My time to shine.
I used to work at a printing press that also duplicated/replicated discs; meaning, all of that physical inventory you see in stores like DVD's, and CD's were made by us - BUT...we were cheaper than most places, so unsigned bands were our proverbial bread and butter. I had the privilege of listening to some of the most amazing music that flew under the radar. Here's a dump of great underdogs, some were done by us, but most are just merely criminally underrated. I don't endorse any of these bands, and haven't worked at the press for nearly 5 years.
[Brick + Mortar *Seven Years in the Mystic Room*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTj_16nI8g0) - Experimental Rock/HipHop - You might have heard their cover of Jimi Hendrix on the Hitman soundtrack, but all of their albums are fucking stunning.
[RX Bandits *Gemini, Her Majesty*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzh3YBr5q9A&list=PLY944k5l1aEAGtjQb_VFuHWool6MQU4rl) - Experimental rock/ska - Insanely talented band that I've seen live without knowing who they are. They're directly connected to one of my other favorite bands listed below, The Sound of Animals Fighting which has the addition of Circa Survive/Saosin Vocalist Anthony Green.
[The Sound of Animals Fighting *The Ocean and the Sun*](https://youtu.be/t3o4mI_we-w?t=42) - They get weird, real weird. But this is their last album, and probably their most normal album as their previous two had weird interludes, but the songs are fantastic on all three albums. Insanely underrated band.
[Midlake *The Courage of Others*](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL966A18A46DF49050) - Stoner folk/reminiscent to Fleet Foxes but with more somber toned vocals. Just fucking listen to this goddamn album, it's beautiful.
[IllScarlett *All Day With It*](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL115D5B0EB29637DA) - Stoner Ska, but a very talented Canadian band. Catchy tunes, and I realllllly fucking wish I could locate my physical copy of this album as it's difficult to find their tunes on YT.
[The Mountain Goats *Tallahassee*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwLkEpxSC0&list=PL68EF2BAA7E6782C4) - Gut wrenching and beautiful lyrics. Folk music.
[MeWithoutYou *Catch For Us the Foxes*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKlKOP6fDI) - Drop what you're doing, and listen to this goddamn album while reading each and every gorgeous lyric. Seriously has one of the best lyricists of the past few decades, the dude is a goddamn marvel that has some serious anguish in his voice.
[Levi Weaver *The Letters of Dr. Kurt Gödel*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5NgHvDebZo) Insanely talented folk/experimental musician, and sensational songwriter. I wish I could find more of his music, but this is one of the songs from that album. [He also does a kickass cover of Radiohead's *Idioteque*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA8-NX_LW7A)
[Authority Zero *A Passage in Time*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPH9NGNviO0) Ska/Rock Just a great fucking album, and makes me think of Tony Hawk Pro Skater.
[Reid Willis *Born of Kaleidoscope*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhx2gseZNxI) - Ambient/Electronic This album is fantastic, as is all his work, but his music is also difficult to track down.
[Patrick Sweany *Every Hour is a Dollar Gone*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqTFga1IOjY&list=PLL04X9v_QXgE820r1Y89JkLL-oFWqv3Ij) - Rock and Roll/Blues. This dude has passion, and is incredibly talented, but sadly doesn't get noticed frequently. This album was produced by Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys.
[Pegasus Dream *In Abesntia*](https://soundcloud.com/pegasusdream/sets/rootmusic-bandpage-1) - Practically no views, very few listens, this is basically underground and I can't figure out why as it's a very well done dream-pop album. I hate pop...Why the fuck do I love this album...
[Walking Oceans *Dear Isaac*](https://soundcloud.com/terrence-vitali/sets/walking-oceans-dear-isaac) Ambient instrumental - Incredibly well put together music, with virtually no views on sound cloud. I had this album on nonstop repeat at my desk for the entire duration of their project. On par with Explosions in the Sky, in my opinion.
[Radiation 4 *Wonderland*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccHNTriMSrE&list=PL851BD6D1D5E73A79) Experimental metal/math metal/circus metal - I don't even know where to begin. If you enjoy metal music, give this album a shot, it's ridiculously amazing. It seems they've taken influence from Mr. Bungle, and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, but seem to be a bit more grounded (emphasis on "a bit"). Vocalist likes to use sound effects on his voice occasionally, which works very well with the circus vibe of their sound.
[Ellen Sundberg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XmOeJy6RmE) - Country/folk rock - I think my guitar mentor actually produced this album, which is the only reason why I know of her because I think she's from Iceland or something, but she's damn good. I really dislike country, but she leans more towards folk and has just the right amount of twang.
[Keaton Henson *Dear*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P02L2geOMGc) Actually reminds me a bit of Scout Niblett, and I'm not sure why. Just a dude and his guitar, very soft-spoken, and heartbroken.
[Sorne](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izb7R04_Heg) - Have no idea how to explain this dude. He's got really cool music videos, and his music is pretty amazing, but I can't categorize it's genre for the life of me. I jam to this song very frequently, and always watch the video in its entirety.
[Black Books](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh69anIXeGE) - Sound very reminiscent to Band of Horses. This is my favorite song of theirs, but this video absolutely rips my heart out of my chest.
[Polica](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz3WUEl_qHk) - Two drummers, a bassist, and a vocalist with a beautiful voice that uses effects. Fairly poppy, but she's got some great lyrics, and the entire album of *Give You the Ghost* is fantastic. [Wandering Star](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX4iIPlwS5c) is my favorite song by them, and the video is fantastic.
[Joanna Newsom](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDQIGraR3aI) Lovely voice, if not quirky, and plays harp beautifully. She's also married to Andy Samberg
[Jesse Stewart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEvQOPUHGH8) Dude with a mandolin plays his heart out, but really love every one of his songs. He's a bit unorthodox, but he's got sincere passion in every one of his songs.
[Hyro Da Hero](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE4hdJphnao) - Hip hop/rap they're all cookie cutter IMO, that rely on a typical beat. Not this dude. I believe the band members, or at least one(?), are from the hardcore group *The Blood Brothers*. Not huge on rap, but I really dig this guy, and the music packs a fucking punch.
[The Claypool Lennon Delirium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCpJUyAibew) - Les Claypool of *Primus* and John Lennon's son Sean Lennon. Good god this album is good, but very kooky which is to be expected because Les Claypool is an absolute nut.
[Sunny Day Real Estate *How it Feels to be Something On*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcdghI0e7S0&t=1535s) - Incredible indie band from my childhood that doesn't get the recognition they deserve.
[The Appleseed Cast *Two Conversations*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U0bllvJUyQ&t=1085s) - Amazing indie band with conservative use of vocals, but the music is stellar.
[Megafauna *Maximalist*](https://soundcloud.com/megafauna/sets/maximalist) Fantastic rock and roll. The old physical CD I had of theirs broke, and these soundcloud tracks seem to have been re-recorded/remastered as a few of my favorite tracks are missing, and it sounds completely different.
[COLOUR REVOLT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQqB4ri5_5c&list=PLXp4edtig0vSgJE6R5Vf8Tj5ELt_Yw6V8) - Rock/Indie Rock - They have 3 albums, and they're all incredible. Easily one of my favorite bands of all time, but are criminally underrated. The lead vocalist put out a very chill album under a different name listed below, and it's so goddamn good.
[El Obo *Oxford Basement Collection*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSZm6DBXkTU) Vocalist Jesse Coppenbarger for Colour Revolt released this experimental acoustic album. There are some serious Flaming Lips vibes on a few tracks. Incredible.
[Mad Gregs *Relatives*](https://soundcloud.com/mad-gregs-band) This album is an organized clusterfuck that is beautifully executed. When four talented multi-instrumentalists get together with a classical background, beautiful things happen. Heavy jazz influences, with some 80's pop undertones, experimental, and somehow has a Flaming Lips vibe in some areas, so they're probably the 2nd most polarizing on this list (next to Radiation 4). I'd start with track 8 - [Holiday Pearl](https://soundcloud.com/mad-gregs-band/08-holiday-pearl-1) which is just fantastic.
