Your Favorite "unknown" Band?

[zelmo]

Name one band that you love that no one else seems to know about.

Porcupine Tree (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=155122&selectedItemId=155095)

[rainman::|:|]

i've actually heard of porcupine tree

subthree is mine, they may have broken up, they were kind of on hiatus the last time i checked... i don't think they've managed to lay any real tracks even, besides a couple of demo singles

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says....just one? I could name dozens...... so, let's see....how about Experimental Aircraft (http://www.experimentalaircraft.com/) since I was just playing one of their cd's. Cool band led by the very cool Rachel Goldstar/Staggs...her other project Eau Claire (http://www.eauclairemusic.com/) with Jessica Bailiff is also bound to be interesting - I ordered their brand new first release this week and hope to see it in my mailbox shortly....oh yeah!

[AliensAreFuzzy]

I'm a fan of Smuggle Doug and His Six Shooters and the American Professionals

[brap]

This thread will probably only work if there is information given... like where to find these obscure bands, and what they do.

katscan (http://www.katscan.net/) play dirty electropunk... actually, they're pretty well known in certain circles now...

[jtgotsjets]

miracle legion

[Eevee]

All time favourite, Cocteau Twins! Anyone heard of them before? Kinda "spacy." They were around during the 80's (you guess it, I'm old!).

How about attaching pics of your "unknown band" as well as links? Just my 2 cents

[biohazard6969]

HED PE, cool band, also Third Eye Blind (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=1291247) , i think they're pretty well known though...... others, Orgy, and OPM, Something Corporate....i think all of these are known, but no one i know knows about them....u guys might, fav band ever is third eye blind, blinded = best song :)

[DavidLeblond]

My buddy's band, The Stranger Spirits (http://www.strangerspirits.com/) would probably be the most unknown band I know.

Others are Moonraker (http://www.moonrakermusic.com/), Sunset Room (http://www.sunsetroom.com/), and Rilo Kiley (http://www.rilokiley.com). Although I'm not quite sure you could consider Rilo Kiley unknown...

[ham_man]

They are known here in Texas, but not many know them too much...

Cross Canadian Ragweed (http://www.crosscanadianragweed.com/) - Great country-rock hybrid band

Robert Earl Keen (http://www.robertearlkeen.com/) - One of the better current folk singers

[zelmo]

brap, Katscan sounds pretty interesting. I'll have to delve deeper.

Here's more:

Ozric Tentacles (http://www.ozrics.com/music.htm) , though I imagine these trippy progsters are far better known in Europe than here in the States.

echolyn (http://www.echolyn.com/audio.php) , passionate prog with some great musicianship. Try "Never the Same" or "Settled Land."

Voivod (http://www.voivod.net/discography/91/index.php) , metal with an interesting bent to it. Faves are the albums Angel Rat and The Outer Limits.

Minimum Vital (http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=246) , French prog rock with a decidedly Medieval flavor. Rock with harpsichord??

Dang, I could do this all night!

[Duff-Man]

All time favourite, Cocteau Twins! Anyone heard of them before? Kinda "spacy." They were around during the 80's (you guess it, I'm old!).

How about attaching pics of your "unknown band" as well as links? Just my 2 centsDuff-Man says...Cocteau Twins "unknown"?? Certainly not in my circle of friends! They were great...I am glad I got to see them live a few times. I wish Liz Frazer would get off her butt and be more active musically....but she does sing on the upcoming Yann Tiersen CD (guy who did the soundtrack for Amelie)....oh yeah!

[Vader]

Man, its all about Group X!

[dhracer88]

One's pretty hard...Most the ska genre is unknown to most...Anyhow, here they are. I'm feeling lazy, as is my internet connection, so I only provided a couple of links :o .

The Planet Smashers (http://www.planetsmashers.net/) --a hilarious ska band
Slapstick (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003OPY/qid=1116130420/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-9959575-9286212)
Mike Park and his other bands...The Chinkees, Skankin Pickle, B. Lee Band

For rock, I've gotta add 6gig, kind of that '90s band rock that we all miss, not that new age rappity-crap stuff :D

Illegal Substance & the Freestylers are good bands to jib, ride, or jump your bike to. Some prefer to dance to them, but I find them great for those 11PM sessions on cement.

Most of these bands listed can be found at emusic.com. You can get 50 free mp3s from them by signing up. See my link in my sig, so you can help me as well.

JM

[killuminati]

Zion I, rap group.

I don't know anybody thats heard of them but today I saw a store that had one of their cd's.

[dhracer88]

Wasn't there a Linkin Park song on the Reanimation album that featured Zion I?

JM

[OnceUGoMac]

Enon (http://www.enon.tv/)

[Balin64]

The Black Heart Porcession.

[wrc fan]

I like the band For Squirrels, unfortunately the band lost 1/2 it's members in a car accident. I don't think too many people have heard of them, even though they got a limited amount of airplay on the local radio station.

[rockthecasbah]

My favorite is not a "band" per say, though he does have musicians play with him. This mystery man is MC Lars, the best rapper ever, and I hate rap! You all should check out his song "iGeneration" on his site (http://www.mclars.com). This white guy has awesome music all based on the iambic pentameter, but with new school flava. haha. Trust me, just listen to it before you judge :) .

He is a college student and has gained a little popularity recently. He's on iTunes as well. I advise "Mr Raven," in which he raps edgar allen poe's "the raven" and mixes it with pop culture references. His music is a breath of fresh air. just give him a listen ;) .

[D*I*S_Frontman]

We're pretty obscure. For a band on iTunes and Towerrecords.com, anyway. If you ever wonder what a Christian version of Rush and Queen might be like with a chick singer, that's us.

Except the singer isn't a chick. She's me. A guy. Listen to some samples and you'll get the idea.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/divineinsight

Help me quit my day job!

[joecool85]

Third Try - they were a punk rock band out of temecula,ca...seeing as I'm from maine, its odd I found them, someone had disuised one of their songs as a Fenix TX track and I downloaded it, at the end it said who they were lol. Anyway, awesome band. btw, they broke up 3 years ago...about 1 week after I found out about them/downloaded 10 of their songs.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

My absolute favorite from the early 80s (which I still listen to daily): Toyah (http://www.toyahwillcox.com/). Never met another fan of her.

The rest of my favorite artists (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1356575#post1356575), are much less obscure (even if the Swedish band Imperiet (http://www.swemusic.se/oasen/imperiet.htm), maybe is unknown outside of Scandinavia). ;)

[mad jew]

All time favourite, Cocteau Twins! Anyone heard of them before? Kinda "spacy." They were around during the 80's (you guess it, I'm old!).


You serious? They're huge! I love them, and so do heaps of my friends. I'm not even really allowed to like them (a little old-school), but hey, they're very talented. :)


If you ever wonder what a Christian version of Rush and Queen might be like with a chick singer, that's us.

Except the singer isn't a chick. She's me. A guy. Listen to some samples and you'll get the idea.


Umm, I don't get it. Are you a chick or not? You might need some special self-reflection time... Either way, I think your album cover is really cool.

[question fear]

it's been a looong time since i was able to claim bands that no one else knew...

but i did have a good time once knocking a high schooler i worked with at best buy down a peg or two on the indie rock obnoxious-meter....she mentioned something about the white stripes, kind of a "look who i listen to" name drop, and my response was, "oh, yea? i saw them open two years ago for sleater-kinney (http://www.sleater-kinney.com) " which netted me a blank "who are they?"

I know sleater-kinney are way better known now, but back in 1996-7 i could have used them....:-/ yea. that makes me less than entirely uncool. :)

*bookmarks thread as cliffsnotes for new bands I might want to listen to...*

[MOFS]

My absolute favorite from the early 80s (which I still listen to daily): Toyah (http://www.toyahwillcox.com/). Never met another fan of her.

The rest of my favorite artists (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1356575#post1356575), are much less obscure (even if the Swedish band Imperiet (http://www.swemusic.se/oasen/imperiet.htm), maybe is unknown outside of Scandinavia). ;)

Toyah? Ya do know she occasionally presents kid's TV on the BBC now?

I'm a big fan of Harry Nilsson - I know one of you guys will know him, but 'cause I'm a 21 year old "Britisher" not many of my peers know them. A mate of mine got a CD by the "Bikini-wearing pie fighters" - great name - sounded good too! I'll try and find them...

[brap]

My absolute favorite from the early 80s (which I still listen to daily): Toyah (http://www.toyahwillcox.com/). Never met another fan of her.Really?
Toyah's really well known, here at least. Mad crazy hairdos, really silly lisp -- kinda like an English Cyndi Lauper. Christ, did I just say that?

Powermac666, if you like MM... well, you'll hear some real good stuff if you pick up the "Feral BIOS" and "Latest developments in beat surgery" albums. Very cool.

Another lesser known artist: DJ Format (http://www.djformat.com/). You might have noticed the MP3 in my sig a while back, I change 'em every now and again, but they're always there, and always free (beer). Format's [amazing] video for "3 Feet Deep (like a dead midget)" is here (http://www.keithschofield.com/djformat-video/11-02-final.mov). Watch even if you hate hip-hop. Also, here (http://www.pias.com/videos/DJ_FORMAT_-_We_Know_Something.wmv)'s a 2003 video by Ruben for "We know something". You've probably seen an animated GIF of the breakdancing bear...

That's it: no more posts. Ever. I don't want to be a 68k!

[mad jew]

Another lesser known artist: DJ Format (http://www.djformat.com/). You might have noticed the MP3 in my sig a while back, I change 'em every now and again, but they're always there, and always free (beer). Format's [amazing] video for "3 Feet Deep (like a dead midget)" is here (http://www.keithschofield.com/djformat-video/11-02-final.mov). Watch even if you hate hip-hop. Also, here (http://www.pias.com/videos/DJ_FORMAT_-_We_Know_Something.wmv)'s a 2003 video by Ruben for "We know something". You've probably seen an animated GIF of the breakdancing bear...


Thanks for the links. I love DJ Format, awesome stuff!

And congratulations on the whole 68k thing - nearly...

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Toyah? Ya do know she occasionally presents kid's TV on the BBC now?Yes, e.g. the Teletubbies... :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Really?
Toyah's really well known, here at least. Mad crazy hairdos, really silly lisp -- kinda like an English Cyndi Lauper. Christ, did I just say that?:D

Well, I guess it's a UK thing, then... but I still haven't met another fan... ;)

[Thom_Edwards]

a lot of the brits on the forum will recognize them, but most of the people i know here in the states are clueless of them. a late 80s, early 90s band called Happy Mondays.

a lot of bands from that era that i like are unkown by many. Stone Roses, Charlatans (in the u.s. they're Charlatans UK), Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Meat Beat Manifesto, 808 State. i was totally in to the madchester scene; still am, really. in fact, check out the movie '24 hour party people'. it's a semi-documentary of factory records, and the coming about of New Order from Joy Division, the Mondays and some other bands that were involved with Facory and La Hacienda (Ha Lucienda), a club they all played at and (arguably) given credit as the birthplace of raves and house music.

like the poster who mentioned Cocteau Twins, i guess i'm old, too!

