Alex Chilton might be the most unheralded father of modern indie/folk music today.
Wilco has covered him, and the Replacement's best song his about him. But good luck finding anyone at a White Stripes concert that can name you one Big Star song.
I didn't even know that I had been listening to his songs (recorded by other people) for years until about a year ago.
Alex Chilton died today, and he was Underrated his whole life. If you count yourself among the masses of people who have yet to appreciate his talent, do yourself a favor, and never travel far without a little Big Star.