Finally found a good term for one of my favorite genres of music. "Riot Folk!" Check out http://riotfolk.org/ which is a little more "activist" than I usually listen to, but a good example of the genre, with free/legal downloads!
Here's a couple of my favorites so far.
http://riotfolk.org/music/17/05_Evan_Greer_I_Want_Something.mp3
http://riotfolk.org/music/15/11%20Ballad%20of%20the%20Last%20Six%20Months%20of%20My%20Life.mp3
http://riotfolk.org/music/19/05%20Boston%20To%20Asheville.mp3
http://riotfolk.org/music/19/11%20Picketline%20Song.mp3
Other bands that I think have a similar sound would include The Mountain Goats, Bright Eyes, Neutral Milk Hotel, Modest Mouse, Idlewild, Iron & Wine, etc.