'00s Alternative

In the age when a fledgling artist can record a No. 1 single on his laptop and so-called "indie rock" has its own department at major labels, the question arises: Alternative to what? Unlike the alternative movements of decades past, this vein of artist hardly exists exclusively on the margins of commercial radio, but bands like the Killers, Interpol, and Bloc Party have ushered in the new millennium with an attitude-packed, post-modern melange of sounds that embodies the independent spirit of their forbearers. The groups mix and match a kitchen sink of influences that can simultaneously embrace decades-old trends like disco, funk and new wave and futuristic bits of electronic and urban music.