Bob thanks ,The Verbs did try to add to the fabric of the community we worked very hard to make it interesting and inventive and we have not forgotten the opportunity or the support.
The best
Robin Rose synthesizer Urban Verbs

Sent by Robin Rose | 1:18 PM ET | 01-04-2008

I play Jenny Owen Youngs for anyone who will listen. Really.
website: http://www.jennyowenyoungs.com/
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jennyowenyoungs
great video for "Hot in Herre": http://youtube.com/watch?v=JIYKPjalb6Q

Sent by Lori | 1:20 PM ET | 01-04-2008

So Bob,
I was trying get hold of your email address to tell you about a show this band is playing, and then I read your post, and well, I guess this is a better place to profess my new found love.

I've had a number of bands like that over the years, band's that every single person I meet I feel like I have to tell them about, last year was Girl Talk, the year before was New London Fire http://myspace.com/newlondonfire (listen to different and you'll understand why), and my freshman year of college was Stars.

For the last few months though, it's been all about a D.C. musician, one Mr. Andy Zipf.
www.myspace.com/andyzipf

I don't even know where to start with Zipf. He's one of those people who makes music that could easily be thrown into the pop singer song-writer category, but somehow is so much deeper. Zipf's got a voice that can hit notes live that most people only dream about when they're in studio, and he's got an ability of tying words together that's anything but cliche.

Zipf's music is only half the story though, because the guy is one of those people you just want to believe in. He's been making music for a long time in the D.C. area, traveled across the country, played SXSW and opened for way too many talented musicians, but he's never really blown up.

some of that is because he might have just not written the right song for mass consumption yet, and some of it's because he hasn't been willing to sell out for the sake of success. Zipf believes that artists should have creative freedom with their music and shouldnt become shackled to an oppressive behemoth of a record label that would stunt their growth. His focus in music has been about making good music, not about making good money. He gives away most of his music, and tries hard to listen to his fans. Maybe that's why he was able to raise over $45,000 in contributions to record his last album. People believe in Zipf.

When it comes to touring, Zipf doesn't try to cut corners (which is why I was trying to get in touch with you)

See Zipf, with a few friends, has put together this 45 minute live show that can only be described as a multi-media explosion. He's calling it Pfriends on Pfilm. It's going to incorporate live video, stock film, on the spot creations, all laid on top of the live soundtrack of zipf and his band. It reminds me of what would happen if you took sigur ros, damien rice and then put them into a blender with the velvet underground.

And zipf's doing on his own dime. independently.

So.
I could keep rambling about him for awhile. but he's the person I believe in right now (sorry obama) and I think you should come see him.

either at a small kick off party in fairfax on January 18th, or at the Apple Store in Tyson's Corner on February 2nd (and yes, that show is free).

so take this for what you will, maybe you won't buy it.

but zipf's who i believe in right now.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OC2mAo3Q7qo

Sent by Nathan | 1:46 PM ET | 01-04-2008

Does it still count if the music that moves me most is what's coming from my own band? hopefully it does. and who would have thought I'd ever play in a band with a sousaphone and an accordion? we are milkmachine. http://www.milkmachine.org

Sent by jrudian | 2:22 PM ET | 01-04-2008

Bob thank you for the nice piece!
I also saw almost every show they did and the band changed my life for the better.
As you said Urban Verbs were the seminal band of the pre-80's scene and extremely influential worldwide.

Locally,without Urban Verbs there probably wouldn't have been a Fugazi or Bad Brains or Tiny Desk Unit.

As you mentioned, Roddy and Robert talked the owner of a derilict bar in to letting them open it and play;this became Atlantis and later became 930.

They created a totally new unique sound and Eno among thousands of others recognized it early on ['78]. They were relentless in not playing "easy music".

Remember the show I put on with pugsly's help at the Corcoran with an unsigned B-52's and Urban Verbs?

Remember a skinny teenager named Henry Rollins sneaking in to see them play? I understand Dave Grohl also was among the underage audience influenced by their powerful poetic sonic onslaught.

Unfortunately the producers who worked on the albums were not able to capture the depth and power of the band. Producing the second album, Steve Liliywhite seems to have appropriated a lot of the band's sound particularly Robert's unique guitar sound for the album he produced immediately after the Verbs- which was U2's debut. I hear it.

It is unfortnate that the histories of DC punk and new wave have gotten the story so wrong.

