Two bands i've been obsessing over recently are the classic Radiohead and the Icelandic post-rock Sigur Ros.
Both bands have elements of rock, but serve to really extend the genre. Radiohead's Kid A and Amnesiac are my favourites (at the moment) and combine a real experimental, often electronic sound moving away from their rockier roots of OK Computer and The Bends. To use the frightful term, both albums are a real musical journey, and are two of the most diverse CDs i've ever heard. I've read that both Kid A and Amnesiac were recorded over the same period, but later split into two albums. You can definitely tell when listening that they're two CDs that sit next to eachother, and complement eachother beautifully. Those who aren't into these more arty releases will enjoy their latest Hail to the Thief, as a return to the genre defining alt rock of OK Computer.
Sigur Ros are a more post-rock group, for those unaware, that combine elements of virtually every genre (bits of britpop, prog rock, a lot of orchestral work) to create a mesmorising experience. I've been raving about Sigur Ros to my friends for a few weeks now, as they're utterly the best band I've discovered in years. Their latest release, Takk..., extends their often melancholy music to an interesting and far more elated level. It's an uplifting CD, that can break the ice on a shitty day. It's also their most accessible, so I'd advise new listeners to pick up Takk... before moving back to their best Ágætis Byrjun and the later ( ). For fans of Coldplay, and perhaps even Bjork, I'd recommend some Sigur Ros.