• Best of the year:

• 
  obvious
• 
  spazzy
• 
  ragged
• 
  beautiful
• 
  hypnotic
  

• Best of the decade:

• 
  balanced
• 
  literate
• 
  yes!
• 
  better
• 
  pioneer*

* – We know this choice is somewhat controversial, because people hate Ben Gibbard for no good reason. But we’re going to say it now: Without this album, you would not have the popular success of indie rock that you see today. “We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes” made it cool. At least cooler than Dashboard Confessional. Which as you might notice, is not on the list. Do you want us to put it on there? Or do you even want to remember “Screaming Infidelities”? Good. Death Cab’s album, beyond being a gateway drug for any college student, also has some pretty amazing songs on it. ‘Nuff said.

• Whoa, what is this?

  In our continuing effort to try new things, here’s our latest: Band coverage! This time, Paper Plane Pilot (Dustin Frelich) cheerily gets out his synth and makes us smile with breakbeats and sine waves. Want to see your band here? E-mail us or bug us on Twitter!

  
  

  Listen to them

  Q1: In 15 words or less, describe your sound: Electronic indie pop. Happy melancholy laced with introspective songwriting and catchy melodies.

  Q2: Name three influences that inspire you, with three words each on why they’re awesome:
  80s Music: Rad! Awesome! Cool!
  The Internet: Wisdom on demand
  Simplicity: Overcomplexity is tiring

  Q3: What’s a recent song you’ve been digging? Write ten words explaining why:
  Plastic Operator – Home 0207: Pulsing. Driving. Soothing. A muted answer to epic electronic hits.

  Q4: In 140 characters or less, how do you use social networking to get the word out: Social networks allow me to participate in conversations with other music lovers. The “rock star” paradigm is dying. We’re all just people.

  Q5: In 15 words or less, what’s next for you? I’m working on songs for a new album. Keep an ear out!source

• Heartwarming music story of the day: Director guy rolls his own Death Cab for Cutie video. It’s clever and fun to watch. Band sees it. Band likes it. It becomes the official video for the song. Now, watch how “Little Bribes” was made awesome by Ross Ching.source

• Ben Gibbard. Zooey Deschanel. Engaged. She’s “She” of She & Him (and a movie star). He’s the Death Cab dude. Really, is there a more hip, to-the-moment celebrity engagement than this one? We argue no. This may be the most engaging indie-famous couple since Juliana Hatfield and Evan Dando. source