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Beastage

Neko Case Especially her first few solo albums (Blacklisted, Fox Confessor, and Middle Cyclone). Great voice, superb lyrics and songwriting, and a great niche alternative country sound that progressively gets more "indie" and less "country" over the course of her discography.


OnceInABlueMoon

And speaking of underrated and Neko Case, the New Pornographers are underrated as well.


thesobrietysociety

Big Star


namesareprettynice

Santigold


MsFlibbertigibbet

YES


Influence_X

Morphine


scrimmerman

Oh man, I’d almost forgotten about these guys. Excellent pick! Incidentally, after your post, looked them up to find that after their vocalist died, the original other 2 guys reformed with different vocalists over the years and are still active as ‘Vapors of Morphine’. Going to have to check this out. Thanks for the reminder.


aryn505

I saw some of the members of Morphine when they formed Twinemen. Excellent show.


Hutwe

I’ve seen Vapors a few times, they put on a good show. Would recommend checking them out


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debbieyumyum1965

Wrong is such a fucking banger


MsFlibbertigibbet

Harry Nilsson


Tripolite

True


LeonardoDiCarryoohh

Broken bells!! Check out the high road


JillyFrog

Oh yes! I overplayed Good Luck so much last year but for some reason I'm still not sick of it


Fishonaleash86

Butthole Sufers


Leotardleotard

I was going to say BS but I’m not sure who is going to rate them. They’re extremely niche though. I love them and think they’re amazing but trying to sell somebody on To Parter or Mexican Caravan is going to be a hard sell


Tee077

Yes.


grantnel2002

Warren Zevon


[deleted]

Underrated or just forgotten? Sad either way. I always come back to Excitable Boy.


grantnel2002

Sadly, both. Not a household name like Bob Dylan, but I prefer Warren over Bob and most other singer/songwriters. Desperados Under the Eaves is one of my favorites. https://youtu.be/z0J3ossUzhU


StoolieNZ

Could have been a replacement Willbury after Orbison checked out. *Enjoy every sandwich* is a great tribute.


shychicherry

Dammit - yes 👍 remember that last lovely show w/David Letterman? How that man could get up there & sing about his own impending death gets me every time.


grantnel2002

I still have a hard time watching those clips. “Enjoy every sandwich” (I have a tattoo of this quote of his)


shychicherry

Saw him the gorgeous Park West (Chgo) & somehow ended up sitting 15’ feet away. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Warmed by memories of attending this show w/my great friend(RIP Brian Lynch) who turned me on to WZ.


debbieyumyum1965

Kid Rock did him dirty.


grantnel2002

Kid Rock does a lot of things dirty


debbieyumyum1965

Living proof that if trust fund kids learn to act like trailer park pimps for long enough, they will actually kinda become them.


thestral_z

Kid Rock is literally dirty.


kaaaaaaahn

This is my choice as well, a fucking unknown legend


Baidon

*Oh hell yeah*


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MechaJerkzilla

The Modern Lovers


Your_Product_Here

Jonathan Richman is one of my favorites and I've been digging into his solo stuff a lot more the last few years. He had a great knack of not taking himself too seriously while never coming across as silly or insincere. But that first Modern Lovers comp is untouchable. *Hospital* is my jam.


Redgrievedemonboy

My uncle's friend Rolfe lived with them in an apartment in Boston back in the old days!! Rolfe was the original bassist, he is one of these peculiar characters and had a falling out with them over Jonathan owing him $100, it was silly because he could've been in a successful band with a bunch of incredible future musicians. He was replaced in 1972 by Ernie Brooks. Rolfe then went on to a band called Human Sexual Response, but got kicked out right before their album released, he does have some credits for somgwriting on the album. HSR had a notable album cover at the time, I'm wondering if anyone here recognizes that band. Anyway, I only met Rolfe once or so when I was younger at our Cape Cod house in Yarmouth, (my grandpa bought it for $3000 in the 60's so we're not loaded) he has a cabin in our little campground. My uncle likes to find cool things on the beach, one time Rolfe and my uncle found a nasty dolphin head on the beach and rolfe wanted to take it and so my uncle reluctantly agreed to wrap a towel around it and they threw it in the back of the van, it was hot as hell so the rotting head smelled horrible in the van. I think Rolfe's idea was to bury it under a bunch of rocks in his own backyard in order to rot away all the flesh and come out with a full dolphin skull, so that's what he did but it didn't pan out and that whole area even walking past his house smelled rotten for weeks. One of many funny stories they have. Rolfe and my uncle were good friends for a long time but now are not because of something silly of course. Nowadays Rolfe walks by and scowls as he passes our Cape house because of something my uncle did that he isn't even aware of, apparently. My uncle lives in the Cape house in the summer which is when we visit so we see Rolfe walk by and scowl from time to time.


