Which artists do you just NOW get?


A while back, I started a post about popular artists that I just didn't get. I thought it would be fun to turn it on its ear and ask about artists that you didn't understand in your (perhaps) misspent youth, but that you have acquired a taste for over time or maybe just recently. Same rules apply. It's meant to be fun. And a little revealing. Please don't make fun of anyone but yourself.

As for me. I have never been able to stand opera. But I find that I've recently developed a taste for Sarah Brightman. And Bocelli.
kinsekd
Any blues, Jazz, hiphop, rap...

I used to be one of those Freaky kids when i was younger with all the chains, apikes, blue hair, etc etc..
Back then unless it was dark, gothic, industrial or experimental i wanted nothing to do with it.
Yes, Doc Watson, but he's not a new discovery to me. Simply brilliant misicianship. Purity of tone, taste, precision with soul. Simple, affecting delivery of a lyric too. Get "Doc and Merle Watson's Guitar Album" for some stunning picking.

RM
Los Lobos! Bought Kiko, as recommended by stereophile. One of the worst music i ever heard.
Another thread reminded me of JJ Cale. I used to think he was a great writer but thought his music was muddled and uninspired. But now I get it. Now I would much rather listen to his versions over the artist that have covered his songs. To name just a few: Cocaine & After Midnight/ Clapton, Call me the Breeze/ Lynyrd Skynyrd, Travelin Light / Wide Spread Panic. His style is understated with what I would call a slow groove. If you like Dire Straights and Mark Knopfler then you owe it to yourself to hear the true original. I read an interview with Eric Clapton and they asked him what other musician he would like to be and his response was: JJ Cale.

A couple of other musicians that I never enjoyed until recently are Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Allison Krause.
As you can tell, I am rediscovering roots music.
Before this thing gets completely derailed, I'll add one.

Rather than a specific group, I never used to "get" a whole genre...Bluegrass.

I never understood why people would like so many HORRIBLE elements all combined into one form of music. Let's see...fiddle, banjo, mandolin, twanging, yodling, folky country music? YUK! Taken separately, I'm not a big fan of any of these elements, especially country music.

I now GET that this is the "original" country music. The tight harmonies, complex time signatures, virtuosic musicianship and even improvisation. It's ALL good.

Very much like "Jazz" has been comandeered by the Kenny G and David Benoits of the world. Many people have no idea what real jazz is anymore. As with all things, the good stuff never gets the exposure or the airtime. I guess that's why we need forums like this, huh?

Nice thread, Kinsekd.