little known musicians we should hear

I wouldn't necessarily classify these all as 'little known', but here's what comes to mind:

1. XTC (Albums Nonesuch, Skylarking, English Settlement, Apple Venus 1 & 2..) These guys put out perenially outstanding music. Boggles the mind how little they're revered. This may seem like sacrilege to some - but I would stack up Mr. Partridge & Mr. Mouldings songwriting catalog(and the intelligence/wit of their lyrics in particular) against the Beatles' any time. Just go listen to songs like "Satellite", "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul", "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead", "Knights In Shining Kharma", "The Man Who Murdered Love".

2. Patrick O'Hearn, Richard Burmer, Steve Roach or Harold Budd - great ambient artists. Some really good stuff if you're into it. MP3.com has some free downloads for those interested in checking it out.

3. David Sylvian - formerly of the group Japan. Hard to classify, but almost any album a 'must listen'

4. Horselips (Album - The Man Who Built America) Obscure Irish band.

5. Have to echo the comment about Peter Gabriel's "Passion" - Haunting sonics.

I'm sure I'll think of more....

Chris

Just thought of another - Talk Talk. In particular the album 'The Colour of Spring'.

A classic. Emotion, beautifully arranged, haunting, excellent recording. It has it all. I have never played it for anyone who hasn't ended up loving it.

I don't claim to be any kind of music expert, but I think I know what sounds pretty damn special, and this is one. A 'hair standing up on the back of your neck', goosepimple recording. I can only scratch my head when I look at the Rolling Stone site and see a 1 star review. Most of the site visitors rated it 5 stars. A little known gem.

Chris