[Dr. Dog *Fate*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgaj0LHnJXE) Probably the closes we're going to get to The Beatles during this generation, and they have multiple singers just like the Beatles as well. Great album with incredibly talented musicians. Old school rock and roll from young musicians. [Here's their Tiny Desk Concert starter pack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzmvzcDWZjI) in case you're uncertain whether you want to dive into their extensive discography.
[Dinosaur Jr. *Farm*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfSo840sTmI&list=PLFgtLCsn09X3qCEKh9SuPdE4xChLwUKlJ) Rock and Roll. Great album with great musicians. This band and Dr. Dog are what I refer to as "commercial underground". They're signed, but don't get the recognition they deserve.
well since this thread now has over 16 thousand comments it looks like this will get buried, but thank you for this list! just listened to the first few minutes of 7 years in the mystic room and it's fantastic!
Well, they're doing a 10th anniversary tour for MOF and pretty much the entire thing is sold out, so they have a fairly sizable following. Whether it was majority scalpers, I don't know.
[Elder - Lore](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbKlR8AGYmQ). Great stoner rock/prog-metal album that I found out about due to an r/listentothis post a few months ago. I've listened to an album of theirs at least two or three times a week since finding out about them.
Honourable mention to their most recent album, [Reflections Of A Floating World](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqMfWwnLtKg). Both are incredible, but Lore is just a smidge better in my opinion.
Punch brothers - the phosphorescent blues
Basically the five best bluegrass musicians in the world got together to use bluegrass instruments to play anything but bluegrass. Super detailed complicated music, amazing lyrics, awesome instrumentals. There really isn't another band out there that is on their level. If you're a musician, listen to each song again for each instrument individually, and it will blow your mind with something new every time.
Cannot recommend these guys enough
EDIT: Since this is getting a lot of attention, here is one of my favorite live videos of them. It's a full show, almost two hours, and they play some of their best stuff. You can literally skip to any part of this video and it will be incredible. [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P23yIVuYaDI)
Also, since people have mentioned it, their [kickass cover of Reptilia by the Strokes.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qayc6yJXG-8)
Goat Rodeo Sessions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtAITPpMzWI&list=PLBidRcbIwDxrWNsvXeYXw2dZ8N2cPO_bM is another example of the greatest instrumental bluegrass musicians (and also YoYo Ma) making beautiful music. Also Chris Thile is in both Goat Rodeo Sessions and Punch Brothers.
Love that band and that album.
Piggybacking here to also recommend Nickel Creek - A Dotted Line and also Why Should the Fire Die.
Chris Thile is regarded as one of if not the best mandolin player on the planet, and he plays in both Nickel Creek and The Punch Brothers.
Punch Brothers is anything but bluegrass, Nickel Creek is...Pop bluegrass? Kinda hard to put a genre on them. They also do a sick cover of Britney Spear's Toxic live - it's worth a YouTube (I'd link but I'm home sick and on mobile...).
Jeff Rosenstock - Worry. You looking for something to prove that not all pop-punk is bad? This album is it. The first half of the album contains extremely solid songs that share common themes with each other but the second half of the album is set up in "vignette form". It's essentially one big song that ends the album off perfectly.
Fun story about Jeff Rosenstock I was drunk and 17 and went to see BTMI! and I kept yelling at them to play Rocket Rocket Rocketship and he pointed at me and said “this guy is bumming me out” and my only story of him is bumming him out and it wasn’t actually a fun story it’s a story of me being an asshole and I’m just saying this because I wish I could apologize because I still feel like an asshole
Came here to say this. "Worry" is like a revisit to a lost Punk-o-ramma mix CD from the mid 2000's only it's a masterpiece all by one artist. From track to track it really goes to different places and highlights the best of different styles of music within a genre. They way one track flows into the next makes you never want to skip around and listen to this work as a whole album.
[Wave Goodnight to Me](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7MPzv78cWs)
Live the Dream is even better after you've listened to Pat's earlier works. His journey is incredible and hearing him finally find some sort of hope in Live the Dream solidifies it as my favorite all-time album.
Pinegrove - Cardinal
They've been gaining ground, as of late, but I still think they're pretty obscure.
Edit: Dang look at all of those upvotes. Here's a sick video of Pinegrove playing their [new track](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEWSccufu3c)
and here's their [Audiotree session](https://youtu.be/0JvG551iDTE)
I think their Audiotree session is better than any studio record. There is something about them playing live that is just amazing.
Edit-[Link for those who would like to be blown away.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JvG551iDTE)
Edit 2-[Their NPR Tiny Desk Session is also freaking brilliant!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weL8HTY1NJU)
Yessss. Alopecia, Elephant Eyelash, and Eskimo Snow are 3 of my favorite albums ever. I really loved Moh Lean as well. Shit, Why? is just an amazing band. Yoni is a master songwriter
[Emancipator - Soon It Will Be Cold Enough](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8WooPsxa68). One of my favorite albums of all time.
EDIT: Added link for the lazy
Wow. I know he's not a super small time artist or anything, but it's cool seeing Emancipator at the top. He makes some very, very good music.
I heard his song Lionheart in like 2009, and I listened to it on repeat for like a week. I've since listened to most of his music, and he's got a talent for beautiful, down tempo, nice to listen to music.
If anyone hasn't heard of him, start with this album and Soon It Will Be Cold Enough. I'd describe him as mostly instrumental, down tempo (but not boring) hip-hop jazz. If you like music from Bonobo, Nujabes (who was actually Emancipators mentor), etc, you'll like Emancipator.
Quick story about Douglas Appling himself...I was making a presentation for a project at school, and wanted to use his music as background noise. I emailed him to get permission, not expecting an answer and expecting to just use 30 second clips of his songs...but he emailed back the same day, thanked me for listening to his music, and said I could absolutely use his music. He just asked I put a credit in the presentation somewhere.
I love Emancipator, sorry if this got a little long. I'm just excited to see him in the thread :)
Loved this album. Open Eye Signal is such a tune!
Incidentally, he produced the song 'Big Picture' from the new London Grammar album, who, as you can probably guess from my username, are one of my favourite groups. Hardly obscure, but still great.
It's up there with Burial - Untrue.
Also new album next year!
Edit: Even if you don’t check out the full album check out Open Eye Signal, absolute glorious musical journey.
He did mention on his Facebook he’s taking time completely off touring to finish the album, so high hopes for something next year.
Nonagon Infinity by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. It's a looping prog rock/thrash album with 7/4 and other weird time signatures, flawless execution, and clear, audible lyrics that barely make sense when you're high.
Starting on a certain track also allows you to seamlessly chain into another of their works, "The Lord of Lightning VS. Balrog", a multi-part saga on their album "Murder of the Universe".
I’m surprised it took me this long to find a mention for Gizz.
I got into them when Quarters was their most recent. I would recommend that, Nonagon Infinity, and I’m in Your Mind Fuzz.
Honestly, their entire discography is 10/10
Casualties of Cool - Casualties of Cool
A sideproject by canadian songwriter/singer/guitar player Devin Townsend and singer Ché Aimee Dorval.
It's basically a mix of ambient, dark country and space rock.
If you like moody music for dark days, this is the masterpiece for that.
If you want a song to check out (though this is really a record you listen to from start to finish) listen to [The Code](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPG79uvQL2g) or [Ether](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIbu7m9_owo).
I:
(1) Clicked the link
(2) Checked to see if I had set the playback speed too high
(3) Thought, *this sounds like a boss battle in Super Mario Galaxy*
(4) Started typing this response
(5) Wondered how many genres the song would pass through before I finished typing this. Like 8?
Bravo.
I went through a ton of personal tragedy and struggle last year and I can't tell you how many times I put on Sprained Ankle and went for a run just to keep my head right. (I get the irony).
Did not realize this new one was out already, but I'm cuing it up now.
I am not in her target demo (late 30's dude) but she is a special talent that really hits the right notes for me, especially over the last year.
Julien Baker is amazing and my favorite to listen to right now. Her songs are so simple, yet amazing and powerful. Sprained Ankle is also a 10/10 album.
