Bertie,
Sonic Youth definitely can sound abrasive, even beautifully violent. Not everyone's cup of tea, but they are up there with Moz for me as far as long-time devoted fandom is concerned.
The female voices of Cohen's songs are always purely angelic, and in this case sound extra beautiful in French.
The Three Mile Pilot song...very sad, very beautiful. They broke up in the late 90s and went on to form the Black Heart Procession.
The Decemberists: The singer is the guy who put out a solo ep of Moz covers last year. I think they're one of the better groups around today. They evoke many clever literary and historical references in their music, words and overall aesthetic. I think you'd like they're more poppy songs as well.
> I really like Three Mile Pilot's Longest Day.
> I liked Leonard Cohen's The Partasian -- especially when the female voice
> joins in.
> Sonic Youth seemed a bit harsh for me, but I am going to give it another
> listen.
> I am listening to The Decemberists' Shanty For The Arethusa. I like this
> one a lot as well. Love those bells.
> I still have six to listen to. I will brb...