# Indy singers/bands recommendations **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 18, 2008, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475 "2008-10-18T01:06:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/21 "2008-10-18T21:09:39Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Does that clear it up or make it worse? šŸ™‚ Perfectly respectable parameters, and indeed further opens up the discussion. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/22 "2008-10-18T21:13:16Z")
Oh, and if anyone is interested, of the music I had found on my own before this thread, my favorite was Joe Pug singing ā€œ[Call it What You Will](http://www.last.fm/music/Joe+Pug).ā€ ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/23 "2008-10-22T22:29:15Z")
> [@Hunter\_Hawk](#): > > Some others: > > Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst really wants to be Bob Dylan) Love that. > [@](#): > > The Walkabouts (vary their style, but tend to be vaguely country-flavored) Not what I was expecting from your description. I feel like it might take a lifetime to hear all that these guys are about, but they arenā€™t really striking my fancy right now. > [@](#): > > The Transmissionary Six Nice. > [@](#): > > Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter (alt-country) Iā€™ve only heard a short clip so far, but that voice is great. > [@](#): > > Bobby Bare Jr. (alt-country) Iā€™ve only heard ā€œSugar Mountainā€ and liked it quite a bit. > [@](#): > > The Willard Grant Conspiracy I really like a couple of the songs and really donā€™t know about a couple others. > [@](#): > > The Cave Singers I havenā€™t found them yet. > [@](#): > > Laura Veirs Her music would torture my husband, which means I love it. šŸ˜ƒ > [@](#): > > Damien Jurado Love that. Thanks for all of the suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Musky\_Moon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90db22/32.png) [@Musky\_Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musky_Moon)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/24 "2008-10-22T23:07:08Z")
I live for threads like this. Iā€™ve been beating the drum for the band **Marah** for years. Only the first two albums are must-haves, but for me they are purely magical. From _Letā€™s Cut the Crap and Hook Up Later_ I would suggest ā€œFormula, Cola,Dollar,Draftā€ and from the second album _Kids In Philly_ try ā€œRoundeye Bluesā€ and ā€œMy Heart Is the Bums On the Streetsā€ Iā€™ve been listening to **Matt Pond PA** and love the songs 'New Hampshire" and ā€œThe Hollowsā€ Thereā€™s always some old **Uncle Tupelo** the band that spawned both Wilco and Son Volt **Andrew Bird** ā€™s album _The Mysterious Production of Eggs_ is simply awesomeā€¦try ā€œFake Palindromesā€ and ā€œMasterfadeā€ **Band of Horses** is gaining in popularityā€¦despite this I still like them. ā€œDetlef Schrempfā€, ā€œNo Oneā€™s Gonna Loveā€ ā€œThe Great Salt Lakeā€ and ā€œThe Funeralā€ For a more jangly, Dylanesque vibe try **Felice Brothers** ā€œFrankieā€™s Gunā€ **Idaho** might be a bit challenging for some but ā€œCloudedā€ is a great song. Pretty hard to beat **Iron and Wine** for laid back folky stuffā€¦ā€œHistory of Loversā€ is a keeper. **Jose Gonzalez** beautiful voiceā€¦good acoustic guitar playerā€¦ā€œHeart Beatsā€ **Josh Ritter** ā€œKathleenā€ is a good oneā€¦but ā€œBone of Songā€ is on my top ten of all time. **M. Ward** has a unique and completely laid back voice. His cover of Bowieā€™s ā€œLetā€™s Danceā€ blows the original out of the waterā€¦also check out ā€œSad, Sad Songā€ And last but not least **Mojave 3** ā€¦ they sing one of my favorite songs ever ā€œPrayer For the Paranoidā€ ā€¦see also ā€œMost Daysā€ and ā€œMutineerā€ If you find even one of these songs moving and leads you to look deeper into the band, then Iā€™ll be elated. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/25 "2008-10-22T23:54:09Z")
