That's Just Rank

McLusky -- Without MSG I am Nothing (2.7mb mp3 from better propaganda)

Distorted bass, an odd snake-charmer guitar line, chanted and yelled vocals, obscure and disturbing lyrics -- this is not the most accessible tune. It's also pure, total genius and deserves a second (ok, third or fourth) chance after you reject it the first time. The only disappointing thing is that the band already broke up years ago. I hate it when that happens.

Heavier Aromas

Finch -- Letters to You (3.1mb mp3 from their label)

With a lost-love theme and perfect harmonies in the chorus, this could be considered emo -- the only thing that rescues it from any wussy classification is a huge guitar sound, an angry edge to the singer's voice and seriously pounding drums. This isn't new -- I've been enjoying it for a couple of years now -- but the quality stands up to repeated listens.

Smells Mellow

Pleasant Grove -- Impossible (4.1mb mp3 from their label)

Generally I'd say that six minutes is too long for any song, but I'm willing to make exceptions when they sound this great. Right from the blippy-bleepy intro through the quiet-guy singing and echoing guitar lines, multiple bridges and breaks...the vibe is just wonderful.

Pungent Indie Rock

Super Love Attack -- Hero (3.8mb mp3 from their label's site)

I'll admit it -- I fell for this one almost entirely for the simple, sliding three-chord riff that opens up the intro, then chugs along later at important points in the song. With an anthem's vibe and perhaps some added distortion, it might evoke Nirvana or the Pixies, but the vocals are too weird to really consider those comparisons. The sound is so loose and unpolished that it might be a late-night jam crackling with alcohol-fueled energy. Anyway, it might take a few listens to really appreciate this beauty.

Smells Mellow

Sia -- Breathe Me (4mb mp3 from her SXSW page, which won't last long)

This achingly pretty song should send shivers down the neck of even the scariest, hairiest headbanger. It probably doesn't technically qualify as "indie", and might even be accused of living in Dido or Nelly Furtado pop territory, but seriously...just listen to it and try to convince me that her quiet, cracking (almost mumbling at times) voice doesn't win you over.