Post your Top 5 Hidden Gem Albums

ganpondorodf


And So I Watch You From Afar.  Definitely should've included their debut album on my list (I've still not got round to getting Gangs).  The best Irish band going at the minute, imo.

Man, listening to this now and i'm blown away! 

Borealis - Fall From Grace: They remind me a little of Alter Bridge.....but with more of a metal sound (guitars are thicker), yet polished and with a somewhat progressive slant. This is one of my favorite albums from any band.....I listen to this constantly.
Anubis Gate - Unchained
Anubis Gate - The Detached
Anubis Gate - Anubis Gate .......this band is very progressive! Heavy......but atmospheric. Great vocals. All three albums are quite different, but all are excellent and definitely hidden gems.
  Age of Nemesis - Terra Incognita: Hungarian progressive metal. Unusual sound to define......think of a cross between Dream Theater and Mungo Jerry! Very talented musicians.

AdRock18


These won't be too obscure/hidden on a forum like this, but here goes:

  2. Vitalij Kuprij - Extreme Measures (extreme neoclassical shredfest)
 

 
This is the one with George Bellas, right? I'm surprised that you didn't say "High Definition" considering your avatar.  I also have "VK3" with Macalpine and "Forward and Beyond" with Michael Harris. Kuprij always has the best shredders!
 
Also, what about "Ascend"?..... where Vitalij returns the favor to Howe. All gems to be sure.

1. Forced Entry - As Above, So Below
 
These guys were on the verge of EXPLODING (IMHO).   Also IMO, they were one of the *first* technical thrash bands.   I might be biased because I'm from Seattle, but these guys were the KINGS of the Seattle metal scene in the late 80's and early 90's.    Unfortunately, their record label (Enigma/Relativity) went bankrupt the same year that grunge hit.  Suddenly, they were a Seattle *thrash* band looking for a contract...and the labels were only signing Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and some "also rans".    They would self produce an EP in the middle of the grunge craze...but it didn't even make a blip on the radar.   This album is a thrash masterpiece that is often lost in the maze.  I really miss these guys.
 
2. Forbidden - Green
 
Forbidden's BEST album...period.  I put this album along side Reign in Blood and Beneath the Remains as one of the greatest thrash albums ever released.
 
3. The Buck Pets - S/T
 
I saw these guys open for Jane's Addiction on the Nothing's Shocking tour and I was absolutely hooked.  post-punk out of the Dallas area.  Influenced by the same bands that influenced the Seattle grunge scene...so there are similarities to grunge...but I think that *not* being in Seattle gave them a different take on the sound...and not being in Seattle, they weren't shaped by the same musical and social environment that Seattle bands were.   So I find it quite different.  If you love The Replacements, you will love The Buck Pets. 
 
4. Bel Canto - Shimmering, Warm and Bright
 
Completely different kind of music.   Electronica, new-ageish Norwegian band.  Kinda Enya-ish...but I think it's amazing.  Check it out. 
 
5. P.M. Dawn - Dearest Christian, I'm So Very Sorry For Bringing You Here. Love, Dad
 
If you are into R&B that is a pure listening experience, and not necessarily a dancing one...BUY THIS ALBUM.   IMO, the reason it flopped is precisely that reason.  I mean, come on...who has the balls to something so different as to release an R&B album that you can't dance to????
 
I fought really hard for #5....I *almost* said Kingston Wall's self titled debut.  What little I've heard of it has *nailed me to the wall*!!   But since I havn't heard the whole thing, and I don't own it...the PM Dawn won out.   But I think that Kingston Wall - I deserves an extremely honorable mention. 
 
