Originally Posted by Bam You Have AIDS

I don't think Canada can go too wrong with Arcade Fire.

Originally Posted by Sneer

This is very difficult... But I'll give it a shot.

I think Radiohead would be a good shout for the UK. They've encompassed myriad genres and influences in a career that's generally defined by its consistent quality. In that sense, you could say they encapsulate the history of British popular music - there's been duds, but on the whole, we aren't too bad at this lark.

Their at times forward-thinking, at other times post-modernist, but always exploratory approach to music captures the essence of a British culture that's confused and alienated by the rampant consumerism and commercialisation gradually brought over from the smothering influence of the US. You sense that Britain is searching for who it really is - something I feel Radiohead's been doing in their music for years. On top of this, the feelings of unease, paranoia, weariness, angst and desolation that permeate a lot of the band's output can be transferred over to the feelings of British society as a whole. Nobody likes the government, our country's finances are in a mess and unemployment is up - the future isn't exactly a picture of peace and harmony.

The band's released albums that have shaken up the musical climates of the times, written content that has real social, contextual relevance, and managed to transcend epochs in British music that have held other esteemed bands captive. In short, they represent the progressive qualities of Britain's best cultural exports.

On the flip side, they also encapsulate the British music press's tendency to elevate any band that demonstrates a semblance of artistic ingenuity to the status of demi-gods.

Yeah... That all comes off as a little pretentious. Others will make a much better job of this. Good thread.