Top 5 Underrated Bands

While listening to the radio today I realized that I'm not hip with this new fangled music the young whipersnapers are listening to these day. I never thought I'd be an old lady at age 27, but I have. This got me missing the gold old music of my favorite bands like Green Day, Linkin Park, The Offspring, Foo Fighters, etc. I realize they are still touring and making new albums and I felt a bit relieved that someday I could maybe hear good music on the radio again. I then got to missing my lesser known bands that had really good albums and songs but I haven't heard anything new from in quite some time. I have no idea where these bands are or why they're not playing more. Maybe they are and maybe I'm just missing it. Either way, I feel the need to spread the word about these awesome bands (or at least songs). And so, here are my Top 5 Underrated Bands:

5. Jem

Ok, so not a band, more of a singer, but still completely underrated. Jem is a Welsh singer who came onto the scene in 2002 and albums include "Finally Woken" and "Down to Earth", rumors of a third to come out soon.

Song they're known for: "Maybe I'm Amazed"
A fantastic cover of Paul McCartney's hit which hit it big when featured on the show "The OC"
Song they should be known for: "Just a Ride"
http://youtu.be/lS8nudsRxNs
A really fun bubbly hit that conjures up floating through some kind of Disneyland ride or psychadelic mind trip but brings you safely back.
Other great hits: "They"-haunting melody curtosy of Bach's Prelude in F minor; "24"- beautiful violins mixed with electric guitar and a ticking clock, you can't help but getting anxious and feeling the need to run somewhere before it's too late.

4. Jet

Australian rock band of the early to mid 2000's. I'd consider them sounding like modern day Beatles. Had a few albums including the very successful "Get Born" and less successful "Shine On."A quick peek at Wikipedia tells me they've officially broken up in 2012.
Song they're known for: "Are you Gonna Be My Girl"
Has played on numerious commercials as well as plenty of radio airtime. You have heard this song I'm sure.
Song they should be known for: "Look What You've Done"
http://youtu.be/XD1cxSE25ck
When I first heard this song I was obsessed. Slow, melodic, but intense. Very similar sounding to something the Beatles would have written, but still a fantastic song on it's on.
Other great hits: "Cold Hard Bitch"- great rock song, sounds like one that would be fun to play in a bar; "Move on"-much slower, reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here"; "Kings Horses"- short and sweet, has the feeling that this song is a lot older than it actually is.

3. Harvey Danger

A Seattle indie rock band formed in the early 90's. Albums include "Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone?", "King James Version", and "Little by Little" before disbanding in 2009.
Song they're known for: "Flagpole Sitta"
Featured in many a movie and still gets quite a bit of air time despite being released almost 15 years ago.
Song they should be known for: "Flagpole Sitta"
http://youtu.be/nBgmC_USeoM
Yes, they are at least known for what I believe is their best song, but it really is their best song ever. It's the most played song on my ipod and I truly never tire of it.
Other great hits: "Woolly Muffler"- great build up and fun fast guitar work; "Jack the Lion"-my second favorite of the band, great beat and fun chorus.

2. Fountains of Wayne

Formed in New York City in the late 1990's. Still together and albums include "Fountains of Wayne", "Utopia Parkway" and "Traffic and Weather."
Song they're known for: "Stacy's Mom"
She does indeed have it going on. I actually briefly considered the name Stacy for a daughter just so I could have another theme song.
Song they should be known for: "Sink to the Bottom"
http://youtu.be/FgLZMvnWxRU
It's got a very Weezerish feel to it, but being a Weezer fan, I don't mind.
Other great hits: "Hey Julie"- Sure I'm completely biased here since it is an awesome song about how wonderful this chick Julie is, but it really is a sweet song; "...Baby one more time."- a cover of Britney Spear's first hit, they totally make it their own though.

1. Jimmy Eat World

Formed in the early 90's in Arizona, this band is arguably the most successful of my list, but I still find highly underrated. I was lucky enough to see them not once but twice in concert, both times opening acts and both times rivaling the headliner for who had a better set. With 7 albums out already, there's rumors of an 8th coming out soon.
Song they're known for: "The Middle"
A fine but way over played song from 2002, at least got these guys on the radar.
Song they should be known for: "Pain"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uaP6KgwbOvo
Such a great fast paced song that I dare you not to get pumped up when listening to.
Other great hits: "Sweetness"- unbelievably catchy; "Work"-has a sound to it that I can only discribe as Jimmy Eat Worldesq; "Chase This Light"- romantic and heartfelt