To give you an idea of what I like, first of all, my current favorites are (current obsessions in bold):
post-rock:
Godspeed You! Black Emperor and
Mono
various rock: Pink Floyd, The Doors, Phish
other: my piano stuff (can be found here:
http://www.soundclick.com/mikuonpiano ), Chopin, etc.
I'm dying to find some new music genre/style and/or specific band(s)/artist(s) to listen to. I'm not going to be too specific, because I don't have too specific a sound in mind.
I want something original, something that tries new things. That is not to say I want something that takes it to the extreme, challenging the definition of music, like John Cage. The only thing I like about that guy is his pioneering of prepared piano.
I want something serious, something emotional. That means no "burning down the house" or "low, ri.. der..." Think of the cathartic nature of GY!BE and Mono. Doesn't have to be exactly like that, but just an example of what direction I lean toward.
Vocals may or may not be preferrable.. At this very moment I'm leaning towards no vocals, though.
It should be something that makes use of interesting song progressions. They can be complex and changing, they can be minimal and based around gradual buildups and climaxes (like GYBE), or they can be something I haven't even thought of (all the better).
Am I making sense? I guess, in a nutshell, I'm looking for emotional, tasteful experimentalism.
And sorry if this thread breaks any rules/guidelines.