Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the "Bigtime"

[Bigdaddydvo]

(Somewhat inspired by Dom's thread about great bands that get no respect)

Which bands seem like they're always on the verge of a major breakthrough into the mainstream, but never quite get there? My pick: The Old 97's. They are terrific when they play live, have a couple outstanding albums in "Fight Songs" and "Satelite Rides," and generally speaking write thoughtful, intelligent, fun, and surreptitiously catchy songs you can find yourself singing without realizing it.

They have a strong following and almost always sell out their shows. Despite all this, you will never hear them on any average Top 40 or Rock stations. All the ingredients are there, but for some reason Superstardom has failed to materialize. Anyone else besides the 97's fit this bill?