Here is the abridged version of my list...only the artists I consider NEED to be better known.
*** = Most important. Even more narrowed down.
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Lagwagon - Punk-Pop
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Speaking on behalf of Americans, this style of music was huge for a small period of time. It gets difficult to sift through the duds because of the overwhelming amount of them. This was my favorite band of this style. These boys actually had melody. Make sure to check out their album,
Trashed.
*** Link Wray - Instrumental Guitar
allmusic -
Last.fm
You would think every modern band would worship this man, the inventor of power chords. You would think every modern band would worship this man, the inventor of power chords. You would think every modern band would worship this man, the inventor of power chords. You would think every modern band would worship this man, the inventor of power chords.
Catch my drift?
Scott Walker - Vocal
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Woah cool! Think what you want but this lame mofo is awesome! Such a strange style of music. You really have to listen to this for yourself to form your own opinion.
*** Brinsley Schwarz - Pub Rock
allmusic -
Last.fm
If you know anything about Nick Lowe, then you know he is a pop mastermind. This was an early band he was in that really gave way to Rockpile and his successful solo career.
Lou Reed - Rock
allmusic -
Last.fm
You do know that Lou Reed inspired David Bowie, right? Translation: You do know that Lou Reed created so many different offsprings from a variety of musicians over a variety of musical stylings? Thought so.
As Tall As Lions - Indie Rock
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
There is something about this band that really pulls me into their songs.
As Tall As Lions, their self-titled album, creates such a deep/wide soundscape to the ears. They also have a knack for disguised pop hooks.
Rod Stewart - Blues / Pop / Rock
Wikipedia -
Last.fm
I may not have much respect for Rod Stewart today, but before he soldout, woo! I loved him!
The Rod Stewart Album,
Never a Dull Moment,
Gasoline Alley,
Every Picture Tells a Story. Hopefully one of those four albums will convince you that he at least started off on the right track.
*** The Flamin' Groovies - Sexy
allmusic -
Last.fm
An awesome American indie band that is ready, and has been, to be put in the spotlight. Favorite Albums:
Shake Some Action and
Supersnazz. But don't forget to check out
Teenage Head, either.
Fleetwood Mac - Blues / Rock
allmusic -
Last.fm
Listen to pre-USA Fleetwood Mac. Is that even them!? Fun Fact: 'Black Magic Woman' is a Fleetwood Mac original.
*** Dr. Dog - Indie Rock
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
My favorite indie band that still needs work. Make sure to listen to
Easy Beat (key tracks: The World May Never Know, The Pretender, Oh No) and
Fate (key tracks: Hang On, The Ark, From (mainly the guitar solo), My Friend).
T. Rex - Awesome
allmusic -
Last.fm
T. Rex in America is so inferior to T. Rex across the lake. How sad...Americans are oblivious to how popular and well-respected he is in Europe.
Junior Kimbrough - Blues
allmusic -
Last.fm
Like The Black Keys? Then like Junior Kimbrough.
Silver Apples - Electronic
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
The forerunners to anything electronic these days, for the most part.
*** Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Punk-Pop
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Get this. A punk-pop group, performing covers of classic songs. With success!
*** Frank Zappa - Genius
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Almost everyone has heard of Frank Zappa at some point and time in their life. But does anyone have the slightest idea of the genius behind the mustache? I still think the music industry is turning a deaf ear on him. Stop!
*** Joe Bonamassa - Blues-Rock
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
By far the most virtuoistic..?why not...guitarist I have seen in recent years. Fun fact: He opened for B.B. King at age 12...via personal invite. Best Album:
You & Me and/or
A New Day Yesterday Live.
*** Spoon - Indie Rock
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Check out what I consider their best album,
Girls Can Tell. Also one of the coolest sounding albums ever. Like coolguy, badass, slick, awesome cool.
Todd Rundgren - Pop / Rock
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Something/Anything is my favorite album of his, hands down. Just an all-around excellent pop artist. One of the only vinyls I own and listen to regularly.
Madvillain - Alternative Rap / Hip-Hop
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
One of my favorite hip-hop collaborations to date. Madlib is beatmaster!
*** Kings of Leon - Rock
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
I don't understand this country. It always amazes me when bands make it big in every country BUT the one they came from. Newest album has their best song yet, 'Manhattan'.
Sun Ra - Avant-Garde Jazz
Website -
allmusic -
Last.fm
Personal favorite of mine.
Greatest Hits: Easy Listening for Intergalactic Travel is impressively accessible. Start there.