[MacNeXT]

(...) Meat Beat Manifesto, 808 State (...)

Ah, I love them!

[realityisterror]

HED PE, cool band, also Third Eye Blind (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=1291247) , i think they're pretty well known though...... others, Orgy, and OPM, Something Corporate....i think all of these are known, but no one i know knows about them....u guys might, fav band ever is third eye blind, blinded = best song :)

You are just about the second coolest person ever. After me of course.
:p

Third Eye Blind is awesome. "Blinded" "Crystal Baller" "Jumper" "Wake for Young Souls" "Motorcycle Drive By"

Gosh. I'm getting horny.

[rockthecasbah]

You are just about the second coolest person ever. After me of course.
:p

Third Eye Blind is awesome. "Blinded" "Crystal Baller" "Jumper" "Wake for Young Souls" "Motorcycle Drive By"

Gosh. I'm getting horny.
3EB was good back in the day, but their latest stuff is garbage. Blue was their last good cd.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

a lot of the brits on the forum will recognize them, but most of the people i know here in the states are clueless of them. a late 80s, early 90s band called Happy Mondays.

a lot of bands from that era that i like are unkown by many. Stone Roses, Charlatans (in the u.s. they're Charlatans UK), Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Meat Beat Manifesto, 808 State.Don't forget Transvision Vamp... ;)

[realityisterror]

3EB was good back in the day, but their latest stuff is garbage. Blue was their last good cd.

hmm... You sort of have a point. I wouldn't say garbage though...
I hated their "Out of the Vein" album at first, but once I warmed up to the new feeling, it's become my favorite. It's much more rock-ish and less alternative-ish...

Doesn't matter, they're still my favorite band. And word is they're starting to work on the songs for a new album.

<-- Check my DailyTunes Recommendations

[rockthecasbah]

hmm... You sort of have a point. I wouldn't say garbage though...
I hated their "Out of the Vein" album at first, but once I warmed up to the new feeling, it's become my favorite. It's much more rock-ish and less alternative-ish...

Doesn't matter, they're still my favorite band. And word is they're starting to work on the songs for a new album.

<-- Check my DailyTunes Recommendations
well how about you give me a review when it comes out? ;)

[Blue Velvet]

I still have a couple of Blam Blam Blam songs. 'Luxury Length' album was good. And of course, the Sadistic Mika Band.

Unknown is relative though. DJ Format is known to me, I've got the 'Music for the mature B-Boy' album which is good. Also, many drum & bass producers are unknown to the general public...

When a colleague asked me what I was listening to on my Shuffle when sitting outside the office in the sunshine, I said 'Harold Budd'. A bemused shrug followed... but Harold Budd is pretty well known for what he does.

Right at this moment, I'm listening to Tetsu Inoue.

[scem0]

Mates of State, although they are relatively well known on the Indie scene. But most people have never heard of 'em.

scem0

[killuminati]

This is a really good song by my friends brother.Link (http://us.share.geocities.com/zachfish05/orionandtwist.mp3)

Warning, there may be some bad language. Its a really good song though just for something he does on his spare time.

[MattG]

Well I'm not sure that these people are "unknown," but certainly not mainstream:

John Hiatt
Patty Griffin
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (if you ever get a chance to see them in concert...amazing)

[zach]

Blind Guardian.

One of my favorite bands, a German power metal band.

Anyone familiar with power metal should know the name, I highly doubt anyone else will.

[toaster_oven]

i had been listening to les breastfeeders (http://www.lesbreastfeeders.ca) recently... they are out of montreal, have french lyrics and really catchy tunes... i think they've only played in NYC besides Canada...

I've also been really getting into the arcade fire (http://www.arcadefire.com/"), also out of montreal, they've been getting a lot of play in local coffee shops. I think they're on tour in Europe right now

I also like a lot of acts out of Detroit (rock, techno, etc... - it's hometown pride, i guess) - the Gories are one of my favorites (no longer together, but the lead singer is now the central figure in "the dirtbombs"). i'd recommend the "hamtramck blowout" in march... something like 100 bands playing in 3 nights... i haven't gone in a few years (not as young as i used to be, plus i don't live there anymore), but i hear it's still good stuff...

-to

[OnceUGoMac]

a lot of the brits on the forum will recognize them, but most of the people i know here in the states are clueless of them. a late 80s, early 90s band called Happy Mondays.

a lot of bands from that era that i like are unkown by many. Stone Roses, Charlatans (in the u.s. they're Charlatans UK), Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Meat Beat Manifesto, 808 State. i was totally in to the madchester scene; still am, really. in fact, check out the movie '24 hour party people'. it's a semi-documentary of factory records, and the coming about of New Order from Joy Division, the Mondays and some other bands that were involved with Facory and La Hacienda (Ha Lucienda), a club they all played at and (arguably) given credit as the birthplace of raves and house music.

like the poster who mentioned Cocteau Twins, i guess i'm old, too!


24 Hour Party People is not a documentray, it's a biopic. Great film, though.

[Dagless]

Inspiral Carpets are from my home town and frankly i think are brilliant. especially when everyone was listening to metal and/or rap and/or pop. pity they stop producing records in the mid 90's but still. without them Oasis would be VERY different as the Carpets got them together and noel gallagher used to be a roadie for 'em!
organs mixed with post-punk, Oldham accented vocals. my fave tune of theres is probably 'This is how it Feels (to be lonely)' which is a song about unsung hero's with a very good beat and 'Two Worlds Collide' which was their last big song together. extremely beautiful harmonies.
Mull Historical Society are (or were) a duet from the island of Mull, Scotland. i fell in love with that island when i was 15 and these guys get the feel of Mull across perfectly. but i think they were popular, 'Watching Xanadu' was on MTV once years ago but ive never seen them in HMV.

yup. i like strange music, but not where the band think they are the best people in the world EVER.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Inspiral Carpets are from my home town and frankly i think are brilliant. especially when everyone was listening to metal and/or rap and/or pop. pity they stop producing records in the mid 90's but still. without them Oasis would be VERY different as the Carpets got them together and noel gallagher used to be a roadie for 'em!
organs mixed with post-punk, Oldham accented vocals. my fave tune of theres is probably 'This is how it Feels (to be lonely)' which is a song about unsung hero's with a very good beat and 'Two Worlds Collide' which was their last big song together. extremely beautiful harmonies.I agree, "This is how it feels" is a great song. I had to play that from my iTunes library the second I saw your mention of it... :)

[Applespider]

Also, many drum & bass producers are unknown to the general public...


If you look at the junk in the charts, I'd say that most good musicians are unknown to the general publics. There are a few I like - Grandaddy, Jack Johnson, James Blunt, KT Tunstall, Saint Low, Elliott Smith - who most likely aren't unknown here but if I'm listening to them at work, I get bemused looks from my colleagues.

So how do you guys get to 'know' about 'unknown' bands? Is it all word of mouth by friends or warmup acts at local gigs? I enjoy watching Later... (http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/) to see some lesser-known acts ahead of the curve. Funnily enough toaster_oven, the arcade fire were on it on Friday night.

[Blue Velvet]

So how do you guys get to 'know' about 'unknown' bands?

For me: iTunes streaming radio and/or digital radio: that way you get to immediately see the artist & track name.

[drlunanerd]

Curve (http://www.curve.co.uk) . They recently split up (again), but they're a great band and great people. Oh, and they're Mac heads, naturally!

[wordmunger]

Maktub (http://www.maktub.com/)

[katie ta achoo]

While I was at the scottish festival yesterday, I heard Tartanic play.

They are so goofy-- I love 'em!

www.tartanic.com

Very scottish, very loud, very bagpipes. :D

And VERY in kilts.
kt is in love.

[buryyourbrideau]

i had been listening to les breastfeeders (http://www.lesbreastfeeders.ca) recently... they are out of montreal, have french lyrics and really catchy tunes... i think they've only played in NYC besides Canada...

I've also been really getting into the arcade fire (http://www.arcadefire.com/"), also out of montreal, they've been getting a lot of play in local coffee shops. I think they're on tour in Europe right now

I also like a lot of acts out of Detroit (rock, techno, etc... - it's hometown pride, i guess) - the Gories are one of my favorites (no longer together, but the lead singer is now the central figure in "the dirtbombs"). i'd recommend the "hamtramck blowout" in march... something like 100 bands playing in 3 nights... i haven't gone in a few years (not as young as i used to be, plus i don't live there anymore), but i hear it's still good stuff...

-to

normally all i listen to is tough guy hardcore but i LOVE the arcade fire

i heard them on 89x here in detroit. dont know if you know the station
:confused:

[Jovian9]

Timonium
Low
The Appleseed Cast
Ours
Laika
Casino vs Japan
Hayden
Isan
Mogwai

[sonofapplepm]

These guys are local and I think they are very good! Check them out.

http://www.wicked-liz.com/

[RacerX]

3 Minute Hero (http://www.barkingdogrecords.com/3minutehero.html)

[polyesterlester]

So how do you guys get to 'know' about 'unknown' bands? Is it all word of mouth by friends or warmup acts at local gigs?

Nowadays, my favorite way to discover new music is through mp3 blogs. The Tofu Hut (http://tofuhut.blogspot.com/) has created an invaluable resource for anyone wanting a directory of music blogs. Here's the list, in wiki format! (http://wiki.monkeyfilter.com/index.php?title=MP3_Blog_Listing)

[rockthecasbah]

Timonium
Low
The Appleseed Cast
Ours
Laika
Casino vs Japan
Hayden
Isan
Mogwai
Ours is hardly unknown, they became very well known on MTV2, radio, and were even played in loews movie theaters when their song "Sometimes" became big a few years ago. If loews plays them, they aren't unknown :)

[FadeToBlack]

Spock's Beard. Amazing newer Prog Rock and one of my favorite bands of all time.

[paperinacup]

Children of Bodom, Atreyu, Something Corporate, Between the Buried and Me.

[Lyle]

Well I'm not sure that these people are "unknown," but certainly not mainstream:

John Hiatt
Patty Griffin
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (if you ever get a chance to see them in concert...amazing)Yeah, I'm a little unclear on what the cutoff point is either, especially since I know all three of yours. ;)

I guess I'll throw in They Might Be Giants (http://www.tmbg.com) as one of my favorite bands whose music a lot of people have heard in one setting or another (e.g. commercials, or singing the Malcolm in the Middle theme song), even if they didn't know that's who they were listening to.

[jbembe]

Gipsy Kings

James

Those are the best unknowns that I think everyone should know.

[scem0]

Robert Earl Keen (http://www.robertearlkeen.com/) - One of the better current folk singers

http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/images/smilies/barf.gif

He's more country than folk if you ask me.

My lesser known artist:

Although she is relatively well known, I'm going to mention her because I love her so much - Lauryn Hill. A self proclaimed "hip-hop folk singer" :). Very inspiring.

scem0

[takao]

Blind Guardian.