> [@bienville](#): > > **Mellow and Folky** > [Jay Nash](http://www.myspace.com/jaynash) > [Sally Jaye](http://www.myspace.com/sallyjaye) > [Garrison Starr](http://www.myspace.com/garrisonstarr) > [Shane Alexander](http://www.myspace.com/shanealexander) Quite like Jay Nash, Garrison Starr, and Shane Alexander. > [@](#): > > **Mellow Pop/Rock** > [AM](http://www.myspace.com/amsounds) > [Libbie Schrader](http://www.myspace.com/libbieschrader) > [Geoff Pearlman](http://www.myspace.com/geoffpearlman) > [Gabriel Mann](http://www.myspace.com/gabrielmann) > [The Hereafter](http://www.myspace.com/thehereafterishere) > [Naimee Coleman](http://www.myspace.com/naimeecoleman) > [Shannon Hurley](http://www.myspace.com/shannonhurley) Iā€™m very taken with The Hereafter and found Shannon Hurley very easy to listen to but maybe not the sort of thing that sticks with me. The AM site was giving me trouble. > [@](#): > > **Mellow Pop/Rock- slightly Jazzy** > [Quincy Coleman](http://www.myspace.com/quincycoleman) > [Krister Axel](http://www.myspace.com/kaxel) > [Jim Bianco](http://www.myspace.com/jimbianco) Krister Axel is my favorite of all youā€™ve linked to. I was sitting there thinking ā€œJazzy? He thinks this is jazzy?ā€ but then I followed some links. šŸ˜ƒ > [@](#): > > **Funky** > [Paper Sun](http://www.myspace.com/papersun) > [Chris Pierce](http://www.myspace.com/chrispierce) > [Joe Greene](http://www.myspace.com/averagejoegreene) > [Flow](http://www.myspace.com/flowrocks) Joe Greene is awesome. > [@](#): > > **Power Pop** > [Saucy Monky](http://www.myspace.com/saucymonky) > [Quitzow](http://www.myspace.com/quitzow) > > **Rock** > [Breech](http://www.myspace.com/breech) > [Dead Rock Wets](http://www.myspace.com/deadrockwest) Quitzow was amusing, but not something Iā€™d likely return to. Breech is a maybe. Your typo on West amuses me and I really like the group. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/26 "2008-10-22T23:57:46Z")
> [@Aesiron](#): > > Fortuitously, my most favorite song, Virus, is on there; Mercury is probably the second best of the songs listed on her profile. Nice, I like that. ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/27 "2008-10-23T00:24:44Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Quite like Jay Nash, Garrison Starr, and Shane Alexander. > > Iā€™m very taken with The Hereafter and found Shannon Hurley very easy to listen to but maybe not the sort of thing that sticks with me. The AM site was giving me trouble. > > Krister Axel is my favorite of all youā€™ve linked to. I was sitting there thinking ā€œJazzy? He thinks this is jazzy?ā€ but then I followed some links. šŸ˜ƒ > > Joe Greene is awesome. > > Quitzow was amusing, but not something Iā€™d likely return to. Breech is a maybe. > Your typo on West amuses me and I really like the group. Glad you took the time to listen, and glad you found the effort put into the research to be rewarding. Based on your want to ā€œto support some indy bands or singersā€, Iā€™ll just point out that almost\* all the artists you picked out of my list are _indie_ indie- they self-funded and self-released their albums and they tour on their own dime. So, if you choose to support them it will be support directly felt and appreciated by the artist. Keep an eye on their tour dates, check them out when they come to your town. Also, you can feel good knowing that the money you spend on any of their records goes right into their pockets. \*The one exception of the artists you listed is Garrison Starr, who I believe has a little bit of someone elseā€™s money backing her up at the moment- but she is still busting her ass in many ā€œDo it Yourselfā€ aspects. I just checked out AMā€™s Myspace page, and youā€™re right thereā€™s something not working. There is one song that you can listen to on his ā€œWebsite in Progressā€ official site. Itā€™s a duet with an artist named Buddy. [Official Website](http://amsounds.com/) scroll down and click ā€œplayā€ for the song ā€œHear Me Singā€. Dead Rock West, sans typo, did a tour opening for John Doe of X. He liked them so much that he had them continue on the next leg of the tour- with the added duty of being his backup band! ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/28 "2008-10-23T00:29:14Z")
> [@bienville](#): > > Keep an eye on their tour dates, check them out when they come to your town. When they come to my town? Ha! Not likely. I live in BFE. Iā€™m not big on concerts anyway, so thatā€™s not an issue. Thanks for the new link for AM. Iā€™ll check 'em out shortly. ---
**Author:** ![cerberus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@cerberus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cerberus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/29 "2008-10-23T01:44:11Z")
Aimee Mann Ani DeFranko ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/30 "2008-10-23T02:57:27Z")
