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IndieStudy_archive.sPubDate = "7/23/2007 11:24:52 PM GMT";
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IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19816407/","Los Campesinos!","This Cardiff, Wales, pop band is ready to take North America by storm — now that they’ve finally graduated from college. By Paige Newman
","http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_LosCampesinos.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Arts & Crafts", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19732691/","The Lonely H","After invading their parents’ vinyl collections, these Puget Sound rockers found a whole new set of influences, and now that they’ve finished high school, they're ready to tour. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TheLonelyH.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Control Group", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19636361/","Ladybirds","Backed by high-rising synthetic swells and the pitter patter of bouncing drum machine licks, Ladybirds bat around an 11-song repertoire of electro-dance poppers that are meant to do just that. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Ladybirds.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Creep Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19277510/","Dappled Cities","This Australian pop band is bringing their own flavor of romantic, thrilling pop to the U.S., hoping to conquer it one burger stand at a time. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_DappledCities.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Dangerbird Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19212845/","The Good Listeners","Imagine a lively puree of the Beatles, Beck, Radiohead and the Shins, mixed with generous dollops of exotic spices and organic sounds, and it approximates the style of The Good Listeners. By Michael Ventre","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_GoodListeners.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19102816/","Glossary","Glossary plays at times languid, at times skronky, literate rock. You could say Allman Brothers meets Dinosaur Jr., but the songs aren’t dumb enough for the former or noisy enough for the latter. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Glossary.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Undertow Music", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18984712/","Cortney Tidwell","Her debut full-length album “Don’t Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up” blends the beauty and tragedy of Patsy Cline and Tennessee Williams with the sounds of Mazzy Star and Portishead to produce something breathtaking and unique. By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/CortneyTidwell.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Ever Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18644197/","The Clientele","This pop band is not afraid to embrace their inner Monkees and play upbeat pop you can dance to and think about. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TheClientele.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Merge Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18600955/","Sounds of Violence","Sounds Like Violence rolls into Moscow this week, and even a crew of street-ready bluecoats, rubber bullets and a handful of smoke grenades aren’t going be enough to extinguish this fiery foursome’s ferocious energy. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_SoundsLikeViolence.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Burning Heart Sweden", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18422612/","The Sea and Cake","The Sea and Cake are four guys who are hungry to create; they reinvent pop note by note on their new album, “Everybody.” By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/ALBUM_SeaCake.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Thrill Jockey", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18334535/","Two Cow Garage","If you want more rock in your alt country, there’s not better disc to grab than Two Cow Garage’s “III.” By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TwoCowGarage.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18203725/","Laura Veirs","Reinvigorated by a recent move to Portland and inspired by visions of sun, moon, stars and saltwater, Laura Veirs and the Saltbreakers dig out a unique niche of eclectic folk rock. By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_LauraVeirs.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Nonesuch Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18062991/","El Perro Del Mar","With a sound that harks back to the 1960s girl groups of the Motown era, Sarah Assbring spins a melodic wed of harmony and sorrow that's impossible to resist. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_ElPerroDelMar.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Control Group", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17936736/","Let's Go Sailing","Former Irving keyboardist Shana Levy broke out on her own to create her own brand of melodic pop and the struggle to make her record has made her stronger than ever. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070405/070405_chaosinorder_135x135_12p.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Yardley Pop", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17694368/","!!!","Don’t ask house-pop-funk band !!! how to pronounce their name or really anything else. They’re busy trying to get the whole world up on its feet. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_EightHeaded.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Warp Records", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17647022/","The Saturday Knights","Hot guitar licks meet beat poetics and both hold their own on this band’s four-song hip-hop EP that will have your next house party jumping. By Stacy Kwinn","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070316/070316_SaturdayCDcover_135x135_10a.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Arclight Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17425057/","Phonograph","They’re being touted as the next Wilco, but the band would rather break the boundaries of alt-country instead. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Phonograph.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Arclight Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17406813/","Low vs. Diamond","Warm and comforting, each song emits a tangible nostalgic quality, like an old monochromatic 1940s movie classic. Coming soon to an indie radio station near you. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_LowDiamond.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Wea", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17265475/","Grand Champeen","This once loud and fast bar band has evolved into a tight pop outfit with a rich ’70-style sound. But they still like their beer. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_grandchampeen3.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "In Music We Trust", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17158417/","Menomena","With the pop band Menomena, it’s all about the layers. Layers of sound, layers of meaning — even their CD cover art can’t be taken in with just one glance. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Menomena.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Barsuk", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16902152/","Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter","‘Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul’ is everything I've come to expect from a Jesse Sykes record — it's beautiful, it's sad, it's deeply thought-provoking and it's hauntingly catchy. By Kurt Schlosser
","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/albume_JesseSykes.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Barsuk", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16906129/","Of Montreal","Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes pours his darkness and anxiety into the album’s 12 songs with a funky ebullience like Edvard Munch on an ecstasy bender. By Del Engen
","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_OfMontreal.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Polyvinyl Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16709620/","Jeremy Enigk","The self-proclaimed anti-grunge punk from Sunny Day Real Estate returns with an album that's grandiose, anthemic and a monumental musical achievement. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_JeremyEnigk.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Lewis Hollow", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16639576/","Kinski","I want to rock — to feel that I’m about to be thrown by blasts of sound into the back wall of a club, eardrums throbbing. Fortunately, when I’ve heard one electro-twee song too many, I can turn to Kinski. By Mary Mulholland","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Kinski.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Sub Pop", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16566284/","The Annuals","The Annuals brand of pop rock is both loud and introspective. These guys don't follow in anyone else's path; they just blaze their own. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_annals.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Ace Fu Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16472329/","Girl Talk","Cutting, cramming and meticulously layering samples from 167 artists, Gregg Gillis (aka Girl Talk) has taken the notion of a “mashup” way beyond the next level. By Steven Leckart","http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_GirlTalk.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Illegal Arts", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16303489/","The Figgs","These guys have been rocking for almost 20 years and though they enjoy it more than ever they have some words of wisdom for up-and-coming bands. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061221/061221_cd_135_1p.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Gern Blandsten", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16212823/","Snowden","Experimental, alt, dance, new wave — maybe. But words can adequately define mere bits and pieces of the Atlanta foursome’s inventive collection of ‘what is it exactly?’ rock. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Snowden.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Jade Tree Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15977803/","Gasoline Heart","","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_GasolineHeart.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Mono Vs Stereo", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i-1].body = "The Orlando, Fla., band is named after a Paul Westerberg lyric and on an early incarnation of their Web site they don’t mince words: “For fans of Tom Petty, Pearl Jam and The Replacements.” By Rob Neill";
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15974869/","Tim Bluhm","From his work with the Mother Hips to the Ball-Point Birds to his own solo work, Tim Bluhm has never been busier. By Doug Miller","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TimBluhm.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Fog City Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15754319/","The Blow","The Blow make the music as universal and as sincere as possible without alienating either the ‘cool kids and weirdos’ or, most importantly, their moms. By Steven Leckart","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TheBlow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "K Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15641398/","Under Byen","Rolling Stone magazine’s senior editor David Fricke once called Under Byen ‘probably the best band in the world.’ So why haven’t you heard of them? By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/New%20Folder/album_UnderByen.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Paper Bag", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15405542/","The Be Good Tanyas","Three Canadians with a love for roots-Americana get together to create incredibly sweet harmonies. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TheBeGoodTanyas.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Netwerk", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15434332/","Copeland","One minute floating lightly, the next crashing in a cacophonous bluster, Copeland constructs lush arrangements that fall and rise like a savage, twirling tide. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Copeland.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "The Militia Group", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15320711/","Smoosh","Sisters Asya and Chloe are 14 and 12 respectively, but it you think that stops them from cranking out bouncy indie-pop hits, you couldn’t be more mistaken. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_smoosh.