Belle and Sebastian - Scottish folk-rock with an emphasis on telling stories in their music.
The Cure - Because 'Friday I'm In Love' will rock your world.
Jarvis Cocker - Clever, witty lyrics with a cheeky anger towards the world.
10,000 maniacs - American music with often sombre lyrics over upbeat music - listen for guest appearances by Micheal Stipe.
Guillemots - An almost unheard of English band with a good mix of upbeat, almost carnival music and haunting beautiful pieces (Check out 'If the world ends' on youtube)
The Smiths - You either love them or you hate them. John Marr's guitarwork with Morrissey's singing is fantastic.
Echo and the Bunnymen - Another British band who play with superb self-confidence.
Queens of the Stone Age - A grungey dark rock band with some cracking guitar and drumwork and an unforgettable voice.