> [@SuntanTigerTamer](#): > > The short list > > 2nd Regina Spektor > These United States > The War On Drugs > The Walkmen > The Besnard Lakes > The Childballads > Sunset Rubdown > Mother Mother > The New Year > The National > WILCO > Calexico > Of Montreal (start with the Sunlandic Twins album) > Spiritualized > Neutral Milk Hotel > > and, most definitely, > > Papercuts > Report back forthwith, and enjoy! Well, itā€™s not exactly forthwith. Sorry! These United Statesā€“awesome The War On Drugsā€“havenā€™t found yet. No tracks at last.fm that I see The Walkmenā€“their ā€œWeā€™ve Been Hadā€ is my favorite track Iā€™ve heard from your list The Besnard Lakesā€“the two clips Iā€™ve found were a bit disorienting The Childballadsā€“havenā€™t found yet Sunset Rubdownā€“havenā€™t found yet Mother Motherā€“Okay, I think ā€œDirty Townā€ is the weirdest song Iā€™ve listened to as a result of this thread. The New Yearā€“definitely NOT music to drive to. šŸ˜ƒ The Nationalā€“love that lead voice. He sounds a little like the Crash Test Dummies guy occasionally. Wilcoā€“Iā€™ve heard of them. Enjoyable but a littleā€¦ polished? Calexicoā€“very nice. of Montrealā€“kind of weird, at least the tracks I heard. I like weird. Spiritualizedā€“I like. Neutral Milk Hotelā€“not my thing today. Papercutsā€“very good Thanks for all the suggestions. Either Iā€™m easy to please or people in this thread are good at suggesting music. šŸ˜ƒ ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/31 "2008-10-23T03:02:26Z")
> [@Equipoise](#): > > Try [this album](http://suspended-in-gaffa.com/happy/thekeep/), itā€™s very mellow, though not in a folky way. Thanks. Iā€™ve heard of Happy Rhodes, but I donā€™t mind the reminder. ---
**Author:** ![Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glory)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/32 "2008-10-23T03:19:28Z")
Some good recommendations in this thread. Iā€™ve personally been digging [Betty Soo](http://www.bettysoo.com/bio.html). I think the lyrics are pretty and I like her voice. My favorite album is Let Me Love You and my favorite song (currently) is [Sunshine Girl](http://www.myspace.com/bettysoo) (you can listen to it here). ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/33 "2008-10-23T03:26:04Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Not what I was expecting from your description. I feel like it might take a lifetime to hear all that these guys are about, but they arenā€™t really striking my fancy right now. If you can, check out the album _Trail of Stars_. Itā€™s both their most accessible one and my personal favorite. ETA: [The Cave Singers](http://www.myspace.com/thecavesingers) ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/34 "2008-10-23T03:28:40Z")
I guess Wilco could be called polishedā€“it depends on the album. **A.M** and **Being There** are very alt-country. Then things begin to evolveā€“I wouldnā€™t call **A Ghost is Born** alt-country. At the same time, itā€™s clear that Jeff Tweedy is a perfectionist, and he knows how he wants his music to sound. I would suggest seeking out Wilco & Billy Braggā€™s albums **Mermaid Ave Vol 1** and **Vol 2**. Theyā€™re all songs written by Woody Guthry. Other bands I enjoy: **Golden Smog** **Fleet Foxes** ā€“I was introduced to this band because they toured with Wilco this summer. I honestly donā€™t know what to think. Some of the songs are really annoying, but other songs like **Winter Hymnal** are quite lovely. **Great Lake Swimmers** **Retribution Gospel Choir** ā€“Another band I was introduced to because they were supporting Wilco. Theyā€™re not really mellowā€¦they reminded me a lot of 70s Classic rock. **The Autumn Defense** ā€“Um, another Wilco related band. This made up of two members of Wilco and they are interested in bringing back 70s easy listening, except their music doesnā€™t suck. **Josh Ritter** ā€“I think youā€™d like him if you like Andrew Byrd or Ryan Adams. My favorite way to find new music is to go to last.fm and start a radio station with Wilco or a similar band. It works like Pandora in that itā€™ll find similar artists, but honestly, Iā€™ve had better luck with last.f ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/35 "2008-10-23T03:29:27Z")