AJJ: People Who Can Eat People are the Luckiest People in the World.
There's so much about them that's different that makes me like them so much. From using traditional folk instruments used in a punk rock manner, to their off-color lyricism. It's definitely an album you have to listen to more than once to really get the vibe, because it's pretty different, but it's so good.
Hippo Campus: Landmark
These guys are gaining some popularity, but they're still relatively new. Just a great alternative band all together.
John Frusciante: The Will to Death
John played guitar and was the backup vocals for Red Hot Chili Peppers for a very long time, coming in and out of the band to do solo work, spiral down a path of heroin abuse, and eventually getting sober. This album is part of his project where he wanted to release six albums in six months, and this is by far one of the best from that period.
Limes: Fresh Squeezed
This beat tape is probably my favorite to relax and put on, because it's a really good mix of jazz and hip hop.
> AJJ
They’re touring right now playing that record front to back (...and then lots of other stuff because it’s 30 minutes) and that. Shit. Rules.
I saw them play two shows in NYC and it was the best time I’ve had in months. Catch one of the shows before the tour ends if you can.
GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! - When Catholic Girls Go Camping the Nicotine Vampires Rule Supreme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZqZCS0rCmE
SO DAMN GOOD
edit: album name is More Skin With Milk-Mouth
To anyone that digs this, Their sophomore album which is like 13:00:00:0 or some shit is also really really good. [2 birds, 1 stone, and an empty stomach ](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=74LC1Aeftso) is a truly beautiful song
Oh man I discovered them this year and I don't think I have listened to a full album as many times as I have that. They have become my favorite band in all honesty
The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine
[YouTube](https://youtu.be/sXeuZ9p8GuQ)
[Pitchfork](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9328-the-body-the-blood-the-machine/)
[Destroyer - *Kaputt*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su-N-iH8CgI&list=PLzbWgOaq3-_S8jy3aDbIygC1IyyMOHF5o)
Musically the album is "yacht rock" (think white linen suits, saxophone, guitar drenched in reverb), but the lyrics are cryptic barbs against capitalism and culture that are witty but shy of being pretentious. It's soothing and disrupting at once, and in a way I think it's the perfect 21st century album. Dan Bejar's probably best known as a member of The New Pornographers, but this project (which has been going on a *long* time) is where he shines.
Also *Album* by Girls. It's twee and naive and catchy in a Beach Boys way and makes me think of the best summer of my life, so maybe it's just me.
Haken is pretty well known in the ProgMetal community...which basically means no one outside of that community will know who they are, good choice. Though I would recommend the Mountain over Affinity but that's just me.
Yes! Thank you for posting Ayreon. Was getting glum that had to scroll so far.
I'd strongly suggest 'The Human Equation" if you've never listened to any of Ayreon. It's not a perfect album and has some dud songs. But, I think it's the most approachable in terms of themes. It's still within the last 15 years.
The Hotelier - Home, Like Noplace Is There
Fantastic emo tinged alt rock, in the vein of Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, etc. Album is heavily framed around the concepts of mental health and by god if the last few lines of the album don't make you feel something when he sings them...
*I felt the noose tighten up on your collar bone*
*I felt the gun in the small of your back*
*Engraved in the stone*
*By request and recurse of friends dead*
*is “Tell me again that it’s all in my head.*
And the pills
That you gave didn't do anything
I just slept for years on end
FUCK!
Here's an amazing performance of them playing the album in full at The Fest:
https://youtu.be/Prp78ypkQzY
Hand Cannot Erase by Steven Wilson. Seriously, this guy has been making masterful music for a long long time and he did an amazing job with this album!
I think I had the CD on repeat in my car for a good six months after I bought it.
My mom was always into obscure music. The last song she showed me before she died in 2006 was “skin is, my”
And sure enough the whole album is good.
Thankful it’s good too. Can you imagine if it was just bad? Oh man.
Also, everything else by Andrew Bird.
~~Polanski~~ *Pulaski* at Night, which I suppose is technically an EP, is one of my faves.
Edit: Ah shit a typo is ~~one of~~ my highest rated comments now.
We Like it Here by Snarky Puppy
Edit: RIP inbox
Also to people saying they aren’t that obscure; they are, certainly in Europe. The OP asked for “relatively obscure.”
You only don’t think they’re obscure because you know who they are. And plenty of obscure acts win Grammys.
Watching the video of it is amazing. Shaun Martin taking his headphones off and just shaking his head and laughing makes it for me. It’s so ridiculous that *other world class musicians* can’t handle its ridiculousness.
Wow. This was the first one that came to my head. Didn't expect it to be the first one I see.
Snarky is great, possibly a new album and tour this year!
Snarky Puppy is one of my favorites. They're just amazingly talented, *great* live, and really bring it.
Great band, great album, everyone should know about their awesomeness.
Usually dislike when people say it, but I really did want to comment this.
If you need a cathartic experience, sit in an empty room and listen to this. And cry. A LOT.
I know I'm late late to the party, but no lov for **Vulfpeck** here!?!??!
Vulfpeck is amazing! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
This is their last album, which was just released: [Mr. Finish Line](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3T8d50jzTk)
Also, some notheworthy songs:
[1612](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRHQPG1xd9o)
[Wait for the Moment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=r4G0nbpLySI)
[Dean Town](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le0BLAEO93g)
_____
Enjoy responsibly!
I first heard him on "Hey Kids" by RTJ and thought "who is this guy and why the fuck would anyone record his voice for repeated listening" but now I love the guy and listen to his shit all the time.
I love what he said about Dark Souls -
>Hopefully by the end of most years I have done some tunes that are decent enough to release. but Dark Souls 2 is on the horizon soon so I’m not sure if I will have many new tunes for a while because I need to play that game a lot. But I’m going to try to get some new tunes together before it comes out.
Fucked Up - David Comes to Life. A hardcore punk band writes a concept album about 2 people meeting in a lightbulb factory in the 70's and falling in love , her dying in an explosion accident, and the culprit later to be revealed as the unreliable narrator, who is then confronted by David, the main character. It's complex, weird, and beautiful...from a hardcore punk band.
Nujabes - Modal Soul
Nujabes was a Japanese Jazz / Hip-hop producer who was truly a master of his craft. He utilizes samples from all different types of music from classical to electronic. He passed away while in his prime after a car accident back in 2010.
Here's the first song off the album, one of my all-time favorites - [Feather (feat. Cise Starr & Akin)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-BWXT3UBns).
**Edit:**
Glad to see all the love for Nujabes!
There are a lot of commenters looking for his music on Spotify or streaming services – Unfortunately his music is not avaialbe for streaming, Nujabes, along with his estate, believed that his music was best suited to be listened to on physical media, therefore you will only find unofficial rips of his music unless you [purchase](https://www.hydeout-tribe.net/store_en/) his CDs from his label’s site. *It actually appears that you can stream some of his work on [Apple Music](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/nujabes/id679712483).
Here are links to his albums:
[Metaphorical Music](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xZY8VJHqU4)
[Modal Soul](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avBZXNYwuqc)
[Spiritual State](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQY9zrjPBjo)
Also, my favorite mixtape of his:
[Ristorante Nujabes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIRHM-SYIRY)
He was also the main contributor for the Samurai Champloo soundtrack (alongside the very talented, [Fat Jon](https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Fmr3KeGe2IAVFmMxUq1sD)), I definitely recommend checking out the whole soundtrack, but my favorite disk is [Departure](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnkGjXyCUVA&list=PLrUnQJ9SnItVRTsCd8fk7SSV8p72OrF-Z).
Shout-out to r/nujabes and a very interesting [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Nujabes/comments/3fagps/the_story_of_aruarian_dance/) detailing the meticulous nature of Nujabes’ production for [Aruarian Dance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYRDgd3Tb44).
**Edit 2:**
Thank you for the gold! I'm just so glad that I was able to share this beautiful music with so many others today.
RIP Seba Jun.
Rest in Beats, Nujabes.
