto, June 2010. Made by fan and used by BSS. A rapid barrage of pop culture images, it compliments the fast pace and energy of this stomper instrumental BSS track. 

6. Let's Get Out Of Here

Les Savy Fav (USA)

From the album, 'Root For Ruin', Frenchkiss

Clever use of projection to create this clip, one continuous shot. 

Directed by Luke Harris, website here

7. Slow

Twin Shadow (USA)

From the album, 'Forget', Terrible

Extremely cheesy and strange is one way to describe this one. A great song by Twin Shadow, this video is tongue in cheek with its wood panels and awkwardness. Directed by Alex Markman.  

8. Night Air

Jamie Woon (ENG)

From 12" single, 'Night Air', Candent Songs

Beautifully lit and shot, we follow Jamie through the woods at night, bugs about and mist swirling. It feels a bit like a scene from HBO series True Blood. Woon's haunting vocals are captured brilliantly.

9. Limit To Your Love (Feist Cover)

James Blake (ENG)

From the forthcoming album, 'Album', Atlas/A & M.  

Directed and shot by Martin De Thurah. Begins very simply visually and musically, then takes different course over the remainder of the track. As it goes on it gets more complex, and the video captures it all.

10. When I'm With You

Best Coast (USA)

From the single, 'When I'm With You', Black Iris. 

Directed by Pete Ohs. This is a fun romp to suit the music perfectly. Blue Californian sky, palm trees, and a familiar looking clown. 

Check out last year's Top30 Videos here