Studying word "clusters"helps determine whether a search term like "Blondie" means the comic strip or the punk-pop band from the 1980s.

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For example, quasi-punk pop singer Cui Jian has often run foul of the Chinese government, due in part to the semi-political nature of some of his lyrics.

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Since the mid-'90s, Imperial Teen has been known for its blend of garage-rock, new-wave and shimmering pop-punk.

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And compared with the rest of his catalog which traverses punk and singer-songwriterly pop the new record features a new sound, one inspired by the country music of his Texas upbringing.

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Brown (of the Long Island pop-punk group Wheatus) helps, as does the infectious accordion hook played by Lars' childhood hero, "Weird Al" Yankovic.

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Rounded out by Nik Pfeifer on guitar and Brian Boesen on drums, Love in October is the sort of group that fans of Top 40 pop-punk have longed for.

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For fans of former Busted and Fightstar frontman Charlie Simpson, the chance to have the pop-punk hunk play a private gig in your living room may be the ultimate fantasy.

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The one problem with that observation: The group is from L.A. Which, come to think of it, is a great sign that power-pop fused with punk is thriving here, as well.

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With an eclectic mix of electro and alt-pop influences ranging from Blondie to Daft Punk, Marble Fairy's sound packs a disco-funk punch.

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Mixing Byrds-ian jangle-pop with shouty garage punk, it's an unlikely but strangely successful combination.

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