Recommend one artist

[selfassembled]

I say nothing beats the smooth semi-electronic jazz bonobo has managed to produce, pure magic

I always go back to bonobo, reliably good music. You'll probably love the Cinematic Orchestra or the Thievery Corporation.

[Art3misX]

The Airborne Toxic Event. I'm really just stuck on one song - "All I Ever Wanted". This indie rock band is, imho, at its best in this song that uses the violin to its best advantage.

[Little Richie]

Bright Eyes, indie rock band. I fell in love with Conor's voice and the emotions that I can fell in ever song. The lyrics are breathtaking, and will make sense after the third listening of the song My favourite song-a perfect sonnet.

Can i second this? One of my favourite bands, although I've gone from hating certain songs to loving them... It's weird, I'd recommend everyone perseveres with this band, when you find one song you like you'll find the others more appealing.

For me the one that really stood out was Bowl of Oranges, (after having listened to the album Wide Awake and found it okay) it's just so lovely and... yeah, lovely. Some others you should definitely try Nothing Gets Crossed Out, Let's Not Shit Ourselves (it's basically an 8 minute song, but really don't let that put you off), At the Bottom of Everything, Take It Easy, Easy/Lucky/Free, Four Winds, Make a Plan to Love Me.

I'll leave it there I think. =P there's quite a lot of variety there, and that's missing out all the older stuff (it seems Miss Austen would be the person to consult on that)

I got into Bright Eyes through a friend who just kept pestering me, now really I do love it/them/him. It's really quite rewarding, although there are some infuriatingly awful lyrics among otherwise lovely songs, which took me a while to come to terms with, but it's good more often than not.

Seriously, give it ago, don't dismiss it as some twee indie as a few of my friend's have, and as I did.

I just discovered Bright Eyes, freaking amazing. Like you said, some songs are amazing while others I could skip, but overall, great albums.

[McGrupp]

I heartily recommend Phish. Here is a clip from a show they played on my birthday last year! This only contains a tiny bit of the jamming for which Phish is famous - and it's non-exploratory and very tame in nature. But I feel this video perfectly encapsulates all the reasons to see Phish: the amazing sound, the excellent musicianship, THE LIGHTS, THE ENERGY...just watch the glowstick explosion at the beginning! AND, if you don't like those lights, you might not be a human. This explains what a show is like while also showcasing their "2009-present" sound (except for the tasty, TASTY jams - that's more "advanced" stuff):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g-Nqguk ... re=related

NOTE: If you've "tried Phish" before and they turned you off, I recommend giving them another shot for several reasons:

1. studio Phish is not the essence of Phish - as any true phan will tell you, you HAVE to hear them live. Now that we have streaming HD video, you can actually experience a lot of what it's like to be at a show from the comfort of your living room. If you heard a bootleg of an early show, even a rager like 12-31-95, you might have been confused about all the yelling and the terrible sound.

2. "Phish 2.0" - from the end of the "hiatus" around 2000 to the breakup in 2004 - is considered to be a "dark period" by many phans. Trey had a lot of drug problems and the band was straight-up floundering a lot of the time. if you saw Phish during these years, give them another shot. They are all clean and sober now and playing at the top of their game. The difference is remarkable.

3. Every band has a bad night, but a bad night for Phish is still an above-average rock show. Just check out this video?

[m0ffle]

The wavves- the lyrics are pointless in my opinion, but the melodies are pretty cool.
"Weed demon" or "No hope kids"

[Magnanimous]

Two Steps From Hell. Technically more of a production company than a band, but their composers are legendary... If you've watched any action-ish movie in the last ten years, you've listened to them.

This song's my favorite right now. (Apparently it was used in Sucker Punch... the soundtrack was the only thing I really liked about that movie.)

[ArDeeJ]

Clark. Go listen. Now.

Body RIddle is currently my favorite, but any sound he causes is awesome*. Fact.

*DISCLAIMER: Not every track by Clark is awesome.

Also, I love anyone who has mentioned Amon Tobin, Aphex Twin or Bonobo. (No Autechre here yet? boo)

[Mad Mike]

Two Steps From Hell. Technically more of a production company than a band, but their composers are legendary... If you've watched any action-ish movie in the last ten years, you've listened to them.

This song's my favorite right now. (Apparently it was used in Sucker Punch... the soundtrack was the only thing I really liked about that movie.)

Ninja'd my artist. While we're on the subject, anyone who's seen the Take Back Earth trailer for Mass Effect 3 has heard parts of at least two of their songs, both very epic. My search for the first track is actually how I found them.
"After the Fall"
"Black Blade"

[Patrik3]

Damn, only one artist? I have a definite top 5 artists/bands but choosing the best out of those sounds hard... but most of them are well known...

