best artists in the last 15 years

Radiohead (survived Britpop).
Red Hot Chili Peppers (seem to get better and better with each album).
The Flaming Lips.
U2 (no better group live, night to night).
Steve Earle (sets the standard for Americana).
Calexico (perfect for that LA to Vegas midnight run).
Coldplay (set the standard for British Indie movement).

Mybe not "the greatest", but try out the Norwegian world-music artist Øystein Sevåg. Beautiful, relaxed music, great sound, kind of modern classic. The album "Visual" with the Finish guitarplayer Lakki Patey is my favorite.

Bongofury:

If you like Earle, and haven't already, try Hayes Carll, "Trouble in Mind." Like the earlier Earle, maybe better.

John

Bongofury,

You are talking mostly mainstay classics that should be in everyone's collection - I completely agree with your selection - however these are not the "newest up and coming artists..."

Ben Harper, Wilco, Porcupine Tree and Keb Mo.