We all owe them a lot showing us that we could create avante art and music in late 70's DC and anywhere in any time- even now!

Bill Harvey
Williamsburg Brooklyn

Sent by Bill Harvey | 2:26 PM ET | 01-04-2008

Great post, Bob. I think it very unlikely that there would have been a Tiny Desk Unit w/out the Verbs. For one thing, you and I may never have met. The Verbs were a catalyst and an inspiration. Aside from making it look so simple that anyone could do it (believe me, it wasn't... ) The Verbs, Roddy and Danny especially, were very supportive and encouraged upstart bands like TDU and my all-time fave combo, Rhoda and the Bad Seeds, back when it was just Samantha and Douglas. ASC features artists fairly regularly that I get the same kind of possessive feeling that I had for the Verbs. Arcade Fire, Iron and Wine, and Beirut made me shout out loud recently.

Sent by Michael Barron | 5:36 PM ET | 01-04-2008

I don't remember if you guys have covered the band A sunny Day in Glasgow at all; Twee-gaze stuff that's top release material of 2007 in my material. I just desperatly want them to have more exposure because when I saw them a whole ten people were at the tiny cafe they played at for a payment that problem didn't pay for either their gas or meal that day. With My Bloody Valentine releasing new work later this year I hope it causes a surge in the popularity of my beloved shoegaze so bands like Serena Maneesh and Sunny Day will grow as they so rightly deserve.

here's the link to their Myspace

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=65806894

Sent by Devin(shire) | 5:14 PM ET | 01-05-2008

In Los Angeles, one band caught my attention: The Broken Remotes. Bought a t-shirt and everything.

Check 'em out here:

http://www.myspace.com/thebrokenremotes

They're kind of upbeat Indie Minimalist Rock with a great Punk feel (love all the adjectives). The lyrics are striking and the tracks are so catchy. Definitely my band, but I'm willing to share if you play nice. (No biting)

official site: http://www.thebrokenremotes.com/

Sent by sonokrug | 1:39 AM ET | 01-06-2008

It's a shame that Detroit's goth-country outfit Blanche isn't getting more attention. They released a delightfully cryptic and morose album in 2004 called "If We Can't Trust the Doctors..." Their second album, "Little Amber Bottles" was released just months ago and has a more lush, richly produced sound than its dark predecessor. I adore any band which can make banjos and pedal steel guitar sound fresh again.

(They're also one of the best-dressed bands in the business with their Victorian Era inspired wardrobe.)
http://www.myspace.com/blanchedetroit

Sent by Alex | 5:40 PM ET | 01-06-2008

http://www.theavettbrothers.com/
a group that re-envisioned what bluegrass instruments could do. I really fell in love with the banjo again after getting their cd.

Sent by Jonathan | 10:59 PM ET | 01-06-2008

This blog describes exactly how I feel about a band called Califone. http://www.myspace.com/califonemusic

Sent by Kate Burnett | 11:21 AM ET | 01-07-2008

I couldn't pick between these three:
1)I Am Kloot (they've been around for a while now, but still without much play in the U.S.) http://www.myspace.com/iamklootmusic

2) Sol Seppy
http://www.myspace.com/solseppy

3) Tulsa (I had already nominated this band for best new band of 2007, but alas it wasn't selected...) http://www.myspace.com/tulsamusic

Also, thanks to the person who suggested The Broken Remotes - I'm am currently enjoying their tunes on myspace. Excellent stuff.

Sent by Pablo | 12:49 PM ET | 01-07-2008

Hey Bob,

I found Jill Brazil in college. I heard they disbanded after I graduated, but looked them up anyway when I saw your post. It looks like they have reformed. I enjoy their music: sax, guitar, drums, bass, vocals.

http://www.myspace.com/jillbrazil

Thanks,

J.

Sent by Justin Garofoli | 4:09 PM ET | 01-07-2008

I saw Cake Bake Betty when she opened for Tilly and the Wall in Nashville a couple of years ago, and was entranced by her piercing vocals, hypnotic piano playing, and obscure, wistful lyrics. I got a CD and played it while helping a good friend paint her kitchen with another mutual friend. We were all digging it, and all on our own different levels. Great stuff.

http://www.myspace.com/songsaboutteeth

Sent by Tim | 6:47 PM ET | 01-07-2008

She is certainly not new, but so few people seem to actually know of her. Laurie Anderson will have a new album out this year, but I always go back to her previous stuff when I just need a nice place to spend some time.