One of my favorite bands, a German power metal band.

Anyone familiar with power metal should know the name, I highly doubt anyone else will.

"Mirror, Mirror" anyone ;)

not so long ago my personal unknown favourite was "falconer" fro msweden (the first album didn't get out of my cd player for a long time)
other bands are perhaps "Gamma Ray" from germany, way less popular than blind guardian but close to stuff like helloween (germany as well)
their concept album "Land of the Free" is a must have for (power)metal fans (and the judas priest fans will love "No world order" as well)

[Sharewaredemon]

Mates of State, although they are relatively well known on the Indie scene. But most people have never heard of 'em.

scem0

I've heard of them, haven't heard them.
But seeing as I'm into the Indie scene, I guess it's not a surprise I know them.
....
I just remembered how I know about them, my friends boyfriend told her about a band Belle and Sebastian (http://www.belleandsebastian.co.uk/home/) and she wanted to know if it was a couple in love and sang to each other.... turns out Belle and Sebastian is like an 8 piece band.

Then she found out about Mates of State, who are (I think) a couple who are in love and sing to each other.

My one band I will put in that no one knows about is Bugs In Amber (http://www.bugsinamber.com/)


If you look at the junk in the charts, I'd say that most good musicians are unknown to the general publics. There are a few I like - Grandaddy, Jack Johnson, James Blunt, KT Tunstall, Saint Low, Elliott Smith - who most likely aren't unknown here but if I'm listening to them at work, I get bemused looks from my colleagues.

So how do you guys get to 'know' about 'unknown' bands? Is it all word of mouth by friends or warmup acts at local gigs? I enjoy watching Later... (http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/) to see some lesser-known acts ahead of the curve. Funnily enough toaster_oven, the arcade fire were on it on Friday night.

I found out about bands by watching skate videos.

Bands like Seafood (http://www.seafood.uk.com/)
The Sea And Cake (http://www.theseaandcake.com/)
Sebadoh (http://www.sebadoh.com/)
Pinback (http://www.pinback.com/)
The Dandy Warhols (http://www.dandywarhols.com/)
Built To Spill (http://www.builttospill.com/)
Cornelius (http://corne253.rsjp.net/news/)
Fischerspooner (http://www.fischerspooner.com/)
Explosions In The Sky (http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/)
Mellow (Can't find their homepage) (They are a Parisian band)
Pulp (didn't look couldn't find homepage long lots of people know about them)
RJD2 (http://www.rjd2site.com/)
The Shins (http://www.subpop.com/bands/shins/)
Suede (http://uk.sonymusic.co.uk/suede/home/)
PM me if you want to know more about these band's sounds.


Otherwise I find out about bands through word of mouth.

[brap]

I guess I'll throw in They Might Be Giants (http://www.tmbg.com) as one of my favorite bands whose music a lot of people have heard in one setting or another (e.g. commercials, or singing the Malcolm in the Middle theme song), even if they didn't know that's who they were listening to.Awesome band, not exactly unknown but... well, hardly super popular either.

Going to see 'em in London this Thursday. Wait, that's tomorrow now! :D

[Mac-Xpert]

I like a band I discovered on MP3.com a couple of years ago.

They're called Attilla & Dave Project (http://www.attilaanddaveproject.com/) and make quite classic sounding Prog rock.

I also like certain tracks from bands that only had one or a few hits like:
Visions of China - Japan
and Rendezvous 6:02 - UK.

[biohazard6969]

One's pretty hard...Most the ska genre is unknown to most...Anyhow, here they are. I'm feeling lazy, as is my internet connection, so I only provided a couple of links :o .

The Planet Smashers (http://www.planetsmashers.net/) --a hilarious ska band
Slapstick (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003OPY/qid=1116130420/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-9959575-9286212)
Mike Park and his other bands...The Chinkees, Skankin Pickle, B. Lee Band

For rock, I've gotta add 6gig, kind of that '90s band rock that we all miss, not that new age rappity-crap stuff :D

Illegal Substance & the Freestylers are good bands to jib, ride, or jump your bike to. Some prefer to dance to them, but I find them great for those 11PM sessions on cement.

Most of these bands listed can be found at emusic.com. You can get 50 free mp3s from them by signing up. See my link in my sig, so you can help me as well.

JM

don't count yet chickens, ska is HUUUUUUGE in my high school here in toronto canada. one of my fav bands would have to be my friends band "the Runs" but i've definitely herad of the planet smashers
:p

[huck500]

Voivod...man, I saw Soundgarden open for those guys in a tiny little club back in the early 90s. They went from hardcore death metal to progressive metal practically overnight. Nice band.

Check out MC Chris (http://www.mcchris.com/) for a free album...it's nerdcore, really funny and actually good music. He does stuff for Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. Also MC Paul Barman (http://www.mcpaulbarman.com/) for some insane freestyle.

Ska? Yum! Yum! Orange (http://yumyumorange.jp/news.html)

[eva01]

mine is the BARNABYS, they did the music in Mezzo DSA, but no CD available for purchase in america, and i believe i didn't see it on yesasia either :/

some info here (http://www.junkmagnet.com/music/jpop/barnabys.html)

you can always bring them up at my site in the jpop lounge :P

[x86isslow]

definitely Tryo. don't know if many people know them, but they definitely top my charts: my audioscrobbler (http://www.audioscrobbler.com/user/vvuppala)

they're a french "reggae" group, but i'd consider them to be alt. rock.

[baby duck monge]

Timonium
Low
The Appleseed Cast

wow. i can't tell you how many nights i have fallen asleep listening to long division. secret name is pretty decent, too, but it just doesn't do it for me as much. but then appleseed cast... low level owl vol. 2 is an AMAZING album! unfortunately, that's all of their work that i have heard. :(

[evilernie]

Way too many to choose from, but here's a couple.

Fireball Ministry
Symphony X

And of course, Opeth. Heavy black metal, combined with beautiful acoustic interludes. Not everyone's cup of tea, but truly incredible musicians.

[raddsigns]

Here are a few that I listen to quite regularly:

Yellow Second (http://www.yellowsecond.com)
Put Down The Muffin (http://www.putdownthemuffin.com)
Dave Barnes (http://www.davebarnes.com)
Muse (http://www.muse.mu/)

[allisonv7]

They are known here in Texas, but not many know them too much...

Cross Canadian Ragweed (http://www.crosscanadianragweed.com/) - Great country-rock hybrid band

Robert Earl Keen (http://www.robertearlkeen.com/) - One of the better current folk singers

I *love* Robert Earl Keen!! Not a big CCR fan though.


allison.

[ejb190]

Push Down & Turn (http://www.pushdownandturn.com/), though they "retired" a while back.

I listen to a lot of Christian rock which might as well be unknown to most of the rest of the world! (Third Day, Tree 63, KJ52, etc.)

[Spike Spiegel]

While they're well know in the indie scene, the Decemberists are amazing. If you like extremely well written songs(lyrically and musically), then you'll probably like them. I just saw them play in Boston and it was great. Also, Neutral Milk Hotel and Ted Leo & the Pharmacists are good.

[dubbz]

My favorite unknown band is one that I don't even remember the name of. It was "byte" or "bit" something.. some kind of electronic/techo style music with a female vocal (IIRC). Someone sent me a sample, and I digged it and loved the style, but didn't think more of it. This was some 5-10 years ago. I *think* it was a greek band/artist, or maybe the guy who sent it to me was greek. I tend to mix that up :p

How's that for unknown band? :D

PS: Anyone have the slightest idea who it might be?

[bartelby]

Einstürzende Neubauten (http://www.neubauten.org)
Greenhaven (http://www.nonemoregreen.com)

[Zachariah]

Spearhead

[timmyb]

The Delays. Listen to Long Time Coming on iTunes, it's a great summer song.

[mad jew]

Spearhead


They really all that unknown? They're pretty big down here. :)

[slu]

While they're well know in the indie scene, the Decemberists are amazing. If you like extremely well written songs(lyrically and musically), then you'll probably like them. I just saw them play in Boston and it was great. Also, Neutral Milk Hotel and Ted Leo & the Pharmacists are good.

I love Ted Leo. Seen him live once and it goes over just as well.

I'll check out your other recommendations.

They are getting some recent press, but Spoon (http://spoontheband.com) is a great rock band. The new record is incredible and full of all kinds of hooks. The other records are sweet too. I just saw them last weekend, and I highly recommend the live show as well.

Oh, and of course my band Sex Power (http://www.myspace.com/sexpower), which is the greatest band of all time. Except for when we go fully Electric and play as Electric Sex Power! :D

[apple2991]

Somebody already mentioned Grandaddy. Grandaddy are wonderful.

[jelloshotsrule]

sense field
farside
power of dreams (anyone in ireland familiar?)
ghost of an american airman (ireland again?)
strike anywhere
hot water music

boy sets fire is great but not really unknown i don't think.

some of those are on itunes but i can't create links here on my work pc. sorry

[Angelus520]

a lot of the brits on the forum will recognize them, but most of the people i know here in the states are clueless of them. a late 80s, early 90s band called Happy Mondays.

a lot of bands from that era that i like are unkown by many. Stone Roses, Charlatans (in the u.s. they're Charlatans UK), Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Meat Beat Manifesto, 808 State. i was totally in to the madchester scene; still am, really. in fact, check out the movie '24 hour party people'. it's a semi-documentary of factory records, and the coming about of New Order from Joy Division, the Mondays and some other bands that were involved with Facory and La Hacienda (Ha Lucienda), a club they all played at and (arguably) given credit as the birthplace of raves and house music.

like the poster who mentioned Cocteau Twins, i guess i'm old, too!

Dude - I'm from Iowa in the middle of the U.S. and I know all those bands! Of course, I was a college radio DJ in the early '90s (KGRK) so I had CMJ at my disposal. I remember the first time I played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and thought why is Kurt singing about deodorant?

A friend runs a great Brit Pop site and had some news recently of a possible Stone Roses reunion http://www.excellentonline.com/

Another great band from that era was Kitchens of Distinction. "Drive That Fast" was AWESOME!!!

[Eevee]

How about this one! Strawberry Switchblade
http://www.strawberryswitchblade.net/

Wasn't very popular (except one time in Japan?). Only had two LPs. Fun 80's songs. Check out their videos in the site!

[Tahko]

I bet you have never ever heard about Kuha. www.kuhamusiikki.fi

Great progressive band, try to find mp3 named "Kalifi myy mustaa valoa"

[Cooknn]

Anybody heard of Dream Theater (phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=65615156&playListId=65615441&originStoreFront=143441)? (link fixed) Just heard them for the first time on Music Choice. They sound like they were influenced by the mid 70's :D

[mac 2005]

Link (http://www.swarthyband.com)

A Cincinnati-based band that recently played here in the Windy City.

Great guitar, bass and drum work with strong melodies, quirky lyrics and an energetic performance.

