Things I've Been Listening to...

The Rural Alberta Advantage- a band out of Alberta, Canada. They signed to Saddle Creek and their album, Hometowns, gets a lot of plays on my playlist. My favorite song off of the album is The Deadroads.
Neutral Milk Hotel (Jeff Mangum)- Increasing amounts of people are listening to this once-unknown band. They released their most well-known album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" back in the late 90's, I think '98. Though they are coming back as more popular after their re-release of the album, more people should know about them.
Radiohead- They are so UNDERRATED. They have released, in my opinion, some of the best songs in the history of Alternative/Experimental Rock music. (ie. "Videotape", "My Iron Lung", "Idioteque") Thom Yorke's voice is one of my favorites in music, and they never disappoint me.
Brand New- I listened to this band a long time ago, slightly, and was reintroduced to them a few months ago. They seem really out of place in this list, but I can't get over them.
Death Cab For Cutie- I've always loved this band because of their amazing lyrics, Ben Gibbard is one of my absolute favorite lyricists. I listen to Transatlanticism the most out of all their albums, but I personally love their cover of the song "This Charming Man", originally by the Smiths.
Elliott Smith- Sadly, I got into Elliott Smith after his death. His songs remain a huge influence in my writing, and his album XO remains a favorite of mine. He is also a great guitar player, and I hope to match in his abilities some day.
Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst- I'd say Conor's stuff is the most listened to out of ANYTHING that I have. Amazing. What more can I say?
Matt & Kim- This duo is so fun, they make me want to burst into silly child-like dancing. No matter where I am.
Rilo Kiley- Jenny Lewis has a fantastic voice and vocal style, and The Execution of All Things makes me want to sing at the top of my lungs.
Wilco- At first I didn't care for Wilco, but after their songs kept coming up on shuffle, I became attached to songs like "Kamera" and "War on War". Great innovative band.