bondmanp,
Genre? In the 80s I would have said they were 'alternative' but that label has now been co-opted by a sound I wouldn't really associate with any of these. I suppose I've heard about half played (one time or another) on college stations, but I doubt any are standard fare. In brief:
And Also the Trees--distinctly romantic guitars, sometime melodramatic, toured with The Cure
Angels of Light--much quieter, more jangly project from the Swans (loud, rock)
Coil--dark industrial ambient
Galaxie 500--fuzzy, relaxed, proto-indie-pop
In Gowan Ring--hippy folksy flower children music
Labradford--slow & drony ambient
Lowlife--lush & dreamy Scottish band featuring the original bassist from the Cocteau Twins
Miranda Sex Garden--their first album was all madrigals, then they picked up some modern instruments...
Outhud--Brooklyn/Oakland hipster dance punk with a harp
Pram--fun 90s pop, like I'd imagine a happy upbeat Portishead
Silver Apples--very early (60s) synthesizer based band with Can -like rhythm
David Sylvian--more progressive output from the singer from Japan (band that heavily influenced Duran Duran)
Talk Talk--had their share of 80s pop hits, but its their last two albums that really shine (sued by EMI for not being commercial enough)
Jozef Van Wissem--modern lutist
Zelienople--very recent discovery--avant-garde indie rock from Chicago
Also (already listed by czarivery):
This Mortal Coil--covers from the members of classic 4AD bands
Tuxedomoon--neo-classically inspired 80s synth-pop with violin, clarinet, trumpet & performance artist
