The Top Ten Indie Bands of the New Millennium

Dr. Dog is a psychedelic indie rock band from Philadelphia. Their unique brand of pop rock is heavily influenced by 60's music and is often likened to The Beatles and The Beach Boys. They self-recorded and self-released their first album "The Psychedelic Swamp" in 2001. The highly anticipated album, "Shame, Shame", is due out in spring of 2010.

Must Listens: Heart it Races, My Old Ways, My Friend

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

Although relatively new to this decade, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' album "Up From Below" has more than enough excellence in it to make this list. Edward Sharpe is not the name of the front man, he is a fictional character created by mastermind Alex Ebert, formerly of power pop band Ima Robot. By channeling your inner hippie, you can imagine dancing in a field barefoot to this album, which features a lot of handclaps, foot stomps, chanting and fantastical allusions. Particularly charming is "Home" which features Ebert's girlfriend Jade Castrinos on vocals. I look forward to more from them in the future.

Must Listens: 40 Day Dream, Home, Om Nashi Me

Great Lake Swimmers

A Canadian folk rock band built by singer-songwriter Tony Dekker. Although similar in style to other artists Iron and Wine and Sufjan Stevens featured on this list, the Great Lake Swimmers make a place for themselves on this list by delivering consistently beautiful heartfelt songs. After releasing their self titled album in 2003, they have since released 3 more, including "Lost Channels" in March of 2009. Soft spoken lyrics and acoustic guitars make this a wonderful band to zone out to.

Must listens: Various Stages, Still, Concrete Heart

Voxtrot

The band, based in Austin, Texas has been active since 2002. Since then the band has released several Eps and undergone several lineup changes. In 2007 they released their self titled album "Voxtrot" upon the world, filled with infectious danceable rock pop.

Must Listens: Raised by Wolves, The Start of Something, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives

Miniature Tigers

This indie rock/pop band based out of Arizona released "Tell it to the Volcano" in 2008. Filled to brim with exceedingly catchy songs that feature quirky lyrics, this album is sure to stay on repeat for a few weeks. Featuring simple, stripped down guitars and layered vocals, many of the tracks have a simple charm to them. A good, simple listen that almost anyone can digest easily.

Must Listens: The Wolf, Cannibal Queen, Like or Like Like

Joseph Arthur

Between the hauntingly beautiful music and poetic lyrics it is hard to dismiss Joseph Arthur. Although discovered in the mid 90's by Peter Gabriel, Arthur didn't receive a lot of attention until the release of his 2002 album "Redemption's Son". Many may have heard of Joseph Arthur via the popular show "O.C", his song "Honey and the Moon" was featured on the show's soundtrack. His songs are relatively heavy handed, featuring themes like faith, love and redemption. His music may not be extremely accessible, but I think if you give it a chance, you will be glad you did.

Must Listens: Honey and the Moon, In the Sun, Slide Away

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear began as a moniker for singer-songwriter Edward Droste's solo music in the early 2000's. The band's debut album "Horn of Plenty", which was still a mostly solo effort came out in 2004, featuring an assortment of different sounds, from acoustic to electronic, and vocal harmonies. Their first album as a quartet, "Yellow House", came out in 2006 and was ranked one of the top albums of the year. Their most recent album, "Veckatimest", is a much more accessible pop album, released in May of 2009. It reached number 8 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Must Listens: While you Wait for the Others, He Hit Me, Knife

Sufjan Stevens

A talented multi instrumentalist, Sufjan Stevens music runs the gamut from electronica to acoustic folk. His music often has spiritual themes, drawing inspiration from Biblical stories. He loves Christmas music and has recorded several Eps of holiday themed songs, which culminated in "Songs for Christmas", a box set released in November of 2006. At one point he had intended to make an album for every state in the U.S., but has since changed his mind. He has only released two state albums thus far, "Illinois" and "Michigan".

Must Listens: Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, To be Alone With You

Fleet Foxes

Their self titled album "Fleet Foxes", was critically appraised as one of the best albums of 2008, and I have to agree. Featuring beautiful vocals that are oftentimes similar to Gregorian chants, this album is perfect to relax to. The band is based in Seattle, but the music gives me this strange feeling like I am in the mountains. Besides a heavy focus on nature, the songs delve into themes like love and family- all told with guitars and smooth vocal harmonies.

Must listens: White Winter Hymnal, Mykonos, Your Protector

Iron and Wine

Sam Beam's soft whispery voice is mesmerizing, and his folksy guitar stylings are an interesting change of pace from the norm. His 2002 cover of the Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" was featured in the movie "Garden State" as well as an M&M's commercial, gaining him a lot of recognition, but it would be foolish to not give his original works a listen. Featuring an array of instruments like the banjo and slide guitars, his album "Our Endless Numbered Days" is one that shouldn't be missed. His most recent release "The Shepard's Dog" is a bit more upbeat and features more layers of instruments, making it a nice progression from his earlier work.

Must Listens: The Trapeze Swinger, Flightless Bird American Mouth, Love and Some Verses