Rachel Goodman is one of our Tuesday Tracks writers, which means she listens to more songs than most. As is our tradition, she prepares a list of her favorite alt-pop and rock songs each December to share with the RIFF staff and with all of you.

This year, she’s had Maxïmo Park’s new album play on repeat. For the second consecutive year, Phoebe Bridgers has made the cut (c’mon, did you actually hear her cover/collab with Sir Paul McCartney?). The list is in no particular order, so don’t go picking any fights, but check out this mix of newer and more established acts. Yes, Paul McCartney makes this list, but he’s one of the only mainstream acts to do so.

At two hours and 12 minutes, this is one great Spotify playlist to add to your collection.

The War On Drugs with Lucius, “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” – I Don’t Live Here Anymore

Perhaps the greatest band I have ever seen live, The War On Drugs delivers the tightest musicianship. The guitars on this song are big and soaring with gorgeous melodies. Adam Granduciel’s vocals are warm and refreshing. Then add in the duo Lucius to the chorus… BAM! The most beautiful of harmonies. The song is Americana perfection. If you miss Tom Petty, you won’t be disappointed.

Maxïmo Park, “Why Must A Building Burn?” – Nature Always Wins

I loved Maxïmo Park since hearing their first album and seeing their first show in New York. At first, I wasn’t blown away by this song and missed the “old” Park, but then something changed. Paul Smith is a gifted songwriter and his lyrics always paint a picture. “Why Must A Building Burn” is haunting, yet the song is upbeat and has tight riffs. This line captures the song beautifully: “I saw a picture/ On my telly/ I was stunned to recognize your smiling face.”

Kings Of Leon, “Echoing” – When You See Yourself

Once upon a time, before “Sex On Fire,” Kings Of Leon did gritty and bluesy garage rock better than anyone. When I first heard “Echoing,” I thought this was from their early catalog. The Followill family has brought together droning, drumming, driving guitars and Caleb Followill’s signature vocals to create a song reminiscent of KOL in the early aughts.

Wet Leg, “Chaise Longue” – Chaise Longue

The lyrics are ridiculously cheeky: “Is your mother worried?/ Would you like us to assign someone to worry your mother?/ Excuse me (what?).” But it’s the big hooks and infectious guitar riff that will linger. The Isle of Wight duo has released just a few songs but already has some 3 million streams. Wet Leg is destined for being the next big thing. See the band before it blows up.

Black Country, New Road, “Track X” – For The First Time

The band has already been declared “the best band in the world” by Quietus. This septet from the U.K. is definitely changing it up. “Track X” is all about frenetic energy coming together. The song is a slightly off-kilter experimental masterpiece. With so many instruments like brass and strings and spoken-word vocals, you’ll need to listen a few times to appreciate everything it has to offer.

BC Camplight, “I’m Alright In The World” – I’m Alright In The World

The song title is taken from Brian Christinzio’s (aka BC Camplight) mantra to bring himself down emotionally. “I’m Alright In The World” is an uplifting, beautiful and poetic anthem. With light drumming and the warmest of keyboard chords, the song brings a sense of peacefulness. BC Camplight’s vocals are soft and bring a chill calmness that we all need some days! This is also my new mantra.

Courtney Barnett, “Rae Street” – Things Take Time, Take Time

Courtney Barnett has always struck me as Australia’s version of Kurt Vile. Her lyrics are witty and tell a story that reflects reality. The two collaborated on Lotta See Lice. It was hard to choose a favorite song from this album. Barnett, with Vagabon, also covered Sharon Van Etten’s “Don’t Do It” this year. “Rae Street” is an easy listen with simple guitar strumming and the day-to-day life in the lyrics. It’s like a refreshing, warm sunny day that you want more of … meandering and flowing aimlessly.

Sharon Van Etten and Big Red Machine, “A Crime” – epic Ten

For the 10-year anniversary of epic, a group of artists covered Sharon Van Etten’s songs. This new album, epic Ten, included artists she personally selected. So, it’s no surprise to see friends Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and producer of Sharon Van Etten’s Tramp, Aaron Dessner (The National)—who together are Big Red Machine—on “A Crime.” Harmonized falsettos seemingly go on, guitars reverberate and come to life. In the last 10 seconds, the song breaks down with guitars blasting and bringing the house down. It’s stupendous!

Rostam, “4Runner” – Changephobia

Oddly enough, I cannot stand Vampire Weekend. But, after hearing “4Runner” by former member Rostam Batmanglij, I was immersed. It offers dreamy vocals, driving guitars and a video that takes you on a road trip through the streets of L.A. Add some harmonicas and a bit of haziness to guitars, and you have the perfect driving song.

