At least we can agree on that! Listening to her early recordings really brings back a variety of emotion.
You said you were going to see James Blunt. How was the show? I really like his stuff, although some people think he's a little "mainstream." That's what kills me about a lot of new artists. A lot of people act like once a singer or group get airplay or start winning awards, they have "sold out." Crazy, isn't it? I remember when Dave was nothing more than a traveling college band -- the first show I saw, in a little warehouse in Nashville, was still the best I've been to. You used to be cool if you liked DMB, now you're a pop-fan or a yuppie. It's sillly, really. If a band makes good music, you should be happy if they get publicity, as far as I'm concerned.
As to the previous Coldplay discussion: I was very hesitant at first. A good friend (also a musician) tried to turn me on to them, and I balked. But, after a few passes through X&Y, I suddenly "got" them. Now, I am totally moved, everytime I hear any of their 3 major releases. I kind of see them as a new-generation U2 meeting some of the obscurity of Phish. When I play Swallowed in the Sea, it's kind of cool how it meshes almost perfectly with "Velvet Sea" by Phish. I actually like to break into the Phish verse right in the middle of the Coldplay song, then go back. Do something for me: listen to the song (if you have it available), read the lyrics, and then post back and tell me you think it sucks. I don't think you can do it, given your apparent appreciation for quality music (which is getting hard to come by in this era of MTV-driven, reality-show, pop-icon, hip-hop fantasy and vocal modulation).
Some lesser knowns I've picked up lately: Teddy Geiger (Stepladder -- the predecessor of the over-produced studio album), Daniel Powter, and one of my local favorites: Scott Miller (new album = Citation). I will also say that Jack Johnson is probably the "coolest" style I've come across in the past 10 years. If you dig acoustic chill and love thought-provoking lyrics, you can't go wrong there. Also, the highlight of last year's Bonnaroo, IMO.