Recommend Me some Music that I've (probably) never heard of!

[Numinous]

Jealousy Curve, Black Widow is my favorite song by them.  I find genre names to be pointless, so just give it a quick listen if you've gt the time.

myspace.com/jealousycurve

[SDragon]

And before anyone responds, yes, I do realise that music is a matter of taste and thus none is inherently "better"

I disagree. My counterpoint? Backstreet Boys.

[Kindling]

Yes but the Backstreet Boys have sold more records than a lot of the bands and artists I like, implying that, in general, people like them more. Therefore they could be seen, in some way, as being "better"

As I said, it's all subjective. Except that my opinion is worth more than anyone else's.

[Hibou]

Ryan Leblanc

This guy is amazing. He is from near where I live. They call what he plays "percussive jazz"... make sure to search youtube for videos as well, because I'm not sure that that website has all of his performances.

[limetom]

Oh... and just because Ishy said he cannot listen to hip hop: some hip hop.  Just keep my earlier suggestions in mind (listen to it, find lyrics, listen again, then judge).

Immortal Technique.  Ordinarily, gangsta rap gets a bad rap; it usually deserves it.  Most of the popular stuff played on the radio today is of this variety, and is typically utter crap.  Very few of these artists produce anything worthwhile.  Fewer still are good musicians in general.

Immortal Technique doesn't get played on the radio, for good reason.  His music is the kind of thing that makes people uncomfortable, and not because of it's explicit content, but because it has a message.  He has three songs for download on his website fairly representative of the rest of his music, and almost all of the rest of his music can be found on YouTube.  Even if you don't like rap, check Tech out.  He's worth it.

[Wensleydale]

Start Wearing Purple, Gogol Bordello

Awesome song. Heh.

[Lmns Crn]

You can look up most of these at www.seeqpod.com. It's a search engine for streaming audio.

Check out Einsturzende Neubauten. Start with the song "Blume."

[Kindling]

I always thought Einsturzende Neubauten would be amazing, both from the name and the descriptions I'd heard, but when I finally got round to listening to them, I found them slightly boring... Not trying to put anyone off checking them out, mind you. One thing I know for sure, is very few people share my exact tastes in music.

And yay, Gogol Bordello. Sick ch00n, that.

[Kindling]

Ryan Leblanc

This guy is amazing. He is from near where I live. They call what he plays "percussive jazz"... make sure to search youtube for videos as well, because I'm not sure that that website has all of his performances.

There's a very similar and equally good musician from near me, called Jon Gomm.

Oh... and just because Ishy said he cannot listen to hip hop: some hip hop.  Just keep my earlier suggestions in mind (listen to it, find lyrics, listen again, then judge).

I heartily second the opinion that while the majority of mainstream rap does suck, it is possible to find rare gems. My contribution would be MF Doom

[Ivar]

I recommend the Sufjan Stevens album "Illinois" and The National's "Alligator".

[Captain Obvious]

I reccomend pretty much any Malagasy (from madagascar) stuff, and just other african stuff in general.

Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
Miriam Makeba
Milimani Park Orchestra
Thomas Mapfuno
Youssour N'dour
there's a fantastic collection album called Soweto Street Sounds. That's great

Also, Zydeco music, and Celtic stuff are some of my favourites.
If you can find it, Mouth Music are IMO one of the greatest groups ever.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

Thanks for all the responses guys!  I've heard a few things I like, lots that I don't like, and some that don't really influence my emotions in one way or another.  I'll get back to you guys very soon on my reviews.

[Slapzilla]

Super Furry Animals.  superfurry.com.  Just damn good rock.

[snakefing]

Go back into the archives a bit. Laurie Anderson. Johnny Cash. Lyle Lovett. Early Talking Heads, like Remain in Light.

I haven't searched high and low for good links, but these are all classic acts that have fallen out of the limelight a bit lately, so you shouldn't have trouble finding stuff on youtube. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you.

[beejazz]

Aw... Lyle Lovett and Talking Heads... haven't listened to them in ages. I'll second the recommendation, as both are pretty awesome.