Growing up in an Appleton, Wis., household separated from pop music, Cory Chisel had to turn to other musical sources for inspiration. Gospel, blues, and Americana all played an important part in shaping his musical voice.

Four albums into his solo career, Brendan Benson has made a name for himself as one of the music world's premier collaborators. As part of the Raconteurs, he's played an instrumental part in shaping the sound of garage-inspired indie rock.

A brand new band from San Francisco, Girls specialize in always-sunny California pop -- jangling guitars, beautiful harmonies and flawless hooks. Frontman Christopher Owens layers this sunny backdrop with darker lyrics reminiscent of more introverted artists.

My half-witted and not-terribly-insightful observation of this CD is that it is EXACTLY what you think it will sound like, and that my friend is a really good thing.

What are our obligations to others as people in a free society? Is it just for the government to tax the rich to help the poor? Is the free market fair? Harvard professor Michael J. Sandel discussed these questions and more at last Thursday's Policy and a Pint.

Illinois-born Lissie offers some of the best Americana music to come out of the Midwest in recent decades. Now living in California, the musician -- Lissie Maurus by birth -- examines life in small-town America and growing up in a rural area.

After many independent labels and attempts to break into the international music scene, Fanfarlo took things into their own hands and released their album for $1 on their Web site. The result? A national tour of the United States and plenty of international dates as well.