...so I'll go with a less well known one - unless you're from down under... - The Cat Empire

A friend recommended them to me a couple years back. They quickly became one of, if not the favourite band of mine. I've seen them in Bristol last year and I intend to see them in London this December...

Their sound is possibly best described as Ska, though, they really don't fit into any single category - with influences of Reggae, Jazz, Rock, Folk, they used to be noted for not using any guitar, though there's a little bit in their latest album. A typical song includes Great lyricism, some 'Fast voice' segments verging on Rap, Multiple heavy brass riffs - (usually one for the chorus, and one for the bridge,) occasional scatting, Awesome solos(mostly on brass, keyboard or sometimes drums), possibly a 'Build-up' to a massive riff, and just general all round awesome, with a distinctly 'bohemian' feel to it...

[url="Hello Hello"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v63TYgNtOV0[/url] - Their most famous single. They've produced a load more fantastic songs since then, though.
[url="Wanted to Write a Love Song"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHVc6WhWPsE[/url] - My personal favourite; unfortunately a practically unknown B-side...

If these links don't work, just go to GrooveShark and search for "Cat Empire - Live on Earth" and listen to any of those (live) recordings.
...sorry if the post's too long again

[freezeblade]

One artist huh? I've been noticing there's quite the post-rock following around here, so I'm going to throw a local (to where I used to live) band out there.

Astra. Proggy space rock blended with some post-rock riffage and song structure. The first track from The Weirding is on youtube, my post number's a tad low to put up a link, but you guys can do some google-fu. Wonderful live show by the way, and they seem to be touring Europe-side soon, so some of the non-yanks will be able to see some awesomeness from California.

[willaaaaaa]

More of an acoustic style here, but I love Missy Higgins ("Scar"), not only beautiful but also Australian. Apparently she was the opening act at a Gotye concert recently, but personally I think Gotye should be opening for her...

[3fj]

Every Time I Die. The lyrics have a lot of stuff to dig through, which I really wasn't expecting when I first heard them. Tech guitar layed over a more laid back (what he calls "soulful") rhythm.

There's too many tracks to recommend all the good ones, but:
Start here
Faster paced
Slower paced
My current favourite

[Giant Speck]

More of an acoustic style here, but I love Missy Higgins ("Scar"), not only beautiful but also Australian. Apparently she was the opening act at a Gotye concert recently, but personally I think Gotye should be opening for her...

I love her new album.

[ecce]

I'll go with a Polish progressive metal band, Votum. They've got a lighter style, not unlike some of Riverside's work.

Here's their song Indifferent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuoMoMgpGyA. Starts with beautiful piano, after a while it builds and shifts to a heavier tone, bringing in the guitars and closing with some great riffs.

Edit: made the link a link.

[Thesh]

Unexpect. An insane, awesome, and unique avante-garde metal band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CgLBeWeL-4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0f-ZxRJ_A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRApOOetSco

[Ashedfog]

Crazy new local band from my city started up a progressive hardcore or post-core band and just finished their fire demo. Wicked riffs, solid drums, cool vocals. It's kind of dance-y and happy for "hardcore" but still pretty heavy at times, hope you like it.

http://violencecalgary.bandcamp.com/

[tms]

That other hardcore: Kippu, http://www.jormas.com/music.php?author=Kippu&style=&format=&sortby=year

[hroobarb]

AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED
Grindcore with a drum machine.
The lyrics are interesting and offensive. I like the screaming, it's kind of like that of an abusive husband. The music is engaging and good for cleaning out my ears. A good chunk of the songs on this album are shorter than 6 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTWZOYR_opg

[Oryx]

Two Steps From Hell. Technically more of a production company than a band, but their composers are legendary... If you've watched any action-ish movie in the last ten years, you've listened to them.

This song's my favorite right now. (Apparently it was used in Sucker Punch... the soundtrack was the only thing I really liked about that movie.)

Audiomachine and Immediate music make some similar kind of stuff, I suppose you know about them too ?
Recently, i also discovered Zack Hemsey, also doing some awesome Original soundtracks ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhv_yFMuwxs)

[bearachute]

Every Time I Die. The lyrics have a lot of stuff to dig through, which I really wasn't expecting when I first heard them. Tech guitar layed over a more laid back (what he calls "soulful") rhythm.

There's too many tracks to recommend all the good ones, but:
Start here
Faster paced
Slower paced
My current favourite

Oh my god finally someone!

What do you think of their latest album though? I'm not a huge fan.

Uh, hmm let me see what I can recommend.

O'Brother - Ascension is pretty good

[kybernetes]

If you listen to anything, listen to Beirut.

Check them out, they're a brilliant indie folk band that mixes rock with world music. If you're looking for some relevant post rock music check out Efterklang ("Polygyne" is a good track to start with). I'm also a sucker for experimental rock/new age that mixes saxophones into pretty much anything (former sax player myself). Big Gigantic has a crazy elctr/jazz/dub mix. VERY interesting sounds. Check out their tracks "Its Goin Down" and "Sky High".

