The Rapture and The Cooper Temple Clause are two bands that should have had more 'commerical' success. Don't think they are all underrated but some superb bands.
None have had much commercial success Sebadoh Mercury Rev Pavement Titus Andronicus I could go very obscure if you like?
Pavement are huge. One of my favourite bands. Probably underrated in the UK, but they had huge commercial success in the states. Fwiw, every band you've named are superb.
Reverend and the Makers have done some ace tunes over the years but don't seem to get much attention.
Kitchens of Distinction The Icicle Works The Triffids The Go Betweens Imperial Teen The Band of Holy Joy Spearmint The Family Cat (especially The Family Cat!!) The Felice Brothers (already mentioned).
Wilco....in the UK. Get plenty of recognition in the US Crowded House are class. Neil Finn one of the best songwriters around
What's weird is that Wilco can headline festivals with 10000-15000 people there in the UK but aren't remotely known of by most people.
Aye. Its odd that a band thats so successful in the US are completely unappreciated here. I think they are just about the best set of musicians around at the minute. Glenn Kotche is quality as is Nels Cline and Tweedy is a very very good songwriter