The Dirtbombs - Dangerous Magical Noise
Intense and frantic rock music—emphasis on "rock" important—from the best band to come out of Detroit since the Stooges. Straight out of the garage, sure, but these guys are well-versed in all things punk (from glam to post) and soul (70s, specifically). Also worth checking out is their all covers album, Ultraglide in Black, which manages to transcend that mundane moniker and turn up as a fantastic album, period.
American Music Club - Love Songs for Patriots
Not as political as its title would imply, this collection of elegiac tunes blends folk and molasses-like noisey soundscapes into a stew not unlike later-period Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (think anything they've done since the dawn of this century; as such—let's be honest here—this is better than later period Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds). Mark Eitzel's lyrics are top notch, too—refer to "Patriot's Heart" and "Myopic Books" for proof.
The Wedding Present - Watusi
Extremely catchy, fuzzy and occasionally loud music from this band of Brits. It's difficult to describe this band without appearing to sell them short ("dur, they're indie rock with songs about love and heartbreak"), but David Gedge and company simply do it so well. Though this is their album I've been listening to most, lately, you'd be better off starting with Seamonsters or Bizarro.