[The_Man]

I think I would say The Beatles

[Tahko]

Anybody heard of Dream Theater (href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=65615156&playListId=65615441&originStoreFront=143441)? Just heard them for the first time on Music Choice. They sound like they were influenced by the mid 70's :D
:rolleyes:

Worlds most recognized progressive metal band... I'd be amazed if me & you were the only ones here to know it. :D

[FadeToBlack]

:rolleyes:

Worlds most recognized progressive metal band...

And one of the greatest bands out there, in my opinion. I love Dream Theater.

[Cooknn]

And one of the greatest bands out there, in my opinion. I love Dream Theater.Just bought Octavarium on iTunes - this baby ROCKS :eek: I'm flashing back to early Styx and possibly some Yes (with Rick Wakeman on keyboards). Great stuff :D

[tpjunkie]

Flashlight Brown (http://www.flashlightbrown.com)

[FadeToBlack]

Just bought Octavarium on iTunes - this baby ROCKS :eek: I'm flashing back to early Styx and possibly some Yes (with Rick Wakeman on keyboards). Great stuff :D

Yeah, "Octavarium" is GREAT. It took me a few listens to really grab me, but it did and I love it now.

My all-time favorite DT album, though, is "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence."

[dvdh]

Okay .. . to who ever mentioned arcade fire first . . . Funeral is an excellent album. Haven't seen Planet Smashers play in a few years, but their shows were always fun.

My contribution to the list:

DoMakeSayThink (not really that unknown in some circles, but a brilliant band).

[hoyboy9]

I've gotten really into Post-Modern Rock lately, and most of these bands are not "mainstream" in the US:

Sigur Ros
- a great band from Iceland, famous for singing in a made up language called "Hopelandish"

Mogwai
- a band from Scotland, similar in style to Sigur Ros at times

Godspeed You Black Emperor!
- a nine person (or sometimes more!) group from Canada which creates more "compositional" style music, with 15-20 minute songs, great stuff

All of these bands have amazing talent. Probably the most famous of the three bands I listed is Sigur Ros. The first time I ever played their greatest album, "Agaetis Byrjun", all the way through, it became one of my favorite albums of all time. That hardly ever happens with the crap that comes out nowadays.

[Daveway]

:looking through library:

I think Copeland is a great band that gets very little recognition. Has anyone heard of Zebra? My dad intro'd me to them and I really like that band. :)

[stevietheb]

Do the Old 97's count?
Check 'em out (http://www.hitbyatrain.com)

[mms]

Asia, Hot Hot Heat, Reel Big Fish, YNH

[ficklepeach]

The Spill Canvas is really great! I have no idea if anyone has ever heard of them or not, so if not then check them out!

The Spill Canvas (http://myspace.com/tsc)

[xsedrinam]

They may or may not fall under the relative term "unknown", but Herby Hancock and the Headhunters were awesome along with John Mayer in concert last Saturday in Memphis.
X

[unfaded]

Stock Autopilot (http://www.stockautopilot.com) :-D

[jbembe]

Eels (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=57537963) just came out with a new album that is getting some attention. I really dig the Shootenanny album.

[benfid]

Here are a few that I listen to quite regularly:


Muse (http://www.muse.mu/)


Hhahahahahahahahaa although I guess they are of the least know of the worlds biggest rock bands!

[DaftUnion]

Deadsy, a metal goth band with an 80's sound to it. They only had one album, but it's fantastic ;)

[CanadaRAM]

Well I'm not sure that these people are "unknown," but certainly not mainstream:
John Hiatt

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (if you ever get a chance to see them in concert...amazing)
Hi Matt

Yeah, John Hiatt is in regular rotation on my iTunes.

Bela Fleck, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty are coming to town as a trio --- whaddya think, worth the $50?

Thanks
Trevor

[spacefreak4]

My favorite unknown band is Monticello Road (http://www.monticelloroad.com) , a rock group from central Virginia.

[Sharewaredemon]

I find it interesting that for the most part, no one is discussing anything in this thread.

Something that is really cool though is that powermac666 in the first post mentioned Porcupine Tree and my girlfriend just recently gave me one of their CDs. I'm gonna listen to it later today.

Another band that a lot of people might not know about is Explosions in the Sky (http://www.temporaryresidence.com/www/trl_html/bands/explosions.htm)

From their webpage:

Hailing from the sultry, barren landscape of Austin, TX, Explosions in the Sky are some of the most sincere folks you will ever meet. Aside from being nice guys, they play some of the most passionate, powerful instrumental music you will ever hear. Equal parts romance and tragedy, their beautiful washes of melody have the tendency to ignite into head-spinning walls of noise. Possibly the loudest live band ever, their sound proves to be every bit as triumphant as their name implies.

They also did the soundtrack for the movie Friday Night Lights (http://www.fridaynightlightsmovie.com/). A movie I have not yet seen.

[MattG]

Hi Matt

Yeah, John Hiatt is in regular rotation on my iTunes.

Bela Fleck, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty are coming to town as a trio --- whaddya think, worth the $50?

Thanks
Trevor

Absolutely!!!

They're coming to FL too apparently! Thanks for the heads up :)

[zelmo]

And one of the greatest bands out there, in my opinion. I love Dream Theater.

DT is awesome, definitely in my Top 10, if not the top five. My favorite CD is Awake, but there aren't any that I don't love.

[zelmo]

I find it interesting that for the most part, no one is discussing anything in this thread.

Something that is really cool though is that powermac666 in the first post mentioned Porcupine Tree and my girlfriend just recently gave me one of their CDs. I'm gonna listen to it later today.

Another band that a lot of people might not know about is Explosions in the Sky (http://www.temporaryresidence.com/www/trl_html/bands/explosions.htm)

From their webpage:



They also did the soundtrack for the movie Friday Night Lights (http://www.fridaynightlightsmovie.com/). A movie I have not yet seen.

Which PT album did she give you? One of the things I like best about these guys is that they run the gamut from accoustic to rock to metal to space, sometimes touching all genre's in a single track. But you always know it is Porcupine Tree. Steven Wilson does the best harmonies around, and the rhythym section just kicks my ass.

[zelmo]

Hi Matt

Yeah, John Hiatt is in regular rotation on my iTunes.

Bela Fleck, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty are coming to town as a trio --- whaddya think, worth the $50?

Thanks
Trevor

Easily worth double that. All are true masters. Hope they tour close to me.

EDIT: AAARRGGHH! They were at Wolf Trap two weeks ago, and I missed it!! :(

[Sharewaredemon]

Which PT album did she give you? One of the things I like best about these guys is that they run the gamut from accoustic to rock to metal to space, sometimes touching all genre's in a single track. But you always know it is Porcupine Tree. Steven Wilson does the best harmonies around, and the rhythym section just kicks my ass.


Ack!
I don't know. For whatever reason it's not on my iPod yet, and I'm at work!

Sorry.

I'll find out soon enough when I go home and through it onto my iPod.

[zelmo]

Way too many to choose from, but here's a couple.

Fireball Ministry
Symphony X

And of course, Opeth. Heavy black metal, combined with beautiful acoustic interludes. Not everyone's cup of tea, but truly incredible musicians.


Ahhh, Opeth. I love Damnation, can't stop playing it. It is such a departure from their prior work, while still sounding like Opeth. I also have Blackwater Park and Deliverance, both of which are awesome. Normally, I don't go for the death metal growling vocals but Mike Akerfelt makes it work, and the music, even when they thrash, is still beautiful stuff.

[zelmo]

Ack!
I don't know. For whatever reason it's not on my iPod yet, and I'm at work!

Sorry.

I'll find out soon enough when I go home and through it onto my iPod.

You really ought to think seriously about going home on your break and ripping that CD, friend. ;)

[Sharewaredemon]

You really ought to think seriously about going home on your break and ripping that CD, friend. ;)


Break?!?

Breaks ....... for sooth!

Naw I'm leaving early today and taking a 4 hour bus-ride to visit my gf.

The CD has been ripped and I will put it onto my iPod and listen to it.

Maybe I'll post about it when I get there.
Maybe later.
But I will let you know what I think.

[zelmo]

Break?!?

Breaks ....... for sooth!

Naw I'm leaving early today and taking a 4 hour bus-ride to visit my gf.

The CD has been ripped and I will put it onto my iPod and listen to it.

Maybe I'll post about it when I get there.
Maybe later.
But I will let you know what I think.

4 hour bus ride? talk about anticipation.... :)

[Sharewaredemon]

4 hour bus ride? talk about anticipation.... :)

Yeah, it's a good thing we live close to each other, she was actually just up this past weekend.

It's nice when you get to see your significant other frequently when you are apart.

[SinginSoprano]

The Bloody Lovelies. Those guys are AWESOME. (Nice, too... :))

-Lis

[Sharewaredemon]

You really ought to think seriously about going home on your break and ripping that CD, friend. ;)

Man I really like them, I listened to them on the bus. The Album was '"In Absentia" It's gooooood.

[Daveway]

Luke Starkiller (http://www.myspace.com/lukestarkiller)

[zelmo]

Man I really like them, I listened to them on the bus. The Album was '"In Absentia" It's gooooood.

Yup, that one was a surprise. It was their first release after getting signed, and we thought they might become too commercial sounding. If you like that one, check out Lightbulb Sun, Signify, Deadwing, and/or Stupid Dream. Their older stuff, The Sky Moves Sideways and earlier, is a bit different - spacier, longer cuts, still have those killer jams, though.

Glad you like them. The lead singer, Steven Wilson, has several side projects going. He's a very busy guy.

[sarae]

...she mentioned something about the white stripes, kind of a "look who i listen to" name drop, and my response was, "oh, yea? i saw them open two years ago for sleater-kinney (http://www.sleater-kinney.com) " which netted me a blank "who are they?"


Haha, I've had the exact same exchange with people.

Besides my beloved SK, I also adore The Black Keys (http://theblackkeys.com/news.php) (who coincidentally opened for SK, also..) who are a two piece kind-of-bluesy act. Then there's Kathleen Edwards[URL], who's a singer-songwriter from Canada. I also like [URL=http://www.kingsofleon.com]Kings of Leon (http://kathleenedwards.com/); they have a song in a commercial but I'm not sure how many people could put the band name to the song. (It's the Jetta one where they're buying a stereo.)

Arcade Fire, Old 97s, Hot Hot Heat, Hayden are also favorites of mine, but they've already been listed.

[odditie]

Stroke 9 (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=88270)

Some people do know of them, they did a song for the Jay and Silent Bob soundtrack, and they had one hit, "Little Black Back Pack" but since then they've been getting less acknowledgement then they deserve...

[mac 2005]

Recently learned of an independent music festival (http://www.mpmf.com) that will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 21-24. It features about 300 independent bands and is expected to draw about 50,000 fans.

It's now in its fourth year and sounds like a great gig. Not clear on whether I'll be able to make the trip, but I'd love to hear about it from any Cincinnati MR members who do attend.

[Sharewaredemon]

Arcade Fire

Just started listening to them I LOVE Crown Of Love.