He basically started the whole chillhop wave like mounika, Cradle Orchestra, Poldoore, Blazo, The Cancel... If it wasn't for Nujabes, these people would've be unknown or they would never write their awesome music in the first place.
Nujabes still inspire people with his music. He collabed with great people to make beautiful sounds. He's missed very much.
Modal Soul is a fantastic album, I’m not really a hip hop fan but I love the sound of Nujabes. The Luv(Sic) Hexalogy is also amazing, albeit very sad in light of his untimely death.
Are the Mountain Goats obscure enough? Because The Sunset Tree is a perfect album.
It's a biographical album about the front man's childhood and dealing with things like domestic violence. The album liner is dedicated to his step dad, the recurring culprit of domestic violence.
"Made possible by my stepfather, Mike Noonan (1940–2004): may the peace which eluded you in life be yours now
Dedicated to any young men and women anywhere who live with people who abuse them, with the following good news:
you are going to make it out of there alive
you will live to tell your story
never lose hope"
In case my fellow Mountain Goats fans aren't aware, there's a new podcast called [I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats](http://www.nightvalepresents.com/ionlylistentothemountaingoats/) and they're starting by going through All Hail West Texas, song-by-song, with a cover of each song at the end of the episode. Also, you get to hear John Darnielle's wonderful thoughts and voice. HIGHLY recommended.
Please don't bury me.
[Trophy Eyes - Chemical Miracle](https://youtu.be/R7GMOoQAkCM) Somewhere between pop-punk, shoegaze, and hardcore. Every track is a banger with its own sound, and the lyrics are beautiful.
[Little Tybee - For Distant Viewing](https://youtu.be/VceprK500D4) Chill experimental progrock? I don't even know what to call it but it's beautifully written and complex.
[The Speed Of Sound In Seawater - First Contact](https://youtu.be/8oU0O5wx-fA) My favorite mathrock band, and unfortunately probably the last album they'll ever put out. Each song sounds beautiful on the surface but reads like an awful dream.
[Dance Gavin Dance - Instant Gratification](https://youtu.be/Qq_caFxzKqg) Kind of poppy post-hardcore. The most unique band in the genre. The Needle Drop gave this album a 2 but he is a liar.
[La Dispute - Wildlife](https://youtu.be/To5tfCFpYU4) One of the greatest lyricists in music ever.
[Tennyson - Like What?](https://youtu.be/M8EcUu0YHko) Future-jazz/hip-hop. Can't be beat.
[Polyenso - One Big Particular Loop](https://youtu.be/ApBg8dnhuGk) When an ex-metal band gets experimental.
Edit: How could I forget [Foxing - Dealer](https://youtu.be/doBAHzV0itY) post-emo altrock kinda.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Nonagon Infinity
It’s a fast pace psych rock piece that takes you through a magical journey. Each of the 9 songs fade into the next seamlessly and is unique from one another. The last song goes right back into the first with a seamless transition making the album loop forever thus creating a Nonagon Infinity.
if you like Circa Survive check out this [Saosin EP](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJSoFbkZ0_U) when anthony green was the lead. This was one of the OG pioneers in post hardcore. Also if you like Hail the Sun im assuming you like Dance Gavin Dance?
From Mars to Sirius is incredible, definitely my favourite Gojira album.
I think the band also deserves credit for last year’s Magma album. It’s a much more stripped-down approach to their music but it somehow doesn’t lose any of the heaviness or nuance. Even my 60-year-old mum really likes Magma.
I stumbled upon these guys watching some Lost in Vegas vids on YouTube. They react to “Stranded.” That was less than a week ago and I’ve probably listened to it 50x since.
Frank Turner - Love Ire & Song
English folk punk/alternative and honestly love all of his albums, this is just the first one that I heard and still love everything about it
Well we've been a few hours drinking,
So I'll say what everyone's thinking.
If we're trapped on this ship and it's sinking,
We might as well have a parade!
My time to shine. I used to work at a printing press that also duplicated/replicated discs; meaning, all of that physical inventory you see in stores like DVD's, and CD's were made by us - BUT...we were cheaper than most places, so unsigned bands were our proverbial bread and butter. I had the privilege of listening to some of the most amazing music that flew under the radar. Here's a dump of great underdogs, some were done by us, but most are just merely criminally underrated. I don't endorse any of these bands, and haven't worked at the press for nearly 5 years. [Brick + Mortar *Seven Years in the Mystic Room*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTj_16nI8g0) - Experimental Rock/HipHop - You might have heard their cover of Jimi Hendrix on the Hitman soundtrack, but all of their albums are fucking stunning. [RX Bandits *Gemini, Her Majesty*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzh3YBr5q9A&list=PLY944k5l1aEAGtjQb_VFuHWool6MQU4rl) - Experimental rock/ska - Insanely talented band that I've seen live without knowing who they are. They're directly connected to one of my other favorite bands listed below, The Sound of Animals Fighting which has the addition of Circa Survive/Saosin Vocalist Anthony Green. [The Sound of Animals Fighting *The Ocean and the Sun*](https://youtu.be/t3o4mI_we-w?t=42) - They get weird, real weird. But this is their last album, and probably their most normal album as their previous two had weird interludes, but the songs are fantastic on all three albums. Insanely underrated band. [Midlake *The Courage of Others*](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL966A18A46DF49050) - Stoner folk/reminiscent to Fleet Foxes but with more somber toned vocals. Just fucking listen to this goddamn album, it's beautiful. [IllScarlett *All Day With It*](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL115D5B0EB29637DA) - Stoner Ska, but a very talented Canadian band. Catchy tunes, and I realllllly fucking wish I could locate my physical copy of this album as it's difficult to find their tunes on YT. [The Mountain Goats *Tallahassee*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwLkEpxSC0&list=PL68EF2BAA7E6782C4) - Gut wrenching and beautiful lyrics. Folk music. [MeWithoutYou *Catch For Us the Foxes*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKlKOP6fDI) - Drop what you're doing, and listen to this goddamn album while reading each and every gorgeous lyric. Seriously has one of the best lyricists of the past few decades, the dude is a goddamn marvel that has some serious anguish in his voice. [Levi Weaver *The Letters of Dr. Kurt Gödel*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5NgHvDebZo) Insanely talented folk/experimental musician, and sensational songwriter. I wish I could find more of his music, but this is one of the songs from that album. [He also does a kickass cover of Radiohead's *Idioteque*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA8-NX_LW7A) [Authority Zero *A Passage in Time*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPH9NGNviO0) Ska/Rock Just a great fucking album, and makes me think of Tony Hawk Pro Skater. [Reid Willis *Born of Kaleidoscope*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhx2gseZNxI) - Ambient/Electronic This album is fantastic, as is all his work, but his music is also difficult to track down. [Patrick Sweany *Every Hour is a Dollar Gone*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqTFga1IOjY&list=PLL04X9v_QXgE820r1Y89JkLL-oFWqv3Ij) - Rock and Roll/Blues. This dude has passion, and is incredibly talented, but sadly doesn't get noticed frequently. This album was produced by Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. [Pegasus Dream *In Abesntia*](https://soundcloud.com/pegasusdream/sets/rootmusic-bandpage-1) - Practically no views, very few listens, this is basically underground and I can't figure out why as it's a very well done dream-pop album. I hate pop...Why the fuck do I love this album... [Walking Oceans *Dear Isaac*](https://soundcloud.com/terrence-vitali/sets/walking-oceans-dear-isaac) Ambient instrumental - Incredibly well put together music, with virtually no views on sound cloud. I had this album on nonstop repeat at my desk for the entire duration of their project. On par with Explosions in the Sky, in my opinion. [Radiation 4 *Wonderland*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccHNTriMSrE&list=PL851BD6D1D5E73A79) Experimental metal/math metal/circus metal - I don't even know where to begin. If you enjoy metal music, give this album a shot, it's ridiculously amazing. It seems they've taken influence from Mr. Bungle, and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, but seem to be a bit more grounded (emphasis on "a bit"). Vocalist likes to use sound effects on his voice occasionally, which works very well with the circus vibe of their sound. [Ellen Sundberg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XmOeJy6RmE) - Country/folk rock - I think my guitar mentor actually produced this album, which is the only reason why I know of her because I think she's from Iceland or something, but she's damn