Top Indie Rock Songs of 2009

While indie rock used to mean a band was too small and underground to garner a mainstream following, in recent years the genre has moved more and more into the spotlight, making this year's top indie rock songs recognizable to many listeners. This is especially evident as many indie darlings were featured on the major motion picture and Twilight sequel 'New Moon.' From Tegan and Sara to Death Cab for Cutie and beyond, read on to discover the Top Indie Rock Songs of 2009, as determined by AOL Radio listeners.

10) Tegan and Sara: 'Hell'

The twin sister duo of Tegan and Sara released 'Hell' in early October 2009 off their album 'Sainthood.' On the band's website Tegan explained, "I wrote the single, 'Hell,' about my neighborhood in Vancouver." Also adding that "The song was a clever metaphor for my unrequited feelings, for a girl, not drugs."

9) Anya Marina: 'Satellite Heart'

Named one of the "Best Unsigned" acts by San Diego CityBeat back in '05, Marina soon after picked up recognition, her songs being featured on 'Grey's Anatomy' and most recently 'Gossip Girl.' 'Satellite,' written especially for the soundtrack, is in the scene where Edward is driving Bella home.

8) Grizzly Bear: 'Two Weeks'

The song 'Two Weeks' is the first single from the Brooklyn-based indie rock band's third studio album, 'Veckatimest.' The song was released as a single on June 1, 2009. A fan-made music video that featured cardboard cut-out animation for the song received much viral buzz in 2009 and took the creator several months to complete.

7) Lykke Li: 'Possibility'

Lykke Li released her first album, 'Youth Novels' in 2008 and continued touring in 2009 to much critical acclaim. When asked to contribute to the New Moon soundtrack in 2009, she was unsure of what to write about until she watched a screener of the movie. Her song 'Possibility' -- with haunting soft piano melody and humming -- plays during a time-passage sequence when heroine Bella thinks about her relationship with Edward.

6) Fink: 'Sort of Revolution'

'Sort of Revolution' is the title track off of Fink's same-titled fourth studio album. The track itself uses some digital dub effects, yet leaving Fink's vocal track soft and clear.

5) The xx: 'Islands'

The xx released 'Islands' as a single on October 26, 2009 off their debut album. The track features alternating girl-boy vocals of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim over Sims's prominent bass licks.

4) Matt & Kim: 'Daylight'

The music video for this top indie song has gained much popularity on YouTube, reaching over 2 million views in less than a year. The video shows the duo playing the song 'Daylight' in various crowded spaces. The song was also the only non-hip-hop song featured on the game 'NBA Live 10.'

3) Death Cab for Cutie: 'Meet Me on the Equinox'

The song was released as the first single on the soundtrack for 'New Moon.' Singer Ben Gibbard told MTV that "The song at its core is just about meeting another halfway, because life is very short, because there's only a brief period of time to really connect with people, and that it's important to recognize that."

2) Sea Wolf: 'The Violet Hour'

Sea Wolf is the project of Los Angeles musician Alex Brown Church, and composed of a rotating cast of musicians. The band was asked to include the song 'The Violet Hour' in 'New Moon,' appearing in the film during Bella's birthday scene.

1) Phoenix: '1901'

French alt rock band Phoenix featured '1901' as their lead single off their fourth studio album, 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.' On Feb. 23 the band invited fans to download the song off their website for free, and suddenly they were in the limelight again. The tune -- with erratic guitar runs and a powerful chorus -- received an overwhelming positive response. '1901' has been included on 'Gossip Girl, 'Melrose Place' and the commercial for the 2010 Cadillac RX . 'Wolfgang Amadeu Phoenix' was even nominated for a 2010 Grammy Award.