5 best underrated or unknown bands and why?

Again we fall into problems with definitions and depends how knowledgable you are about music.
Lambchop are widely known and touted in the press all the time,turning up constantly in the end of year lists.
They probably make a good to decent living out of music too.
Gomez there was a big buzz about in the UK on their debut release.
Can are one of the most touted avant-garde bands of all time and had a hit single!
The Residents too are in a similar bracket.

Marakanetz,
Sorry I don't, I like Can a lot based on what I've heard but I haven't really done on any great research on them.
I would imagine Ebay in Germany or somewhere on the web would have the original stuff you are looking for....
I may check out some things later when I get time.
David Sylvian has a new CD out by the way..only available mailorder-I'm awaiting mine-it comes from the States...
Regards,

Backtoanalog-yes but the only reason some of the members of Lambchop have to work jobs on the side is because there's so many of them!
There must be about 15 in that live band!

Philjoilet you got me with Bad Plus........

I have the cuffs ready Ohlala and I think you just about deserve them,perhaps too new to be underrated and they are getting quite a bit of press,of course you are not alone both Alex Harvey and XTC were/are widely acclaimed and both had hit singles!
Jings I used to moan about the voting system here and now I'm pulling peoples threads apart.....I must say though several threads are being misunderstood to an extent verging on the farcical-not this one in particular...