...although my cave began in 1990, when I graduated college. Since then, I have hardly ever been exposed to new music (contemporary a cappella being the one exception -- it's my other fandom *g*). And I am not in the habit of listening to it during my daily life, mainly because I'm not a multi-tasker *at all*. I can't have it on while I'm doing any activity that requires my forebrain -- not at work, not while reading or writing (I start typing the lyrics!), not while hanging out online. It's frustrating, and I'm always looking for a new way to get music back into my life.
Anyway, my recommendations are not all that contemporary, but they post-date the mid-70s, so I figure they qualify. (: Not knowing your taste, I don't know whether any of these will suit you, but I think they are musically important as well as great fun in their own right:
Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here"
Peter Gabriel, "Security"
Talking Heads, "Stop Making Sense" (if you have the chance to rent the concert film, I strongly encourage you to do so)
Indigo Girls, "Rites of Passage"
Dar Williams, "Mortal City"
I have more if these turn out to be to your taste. Lately, I'm moving away from classic rock/new wave and further into contemporary folk. Let me know what floats your boat.
I have the same problem you have
Anyway, my recommendations are not all that contemporary, but they post-date the mid-70s, so I figure they qualify. (: Not knowing your taste, I don't know whether any of these will suit you, but I think they are musically important as well as great fun in their own right:
Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here"
Peter Gabriel, "Security"
Talking Heads, "Stop Making Sense" (if you have the chance to rent the concert film, I strongly encourage you to do so)
Indigo Girls, "Rites of Passage"
Dar Williams, "Mortal City"
I have more if these turn out to be to your taste. Lately, I'm moving away from classic rock/new wave and further into contemporary folk. Let me know what floats your boat.