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Favourite obscure/unknown Artist and Performer

Hi all, today I read a thread about Townes Van Zandt which led me research (go on Youtube) him further. This is an artist that I had no knowledge of before and I was delighted when I looked him up. Thanks to Oily for this.

So I thought I would start a discussion where we could list interesting artists that may be obscure overseas or unique or anything that you like that you feel may appeal to others. Its not a thread to list Black Sabbath or Zeppelin but something a little different.

I will start the ball rolling with a few that some of you may like.

Black Carrot

Mark Lanegan

The Unthanks

Prof.

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Permalink Reply by Clock The Wolf on March 17, 2012 at 12:52am

http://www.ralphgean.com/

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Permalink Reply by The Professor on March 17, 2012 at 6:10am

Thats the stuff!

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on March 17, 2012 at 7:54am

Prof,

Glad you enjoyed your introduction to Townes. Here's another one of my more obscure-across-the-seven-seas, but locally well known ( in Texas, anyway) artists - another great singer-songwriter named Shake Russell:

http://www.shakerussell.com/

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Permalink Reply by chris on March 17, 2012 at 12:52pm

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O0egnTDkD0&feature=relmfu

Ray Wylie Hubbard dont know if hes obscure to you all but new to me

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on March 19, 2012 at 7:45am

I like ol Ray.

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Permalink Reply by Wade on March 17, 2012 at 1:26pm

unknown to many and I think one of the most underated musicians: Mr. Ben Prestage - plays a mean cbg(and several other instruments at the same time)

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Permalink Reply by The Professor on March 17, 2012 at 11:25pm

Wade, I agree. We had him over in the UK for Boxstock last year. The man is pure talent.

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Permalink Reply by Vinylhed on March 17, 2012 at 3:18pm

Nice idea Prof!

Black Carrot are new to me, rather like Pere Ubu, if the video I checked out on You Tube is anything to go by. Not easy listening, but music, like Captain Beefheart, that I admire.

Mark Lanegan's work with the Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stoneage, I can take or leave. But his solo album Bubblegum is great, and the 3 records he's recorded with Isobel Campbell are wonderful.

I saw the Unthanks when they performed as Rachel Unthank and the Winterset (a much better name if you ask me), a number of years ago, and they blew me away. I think I might be a little in love with them.

As for my recommendation, I'd suggest Howe Gelb.

He's recorded his own brand of Americana on and off as/with Giant Sand since the mid 80s, as well as with other musical collectives all round the world. His albums shift between dusty blues, rocking post punk, gentle country music and avant garde piano compositions. I would recommend people check out his 'Sno Angel album, that he recorded with a gospel choir, or Giant Sand's Chore of Enchantment, as a starting point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61O_7HWeQxg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvsbHtnb-mA

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Permalink Reply by The Professor on March 18, 2012 at 12:35am

Vinylhead, Howe Gelb is just fantastic I am a convert. Got to concurr with your infatuation with the Geordie lasses. Saw them at the Green Man 2 years ago and they were mighty fine. I have seen Black Carrot twice and whilst they are a challenge its an experience that you dont regret. Try listeneing to the Anciant Mariner. Its a ghost story with them as a backing track. Interestng stuff and a bit different.

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Permalink Reply by Medicine Man CBG's-Mikel Doktor on March 17, 2012 at 7:11pm

Nobody's finer than The Fourty-Fives from Athens ,Georgia. Just don't challenge Brian to a drinkin' contest. A close 2nd is The Chesterfield Kings from Ra Cha-Cha ,NY.