 

1. Rhythm, Chord and Melody-The Reign of Kindo- This is certainly one of my favourite albums of all time. Every single song speaks to me. It's progressive, indie, pop-rock, played by well educated jazz musicians. Incredible stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHAik4Z07M0
 
2. O My Heart-Mother Mother- This is a local indie band that has been making waves all over the country and now in the states and europe. They're SO cool. They're an indie rock band with quirk like there's no tomorrow. A very unique sound. Really great songwriting. Killer band. This album is their masterpiece.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiXvDsHfpdk
 
3. Thanatos and the Archangel-Criminal Caterpillar-Another local band and they're actually good friends of mine. They're totally amazing. Inspired by old and new school prog. Incredible songwriting by Eric Wettstein. The playing is amazing. The album is a concept album which you can read about here http://criminalcaterpillar.blogspot.ca/ And you can download/buy the record here http://criminalcaterpillar.bandcamp.com/album/thanatos-and-the-archangel
 
4.On My Mind EP-Bend Sinister- This band has been around for over a decade. They've got such a cool sound. Total throwback to bands like Queen and Supertramp. The lead singer is astounding! On My Mind is an ep that is a precursor to their forthcoming record. This isn't from the EP but it's my favourite tune of theirs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAaeLq0pPSI
 
5. The Hidden Names-Parlour Steps- May this band RIP. One of my favourite indie bands ever. They were a shining light in our local music scene  they just could bust out of here. This album is indie pop goodness from beginning to end. I'm in this music video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzpGVj0wrpI

emtee


Blue Murder S/T debut
Zebra - S/T debut
Saraya S/T debut

That right there is like time travel for me.  I haven't heard someone mention Saraya in ages; I'm not even sure I can remember what they sound like (though I do remember Sandi Saraya was something of a looker).   You can almost add Arc Angel to that list, though in hindsight that is a little lighter weight than either Blue Murder or Zebra.  For those that don't know, Arc Angel is like a poppier, more keyboard-heavy Night Ranger (though, oddly and I mean ODDLY, the release of the Arc Angel album has a pretty faithful cover of In The Court Of The Crimson King).

4. Bel Canto - Shimmering, Warm and Bright
 
Completely different kind of music.   Electronica, new-ageish Norwegian band.  Kinda Enya-ish...but I think it's amazing.  Check it out.

 
It's the only album of theirs I've listened to. Overwhelmingly beautiful.

Everon - North
Von Hertzen Brothers - Approach (although I can't argue with Love Remains the Same as mentioned, both great)
DeeExpus - Half Way Home
Man On Fire - Chrysalis
Steve Unruh - The Great Divide

KDawg



4.On My Mind EP-Bend Sinister- This band has been around for over a decade. They've got such a cool sound. Total throwback to bands like Queen and Supertramp. The lead singer is astounding! On My Mind is an ep that is a precursor to their forthcoming record. This isn't from the EP but it's my favourite tune of theirs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAaeLq0pPSI

 
nice. The new album "Small Fame" is being released on July 10th.

October Project - self titled
Beautiful pop rock - with 2 women doing the lead vocals.
 
Positive Light+Marillion - Tales from the engine room
remix album of This strange engine by Marillion - a bit trance-like - you have to listen for yourself
 
Brian May+Friends (a.o. Eddie van Halen) - Starfleet project
An EP from the rock version of the tune from Starfleet, sort of the Japanese Thunderbirds in space with rockets shaped like insects.
With 2 others songs, a blues song by Brian May that never got through to a Queen-recording and a song called Blues Breaker (dedicated to EC) - yep, Eric Clapton. Just some sort of 12 minute jamming session.
I have the original EP as well as the rerelease on the Back of the Light cd-single-box.
 
Zakk Wylde - Book of Shadows
Maybe not so unknown on this forum, but a great southern rock album. And Zakk Wylde can sing pretty good in my opinion. Some beautiful songs without all the shredding.
 
Angelzoom - self titled
German female singer with a beautiful voice. Her music is described as dark ambient techno. On 1 of the songs a guy from Apocalyptica accomponies her (I saw her as a support act for that band). Really beautiful relaxing music.
 

angra1


I'm actually seeing The Polyphone Spree live tonight Tensed. Kind of ironic, as it was nearly 5 years ago when I saw them last.