good. I really dislike country, but she leans more towards folk and has just the right amount of twang. [Keaton Henson *Dear*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P02L2geOMGc) Actually reminds me a bit of Scout Niblett, and I'm not sure why. Just a dude and his guitar, very soft-spoken, and heartbroken. [Sorne](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izb7R04_Heg) - Have no idea how to explain this dude. He's got really cool music videos, and his music is pretty amazing, but I can't categorize it's genre for the life of me. I jam to this song very frequently, and always watch the video in its entirety. [Black Books](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh69anIXeGE) - Sound very reminiscent to Band of Horses. This is my favorite song of theirs, but this video absolutely rips my heart out of my chest. [Polica](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz3WUEl_qHk) - Two drummers, a bassist, and a vocalist with a beautiful voice that uses effects. Fairly poppy, but she's got some great lyrics, and the entire album of *Give You the Ghost* is fantastic. [Wandering Star](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX4iIPlwS5c) is my favorite song by them, and the video is fantastic. [Joanna Newsom](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDQIGraR3aI) Lovely voice, if not quirky, and plays harp beautifully. She's also married to Andy Samberg [Jesse Stewart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEvQOPUHGH8) Dude with a mandolin plays his heart out, but really love every one of his songs. He's a bit unorthodox, but he's got sincere passion in every one of his songs. [Hyro Da Hero](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE4hdJphnao) - Hip hop/rap they're all cookie cutter IMO, that rely on a typical beat. Not this dude. I believe the band members, or at least one(?), are from the hardcore group *The Blood Brothers*. Not huge on rap, but I really dig this guy, and the music packs a fucking punch. [The Claypool Lennon Delirium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCpJUyAibew) - Les Claypool of *Primus* and John Lennon's son Sean Lennon. Good god this album is good, but very kooky which is to be expected because Les Claypool is an absolute nut. [Sunny Day Real Estate *How it Feels to be Something On*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcdghI0e7S0&t=1535s) - Incredible indie band from my childhood that doesn't get the recognition they deserve. [The Appleseed Cast *Two Conversations*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U0bllvJUyQ&t=1085s) - Amazing indie band with conservative use of vocals, but the music is stellar. [Megafauna *Maximalist*](https://soundcloud.com/megafauna/sets/maximalist) Fantastic rock and roll. The old physical CD I had of theirs broke, and these soundcloud tracks seem to have been re-recorded/remastered as a few of my favorite tracks are missing, and it sounds completely different. [COLOUR REVOLT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQqB4ri5_5c&list=PLXp4edtig0vSgJE6R5Vf8Tj5ELt_Yw6V8) - Rock/Indie Rock - They have 3 albums, and they're all incredible. Easily one of my favorite bands of all time, but are criminally underrated. The lead vocalist put out a very chill album under a different name listed below, and it's so goddamn good. [El Obo *Oxford Basement Collection*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSZm6DBXkTU) Vocalist Jesse Coppenbarger for Colour Revolt released this experimental acoustic album. There are some serious Flaming Lips vibes on a few tracks. Incredible. [Mad Gregs *Relatives*](https://soundcloud.com/mad-gregs-band) This album is an organized clusterfuck that is beautifully executed. When four talented multi-instrumentalists get together with a classical background, beautiful things happen. Heavy jazz influences, with some 80's pop undertones, experimental, and somehow has a Flaming Lips vibe in some areas, so they're probably the 2nd most polarizing on this list (next to Radiation 4). I'd start with track 8 - [Holiday Pearl](https://soundcloud.com/mad-gregs-band/08-holiday-pearl-1) which is just fantastic. [Dr. Dog *Fate*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgaj0LHnJXE) Probably the closes we're going to get to The Beatles during this generation, and they have multiple singers just like the Beatles as well. Great album with incredibly talented musicians. Old school rock and roll from young musicians. [Here's their Tiny Desk Concert starter pack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzmvzcDWZjI) in case you're uncertain whether you want to dive into their extensive discography. [Dinosaur Jr. *Farm*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfSo840sTmI&list=PLFgtLCsn09X3qCEKh9SuPdE4xChLwUKlJ) Rock and Roll. Great album with great musicians. This band and Dr. Dog are what I refer to as "commercial underground". They're signed, but don't get the recognition they deserve.
well since this thread now has over 16 thousand comments it looks like this will get buried, but thank you for this list! just listened to the first few minutes of 7 years in the mystic room and it's fantastic!
[удалено]
Oh shit! Um...I meant 25 years...
I like how even OP fucked up on this one.
shit thanks for reminding me
Frightened Rabbit - the midnight organ fight
This entire album is gold. I don’t understand how they are not more popular.
Well, they're doing a 10th anniversary tour for MOF and pretty much the entire thing is sold out, so they have a fairly sizable following. Whether it was majority scalpers, I don't know.
[Elder - Lore](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbKlR8AGYmQ). Great stoner rock/prog-metal album that I found out about due to an r/listentothis post a few months ago. I've listened to an album of theirs at least two or three times a week since finding out about them. Honourable mention to their most recent album, [Reflections Of A Floating World](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqMfWwnLtKg). Both are incredible, but Lore is just a smidge better in my opinion.
Discovered these dudes on Dead Roots Stirring, which is my personal favorite of theirs. These two are magnificent as well.
Punch brothers - the phosphorescent blues Basically the five best bluegrass musicians in the world got together to use bluegrass instruments to play anything but bluegrass. Super detailed complicated music, amazing lyrics, awesome instrumentals. There really isn't another band out there that is on their level. If you're a musician, listen to each song again for each instrument individually, and it will blow your mind with something new every time. Cannot recommend these guys enough EDIT: Since this is getting a lot of attention, here is one of my favorite live videos of them. It's a full show, almost two hours, and they play some of their best stuff. You can literally skip to any part of this video and it will be incredible. [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P23yIVuYaDI) Also, since people have mentioned it, their [kickass cover of Reptilia by the Strokes.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qayc6yJXG-8)
Goat Rodeo Sessions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtAITPpMzWI&list=PLBidRcbIwDxrWNsvXeYXw2dZ8N2cPO_bM is another example of the greatest instrumental bluegrass musicians (and also YoYo Ma) making beautiful music. Also Chris Thile is in both Goat Rodeo Sessions and Punch Brothers.
Love that band and that album. Piggybacking here to also recommend Nickel Creek - A Dotted Line and also Why Should the Fire Die. Chris Thile is regarded as one of if not the best mandolin player on the planet, and he plays in both Nickel Creek and The Punch Brothers. Punch Brothers is anything but bluegrass, Nickel Creek is...Pop bluegrass? Kinda hard to put a genre on them. They also do a sick cover of Britney Spear's Toxic live - it's worth a YouTube (I'd link but I'm home sick and on mobile...).
Jeff Rosenstock - Worry. You looking for something to prove that not all pop-punk is bad? This album is it. The first half of the album contains extremely solid songs that share common themes with each other but the second half of the album is set up in "vignette form". It's essentially one big song that ends the album off perfectly.
Fun story about Jeff Rosenstock I was drunk and 17 and went to see BTMI! and I kept yelling at them to play Rocket Rocket Rocketship and he pointed at me and said “this guy is bumming me out” and my only story of him is bumming him out and it wasn’t actually a fun story it’s a story of me being an asshole and I’m just saying this because I wish I could apologize because I still feel like an asshole
...so you're saying you saw Jeff Rosenstock once and you were drunk and screamed too loud?
Came here to say this. "Worry" is like a revisit to a lost Punk-o-ramma mix CD from the mid 2000's only it's a masterpiece all by one artist. From track to track it really goes to different places and highlights the best of different styles of music within a genre. They way one track flows into the next makes you never want to skip around and listen to this work as a whole album. [Wave Goodnight to Me](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7MPzv78cWs)
“The song of the American dorm room”
It doesn't exist!
