Dan Age: 21 School: Ohio University Likes: multilingual Scrabble, Sriracha hot sauce (the one with the little rooster), Canada

1. Broken Social Scene, Broken Social Scene (2005, Arts and Crafts Records, Canada)
   On this, their latest release, the eclectic Toronto group with 15-plus members explores everything from brash rock and roll to ambient trip-hop.
2. The Magnetic Fields, 69 Love Songs (1999, Merge Records)
   As advertised, this 3-disc album is 69 very beautiful love songs. Lead singer Steven Merritt's voice reminds me a little of Johnny Cash.
3. The New Pornographers, Twin Cinema (2005, Matador Records)
   A well-paced and unbelievably catchy release from the Vancouver indie-pop supergroup. Arguably one of the bests album of 2005.
4. The Go! Team, Thunder, Lightning, Strike (2005, Vivid Sound Records, Japan)
   One of the most upbeat albums I have ever heard. A must have for the indie-rock cheerleader on your list.
5. Interpol, Turn On the Bright Lights (2002, Matador Records)
   Nothing says holiday cheer like the dark, stylish melodies of this uber-hip New York band. But seriously, everyone should own this album.
6. Yo La Tengo, I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One (1997, Matador Records)
   Hands down, the best album from the '90s indie legends. Perfect for any gen-Xer on your list.
7. Monks, Black Monk Time (1994, Repertoire Records, Germany)
   Quite possibly the strangest recommendation on my list. This is a re-release of a 1966 album by the group who actually formed while stationed together during the Vietnam War. The album has a raucous, MC5 feel to it, but would be nothing if it were not for its interesting social commentary about Vietnam.
8. Belle and Sebastian, Tigermilk (1999, Matador Records)
   Near-perfect pop from Scotland. If there are any Beach Boys fans (young or old) on your list, this album will be perfect for them.
9. Modest Mouse, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About (1996, Up Records)
   They've gotten very popular in recent years, but this album is indicative of their early years, when they were raw, heartfelt, and oh-so Pacific Northwest.
10. Architecture in Helsinki, In Case We Die (2005, Bar/None Records)
    With eight members chiming in with an odd collection on instruments, this Australian indie-pop collective creates a sound that would probably result if Dee Dee Ramone met the Teletubbies in a bar. In Japan.

other lists: Gavin, Karen, Jordan, Eric, Jason

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