Pop innovators (was The Experimental Side of Burt Bacharach)

Good discussion here. I also wonder who's really doing innovative work in the pop world today. Radiohead and Outkast (Bjork too I suppose) definitely fit the bill but there should be more, shouldn't there? In the last 5-10 years, it seemed like it was mostly hip hop producers like Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Prince Paul and RZA who fit this bill. Back in the day, groups like the Beatles and the Beach Boys had some leeway to do this because they already topped the charts and had huge name recognition. They didn't start with Revolver or Pet Sounds but they were able to get there thanks in large part to the previous success that they enjoyed. Best, Jason