I am right there with you. Knowing that you have the official CD for something just makes it that more awesome when you're listening to it. I guess it's just that feeling you get when you know that you now own something entirely.... Like paying off a car or something.
The only two bands and songs I have heard music from and remotely like from the "Modern Era" (Assuming that this is like 1995-present day) are "Calling All You Angels" by Train, and "Fire" by Kasabian. I have to admit I like Train a little better, but I have been listening to some of Kasabian's music and it sounds like something from the 80s instead of something present day and is growing on me a bit. The problem with this though is, I turn anything on from the “Classic Era” (Pink Floyd, Wings, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, Bad Company, The Eagles, Don Henley, Creedence Clearwater revival, and Golden Earring are just a few bands that I like in no particular order) and I feel instantly like myself again.
The key part for any music though, is if it something that I can listen to (let's face it is the whole point of music) for than 30 consecutive seconds, it's good music in my opinion. Most modern music I hear I can only tolerate for a minute or so before I have to shut it off.