Now that labels are specifically looking for bands to sign that can seem "indie" or sound "indie" and bring street cred to the label the term doesn't seem to have all that much importance . . . its just another term, useful I guess if you are trying to avoid the usualk pop bands. Or useful for tagging your Mp3s. There are so many genres now I've almost given up even trying to pigeonhole sounds. Now if you are looking just for truly independent and small label bands then that is a whole different deal
But, that said here's a few i like lately that are a little different
earlimart (if you like grandady)
laketrout
leaving carmichael (sp?)
antony and the johnsons
the hold steady
dirtbombs
