There are some British bands that brandish their influences much more prominently than any American band ever could. A few years ago, the white British rapper Mike Skinner (a.k.a. the Streets) hit America with his brand of reggae-doused garage rap.

On paper, having an indie A-lister who performs songs about politics and sex open up for a female-fronted psychedelic goth/punk band and a sprawling mutant pop group just looks strange.

By: Jessica Grose

By: Lane Brown

Equal parts indie rock and jam band -- or more accurately, a halfway house between Coachella and Bonnaroo -- Las Vegas' first Vegoose urbanized the outdoor music festival this Halloween. Organized by folks behind the Big Easy's best JazzFest offerings, Vegoose reset New Orleans' sense of overstuffed excitement in an equally party-ready city.

The Bled, whose recent album Found in the Flood has been something of a breakout success, have embarked on tour with Thrice and Underoath. But while fans are professing their love for the Tucson, AZ-based fivesome's CD, SPIN.com wanted to know what albums the members of the Bled are hoping to force on their tourmates this fall.