I must preface this by saying this list is in no particular order. Also, it's just one person's list, but if you discover something ya dig from it, then it'll be worth it.......part two comes tomorrow!
I love this bands motives and passion. They ARE everything right with music. If you're seeking grown up, east coast punk rock, this is for you. Please check out the video for "National Anthem", the link is just below. Gaslight did a really cool Sandy Relief video.
Standout tracks: "Biloxi Parish", "Too Much Blood" & "National Anthem"
This might be the biggest surprise, to me, on my own list. I loved their debut "Hot Fuss" and then since then they've been very much dormant to me. Haven't really dug anything they've done. So, when I heard the first single, then subsequently the album, I was shocked to like it.
Standout Tracks: "Runaways", "A Matter Of Time" & "Flesh & Bone"
What can I say, the only familiarity with Brandi, prior to coming to Cities97, was that I knew her name. That's it. ONE listen to Bear Creek and I was hooked. She IS the female reincarnation of Johnny Cash. It's that simple. Brilliant songs.
Standout Tracks: "Raise Hell", "That Wasn't Me" & "Save Part Of Yourself"
Yes, my tastes range. And, yes, that range just took us from Brandi Carlile to Deftones. Deftones are the pride of Sacramento and I've been hooked since I saw them play some free show here in Minneapolis....back in.....no idea what year. 1995? 1996? 1997? Anyway, it's been awhile. I believe this is their best effort in a couple albums. Seems like they settled in and just are doing what they do.
Standout Tracks: "Swerve City", "Rosemary" & "Poltergeist"
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals "The Lion, The Beast, The Beat"
It's got a little bit of all of that. This is just a fun record from a band fronted by a chick who can flat out sing the lights out. There are booty shaken jams, heartbreak and love. All the things you could want from a great pop record and I dig it.
Standout Tracks: "Stars", "Loneliest Soul" & "Turntable"