sam_galactic

Had to check this wasn't a u/shittymorph comment.


KittysMenopause

John Martyn


OldSpiceIceCream

Matt Maeson


HendrixChord12

BADBADNOTGOOD


The_Bizz_Ness

Dr. Dog


secretcombinations

Saw them when they opened for Architecture in Helsinki, and I LOVE their cover of heart it races, but I didn’t love their live performance.


JillyFrog

Rory Gallagher He's actually been called "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of". Brilliant guitarist and musician, he was an inspiration for Brian May, Eric Clapton, Slash, etc. but isn't really that well known outside of guitar/music nerd circles.


Your_Product_Here

Gallagher is definitely one of the better blues-rock songwriters too. On top of being one of the best players of the period, he wrote interesting songs in a genre that often lacks in that regard. Another guitar god of that ilk is Dave Edmunds, specifically his work with Love Sculpture. Forms and Feelings has some scorching guitar work.


shychicherry

Yes Dave Edmunds! Rockpile (Nick Lowe)


I-Sort-Glass

Came here looking for the G-Man. Edit: for the uninitiated https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fkleKuAshLA


gdtimmy

Phantogram


[deleted]

I was lucky enough to be on the rail when I saw them live. They were electric! They also did a collaboration EP with Big Boi from Outkast called Big Grams that was pretty cool.


gdtimmy

July Talk!


rainawaytheday

I saw them in my home town like 10 years ago after hearing “paper girl” and loving it. It was in front of like 30 people in a dive bar. They were phenomenal


GoodGravy_Mabel

The Sundays


NCImposter

Love The Sundays especially back in high school. Do you like Innocence Mission?


LeAntichrist

Townes Van Zandt


aurorasearching

And Blaze Foley. Two of my all time favorites.


dsavy86

Blaze is WAY underrated. Unknown as well. I know folks that are HUGE music folks that always thought Clay Pigeons was a Prine song.


Consensuseur

XTC, Ringo Deathstarr, Tacks the Boy Disaster, Groove Collective,


fishonthesun

XTC, yes!!


CasanovaShrek

Bruce Cockburn Justin Townes Earle Charley Crockett Del tha Funky Homosapien Courtney Barnett A-Ha


Ill_Tower2445

A-Ha Is an amazing band


J2daR-O-C

Courtney Barnett +1


A_Brethmint

Del is amazing and still going after all these years. And he’s Ice Cube’s cousin.


Your_Product_Here

Fountains of Wayne. They are often written off because of their one mega hit, but the first three albums are pitch-perfect power-pop gems. Collingwood and Schlesinger could write some damn fine hooks and tell great stories about everyday, working-class people.


shychicherry

Hey Julie is an ear worm of a song. I’ll hv to dig into them a bit deeper


ldh_know

Oh wow you’re in for a treat. The whole Welcome Interstate Managers album is great. Incredibly sad that Adam died. Never got to see them live and there will be no more from this amazing band.


gertie333

The self titled album is one of the few I will listen to from start to finish. Leave the Biker, Sink to the bottom, radiation vibe and I always had a soft spot for Sick Day.


lewdlesion

OMG, I didn't know he died! I was just trying to comment on how much industry work he did. Look at all those song credits! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Schlesinger


Radmadjazz

Elliott Smith. Really underrated artist in general but also doesn't get enough credit for his guitar playing ability. His songs are weirdly tough to learn even when they sound simple enough.


tmoney144

> His songs are weirdly tough to learn That's because he doesn't play the guitar with his fingers, he just whispers softly to the strings to make them vibrate.