> [@Mahna\_Mahna](#): > > More mellow, folky slash alt-country slash indie goodness Iā€™d recommend: > > [Sufjan Stevens](http://www.last.fm/music/Sufjan+Stevens) (shiny happy folk music) > [Cat Power](http://www.last.fm/music/Cat+Power) (beautiul voice, ranges from Liz Phair style indie rock to sweet alt country depending on the album) > [Amy Millan](http://www.last.fm/music/Amy+Millan) (female lead for Stars, which is also worth checking out though theyā€™re less folkyā€¦ start with anything _Set Yourself on Fire_, which is a gorgeous album from beginning to end) > [Camera Obscura](http://www.last.fm/music/Camera+Obscura) (like Belle and Sebastian, when they were still good) > [The Decemberists](http://www.last.fm/music/The+Decemberists) (sea chanties for the hipster crowd) > [Neko Case](http://www.last.fm/music/Neko+Case) (stripped-down alt-country from the female lead for the New Pornographers, another one of my faves) Iā€™d heard of all of yours except Amy Millan and Camera Obscura. I found all of them enjoyable, Cat Power probably the most ā€œme.ā€ ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/36 "2008-10-23T03:40:10Z")
> [@Hunter\_Hawk](#): > > If you can, check out the album _Trail of Stars_. Itā€™s both their most accessible one and my personal favorite. > > ETA: [The Cave Singers](http://www.myspace.com/thecavesingers) Thanks for the updated suggestion and the link. Iā€™ve listened to the first two songs for The Cave Singers and am digging them. Gah. I meant to be asleep an hour ago. I WILL get to every act listed in this thread! I WILL! ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/37 "2008-10-23T03:53:19Z")
Oh, you should also check out: Carissaā€™s Wierd Sera Cahoone ---
**Author:** ![Windwalker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/5e9695/32.png) [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/38 "2008-10-23T05:16:20Z")
Definitely second **Andrew Bird**. He used to play fiddle for Squirrel Nut Zippers, and heā€™s really developed a nice distinct sound for himself. Also second **Mysterious Production of Eggs** as his best album. Second **Regina Spektor**. _On The Radio_ just brings me up every time. **The Unicorns** were a nice dark pop band that only made one (great) album. **Rodrigo y Gabriela** are a really nice guitar-based instrumental band with South American flavor (theyā€™re from Ireland, though, I believe). \*\*Nellie McKay \*\*is one of my favorites; she has a background in musical theater and stand-up comedy, and sheā€™s done some really cool, eclectic, and bitingly lyrical stuff. My favorites include _Identify Theft_ (brilliant lyrics), _The Dog Song_, and _Respectable_. Also, Iā€™m going to marry her, so stay away guys and lesbians!! \*\*Chequerboard \*\*is a really obscure Irish band that describes itself as ā€œfolktronicaā€, which is essentially electronica with a warmer, more human feel; a lot of it is guitar-based. Really nice compositions. Iā€™ll second **Jose Gonzales** as a nice lo-fi singer-songwriter Swede who sings in English. Finally, I also heartily recommend **Silvio Rodriguez** , a guitarist-singer from Cuba who crafts beautiful songs with beautiful lyrics (in Spanish). I didnā€™t know any Spanish when I first got into him, and Iā€™m sort of teaching myself the language just to understand (and be able to sing) his songs-- and itā€™s worth it! Just a few of my favorites include: _Ojala, Quien Fuera, Playa Giron, Juego Che Me Regalo Un 6 Enero_. As for albums, I would recommend **Silvio** (theyā€™re all pretty good, though). ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/39 "2008-10-26T01:02:33Z")
Oh, I canā€™t believe I forgot to mention [Atherton](http://www.athertonmusic.com/). Theyā€™re a band from Salt Lake City. Great lyrics combined with powerful vocalsā€“and theyā€™re just really nice guys, too. ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2008, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475/40 "2008-10-27T00:30:23Z")
Iā€™ll probably forget half of what I want to mention because I should be asleep and obviously am not, but what the hellā€¦ Iā€™ve been listening to a lot of **The Mountain Goats** lately, **John Darnielle** is just about one of my favouritest persons ever. Hereā€™s [Sax Rohmer #1](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUbFljMLIY8) from the recent album, **Heretic Pride** (which probably has confused a couple of metal fans). Also a favourite: **Two Gallants** and their unique brand of blues-infused folksy rock with a hot and dusty western feel; hereā€™s [Steady Rollinā€™](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AWCRkcCKm8) from their 2006 album **What The Toll Tells**. In a somewhat similar vein, **Murder By Death** ; if you like the voice of **The National** ā€™s lead singer, this should hit a similar spot ā€“ personal favourite is [Cominā€™ Home](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNNH8jPKCIo) (fan-made video), but the