Awesome for you! How was it?

crazy climber dude

AdRock18


These won't be too obscure/hidden on a forum like this, but here goes:

2. Vitalij Kuprij - Extreme Measures (extreme neoclassical shredfest)

This is the one with George Bellas, right? I'm surprised that you didn't say "High Definition" considering your avatar.  I also have "VK3" with Macalpine and "Forward and Beyond" with Michael Harris. Kuprij always has the best shredders!

Also, what about "Ascend"?..... where Vitalij returns the favor to Howe. All gems to be sure.

CCD, you are my man! I love Ascend, especially the opener "Unlocked", but I'm figuring Kuprij is a lot more "hidden/obscure" than Greg Howe. Also, although I feel Howe handled the neo-classical stuff so much better than anyone could've ever expected, Bellas brings that Yngwie style in his playing AND tone (maple neck strat FTW)!) that fits the music so perfectly. The song "Destination" is absurdly good.
 
VK3 and Forward And Beyond were both great, especially the latter, which had guest solos from a bunch of different guitarists (incl. Mike Romeo), but my favorite will always be Extreme Measures, by a hair.
 
P.S. Read an interview with Romeo once where he said something like "I did a song with this guy Vitalij Kuprij, a keyboard player......fucking awesome!). That's all you need to know about VK.

Stadler

emtee


Blue Murder S/T debut
Zebra - S/T debut
Saraya S/T debut

That right there is like time travel for me.  I haven't heard someone mention Saraya in ages; I'm not even sure I can remember what they sound like (though I do remember Sandi Saraya was something of a looker).   You can almost add Arc Angel to that list, though in hindsight that is a little lighter weight than either Blue Murder or Zebra.  For those that don't know, Arc Angel is like a poppier, more keyboard-heavy Night Ranger (though, oddly and I mean ODDLY, the release of the Arc Angel album has a pretty faithful cover of In The Court Of The Crimson King).

I actually When The Blackbird Sings much better than her debut. Probably should have suggested it but I was on a S/T debut run so I went with it...:)

AdRock18

 
 

CCD, you are my man! I love Ascend, especially the opener "Unlocked", but I'm figuring Kuprij is a lot more "hidden/obscure" than Greg Howe. Also, although I feel Howe handled the neo-classical stuff so much better than anyone could've ever expected, Bellas brings that Yngwie style in his playing AND tone (maple neck strat FTW)!) that fits the music so perfectly. The song "Destination" is absurdly good.

VK3 and Forward And Beyond were both great, especially the latter, which had guest solos from a bunch of different guitarists (incl. Mike Romeo), but my favorite will always be Extreme Measures, by a hair.

P.S. Read an interview with Romeo once where he said something like "I did a song with this guy Vitalij Kuprij, a keyboard player......fucking awesome!). That's all you need to know about VK.

 
Yeah, Howe is better suited for the fusion stuff.....and what a collection he has in that genre! I think Hyperacuity is my favorite, but Extraction with Chambers and Wooten is phenomenal.....about as good as it gets.
 
I love Bellas. Vinman got me into him with Turn of the Millennium. I also have Mind Over Matter.....but agree Extreme Measures is a serious shredfest because of the duels going on. A lot of guys on this forum don't care for him though.....calling him "sloppy" (ask Bear).
 
Kuprij is unbelievably talented.....in some ways more than Rudess. Do you have any Ring of Fire stuff? Not real crazy about Mark Boals, but the music has some major chops! The DVD they made shows Kuprij doing this incredible solo where he plays from underneath the piano backwards. Crazy! Also, check out You Tube for a song he does with John Macaluso called "Puffy from Booze". Holy crap!
 

crazy climber dude

AdRock18




CCD, you are my man! I love Ascend, especially the opener "Unlocked", but I'm figuring Kuprij is a lot more "hidden/obscure" than Greg Howe. Also, although I feel Howe handled the neo-classical stuff so much better than anyone could've ever expected, Bellas brings that Yngwie style in his playing AND tone (maple neck strat FTW)!) that fits the music so perfectly. The song "Destination" is absurdly good.