For what it’s worth, Rostam’s brother Zal makes some of my favorite indie films.

Cannons, “Bad Dream,” Bad Dream

L.A.’s Cannons create a world of neon and shimmery ’80s dream-pop. Similar to Rostam’s “4Runner,” this song evokes the imagery from the film Drive. Hands glide over keyboards smoothly as the song eventually creates a familiar hypnotic beat. It’s light, ethereal and feels like you’re in a dream.

Makthaverskan, “This Time” – För Allting

The ’80s post-punk/darkwave is here to stay. This song has loud, droning and swirling guitars, a drum machine and haunting vocals. Blend the world of Siouxsie Sioux with the howling vocals of Kate Bush and you get Makthaverskan, an amazing band from Sweden. “This Time” is danceable, dark and brooding.

It’s a bit scary when you read the Pixies are regaining popularity thanks to TikTok. Then you get a cover, which usually doesn’t live up to the original. But Zimbabwe-born, Australian-based singer-songwriter and rapper Tkay Maidza has made “Where Is My Mind?” feel new. It’s sludgy and has cool beats, yet retains the signature harmony. With a fusion of hip-hop beats and synths, and dreamy and shimmery vocals, Maidza has given the song a fresh take that’s worth a listen!

Pearl Charles, “Only For Tonight” – Magic Mirror

Have you missed ABBA as much as me? The disco-pop world is making a return with Pearl Charles. The song is like going back in time to a disco wonderland. Charles invokes a similar vocal sound. She’s a sassy dancing queen and brings a catchy chorus. Who knew disco could sound so great in 2021?

Minneapolis trio Bad Bad Hats released this pop gem in September and it’s still a song I just love hearing over and over. It has infectious hooks and catchy lyrics. “Walkman” is indie-pop fun with jangly guitars and tight harmonies that bring out the happiness.

San Francisco songwriter Glenn Donaldson is the man behind The Reds, Pinks and Purples. “Uncommon Weather” is a perfect pop song with warm melodies and great lyrics. But like so many, it’s far too short and over before it begins. If you like The Trash Can Sinatras, Gene or The Smiths, you will love this album. (P.S.: He’s local; look for his shows around San Francisco).

Jason Collett and Andy Shauf, “Crab Walking Home In The Rain” – Best Of

Indie folk artist Andy Shauf and indie-rock artist Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene came together for this brilliant song. It’s melancholic and folky, yet still uplifting, with jangly guitars, an injection of life from a piano and some clarinet to build out the sound. But it’s Collett’s warm and thoughtful vocals set to an infectious melody that stands out.

In Heaven is an album about death and grieving. When I read about this song being dedicated to Timothy Showalter’s cat, I couldn’t help but be moved. Showalter, the artist behind Strand Of Oaks, wrote this song about a version of heaven where Jimi Hendrix and his cat, Stan, are together. Guitars pierce through the ether and the song builds as it moves along. It’s a perfect tribute, though heartbreaking.

Sea Wolf (L.A. singer-songwriter Alex Brown Church) went through a divorce, released an album in a pandemic and then went back to the album for more. He puts us all to shame. Sea Wolf changed it up on “Witchknife” with hip-hop-inspired percussion. But like all Sea Wolf songs, Church brings his vulnerability to the song in his lyrics. And his warm vocals bring soothing to the soul.

Japanese Breakfast, “Be Sweet” – Jubilee

Japanese Breakfast delivers dream-pop better than anyone. Michelle Zauner’s vocals are sugary sweet and fit naturally with the lyrics. The song has the danceable light pop of the ’80s, mixed in with the ethereal dreaminess of ’90s indie-pop in the vein of The Sundays. If the song reminds you a bit of Wild Nothing’s music, that’s because Jack Tatum cowrote the song with Zauner.

Adult Books, “Holiday” – Grecian Urn

“Holiday” is moody, dark and invokes the gloominess of The Cure with the synths of New Order. Not exactly a holiday song. Still, it’s dreamy, slightly fuzzy and plenty danceable, making it a great track to play when you need to escape. The hooks are ridiculously catchy. L.A.’s Adult Books are bringing a fresh take to post-punk.

Sam Gellaitry, “Duo” – IV

Scotland’s Sam Gellaitry initially started as a producer. This is the first song of his on where he sings. He fuses funky guitars with sleek synths and disco beats. “Duo” could easily be heard in the French house clubs. The influences of Daft Punk and LCD Soundsystem shine through brightly and it’s not a bad thing at all.