whole album **Red of Tooth And Claw** is pretty excellent. And before I get too rocky, **Midlake** might be good on the somewhat more mellow side, and also because naming an album **The Trials of Van Occupanther** is somehow just very cool in that slightly off way I enjoy. Hereā€™s the video for [Roscoe](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDL9bXlwbM4) from that album. **Mark Lanegan** is probably best known for his work with **Queens of the Stone Age** , but I rather prefer his solo work, for instance his album **Bubblegum** , where [this song](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xMvw9lCOBw) is from; I love his gravelly voice, and contrasting it with **PJ Harvey** ā€™s singing is what makes this song stand out ā€“ for a similar, if even more pronounced effect, check out his collaborations with former **Belle and Sebastian** cellist and background singer, **Isobel Campbell**. He collaborates very extensively, and a lot of that is equally worth checking out, his work with **Soulsavers** or **Greg Dulli** as the **Gutter Twins** for example. Another great singer-songwriter I havenā€™t seen mentioned is **Ray LaMontagne** , whoā€™s got a new album out that I hope to get my hands on soon. Hereā€™s the video for his song [Trouble](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrZkaj37kA0). And of course I mustnā€™t forget **Neil Hannon** and his band, **The Divine Comedy** , whose [Perfect Lovesong](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=674PtHca8Kg) is pretty much just that, if your perfect love is a bit whimsical and sometimes melancholy. Hopefully everybody knows him already, but I canā€™t help shilling out for the great **Nick Cave** ā€“ his 1996 album **The Boatmanā€™s Call** is probably more melancholy than mellow, but whaddaya know, it might strike a chord somewhere. Hereā€™s [Into My Arms](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8owifmb8n2s). And not to totally neglect the ladies, thereā€™s that harp-playing angel, **Joanna Newsom** ā€“ her voice may be a little hard to get into, and with its quarter-hour tracks her last album, **Ys** , may seem a little unapproachable, but itā€™s worth the work to get into, and seeing her live has brought a little magic into the world of this staunch atheist. Hereā€™s [Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVx_kVtFI9E&feature=related) live on Later with Jools Holland. Of course, while Iā€™m in that whole New Weird America corner, I might as well mention **Devendra Banhart** , also on Jools Holland with [Itā€™s A Sight To Behold](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cig2Ep-4udg), or one of my favourite funnest songs ever, [Just Like A Child](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhW7FLo6peU). Now! I almost forget the wonderful **Sam Beam** of **Iron & Wine**! I would never have forgiven myself. So here he is, [Naked As We Came](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd-A-iiPoLg). Also, thereā€™s **Bill Callahan/Smog** , whoā€™s just awesome, enough so that **Joanna Newsom** chose him as hers. Apart from that, though, he also makes quite [wonderful music](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J-WpgOzW9A). Then thereā€™s the man with the many names, be it **Palace Brothers** , **Palace Songs** , **Palace Music** , **Bonnie ā€˜Princeā€™ Billy** , or simply **Will Oldham** , who all have one thing in common, albums with them on it tend to be pretty damn good. Hereā€™s [I See A Darkness](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My2ABr34fLw) from the album of the same name, a song that has been covered by Johnny Cash, for some reason before a background of Doctor Who clips. Does probably not meet your ā€˜wantedā€™ criteria, but Iā€™ll have to throw him out there just because of general awesomeness ā€“ **Seasick Stev** e, here singing about some difficult times in his past: [Cheap](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBJQOX_V4o8). And on the off chance that you donā€™t know 'em yet, thereā€™s also the **Eels**. No idea what to link to, because pretty much everything is great, so hereā€™s [Last Stop: This Town](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8hyCWH1Ww0) just cause I like little carrot E. That got a little longer than I thought, but I got carried away a bitā€¦ Hopefully thereā€™s something for you (or anybody) in it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indy-singers-bands-recommendations/468475.md?page=3)