VK3 and Forward And Beyond were both great, especially the latter, which had guest solos from a bunch of different guitarists (incl. Mike Romeo), but my favorite will always be Extreme Measures, by a hair.

P.S. Read an interview with Romeo once where he said something like "I did a song with this guy Vitalij Kuprij, a keyboard player......fucking awesome!). That's all you need to know about VK.

Yeah, Howe is better suited for the fusion stuff.....and what a collection he has in that genre! I think Hyperacuity is my favorite, but Extraction with Chambers and Wooten is phenomenal.....about as good as it gets.

I love Bellas. Vinman got me into him with Turn of the Millennium. I also have Mind Over Matter.....but agree Extreme Measures is a serious shredfest because of the duels going on. A lot of guys on this forum don't care for him though.....calling him "sloppy" (ask Bear).

Kuprij is unbelievably talented.....in some ways more than Rudess. Do you have any Ring of Fire stuff? Not real crazy about Mark Boals, but the music has some major chops! The DVD they made shows Kuprij doing this incredible solo where he plays from underneath the piano backwards. Crazy! Also, check out You Tube for a song he does with John Macaluso called "Puffy from Booze". Holy crap!

Bellas? Sloppy? Wow, I never got that impression listening to him. I remember the first time I heard him, probably late 90's. I was listening to this Winamp station (anyone remember that?) at work which was randomly playing artists in the genre based off of Yngwie's type stuff. The song was the previously mentioned "Destination" off of Extreme Measures, and I was floored. Bought the CD instantly, not knowing who VK or Bellas even were. My only issue with Bellas is the lack of variety in his soloing (like Yngwie) in his solo material. Those speedy runs sound too similar to each other (and YJM, obv). However, when he had to play some bluesy stuff on that Mogg/Way (of UFO) album, he sounded great!
 
As for Ring Of Fire, I have all of 'em, just like any other Shrapnel-type stuff. Like you said, awesome chops, but Boals can only be taken in small doses. Gonna have to check that Macaluso vid, though.!
 
And as for my man Greg Howe, it's so tough to pick a favorite album. Gun to my head......nah, I can't do it. LOL. OK, I'll go with Extraction. Wicked, and I mean WICKED playing and feel. I also love Hyperacuity, and as for accessibility, Introspection and his latest, Sound Proof, are where it's at.
 
One other Shrapnel album that you probably have, but those who don't need to get: Michael Lee Firkins self-titled debut. The only album he ever made with a little edge to the music, and his style is so unique.

More Vitalij Kuprij fans! Extreme Measures was my first (and probably favorite) from him. Track On Fire is my favorite song off that album. I'm listening to Destination right now, though. It's been years! I was an Artension fan first (which lead my to Kuprij's solo stuff). I'll add a few hidden gems as well. In alphabetical order:
 
1. Artension - Phoenix Rising Great neoclassical hard rock with Kuprij on keys and John West (ex-Royal Hunt) on vocals.
 
2. Conception - Flow Really anything by them could be on this list. The mighty Roy Khan is on vocals (before he was with Kamelot).
 
3. Ivanhoe - Polarized This album slightly edges out their first two albums for me. Andy B. Frank sings on their first 3 albums (before he moved on to Brainstorm and Symphorce).
 
4. Leviathan - Scoring The Chapters Great US prog metal.
 
5. Theocracy - As The World Bleeds Our own forum member, Matt Smith's band. One of my fave albums of all time, and it was only released six months ago!
 
I could go on and on. I'll also give honorable mentions to Payne's Gray's Kadath Decoded, Wastefall's Soulrain 21, and Veni Domine's Spiritual Wasteland.

