Can you recommend some new music for me to get into please?

[Jessicatmagnificat]

Since DD was born 15 months ago, I have not had time to get into anything new, and I really want to start listening to some new music. I'm out of touch with the pop charts, but wondering if there's anything out there that might suit me. I like literate, melodic, light pop. My favourite pop groups of all time are: Lloyd Cole, the Divine Comedy and the Beautiful South. Also like cheesy 80s pop. Is there anything around that's more recent that I might like?

Also, I'm trying to get more into classical music. I like classical pops (greatest collections etc) but am trying to move on a bit from that. I fell in love with Faure's Requiem and Holst's Planet Suite, but have found a lot of other stuff a bit inaccessible (I must come across a a real philistine, I can only blame a lot of disturbed nights from DD!). Can anyone recommend anything short (I am short of time), and with a strong melody? Sorry for wittering on a bit, will be interested in all suggestions.

Bohinta

Can't help on the classical front, but if you like literate, melodic pop, may I recommend some Rufus Wainwright and/or Antony & The Johnsons?

its a few yrs old, but the first Delays album is great, very melodic, and great for a starter. Its the first album I got into after a similar story to yours, when I just really needed to get back on track!!

Eels 'Blinking Lights and Other Revelations'.

Thank you for these suggestions so far, I will definitely be ordering some from my library to try them out. Please keep them coming

Have you tried something like lastfm.com? You put in an artist you like and it plays similar music to you?

I think you might like my current fave, King Creosote - folky, melodic pop, very interesting and moving/funny lyrics.

Lastfm is amazing. try Mice Parade.

bright eyes.

You might like Captain (try 'Glorious') or Cherry Ghost. Actually, just listen to Radio 2 all day - they play lots that'll probably float your boat.