Snobs argue that “greatest hits” compilations are for housewives, but I say they can be a great introduction to an artist with an otherwise overwhelming, mammoth discography - like George Clinton.
If you don’t already have the Parliament (the hardcore space-funk) and Funkadelic (the crazy, Hendrix-esque psych rock) records, check out those. I suggest Parliament’s “mothership connection” and Funkadelic’s “maggot brain.”
I’m assuming you’re into the dirtier, modern electric blues then. I’ve never been much of a fan of that whole subgenre, preferring the early, primitive blues (blind lemon jefferson, son house, charlie patton, etc.), but Poppa Chubby is actually really great modern, electric blues. Sure, the name is ridiculous, but once you get past that, his music is killer. He’s got a voice like Tom Waits gargling hot asphalt (to quote Patton Oswalt), and the songs are incredible. Start with “Brooklyn Basement Blues,” then move on to “how’d a white boy get the blues?”
Also, I have to mention the Fat Possum label. I can honestly say I haven’t heard a bad release from them yet. You can’t go bad with RL Burnside, T-Model Ford, or Bob Log III. It’s absolutely amazing stuff.
It really depends on what you’re going for. Many people like acoustic guitar instrumentals because they want something relaxing and inoffensive to listen to in the background, while others want to hear a guitarist’s skill. It really depends on what you want.
As far as I’m concerned, John Fahey is the end-all and be-all of the acoustic guitar instrumental.
Unfortunately, Eva was such an incredible talent that there just isn’t an alternative or replacement for her. She will be missed.
I find myself listening to my phonograph record of Ernie Kovacs singing “Hot Cakes and Sausage” over and over again. Can you steer me toward more of this type of entertainment?
Also, I adore the musical stylings of Csokolom. Please recommend some other virtuosic Transylvanian/Croatian string-band albums.
In that case, I highly recommend Let’s Take It to the Stage by Funkadelic, with the caveat that it emphasizes the more freaky, Zappaesque, rockish side of Clinton’s talents. For more straightforward (but still zany) funk, you might want to check out Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome by Parliament.
I’ve beem thinking about buying an April Wine CD. Which one should I get?
My Loverboy CD’s are starting to skip. If I like Loverboy, I would also like…?
Which better, Use Your Illusion I or Use Your Illusion II?
If I was to buy one Death Metal album, which one should it be?
For an “ask the ________ guy” thread, the OP has pretty scarce involvement so far! 
Before I lend much creedence in your credibility, I’ll have to see you recommend The Jayhawks and Steve Howe a few times. I’ll agree with you about Diana Krall. Flattest, most boring singer I’ve ever heard. Dusty Springfield is spinning in her grave.
That’s a tall order, Roland, mainly because you seem to have contradictory tastes; I’d think that someone who liked the artists you like for the reasons you do would love the Beatles (for example). Finding music that you’re going to like is a process of reduction - we have to rule out things that you’re going to hate instead of searching for qualities you’ll dig.
That aside- have you checked out the Flaming Lips at all? Their record “the soft bulletin” is probably the finest rock album of the 1990’s (in my opinion, as always), and seems like something you’d like, if you can get past the singer’s voice (a bit raspy and straining).
Also, I’d give a listen to Starflyer 59’s “Old”, which came out last year. They’re cut from the same cloth as Radiohead, but have been together longer than Radiohead and really have an entirely different thing going on. I think it’s an amazing record, and you might really dig it.
Finally, try Frog Eyes. They’re one of the weirder rock bands to appear in the past few years - the singer inhabits the space between Tom Waits and Thom Yorke, and the music is quasi-orchestral and bombastic and strange. “The golden River” is a great start.
Bust out a copy of R. Crumb and the Cheap Suit Serenaders. The defination of “entertainment” is listening to “My Girl’s Pussy” by this group of jokers.
Alright buddy- right now I’m mainly listening to Berio and Schnittke, whatcha got for me? 
And yeah, I’m mostly being facetious, but still, if someone does happen to have some recommendations they would be appreciated. In particular I’m looking for similar artists who were active in the past 10 years (or even better, who are still active)
Yeah, the thread title was supposed to be a bit provoking, in order to get responses. Looks like it worked. 
It seems to me that you like music that’s really heavy and even spazzy, but isn’t dumb butt-rock - you want a good dose of emotional content.
When I read these, I immediately thought of the Fall of Troy. UrbanChic, you HAVE to check out their self-titled record that came out last year. They’re on a smaller label (Lujo Records, and just freaking phenomenal. Also, I’d give a listen to the Blood Brothers (try “burn piano island, burn”), the Dillinger Escape Plan (their new one, “miss machine,” is really hot), and Frodus (try their swan song, “we washed our weapons in the sea”).
Already got.
As a matter of fact, I’m listening to “Make My Cot Where the Cot-Cot-Cotton Grows” this very minute.
You like sensitive male songwriters that make you cream your jeans (i’m not being sarcastic). Have you listened to Spain or Red House Painters? Try RHP’s self-titled (with the rollercoaster on the front) or the retrospective. It wants you, baby.
I’m gonna send Ralph Towner over to bop you upside the haid.
I listen to a ton of Sam Meyers (with Anson Funderburg and the Rockets), Tom Waits (older Waits especially), Freddie Fender, and a ton of lesser knowns. I saw Walter Trout last night (seventh time) and he was awesome as always.
I like Hank Williams the first and the third.
Any suggestions???
Are there any remastered recordings of Patsy Cline that don’t sound like they were recorded in the 50s with tinny music and muffled voice?
You and me both, brother.
So it seems that you dig girl-fronted pop-rock, with emphasis on the “girl.” BBVL hit you with some great reccomendations - I’ll second the Donnas and New Pornographers for what you seem to be into. Also, check out Life After Buildings’ “any other city,” which came out in '00 or or '01 or so. They’ve since broken up, but they were a great post-punk band with a wonderfully bratty girl singer who still hit the notes in between cute, kitty sneers. Great, great songs, and it’s sad to see them go.
Also, don’t be afraid to look to the past - I mean, if you haven’t heard the Runaways or original Go-Go’s stuff, that’s responsible for everything you seem to dig now. But also check out X-Ray Spex (for the punkier side of things) and Pylon (for early-80’s indie pop out of Athens - “crazy” is one of the better pop songs written in that decade, yet it’s relatively unheard).
This is really an entirely different thread (feel free to start it), and it would get too big and hijack this one if we go down that path.