ben k "on my way" is actually pretty good. definately makes me happy, since he's been playing the same damn songs since i was in 8th grade! if you like ben, check out his band from when he was 15, radish, before he went solo. very different sound, but good none the less. random trivia, ben went to the same synagogue as one of my sisters!

From your list I recommend Outkast. Speakerboxx/Love Below is a great album.

Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" is awesome.

Its a short CD (like, 26 minutes) but really amazing.

The Cure has a new CD. I have heard only one song, and it was good.