It’s hard to choose which record of the National's is our favorite, but their recent Boxer is some of the most affecting guitar rock we've heard in a long time. You can hear the band's influences on their "indie picks" list, a discerning mix anchored by the Strokes, Broken Social Scene, and Sonic Youth.
The graveled howl of singer Billy McCarthy makes Pela's debut LP an evocative affair of world-weary party crashers and lofty melodies. Check out a few examples, then give their playlist a spin, a heady brew of PJ Harvey, Neutral Milk Hotel and the Boss.
Don't let their diminutive name full you: when the Little Ones kick into a chorus of one of their cheerful, buoyant pop tunes the band sounds downright huge. Here's their debut EP and a list of the band's favorites.