With lyrics that showcase his lyrical prowess and a personal story that's as interesting to hear as to read, local hip-hop virtuoso Brother Ali has made an unparalleled mark on the world of independent hip hop.

Few people in the indie-rock world have had three separate successful careers. Lou Barlow is known as much for his solo work as his tenure as the bassist in Dinosaur Jr. and as the founder of the alt-country/folk supergroup Sebadoh.

Named after a bird watchers guide book found in a California bookstore, the band No Bird Sing creates a raw, bluesy blend of hip-hop.

We Are The Willows started off as a side-project for Peter Miller the lead singer of Red Fox Grey Fox.

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.