The best modern rock out there (in my opinion) is that which has a traditional, cool, 70s influence, really influenced by lou reed, and the velvet underground, that kind of stuff, but which has incorporated new technology, especially (non-cheesy sounding) electronic sounds for texture and colour. Definitely guitar based, and riff-based, but with out wanky, over the top wailing solos in the style of virtuoso rock or cock rock. I'm talking about bands like the Dandy Warhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Jesus and Mary Chain etc, even Queens of the Stone Age. The fact that the songs are reasonably simple add to their appeal, for me. It means everyone can relate to them, unlike esoteric guitar solos. I'm always going to be in love with the original early velvets stuff though, it just can't be beaten.

Experimental rock, such as radiohead is also really good, but on a different, more cerebral level. This stuff isn't for everyone.