Hot Hot Heat

I've been told to listen to them.

I really should get their CD.

[Capt Underpants]

Daphne Loves Derby (http://www.purevolume.com/daphnelovesderby)

And I guess I'll throw my friend's band in: My First Goodbye (www.purevolume.com/myfirstgoodbye)

[theonenonlyjoey]

I also love Something Corporate. I've met the lead singer twice and he's a really awesome guy. Shame about his illness though. I wish him a full recovery. Anyway my friend's band is pretty good if you're into the whole hardcore screaming. They're called Keeping Distance.

Something Corporate (http://www.somethingcorporate.com)
Keeping Distance (http://www.keepingdistance.com)

[theonenonlyjoey]

the used is by far my band of the moment, with my chemical romance in a close second.I've also met the lead singers of these 2 bands and they signed my ipod. I will never sell it now haha.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/joeybalinski/DSC020622.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/joeybalinski/DSC020592.jpg
The Used (http://www.theused.net)
My Chemical Romance (http://www.mychemicalromance.com)

[quigleybc]

I don't know how "unknown" they are but Morphine is amazing, and extinct.

The lead singer (mark sandman) died on stage.

Morphine (the band) changed my life

check em out

[onemanarmy9]

You'd have to be very local to know these guys and it's a disappointment that they are no longer together (school reasons). Their a band that used to go to my highschool called Identity Crisis. Their were supposed to have a reunion show, but I think the singer couldn't make it:(

[dornoforpyros]

not sure if they've been mentioned yet but Mindless Self Inludgence (http://mindlessselfindulgence.com/) are crazy good. I'd recommend Kill The Rock and 1989 both as good jumping points

you'll either love them to the point of sexual excitment or you'll hate them...alot. There's no middle ground with this electro-rap-metal-punk clash

[DocB]

I highly recommend The Kills and I would also recommend Recliner. Give them a listen and let me know what you think.

[mundoe]

Check this band out.
www.rootsarisin.com
nice website
Full album streams online.
Don't miss Positive Groove, and Jah Make I one.

[taeclee99]

Check out The Arrogants

http://www.arrogants.com/

[fistful]

not sure if they've been mentioned yet but Mindless Self Inludgence (http://mindlessselfindulgence.com/) are crazy good. I'd recommend Kill The Rock and 1989 both as good jumping points

you'll either love them to the point of sexual excitment or you'll hate them...alot. There's no middle ground with this electro-rap-metal-punk clash

no kidding, I'm part of the hate camp. This has actually perplexed a few of my friends who are into them and figured it would be right up my ally.

Cancerslug (http://www.cancerslug.net/) is a band I wouldn't be surprised if no one here knew of. It's horror punk akin to the Misfits.

[Fiveos22]

I just remembered how I know about them, my friends boyfriend told her about a band Belle and Sebastian (http://www.belleandsebastian.co.uk/home/) and she wanted to know if it was a couple in love and sang to each other.... turns out Belle and Sebastian is like an 8 piece band....

RJD2 (http://www.rjd2site.com/)
...



Belle and Sebasitan are very cool and RJD2 is great hip-hop...specifically the Dead Ringer (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:rjhxlfhe0cqu) album.

My favorite unknown bands are...in order:

Youngblood Brass Band (http://www.youngbloodbrassband.com/) (Mad-town goodness)
Fat Maw Rooney (http://www.fatmawrooney.com/) (formerly Roadhouse Blues Band, of Oconomowoc fame)
DJ James Lauer (http://www.jameslauer.com/) (not a band, but friggin awesome!)
Jazz Mandolin Project (http://www.jazzmandolinproject.com/) (friday's on the Terrace)

[floyde]

sigur ros, mogwai, royksopp, frank zappa, the velvet underground (maybe not that unknown)

[floyde]

Anybody heard of Dream Theater (phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=65615156&playListId=65615441&originStoreFront=143441)? (link fixed) Just heard them for the first time on Music Choice. They sound like they were influenced by the mid 70's :D

They absolutely rock! get this (http://www.dreamtheater.net/disco_dreamtheater.php?s=sfam) album, you wont regret it. Or how about this side projects: transatlantic (http://www.dreamtheater.net/disco_projects.php?s=transatlantic_smpte) or liquid tension experiment (http://www.dreamtheater.net/disco_projects.php?s=lte1), classic stuff :)

[dsharits]

Shattered Silence (http://shatteredsilenceband.com/) :)

[Bibulous]

Red Jettison Rocks!

[lavar78]

I just realized I never posted in this thread. Crowded House (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=3727837)! It's hard to fathom why they weren't more popular here in the US (outside of the first album). David Medsker from popmatters.com says,

You'd be hard pressed to find another pop songwriter with as consistent and engaging a song catalog as Neil Finn.
It is a travesty beyond nature that Crowded House carries the One Hit Wonder tag in America, as they were arguably the best pop band of the last 20 years

More recently, Neil and his brother Tim record as the Finn Brothers (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=20325364).

[Fiveos22]

sigur ros, mogwai, royksopp, frank zappa, the velvet underground (maybe not that unknown)

Royksopp rocks, but I don't know how "unknown" they are... They made pretty big waves in the electronic world with Melody A.M.

[Sharewaredemon]

Belle and Sebasitan are very cool and RJD2 is great hip-hop...specifically the Dead Ringer (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:rjhxlfhe0cqu) album.



Yeah Deadringer is my favourite of his albums.

sigur ros, mogwai, royksopp, frank zappa, the velvet underground (maybe not that unknown)

Sigur Ros is great!
and considering most people here have installed Panther, we have all "heard" royksopp before.

:D

[floyde]

Forgot about the flaming lips (http://www.flaminglips.com/)...

[Sammis89]

I found this band on download.com. The band is Faith in Plastics. Theyre really good.

[EvilDoc]

i wouldnt say my favorite is unknown but less known.. H.I.M is awesome ;)

[Sharewaredemon]

i wouldnt say my favorite is unknown but less known.. H.I.M is awesome ;)

HIM is my GF's fav band.

You excited about their new cd?

[ghostee]

They're not completely unknown, but many of you probably havn't heard Circa Survive (http://www.circasurvive.com). They are an excellent band featuring vocalist Anthony Green (ex-Saosin).

[Counterfit]

One's pretty hard...Most the ska genre is unknown to most...Anyhow, here they are. I'm feeling lazy, as is my internet connection, so I only provided a couple of links :o .

The Planet Smashers (http://www.planetsmashers.net/) --a hilarious ska band
Slapstick (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003OPY/qid=1116130420/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-9959575-9286212)
Mike Park and his other bands...The Chinkees, Skankin Pickle, B. Lee Band

For rock, I've gotta add 6gig, kind of that '90s band rock that we all miss, not that new age rappity-crap stuff :D

Illegal Substance & the Freestylers are good bands to jib, ride, or jump your bike to. Some prefer to dance to them, but I find them great for those 11PM sessions on cement.

Most of these bands listed can be found at emusic.com. You can get 50 free mp3s from them by signing up. See my link in my sig, so you can help me as well.

JM
You'd probably like Luck OverSpent (http://luckoverspent.com) I bet ;) (my cousin's one of the 'bone players)

So them, and a few weeks ago, I got a link to Life on Mercury (http://lifeonmercury.com)'s site. VERY VERY tight funk/R&B group (like TOP, but less loud ;)) I hope I get a chance to see them if I'm ever in the Harrisburg area.

[AliensAreFuzzy]

A little update on my previous post. The American Professionals has their album "Faking It (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=64962748&selectedItemId=64962619)" on iTunes, and Smuggle Doug and His Six Shooters are playing at Summerfest '06 in Milwaukee.

[AliensAreFuzzy]

One's pretty hard...Most the ska genre is unknown to most...Anyhow, here they are. I'm feeling lazy, as is my internet connection, so I only provided a couple of links :o .

The Planet Smashers (http://www.planetsmashers.net/) --a hilarious ska band
Slapstick (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003OPY/qid=1116130420/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-9959575-9286212)
Mike Park and his other bands...The Chinkees, Skankin Pickle, B. Lee Band

For rock, I've gotta add 6gig, kind of that '90s band rock that we all miss, not that new age rappity-crap stuff :D

Illegal Substance & the Freestylers are good bands to jib, ride, or jump your bike to. Some prefer to dance to them, but I find them great for those 11PM sessions on cement.

Most of these bands listed can be found at emusic.com. You can get 50 free mp3s from them by signing up. See my link in my sig, so you can help me as well.

JM
I like ska. Smuggle Doug is actually a ska band. They have some great songs. Here's (http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/frontpage/audio/smuggledoug.mp3) a low quality recording of their song dissing emo bands, "Emo Band"

[ghostee]

One's pretty hard...Most the ska genre is unknown to most...Anyhow, here they are. I'm feeling lazy, as is my internet connection, so I only provided a couple of links :o .

The Planet Smashers (http://www.planetsmashers.net/) --a hilarious ska band
Slapstick (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003OPY/qid=1116130420/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-9959575-9286212)
Mike Park and his other bands...The Chinkees, Skankin Pickle, B. Lee Band

For rock, I've gotta add 6gig, kind of that '90s band rock that we all miss, not that new age rappity-crap stuff :D

Illegal Substance & the Freestylers are good bands to jib, ride, or jump your bike to. Some prefer to dance to them, but I find them great for those 11PM sessions on cement.

Most of these bands listed can be found at emusic.com. You can get 50 free mp3s from them by signing up. See my link in my sig, so you can help me as well.

JM

Slapstick! Excellent choice! I was so sad when they broke up, but after hearing all the great bands that came out of the break up, it was well worth it! They're local to my area, but I never got to see them live. It's a shame, I have the reunion show on VHS (lol) and it looks like it was a lot of fun.

[feyd_ehway]

How about this one! Strawberry Switchblade
http://www.strawberryswitchblade.net/

Wasn't very popular (except one time in Japan?). Only had two LPs. Fun 80's songs. Check out their videos in the site!
ack, i guess ive always confused them with switchblade symphony... *shrugs* thought it was possibly a nick or earlier name revision.
but visting their site now- i like what im *listening* to spanishsong and seaside sound promise! :)

[Lara F]

Thirteen Senses (http://www.thirteensenses.co.uk). A gentler, much more beautiful version of Coldplay. :)

[greenleaf]

I dont know if he is well known or not...i dought it.He is a family friend and just recently singed with colombia records though. :D

He is on iTunes i believe...

[G4-power]

i wouldnt say my favorite is unknown but less known.. H.I.M is awesome ;)

Hey cool, HIM. Here in Finland like everyone knows HIM, and most people in the Nordic Countries do also...

Well anyone heard of my favorite, Sonata Arctica (a Finnish metal band like Stratovarius which is a bit more known)? They're pretty known in Japan and Finland.

[Scarlet Fever]

Cog (http://www.cog.com.au/cog.html), Team Sleep (http://www.teamsleep.net/revolution/), and Shihad (aka Pacifier) (http://www.shihad.com/) are three of the best bands i know

no-one i know has heard of AFI (http://www.afireinside.net), but they seem to be pretty big in the U.S. They are my all-time fav band.

