In a crossover worthy of soap star-turned-rocker Rick Springfield, professional surfer Jack Johnson emerged as one of the hottest pop stars of the early '00s. The interesting thing is that, amid hordes of teen-poppers and nu-metallists, he came to fa…

Formed in the Pacific Northwest during the late 1990s, Death Cab for Cutie deals in guitar rock that is informed by a striking sensitivity. Led by singer/guitarist Benjamin Gibbard, the group straddles the line between indie and emo rock, earning the…

In 2000, Coldplay emerged seemingly out of nowhere to become a worldwide smash with their debut album PARACHUTES and hit single "Yellow." They're generally lumped in with the Britpop crowd, but, like Travis, they favor a more thoughtful, melodic pop …

Formed in North Carolina, USA, Ben Folds Five took their name from leader Ben Folds (b. 12 September 1966, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; piano/vocals). However, the band turned out to be a trio rather than the quintet that the name implied, the…

In the late 1990s, the Albuquerque indie-rock band Flake Music morphed into the Shins, led by vocalist-guitarist James Mercer. Upon the release of 2001's OH, INVERTED WORLD, the Shins garnered a landslide of critical acclaim with their amiable, 1960…

Bostons Dispatch was comprised of Brad Corrigan Pete Heimbold and Chad Urmston The band debuted in 1996 with Silent Steeples and returned a year later with Bang Bang Both albums displayed the trios three-part harmonies and cheeky college-friendly mix…