I think what makes her music so wonderful is that very little of it is about the typical things you find in music, yet it is all still within reach.

Sent by Shane McDaniel | 3:12 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Forgot about Ra Ra Riot. Wouldn't have heard of them if I hadn't caught the Tokyo Police Club openers in B-more. Doesn't everyone cherish those serendipitous finds? I can still feel their stage energy.
Ra Ra Riot is more popular, but still tons of fun. Kind of like Arcade Fire on twee punk/pop.

http://www.myspace.com/rarariot

by the way, the drummer passed away last summer.

Sent by sonokrug | 3:14 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Cloud Cult -
http://www.myspace.com/cloudcult
http://www.cloudcult.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Cult

Please give 'em a shot if you haven't already. I first heard a song of theirs on Seattle's KEXP and was intrigued, so I went and saw them live and they completely blew me away. The final song they performed was about singer Craig Minowa's son, who died as a little boy, and I left the show in tears. They are just so moving and SO distinct. They don't sound like anyone else right now. At their shows, they have artists who do live painting while the band performs, and they've been concerned about the environment before it was trendy, using their own record label to release music that is made on recycled materials and donates profits to environmental charities. Like I said, they are truly distinct.

Anyway, I've pushed Cloud Cult on most of my friends and I'm so happy when they get new fans because they deserve it, but they'll always be "mine." ;) They just move me in a way that I haven't yet found the words to describe.

Some song suggestions...well, my favorites include "Take Your Medicine" off of their latest release, "The Meaning of 8," and pretty much everything off of their "Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus" album (but especially "Transistor Radio" and "Car Crash").

Please check them out!

Sent by Tamara Vallejos | 4:19 AM ET | 01-09-2008

The Urban Verbs were more than just a catalyst but a family brought together in the then vacant downtown scene of DC when the Keg was the only venue with hair metal bands. The Verbs were motivational for us all that were there at the time and I too owe a great debt of gratitude to them for putting me on the forefront of the music scene which led to my employment a IRS/Faulty records with Miles Copeland and the Police who were infinitely less visionary than the Verbs. Those were with out a doubt the best days of my life and listening to Next Question and Only One of You now bring a tear to my eye. The Verbs deserved a lot more credit and success than the music industry(Warners) passed them over for and I seriously doubt there would have been bands like Nirvana had it not been for them. I dearly hope the Verbs reunite once again for the benefit of us all!

Sent by Julia Brooke- Childs aka Queenie | 8:55 AM ET | 01-09-2008

White Rabbits. They've had a bit of hype this year, but not nearly as much as is deserved. I've followed them for just over a year now, and while most of my friends don't share my enthusiasm, their album Fort Nightly was on my top five this year. If you aren't hooked by "The Plot" give "While We Go Dancing" a try. But above all: you must catch their live show!

http://www.myspace.com/whiterabbits

Sent by Annie Russell | 7:09 PM ET | 01-09-2008

A little Icelandic band called Slowblow. Unfortunately I don't have a link to play you a clip. They normally play with another one of my favorite Icelandic bands Mum. I love Slowblow's ethereal sound. The music just soothes my soul. The lead singers voices were made for each other. They blend so well. Instead of singing loudly, they choose to nearly whisper every word, as if telling you a beautiful secret. I would highly recommend them.

Sent by Jeffrey Carrier | 10:54 PM ET | 01-10-2008

I can't find an mp3 of the song, but "Girlfriend" by an unknown british band called The Jazz Butchers is one of my favorite songs. Ever. Please play. !

Sent by Lorne Sweeney | 1:10 AM ET | 01-11-2008

Really got into Somalian rapper K'naan last summer. Don't know why his album 'Dustyfoot Philosopher' has not been released in the U.S. He's got a great message and it's refreshing to hear a clever rapper with a different perspective. Listen to "What's Harcore." Only downside is he can sometimes verge on the whiny, which begs a comparison to Eminem cause his songs are catchy.
http://www.myspace.com/knaanmusic

Sent by Chris | 1:44 PM ET | 01-11-2008

I have two - a solo artist and a band.

