The album 'Lines' by Avec was probably the best Baltimore area release this year.

I forsee a lot of people mentioning Spiderman of the Rings by Dan Deacon though...

I think this was actually an almost unprecedented year for Baltimore music in terms of national buzz. Perhaps not with the biggest establishment music rags, but certainly with the second tier (Pitchfork et al.) and the increasingly important blogheads. Wham city seemed to be everywhere.

With regard to quality, Lafayette Gilchrist, Dan Deacon, Avec, Celebration, Blaqstarr, Beach house, Wzt Hearts all released killer material this year. The list should speak to the outstanding diversity and eclecticism of the city's musicians. It may also speak to the reason why there is not more attention paid to the scene by the establishment music rags: they like a cohesive, finished product. Just like the city in which it thrives, the music scene is far from cohesive or complete. Just like Baltimore, however, it is fun, unique and often downright bizarre.

How about the new Among Wolves?

i for one am annoyed by dan deacon, and i like to think my tastes are pretty experimental.

Monarch's "If Children" was amazing. they just renamed their band to Wye Oak for legal reasons. i personally believe they deserve way more attention than they are receiving

Feinwood. I've been trying to get you to come out to their show for like two years. good bluegrass/cover band

what about beach house? was that released in 07 or 06? i hear about them all the time on national blogs but never locally...

DruHill?

I can't think of a single notable Baltimore musician. I guess they aren't playing at CVP in Towson.

I'm not hip. I'll see myself out.

dude! The Hot Magic is IT!!!! They have GOT to be on your list!

J. Roddy Walston and the Business' album "Hail Mega Boys" is pretty great. Although this album may have been released in 2006. Anyway, they're the best local live band and they bring the rock and the fun.

I dance away the blues to Good Guise "Marinade". Appalachia meets punk with a dash of gypsy.

Another nod to Wye Oak (nee Monarch) and their "If Children" release.

I agree that there was a lot of great press this year about Baltimore bands. Celebration got a shout out in the Guardian (British newspaper) due to their connection to Dave Sitek.