5 best underrated or unknown bands and why?

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!

they're and excellent eclectic mix of homegrown fun with great musicianship, instrument choice with some controlled soulful sloppines thrown in. their first, "dem's good beeble," has some serious gems hidden in the rough. i'd also have to champion:

calexico-the black light and spoke.....mulitinstrumental mexicalispacesurf and

ben arnold's '95 release: almost speechless...pop, but on the beam!

last entry neutral milk hotel-the aeroplane over the sea... twistedtroubador

enjoy to music! bud

oops-the first paragrph is supposed to describe THE GOURDS!

Have to agree with Garebear about the Pousette Dart Band. Fantastic and underappreciated group.

One that has not been mentioned, and that I'm listening to now, is Martin Stephenson. "Boat to Bolivia" is one of the greatest neurotic folk/rock albums of all time.

Cpdunn99, did Chris Barry play Martin Stephen (and the Dainties, I believe) for you? Just wondering as I remember that record from a long time ago and will have to find it again as it is a good listen for sure.

I recommend: The Bad Plus, (I may have spelled Plus wrong) but this is one jamming jazz trio with piano, bass and drums that is very dynamic with lots of talent and a little alternative. This group is hard to describe but if it sounds like maybe your cup of tea you should give it a listen as my description is not doing it justice I promise.

BTW the Bad Plus may not meet with Ben Campbell's criteria of an obscure group, but I am not very familiar with the critics and/or publics opinion, just my own (and they seemed obscure to me), and feel these groups are worth a mention.