5 best underrated or unknown bands and why?

I am also not sure If Ben will put if the cuffs on me, but be on the lookout for Dallas' own, Polyphonic Spree. Their Christmas party was one of the best shows I've seen, and their popularity is rising quickly.

Can't think of 5 at the moment, but one stands in my mind -

XTC. While it can be argued that they may not be the most gifted musicians, their body of work as a whole will stand up to any in the history of popular music on the basis of lyricism and wonderful arrangements. For those that truly take the time to sit, listen and read the lyrics, the rewards will be many. This band's songwriting is nothing short of astonishing.

CD

I have the cuffs ready Ohlala and I think you just about deserve them,perhaps too new to be underrated and they are getting quite a bit of press,of course you are not alone both Alex Harvey and XTC were/are widely acclaimed and both had hit singles!
Jings I used to moan about the voting system here and now I'm pulling peoples threads apart.....I must say though several threads are being misunderstood to an extent verging on the farcical-not this one in particular...

Brian Lee & the Jump Street Five

Bryan Lee completely lost his eyesight by the age of eight. His avid interest in early rock and blues was fostered through the ‘50s by late night listening sessions via the Nashville-based radio station WLAC AM, where he first encountered the sounds of Elmore James, Albert King and Albert Collins. By his late teens, Bryan was playing rhythm guitar in a regional band called The Glaciers that covered Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry material. Through the ’60s, Bryan’s interest turned to Chicago blues and he soon found himself immersed on that scene, opening for some of his boyhood heroes.

In January of 1982, in the midst of a particularly cold Wisconsin winter, Lee headed south to New Orleans, eventually landing a steady gig at the Old Absinthe House in the heart of the French Quarter. For the next 14 years, Lee and his Jump Street Five played five nights a week at that popular bar, developing a huge following and a solid reputation.

Check out his work at www.justin-time.com.

Well, Mr. Campbell, I understand where you're coming from, but while XTC may have gotten some critical acclaim, they are not widely accepted, acknowledged, or even recognized by most. Still underrated IMHO, as the thread title asks - not only unkown.

CD