folk-rock (Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake)
rock-bred singer/songwriters (John Lennon, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen)
early new wave (Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Police)
the more earnest side of '80s alt (U2, R.E.M.)
late '80s female folk-rock innovators (Suzanne Vega, 10000 Maniacs, Indigo Girls)
early-to-mid '90s female alt/folk-rock innovators (Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple)
the more earnest side of '90s alt (Pearl Jam, Oasis, Radiohead)
the more earnest side of '90s post-grunge (Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Gin Blossoms)
'90s indie folk (Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith)
indie pop-rock (Death Cab for Cutie, Guster, Snow Patrol, The Killers)
roots-y indie pop-rock (Wilco, Ryan Adams, My Morning Jacket, Bright Eyes)
female indie folk-pop/rock innovators (Regina Spektor, Feist, Joanna Newsom)
the more earnest side of the "garage rock revival" (White Stripes, Jet, Raconteurs, Kings of Leon)
2000's indie-folk (Damien Rice, Jose Gonzalez, Iron & Wine)
yes, I know I mentioned female singer oriented categories three times even though I'm a guy (and I'm straight) - I just love music with a melody and meaningful message and these gals really carried that across for me!!