Best of 2011 in IPod Downloads

My 2011 work, workout and traffic soundtrack:

1. Rihanna: So many of her songs were rated five stars on my iPod this year, but I could not get enough of Only Girl. The ultimate list of boyfriend demands, how could I not love this?

2. We No Speak Americano kept me jamming away whether it was during a cycling session or typing away at some code, a blog or on Twitter. This song was released in 2010 by Yolanda Be Cool who sampled Tu Vuò Fà L'Americano by Renato Carosone, a 1950s Italian vocalist.

3. Muse's Uprising hits me with the perfect workout motivation and who doesn't need a little motivational soundtrack while working out?

4. Lo Comandas by Banda de Turistas, a Spanish song I downloaded from a Nacional Records compilation. This little nugget came along with a number of other favorites like La Momia Negra and Tonino Carotone's Amar y Vivir (love this one too).

5. Sexy Dancer, a funky dance beat by Bob Sinclair, the girliest on the list and I love it for revving up-to in front of the mirror, combing my long hair, Travolta style.

6. Epoca is by Gotan Project, a band based in Paris that mixes Latin jazz (aka bossa nova), tango and electronica. Their music is awesome.