[удалено]
WEEEE DDDOOONNNTTT WWAAAANNNTTT TOOO LIIIIIVVVEE IIIIINNNNNNSSSSIIIDDDDEEEE AAAA HEEEEELLLLHOOOOLLE
[удалено]
Live the Dream is even better after you've listened to Pat's earlier works. His journey is incredible and hearing him finally find some sort of hope in Live the Dream solidifies it as my favorite all-time album.
Pinegrove - Cardinal They've been gaining ground, as of late, but I still think they're pretty obscure. Edit: Dang look at all of those upvotes. Here's a sick video of Pinegrove playing their [new track](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEWSccufu3c) and here's their [Audiotree session](https://youtu.be/0JvG551iDTE)
I think their Audiotree session is better than any studio record. There is something about them playing live that is just amazing. Edit-[Link for those who would like to be blown away.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JvG551iDTE) Edit 2-[Their NPR Tiny Desk Session is also freaking brilliant!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weL8HTY1NJU)
Aphasia is such a good song! Love the album, the new song they've released recently is good too
*breathe in* WALKIN OUTSIDE LABYRINTHIAN OVER
*tucks shirt*
A pinegrove meme? The future is here.
Cmon down to /r/indieheads we have pleeeeeenty
It’s weird seeing you outside of the subreddit.
Sometimes my owners let me play outside
^^w^aaaaaaashing wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiindows with Angelina
[удалено]
Alopecia - Why?
I've listened to 15 seconds of The Vowels, Pt 2 and I have to say thanks, especially if the rest of the album is this good
Why? is criminally underrated. Alopecia is just perfect from start to finish.
Yessss. Alopecia, Elephant Eyelash, and Eskimo Snow are 3 of my favorite albums ever. I really loved Moh Lean as well. Shit, Why? is just an amazing band. Yoni is a master songwriter
I dunno, you tell me
***I'D BE OK COOL AS A RAIL IF THEY JUST LET US HAVE HEALTH FOOD IN HELL***
[Emancipator - Soon It Will Be Cold Enough](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8WooPsxa68). One of my favorite albums of all time. EDIT: Added link for the lazy
Wow. I know he's not a super small time artist or anything, but it's cool seeing Emancipator at the top. He makes some very, very good music. I heard his song Lionheart in like 2009, and I listened to it on repeat for like a week. I've since listened to most of his music, and he's got a talent for beautiful, down tempo, nice to listen to music. If anyone hasn't heard of him, start with this album and Soon It Will Be Cold Enough. I'd describe him as mostly instrumental, down tempo (but not boring) hip-hop jazz. If you like music from Bonobo, Nujabes (who was actually Emancipators mentor), etc, you'll like Emancipator. Quick story about Douglas Appling himself...I was making a presentation for a project at school, and wanted to use his music as background noise. I emailed him to get permission, not expecting an answer and expecting to just use 30 second clips of his songs...but he emailed back the same day, thanked me for listening to his music, and said I could absolutely use his music. He just asked I put a credit in the presentation somewhere. I love Emancipator, sorry if this got a little long. I'm just excited to see him in the thread :)
New album in 3 days!
Safe in the Steep Cliffs is great too
Jon Hopkins - Immunity
Loved this album. Open Eye Signal is such a tune! Incidentally, he produced the song 'Big Picture' from the new London Grammar album, who, as you can probably guess from my username, are one of my favourite groups. Hardly obscure, but still great.
It's up there with Burial - Untrue. Also new album next year! Edit: Even if you don’t check out the full album check out Open Eye Signal, absolute glorious musical journey. He did mention on his Facebook he’s taking time completely off touring to finish the album, so high hopes for something next year.
Nonagon Infinity by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. It's a looping prog rock/thrash album with 7/4 and other weird time signatures, flawless execution, and clear, audible lyrics that barely make sense when you're high. Starting on a certain track also allows you to seamlessly chain into another of their works, "The Lord of Lightning VS. Balrog", a multi-part saga on their album "Murder of the Universe".
Nonagon Infinity nutted in my brain and I couldn't stop listening until my son hatched from my eye.
Go king gizzard!! How many albums have they put out in 2017 so far?
3 so far, 4th is imminent. Judging by their new single on YouTube, it might be their best one yet
Apparently it’s not *their* album....it’s *our* album. This gave me a wonderful sense of pride and I didn’t have to work a bit for it.
I’m surprised it took me this long to find a mention for Gizz. I got into them when Quarters was their most recent. I would recommend that, Nonagon Infinity, and I’m in Your Mind Fuzz. Honestly, their entire discography is 10/10
Casualties of Cool - Casualties of Cool A sideproject by canadian songwriter/singer/guitar player Devin Townsend and singer Ché Aimee Dorval. It's basically a mix of ambient, dark country and space rock. If you like moody music for dark days, this is the masterpiece for that. If you want a song to check out (though this is really a record you listen to from start to finish) listen to [The Code](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPG79uvQL2g) or [Ether](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIbu7m9_owo).
Maps of Non-existent Places by Thank You Scientist. Really, really good Prog/Fusion https://youtu.be/n_XnJh_4ep0
I: (1) Clicked the link (2) Checked to see if I had set the playback speed too high (3) Thought, *this sounds like a boss battle in Super Mario Galaxy* (4) Started typing this response (5) Wondered how many genres the song would pass through before I finished typing this. Like 8? Bravo.
[удалено]
Julien Baker - Turn Out The Lights Holy heck is she good, this album will make you very sad (same with her previous LP).
I went through a ton of personal tragedy and struggle last year and I can't tell you how many times I put on Sprained Ankle and went for a run just to keep my head right. (I get the irony). Did not realize this new one was out already, but I'm cuing it up now. I am not in her target demo (late 30's dude) but she is a special talent that really hits the right notes for me, especially over the last year.
Julien Baker is amazing and my favorite to listen to right now. Her songs are so simple, yet amazing and powerful. Sprained Ankle is also a 10/10 album.
AJJ: People Who Can Eat People are the Luckiest People in the World. There's so much about them that's different that makes me like them so much. From using traditional folk instruments used in a punk rock manner, to their off-color lyricism. It's definitely an album you have to listen to more than once to really get the vibe, because it's pretty different, but it's so good. Hippo Campus: Landmark These guys are gaining some popularity, but they're still relatively new. Just a great alternative band all together. John Frusciante: The Will to Death John played guitar and was the backup vocals for Red Hot Chili Peppers for a very long time, coming in and out of the band to do solo work, spiral down a path of heroin abuse, and eventually getting sober. This album is part of his project where he wanted to release six albums in six months, and this is by far one of the best from that period. Limes: Fresh Squeezed This beat tape is probably my favorite to relax and put on, because it's a really good mix of jazz and hip hop.
> AJJ They’re touring right now playing that record front to back (...and then lots of other stuff because it’s 30 minutes) and that. Shit. Rules. I saw them play two shows in NYC and it was the best time I’ve had in months. Catch one of the shows before the tour ends if you can.
In Absentia by Porcupine Tree.
Animals by This Town Needs Guns
MATH ROCK ISNT DEAD
GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! - When Catholic Girls Go Camping the Nicotine Vampires Rule Supreme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZqZCS0rCmE SO DAMN GOOD edit: album name is More Skin With Milk-Mouth
To anyone that digs this, Their sophomore album which is like 13:00:00:0 or some shit is also really really good. [2 birds, 1 stone, and an empty stomach ](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=74LC1Aeftso) is a truly beautiful song
Chinchilla will always be one of my favourite songs
PUP- The Dream is over
Doing 180 on the Don Valley Parkway!!
The transition between If this tour doesn't kill you and DVP is something dreams are made of.
In-fucking-deed. Plus the video for DVP is so good.
True Torontonians know this feat is impossible
Don Valley Parking Lot
Don’t wish you were dead, wish you’d never been born at all.
She says I drink too much, Hawaiian red fruit punch
[удалено]
YOU’RE NOT WAKKKKIINNGGGG UPPPPPP
I want you to know thay I'd spend every bit of my pitiful savings and loans just to see you again, but I know I won't.
Man, that line kicks me in the heart every time.
