"Indie" is a funny word. Short for "independent," in musical terms, it means nothing more than a band that, for whatever reason, isn't signed to a major record label. Yet the word is thrown around like confetti when describing the style of bands like Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes and Sufjan Stevens. Clearly, there is a growing expectation as to what an independent band is supposed to sound like, which is why new arrival Annuals is such a compelling listen.

Big Star began as the musical vessel of young songwriters Alex Chilton and Chris Bell. Almost from the start the two didn't see eye to eye, Which was a foreshadowing detail about where the band was eventually headed.