Well, I kinda agree with you about the recent albums being worse. When I first listened to Raditude I thought that it was a troll album of sorts. It sounded absolutely awful the first time. Now I don't hate it as much, I find that when listening to it if I don't expect anything amazing like the old stuff from it, it's actually kinda enjoyable. Catchy, if nothing else.
Weezer recently became an indie band again, since they're no longer under a contract under a major label. So chances are... they might return to becoming better by going back to their roots, or continue making dumb s
hit like they have been since Make Believe.
We need another Pinkerton or something that at least shows that they at least "grow up" instead of singing the same damn crap over and over.
They suck, so does country music.
I can never get into them. They kinda annoy me really.
In terms of more artists that I've been trying lately.
Fleet Foxes are amazing, Beach House, Broken Bells is a must if you love The Shins like I do. I'll also still say that people should at least try to give Dignan a chance, since I think they are sadly underrated. Some electronica like Crystal Castles and F
uck Buttons are amazing. As for some older stuff, I've tried My Bloody Valentine, and am really enjoying what I've actually listened to.
Some groups are not for everybody, like Animal Collective, which, admittedly, is pretty damn tough to get into, but I think it depends on which songs work for you, because they make some pretty weird stuff from time to time.
Of course, Beck is somewhat weird too, but is actually much more enjoyable to listen to.
Speaking of solo artists, has anyone tried Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas' solo record yet? It's an incredibly catchy listen.