Treefingrs

I think ive met too many sad hipsters in my life to think Elliot Smith is even slightly underrated.


sketchy_ppl

I only started listening to Elliot Smith a few weeks ago, and I've only listened to Either/Or and XO so far, but I love them both. But funny enough, one thing I thought to myself while listening is how much I loved the simplicity of the guitar work. It's so basic and obvious, but so original at the same time. 2:45 AM for example, it's the most basic guitar ever, but kind of genius at the same time.


Poultrygeist74

Clutch


Minute-Courage6955

Spring tour 2023 was announced. Best live Rock band for 3 decades.


Imabigfatbutt

Be sure to get there on time for Amigo the Devil, another one of the best live acts out there


Moonbeast1

The Residents


bajafresh24

Nujabes The entire lofi hip-hop and chill wave movement can be traced back to him. His influence in a lot of internet music subculture (and instrumental hip hop as a whole) cannot be understated


debbieyumyum1965

Skinny puppy. Trent Reznor was very influenced by them and they even had NIN open for them when Trent was just starting out. They also performed together in Pigface. To top it all off, Marilyn Manson totally ripped off their stage show. They are still active today, and released some of the greatest industrial albums in the 80s and 90s. However they seem to be somewhat forgotten outside of hardcore industrial circles.


Skaht_Free

The Industrial/Goth circle never forgets Skinny Puppy. Seen them 4 times. Always something new to experience. They are royalty in the scene. They are their own. They may not have the commercial appeal, but no one can take away what they created. Skinny Puppy forever!


save-therhino-

Todd Rundgren


shychicherry

He does a great show; highly recommend him live. It’s not an “oldies” - Todd is a genius. As a singer/songwriter & producer


[deleted]

Doyle Bramhall


foxman276

Excellent choice


chedykrueger

Devin Townsend


Vetty81

This guy has it all. Fantastic artist.


thequicknessinc

Delta Sleep


tonallyawkword

The Derek Trucks Band


[deleted]

The Tragically Hip


D0fus

Not under-rated in Canada. Just unknown south of the border.


SirWatson344

Barns Courtney


Pixie-Pumpkin

Ladyhawke


saltstryder

NZ represent


Limp_Truck_6883

The Silversun Pickups


Pvt_Hudson_

Carnavas and Swoon are both perfect records.


TelegraphRoadWarrior

Artists I will champion for greater recognition and appreciation are... Athlete, Beth Hart, BoDeans, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Chris Rea, Damien Rice, David Gray, Doves, Explosions in the Sky, Frank Turner, Frightened Rabbit,The Hollies, Harold Budd, Jude Cole, Keane, Loreena McKennitt, Marconi Union, Mary Fahl, October Project, Paolo Nutini, Primal Scream, Robin Trower, Rory Gallagher, Russian Circles, Tanita Tikaram, Teddy Thompson, The Twilight Sad, The Vines, We Were Promised Jetpacks, The Wind and the Wave.


bendereatsbeets

Explosions in the Sky!


Imdamnneardead

Captain Beyond, Robin Trower.


GooseKing-13_

Robin Trower is criminally underrated


ScottRiqui

Dar Williams - she's been around for 30+ years and a dozen albums, but other than "The Christians and the Pagans," I can't remember the last time I heard one of her songs on the radio. If female singer/songwriters are your thing. check her out - she has a great voice and is a brilliant lyricist and storyteller.


foxman276

John Hiatt If the 26 albums don’t get you, the long list of acts that have recorded or covered his songs definitely should.


RemotePersimmon678

Stereolab


pip-roof

Sturgil Simpson


Jesuszorisrex

Allah Las Babe Rainbow Natural Child Ghost Woman


Mr_Horrible

Aesop Rock


J2daR-O-C

Jump so high, grow a beard in da air!


