Back in the 90s, it was assumed that all good music would be found on major record labels. Indie music was considered also-ran stuff, material not ready for prime time. How times have changed. Just listen to these five tracks, all of which are from various indie labels.

5. Mise En Scene, Nicer
Single (604 Records/Light Organ Records)
RIYL: Golden retriever puppies?

Want to get people interested in your video? Populate it with some adorable puppies playing in the snow. If you’re a hockey fan, you might have heard this on Hockey Night in Canada a couple of weekends back. Stef and Jodi are originally from Gimli, Manitoba, (a place on Lake Winnipeg about 45 minutes north of the small town where I grew up and renowned for a horrible sparkling wine called Gimli Goose) yet have already managed to play around the world. I love small-town success stories.