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Barsuk", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15213422/","Last Perfect Thing","Band works day jobs as everything from wine sellers to music teachers, but watching them live, it's hard not to get the feeling that their day in the spotlight has come. By Dara Brown","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061012/061012_perfect_thing1p.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15033364/","Comets on Fire","With some help from their trusty Echoplex, this Santa Cruz, Calif.-based band never fails to take risks and is one of the best live bands around. By Richard Laing","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060927/060927_indieCD2.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Sub Pop", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14942045/","Lucero","You never know what to expect when you see a Lucero show. The band may perform without incident or the night could end the show in a complete drunken stupor. By Andrew Sturgill","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Photos/060922/060922_lucero_cover.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Liberty and Lament", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14805325/","Bedroom Walls","You think inventing an entire genre is arrogant? Perhaps, but there's no other way to describe the eclectic mix of sounds from Bedroom Walls. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_BedroomWalls.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Baria Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14471899/","Silversun Pickups","Brian Aubert lovingly refers to Silversun Pickups sound as ‘schizophrenic.’ The band loves hard-driving guitars, but they like the softer stuff too. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060828/060828_silvers_bcol.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Dangerbird Records", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14572714/","The Drams","You can compare The Drams to Wilco in the sense that in both cases you have an alt-country darling completely retool its sound, then drop a double album on its fans that may infuriate the slide-guitar-and-banjo-and-drinking-equals-authenticity segment and confuse many of the rest. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060828/060828_theDreams_bcol.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "New West Records", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14473088/","Ratatat","Two guys, one laptop and multiple instruments create a sound that is ambitious, contagious and completely fun to listen to. By Steven Leckart","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/cd_ratatat.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "XL Recordings", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14231960/","Rocky Votolato","‘Makers’ is an amazing collection of low-key, rootsy and often deeply romantic songs from a late 20s Seattle ex-punk. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_RockyVotolato.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Barsuk", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14272290/","Halou","Halou make music that is earthy and airy, organic and dreamy, songs that surround you then suddenly take wing and fly away. By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Halou.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Vertebrae Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14158441/","Fernando","An incredibly good, can’t-get-the-songs-out-of-your-head Beatles-esque pop album with lyrics that may surprise you with their darkness. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Fernando.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "In Music We Trust", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13960290/","The Long Winters","Indie rock with a sound singer John Roderick describes thusly: “Karrang! Tweedly-tweedly-tweedly! Boosh!” And if you think you can’t dance to that, think again. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TheLongWinters.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Barsuk", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13940008/","Panda & Angel","Panda & Angel build beautifully layered melodies over crunchy beats, 8-bit samples and the symphonic addition of countless instrumental accompaniments. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_PandaAngel.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Jade Tree Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13860673/","The Diggs","Their songs are powerful, taught, big-guitar alt-rock. At times, Timothy Lannen's vocals choke down disappointment; at others he lets loose with mid-rant rage. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_thediggs.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13742044/","Rogue Wave","An eye-opening melange of rock gems sometimes rooted in folk, sometimes distorted into noise-pop, and always grounded with Rogue’s effortless, irresistible melodic hooks. By Doug Miller","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_RougeWave.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "SubPop", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13601661/","Psapp","Galia Durant and Carim Classmann give collaboration a new meaning with their intimate, experimental electronica. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Psapp.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13445289/","Garrison Starr","Garrison Starr’s greatest gift is her gorgeous, full, rough, passionate voice that can be alternately pensive, intimate, hurt, consoling, libidinous or scornful. By Rob Neill","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_GarrisonStarr.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13345539/","The Little Ones","The Little Ones abide by ‘the rule of feet.’ They want their songs to make you move yours, and they definitely want to be inspired to move their own. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_LittleOnes.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13208822/","Controlling the Famous","Reared on the exhaust-coated streets of Los Angeles, Controlling the Famous’ newest musical experiment is a gritty exploration of aging youth in the concrete confines of 4,084 miles of urban sprawl. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_controlling.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Militia", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13089740/","Herbert","The frontman for Herbert likes playing with perceptions. Notice an odd tone to the drumming? It was recorded at 2,000 feet in a hot-air balloon. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Herbert.