In spite of being frequently categorized as depressive and bland, The Cure has become one of alternative rock’s most tenacious and iconic groups. They were alternative before anyone knew pop music needed one. Their chart-topping, Grammy-nominated success is less a testament to their commercial viability and more an indication of just how irresistible their distinctive sound is.

When the film version of the musical Hair hit theatres in 1979, Mike Doughty was there.  It impacted the future lyricist in a profound way.  “Sodomy” has a tendency to do that to you.  While on a visit to D.C.’s Walter Reed Army Hospital just last year, Doughty met a few Iraq War amputees.  Vets missing limbs in the flesh inevitably moved him.

The most recent installment in Jourgensen’s Bush bashing trilogy, The Last Sucker, is slightly more stripped down then some of his better known work, and the lyrics seem a bit punchy compared to the guttural street poetry of yesteryear, but the raw senseless rage is still very much a part of the Ministry sound machine.

Dive Deep, the Godfreys’ sea change (pun intended), is the first Morcheeba platter to feature a true ensemble cast.  Some pipes are more pleasing than others, though.  Singer Judie Tzuke gels well with the boys in the studio, landing lead on the aquatic-themed album’s kickoff single “Enjoy the Ride.”

A welcome sensation of doom and gloom saturates the music of the The Swayback’s sophomore album, Long Gone Lads. Throughout the album, the music of the Denver trio takes me back to Sunday nights at the 1082.

Known for their raucous shows and Irish-infused rock anthems, the Young Dubliners are the ticket to the continuation of your green beer tidal wave. You’re not part of the Colorado music scene if you don’t know these guys...

Perhaps they are not the purveyors of the genre, but the HorrorPops do seem to embody everything that is distinctly psychobilly. There is no question as to whether or not the ‘Pops fit the image, the requisite stand-up bass, the miles of tattooed flesh and hair so big and ridiculous it can only be described as ungodly.

Aesop Rock is one of the heroes of the underground hip-hop scene. By steering clear of the formulaic music of mainstream radio, Aesop’s songs are chock full of mind-bending wordplay and thought-provoking themes over a stylishly-produced dreamscape of musical elements.

His name is synonomous with trance, and he is recognized in both the underground dance music scene and the commercial pop industry.  Yes, he is the one that even other DJs look up to. His list of acheivements would put OJ's rap sheet to shame.

The same cities that were breaking the stars of the original movement twenty years ago, are repeating themselves this time with more complex and diverse talent than ever before. Once again, the San Francisco Bay area of California is consistently producing the cream of the proverbial crop. Atop the most prolific of these artists is Lyrics Born.