Realistically, we have to start talking about The Roots as one of the top twenty hip-hop acts ever right? Ten relatively varied LPs over just shy of twenty years, of which you could argue 2 - 4 are classics, and none are less than respectable efforts, plus they're the very best at the specific thing that they do (hip-hop with live instruments). The lack of iconic songs and cultural import is basically the only demerit you could levy against them.

I love Primo as any right-thinking man ought to, but Guru really loses GS points for me. Still a great group, I just don't quite vibe with them as I'd like to. :(

Ghost is an acquired taste (it's tough for me to listen to any of his albums front to back), but goddamn if "Shakey Dog" from Fishscale isn't my favourite rap song ever. the storytelling is just on another level. His eye for detail is something to behold, and the rolling soulful production is a beaut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqWDg9KCGpI

Oh, a variety of things. I've started working a night shift job, so a lot of stuff on the quieter side: The Band, minimal techno (esp. Ricardo Villalobos), FaltyDL, gloomy folk and country (esp. Mirel Wagner and Daughn Gibson, both who put out fine records this year), Elvis Presley's Sun sessions, The Knife... I've also been on an enormous, enormous Beastie Boys kick since MCA's death. Those are the principals.

Daughn Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNnG90WFTMw

Huge fan of Richard Thompson. I don't know if you've heard Pour Down Like Silver, the follow up to Bright Lights, but it's an unheralded record with its own distinct pleasures. The Knife didn't really strike me at first and I had Silent Shout on my computer for years without really bothering with it. Turns out to my surprise it's great. Maybe give "Neverland" and "Pass This On" another crack sometime you're in the mood for electronic music.

I accidentally wrote this in my own comment box, lol

With me, if something is critically acclaimed and I don't get it for some reason, I try not to force it. All truly worthwhile music will make its way back into your vision eventually, and the next time you might be more ready for it. Totally zen, lol

And yeah, Pavement had to grow on me too. I still don't looooove them, but I like them a lot.

I'd put it in that company myself. It's incredible. Definitely in that Blueprint, Aquemini, It Takes a Nation of Millions..., Paul's Boutique conversation for me. I mean... goddamn it's good.