Mumbled lyrics, couldn't-care-less strumming, white dudes in sweaters — what's not to love about indie rock? Born 25-odd years ago in suburban garages and spread via college radio, it has made distortion into something hummable, boredom into something thrilling and aimlessness into a raison d'être — and these days, thanks to blogs and the fine people at Grey's Anatomy, it's more popular than ever. From Kurt to Sufjan, Stipe to the White Stripes, Blender presents the definitive indie-rock user's guide.