Not on an album, but it is hidden. As far as a jem? Well, that's up to you. Nevertheless, this is the right crowd.
http://soundcloud.com/kevingeier/nightmare-bass-dream-theater
 

Gem not Jem. Sorry my brain slipped way back into cartoon Fantasyland. 
 

KDawg


1. Rhythm, Chord and Melody-The Reign of Kindo- This is certainly one of my favourite albums of all time. Every single song speaks to me. It's progressive, indie, pop-rock, played by well educated jazz musicians. Incredible stuff.

I listened to a little bit of these guys on Spotify a while ago, great great stuff.  There're so many albums I need to pick up as soon as I move house and get some money back in the bank..!

1. Five Serpent's Teeth - Evile
Great Thrash band from Huddersfield, they are starting to be more well known but they still haven't reached the global well known level
this album is like their Master Of Puppets! also their 2 other albums are fantastic: Enter The Grave, Infected Nations. The lead guitarist [Ol Drake] is nominated at Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards for Dimebag Shredder Award
2. Plague Of Conscience - Savage Messiah

Also a great Thrash band from London, they got 2 albums and they are both amazing! Plague Of Conscience is their most recent album which is not very typical thrash which makes it great! first album: Insurrection Rising.
3. The Aura - Beyond Creation
Technical Progressive Death Metal band from Canada that is their debut album and i have to say it does not disappoint! some amazing amazing stuff on there
4. Long Live Heavy Metal - 3 Inches Of Blood
i am not sure about this one, because i am not sure if they are very well known.
A power/heavy metal band from Canada who have had a lot of different line ups as well as 2 singers. Now they only have one and he's by far better than the last, vocals are very Rob Halford in the Painkiller era. Anyways! Great album! a lot of new different stuff compared to their last albums and it seems like they get better every day!
5. Wolfmother - Wolfmother
Amazing rock band from Australia, that is their debut album and it is very  very good! a lot of inspirations from Jimi Hendrix and so on that can be very well noticed, i highly recommend it! they have a second album: Cosmic Egg which i still need to give a proper listen

Jim Steinman's solo album Bad For Good is up there with anything he ever did with/for Meat Loaf. Sadly several of the tracks have since been butchered on future Meat Loaf releases (pretty sure there's a pun in there somewhere, but it wasn't intended), but the original 1981 album (with Steinman on vocals) is a minor gem. Theatrical, powerful, his trademark vivid lyrical imagery and clever turns of phrase. It's one of the most fun rock albums I've ever heard, and unusually, subtly clever. 

Camel - Moonmadness
Comus - First Utterance
David Sylvian - Secrets of the Beehive
Scott Walker - Scott 3
Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden

Chevelle - Hats of to the Bull
Definitely a stronger and better album compared to their last release. I hated this album at first after expecting another Vena Sera, but I'm just crazy for it now. All the songs are catchy as fuck!
 
Childish Gambino - Camp
It's Donald Glover's (that kid from Community) debut full length and it ain't bad. I've never been a hip-hop fan. In fact I only got the album for the sole fact I'm a huge Community nut, but man, was I blown by this album. This kid has got sweet pipes and really melodic singing going on. The album feels like a prog album to me, with recurring song references here and there, unconventional arrangements.
 
Jeff Buckley - Live At Sin-E
There's just something about Jeff's debut EP that makes it stand out among his releases. The simplicity, the voice, the guitar playing, plus the fact that he alone performs these songs. Definitely a hidden gem.
 
MuteMath - Odd Soul
Heavily influenced by blues, this album just delivers from start to finish. Not one song wasted. Incredible drumming, dreamy vocal croons, and those guitar licks!
 
Nirvana - Bleach
Not really obscure but I'm one of those Nirvana nuts and among their releases, Bleach is THE grunge album of Nirvana. Pure ferocity, frustration, and agression. Definitely their heaviest.

