Recent Indie Rock Debut Classics

By Lance Feldman

If you love indie music like I do, you know very well that there have been some exceptional musical debuts over the course of the last two years. We'll be including music from 2008 and 2009 here, and narrowing it down to the three that I'm going to mention will be a difficult task.

Unfortunately, I only have time to mention three here, which is probably a bad idea. It might actually take me more time to narrow it down to my three favorites than it would to write about my ten favorites during the same span.

The three articles that I choose to discuss are all wonderfully crafted albums that all music lovers should listen to. If you've never heard of these bands, you're in for a treat as soon as you do.

If you never heard Bon Iver's debut, I'd definitely suggest checking it out. This is an album that consists of raw folk, packed with emotion. The simplicity of the music is beautiful, and many critics and fans agree.

Justin Vernon is his real name, and he penned the entire album in a state of seclusion while in the woods of Wisconsin. The effort paid off big time, as Vernon is now a household name in the indie world.

The next album in my trio of newer debut classics is the first release by Vampire Weekend, a New York band with influences that span the world. One of the most unique blends of music I've ever heard, the band successfully mends styles that you never thought could go well together.

Lastly, Fleet Foxes came out with a debut in 2008 that was exceptional. The best way to describe the band's music is a mix of bluegrass, indie rock, and barber shop quartet. I know that's hard to explain, but their rich melodies will pull you in on first listen.

These are all instant classics in my mind, and worthy of repeated listens. - 30549

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