I ran across The Decemberists though one of the several sample/review sites that I watch. Mostly likely, the Salon Wednesday Morning Downloads or their indie sampler that I believe is now a members only think. I digress...Castaways and Cutouts was released in 2003, but I list it among my favorites of 2004 because I discovered it last month. I love this album. It has an interesting feel to it that leans

Lately I have been purchasing a ton of alternative or indie music. I'm not sure really what to call it. Groups like Lambchop and The Aluminum Group that have a kind of weird retro Burt Bacharach thing going. Also Josh Rouse's wonderful set of original songs done in a 70's style very well. (Nothing even approaching Disco, which should remain dead at all costs.) Also indie rock artists like The

Whoops. Damn near forgot to mention Pitchfork earlier when I mentioned sources for music info. These guys are a bit pretentious, but they're not preaching gospel, just offering opinions...

Just ran across a very good site for reviews and general information called stylus.com. I particularly like that their "Best of 2004" and "Worst of 2004" are the same list. Not the same old stuff. Very intelligent and not too snobby. Several things I've heard of and even more I haven't.I have been buying most of my music at iTunes over the last year or so, but have also found that insound.com is