Hot Indie Bands

Maybe you need some new blood. Maybe you feel like your commute could be more rocking. Maybe you're making a mix cd and you'd like to impress. Well, you have come to the right place.

After writing for the site TheRedAlert.com for close to three years, I have become a bit obsessed with music. Indie music is a complex beast, and it's hard to say what really constitutes an indie rock song. But here are some artists that I think are terrific:

Jeremy Messersmith- This singer songwriter hails from Minnesota. His voice is angelic, and his lyrics smart. The beats he creates are amazing, complicated and simple all at once. He just came out with a new album "The Silver City" and will be touring later this year.

The Virgins- This band is like The Strokes meets Michael Jackson. Their single "Rich Girls" makes me want to find my roller skates, go to a disco rink, and cry until they play the song for me. It turns out they're incredibly nerdy to watch (they were on Conan and I almost died laughing). Check out their videos on YouTube.

Fleet Foxes- I know that once you hear them you'll say, wait, this sounds like folk more than indie. And they are. But they are brilliant. Their song "White Winter Hymnal" would reduce me to tears upon each listen if there wasn't something so uplifting about this song. You are doing a great disservice to yourself if you do not become aware of this incredible band.

The Submarines- They are probably my favorite new band. This married couple first made an album about breaking up when they did, in fact, break up. But now they're together and they've released "Honeysuckle Weeks" a very sweet, soul-lifting album about how great life can be. Please join me in my worship of them.

The Billionaires- Let's end this installment with a fun, youthful band from Martha's Vineyard. Their album "Really Real Forever" is all over the place, with songs about love, high school, going home, and desperately hanging onto the past. There's five of them, four guys and a girl, and if you ever get the chance to see them, their live show is so enjoyable.

I'll be back for more, and at the end of the year I'll put up a ‘Best Albums of 08'.