2010: Indie Rock's Year of the Cat

Whether you blame those 1970s Meow Mix ads, the 90s-era Jingle Cats albums or 2007's Keyboard Cat viral video, the masses have clearly decided that cats and music are a match made in heaven. But this year in particular saw a sudden explosion of feline love in the indie rock world -- spinning off of various other scenester obsessions like LOLcats and Hipster Kitties -- with cats adorning album covers and starring in music videos.

A dog may be a man's best friend, but cats are an indie rocker's BFF. Step aside wolves, bears and horses -- 2010 was indie rock's Year of the Cat.

So here's a salute to this year's Best in Show:

1. Snacks the Cat
Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino did for Snacks the Cat what Paris Hilton did for Tinkerbell. We were first introduced to Snacks this summer on the cover of the band's first album, 'Crazy for You,' which pictures the plump calico sitting in the ocean with the state of California carved into his backside. Since Snacks' debut, he has somehow mastered the world of social networking too, with a Facebook fan page, Tumblr, Twitter, you name it -- this seemingly adorable cat was everywhere, and often telling you how much he misses his owner or posting photos of himself napping.

2. The Klaxons' 'Surfing the Void' album cover
It appears that the novelty of cats never wears thin, and the more ridiculous an image is, the more "awwwws" it will induce. Case in point: the Klaxons' cover art for their latest record, 'Surfing the Void.' There was quite the confusion when we first saw the furry creature in an orange astronaut costume, but it was inevitably followed by mass adoration. Singer Jamie Reynolds' pet Orphee (the star of 'Surfing the Void') doesn't crave the same attention that Snacks does, but that image on the Klaxons' album will probably go down as one of year's meowiest moments.

3. Holy F---'s video for 'Red Lights'
Who says cats aren't badass drivers? Holy F--- released a video this year featuring not only an intense car chase between a cat and dog, but also shots of a cat-band rocking out on the drums, bass and keyboards. And trust us, millions of people can attest to the successful appeal of a cat jamming on an instrument. This band is no stranger to the world of feline devotion, though, they've also famously enlisted Cowboy Cat as the band's official mascot which graces much of the band's merchandise. Holy Feline!

Watch Holy F---'s Video for 'Red Lights'

4. Wavves' 'King of the Beach' album cover
California lo-fi rockers Wavves (feline partners in crime with Best Coast) released their album 'King of the Beach' this summer, and not surprisingly, their album cover also featured a cat on it. But this wasn't of the cute and cuddly variety. No, the animated cat gracing the cover of 'King of the Beach' is holding a joint, sporting some bling along with a hat with a marijuana leaf on it. Those familiar with the band probably saw this coming -- partying, smoking and cats have become their calling card, and if they were to ever select an official mascot, this cool cat is what it would look like.

5. Devo's Cat Listening Party
In June, legendary new-wave rockers Devo threw a listening party for their latest release, 'Something for Everybody' for 20 cats. Seriously. For nine whole hours, 20 cats were confined to a room listening to the new Devo record. The band admits that it was partially a joke making fun of pop culture, but the cats didn't seem to mind the music.

Watch Devo's Awesome Listening Party for 'Something for Everybody'
6. Ra Ra Riot's video for 'Boy'
Ra Ra Riot wins in the category for 'Most Cats in a Video' -- even if the cats are computer-generated clones of the four that were actually on set. Guitarist Milo Bonacci has said that cats were the "tame, domesticated version of the wild," adding that it mirrors just how indie rock is the tamer version of rock 'n' roll music: "It's the house-trained version."

Watch Ra Ra Riot's Video for 'Boy"
7. Dan Deacon, 'The Crystal Cat'
Dan Deacon's song and video for 'The Crystal Cat,' off his album 'Spiderman of the Rings,' gives you an idea of what cats might look like if a person was tripping on acid (we're guessing Wavves rather enjoyed this tripped-out cat concept, too). In the video, an animated crystal cat flies around in the background as one of many kaleidoscopic effects flashing frantically on screen.

Watch Dan Deacon's Video for 'The Crystal Cat'
8. Cap Pas Cap's video for 'Friends'
Taking a cue from Dan Deacon, Dublin noir-pop band Cap Pas Caps sing about making friends with a cat, while a Crystal Cat-like kitty frolics around a forest among mice and birds.

Watch Cap Pas Cap's Video for 'Friends'

9. Young Governor, 'Call Me When the Cat Dies'
Ben Cook (F---ed Up, the Bitters, Marvelous Darlings) is not one for lighthearted affairs, and that's clearly reflected on 'Call Me When the Cat Dies,' a song that's, well, pretty much self-explanatory. Not necessarily a pro-cat anthem, but still a great track that talks of cats. Now you know who to call when the cat dies.





10.Lady Gaga embraces Hello Kitty
She ain't indie, but c'mon, it also ain't a trend 'til Lady Gaga gets in on it. And so she covered herself entirely with a dress made of Hello Kittys.