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "K7", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12940139/","Vetiver","With melancholic minor chords and tender string accompaniments, Vetiver's songs sketch an air of mystery and convey a certain timelessness. By Steven Leckart","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Vetiver.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12857234/","The Coup","Hip hop to make love and throw Molotov cocktails to, the Coup aren’t afraid to get in-your-face political. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_theCoup.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Epitaph", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12709018/","The Tallest Building in the World","On their debut album “Look Down,” The Tallest Building in the World has crafted an expansive sonic landscape, part “Office Space,” part “The Wall” writ vertical. By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_lookdown.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12633884/","Common Market","Devoid of the clichés of ‘homies and hos,’ you’ll find what you’ve been missing: grooveable songs that maintain their integrity and actually inspire you. By Carissa Horner","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_CommonMarket.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "SCIONtific", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12519894/","Amandine","A lush spectacle of audio imagery, on “Leave Out the Sad Parts,” the Swedish-born foursome traverse snowy peaks and icy fjords to build grandiose themes as large as the land of their birth. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Amandine.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Fat Cat Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12374071/","Gram Rabbit","This Joshua Tree, Calif.-based group specializes in desert rock space-tronica. And if you don't know what that is, it's time to find out. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_GramRabbit.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Stinky Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12319272/","Art Brut","Eddie Argos created this hugely entertaining band despite the fact that he can't play an instrument and can barely sing. Don't let that scare you — these guys are the real deal. By Constance Kwinn","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_ArtBrut.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Fierce Panda", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12040510/","Essex Green","The Essex Green aren’t your typical pop band. They can sound like the Mamas and Papas in one song and the Shins in the next. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_EssexGreen.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Merge", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11995092/","Small Arms Dealer","Spawned on the beer-soaked stages of New York’s underground, the Long Island castaways try their darndest to alienate and offend the masses. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_SmallArmsDealer.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Deep Elm", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11827631/","The Czars","An amalgamation of jazz, alt country and electronica, the Czars’ sound varies from song to song. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_TheCsars.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Touch and Go", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11728499/","Quasi","‘We play rock with an asterisk,’ asserts Sam Coomes, Quasi frontman. Follow the asterisk and you’ll find eastern-tinged modal blues, rollicking piano, jumpy guitar, and spaced out Syd Barrett lunacy. By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Quasi.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Touch and Go", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11658259","Film School","This San Francisco quintet breeds reverb-drenched melodies that rewards patience with a surprising emotional lift. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_FilmSchool.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Beggars Banquet", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11488447/","Destroyer","Destroyer’s Dan Bejar may not give straight answers, but he does deliver when it comes to his own brand of intelligent pop music. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_destroyer.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Merge", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11390884/","The Appleseed Cast","A stunning piece of work, in “Peregrine,” the band reemerges, fresh faced and new. After nearly 10 years of searching, The Appleseed Cast has found itself. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_AppleseedCast.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "The Militia Group", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11205763/","Shelley Short","Shelley Short's music brings pictures of dusty roads to mind, as if you could hear these tunes out of one of those old-time giant radios. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_ShelleyShort.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "HUSH", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11116047/","Deerhoof","Deerhoof is a band unstuck in time, with sing-song melodies sliced with buzz-saw guitars that transform into poppy, instrumental ditties. By Del Engen","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_deerhoff.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Kill Rock Stars", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10932138/","Get Set Go","Get Set Go combines angst-filled lyrics with contagious pop beats, creating the perfect way to vent your misery. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_ReadySetGo.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "TSR Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10949740/","The Advantage","Aggressive instrumental prog-metal at its finest, the Advantage want to record every Nintendo song by the time each member lies dead. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_advantage.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "5 Rue Christine", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10839592/","Slender Means","Slender Means’ album, “Neon & Ruin,” is a powerful and sophisticated debut, as passionate as it is rocking. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_SleanderMeans.