Recently I reconnected with a high school friend via Facebook and he asked for some music recommendations. Here is the off the top of my head list of my favorite new bands of the last few years that I sent him: The Wombats, The National, TV On The Radio, Okkervil River, Cloud Cult, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, The Heavenly States, Silversun Pickups, Cold War Kids, and The Thermals. Hope you find something in there you like, Phil!