Progression of experimental music
 

I'm just starting to get into experimental music. I know there's a lot to explore. Can anyone list experimental bands from most listenable (i.e. "beginner") to hardest to listen to (i.e. "advanced" or something that would turn most people off)?

I'm still getting used to the dynamic of how this type of music works.

What kinds of experimental music do you like?

I think that Can's Ege Bamyasi, Frank Zappa's Hot Rats, Mr. Bungle's self titled debut, and Radiohead's Kid A are all pretty solid places to start if you come from a more rock based background.

You asked what I like:
John Zorn, Mr. Bungle (any one of Mike Patton's projects), Dillinger Escape Plan, Skinny Puppy

I really don't pursue Experimental music as composed by Art (Classical) music composers. What I like probably isn't considered Experimental by most Ex-fans. These bands are considered more in the Experimental Rock category.

• The United States of America (the band, not the country)
• Cabaret Voltaire (the band, not the music venue in Zurich)
• Pram (the band, not a baby carriage)
• Stereolab

I say we go straight for the jugular. :D

^ That reminds me of this video. A circuit-bent Nintendo console, controlled by a modular synthesizer, which you can see in the video next to the monitor.

nintendo circuit bending casperelectronics

Cacophony at it's finest . . .

Some 'staple' experimental artists worth checking out: The Residents, The Red Krayola, Fred Frith (massive discography, I'd start with his project Massacre), Peter Brötzmann, Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, Zu, Sunn O))), Nurse With Wound, and Boredoms.

Thanks man. That was just what I was looking for!