Detroit often oscillates between the butt of a joke and a classic example of what frightens people about cities. Every few years though, the indie scene there comes back to life with musicians who claim that Detroit’s going to be known for music again like it was in the Motown era.

Of course, a lot of moneyed musicians called Detroit their home: Eminem, Kid Rock, Kiss, the White Stripes and Madonna. And when a few bands sprung up from around The White Stripes, I’ll admit I was skeptical of a true “movement.” But the sheer number of awesome indie Detroiters and their staying power has me convinced.

Detroiters do have real estate on their side. Enough to make a New York City band drool. Houses are going for a dollar a piece, and those old auto factories provide more than enough art and practice space, say native sons The Dirtbombs.

If you like indie rock you may have noticed a trend. Every musician on the planet has lived in Portland. Okay that’s an exaggeration, but it seems like a huge number of indie bands and icons are Stumptown alumni. From Elliott Smith to the Decemberists to the Dandy Warhols, Portland is bringing the indie rock heavies.

Some musicians move here from elsewhere, like Sleater-Kinney or the The Shins. Others, like Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse, are Portlanders who go elsewhere to rock. Even “Louie, Louie” was written there. While you are surely familiar with Stephen Malkmus, there are a lot of Portland bands that aren’t getting the attention they deserve. But don’t take my word for it–take the word of Brandon Summers of the Portland band The Helio Sequence:

Man, if there’s a city you don’t think is indie, it’s probably Vegas. The place shouts corporate in big bright blinky letters. But that’s not the only side of Vegas! There’s another side, but you might need a bus to get there, according to Doug Levitt:

When I listen to music, the first thing I am listening to is vocals and lyrics.  Which is why, when I see a show, I am often disappointed with the mix. Oh you can hear the guitars just fine and dandy, but who knows what that amazing singer songwriter might be saying? Lately this has been evident in albums as well. The latest Hold Steady and Beck, artists whose lyrics and singing MAKE the band for me, are completely inaudible in the mix on their latest records.

I’d just assumed everyone hated this but have come to realize some people couldn’t give a fig for lyrics. So I am wondering what people are listening for first and foremost in music. Teddy Thompson is one of my recent favorite songwriters, and he also thought the mix on the new Beck album was off. Do you agree?

(Or….insert witty McCain pun here.  I don’t know one.)

Hopefully by the time you read this you’ll have voted and this whole business will all be decided.  Because frankly, I am a little sick of election news all the time. I mean, can we get back to the whole Jennifer Aniston might be marrying John Mayer thing already? Or Lindsay Lohan having a lesbian baby? Because seriously, those stories might have photographs of people not wearing underwear, and that’s what America wants. I mean with all this election coverage, Britney’s had time to sober up and fly right. Sheesh!

But seriously folks, it’s important to have your voice heard, and we’re lucky to have such a right. But I can’t take a second more of “Democrat this” and “Republican that.” Which is why Postell’s analogy using two of my favorite meats makes this whole argument much simpler.

There are many great things about New York City. And there are a few things naysayers say are bad about the city. But there is one thing that no one tells you about moving to New York. The Mexican food here sucks. Now I know what you’re saying–New York is the most diverse city in America with hundreds of thousands of Mexicans. I know. There’s no sense to this. It’s just true. New Yorkers do not know the wonderful goodness that is an excellent burrito.

How many CMJ bands are going to threaten you while their pants are undone? Well, I can give you one example. Robbie from Looker’s coming out of the closet–pants undone–to tell you to come see them at CMJ. Or perhaps to kick your ass. Probably the latter. But Looker is still one of my favorite UI-Approved, Must-See CMJ Marathon Artists. And it might have something to do with their lack of pants.