1. “Luna” by Bombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club, like quite a few indie bands faced with today’s thirst for electronic music, dropped their twangy guitars outright in favor of electronic production for their latest record “So Long, See You Tomorrow.” But unlike many such bands, the subsequent effect here is absolutely wonderful and no better summarized than by the track “Luna.” Its opening lines, “I will bathe myself/ Then I’ll wear you for the night/ Colors fading, frayed at the sight,” cleverly serves as a statement regarding sexuality and spirituality. Its theme of longing is built via a beautiful interplay between male and female vocals (frontman Jack Steadman and featured artist Rae Morris) over a skittering beat, building to a tremendous crescendo as heavier bass and ethereal sounds are added to the mix.

The resultant aural effect is like being bathed in a moonbeam — and not merely a clever interplay of themes — making “Luna” the most infectiously joyful song of the year.

– Dieter Joubert, Senior Staff Writer