[Sharewaredemon]

Thirteen Senses (http://www.thirteensenses.co.uk). A gentler, much more beautiful version of Coldplay. :)


Yeah they definitely are!

My girlfriend downloaded a song by them kindof by mistake and when she showed it to me, Downloading their CD on iTunes was in order.

I really like History by them.

[jimN]

chap called Tom McRae. Classed as folk on iTunes the guy plays simple music, often just vocals and guitar although his work has developed a more 'produced' sound with his second and third albums. I thought he was pretty obscure until we met some complete strangers whilst on holiday in Morocco and it transpired that not only did they know of the guy but also that we had all attended the same concert of his in Brighton. He has a website at www.tommcrae.com and there's some music there available for free download. If you like Damien Rice you'll probably like Tom but be warned, if anything his work is even more miserable than Rice's

[3rdpath]

fav unknowns ( at this time):

inara george

athlete---the "tourist" cd is amazing

me first and the gimme gimme's---thrash versions of songs such as " mona lisa", "i believe i can fly" etc... great summertime fun.

[CanadaRAM]

You'd probably like Luck OverSpent (http://luckoverspent.com) I bet ;) (my cousin's one of the 'bone players).

I'm tryin' to like them but I'm finding their website seriously un-functional.... d@#^ near impossible to read and the audio samples (under Media...) don't play. Word to the cuz maybe?

[Capt Underpants]

Thirteen Senses (http://www.thirteensenses.co.uk). A gentler, much more beautiful version of Coldplay. :)

ohhh I like :)

[Capt Underpants]

I like ska. Smuggle Doug is actually a ska band. They have some great songs. Here's (http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/frontpage/audio/smuggledoug.mp3) a low quality recording of their song dissing emo bands, "Emo Band"

There's nothing wrong with emo bands :(

[aricher]

J. Davis Trio (http://www.jdavistrio.com/)

Amazing Live Hip-Hop band from Chicago. No turntables - - just an upbeat jazz combo (drums, bass, trumpet, bells, xylophone) and one of the best rappers I've ever heard with hilarious cultural references.

[OryHara]

The Muckruckrers

[mymemory]

Orchestra Maneouvres in the Dark OMD

They play this song "If you leave" from the "Pretty in Pink" movie, but they have lots of many other songs that are really good.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Orchestra Maneouvres in the Dark OMD

They play this song "If you leave" from the "Pretty in Pink" movie, but they have lots of many other songs that are really good.OMD is nice. For those who don't know it, check out the collection "The OMD Singles" from 1998 (I got it from my local public library :D), has songs like Walking On The Milky Way and So In Love in addition to the above mentioned If You Leave. A nice place to start... :)

[Sharewaredemon]

fav unknowns ( at this time):
athlete---the "tourist" cd is amazing



Athlete, is VERY good, though they are starting to become known. Which is a good thing!

I love Half Light, such a great song.

[narco]

Well, some of my friends and acquaintances feel that most of the music I listen to is "unknown." I don't wear this proudly on my sleeve or anything, I'm just a big fan of all music (including hip hop and country, with the exception of a lot of techno) so i am on an endless search for the most perfect pop song.

I think the newest(ish) band I like right now is a band called Pipas. You can listen to them here: http://www.indie-mp3.co.uk/blog/2005/05/pipas.html
The songs were provided by the band, so it's all legal.

Lately I've been listening to a lot of stuff that falls in the c86 and twee category. It's basically jangly pop music, but it's absolutely fantastic. Lately I've been label-whoring for a record label that no longer exists, but left such great bands such as the Sea Urchins, the Field Mice, the Orchids, the Wake, and many other bands that begin with the word "the."

But yeah, to list one band would be extremely difficult. That's like naming your favorite song.

Fishes,
narco.

[Lara F]

Just discovered yet another unknown UK band (thanks to their being a support at Eden Sessions), in the same genre as Thirteen Senses: :)
http://www.breakmakers.co.uk/www/

The tracks on their website were enough to get me to order the EPs!

[greatdevourer]

There's nothing wrong with emo bands :(
It's just that they're rubbish, and the whole emo culture is... rubbish. I could go into a full blown rant for hours on end, but I won't

Astral are cool, so are Betrayer, Hatebeak are just hilarious (they have a parrot as a vocalist. They can't play live, as the noice produced would actually kill the parrot :p), MONOLITH!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, that's their real name) are quite good, The Unleaded are another wacky vocals one (Microsoft Sam!), with Youth Of Britain and ZLAD! being in there just because they're beyond funny

[Capt Underpants]

It's just that they're rubbish, and the whole emo culture is... rubbish. I could go into a full blown rant for hours on end, but I won't

I really don't see how you can discredit an entire genre of music as "rubbish". But to each his own...

[Bengt77]

I'd have to go for Mad Dog Loose, Daryll-Ann, M83 and Shpongle. Although those last three are pretty well known by now (too bad Daryll-Ann split up earlier this year), the first one might actually still be quite obscure. Although I hope not, since they're really great (and they're also kind of related to the dEUS/Moondog Jr./Zita Swoon-bunch).

Any other fans of those three bands? Although I hate calling myself a fan of anyone. In my opinion, the word has a nasty aftertaste. In this case, it's just that I happen to like their music very much.

[PlaceofDis]

i honestly don't know if these bands are unknown, but i do know that in my circle of friends they aren't known and that i enjoy them

Ok Go, Wilco, Earshot, From Zero, Kings of Convenience, Meshuggah, Tomahawk, & Pigmy Love Circus are all that i can think of off the top of my head

[Sharewaredemon]

I listen to a bit of Wilco they aren't that unknown, though I haven't heard of the other ones.

[greatdevourer]

I really don't see how you can discredit an entire genre of music as "rubbish". But to each his own... Not the music, the culture. It pisses me off so much, the whole "oh, i can't go on. I've got parents and gf/bf and friends that all love me, but my gerbil just died and it..." *grabs razor, slits wrists, sits in a bath somewhere before giving up and showing all their other friends the scars to prove how hardcore they are*

i honestly don't know if these bands are unknown, but i do know that in my circle of friends they aren't known and that i enjoy them

Ok Go, Wilco, Earshot, From Zero, Kings of Convenience, Meshuggah, Tomahawk, & Pigmy Love Circus are all that i can think of off the top of my head Pah, Meshuggah aren't unkown!

[Capt Underpants]

Not the music, the culture. It pisses me off so much, the whole "oh, i can't go on. I've got parents and gf/bf and friends that all love me, but my gerbil just died and it..." *grabs razor, slits wrists, sits in a bath somewhere before giving up and showing all their other friends the scars to prove how hardcore they are*

Pah, Meshuggah aren't unkown!

The culture tends to get at me sometimes. I am in no way the stereotypical emo music listener. But I do have a friend or two that are, and there's nothing wrong with that.

But slitting wrists is no laughing matter. I have a friend who cuts, and it is not to be "hardcore". So I do take that personally.

[G4-power]

I really don't see how you can discredit an entire genre of music as "rubbish". But to each his own...

I can name one music genre that is already called in a way, rubbish. That is, Thrash Metal. Like for an example Metallica...oh, oops, it thrash, not trash. :D

[Lara F]

Ok, I have to mention Goldspot (http://www.goldspot.net). They're from LA (finally US-based!) and recently did a session on KCRW. I liked it at first listen, but their new album "Tally of the Yes Men" (downloaded from iTunes) is *really* growing on me. Some songs are super catchy ala "Everybody's Changing" by Keane, and there weren't obvious fillers.

Here's an article written about them:
http://www.popmatters.com/music/nowhearthis/goldspot-050803.shtml

[Counterfit]

I can name one music genre that is already called in a way, rubbish. That is, Thrash Metal. Like for an example Metallica...oh, oops, it thrash, not trash. :D
I'm going to throw you out of a plane, with no parachute, and glue headphones to your ears, which will be hooked up to an iPod repeating Megadeth's High Speed Dirt at full volume :mad:





Okay, not really, but that would be rather appropriate. If death were an appropriate punishment for insulting a genre of music... :p

[wrxguy]

The Faceless (http://www.myspace.com/thefaceless) this is one of the most talented bands you will ever hear...and they are all under 20!! if you like metal, tech metal, hardcore etc. check them out...you WONT regret it!!

[PlaceofDis]

i just remembered another few....

Tweaker (known in some circles because of Chris Verenna from NIN fame)

Venus Hum - cool electronica band

Puscifer - only has one song called Rev 20:22, but its beautiful and erotic, off of the Underworld Soundtrack, its Maynard James Keenen and Danny Loner teaming up - hopefully more stuff will come

The Damning Well - also off of the Underworld Soundtrack, a supergroup of sorts that might reform to make more than just this one amazing song - Awakening

and finally Peach, old '90s metal band that broke up after one album, but they showed a lot of potential

[quigleybc]

Name one band that you love that no one else seems to know about.

Porcupine Tree (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=155122&selectedItemId=155095)



Phish
Sound Tribe Sector 9
Medeski Martin and Wood
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
The Slip
String Cheese Incident
Moe
Vida Blue
Morphine
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Leftover Salmon
The Disco Biscuits
The New Deal
Widespread Panic
Spearhead
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
Guest
ULU
Rusted Root
Benevento/Russo Duo
Planet 22
David Holmes
Eek a Mouse
Larry Keel
Matisyahu!!
nightmares on Wax
Ect...

[ijimk]

Ok my two favorite bands are TANTRIC (http://www.maverick.com/tantric/flash.html) and CARBON LEAF (http://www.carbonleaf.com/) these two bands have SUCH GREAT MUSIC!!!! PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM NOW!

I was floored when i bought tantrics first CD. Both are available on itunes. give a listen you wont be disappointed. GO TANTRIC AND CARBON LEAF!!!!!! :D

[PlaceofDis]

Ok my two favorite bands are TANTRIC (http://www.maverick.com/tantric/flash.html) and CARBON LEAF (http://www.carbonleaf.com/) these two bands have SUCH GREAT MUSIC!!!! PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM NOW!

I was floored when i bought tantrics first CD. Both are available on itunes. give a listen you wont be disappointed. GO TANTRIC AND CARBON LEAF!!!!!! :D

Tantric is pretty good, not too shabby live either, i saw them the day after their second album came out at the House of Blues here in Chicago.... not bad at all... although they kind of start to sound the same if you listen to them too much, and he has some cheesy lyrics, but musically they are talented, if you like 'em check out the first Days Of The New album, which is essentially the same band with a different lead singer before they were Tantric

[G4-power]

I'm going to throw you out of a plane, with no parachute, and glue headphones to your ears, which will be hooked up to an iPod repeating Megadeth's High Speed Dirt at full volume :mad:



Okay, not really, but that would be rather appropriate. If death were an appropriate punishment for insulting a genre of music... :p

Haha, okay... :D That would be a rather unpleasant punishment...though, I like Megadeth. It's not that I wouldn't like Metallica either, it was just a stupid joke.

