I like alternative and some folkish - yea, I know pretty broad
faster rather than slower
camera obscura is nice for example
emiliana torrini is nice too
poe is ok

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the pogues.

Wilco.

"Gotta Knock A Little Harder" by Yoko Kanno

Fembots - The City (2005)
Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit of (2006) - this one is more poppy
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (aka Come on Feel the Illinoise) (2005)
The Shins
You might dig some of the bands from the Elephant 6 label, as well.

These are more slow than fast, but good:

Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days (2003?)
Cat Power - You Are Free (2002). Well, any Cat Power. The Covers Record is cool. And she has a GH out now, too.
Jason Collett - Idols of Exile (2005)

And I second Wilco. :nice: