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Though it's titled Grrr..., there's nothing threatening about the third album from the Brooklyn pop-rock band Bishop Allen. Its peppy melodies are framed by sing-along vocals, quirky approaches to wordplay, a solid rock foundation and lyrics about the reliable yet relatable subject of trying to grow up.

Combining electronica, indie-rock, soul and funk, the group's newest record topped many critics' best-of lists for 2008. On Dear Science, the band's characteristically dark lyrics are balanced by some of the most accessible song structures of TV on the Radio's career.

With layered electronic melodies, freak-folk drones and road-worn personal narratives, the dreamy San Francisco band is led by Jason Quever. His sincere vocals give Papercuts a timeless pop-rock sound, but with an independent twist.

The band exists somewhere in the deconstructed '90s punk nexus of Fugazi, Unwound and Shellac, but its high-definition payoff is somehow more psychedelic.

Known as "The Chairman of the Boards" for his work as a keyboardist for the jam-rock band Phish — his improvisational work was integral to the group's renowned live show — McConnell has come into his own as a solo artist after 20 years as a supporting player.

With a diverse list of influences that include The Left Banke, My Bloody Valentine, Stravinsky and Thelonious Monk, its no surprise that the U.K. band Field Music create an eclectic brew of modern pop music.

Augustana's All the Stars and Boulevards features many songs with place-names in the titles, reflecting the amount of time the band had spent on the road prior to recording their album for Epic Records.

On the band's second album, What Doesn't Kill Us, What Made Milwaukee Famous deftly mixes the pomp of Spoon and the hooks of Big Star with witty lyrics. In this segment of World Cafe, the group fills out its sound with the help of new guitarist Jason Davis.

Best known as a backup vocalist for the E Street Band, and as Bruce Springsteen's wife, Scialfa occasionally finds time to record and play her own music. Hear her perform songs from Play It As It Lays and give an interview on World Cafe from WXPN.

Tyler Ramsey's music showcases his thoughtful approach to instrumentalism and lyricism. Ramsey's experiences growing up in the mountains of North Carolina — a common path for traveling blues musicians — had inspired him to incorporate a variety of folk styles.