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Mt. Fuji Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10725809/","Metal Hearts","Metal Hearts relies on the gentle wisps of classic folk guitar, a synthesizer and rickety drum machine beats dropped inconspicuously over the duo's mish-mashed vocal melodies, to create a beautiful collection of dreary-day tunes well ahead of its time. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_MetalHeart.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Suicide Squeeze", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10550498/","Bettye LaVette","On her new CD, ‘I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise,’ with a voice that could melt a glacier, Bettye LaVette puts her own thunderous spin on tunes by female artists ranging from Fiona Apple to Rosanne Cash. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_BettyeLaVette.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Anti Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10387926/","Metric","The Toronto-based quartet Metric have the grinding energy of the Kinks, the noisy dismissal of Sonic Youth and the swagger of Blondie. By Constance Kwinn","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Metric.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Last Gang Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10339318/","Tim Seely","“Funeral Music” is harmful pop that delivers on that promise. Seely’s mélange of tasty guitar picking and his soothing, unaffected singing, a rarity in an indie world that’s often cluttered with pretension, play well over the dark lyrical content. By Doug Miller","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/051205/coverforweb.cmug.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Slow Love Records", "126", "126", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10243065/","Aberdeen City","With songs about regret to explorations of alienation, the band’s first full-length CD, “The Freezing Atlantic” is the perfect album with which to fully indulge all of your angst. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_AberdeenCity.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Dovecote Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10099709/","Always the Runner","This Louisiana instrumental prog pop quartet is trying to resurrect the devastated New Orleans music scene. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_AlwaysRunner.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Velora Recordings", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9982286/","Kingsbury Manx","Their name sounds British, they’re from North Carolina but don’t sound Southern, and they eschew the typical catchy pop hooks. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Kingsbury.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Yep Roc", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9927566/","Craig Wedren","The Shudder To Think frontman’s first-ever solo outing ‘Lapland’ harkens back to the warm friendly tones of ’70s AOR radio, with a Southern Cal expansiveness. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_lapland.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Team Love Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9819023/","Silver Jews","Dave Berman’s lyrics mix humor and gravitas makes and make the all-star Silver Jews a pretty special band. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_SilverJews.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Drag City", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9776751/","Broken Social Scene","With so many seemingly different sounds working so well together, you expect more obvious squabbling to come out on the record but instead it just feels right. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_BrokenSocialScene.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Arts and Crafts", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9601216/","Calexico and Iron and Wine","Listening to “In the Reins” is like stumbling into a dusty bar, ordering a beer, closing your eyes and letting yourself drift into southwestern-flavored daydreams. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_IronWine.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Overcoat", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9612583/","The Panic Division","Colton Holliday’s band is built from the laptop up, constructed with simple loops and samples and turning to traditional instruments for inspiration. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/051006/Militia.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Militia Group", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9544367/","Against Me!","This hardcore foursome carries on the punk politico torch that Joe Strummer mightily wielded back in the day, swinging it headlong at everything from the music industry, the Bush administration and even Yahoo! Mail. By Greg Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_AgainstMe.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Fat Wreck Chords", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9400825/","Brakes","Not content with the success of British Sea Power, Eamon Hamilton brings his crazy concoction of cowpunk disco to the masses. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Brake.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Rough Trade Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9358813/","Pilotdrift","Their label debut, “Water Sphere,” is an ambitious, impressive showcase of atmospheric sound layered behind some genuine rock and roll. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_Pilotdrift.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Good Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9244217/","Fruit Bats","The Fruit Bats’ “Spelled in Bones” was supposed to be the sad album. But somewhere on his road to misery, frontman Eric Johnson accidentally stumbled upon some happiness. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_FruitBats.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Sub Pop", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9178263/","Facing New York","Facing New York's debut CD is a labor of love that’s an ethereal exploration of the human spirit. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_FacingNewYork.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Five One Inc.", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9069569/","The Spinto Band","The Spinto Band is destined to blow up huge, with or without kazoo wranglers. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_SpintoBand.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Bar None", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9000716/","Wolf Parade","Yet another fantastic band from Canada. What’s going on up there? Their debut CD ranks up there with releases from The Arcade Fire and The New Pornographers. