Good music is definitely out there. But like the others have said, it's on the internet, and you have to search for it. The really great bands aren't hard to find, people like me need to get more internet savvy. I resent that some of the bands listed above don't get better exposure. They really should! If the TV networks want to save the ratings that they are currently losing so badly, they may want to put real actors and musicians back on, pay them what they are obviously worth, and stop this reality tv crap.

We get some really good stuff in the studio. National or international exposure is really the problem. There's TONS of good stuff out there. Like has been said, however, finding it is the problem. Not so much a problem as it's just not like it used to be. The best of the best were signed to record contracts and all that advertising made them household names. Hell, I bet all us "old folks" can name at least 5 one hit wonders who never came out with anything decent after their first big strike.

While I still enjoy listening to all the "old" stuff, most of my current listening is studio cuts.

Realize that I engage more in music appreciation than in music criticism. Anyone going to the studio is "appreciated" no matter how their music sounds. Getting off your duff and paying someone else to record and produce your ideas, (or doing it yourself, if you have the time, skill, gear and knowledge,) is ALWAYS appreciated.

It's not that there's no one trying to get good music into your hands, it's that getting it there is no longer a matter of perusing the "record" store to find out what's new.

MySpace is loaded with talent, and hacks. It's up to you to determine the difference.

Has anyone heard of Black Tide? I don't know if they're new, but I think they're new-ish, and they're young. They suprise me.