Before I used the Internet in 1999, WUNH (Durham NH, 91.3 FM) was my main source of just-under-the-radar music that would never grace Billboard Magazine. Being able to find what they play and much more just by web surfing, I've found a few prolific musicians, ranging from crude to polished, that I've wished from time to time were rewarded with more critical praise or at least exposure to the limelight. This post isn't meant to be earth- or ear-shaking, but a peek under the rugs in an obscure museum filled with audial treasures.

1. RoseDrop Rust. Mr. Rust, or Rusty as he calls himself, writes unforgettable show promos in Second Life, brief missives reminiscent of counterculture paperbacks and as far-reaching as spam robot text. In this rare case, it's finally not a bad thing, and many's the time I've fought the urge to copy and paste for future enjoyment while scripting in Second Life. He plays his bluesy, boogie-woogie-tinged music while bantering with lively virtual crowds, and sings at venues often hosted by Circe Broom. Just check out Circe's profile for updates for the Circles of Sound group for more information.

2. Brixton Canning. When I first heard Brixton singing, I thought he might have been a classic blues singer with a name like Brown Bottle Jones or Under The Rug Wilson. I got a surprise when I saw his profile picture, but like RoseDrop, he's a consummate performer, and his friendly, rich voice brings warm life to lounge songs where others might mangle them. He's on MySpace and check out this song from YouTube!

3. Dan Blakselee.  Take one part Tim Burton, one part Pee-Wee Herman (while kids and adults still loved him), two parts Johnny Cash, one part Leonard Cohen, and eight parts Dan Blakeslee, mix it up in a Halloween cauldron, and you've got one of New England's best-kept secrets.    Dan's singing, while first humble and subdued, soars and his strumming guitar always keeps good company.  Though he often sings with a voice smoky as fine whiskey, he's not afraid to perform such goofy gems as "Sugarpusher", a cautionary tale of sugary overconsumption, or lower his voice to a sinister growl Vincent Price would have loved to have had.  The ageless, autumnal themes of New England life filter through most of his works. His album "Lincoln Street Roughs" was recorded in 2007 and he maintains a lively touring schedule.

4. Slowdive. How a shoegaze band managed to keep its ethereal feel with so much upbeat guitar remains a mystery. Slowdive, popular in the 1990s, is now defunct, but the band has a wide range of pieces with male and female vocals, from the summery "40 Days" to the spacey "Souvlaki Space Station".

5. Siddal. Not as strident as the occasional cacophanous Cocteau Twins, Siddal was a group formed in the early 1990s. Eventually it became a duo led by the angelic, labyrinthine vocals of Elaine Winters and backed by the guitar playing of Richard Brinkley.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Jealous Jester, Master Cylinder and more!