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_WolfParade.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Sub Pop", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8801613/","New Buffalo","New Buffalo is a one-woman show also known as Australian singer-songwriter Sally Seltmann. A bit of a chanteuse, she claims both Billie Holiday and Marilyn Monroe as influences. And there is something theatrical about her sound. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_BuffaloNews.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Arts and Crafts", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8840146/","Blondfire","Budding rock stars, pay attention: Blondfire just might be what the future of the music industry looks like. Erica and Bruce Driscoll, the siblings at the heart of the band, are young, smart, attractive and international — in short, everything a big label dreams of. Oh yeah, and they rock, too. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Blondfire.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Wax Divine", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8670341/","Val Emmich and the Rescue Effort","Val Emmich and company take their brand of pop from the garage to the mainstage. By Dara Brown","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/050728/135_SlowDown.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8668097/","Clap Your Hands Say Yeah","While bands like the the Shins and the Walkmen sell their songs to corporate America, this Brooklyn band plays jangly guitar pop that is truly independent. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/050722/cyhsy_cover135.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Clay Your Hands Say Yeah", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8556790/","Andrew Bird","Like the best of the later Elvis Costello albums, “The Mysterious Production of Eggs” has you smiling at the lovely voice playing with the tumbling, sweet melodies. It takes a few listens to catch most of the dark, subversive lyrics — unless you're reading along. By Constance Kwinn","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_AndrewBird.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Righteous Babe", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8500126/","The Headphones","Turn up the Headphones’ latest mixture of synthesized hooks and story-laden vocal wanderings, and you’re likely to uncover electro-pop with a heartrending twist. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Headpones.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Suicide Squeeze Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8322344/","The Pernice Brothers","This is one of the prettier records you’re going to discover this year. The band has crafted yet another incredible album. Consistency like this is rare in modern music. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_Pernice.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Ashmont", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8334652/","The Brazilian Girls","On a single listen, you might be tempted to think the Brazilian Girls are pure fun, nothing serious about them. The sumptuous down-tempo jazz-infused beats playing behind lyrics that range from sultry to downright naughty tap directly into your id. Subsequent listens, though, will flex a few other bits of your gray matter, even on the dance floor. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_BrazilianGirls.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Verve Forecast", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8247466/","Okkervil River","Okkervil River's \"Black Sheep Boy\" has all the goods: rich orchestral pop? Check. Lovely, soul-baring lyrics? Check. Countrified power-folk leanings? Check. A flickering 500-watt voice that will break you in two? Check. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_BlkSheepBoy.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Jagjagwar", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8132778/","The Catch","On the Catch's debut album, the aptly named “Get Cool,” the band wants you to know that if you haven't heard of them yet, you will. They’ve been compared to everyone from the Go Go’s to The Ramones — and actually both descriptions fit. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/TheCatchGetCool.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Made in Mexico Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8087822/","Minus the Bear","Famous for their unusual way with words — the band boasts song titles like “Lemurs, Man, Lemurs” and “Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister” — Minus the Bear is a more than appropriate moniker for a group that intertwines plunky bass and metal guitar licks over a backdrop of arithmetic beats and keyboards. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Album_MinusMenos.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Suicide Squeeze Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7995293/","Pitty Sing","It’s not that Pitty Sing front man Paul Holmes doesn’t get the allusions to ’80s revivalist rockers like The Killers — or even the originals like The Smiths — it’s just that he doesn’t really appreciate the comparison. In fact, he’d rather listen to a rap album than rock out to what’s being hailed as “indie” these days. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/PittySingAlbum.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Or Music", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7900531/","Feist","It’s almost as if you get to take a little journey with Leslie Feist. You visit a cigarette-smoke filled lounge with a song like “Gatekeeper” then you can continue on to a friend-filled car ride for the wanderlust of “Mushaboom,” before stopping at the disco for “Inside Out” and a Parisian salon for the French language, “Tout Dounement.” By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Ind_Stud_Album_Feist.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Cherry Tree/Interscope", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7819127/","Circa Survive","A well-written and conceived piece of work, “Juturna” carries itself on its own musical merits, but it is Green’s dynamic voice that truly makes this disc one of the best (and most anticipated) releases of the year. By Paul Olund","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/BigRedLink/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_circasurvive.