I think that is a great idea for a thread, Ben. SD Campbell's jazz recommendations and the threads they inspire have been invaluable in my quest for new jazz, and I hope this thread will serve the same purpose with other styles.
My initial recommendations are:
Death in Vegas, "The Contini Sessions" (sort of techno, well recorded).
Crystal Method, "Vegas" (ditto)
Billy Bragg & Wilco, "Mermaid Avenue" (they set several Woody Guthrie lyrics to music. Not really that obscure, but well worth a listen.)
Dan Tyminski, (solo album, can't recall the name offhand. Tyminski is an incredibly talented bluegrass musician who plays guitar and mandolin in Union Station, Alison Krauss's band.)
Neko Case and Her Boyfriends, "Furnace Room Lullabye" (sort of nuvo Patsy Cline-style twang with smart lyrics and a kick-ass girl singer)
Elvis Costello, "When I was Cruel" (ELvis goes back to his rock and roll roots and a reconstituted incarnation of the Attractions; bitterly funny lyrics set to catchy power pop rhythms.)
I look forward to hearing other people's musical picks.
My initial recommendations are:
Death in Vegas, "The Contini Sessions" (sort of techno, well recorded).
Crystal Method, "Vegas" (ditto)
Billy Bragg & Wilco, "Mermaid Avenue" (they set several Woody Guthrie lyrics to music. Not really that obscure, but well worth a listen.)
Dan Tyminski, (solo album, can't recall the name offhand. Tyminski is an incredibly talented bluegrass musician who plays guitar and mandolin in Union Station, Alison Krauss's band.)
Neko Case and Her Boyfriends, "Furnace Room Lullabye" (sort of nuvo Patsy Cline-style twang with smart lyrics and a kick-ass girl singer)
Elvis Costello, "When I was Cruel" (ELvis goes back to his rock and roll roots and a reconstituted incarnation of the Attractions; bitterly funny lyrics set to catchy power pop rhythms.)
I look forward to hearing other people's musical picks.