I tend to shy away from music threads on forums because people have this strange obsession with putting other people down for what music they listen to that doesn't happen as much with other media like films or books. I guess it's because music tends to play an important part in social status as a teenager, so people naturally feel an urge to attack or defend other people for what they like, kind of like a teenage religion. But whatever, I have a feeling that won't be as much of a problem on Smogon.
I'm going to assume this applies only to bands and not solo artists because I haven't seen any other posts with them in.
The Smiths
One of my favourite bands of all time. Morrissey is a beautiful man and the dark humour in most of their songs is excellent. I love how they manage to be sorely blunt and poetic at the same time, and the simpleness of their setup still manages to be innovative and influential. Probably one of the most important bands of all time.
The King Blues
I first found the King Blues back in 2007 when I was at an Anti-Flag show. Anti-Flag were promoting that god awful Bright Lights of America album and were absolutely dire compared to
The King Blues who absolutely blew the roof of. They're a Folk/Punk/Ska mash up that have the most incredibly energy and attitude both on stage and on disc. I've been to see them around 6 or 7 times in tiny venues all around Britain (they even played my local a few years ago, which is a tiny Social Welfare club). I heard they're starting to get big now but I don't really pay attention to the music "scene", so I wish them well.
Rancid (& Transplants)
Rancid are one of those bands who just keep on going and are consistently brilliant. I got into punk and ska music when I was around 13 and Rancid were one for the first bands I found, since they've managed to make a respectful crossover into the mainstream on occasion so are fairly well known. They also helped develop my interest in Reggae and Hip Hop thanks to Tim's side project Transplants.
NoFX
That other band that got me into music. They have a tendency to get too political and I know a lot of people don't like political music, but it doesn't get in the way of the music itself, which is excellent. They can also be ridiculous at times which is good because I think if a band does want to go around getting political, it helps to know that at the same time they don't take themselves too seriously. They only come to the UK once every 4 years, and last time I saw them I managed to pass out half way through The Decline (it's 18 minutes long), and come around just in time for the end of the song. Awesome.
Fall Out Boy
lolomgfalloutboy. I like Fall Out Boy and I have done since around 2004/5 when Havak introduced me to them back when we were little tykes still at school. I know they've become massive superstars since and Pete Wentz is a complete and utter cunt, but they're music is/was fun and energetic and the lyrics are pretty good too. I know Pop/Punk tends to get a bad press because of the social scene and type of people related with it, but I don't care because I like the music.
Toy Dolls
One of the most fun and eccentric bands you'll ever hear, probably most widely known for Nellie The Elephant. All their songs are incredibly wacky and zany. They have a great sense of humour but are really tight as a band too. Just so good.
I can't listen to The Toy Dolls without smiling.