Tom Robinson - seven albums
Tom Robinson originally came to the spotlight in the late 70s with The Tom Robinson Band. In the 80s he went solo and now offers some of his albums as free downloads on his web site. Robinson has a voice that reminds me a lot of Peter Gabriel in sound and style. The four studio albums are all worthwhile for those who enjoy the British rock of the 80s and the 90s.
War Baby: Hope and Glory (1984) has his biggest hit as a solo artist, “War Baby”. The Peter Gabriel influence is quite strong, almost to a fault. In fact, Gabriel co-wrote one song. To some extent it sounds busy and over produced, another nod to Gabriel perhaps. Yet it is a rousing album with the highlights being the title song, “Murder at the End of Day” and a odd but endearing cover of Steely Dan’s “Rikki, Don’t Lose That Number.”
Still Loving You (1987) is a much more personal sounding album. This one is my favorite of the offerings. I especially like “Feels so Good/Hurts So Bad” and “Drive All Night”.
Love Over Glory and Having It Both Ways pretty much stays in the same vibe which is not a bad thing. Robinson excels in the English pop idiom and adds a nice jazzy urban touch to many of his songs. “Roaring” on Love Over Glory is a nice example of that funky British thing he has going for him.
There are also three worthwhile live albums. Home From Home: CD 1 is a live duo concert with Adam Phillips. It was recorded in 1999. Home From Home: CD 2 is also from 1999 but recorded live in Japan with a full band (Adam Phillips, Andy Treacey, and Jo Burt). Finally, Living In A Boom Timeis a 1992 solo performance from Ireland.
There are a few other offerings on his download page linked below but the above mentioned seven albums are my “best bet” picks. Enjoy and if you like the music, buy his CDs.

I never quite understood what 

NIKOO is a Netherlands noise pop band helmed by Joep van Son who also bought us 
If you are looking for tasty down-tempo style electronics and sampling. there is no better place to search than the
I wished I liked this self-titled debut album from Italian Gothic rock vocalist
Suhov is one of the newer artists on the ever groovy 

Here’s another live studio broadcast from the WFMU studio. This one features
Power and Beauty is a quartet that has a whimsical mix of folk and fantasy. Yet there is a minimalist feel amongst the cute harmonies, the glockenspiel, and the accordions. It is sort of a cross between 
Haunting, beautiful, and distinctly modern is Garth Knox’s solo viola effort titled Viola D’Amour. It is another excellent release from the unique SHSK’H net label which is always good for top quality post-classical music . Knox explores the outer boundary of his instrument and keeps the listener both in wonder of what he will do next. The album has both structured compositions and improvisations although it is a challenge to identify which is which. However the virtuosity of the artist is unquestioned and this is a good bet for those who enjoy classical, modern compositions or simply interesting music.
Fred Baty aka Crepusculum still gets a lot of play on my ipod in the form of his first online EP titled
For a little Spanish ska try La Olla Express. This is a lively and refreshing band that can pack quite a bit of excitement. Panic is their first album and it is a free and legal pleasant surprise. Nice beats and nice horns throughout even if the vocals occasionally get a little corny, often going for effect rather than passion. Nonetheless, reggae, punk,and ska fans with be happy with the results.
The post-rock instrumental band
Bill Altice, former musician in the 
Brazilian classical pianist
Seattle’s improv ensemble 