The solo artist is Emm Gryner, a Canadian singer-songwriter. She was one of the many female singer-songwriters who got signed up to major labels in the late 90s, and one of the many who then was dropped after just one album. Unlike a lot of the others, though, she's kept going, and has released several albums independently. She's a very good songwriter and master of the pop hook, and she's also one of the best cover artists I've ever heard. Her album _Girl Versions_ features covers of rock songs written by men, ranging form "Pour Some Sugar On Me" to "Crazy Train," and recasts them as piano ballads - the real highlight is a gorgeous version of "Straight to Hell" by the Clash. Hers is not nearly as angry a song as the original, but it's just as emotional - just in a different way. She's somewhat known in Canadian indie circles, and in Ireland, where she's toured extensively in recent years - her song "Almighty Love" was even named by Bono as one of the songs he most wished he had written - but she doesn't get nearly the audience or recognition she deserves.

The band is Madder Rose, who put out some of the very best alternative pop records of the 90s. They were lead by a wonderful singer, Mary Lorson, and a fine songwriter, Billy Cote. They started out in more of a rock vein, but their last two albums were trip hop influenced. Yeah, I know - in the late 90s, every rock band was releasing trip hop influenced records, and they almost always sucked. But for some reason, when Madder Rose did it, it just worked. One of the songs from those albums - "(She's A) Satellite" - remains one of my favorite pop songs ever, years after its release.

Sent by Josh Burnett | 4:14 PM ET | 01-11-2008

Dear Bob,

What a great idea. It really points to what I love the most about the show, the breadth of music played and the ability to keep in touch with new and old exciting things in a country where at first glance this is not at all easy.
I am a Portuguese living in the US for the past 4 years. I have always been a compulsive music buyer and I found it very easy to do this in Portugal where we still have a system of small record stores where you can go and pick cds from the shelve and just sit down and listen to them with your headphones. With time this becomes a very personalized experience and you often end up developing a complicity with the store staff to a point where they will have a stack of cds set aside for you to listen in every visit. In the US I found this impossible due to the non-personalized experience of buying records and the impossibility of listening to the records before buying them. All songs considered resolved in part this problem for me and allowed me to discover many new projects. Thanks for that.
As far as my "best kept secret" it would have to be a Portuguese band by the name Pop Dell'Arte (what a shame it was not featured in any of the two shows you dedicated to portuguese music). Pop Dell'Arte started back in 1985 around Joao Peste. The band has always been erratic in their trajectory, but nonetheless adventurous and unpredictable in every step of their career. Their music has always been a complex journey between improvisation, performance art. literature and pop music. Their very infrequently website is located at http://www.popdellarte.net/ and a sample video clip of one of their emblematic songs at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wvT3GY9M8k . I chose this video because it encapsulates what Pop Dell'Arte mean to me. A dark and sensual cross between dance music, experimentalism, an irreverent imagery, and the poetics of the use of invented languages... Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Sent by Armando Geraldes | 4:16 PM ET | 01-11-2008

Oops, I forgot to put a link on my post. Here you go:

Emm Gryner:
http://www.myspace.com/emmgryner
http://www.emmgryner.com/

Madder Rose is defunct, but it looks like there are some song samples, at least, here:
http://music.aol.com/artist/madder-rose/1031743

Sent by Josh Burnett | 4:40 PM ET | 01-11-2008

Although this is the quickest way to hear his music: http://www.myspace.com/jefffinlin

There's more to discover at this site:
http://jefffinlinonline.co.uk/

My band (rather musician) I call my own, is a singer/songwriter named Jeff Finlin, who by mere coincidence ended up residing in my home state of Colorado just as I was moving back after college. In a pattern similar to artists like Josh Ritter, Jeff's still been largely overlooked stateside and has found greater success in the UK, this despite having already put out 4 amazing studio albums and 2 fantastic live recordings over the past decade. I mention his living in Colorado as well because he has performed multiple times across Colorado and I've managed to venture out to nearly every gig; to see him live, and as often as I have, is as if Bob Dylan or Tom Petty or even Tom Waits played intimate small club venues 2 or 3 times a month, and all with driving distance of my apartment. He can write of the many untold stories of the American Contemporary West or recall the basic universals of humanity without ever using the cliches frequented in such songs, often times he invokes both of these elements within a single song. As much as I would like more people to hear, and I mean really hear, the songs of Jeff Finlin (and he honestly deserves the success of his effort, although apparently he's rarely bothered by success), I also like to think of him as this one amazing songwriter who shares a worldview common with my own; something I wouldn't want spoiled by the sudden appearance of scenesters or pseudo-intellectuals at his shows. But in the end, I think all of us in pursuit of truly great music, need to stop and give Jeff Finlin a listen.