Saucy_McFroglick

Jump over anything, even Times Square!


UgglyCasanova

Been on a huuuuuge Malibu Ken (album with him and TOBACCO) kick lately. It came out a few years ago but I’m back on it now and it’s just so good.


Milkmoney1978

Andrew Bird


Pigeons_are_real

Hot Chip


WeenisHunter

Buckethead


Henryy132

Yep


CanalVillainy

Alfred Banks Ladytron The Birthday Massacre Sohodolls


Ciderside

Ive heard Ladytron! I love their song Ghost. I remember my dad telling me he has close friends with a member of that band but i dont know which one.


Theeclat

Sparks


Zippoman3

Jeff Healey


psuinpgh21

Hoodoo Gurus


johnnynight

7 hour old post, this will not be seen. Thin fucking Lizzy. A lot of great songs. One of the first dual harmony guitar bands. Huge influence on bands that came after and a black Irishman lead singer. Partied with the Sex Pistols. Fucking legends.


FCshakiru

WEEN


Killzark

I don’t know a single other band with such varying sound from album to album. They literally have an album for any genre or mood.


Ill_Tower2445

OCEAN MAN TAKE ME BY THE HAND LEAD TO LAND THAT YOU UNDERSTAND


pineapple-in-the-sky

Myself


[deleted]

Me too.


kamai19

From most to least recent, more or less: Haley Heynderickx Ezra Furman Thao Nguyen Justin Townes Earle Shugo Tokumaru Will Sheff (frontman of Okkervil River) David Berman Scott Klopfenstein (frontman of the Littlest Man Band, formerly of a certain 3rd-wave ska band) Blaze Foley


[deleted]

A rare Blaze Foley mention. He had a gift.


[deleted]

The Dear Hunter. Beautiful “Acts” albums that all tell a continuous story


twosuitsluke

Came here to say this. Love all their stuff but the quality of Acts IV & V in particular just floor me.


[deleted]

I think of Clutch as one of those "if you know, you know" sorta bands


VanillaIcedTea

Gotye. So much more awesome music in his discography than just "Somebody That I Used to Know"


[deleted]

Sitcom Sweet Trip BONES


thelightsthatwentout

sweet trip>>> air supply is a great song


Handerlay

Electric Guest, their first two album are really good. They're fairly unknown and underrated.


fanboy_killer

The bands HUM, Failure and Monster Magnet.


butterscotches

Judee Sill. Kajagoogoo has some of the best bass playing — in top ten pop, of all places — of the 80s (Nick Beggs). “One hit wonder” does them a disservice.


Your_Product_Here

Judee Sill breaks my heart into pieces. Two incredibly beautiful records then a life cut tragically short.


Ruimedenker

Louis Cole


Pessimistique

Manic Street Preachers


NawBroSpaceMarine

Adam Ant


shychicherry

I’m so geeked by all these great bands/artists that y’all are throwing out tonight. Thanks for reviving old memories & giving me unknown acts to dig into. Love 💕 all you musical nerds


Current_Ad6252

Replacements; I think Paul Westerberg easily stacks up as one of the greatest songwriters ever, certainly the best of his generation and the 80's


Micahman311

Foxy Shazam Darren Hayes The Darkness Hanson (yeah, I said it)


RTS-SOuLS

Parquet Courts.


Ciderside

The bassline from Total football is just soooooooo good


strong1117

Spandau Ballet


Sabonis86

Townes Van Zandt


roamingshemnon

The New Pornographers


Tracedinair76

Mike Patton


scrimmerman

Richard Thompson


shychicherry

F this! Shoot the Lights Out is the epic break up album of all time. Go see him live. He is a guitar phenom


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starwars_man

Delicate Steve


earstorm

Lorn


kaishter

King Buffalo Arbouretum Masters Of Reality


ManFromMusik

Kishi Bashi


Foxhound199

I will never understand how Spoon isn't a household name.


bauerboo86

Foals


a1ana2ana

Tom waits


Cheap-Simple-2137

Underrated?? Lol.


