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 such as Sub Pop, Thrill Jockey and Merge have swooped in and signed several of the city's best bands. But there are still groups that deserve some recognition. Here are 10 of the most promising Baltimore bands.
J-Roddy Walston and the Business Nobody rocks quite like J-Roddy. It serves up blistering, old-time rock 'n' roll, complete with big riffs and big hair.
Caleb Stine Stine is a forward-looking Americana singer-songwriter with a firm handle on the past.
Ellen Cherry A keen sense of melody and a soft yet striking voice make Cherry's songs standouts.
Fools and Horses This guitar band delivers biting, down-the-middle rock songs with panache.
Among Wolves The versatile musicians in Among Wolves can handle reverb-soaked harmonies or stripped-down alt-country with ease.
Victoria Vox Vox is a hard-working ukulele troubadour with tasteful songwriting and a heartfelt voice.
Nelly's Echo Simply put, Nelly's Echo knows how to work a groove.
Can't Hang Every city needs a hard-partying reggae and roots rock group, and Can't Hang knows just how to throw down.
Dropout Year When it comes to catchy pop punk, Dropout Year has the potential to be one of the area's next breakout bands.
Eureka Birds Thoughtful instrumentation and canny lyrics make the Eureka Birds a band to watch.
Each Friday until 2010, Baltimore Sun bloggers will present their top 10 lists in print and online. baltimoresun.com/10spot
coming next week
Nancy Johnston, co-author of the Read Street blog, ranks her top 10 literary haunts. To share your thoughts, go to baltimoresun.com/readstreet
What you said
I saw the Flying Eyes last week at Ottobar. I was completely blown away. I didnt know Baltimore could rock like that.
seamus844
Fools and Horses - Hands down! Great music, great lyrics and great guys! They are the real deal!
Lindi
Can't Hang hands down. As far as a band that has tested time (10 years) and has an incredibly diverse sound in their songs (reggae/rock/pop/punk ... even near-bluesy riffs in some guitar solos) no other local band comes close to CAN'T HANG!
Adam Van Bavel
What about old bands that SHOULD have been signed? There are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many Baltimore bands that never got the chance but should have.
Chw
REST AMONG RUINS puts on an AMAZING live show! Definitely the best Baltimore has to offer in terms of hard rock
Constantine
I Love You and I Miss You ... You owe it to your inner dancer/musician/storyteller to hear them. They are full of energy, full of soul, and they always, always bring me to my feet.
Susan Links
To share your choices for Baltimore's best unsigned bands, and to see pictures of Sam's picks, go to baltimoresun.com/ midnightsun