If you're looking for some really fresh electr/dub sounds check out Opiuo and Break Science. I'd recommend the tracks "Robo Booty" and "Resistance March", respectively. I'd post links but the forum is convinced I'm a bot.

edit: though some of this music is now in my sig for the world to enjoy...

[coachb05]

All I have to say is Bigelf and the Evils of Rock and Roll - I'm too new and can't yet post URLs. When you have a combination of classic Black Sabbath, throw in some Deep Purple and Alice Cooper, and then touch upon Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, you CANNOT go wrong!

[jdc]

I like loads of different kinds of music but if I had to pick one artist it would be The Charlatans. Every time. The real dilemma for me is how to pick just one song of theirs.

Bullet Comes

[Bean7]

did Maroon 5 can be "one artist"? if yes, that's my choice

[Vinleg]

Billy talent!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUmupxl-IGM

[Marvin]

squirrel nut zippers
very nice song with video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdAt4qWvz_8
my personal favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hclHw6DQ2k

[Sebastiaan]

Richard Bona.
He's one of my favorite bass players and a great vocalist, too.

Some studio tracks:
Richard Bona - Bisso Baba
Richard Bona - Reverence
Richard Bona - Kalabancoro

Some live tracks
Richard Bona - Lokua Kanza
Richard Bona & Bobby McFerrin - Improvisation based on "Dina Lam" (Bona song)
Mike Stern & Richard Bona - Still There

[blindado1]

I like metal.

I recommend Dark Tranquillity

[Kokirian]

U2, my absolute favorite band of all time. Their music is life.

[Sprocket]

If you listen to anything, listen to Beirut.

(I) Second (this).

squirrel nut zippers
very nice song with video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdAt4qWvz_8
my personal favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hclHw6DQ2k

My friend Chris has been having them on a lot lately.
They are way better than i had known they were in the 90s when they were a thing.

[moiraemachy]

Unexpect. An insane, awesome, and unique avante-garde metal band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CgLBeWeL-4

Reminded me of pokemon. I thought you should know.

Edit: so, I figured this sounds pretty eclectic, so I thought of sharing: Tim Maia, brazilian soul singer. And fortunately it seems that his potential for international success did not go unnoticed. His best album is arguably from the period when he quit drugs and joined a scientology-like cult, maybe simply because of how healthy he was (he had an awesome voice, but drugs took a toll on it).

[spidernova]

A local band from Austin, The Sword. Stoner metal, and they completely take after Black Sabbath.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9G2zAKJH98

[Quercus]

Sam Baker, a folk singer who is also from Austin (although I came across him through Late Junction, which is the best music show on radio). Sam was on a train to Matchu Pitchu in 1986 which got blown up by the Shining Path, his rather unusual singing style (particularly the timings) comes from having to teach himself to talk and sing again after suffering brain damage in the explosion.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5982910/sam_baker_odessa/

It's impossible to say that his is my favourite music (music is far too broad to have one favourite), but it's right up there, and probably one that not many people will have heard of.

[You, sir, name?]

Dynatron is arguably some of the best stuff to emerge from the synthwave/retro 80s electro-genre (which is sadly otherwise mostly overrun with unoriginal Kavinsky-clones).

Some samples:
Pulse Power
Fireburner
Unquestionable Judgement
73 Million Horsepower

[Rosencrantz]

I'll have to go with the electronica band Approaching Nirvana, and a song from Cinematic Soundscapes Vol. 1 (their first album): "First Flight". They've drifted more synthwards since then, but I still have hopes for a Cinematic Soundscapes Vol. 2 coming out eventually. That said, I do like their newer stuff, such as "Lights Are Out" from Waiting for the Sun.

[samson25]

AC DC!

[CatharticMonkey]

If there's one band I'd rate more highly than any other at the moment, it'd probably have to be Snarky Puppy. Some great Jazz Funk and an incredible display of musicianship.

As a Scot, I'd also have to say Biffy Clyro, which can only be described as interesting alt-rock with some amazing and, at times, nonsensical lyrics.

On top of that, I've been listening to some Royal Blood of late, which is fantastic heavy blues-rock and a lot of fun.

[gob]

I highly recommend trout mask replica, after listening to music a lot they provide a breath of fresh air.

[Arran]

Laura Veirs. I can't link due to being new, but trust me. Year of Meteors is one of my favourite albums.

[Kalium_Puceon]

I'm going to put down 2Cellos as a really fun rock pair. They're classically trained and exceedingly competent cellists who do great covers of some popular music. They're actually good enough that I went out and bought a CD. Yes, a Compact Disc.

As far as I'm concerned this is a pretty good representation of what they can do.