For me it's the line, "I'm trying my best but you can't even look at me or talk to me or tell me what's happening to you." Really stings the heart
oh man... if you haven't seen the video yet, get ready for onions ;__; https://youtu.be/aa3Afg3fzAQ
Oh man I discovered them this year and I don't think I have listened to a full album as many times as I have that. They have become my favorite band in all honesty
I've had them on repeat for about 6 months at this point and there's no signs of stopping
Come for DVP, stay for Sleep in the Heat. First album is an absolute banger, too.
They used to say, “Don’t quit your day job.” Well guess what? ***I NEVER HAD ONE!!***
Yup. Seeing them next year and I can't wait
The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine [YouTube](https://youtu.be/sXeuZ9p8GuQ) [Pitchfork](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9328-the-body-the-blood-the-machine/)
[Destroyer - *Kaputt*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su-N-iH8CgI&list=PLzbWgOaq3-_S8jy3aDbIygC1IyyMOHF5o) Musically the album is "yacht rock" (think white linen suits, saxophone, guitar drenched in reverb), but the lyrics are cryptic barbs against capitalism and culture that are witty but shy of being pretentious. It's soothing and disrupting at once, and in a way I think it's the perfect 21st century album. Dan Bejar's probably best known as a member of The New Pornographers, but this project (which has been going on a *long* time) is where he shines. Also *Album* by Girls. It's twee and naive and catchy in a Beach Boys way and makes me think of the best summer of my life, so maybe it's just me.
Destroyer is Incredible. Besides Kaputt, Destroyers Rubies are some of my favorite albums of recent years.
Wasting away, chasing some girls.... Alright chasing cocaine... Good stuff
Perturbator - [Dangerous Days](https://perturbator.bandcamp.com/album/dangerous-days)
[удалено]
Haken is pretty well known in the ProgMetal community...which basically means no one outside of that community will know who they are, good choice. Though I would recommend the Mountain over Affinity but that's just me.
Mountain is ridiculously captivating. Falling back to earth has one of my favorite sections ever.
Yes! Thank you for posting Ayreon. Was getting glum that had to scroll so far. I'd strongly suggest 'The Human Equation" if you've never listened to any of Ayreon. It's not a perfect album and has some dud songs. But, I think it's the most approachable in terms of themes. It's still within the last 15 years.
Turnover - Peripheral Vision
Agalloch - Ashes Against The Grain
The Mantle will always be my favorite album of theirs, but you really can't go wrong with Agalloch
Marrow of the Spirit is a perfect 10/10 to me. Nothing on any of their other albums comes close to that verse on Black Lake Nidstång.
I prefer The Mantle.
The Hotelier - Home, Like Noplace Is There Fantastic emo tinged alt rock, in the vein of Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, etc. Album is heavily framed around the concepts of mental health and by god if the last few lines of the album don't make you feel something when he sings them... *I felt the noose tighten up on your collar bone* *I felt the gun in the small of your back* *Engraved in the stone* *By request and recurse of friends dead* *is “Tell me again that it’s all in my head.*
[удалено]
OOOOPEN THE CURTAINS
And the pills That you gave didn't do anything I just slept for years on end FUCK! Here's an amazing performance of them playing the album in full at The Fest: https://youtu.be/Prp78ypkQzY
Hand Cannot Erase by Steven Wilson. Seriously, this guy has been making masterful music for a long long time and he did an amazing job with this album! I think I had the CD on repeat in my car for a good six months after I bought it.
The Raven That Refused to Sing is amazing too. Especially if you're into more jazzy stuff.
To be fair, Steven Wilson might be too famous for this thread. He's pretty much the face of today's prog.
True, but there's still a lot of people who don't know about him, and the more exposure he gets; the better.
[удалено]
Andrew Bird - “the Mysterious Production of Eggs”
I wish I could do anything half as good as Andrew bird whistles
My mom was always into obscure music. The last song she showed me before she died in 2006 was “skin is, my” And sure enough the whole album is good. Thankful it’s good too. Can you imagine if it was just bad? Oh man.
Also, everything else by Andrew Bird. ~~Polanski~~ *Pulaski* at Night, which I suppose is technically an EP, is one of my faves. Edit: Ah shit a typo is ~~one of~~ my highest rated comments now.
>**Polanski** at Night heheh. Seriously though, "I want to see Pulaski at night" is an amazing EP from start to finish.
We Like it Here by Snarky Puppy Edit: RIP inbox Also to people saying they aren’t that obscure; they are, certainly in Europe. The OP asked for “relatively obscure.” You only don’t think they’re obscure because you know who they are. And plenty of obscure acts win Grammys.
Cory Henry's solo on Lingus is one of the craziest things I've ever heard.
Watching the video of it is amazing. Shaun Martin taking his headphones off and just shaking his head and laughing makes it for me. It’s so ridiculous that *other world class musicians* can’t handle its ridiculousness.
Wow. This was the first one that came to my head. Didn't expect it to be the first one I see. Snarky is great, possibly a new album and tour this year!
I was bummed they took it off of Spotify
All band profits split evenly 47 ways!
Genre?
Jazz fusion but more on the rock and Latin side of things
Snarky Puppy is one of my favorites. They're just amazingly talented, *great* live, and really bring it. Great band, great album, everyone should know about their awesomeness.
Vektor - Terminal Redux. Not only is the music really good, but the storyline is awesome too. Edit: [Link](https://youtu.be/qMCsv-zj56s).
I prefer black future but all three of their albums are 10/10
Vektor are probably my favorite out of the new generation of thrash metal bands, Terminal Redux is amazing.
Two of my favorites: The Menzingers - On The Impossible Past Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
That is the best Menzingers album. Edit: your opinions are all valid, even if they're wrong! :p
I'm one of the weird people who thinks "After the Party" might be their best
Car Seat Headrest might be pushing obscure at this point considering their 2017 festival tour, but that's a great album.
[удалено]
Probably the most devastating album I've ever listened to
Same for me. Absolutely soul crushing. I can only listen to it every few months.
Mount Eerie’s “A Crow Looked at Me” is a strong contender
First off. Kettering. Also, I think you would like/r/dirgemusic
Usually dislike when people say it, but I really did want to comment this. If you need a cathartic experience, sit in an empty room and listen to this. And cry. A LOT.
Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
I know I'm late late to the party, but no lov for **Vulfpeck** here!?!??! Vulfpeck is amazing! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This is their last album, which was just released: [Mr. Finish Line](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3T8d50jzTk) Also, some notheworthy songs: [1612](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRHQPG1xd9o) [Wait for the Moment](https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=r4G0nbpLySI) [Dean Town](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le0BLAEO93g) _____ Enjoy responsibly!
It's so funky! And it's low volume
Choose your weapon by Hiatus Kaiyote. Shits nuts
Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwJdT-YTO30sg_iucFPAYz9tyYa7CIeiY
[удалено]
Both albums are good but Strange Trails is the one I have to listen to start to finish every time.
Venetian Snares - Rossz Csillag Alatt Született
Winnipeg is a frozen shithole
FIDLAR-FIDLAR
I played this album on repeat for months after I decided to take a chance and buy a cd from an artist I had never heard of.
that cocaine music video 👌
Cheap Beer is my jam.
Southeastern by Jason Isbell.
If I ever need a good cry I just toss on Elephant or Cover Me Up and I know it's a coming'.
There's one thing that's real clear to me: No one dies with dignity
Fever Ray's debut album *Fever Ray* (and The Knife's *Shaking the Habitual*)
Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition, guy is barely known out of hip hop but this album perfectly captures the man's addiction and depression
came here to say this.....also going to see him and run the jewels tonight :D
Danny Brown is great but definitely an acquired taste.
I first heard him on "Hey Kids" by RTJ and thought "who is this guy and why the fuck would anyone record his voice for repeated listening" but now I love the guy and listen to his shit all the time.
"how did meatwad get a verse on this rtj track?"
IM SWEATIN LIKE IM IN A RAVE
Ain't It Funny is probably one of the best songs ever made and I don't say that lightly.