[Counterfit]

It's okay, I forgive you.

I think :confused:

Anyway, I think I'll add Tower of Power to my list. Nothing like some soul/funk to get you going. Comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable :cool:


*heads off to Bump City (http://www.bumpcity.com)

[Elrond39]

I vote for Reubens Accomplice.

[OLD ELPASO]

I'd have to say:
Death Cab For Cutie
Matt Costa
Wilco
Bright Eyes
The Thrills
Of Montreal
Snow Patrol
Spiderbait
The Postal Service
Say Hi To Your Mom

- These are all awesome bands, look them up in iTunes.

[Sharewaredemon]

I'd have to say:
Death Cab For Cutie
Matt Costa
Wilco
Bright Eyes
The Thrills
Of Montreal
Snow Patrol
Spiderbait
The Postal Service
Say Hi To Your Mom

- These are all awesome bands, look them up in iTunes.


Did you pre order the new Deathcab cd?

I know I did,

I've been listening to PS a lot lately, but other than wilco and snow patrol I haven't heard any of those other bands (heard of some).

[G4-power]

It's okay, I forgive you.

I think :confused:

Thanks. :)

Actually, the most unknown band is the band I play guitar in...something like 30 people know our band and something like 2 people in addition to us have heard us play. Haha. :D That'll change when Christmas comes around, we'll play Smoke On The Water in school. Probably...

[jelloshotsrule]

death cab for cutie unknown? hmmm

i wish the guy didn't whine through songs.

[ShavenYak]

Yup, DCfC WAS about the biggest indie band out. Now that they're on (Atlantic? can't remember, don't have iTunes at work) they may be about to become even bigger. Very annoying to me, since I try to buy basically no music from RIAA labels, but I dig Death Cab.

Here's a few of my favorite lesser-known bands - most of whom are broken up:
The Essence
Sad Lovers and Giants
Twenty Mondays
Judybats
Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine

[BiggeeC]

Here's the problem. The majority of the music I like is unknown. Then, it's not. Example--Death Cab, Wilco, Interpol, Doves, Snow Patrol, The Sea and Cake, Modest Mouse. I like all the "trendy indie hipster" music, as it's called now. Funny thing is, nobody knew what these bands were 3 years ago. I WAS THERE MAN!!!! I hate being that guy who hears the new song on the radio and cries, because ther have found success. So, I'm happy for them. It just pisses me off when I go to an Interpol concert and hear some dork say "this new band Interpol is great!" I first heard Interpol singing PDA in NYC in 2001. I said to myself, "Damn" To everybody on this site..............if you like good music, and are fans of early post punk music, check out Interpol. You will not be dissapointed.

[Sharewaredemon]

Here's the problem. The majority of the music I like is unknown. Then, it's not. Example--Death Cab, Wilco, Interpol, Doves, Snow Patrol, The Sea and Cake, Modest Mouse. I like all the "trendy indie hipster" music, as it's called now. Funny thing is, nobody knew what these bands were 3 years ago. I WAS THERE MAN!!!! I hate being that guy who hears the new song on the radio and cries, because ther have found success. So, I'm happy for them. It just pisses me off when I go to an Interpol concert and hear some dork say "this new band Interpol is great!" I first heard Interpol singing PDA in NYC in 2001. I said to myself, "Damn" To everybody on this site..............if you like good music, and are fans of early post punk music, check out Interpol. You will not be dissapointed.

I know what you mean, but to me, I think it's great, they are popular meaning they are making well deserved money.

Do you think Britany Spears deserves money more than they do?

Also, consider yourself lucky that you've been listening to these bands for a while as you have been able to enjoy them longer than those other people.

Also, what does it matter what other people think about a band.... shouldn't it be a personal thing between you and the band?

Oh yeah and I had no idea that TSAC was popular now.
I still haven't met anyone who has heard of them (other than my friends whom I told them about).

[BiggeeC]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm very happy that they have found success. As for what other people say about them? You are right, it is a personal thing. BUT, it is still a pain in the butt hearing it.

The Sea and Cake? Hmmm......I wouldn't call them mainstream or anything, but a do know a good amount of people who know who they are.

[3badjacksfan]

Like my name says,
I'm a Three Bad Jacks fan!!!

http://www.threebadjacks.com/

[velocityg4]

"the Pirate All Stars" It's a friend of mines former band. They made two cd's you might be able to find them on limewire. Don't worry they support P2p file sharing. They have a sound like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

[joecool85]

Three words - Deslotude For Juliet (http://www.cafepress.com/dfjrocks)

[PaRaGoNViCtiM]

-PAGODA
-TEGAN And SARA
-DEFTONES (Not really unknown, but not really commercial either)

[cloud 9]

Gabriela Kulka
presenting her music as 'heart core', she has classical and heavy metal influences.

Jill tracy (http://www.jilltracy.com)

Figurine

[bmac13]

There's a local band here in Albuquerque, NM called monkey talks. They're pretty good although the quality of the songs on the website leaves a bit to be desired.
http://www.monkeytalks.net

[sockeatingdryer]

The Kind Strangers

[paperinacup]

My Beautiful Burden.

[840quadra]

Posted on an other thread

Transformer Di Roboter

Requires Firebox or IE from what their site says.
http://www.transformerdiroboter.com/trans_eng.html#

[clayj]

Slim (http://www.emit.cc/artist/slim) (if you listen to Groove Salad, you know who I'm talking about)... only one album, and it's been out of print for years now. I had to pay $60 to get a used copy of their album "0097". Awesome music.

[840quadra]

Slim (http://www.emit.cc/artist/slim) (if you listen to Groove Salad, you know who I'm talking about)... only one album, and it's been out of print for years now. I had to pay $60 to get a used copy of their album "0097". Awesome music.

Are you sure you "really" like that band, or are you just braging about the Nano again ? :D

A friend of mine has that CD in his collection, Indeed great music!

[clayj]

Are you sure you "really" like that band, or are you just braging about the Nano again ? :D

A friend of mine has that CD in his collection, Indeed great music!Nope, not bragging about nano... it's stupid that "0097" is out of print, because Groove Salad plays Slim's music all the time and auctions on eBay run up past $40 for that CD.

It doesn't hurt that my mental image of the lead singer, based on her voice, is stunningly beautiful. ;)

[SteveG4Cube]

Jayy Mannon

http://www.jayymannon.com/

He was in a band called Bonehead, local cover band in Philly. They got a record deal with MCA, changed their name to Familiar48, played a bunch of gigs around the country for a year, then when it didn't really take off they went their separate ways. Now Jayy is back in the area playing solo acoustic shows and also performing with different band using the name Bonehead again. You can get his current stuff on the website, and iTunes has the F48 album. ;)

Here's another one, Jess Furman.

http://jessfurman.com/

I met her while on vacation in New Orleans, she's from NY and is very talented.

[iGary]

Rush (http://www.rush.com) is quite arguably one of the most talented set of musicians on the planet, but failrly obscure.

[iMacZealot]

Oh, my entire iTunes library is basically bands nobody has heard of! Some of my favorite songs that aren't known too well:

"Closer to Mercury" by Wheat*.
"Just the Girl" by The Click Five. They're semi-famous. They're on TRL>
"Troubled Times" by Fountains of Wayne. They are famous, but nobody knows them for anything else besides Stacy's Mom and maybe Mexican Wine.
"Can't Stand It" by Wilco. A little country, a little rock 'n' roll.
"Snowed Under" by Keane. They are semi-famous for "Everybody's Changing," another great song, but Snowed Under is a much better song in my opinion and nobody knows Snowed Under because it is a B Side to "Hopes and Fears"; Keane's debut album.
Snow Patrol is good, as well as the latest album from The Cardigans, but they're pretty well known.
"Something to Talk About" by Badly Drawn Boy. About a Boy was so good with Hugh Grant and the way the music was coordinated!
"La Pour Cas" by Nada Surf. Nada Surf has a lot of good stuff. They're semi-famous as well.
I love Coldplay, and no, they're famous, but I've been a fan of them for over five years at least.
Hey Now Girl by Phantom Planet. They were pretty much dead until "California" was used as the theme song for The OC.
"Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve is good. I guess they're semi-popular as I did see them on Live8 this summer.

I have so many others as well. There's about 15 songs there.

[DrEasy]

Some relatively obscure yet amazing bands/artists, classified by decade, and for all tastes (the descriptions in brackets are obvious oversimplifications of their styles):

60's: Love (orchestral psych), Nick Drake (sad brit folk), Scott Walker (magical crooner)
70's: Television (guitar-hero punk!?), The Buzzcocks (melodic punk-pop)
80's: The Go-Betweens (pure pop), Shelleyan Orphan (orchestral pop with female vocals), Galaxie 500 (indie rock)
90's: My Bloody Valentine (noisy-pop), Sebadoh (lo-fi melodic grunge), Mazzy Star (psychedelic dreamy folk), Cat Power (heart-wrenching folk)
00's: Magnetic Fields (smartass retro-80's pop), Calexico (mariachi slowcore!?)

If you need help picking up an album of theirs leave me a message!

[FadeToBlack]

Rush (http://www.rush.com) is quite arguably one of the most talented set of musicians on the planet, but failrly obscure.

I actually haven't heard much Rush, (I need to get one of their CD's soon) but one of my favorite bands is influenced by them, Dream Theater.

[SteveG4Cube]

Rush (http://www.rush.com) is quite arguably one of the most talented set of musicians on the planet, but failrly obscure.

You're kidding, right??

[840quadra]

You're kidding, right??

To each their own!

unless you were commenting on the obscure portion of the idea. I never would have thought Rush would be considered obscure, but I guess I just hear it from time to time in my area, so it isn't that rare to me.

840

[Lara F]

"Snowed Under" by Keane. They are semi-famous for "Everybody's Changing," another great song, but Snowed Under is a much better song in my opinion and nobody knows Snowed Under because it is a B Side to "Hopes and Fears"; Keane's debut album.


Not the least bit obscure as far as I'm concerned. :) Keane even play it often at gigs, like Arcade Fire with "No Cars Go". More unknown would be say..."To The End of The Earth", or "Something In Me Was Dying". You can't even get them off the US iTunes, but they easily could've been on Hopes and Fears too.

[Lara F]

btw, here are two Brit "unknowns" (even in the UK) I've recently found:

Iko - http://www.ikomusic.com. Used to be Buffseeds who were best known for "Sparkle Me". Their new album I Am Zero is coming out and I got a promo copy - it's that good. There's a full track on their website of "Hologram" which is a haunting song about 9/11. And yes, it's a guy singing. :P

David Ford - http://www.david-ford.com. Check out the homemade video of "State of the Union", very cool. It'll be released as a single at the end of the month and then a full album comes out. I've heard live bootleg clips and it promises to be great!

[SteveG4Cube]

To each their own!

unless you were commenting on the obscure portion of the idea. I never would have thought Rush would be considered obscure, but I guess I just hear it from time to time in my area, so it isn't that rare to me.

