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“Popular” earned Nada Surf heavy MTV airplay in the ’90s, but the alterna-rockers have actually been recording their best stuff in the last several years for Seattle’s Barsuk label. New ’08 album “Lucky” (and their vinyl box set) showcases jangly, clever indie pop that’s deliciously infectious.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

In a time when ’60s pop-soul is back in style, artists such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy are in high demand. Anjulie is right there in the mix with her catchy throwback single “Boom,” which has enough bounce for the dance club yet is laid-back enough for headphone listening.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

*From the Free MP3 archive* Though they left indie labels behind years ago, Death Cab’s indie cred’s still in full effect. Singer-guitarist Ben Gibbard’s confessional, heartfelt lyrics come wrapped in meticulously placed arrangements and straightforward production that results in sturdy, melodic music.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

Playing off the West Coast sibling theme, Kurupt and Roscoeâ??s updated version of The Frank and Jess Story swaps out the horses for lowriders and the cowboy boots for Air Force Ones, and it includes an iller posse featuring Daz Dillinger, Too Short, and Kokane.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

*From the Free MP3 archive* Residents at C.M. Bidasoa in Pamplona, Spain, perform these unadorned Gregorian chants. It’s beautiful vocal work inspired by deeply religious experiences.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

Synths can be seductive for solo artists; the keyboard gives you options, but it won’t solve other problems. Kellarissa’s “Flamingo” LP shows what less skilled bards are forever driving at. Processed hazes envelop vocals that would be fine on their own, and the result is an elegant post-torch …

Originally posted at Crossfade

*From the Free MP3 archive* On new tracks like “Liar (It Takes One To Know One),” the punk/pop heroes continue to evolve their means of crossing alternative leanings with arena-ready hooks. Here, their slight–and welcome–subversions include moodier prod on guitars and genuinely achy vocals.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

It’s hardly worth mentioning that the Hustle Simmons project hails from the Philadelphia area–where else could this mix of deeply soulful organic beats and scratchy vocals call home? Like so many 215 acts before them, they work for low-key party music or headphone check-outs.

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Originally posted at Crossfade

*From the Free MP3 archive* Hailing from the flats of Omaha, Neb., Conor Oberst delivers angst-filled songs with a quavering-yet-melodic lyrical style. He has the range to captivate a festival crowd with just his voice and an acoustic guitar as well as engage his dedicated following with a full-on band….

Originally posted at Crossfade

England-based electro-pop quartet, Dragonette make hook-heavy, hard-driving dance music that is lyrically intriguing and truly inventive with a techno-pop flavored appeal. Sex-driven songs laced with sass are sure to pack dance floors worldwide.

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Originally posted at Crossfade