It's been a few months since we raved about Ratatat and gave away their CD, so we figure it's time again to extol their greatness. Like we said last time, RATATAT's music is so melodic, varied and compelling that it makes vocals and lyrics seem superfluous. The Brooklyn duo expertly mixes snakey synth lines with sneering guitar, cello, sleigh bells and samples like the appropriately primal roar in "Wildcat". File under: Things That Make......

They've moved away from San Francisco to a small town in Connecticut, but we're still claiming Mates of State as our own. The birth of the couple's baby girl Magnolia hasn't slowed their relentless tour schedule: on Tuesday they play their first of two nights at Great American (The Court & Spark open Tuesday and Asobi Seksu on Wednesday). We've got a copy of their latest record Bring It Back, out now on Barsuk......

We're back from summer vacation -- did you miss us? Last Saturday night we braved a sold out Cafe Du Nord to see two of our favorite obscure indie rock bands: Tilly and the Wall and Now It's Overhead. Apparently Tilly's not so obscure anymore, since there was a line down the block at the venue before doors even opened. Luckily our friend in Now It's Overhead got us in – thanks Andy! We caught......

You may have noticed that we're giving away 'Fisties this month. Did you read about our 'Fisties in the music category? We declared that the local boys in Two Gallants made the Best Career Move this year by signing with iesteemed indie label Saddle Creek Records. One of the perks of signing with an indie is artistic freedom, which the band exercised on the b-side of their just-released "Las Cruces Jail"/"Long Summer Day" 7-inch. Enter......

Best Musical Event: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival Best Local Venue: Golden Gate Park Were you among the tens of thousands who attended the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival this year? We cannot say enough good things about this event. If you're a fan of folk, Americana, country, bluegrass, or roots music of any ilk, you should have been at Golden Gate Park on September 30th and October 1st. This year's Hardly Strictly drew over 50 acts,......

Listen up! Two of our favorite indie rock bands are coming to town this week. "Indie" as in they're actually on independent labels ("indie" is not a genre); and "rock" as in crunchy guitars, dirty reverb and gratifyingly dour lyrics. Rock as in, we salute you. Those bands are Criteria and The Constantines, playing at Great American Music Hall on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. Fire up your devil horns. Enter to win a copy of......