Manchester Orchestra
The power to have crisp indie pop tune and then have an eerily acoustic track is a power to have. Manchester Orchestra, not really an orchestra, nails such diversity on their album, I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child, which was released in ‘06. The highlight, “Wolves At Night,” has pounding drums and in-your-face vocals. Orchestra has a fine mix of subtle keyboards, talented lyrics, and fresh guitars worth a listen.

Rocco Deluca & The Burden
Not many can say Jack Bauer was their manager, but Rocco Deluca & The Burden can. Kiefer Sutherland, who plays Jack Bauer in 24, was fired though. Sutherland still is co-owner of the band’s label, Ironworks. If some think that this is the sole reason of the success...don’t think that. Deluca doesn’t abide by what is popular in music. With the unique sound of the dobra guitar Deluca offers an interesting variety of rock, pop, and country.

Kimya Dawson
Some music is too different, even for those who claim to listen to the different music. Kimya Dawson might be one of those artists, but she has gained a growing cult following the release of Juno. Dawson doesn’t try too hard to be dramatic, but ends up being more honestly emotional with quirky lyrics and unique voice. Dawson was formerly a member of the equally quirky The Moldy Peaches, who also had a song on the Juno soundtrack.

Lupe Fiasco

“If you are what you say you are, a superstar,” sticks in the head of anyone who hears “Superstar” by Mr. Lupe Fiasco (featuring Matthew Santos). It’s frightening how fast that high pitched chorus can take over the brain. This single doesn’t show all of the potential the Kanye-esque MC has on his album The Cool. His smart lyrics focus on stories of children with guns, struggling rappers, and the mocking of contemporary hip-hop music.

Kevin Devine
A young, solo, acoustic artist seems unoriginal in the music world, but Kevin Devine himself acknowledges ‘he is what he is’ through his humble lyrics. Devine’s latest and first major label album Put Your Ghost To Rest recently was re-released on a stem label of Interscope Records. The album consists of references to the war in Iraq to the long battle of romantic failures set to gentle folk rock. Devine’s major label debut isn’t too mainstream for it to end up on MTV, but it deserves to be checked out.