Okay, since this seems to be the place for lists and ideas, how about popping in with your favorite little known band?
Currently my favorite is Domestic Problems from Grand Rapids. MI. There’s a good blue-grass band from around here (Central WI) as well known as Burnt Toast and Jam.
By definition, they are called “love you, love your work, what’s your name again?”
picmr
Although they’re not quite new and unestablished, I can’t say enough about the new Apples in Stereo album. It’s the perfect summer record.
Two relatively unknown bands that will give you an unforgettable live show:
–The Asylum Street Spankers. These guys play entirely acoustic–no elecricity whatsoever. (They have a barker with a megaphone that will come into the audience and berate anyone who is talking too loudly.) Their styles range from jug band to smooth jazz to whiny country, with no small amount of tawdry humor. Singer Christina Marrs belts out Bessie Smith tunes like no one since…well, Bessie Smith. They’ve re-tooled their lineup since I saw them last, but I still guarantee this will be a great show.
–Leftover Salmon. These guys describe themselves as “polyethnic Cajun slamgrass”, and I can’t think of a better description. This band is a favorite on the druggie hippie jam band scene, and their three hour plus shows are usually pretty crowded. This is the most energetic live act I have ever seen, and their shows are exhausting. Check 'em out.
Dr. J
Where are these bands out of Dr. J?
Coincidentally, I think Leftover Salmon and the Apples are both out of Denver. The Spankers hail from Austin, TX. All three tour nationally, though.
Dr. J
The Nerds
A great cover band which plays the Jersey Shore. Yeah, yeah, the original stuff blows, but if the yardstick used to measure a band is one which provides a spankin’ good time at a club The Nerds is the band for you.
Their version of Don McLean’s American Pie is hilariously awesome.
I strongly recommend you check out Domestic Problems if they ever appear near you (tour schedule can be found at http://www.domesticproblems.com/ ).
You would never guess these guys could make great music if you saw them walking down the street. The singer looks like a guy who might hangout at bowling alleys drinking beer. The keyboardist is a hippie. The drummer is a short Italian-looking guy. The one that plays the reeded instruments is a short Oriental-looking guy. A tall black gentleman (who seems very reserved) plays bass. And the brass player is about 6’5" and looks like he came to the concert right from the farm.
The sound is similar in some aspects to Bare Naked Ladies. Lots of humor in the songs as well (“Ernie’s Tragic Love Triangle” is about Ernie, Bert, and Snuffleluffagus).