Silversun Pickups' first hit "Lazy Eye" didn't follow any of the conventions of songwriting - including a bridge or any sort of chorus - but they still create complete and compelling songs.

From Bowling Green, Kentucky and by way of the rough neighborhood of Leyton, England, Cage The Elephant have emerged onto the musical horizon with their grunge-tinged Southern punk.

With the release of her tenth studio album, "Abnormally Attracted to Sin," Tori Amos continues to challenge ideas and stereotypes. In her latest record, she peers into concept of attraction.

"I believe this to be true / Nothing sacred nothing new." The lyrics seem to sum up Brandi Carlile's third album, "Give up the Ghost."

Vampire Hands might be the Twin Cities' best kept music secret. The four-piece started out in 2004 and have since gone on to release four recordings and complete four national tours.