list of bands or musicians that get my stamp of approval right now:

radiohead -- they may be a little psycho, but you can't live without them
pearl jam -- everyone wants to be eddie. favorite song? "given to fly"
coldplay -- how romantic is chris martin's voice? phenomenal songwriting. two thumbs up.
U2 -- i don't think they could ever beat "joshua tree", but they still keep putting out the hits
dave matthews -- enough said
waterdeep -- you haven't lived if you don't have "live at the new earth." get it, hear it, live it.
alanis morrisette -- okay, so i don't dig the new album and she sometimes has anger management problems, but she's real. and "supposed former infatuation junkie" was overall an impressive record.
counting crows -- mmmhmmm matty's favorite
goo goo dolls -- we've already talked about this
jack johnson -- sweet debut album
brotherluck -- they make me smile
ester drang -- obscure radioheadish band from texas. best way to fall asleep.
infradig -- they put the FUN in FUNK
pedro the lion -- you have to dig the honesty.
beatles -- also self-explanatory
the strokes -- entertaining
alana davis -- nice pipes, decent sound
fiona apple -- as depressing as it was, "tidal" freaking rocked my face off. she's a one-take wonder.
sleeping at last -- these guys are from chi-town and just got signed with interscope at the beginning of the summer. amazing songwriters.
jimmy eat world -- you need to check out clarity.

this list is by no means extensive, but just a reflection of what i've been digging on lately. i just thought you should know. and agree. yes. now i'm going to get some lunch before i gnaw my arm off.