I agree with Simon. I listen to modern rock radio stations and, although there is a lot of quality, there is not all that much creativity. Now, that isn't always a bad thing. In fact, two of my favorite songs right now are covers(Cake's I Will Survive and Orgy's Blue Monday). But I try to look for creativity in the lyrics and an ability to do what you try to do well. Of the bands I regularly listen to(Fastball, Everclear, Oasis, Wallflowers, Semisonic, Marcy Playground, Soul Coughing, Beck, Dave Matthews Band, Offspring, and the Violent Femmes) not many are all that revolutionary, particularly the first six. Soul Coughing is transcendent of all forms of media, so it don't really count, Beck is nicely original, Dave does stuff which isn't done much in this day and age, and the Femmes are... well, they just kick ass.
Now, granted, my perception of all music is a bit warped due to my vast tastes. I own the White Album, organized an Irish folk music concert, and have various pieces by Holst lying about. However, I'm quite comfortable cranking up the Bush(I am looking to get one of those machineheads, I hear they're better than the rest) and nothing is quite as kicking it as some Beastie Boys(come on, can I get some action from the back section?). So, anything I say musically must be taken with the greatest of grains of salts.
Oh, and They Might Be Giants are a wonderful band (not really, but I don't want to upset Simon by leaving them out).
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Please don't put your life in the hands of a Rock n Roll band
Who'll throw it all away
So I start the revolution from my bed
Cos you said the brains I have went to my head -
Oasis
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