Hwangman


1. 12 Rods - Split Personalities

4. Mansun - Six

5. Scott Walker - Scott 3
 

 
Listened to these the other day and sounded really good and interesting. Found Split Personalities and Six on Amazon for less then 9 euros total for both.

spocks_brow


2. Mew- And the Glass Handed Kites
Apparently in Europe, these guys sell out arenas.  Here in America, they barely sold half the Trocadero in Philly (a small venue).  These guys are a fantastic collection of dreamy progressive indie rock.  Almost every song here flows right into the other and it's one big great piece.

 
If you ask me "....and the Glass Handed Kites" is Mew´s best album! Excellent choice!

Great topic! I'm trying to focus more on non-progressive music, because I guess most progressive music isn't a hidden gem on these boards.
 
Annihilator - Set the world on fire
Europe - The final countdown (not 'unknown' of course, but often overlooked I think)
Steve Lukather - Candyman
Morgana Lefay -Maleficium
Sugartooth - Sugartooth
 

For the sake of bumping, I'd like to say that although Headspace may be somewhat well known, their latest album "I Am Anonymous" is a hidden gem as far as myself and my friends are concerned. The album fucking rocks, and as a fellow forumer said, it's kind of like a cross between SFAM and Op:MC (if you can even believe that). Check it out!

City Boy - The day the earth caught fire (70ties brittish rock band with progressive tendencies)
 
The 3rd and the mortal - Painting on glass (Norwegian experimental metal, female vocals)
 
Violet hour - The fire sermon  (amazing debut and unfortunately the only album of this brittish neoprog group with fantastic female vocals)
 
A.C.T - The last epic (Swedish progrock inspired by City Boy, Queen, ELO etc)
 
Dive - Where the river turns to sea (Swedish duo)
 
 

I've got four to add which I'm fairly certain no one here has heard due to the fact that they are 80s-90s Christian Metal.  Musically, they are outstanding.

1. Mastedon - Lofcaudio (1990)
2. Mastedon - It's a Jungle Out There (1989)
3. Bride - Snakes in the Playground (1991)
4. Magdallan - Big Bang (1992)

Mastedon only released the two albums shown above, but they were both outstanding as they featured vocalist and songwriter John Elefante.  Bride was a very popular Christian metal act in the 80s and 90s who were largely carried by their amazing vocalist, Dale Thompson (check out some of the old footage of Bride/Dale Thompson on YouTube).  Thompson has one of the strongest voices I have ever heard.  Lastly, Magdallan was a one-album wonder featuring extraordinary singer/guitarist Ken Tamplin along with guitarist Lanny Cordola.  While these are hidden gems, they are also 80s/90s metal.  If you like that era of music, I would think you would love these albums.

I love this thread!
 
 

This is a hard concept for me to get my head around. 
 
One man's Lumpy Gravy is the next man's Zepp 4. 
 
What's really hidden?
 
 

Ok I'll do this, but it's more under the premise of things I like that I doubt the majority of posters here, are aware or hip to.
 
1 D.J Shadow, Introducing. Cool album from start to finish
2 Dr. Octagon, Dr Octaganacoligst. Probably my favorite hip hop album, this or Paul's by the beasties.
3. Santana and John McGlaughin. Love Devotion Surrender. A burning fusion album that can be had for 99cents at any used record shop.
4. Chirs Fortier or Jimmy Van M, Bedrock (that's a label pimping a Dj mix in this instance) I sure had some crazy times taking in this music.
5. Zappa Lumpy Gravy. Because it's awesome and it challenges the listener in ways unseen in the mid 60's. That and I doubt most people here have sat down and listened to the mania that it is.
 

