The Secret Machines - I almost didn't list them because their last album was an over-digested head of cabbage. Anything before that, however, was positively magnificent, if I may quote Weedmaster P.
Silversun Pickups - Got me into indie rock, then they turned around and exploded, the bastards.
Neutral Milk Hotel - Like a bandmate shouted at the end of Oh Comely, "HOLY SHIT".
The Shins
Okkervil River