The Decemberists "The Sporting Life" (2005)

The Decemberists are a band you either love or hate. The pseudo-intellectual, arty pretensions that turn some purists off make them demi-gods to others. Picaresque is a very listenable album (as is much of their output since their debut in 2002), and they are a very interesting live act. Plus, the average IQ of a Decemberists show crowd may be the highest in rock (the silly promo shot in the video notwithstanding; it shows they don't take themselves too seriously).

Metric "Sick Muse" (2009)

Here is a band who are doing it the right way...building a core audience by consistently putting out good music & buzz worthy videos. They remind me a bit of Garbage. It helps that lead singer Emily Haines is easy on the eyes.

Real Estate "Beach Comber" (2009)

Mellow, jangly guitar laden debut from this New Jersey quartet. A simple guitar hook that sounds instantly familiar, though like nothing you've probably heard before.

Atlas Sound "Shelia" (2009)

The lyrics are almost as creepy as the video image, but the melody will stick in your head after repeated listenings. Except the middle, where it slows down and makes you feel like killing yourself. Well, not quite, but it does create an odd contrast of moods within the song.

The Besnard Lakes "Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent Pt 1 & 2" (2010)

The Canadian music scene has really exploded in the past few years. This art rock opus from the Montreal collective is long, but thoroughly engaging.

The Flaming Lips "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" (1999)

Stepping back pre-millenium, the Oklahoma trip rockers put out this mellow-dramatic masterpiece on their great "Soft Bulletin" CD.

Sufjan Stevens "Chicago" (2008)

For some reason, this song reminds me of that old "I'd Like To Teach The World" Coke commercial from the early '70's. Arty and melodic, if not the socially-relevant anthem it sounds like it should be.

The Morning Benders "Excuses" (2010) & "Boarded Doors" (2008)

The Benders are a talented indie band from Berkely CA who I believe are in for much bigger things. "Excuses" is a great, hummable song, while "Doors" highlights the irony of relationships i.e. oftentimes, the only ones that are available to you are the ones you may not want.

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings "I Learned the Hard Way" (2010)

Not modern rock, per se, but modern soul. Good to see that in a world of mindless hip/hop, with every song "featuring" this or that unknown non-talent, that there is some classic, melodic soul still being made. Now, when are the brothas going to quit rapping and start getting back to the basics, a la the Temptations, Stylistics, Chi-lites, Four Tops, Spinners. Hell, even Parliament/Funkadelic.

Radiohead In Rainbows Disc 2 Outtake "Lost Flowers" (2007)

The best(and sometimes most frustrating)thing about being a Radiohead fan is that sometimes their best stuff doesn't even make their "official" releases. "Lost Flowers" was from an In Rainbows bonus CD originally available only from their website. The first video is a Thom Yorke solo version, followed by the CD track. The fact that you can barely tell the live from the CD version speaks of Yorke's enormous talent.

XTC "The Wheel And The Maypole" (2000)

Great later period stuff from the legends of melodic pop. Andy, can we get one more album out of you guys, by chance?

Stars "Fixed" (2010)

The first single from the Canadian band's recently released CD. Not groundbreaking stuff, but catchy nonetheless.

She And Him "Into The Sun" (2010)

Another simple yet tuneful track, with a retro feel, from this American indie/folk band. Has yet to chart in the US, but did recently enter the lower ends of the French pop chart.

The Postal Service "Such Great Heights" (2003)

One of the best singles of the 2000's, which surprisingly (or given the state of radio, perhaps not surprising) did not chart in the US or UK. Which further points out the irrelevancy of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The world is still awaiting TPS's follow up LP, and apparently, they're still promising one.

Revolver "Belulalow" (2009)

This is a French band (not to be confused with the early '90's English band of the same name, or the Beatles album). Simple but engrossing pop. Embedding disabled, but just click on the link.

Blonde Redhead "Here Sometimes" (2010)

A new track from the American based trio with international talents. Mellow & dream inducing.

Arcade Fire "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" (2004)

One of the most heralded albums of the 2000's was AF's Funeral, from which this is the opening track. Well worth the purchase; excellent "ensemble" indie rock from Montreal.

Midlake "Roscoe" (2006) & "Acts of Man (2009)

Midlake is a Texas band with a distinctive sound. They were formed in 1999.

"Driftwood" - Travis (2001)

Travis, from the UK, was one of the best bands at the turn of the century. Great melodic, catchy pop rock. This was a hit all over the world (except the US, of course) in 2001.