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Equal Vision", "117", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7752678","Man Man","These Philly rabble-rousers star in their own little cotton-candy sideshow on their debut album “The Man In A Blue Turban With A Face.” It’s itchy with bizarre mythology, gorilla suits and sweet n’ sour melodies teased to a hoary scruff. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_manMan.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Ace Fu Records", "132", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7669033","Prefuse 73","Even if tomorrow isn’t shaping up like the world promised to us by the Epcot imagineers of yesterday, we can thankfully pretend, if only fleetingly, with Prefuse 73 today. By Jim Ray","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Prefuse73_Silence.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Warp Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7576138","British Sea Power","British Sea Power are five gents from Brighton, England, who don’t seem to have last names. They made their name touring with the Flaming Lips and the Strokes, dressing up in World War I garb, and putting on a live show that was so thrilling that people would forget exactly who it was they’d come to see. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_bsp.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Rough Trade", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7504877","Mike Patton","Mike Patton is now one of rock music’s most wildly creative, intelligently sinister and most well-respected composers lurking in the avant-garde shadows. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/album_generalpatton.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Ipecac Recordings", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7384707","Ivy","Trying on the various musical hats of pop greats of yesteryear is an easy task for the talents of Schlessinger and company, but filling their shoes is not. With this record, Ivy laces those doggies up good and tight and may even be noticing that they are feeling a bit snug. By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Ivy_IntheClear.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Nettwerk Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7286410","Stars","On their third album, the Stars explore imperfect love and how it sounds on a bed of crisp green electropop. A man’s voice opens the album: “When there’s nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire.” It makes me laugh every time. By Constance Kwinn","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/stars_album.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Arts and Crafts", "125", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7212774/","Archer Prewitt","On his latest CD, “Wilderness,” Prewitt manages to evoke Cat Stevens, Paul Simon and John Lennon in terms of sound, while at the same time abandoning the standard song structure in favor of something more surprising. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/archer_wilderness.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Thrill Jockey", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7140207","Josh Rouse","Following the recent dissolution of his marriage, Rouse finished the “Nashville” record and split for Altea, Spain on the night of its completion. The songs are an obvious love letter to Nashville, but they also serve as a long goodbye to his former wife. By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/135x135_RouseAlbum.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Rykodisc", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7079562","The Go! Team","The name says it all: “The Go! Team” And popping their debut record “Thunder, Lightning, Strike” into the hi-fi is exactly the electric jolt you need to get your head-bobbing, smile-stretching, Caterpillar-inducing muscles to pop-and-lock that frost right off. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/thunderlightningstrike.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Memphis Industries", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7012975","Gift of Gab","If you want a mindless party, I suggest you pass on boarding this spacecraft, for this trip is reserved only for those interested in Gab's personal journey towards a higher self. By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/giftofgab_album.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Quannum Projects", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6983010","Inara George","Inara George quite simply has a gorgeous, sweet voice that’s a perfect vehicle for a sad tune. She does add some electronics here and there, but they never overpower her wistful tones. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/050218/inarageorge_allrise.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Everloving", "121", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6948503","The Comas","When relationships crumble, it often makes for more interesting musical fodder than, say, sunny days and milkshakes (though there are a few decent songs about that stuff, too). We tend to gravitate toward those tender tunes here at Indie Study HQ, the ones where talented people tell us all about their personal hells. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/comas_album.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "YepRoc", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6891874","Tegan and Sara","They’re identical twin sisters, they’re lesbians, they choose to live on opposite sides of Canada so they’re able to work together without driving each other crazy, and their record label requested that they please write songs about “something other than love.” Yeah, right. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/sojealous.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Vapor/Sanctuary", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6871802","dorian","I had my earphones on when I saw dorian at the Columbus Circle subway stop, but his calm demeanor and passion-filled expression intrigued me enough to remove the white buds from my ears. And then I heard the voice. Strong. Soulful. By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/DorianSeeds.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "dorian", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6845673","Mon Frere","Mon Frere’s new five-song release swims somewhere between The Faint's haunting synth-dance grooves and Shellac's chunky dinosaur-sized riffs and rhythms with hefty hooks big enough to catch whales. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/monfrere_ep.