Great thread ~!
LOL! Pehare is on to you already!!!
I wanted to be first to say "Trout Mask Replica" but was beaten to it. Although more mainstream, Capt Beefheart's "Clear Spot" album is a solid recommendation in the wierdness stakes.
The other night I was at a guy's place who had an awesome setup consisting of MBL 101's powered by Gryphon electronics. The soundstage was _spooky_ real.
He was a big fan of Japanese manga cartoons and anime movies. He played a soundtrack from the anime movie "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence". Wow - I listen to all kinds of music from Bach to Bjork, but I had never heard *anything* like this! An incredible amalgam of sound effects, synths, japanese choral music in staccato voices, and stuff that just defies description.
You can also check out Bjork, she's done some pretty fascinating work, my fave would be "Vespertine"
Also take a listen to Fratres by East European composer Arvo Part. (the Flanders Fiamminghi Orchestra on Telarc is the definitive reading IMHO)
Happy hunting,
Mick