Gang of Four
A late '70s/early '80s post punk band. One of the first and one of the best, they have inspired most of the alternative scene around today. Although never too famous, the cult group is widely acclaimed by critics and musicians. Basssists and drummers love the fantastic playing of rhythm section Dave Allen and Hugo Burnham, while guitarists are amazed by Andy Gill's original style that lacks solos or any traditional method. A great band with a lot to say about economics, war, and society in general.
Some diehard Go4 fans get mad that bands like Franz Ferdinand, The Futureheads, Arctic Monkeys, and especially Bloc Party are sound so much like Gang of Four. I think it's great that they're finally getting some well-deserved recognition after 25 years.