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Smug Life Recordings", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6813487","Tom Freund","\"Copper Moon's\" first song and title track emerges with guitar cries that hearken back to the sound that made U2’s “The Joshua Tree” unforgettable. It closes with another moon song, “New Moon of the 7th Sun,” whose piano and orchestra arrangement is a subtle throwback to The Beatles’, “Let It Be.” By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/coppermoon_cd2.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Surf Road Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6782357/","The Futureheads","Hailing from Sunderland, England, this infectious quartet has produced an extremely tight self-titled debut. The Futureheads have a distinctly British retro sound, reminiscent of The Jam and XTC. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/futureheads_album2.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Sire / Startime", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6725100","Pinback","Pinback has carved out an intricate little place for themselves where pop meets pomp. Each release balances between sober self-indulgence and lean, pretty rock. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/pinback_album.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Touch and Go", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6685998","Bear vs. Shark","Picture it: Some kind of epic battle between the earth and sea. Claws vs. Teeth. Fur vs. Fin. It was just funny enough to be totally awesome. And upon first listen I was sold. These guys are totally awesome. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/bearvsshark_album.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Equal Vision", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6622558","Dolorean","It’s the kind of music that’s just plain good for what ails you. Lilting folk rock that you can lie down in the middle of your living room floor and listen to or better yet on a long car ride in the dead of night when your only guiding light is a half moon and your destination is wherever you happen to end up. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Dolorean_album.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Yep Roc", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6503413","Iris Dement","The songs are simple and straightforward blocks of devotion, but Iris’ personal and nuanced readings of the songs make for more complicated listening. By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/041117/135_IrisDement.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Flariella Records", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6452812","The Arcade Fire","The Arcade Fire is a special band. There are 15 musicians listed as contributors and instruments include violins, cello, accordion, xylophone and even a recorder. Yes, there’s guitar, bass and drums, but the additional instrumentation adds a fullness to the album, so that you almost seem to enter the music instead of just listening to it. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/041111/ArcadeFireCover.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Merge Records", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6408236","Ted Leo and the Pharmacists","Ted Leo has that knack for kicking out indomitable anthems that have the sheen of classics and the soul of punk. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/shakethesheets.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Lookout Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6331842","Visqueen","Visqueen is a band that would fit well with almost any headliner. Hard driving guitar and bass back up pop hooks resulting in a sound that may remind you more of the Pretenders than bassist Kim Warnick’s prior band, the legendary Fastbacks. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/sunsetondateland.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "BlueDisguise Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6290958","The Ike Reilly Assassination ","It is not ordinary for a singer-songwriter to declare in the first sentence of the first song of his major label debut that he was recently unable to satisfy his lover, but then again, Ike Reilly is far from the ordinary singer-songwriter. By Randy Abramson","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/Sparkle_135.standard.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Rock Ridge Records ", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6257344","The Blood Brothers","Formed in Seattle back in 1997, the five young members of the Blood Brothers twist hardcore punk into a Figure Four leglock that spits in the face of rock 'n’ roll convention. They spin nightmare poems into a majestic swirl that’s heavy, but not bone-headed \"Monsters of Rock\" heavy. By Gregory A. Perez","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/crimes.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "V2 Records", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6199317","The Good Life","Album of the Year is just that; 12 tracks spanning 12 months of love in decay. Amid a swirl of delicate orchestration, our hero croons about loneliness, disappointment and the need to be needed. \"Night and Day\" is bathed in Tom Waits color, with its accordion lilt and dreamy carnival atmosphere. By Gregory A. Perez","http://media.msnbc.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/ENTERTAINMENT/Projects/IndependentStudy/albumoftheyear.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Saddle Creek", "135", "135", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6117217","The Thrills","Though they may be from dreary Dublin, The Thrills kick out the kind of sunny jangle that can take back the mantel of pop music from the pre-fab over-produced acts that litter today’s top-40 radio. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Interactives/_prod/indy_study_Thrills/album_thrills_135.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Virgin", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
IndieStudy_archive[i++] = new Array("http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6057373","Joanna Newsom","She may look like a Gelfling straight out of “The Dark Crystal,” but listening to Joanna Newsom is like having a private conversation. By Paige Newman","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Interactives/_prod/joanna_newsom_ind_study/newsom.htease.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "Drag City", "135", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
// END editorial data