Retrofitted pop band the Clientele had obvious roots in the hazy, autumnal glare of Galaxie 500 and Felt. Just as those bands took their Velvet Underground and Television records to heart without being derivative, the Clientele were able to chalk up an extensive discography riddled with lush melodies

Baroque, Clever, Contemplative, Dreamy, Elegant, Enigmatic, Hypnotic, Intimate, Lush, Lyrical, Melancholy, Pop, Quiet, Self-reflection, Sensual, Serene, Smarty arty pop, Spectral, Surreal

80s synthpop, Post-rock, Smarty arty pop

With lyrics that range from musings on the Eiffel Tower to thoughts on the nature of space, The Pixies clearly transcend the categories of pop, punk, and rock 'n' roll. Their songs, which vacillate between light, almost airy pop tunes and grinding, sci-fi punk, might as well have come from another pl

Absurd, Alternative rock, Intense, Pop, Post-punk, Slangy, Smarty arty pop, Visceral

Reluctant rock star and style-transcending musical pioneer, Beck burst onto the scene in 1994 with his critically acclaimed album "Mellow Gold." Its oddball folk-rap hit, "Loser," struck a chord with a Dylanesque slide guitar, psychedelic samples, a hip-hop beat, and the catchy refrain, "I'm a loser

Citational, Clean, Ebullient, Playful, Pop, Smarty arty pop