10 Spot: The 10 best unsigned Baltimore bands
Last week, when I asked you for nominees for Baltimore's most promising unsigned bands, I had no idea I'd get so much feedback.
We topped 400 comments -- the most a post has ever received on Midnight Sun. That's really impressive. Thanks again, everybody, for all your suggestions. I was turned onto a few solid Baltimore bands I'd never encountered before.
I put a lot of time and thought into this list. It ran in today's paper. And here is a link to a great photo gallery of all the bands on the list.
OK, so, here's my list ...
Two years ago, it would have been much easier to name the 10 best unsigned Baltimore bands.
That was before the word got out about Baltimore's boiling-over music scene. Since then, record labels like Sub Pop, Thrill Jockey and Merge have swooped in and signed several of the city's best bands. But there are still plenty groups who deserve some recognition.
Here are 10 of the most promising Baltimore bands.
1. J-Roddy Walston and the Business
Nobody rocks quite like J-Roddy. They serve up blistering, old-time rock 'n' roll, complete with big riffs and big hair.
2. Caleb Stine
Stine is a forward-looking Americana singer/songwriter with a firm handle on the past.
3. Ellen Cherry
A keen sense of melody and a soft yet striking voice make Cherry's songs standouts.
4. Fools and Horses
This guitar band delivers biting, down-the-middle rock songs with panache.
5. Among Wolves
The versatile musicians in Among Wolves can handle reverb-soaked harmonies or stripped-down alt-country with ease.
6. Victoria Vox
Vox is a hard-working ukulele troubadour with tasteful songwriting and a heartfelt voice.
7. Nelly's Echo
Simply put, Nelly's Echo knows how to work a groove.
8. Can't Hang
Every city needs a hard-partying reggae and roots rock group, and Can't Hang knows just how to throw down.
9. Dropout Year
When it comes to catchy pop punk, Dropout Year has the potential to be one of the area's next breakout bands.
10. Eureka Birds
Thoughtful instrumentation and canny lyrics make the Eureka Birds a band to watch.
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
What about the Westminster band, "The Dames Jeans". They hit some pretty strong tunes.
Posted by: GreatWhiteHurting | October 30, 2009 7:02 AM
It's obvious there's some really talented muscians in and around the Baltimore area. The response to your article was incredible! Congratulations.
Posted by: themom | October 30, 2009 8:37 AM
I maintain that J Roddy Walston & The Business make my rock and roll dreams come true. You, Sam Sessa, are good at lists.
Posted by: samanthasessa | October 30, 2009 10:06 AM
I saw J Roddy Walston & The Business open up for the Hold Steady. It was rock and roll awesomeness overload. Those guys are good old fashioned rock and roll and the album is great too.
Posted by: Dan Blake | October 30, 2009 10:58 AM
you need to check out A Cool Stick. Their album release party is this coming thursday, Nov. 5th, at Rams Head!! acoolstick.com they are very good
Posted by: Anonymous | October 30, 2009 11:02 AM
amen to victoria vox and ellen cherry. they are totally awesome, hardworking, and nice people to boot.
Posted by: kel | October 30, 2009 11:55 AM
Check out the Billy Redfield Band for a great local artist. He has two albums that are off the charts but should be ON the charts.
Posted by: Music Fan | October 30, 2009 1:29 PM
I'm surprised you didn't include Ballyhoo in your list of overrated unsigned bands. And I totally disagree with the sentiment that it would have been easier to come up with this list two years ago. Baltimore's music scene may have just blown up to those outside the area, but we've long known Baltimore to have some truly awesome bands (and other than J Roddy, I wouldn't have included any of these acts in my Top 25). That says less about the acts you mentioned and more about the ones you didn't.
Posted by: Jeff | October 30, 2009 2:50 PM
I can't believe ILYAIMY is not on your top 10 list. Wow. Your list looks like a bad weekend at artscape.
Posted by: Andrew | October 31, 2009 2:31 AM
I'm really surprised Rest AMong Ruins wasn't on this list!
Posted by: Brendan | October 31, 2009 8:34 AM
How about Tony Sciuto Band, The Rayvns, and/or The Loft?
What ever happened to these guys?
The biggest band of late would have to be SR-71 (Mitch Allen Sherr's gig)
Sweet!
Posted by: paul Davis | October 31, 2009 10:49 AM