Hmm, first of all, thanks for doing this.  I like hearing what other people are listening to as it is always interesting and never quite what one expects.

Now, to the bands:

The Decemberists: I've heard of these guys but just by their name alone, sort of knew what to expect from them.  The song is not bad but not really my cup of tea.  It kind of reminds me of the lower end of The Smiths song writing spectrum. 

Shout Out Louds: Again, I've heard of them but had no idea they sounded like they do.  I thought they'd be a little bit more shouty emo music but instead, they remind me a great deal of The Cure, which isn't a bad thing at all.  I'm going to check out their other songs for sure.

Nicole Atkins: This song has the kind of beautiful, classic pop song structure I really dig but there is something about this particular song that just kind of grates on me.  She has a lovely voice and the melody is nice but...  Oh, maybe I'm just getting very fickle in my old age.

Yael Naim: The video for this is great.  I like the concept.  The song itself is kind of quirky and poppy and has some lovely elements.  But it is a bit too safe for my liking.

VHS Or Beta: I know these guys are getting rave reviews at the moment but to be honest with you, it is okay but a bit uhm...  I don't know, but I don't really like it.  It might be the safe thing again.  I really dig music that is risky and takes chances.

Tift Merrit: I really like girls with a smattering of freckles and this girl has the looks to boot.  She really is very pretty, which is probably what got her this far (and I know this sounds cynical but it is the way the industry works).  I think she has a lovely voice and while the song had a little bit too much of a country and western slant to it, I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Spoon: I don't know about these guys.  I know a lot of people who like them but I'm not one of them.  Like you, I really like horns in contemporary music but this song, to me, just lacks the 'it' factor, you know, the indefinable thing that makes it go bling.

Having said all this, I have to say thanks for pointing out the Shout Out Louds to me.  I will get back and let you know what I think of the any of their other songs I hear.  I intend to track them down and have a good listen.

Lately, I've been listening to The Eels Greatest Hits, Wu Tang Clan's album '8 Diagrams', Australian hip hop duo Muph & Plutonic, QOTSA, some old school soul compilations, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and a friend of mine who has just released his first solo album under the name M. Craft.  Check out this song on Youtube and let me know what you think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4tH-z3FJyg

Thanks for your input, Dynamaso.  I'm always glad to know that someone actually listens to the music I put up.  I guess I think of safe music as the boring "top 40" type stuff that really is formula.  Of course, I'm not a musician so I'm sure you have a different appreciation of the technical aspect of the music.  I do think a lot of new indie type bands have a kind of 80's alternative sound that I love. 

I do like to listen to things that are a little bit different.  As a matter of fact, I found a tshirt that says "I listen to bands that aren't even invented yet" and I'm totally going to buy it.  As a matter fact, it's a favorite game of mine to play "if I had a band I would name it  _________"  even though I will never have a band. 

I love the MMBosstones and really all ska music.  I think they are going to tour again.  I missed Reel Big Fish the last few times they came around.  I'm always afraid if I don't go see groups I like when they tour that they will die in a plane crash and I'll miss my chance.

I did check out that m.craft song.  At the beginning it almost reminded me of a 70's Steely Dan but it changed the feel when the female singer was added.  I did like it. 

I think Martin Craft would probably dig the allusion to Steely Dan, in some twisted way.  He really is a talent, though and his album 'Silver & Fire' is both a critic and punter favourite and has been getting rave reviews.

Like you, I absolutely love ska (as does Toni).  I like bands like Goldfinger and Reel Big Fish as well as Aussies like The Porkers.  But the ska I really like is the bands like The Skatilites, The Specials, Toots & The Maytals, The Beat, Madness and Desmond Dekkar.

Hey, have you come up with any good band names lately.  We're on the search at the moment as our band has the same name as our MC and he has just had a couple of tracks picked up for a couple of international mixed tapes.  So we're keen to have a name to seperate the man from the band.  Any suggestions greately appreciated...

I had really almost forgotten about Goldfinger. I added them to my myspace. Turns out they are releasing a new album in April so thanks for the reminder. I haven't really listened to much of the old skool ska. I think I'm seeing a ska playlist in my future. Maybe I'll pound one out after my dentist appointment.

Now that you ask for band names, I can't think of any that don't seem totally lame. I just tend to be watching something or reading something and think "hey that would be a great band name". Now I'll have to start writing them down and pass them on to you.