I don't know how far outside your box this would be (so to speak, ahem) but what about 'Classical'. One of my favourites is Mars from the Planets. It starts with a deep, almost disturbing, bass rythm that you feel more than hear, then it builds into a powerful musical picture of struggle, power, war. It's also incredibly musical - not all clashes and bangs like some can be.
You can do a lot worse than film music - John Barry (his On The Beyondness of Things is awasome even though it was never used for a film), Hans Zimmer (Gladiator and many others). For lighter music, Howard Goodall has produced acres of gorgeousness.
The Irrepressibles.
Great new British talent. An orchestra with an amazing vocalist & clever, haunting arrangements. First album released yesterday.
Is just a bloke that writes songs and stuff. He is I suspect right up your alley. Let me know if you would like me to do you a reel to reel or cassette tape. Usually I would charge a BJ but given geography and time constraints a picture of your smile will do.
Having thought long and hard....(and browsed my media player)
The Associates...(so much more than Party fears two)
At the drive-in
Barry Adamson
Be Bop Delux
Big Black
Big Star
Bob Crewe & Charles Fox...the Barbarella ost
The Delfonics
The Fall
Fatima Mansions
I really must get some new music
The Flying Medallions
Forward Russia
Four Tet
Gil Scott-Heron
you get the idea I could go down to H and beyond but you'd get bored
Jack Johnson
John Butler Trio (I love Zebra) getting more well known in uk now...
Today I'll mostly be listening to
Gaslight Anthem
Joe D'urso
with the addition of the 'Men without women' album by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul', Procol Harum's 'An Old English dream' and 'Wall street Blues' and probably, since there's a Y in the day, the Manic Street Preachers...
Rage Wilkinson and the dilated Cervix
Benny Papsworth and his amazing disembowelled elephant.
I'm sorry. I just feel left out because the only one I've heard of on this thread are the Manic Street Preachers and I've just realised I am very uncool and not down with the kids anymore.
Surely scholars have agreed that the father of rap was stanley holloway.
mine will most likely be laughed at or seen as totally un-cool but i like it
just discovered him a month ago and am loving his album
Jace Everett
and someone i have been championing for a couple of years now
Pete Molinari
Minxs dad has only seen two big gigs.
The Beatles and Shania Twain. He reckons Shania was awesome and the Beatles were a bit shit.
I think thats about as "COOL" as it comes.
another example of pete i love this one