Apologies if I'm still too new to contribute to this thread!
127. The Philistines Jr. - If A Band Plays In The Woods...?
Peter Katis is not a household name, but you've likely heard his work before. He's produced the entire discography of The National since Alligator, recorded and mixed Interpol's first two albums, produced We Were Promised Jetpacks, Frightened Rabbit, The Twilight Sad, and Jónsi (of Sigur Rós). He's also worked with Oneida, Guster, and Mercury Rev.
This is his band. Though receiving nearly universal critical acclaim, The Philistines Jr. continue to live life nowhere near the radar, mostly due to their complete lack of national touring. Still, it's a little-known gem drenched in nostalgia and composed like an opera, with melodies and refrains ducking and resurfacing a few tracks later. It's passive-aggressive, beautiful, and triumphant, and most of all, a must-listen.