The Bad Plus - where to start?

Yes, I would definitely start with 'these are the vistas' or 'give'. These are my favourites, with Prog coming next. Definitely avoid the new 'for all I care' as it is cringe-worthy with the exception of a few tracks.

There is also a live album; 'Blunt Object, Live in Tokyo' which sounds the best out of these discs as it has great live, spatial cues.

If you find yourself collecting this kind of music you might also try Medeski, Martin and Wood or Cinematic Orchestra. Both of these bands have Myspace pages to sample their tracks.

Enjoy

Thanks guys, I'll check 'em out.

Ditto "Vistas", and for an equally catchy but higher-browed treatment, try James Carter/Cyrus Chestnut/Ali Jackson/Reginald Veal "Gold Sounds", which is prog jazz covers of Pavement songs.

Free show at Californa Plaza tonite

if you ever get a chance to see them live, you will never see another drummer enjoying beating the crap out of his kit like this guy! Loads of fun!