I know.

R.E.M.

You've got some issues, T&B.

Shins (they should be in first 12 "top-indie-something-something" artists), Wrens, Unrest, Portastatic...

Franz Ferdinand
The Killers

Good call on Teenage Fanclub and The Smiths.

What is this a list of, the "best" Indie bands? Or a sampler of different styles?

I hate these subjective vs. objective issues.

I suppose you couldn't leave out a band like Interpol, but do they qualify?

And I'd vote as well for Sparklehorse. They consistently put out good albums. And perhaps American Football, they've got a pretty unique sound.

Oh, and based purely on personal opinion, I have to put in votes against Neutral Milk Hotel, The Decemberists, and Belle & Sebastian.

Ooh and I forgot, Godspeed should totally be on there.

you guys obviously have no idea what indie is

Hot Fuss is a work of art. GENIUS

yes,

unrest are amazing, perfect teeth is one of my all time favourite albums, nobody ever seems to talk about them though,

definately the most over looked band on 4ad

olivia tremor control
quasi
shonen knife
the raincoats
le tigre
mazarin
palace
the shipping news
royal trux
scratch acid

Glad to see so few wearin' kneepads for Guided By Voices, but...

Three pages in and no mention of The Clean? Beat Happening?

"Bust 'em Green" by Henry's Dress would top my list, followed by "Project 64" by Gapeseed.

I guess the Gordons are also worth mentioning.

The Gordons' "Future Shock" EP is one of my very fave records!

My list was about the bands that you should listen to if you want to listen to Indie... I don't actually like half of them, but they are pretty important, no?

More bands...
 

Rocketship
Cardinal
Nation of Ulysses
Smart Went Crazy
Bikini Kill
Huggy Bear
Blonde Redhead
Drive Like Jehu
Galaxie 500
Q and not U
Les Savy Fav
Public Image Limited

How can so many of you leave out Sonic Youth? This is their message board after all! And they are kings among men when it comes to indie rock. They helped so many bands gain prominence while influencing countless others! I say that they should be in the first 5 indie bands that you mention when you bring up indie bands. If they are not, then yr not listening to the right music, or yr high off of some good shit.

I'm still waiting for someone to define "indie." I sure as hell can't.

But if you're going to listen to indie, you must of course have carefully swept bangs and cuffed jeans.