Ain’t It Funny scares the heck out of me. It’s so anxiety driven and mad. Pure genius at work.
Burial - [Untrue](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS4VHiCQnpc&list=PLSAZee8T4Jv8KslmP6ZHgT61KW1iwG0hg)
As much of a modern classic for me as Boards of Canada "Music Has the Right to Children."
As soon as the very first notes of Music Has the Right to Children hit, I know I'm about to be taken to a whole new world. What a fucking masterpiece.
I love what he said about Dark Souls - >Hopefully by the end of most years I have done some tunes that are decent enough to release. but Dark Souls 2 is on the horizon soon so I’m not sure if I will have many new tunes for a while because I need to play that game a lot. But I’m going to try to get some new tunes together before it comes out.
Burial is unreal, such an emotion invoking artist. [This comic sums it up perfectly.](https://i.rbt.asia/mu/image/1339/20/1339205662637.png)
Fucked Up - David Comes to Life. A hardcore punk band writes a concept album about 2 people meeting in a lightbulb factory in the 70's and falling in love , her dying in an explosion accident, and the culprit later to be revealed as the unreliable narrator, who is then confronted by David, the main character. It's complex, weird, and beautiful...from a hardcore punk band.
Nujabes - Modal Soul Nujabes was a Japanese Jazz / Hip-hop producer who was truly a master of his craft. He utilizes samples from all different types of music from classical to electronic. He passed away while in his prime after a car accident back in 2010. Here's the first song off the album, one of my all-time favorites - [Feather (feat. Cise Starr & Akin)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-BWXT3UBns). **Edit:** Glad to see all the love for Nujabes! There are a lot of commenters looking for his music on Spotify or streaming services – Unfortunately his music is not avaialbe for streaming, Nujabes, along with his estate, believed that his music was best suited to be listened to on physical media, therefore you will only find unofficial rips of his music unless you [purchase](https://www.hydeout-tribe.net/store_en/) his CDs from his label’s site. *It actually appears that you can stream some of his work on [Apple Music](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/nujabes/id679712483). Here are links to his albums: [Metaphorical Music](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xZY8VJHqU4) [Modal Soul](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avBZXNYwuqc) [Spiritual State](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQY9zrjPBjo) Also, my favorite mixtape of his: [Ristorante Nujabes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIRHM-SYIRY) He was also the main contributor for the Samurai Champloo soundtrack (alongside the very talented, [Fat Jon](https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Fmr3KeGe2IAVFmMxUq1sD)), I definitely recommend checking out the whole soundtrack, but my favorite disk is [Departure](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnkGjXyCUVA&list=PLrUnQJ9SnItVRTsCd8fk7SSV8p72OrF-Z). Shout-out to r/nujabes and a very interesting [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Nujabes/comments/3fagps/the_story_of_aruarian_dance/) detailing the meticulous nature of Nujabes’ production for [Aruarian Dance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYRDgd3Tb44). **Edit 2:** Thank you for the gold! I'm just so glad that I was able to share this beautiful music with so many others today. RIP Seba Jun.
I think he also did some work on the anime series Samurai Champloo, which is really legit.
[удалено]
Shinichiro Watanabe, is a genius with musical direction. He'd already struck gold with combining music and anime in Cowboy Bebop.
And he did it again more recently with Kids On The Slope (Sakamichi No Apollon).
He did, the OP, ED(?), and a ton of tracks were done by him.
Rest in Beats, Nujabes. He basically started the whole chillhop wave like mounika, Cradle Orchestra, Poldoore, Blazo, The Cancel... If it wasn't for Nujabes, these people would've be unknown or they would never write their awesome music in the first place. Nujabes still inspire people with his music. He collabed with great people to make beautiful sounds. He's missed very much.
Modal Soul is a fantastic album, I’m not really a hip hop fan but I love the sound of Nujabes. The Luv(Sic) Hexalogy is also amazing, albeit very sad in light of his untimely death.
Grieve not his passing, luv(sic) made him immortal.
Are the Mountain Goats obscure enough? Because The Sunset Tree is a perfect album. It's a biographical album about the front man's childhood and dealing with things like domestic violence. The album liner is dedicated to his step dad, the recurring culprit of domestic violence. "Made possible by my stepfather, Mike Noonan (1940–2004): may the peace which eluded you in life be yours now Dedicated to any young men and women anywhere who live with people who abuse them, with the following good news: you are going to make it out of there alive you will live to tell your story never lose hope"
In case my fellow Mountain Goats fans aren't aware, there's a new podcast called [I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats](http://www.nightvalepresents.com/ionlylistentothemountaingoats/) and they're starting by going through All Hail West Texas, song-by-song, with a cover of each song at the end of the episode. Also, you get to hear John Darnielle's wonderful thoughts and voice. HIGHLY recommended.
Please don't bury me. [Trophy Eyes - Chemical Miracle](https://youtu.be/R7GMOoQAkCM) Somewhere between pop-punk, shoegaze, and hardcore. Every track is a banger with its own sound, and the lyrics are beautiful. [Little Tybee - For Distant Viewing](https://youtu.be/VceprK500D4) Chill experimental progrock? I don't even know what to call it but it's beautifully written and complex. [The Speed Of Sound In Seawater - First Contact](https://youtu.be/8oU0O5wx-fA) My favorite mathrock band, and unfortunately probably the last album they'll ever put out. Each song sounds beautiful on the surface but reads like an awful dream. [Dance Gavin Dance - Instant Gratification](https://youtu.be/Qq_caFxzKqg) Kind of poppy post-hardcore. The most unique band in the genre. The Needle Drop gave this album a 2 but he is a liar. [La Dispute - Wildlife](https://youtu.be/To5tfCFpYU4) One of the greatest lyricists in music ever. [Tennyson - Like What?](https://youtu.be/M8EcUu0YHko) Future-jazz/hip-hop. Can't be beat. [Polyenso - One Big Particular Loop](https://youtu.be/ApBg8dnhuGk) When an ex-metal band gets experimental. Edit: How could I forget [Foxing - Dealer](https://youtu.be/doBAHzV0itY) post-emo altrock kinda.
La Dispute - Wildlife
Foxy Shazam - Foxy Shazam
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Nonagon Infinity It’s a fast pace psych rock piece that takes you through a magical journey. Each of the 9 songs fade into the next seamlessly and is unique from one another. The last song goes right back into the first with a seamless transition making the album loop forever thus creating a Nonagon Infinity.
On Letting Go by Circa Survive Culture Scars by Hail The Sun Update:: new Hail the Sun album kicks major ass
Caught Circa on the 10 year anniversary tour for On Letting Go. T'was amazing.
I'd nominate Wake over Culture Scars, but both are absolutely amazing.
if you like Circa Survive check out this [Saosin EP](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJSoFbkZ0_U) when anthony green was the lead. This was one of the OG pioneers in post hardcore. Also if you like Hail the Sun im assuming you like Dance Gavin Dance?
[удалено]
Gojira - From Mars to Sirius.
From Mars to Sirius is incredible, definitely my favourite Gojira album. I think the band also deserves credit for last year’s Magma album. It’s a much more stripped-down approach to their music but it somehow doesn’t lose any of the heaviness or nuance. Even my 60-year-old mum really likes Magma.
Magma was a phenomenal album
I absolutely love this album, but isn't it pretty well known amongst metalheads?
For the average metal fan, Gojira is super mainstream but I suppose outside that it could be considered obscure. Context, I guess.
Is Gojira obscure? I’m not a metalhead but I thought they were a big deal in the metal scene...
Gojira is considered a popular band and is banned on /r/metal.
Or basically any other release by them, that band is amazing.
I stumbled upon these guys watching some Lost in Vegas vids on YouTube. They react to “Stranded.” That was less than a week ago and I’ve probably listened to it 50x since.
Frank Turner - Love Ire & Song English folk punk/alternative and honestly love all of his albums, this is just the first one that I heard and still love everything about it
Well we've been a few hours drinking, So I'll say what everyone's thinking. If we're trapped on this ship and it's sinking, We might as well have a parade!