840

Yes, I was commenting on the obscure part. I agree that they're talented although it's really not what I'm into, but I don't think I know many people who don't know who they are.

[Dunepilot]

it's been a looong time since i was able to claim bands that no one else knew...

but i did have a good time once knocking a high schooler i worked with at best buy down a peg or two on the indie rock obnoxious-meter....she mentioned something about the white stripes, kind of a "look who i listen to" name drop, and my response was, "oh, yea? i saw them open two years ago for sleater-kinney (http://www.sleater-kinney.com) " which netted me a blank "who are they?"

I know sleater-kinney are way better known now, but back in 1996-7 i could have used them....:-/ yea. that makes me less than entirely uncool. :)

*bookmarks thread as cliffsnotes for new bands I might want to listen to...*

Being from Brighton, I'd imagine you'll want to listen to Projections, whose members were in the wonderful Cat on Form (http://www.catonform.co.uk/) (fashioncore posers take note - this is proper hardcore) and Charlottefield (http://www.charlottefield.com) who've just released their awesome debut album, available for purchase on iTunes Music Store. My band is opening for the potent combination of Projections and Charlottefield next month, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

And from Oxford... Dive Dive and The Young Knives are both superb bands that I would suggest people search on in the iTunes Music Store. If Dive Dive don't ever get some serious attention by virtue of their unique accessibility/credibility combination, then the music-buying public is indeed (as I have long suspected) beyond saving.

[floyde]

hmm... I think I found the most unknown band for this thread. This (http://www.ilovevaquero.com/) is an alternative Mexican band called Vaquero (spanish for cowboy). I think you can listen to their whole album online. They changed their name and now they also sing in english, mainly because there is no market in Mexico for the kind of music they play. When they suck they can sound a bit like A Simple Plan, but most of the time they come up with some very interesting stuff.

[Xtremehkr]

Slightly Stupid.

[SummerBreeze]

Definitely BT4 (http://www.bt4online.com/) and The Format (http://www.theformat.com/), although the Format was just featured on Veronica Mars the other day (I was so excited!)

[jalagl]

I've heard both Cocteau Twins and Porcupine Tree... I like them both, specially PT.

Now, I like to find new music, sometimes through amazon.com recommendations, friends, etc. So here is my list, some are more known than others:


Poe (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.app.store.DirectAction/biography?artistId=5318515): I listen to her Haunted CD almost every day. That one is not on iTMS, though :(
Splashdown (http://www.sadena.com/music/splashdown/) : Not even on the iTMS, but they have their complete catalog for download as mp3 on that link. Check them out, they're good!!
David Usher (http://www.davidusher.ca): I love the Morning Orbit CD
Therapy? (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=13128523)
Kadeho (http://lin.navegalo.com/musica/ver_biografia.php?id=3): incredibly good Costa Rican band. Rock en español. ;)
Beth Orton (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=187060)
Cake (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=472322)
De-Phazz (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=5297103)
Moloko (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=3979359)
Maria Mena (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=14507105)
Stereophonics (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=2579656)
Jan Johnston (http://www.janjohnston.com/)

And two of my favorite bands of all time:
Hooverphonic (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=475672)
Thievery Corporation (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=2726532)

[this is funah]

RF (http://www.are-f.com)

.. i found out about his beautiful ambient music through apple.com surprisingly, because he wrote this amazing program called spongefork (http://www.spongefork.com) which i love to use.

his music is very good, i have is album "falls," and i am trying to find a local store (to no avail yet) that carries or can get "interno."


RF (http://www.are-f.com)

[Tequila Grandma]

Destroy 2!

http://www.wehateyouandyourhorrendoustasteineverything.com/brook/destroy2.jpg

Fox n Wolf!

http://www.wehateyouandyourhorrendoustasteineverything.com/brook/foxnwolf.jpg

[this is funah]

Yeah Deadringer is my favourite of his albums.



Sigur Ros is great!
and considering most people here have installed Panther, we have all "heard" royksopp before.

:D

i havent installed panther! does it play a sigur ros song? hah

[this is funah]

adding to the list...

do make say think (http://www.cstrecords.com/html/domake.html)

jaga jazzist (http://www.jagajazzist.com/v2/mp3.php)

portishead (www.portishead.co.uk)

[Sharewaredemon]

i havent installed panther! does it play a sigur ros song? hah

No it plays a song by "royksopp"

[floyde]

i havent installed panther! does it play a sigur ros song? hah
Nope, it plays "Eple" by Röyksopp

**edit: lol, beat me to it sharewaredemon. Exact same words and all :D ;)

[jeffzoom]

not wanting to look through th whole thread to see if it has already been said...i say Streetlight Manifesto....best...ska...ever...

[jcarm24]

Chris Kasper (www.chriskaspermusic.com) - jazz / blues / folk guitarist. Around the Philly area

[methodine]

my fav music is from avantgarde

John Zorn & Naked City
Fred Frith
Nurse With Wound
Throbbing Gristle
Wadada Leo Smith
Marc Ribbott
Material
Sonny Sharrock
Derek Bailey
Dave Fiuczinsky

also from psychedelic '60-'70 years are a lot of underground bands, are too many for mention them here, but if somebody is interrested in that, just ley me know

[Kernow]

It's interesting to see the disparity between our side of the pond and the US. Many bands that have been mentioned on this thread are pretty well known over here in the UK.

A band I've been listening to a lot recently are Spiritualized. Beautiful gospel tinged rock music made by an odd bod drug casualty. What could be better.

[minkis]

Tsunami Bomb (www.tsunamibomb.com)



Caldwell Rock.com (www.caldwellrock.com)

[instantdan]

all right, I guess there's something for everyone in here, right? i don't particularly like keane or thirteen senses or anything that much related to coldplay anymore, even though I really liked the first two albums, they just became too repetitive for their own sake. then I've seen portishead, calexico, dcfc, cocteau twins, happy mondays, etc... lots of bands which got a moderate fanbase as well... who knows, maybe they do better than you think!

here's some I like a lot
first of all, and I was keeping my fingers crossed for none of you guys to mention it so that I could get to do it... this brooklyn band which is my current fav.... THE NATIONAL, you can listen to them on iTunes or on their website www.americanmary.com.
then you get mr Andy Stochansky, a canadian guy who sort of got his big break playing the breakup song in felicity's final episode, "here nor there"... he's got this album called five star motel, I haven't checked if it's on iTunes but it's pretty cool
then Plastilina Mosh, a mexican funk elec band, sort of cibo matto-ish... really cool, they play with funk, lounge, pop, etc. they've also been on a couple of soundtracks, I guess.

yeah, that's it so far.

Let the search begin!

Cheers,

[Capt Underpants]

I officially have a new favorite "unknown" band. Motion city is still awesome (I saw them on sunday at edge homecoming in Dallas), but now they're becoming relatively known, so I figure it's time for a new "unknown band entry".

Panic At The Disco (http://www.purevolume.com/panicatthedisco), who I also saw at edge, is AMAZING! We got so crazy at their show that we broke the front barrier down, and the lead singer stopped in the middle of the song in awe. Have a listen. I'm betting that most people here don't like this style of music, but oh well. ROCK ON!

[floyde]

then Plastilina Mosh, a mexican funk elec band, sort of cibo matto-ish... really cool, they play with funk, lounge, pop, etc. they've also been on a couple of soundtracks, I guess.
wow, I can't believe you've actually heard them. I would've mentioned them myself, but they are pretty well known here in Mexico :)

[DAAANGIT]

THE MATCHES www.thematches.com
www.purevolume.com/thematches


I've seen this band around 20 times and I always get anxious to see them even more times! I'm good friends with everyone in the band and they are amazingly nice and cool people. LISTEN TO THEM PLEASE! :D

[true777]

I have a bunch (listing a favorite song for each in case anyone wants to check them out). They're all contemporary, mostly dark ElectroPop.

Black Strobe (Chemical Sweet Girl)
ElectroniCat ("Amour Sale")
Popular Computer ("Oh, Darling")
Patrick Wolf ("The Libertine")
Captain Comatose ("Baby")

[XNine]

[QUOTE=minkis]Tsunami Bomb (www.tsunamibomb.com)

I like them. Seen em live too. Agent M is HOT!

Most of the bands I'm gonna list are a little known, and I know iGav will probably know msot of them (he seems to have the same taste as me)

KMFDM
PWEI (Pop Will Eat Itself)
999
Toy Dolls
The Boys
Lords of Acid
The Exploited
Special Duties
Suicidal Supermarket Trolleys
Vast
Nine Inch Nails
Rammstein
Watts
Motorhead
DRI
GBH
Lucia Cifarelli (also a member of KMFDM/MDFMK and helped on other projects)
Garbage
The Clash
Minor Threat
Dead Kennedy's
Project 12:01
Sponge
The YEah Yeah Yeah's
Johnny Cash

And a couple hundred more. I could keep going and going and going

[eva01]

Puffy AmiYumi
Sambomaster

[MikeGA]

Not really all that obscure, but none of my friends had heard of them. Realy cool space rock / prog:

Secret Machines

[true777]

PS: Audioscrobbler/Last FM (http://www.last.fm/user/true777/)

[Counterfit]

Tsunami Bomb (www.tsunamibomb.com)

I like them. Seen em live too. Agent M is HOT!
I'll second that. Thanks for the link minkis :D

Most of the bands I'm gonna list are a little known, and I know iGav will probably know msot of them (he seems to have the same taste as me)

KMFDM
...
Nine Inch Nails
Rammstein
...
Motorhead
...
The Clash
...
Johnny Cash

"A little known" is an understatement. :rolleyes:

Minor Threat
Dead Kennedy's
...
Sponge
The YEah Yeah Yeah's
Sponge still gets radio play with Plowed. Minor Threat was apparently known enough for Nike to rip off their name and an album cover. And I know a few punk fans, so I always hear about DK.


I have another band to add. Local group from Cranston, just finished playing part (all?) of Warped Tour. Formerly known as Monty's Fan Club, they're simply known as Monty now. My cousin's band (see: Luck Overspent) is playing a show with them on the day after Thanksgiving. It also happens to be Bad Larry's (http://purevolume.com/badlarry) last show.

[Seasought]

Midnight Syndicate (http://www.midnightsyndicate.com)

If you enjoy dark, orchestral music check them out.

[rickvanr]

Nil Lara - Guy's a god.. simply amazing.

Tammany Hall - Local band from NYC. Also rock.

[iHateWindows]

Nothing Ever Stays (http://www.purevolume.com/nothingeverstays)
Cartel (http://www.purevolume.com/cartel)
Never Heard Of It (http://www.purevolume.com/neverheardofit)

[rickvanr]

Nothing Ever Stays (http://www.purevolume.com/nothingeverstays)
Cartel (http://www.purevolume.com/cartel)
Never Heard Of It (http://www.purevolume.com/neverheardofit)

NHOI is really good. I have a couple of their CDs