Without a doubt Pearl Jam is #1. They produce such inspiring music and you ALWAYS get your money worth and more when you see them play live. Seen them 11 times (saw them in 5 different cities during the Yield album tour in 1998).
2. At The Drive In, never seen a more energetic band play live with so much passion.
3. Kings of Leon, new to most Americans because of their last album actually getting played in the U.S., but their first 3 albums were as solid as it gets. Check out their second album Aha Shake Heartbreak, raw as hell.
Too true. I'm a bigger fan of Youth and Young Manhood, but like you said, any of their first 3 albums will satisfy me. And for the record, Sex on Fire might be my least favorite KOL song.