Ladyhawke, “Mixed Emotions” – Time Flies

It’s been five years since Ladyhawke has released any new material. That’s far too long, and all too appropriate to name her album Time Flies. The song was co-written by Jono Sloan and Nick Littlemore of Empire of the Sun. Sloan’s bass playing is funky and cool but it’s the sweet riffs from Littlemore and Ladyhawke that really shine through. Ladyhawke continues to bring her edginess and grit to her signature electro sound.

The Goon Sax, “In The Stone” – Mirror II

Remember The Go-Betweens from Australia? Well, the son of Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens is behind this brooding coldwave number. The guitar playing is sludgy and shoegazey, with tight riffs. But, there’s no denying that the vocals from Riley Jones sweeten the song up. The blend of sugary-sweet singing with Louis Forster’s more raw, haunting vocals create this beautiful melody. It’s a post-punk gem.

Mogwai, “Ritchie Sacramento” – As The Love Continues

Scotland’s Mogwai could school most bands on how to create dark, atmospheric music. The band, which eschews labels, just continues to do what it does best. “Ritchie Sacramento” is loud, beyond fuzzy and ambient. The guitars amplify and distort across the walls. Then you add in the melodic, lush vocals of Stuart Braithwaite between a wall of sound and shimmering guitars, and it creates perfection.

The lyrics were inspired by a story by Bob Nastanovich (Pavement, Silver Jews) about his friend and bandmate David Berman, who passed away far too young in 2019.

Bachelor, “Stay In The Car” – Doomin’ Sun

Bachelor is the new collaboration from friends Jay Som (Melina Duterte) and Palehound’s Ellen Kempner. The song features blistering, searing guitars that come right at you. The melodies are sweet and those guitars never stop blasting. This song is all about the guitar riffs, is what I’m trying to say. If you like The Breeders, be sure check this out.

Cola Boyy with The Avalanches, “Don’t Forget Your Neighborhood” – Prosthetic Boombox

While the song is quite awesome, this video is everything else; fun, meaningful and most importantly, memorable. Its charm is the interactions between Cola Boyy and the others. But when The Avalanches ask, “What have you been smoking today, man?” it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious. The song is a soulful blend of electronic funk. Add in some French disco, a jazzy groove and the most uplifting chorus ever, and you’ve got a song about community.

Lord Huron, “Mine Forever” – Long Lost

I feel like I have been transported to ’60s Los Angeles each time I hear this. The song is atmospheric, psychedelic and has a tinge of twang. Lord Huron infused spacey sounds with rockabilly and actually made it work. Throw in some Beach Boys’ surf rock, the harmonies from the psychedelic ’60s Byrds or CSNY, and you come out with a song filled with infectious hooks. This shouldn’t work, but it does!

Hovvdy, “Blindsided” – True Love

The melodic ballad “Blindsided” has a light and folky sound. The piano and guitars create a lush melody. And the hauntingly beautiful lyrics are picture-perfect. The Austin band managed to combine nostalgia and happiness together neatly.

Angel Du$t, “Never Ending Game (Panda Bear Remix)” – Bigger House

What happens when Angel Du$t hands one of their songs over to Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) of Animal Collective? You get something completely different from the original version. Panda Bear’s version is trippy and psychedelic. Guitars and keys glide in and out of the song seamlessly. The vocals are spacey and meandering and give us a chorus with the catchiest of hooks.

Geese, “Low Era” – Projector

Brooklyn-based Geese were just a bunch of teenagers who formed a band for fun. With prospects of college looming, they released a track and—boom—they’re suddenly getting rave reviews. On “Low Era,” they have channeled their inner Ty Segall. Both psychedelic and retro funk, the song has a groove that just doesn’t quit.

Wavves, “Sinking Feeling” – Hideaway

Wavves are back and they have evolved a bit from their early heavier garage rock sound. But Wavves still don’t disappoint with their tight bass lines and sweet riffs. There are still cool licks for that signature surf rock sound, too. The guitars are infectious and the lyrics ridiculously catchy.

Sleater-Kinney, “Worry With You” – Path of Wellness

It’s only fitting for my list to end with Sleater-Kinney, riot grrrls from the ’90s. These women still kick ass. Sleater-Kinney has perfected guitar rock and has some ridiculous riffs. Additionally, the melodies of Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker are everything as they sing together on the chorus. The song is bouncy, engaging and will have you singing along from the first play.

What’d you think? Did you love the Paul McCartney and Phoebe Bridgers tune? What did I miss? Let me know in the comments.

Follow writer Rachel Goodman at Twitter.com/xneverwherex and Instagram.com/xneverwherex.