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My favorite band is Iron Maiden. They came up with a group of bands known as the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal." Their peers at the time were bands such as Saxon, Tygers of Pan Tang, Angel Witch, Diamondhead, Raven, etc. 
You've probably heard of Iron Maiden but unless you are a huge metalhead who's into classic metal chances are you haven't heard of the rest of them. Why? Because even though they were peers who all got record deals around the same time and were equally promoted Iron Maiden was just a more talented band. Their musicians and songwriters were just superior to the rest of them, and so they just rose above everyone else and became famous the world over while the rest developed cult followings.
Now, I'm not saying that there aren't hidden gems out there worth exploring, and I'm also not saying that there aren't popular bands that are overrated. But often those who get big got big because they were just that much better.
No to mention older ones. Black keys = modern Junior Kimbrough. >

Very true. Especially since a large chunk of Black Keys is Junior covers. Love em all though