The Spinto Band

Miss-match clash, The Spinto Band is as wacky and unconventional as indie-pop can possibly be!  Their latest album 'Moonwink' breezes swiftly through such fast chorus, that you'd swear that they are on an endless sugar rush with no crash that manipulates the essence of their album.  These guys have actually been around since 97, yet still remain modestly underground.  These days there is a wide variety of diversity among indie music bands.  In all honestly despite the fact that I fall for many indie artists quickly I do have to admit that finding an artist that is truly eccentric can be difficult.  The Spinto Band is definitely uncanny and with childish talents that by far sets them apart from other artists.   Their music is filled with high energy which perfectly accents those dull and tiresome morning drives to work or school.  So skip the routine cup of coffee, and listen to a few of Spinto's tracks, and let their music inject your ears with natural caffeination!

Beach House

Complete mellow ambience at its core. This dream pop duo, Beach House, make music that soothes the nerves and eases the soul.  Their self-titled album from 06 as well as their latest album, 'Devotion' both take you on a smooth flight through serene rifts that are self-possessed and eerie.  They are the perfect band that can suit our lovesick intentions at times.  Their cool and collected sound is infused with organ, harp, and solemn drum pulses that can even penetrate the cold-hearted with warmth and spirit.  I do have to admit that you may have to be in a docile sleepy mood to fully appreciate the somber aura of their music.  Singles such as 'Apple Orchard, Wedding Bells, and Use To Be' are compositions that in my opinion are their most beautiful.  My best advice is to play their album right before bed and let your heavy lids succumb to their graceful ballads and let them aid you on your nightly journey to dreamland...

Little Joy.

Okay, so I am completely and utterly obsessed with this Los Angeles based band, Little Joy.  It has been a long while since I found an album that I can listen to repeatedly and still not be over it.  Little Joy, is literally the little dash of joy brought to my day when I pop their CD into my car.  Everything is charming about this band, from their homemade organic sound, to the sincerity each song brings.  What is most impressive about their self-titled album is the distinct diversity of each single and how each song sounds different, yet meshes well.  Despite there being talented artists out their who are skilled with arranging elaborate sounding music, sometime I appreciate music that is simple, basic, and crisp.  So embrace the Little Joy we have left in our hectic lives, and loosen up.

Of Montreal!

Okay, so who said insanity isn't a perfect element in creating decent music. Of Montreal is not insane, but their electronic funk-pop is insanely good!  Have you ever heard a band, and thought to yourself "What the heck were they ON?!"  Well these guys are the epitome of a psychedelic trip.  Lets, not deny that fact that this band is sort of an oddball in its own nature.  Their style is most definitely sort of fruity, and can be described as an interbreed of 70s glam rock and the village people.  Their kookiness perfectly accents their latest album, Skeletal Lamping, where you'll here experimental beats and catchy melodies that you can't help but sing along to. So, if you want to enter the land of psychedelia and need the perfect tracks that accentuate and intensify your 'trip' you just cannot go wrong with these guys.  Heck, just listening to them is a trip in itself, so skip the acid and save a few brain cells! :)

FLEET FOXES!

Pure...pure...pure harmonic euphoria. Over the last year Fleet Foxes, have definitely slipped into mainstream waters. Their sudden slippage is though quite well deserved hence being #11 on Rolling Stones list of top albums of the year. Their self titled album is complete bliss and whisking through symphonic cappella-type ambiance. Their classic rock-folk aesthetic can be familiarized with lyrical descriptions of the grace and admiration of rural nature. That may sound super wordy, but describing the encompassed talents of these guys is almost impossible because no words can do them justice. 'White Winter Hymnal, Blue Ridge Mountains, and He Doesn't Know Why' are intimate moments within their angelic collection of song on their latest album. Fleet Foxes=Poetry. End of story.

Lyyke Li

Music that is sophisticated and classy is not only chic, but sexy. Lykke Li has a very distinct and high pitched feminine voice that is sort of childish yet hypnotizing and sensual. This Swedish singer songwriter is definitely an indie-popper to watch out for because of her multifaceted talents. Her latest album, 'Youth Novels' is a functional clash of electro pop and soul. Singles from her album such as "I'm Good, I'm Gone, Little Bit, and Breaking It Up" are all uniquely provocative and alluring. Many artist these days rely on instruments to devise melodies for their music, while Lykke uses her own voice to build rifts that climax to pop-timistic brilliance. Check out her buzz-worthy sound that cannot fully be labeled into specific genre. It will surely leave a lasting sting.

The Mae Shi

Run..Run..Run to your grave... The Mae Shi is a band I would like to call loud and obnoxious but certainly in a positive way. Their use of simple words and lines through-out their latest album "HLLLYH" is smart and amusing. This synthpop band is truly one of those artists that can be labeled as 'out there' because they really are just bizarre, yet still a joy to listen to. Listen to their single "Run to Your Grave" and you will easily understand their whole nonchalant boy-power vibe. Yes, I did say boy power, it seems most appropriate! hah

One For the Team!

If you haven't noticed by now, I am a fan of bands that blend female and male vocals. I think the whole guy-o-gal combo gives indie music so much more style and character. One For the Team, unlike many bands with coed vocal, they ensemble together vocally as one, without solos. Their cheery indie-pop is charming and uplifting and kinda flirts with the listener. They put up a very youthful and quirky front with the music to back it up. One For the Team shows the perfect example of a small-town indie-pop band blossoming into semi-mainstream artist. Their latest album, 'Build It Up' has memorable singles such as 'Apples, Best Supporting Actor, and Build it Up.' They may not be the most original artist, but they are pleasantly quaint and you can't go wrong with that!

Margot & The Nuclear So and So's

Yes, it is that time of year again... Christmas is just around the corner and despite the stereotypical warm and joyous feelings the holidays should bring lets fact the facts, it can be a very depressing time of year for many.  Heck, even suicide rates are highest during the holiday season.  In my opinion the best form of therapy is MUSIC.  I believe that people are not only allowed, but entitled to have moments where they can socially withdraw themselves from reality and sulk in the midst of their anguish.  Margot & the Nuclear So and So's melancholy indie folk provides the perfect somber sound to aid our weathered spirits.  Their latest albums Daytrotter Session EP, Not Animal, and Animal despite their criticisms, to me all have the perfect balance of crafty lyrics and deep hooks that are mesmerizing and therapeutic.  So, if your feeling blue this holiday season I promise this band is not only mood appropriate, but could possibly and hypothetically fill the holes in your heart.  At least temporarily.