Hello one and all, I would like to use this thread mainly to try and introduce people to something a little different and also to learn about some other stuff from the fine denizens of the forum.
First of all I would like to suggest some bands and groups that reside in some of the more obscure sub genres of music:
My first recommendation is Elysian Fields:
They are mainly a duo by the name of Jennifer Charles (who in my opinion has quite possibly the most sexiest voice EVER) and also Oren Bloedow. Their genre has apparentley been best described as "Noir Rock" and that probably best somes it up. A lot of their music sounds like wonderful floating dreams. Their best albums are Bum Raps and Love Taps (which was a tribute to Jennifer Charles's Gran) and Dreams that Breathe Your Name. One of best reasons for their excellence is that they will use any and all instruments to fit the vision of their songs.
Here is their Myspace site where you can listen to some of their music, http://www.myspace.com/elysianfieldsnyc their best track on there is "Lions in the Storm" and if that dosn't convince you then nothing well
The next recommendation is Emperor:
A lot different in style to the first recommendation but variety should be a big thing in this thread. They are a very well known band in Black Metal circles but are very little known outside it. Their immense dedicaion to excellence in their field is absolutely undeniable, at one point they are beating out monster songs of supreme composition like "into the infinity of thoughts" with pure unbridled exquisite rage, whilst at the same time are infusing wonderfully epic symphonic elements that truly pushed the entire genre forward and kept it fresh and alive.
Their first album "Into the Nightside Eclipse" is one of the all time great Metal albums full stop and everyone regardless of your genre likes and dislikes should try it at least once. If you would have asked me about three years ago of my opinion of this music I would have dismissed it as shouty, uncreative sub musical noise ridden rubbish as many people still think of it today, how wrong was I!
Again here is their Myspace and a couple of live performances:
http://www.myspace.com/emperorhorde
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efVMPkClgu8 - just listen as the drums beat you into submission
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nNNemIwuAA - Arguably their best song although the sound quality isn't great
The next Reccomendation is Fingathing:
There a small Manchester (England) based hip hop duo comprising of a Hip Hop turntablist called Peter Parker and a classicly trained Double Bass player called Sneaky. This is probably underground instrumental hip hop at it's best and the two musicians are not only excellent but they blend so well together which makes it all the better. I think what they are best at is themes. They have had ago at funerals, wild wests, space and superheroes and pulled each one off brilliantly.
Here is their Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fingathing
Their best music on there is the excellent and very original take on the Suger hill gangs "Apache" and also their collabaration with one of todays best rappers Buck 65 called "When Things Cath Up" not to mention "Walk In Space" which is maybe their most popular song