I've constructed a mini music history lesson. This took awhile, so please at least make this new found knowledge useful by trying to listen to the bands as well as inspire you to listen to other bands.

Now this is all direct from Wiki... so please don't anyone get mad at me for saying so and so band is pop punk, if it's a band that you think sounds more like Doo-Wop.

Spoon circa 1994 (Indie rock), The Decemberists circa 2001 (Indie rock/Indie pop/Progressive folk/Baroque Pop), Slint circa 1986 (Math Rock/Post-Rock/Indie Rock), Cursive circa 1995 (Indie rock/Alternative), Smoking Popes circa 1991 (Pop punk/Rock), Blonde Redhead circa 1993 (Rock/Indie rock/Alternative rock), Midlake circa 1999 (Progressive rock).

Notice, they've all been around for upwards of 6 years and aren't punk. hehe. Sorry - don't think I'm bombarding. I'm just being silly now. Just came back from working and it's nearly 3am. Don't take this as a personal attack... just as music education. My motive was pure and positive.