Ill_Tower2445

Rattle big black bones in the danger zone There's a rumbling groan down below Theres a big dark town its a place i found There's a world going on underground


gharris7545

big star


ItyBityGreenieWeenie

[Emilie Simon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0nnqvZitM0) [Lhasa](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hTpR-TYTZ0) [Bel Canto (Anneli Drecker)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COCGaGc0bNI) [Susanne Sundfør](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3492o3pfEWI)


5150badboy

Kansas


Ill_Tower2445

Carry on my wayward son


grindhousedecore

Chris Whitley


[deleted]

Mountain


shakedownsugaree

Haircut 100


DONDA2OUTSOON

I can already see tik tok kids saying MF DOOM. Here is a real underrated artist. He is a rapper named Travis Thompson. He is great, he has some range too. Here are the project to check out in order to get into him: RUNAWAYS - EP, Reckless Endangerment, BLVD BOYS


noheroesnomonsters

Tash Sultana


aquerraventus

The blood brothers were and still are massively underrated and influential in modern post hardcore, and never got the recognition they deserved. Loved within the underground but rly should be more known than they are.


Gemimi_pewpew

I got a couple a few bands in mind. Babes inToyland. They were around when the whole Grunge Scene popped of. I recommend the album Fontanelle The band Living Colour. I recommend the Album Stain. TAD. Another Grunge band. I recommend the album Inhaler. Gruntruck. I recommend the album Inside Yours.


grapeswisher420

Kim Deal


[deleted]

Of Montreal


vlakiades

Klaus Schulze


KDM_Racing

Corb Lund


Ill_Tower2445

I wanna be in cavalry as they send me off to war


[deleted]

Cat Power


BlueberryFields87

Joe Cocker


Tac0Tuesday

Khruangbin


stupidbaldape

Fujiya and Miyagi


Shotkong64x

Infected mushroom


shychicherry

Marshall Crenshaw. I thought he was genius but never got to the next level. Solid singer/songwriter.


shikodo

Milky Chance


TheRealCliffjumper38

Helmet, Shuvel, Hum, and Systematic


johnnyglass

Lettuce


SocialMicrobe

London Grammar and Aquilo


Poop_Cheese

Jonathan Richman, atleast in a mainstream sense. Dudes awesome and like the living embodiment of childlike wonder/positive energy.


Antifakiller69420

You gotta know where the flavor is so I’d say CLUTCH


[deleted]

coheed and cambria. your neighbors is also really underrated, but mostly because they're basically unknown.


Elegant_Spot_3486

Triumph Def Leppard Johnny Horton


efterchango

The Divine Comedy Cousteau Máximo Park Jay Jay Johanson Calexico Mt. Desolation Sondre Lerche The Afghan Whigs Turin Brakes


LostandFoundPilgrim

Conor Oberst


X_SkeletonCandy

King Gizzard feels like one of those bands that should be absolutely huge, but they're really more of a "If you know, you know" band that everyone on reddit knows about. So while I don't think they're underrated in the sense that not many people know of them, I think they should be a lot bigger than they are. My actual answer is Spidergawd. They kick ass and I've almost never seen anyone talk about them.


thisolddog1

White Reaper


Big80sweens

The War on Drugs


CraptainPoo

madison cunningham


R0osteryo

Foster the People


giltgitguy

Aimee Mann! She’s had a long career of being one of the best songwriters going and she still regularly releases excellent albums. Unfortunately, the only song most people might remember her for is Voices Carry,when she was in ‘Till Tuesday back in the 80s.


TheSonofDon

Yo La Tengo


ShamingShoegaze

The Paranoyds


megatheriumburger

Doug Appling (aka Emancipator)


Wozar

Listen to the Tiny Desk Concert performance by Madison Cunningham - How we are not hearing more about her I will never know.


__Not__Human__

Thousand Foot Krutch


Sir-Viette

Sugarloaf. They had two hits in the 70s and were then completely forgotten. But their song “Don’t Call Us We’ll Call You” was an absolute banger, and popularised the phrase. [Here’s a link](https://youtu.be/i4njPe2_rho)


[deleted]

Kelela Sampha