3 fiddy.. Damn lochness moster

Frantic Bleep - The Sense Apparatus (prog metal)
Battlestar Cadillactica - Farming In The Sands Of The Hourglass (prog rock)
Quicksand - Slip (grunge-era band)
Yogi - Any Raw Flesh (prog rock)
The Morningside - Moving Crosscurrent Of Time (for fans of Agalloch)

Om - Conference of the Birds
Sleep - Dopesmoker...this was actually re-released this year
Pissed Jeans - King of Jeans
The Monks - Black Monk Time
Flipper - Album

fitzchris
 
 
Catherine Wheel - Adam and Eve
Again a band and album that is only "hidden" based on your geography.  They never made a big splash in America and certainly by this album, any momentum they had had been lost.  However, this album absolutely is a masterpiece, from beginning to end.  You have the amazing voice of Rob Dickinson (nephew of some guy named Bruce Dickinson), the production values of Bob Ezrin, and even an captivating album cover by Storm Thorgeson.  Perhaps what Pink Floyd would have sounded like if they grew up in the 90's?  This album still holds up today and sounds as good to my ears now as it ever has.

 
Mate I am glad that someone else in this forum appreciates this classic album.
Great band, I thought all their albums were great, but this one is the best.

1. Aviatic: Goodbye Beautiful Day: Can't find much info on this band other than they are from LA released this great album in 2006 and haven't released anything since...my Blackfield Pandora channel introduced me to them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2LPWQ-2Yto
2. Big Wreck: Albatross: First heard these guys back in 1997 on one of Dream Theater's Home for the Holiday's shows...they were getting booed by some people in the crowd because of their more modern approach...I bough their first cd that night and have enjoyed all that Ian Thornley has done from Big Wreck to his Thornley band...this is the title track to their newest cd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJCqtMRzB8s
3. Novembre: Materia Great band that again was discovered through my Blackfield Pandora channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjV_PpYPTiE
4. House of Fools: Live and Learn My Blackfield Pandora channel has introduced me to a few of my favorite new bands...this one has spread to my Spock's Beard Pandora channel as well... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew1UhUys-jE
5. Von Hertzen Brothers: Stars Aligned I'm shocked these guys aren't bigger especially with the rise of popularity of bands like Mumford and Sons and Dawes (especially Always been Right off of this album) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbjxJhRndzs

I could continue on and on there are so many criminally undrerated bands out there...Including almost all Prog bands from the mid-80's on;-)

Von Hertzen Brothers rule. Just youtubed their amazing live performance of 'Bring Out The Sun' from Provinssirock, greatness. 

phoenixdown

1. Aviatic: Goodbye Beautiful Day: Can't find much info on this band other than they are from LA released this great album in 2006 and haven't released anything since...my Blackfield Pandora channel introduced me to them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2LPWQ-2Yto
2. Big Wreck: Albatross: First heard these guys back in 1997 on one of Dream Theater's Home for the Holiday's shows...they were getting booed by some people in the crowd because of their more modern approach...I bough their first cd that night and have enjoyed all that Ian Thornley has done from Big Wreck to his Thornley band...this is the title track to their newest cd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJCqtMRzB8s
3. House of Fools: Live and Learn My Blackfield Pandora channel has introduced me to a few of my favorite new bands...this one has spread to my Spock's Beard Pandora channel as well... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew1UhUys-jE

I could continue on and on there are so many criminally undrerated bands out there...Including almost all Prog bands from the mid-80's on;-)

 
fan of all 3 of these. 
 
Aviatic are likely done or on some long indefinite hiatus. But that record is a really nice pop record in the vein of U2, Coldplay or One Republic.
 
House of Fools, I happen to find to be a brilliant band, but barely anybody else catches on to them. Why? I've never really understood. Live and Learn is easily 1 of my top 20 or 30 records listened to over the last decade. Their new record "Versus the Beast" is also a worthy follow up. But I've kind of given up hope they'll ever reach a wider audience, even say as large as The Dear Hunter.
 
The new The Big Wreck album isn't bad, and you're right, nobody is talking about it unfortunately.