Sent by Matt Hocker | 2:34 AM ET | 01-12-2008

you need to check out this elliott smith cover by a guy out of providence (gavin castleton). he already has some amazing albums under his belt, but no one has heard of him. eventually (i'm assuming with his forthcoming album), he will blow up for sure.

you can grab the cover ("somebody that i used to know") at the bottom of this blog entry (a fictional piece written from the future, which is connected to his most recent EP):
http://gavincastleton.blogspot.com/2047/03/2047.html
obligatory lamespace link (at the very least so you can hear more stuff): www.myspace.com/gavincastleton
his website (under construction at the moment): www.gavincastleton.com

i hope you take the time to listen; you won't regret it.

Sent by christine | 4:31 PM ET | 01-12-2008

I have lived in Lubbock, Texas my whole life and although people think of Buddy Holly when they hear Lubbock there is a great local music scene. Whenever my out-of-town friends stop by I try to take them to a Thrift Store Cowboys show. They are an alt country band that expresses feeling of a person who lives in the "Dust Bowl."

http://www.myspace.com/thriftstorecowboys

Sent by Aaron | 4:33 PM ET | 01-12-2008

Bob,

Great topic. A lot of good discussion for sure... Without a doubt, for me, the band that changed the way I listen to music and had the biggest influence is The Walkmen. To me, they encompass everything a great band should have: presence/confidence, intensity, passion, and creativity. They are a great, great band, and put on incredible shows. Everyone should give them a listen. They aren't exactly an unknown band, but I still think they are somewhat of a hidden gem... www.myspace.com/thewalkmen... Enjoy!

Sent by Brendan Rooney | 11:37 PM ET | 01-12-2008

You know, there is one band and one band alone that I used to consider all my own. Recently, their catalog was re-released on CD, but they are still lost in the remnants of 70s rock. The band is This Heat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_heat). The song of choice is "24-Track Loop" available on their self-titled record. If anyone ever wonders where bands like the Liars and Radiohead come up with their stuff, it might be a secret of theirs that they steal a lot of ideas from this band.

Sent by KT | 12:25 PM ET | 01-13-2008

Bob, check out The Carolina Chocolate Drops-
http://www.myspace.com/carolinachocolatedrops

I saw them live in SF, and they are inspiring, and charming. An old-timey string band, but with an African American focus.

Sent by GR | 2:50 PM ET | 01-13-2008

During the summer of 1993 before I entered my junior year of high school, I witnessed a minimalist and sloppy yet heart-felt rock band mixing low-fi bossanova and prog-rock named Eggs performing on the Side Stage at Lollapalooza and they changed my life. What struck me first was that thrown into this over-commercialized summer festival full of big name "alternative" bands were these ordinary guys not trying to impress anyone. Secondly, I immediately identified with the lead singer Andrew Beajon who uncannily resembled my geeky shy self hunched over and softly singing into a microphone with guitar in hand. It was only Andrew accompanied by a bass player and they were joined on stage by an Abe-Lincoln-looking fellow dancing carelessly around (the drummer, unfortunately, had recently joined the military and was not able to join Eggs on the tour; a shame really, as I would later hear on their Bruiser LP that he was one fantastic drummer). They weren't overwhelming in the sense of sound/volume or stage antics, but more so in their modest performance and friendly relationship with the small crowd gathered in front of them; they could've easily been your best friends up there doing what they loved, even if they didn't do it particularly well, and feeling way out of place amongst the over-hyped World of Perry Farrell.

Eggs left the biggest impression on me that day out of any of the other bands I saw and led me into the world of Indie rock in the DC area through the door of Teenbeat Records. They gave me inspiration to have faith in my own music and band, to know that it doesn't matter about all the glitz or lack thereof, that it's all about doing what you love and for whomever wants to listen.

Check out one of their beautifully melodic early tracks "This Party Never Ends: on: http://www.teenbeatrecords.com/

Sent by Kurt Calloway | 3:10 PM ET | 01-14-2008

Kilowatts and Vanek (MySpace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=3071599) entered my life in the summer of 2005. I heard the song "Lies" on a DJ album and promptly bought the band's record "RawQ." This Philly/Belgium based band meet over the internet and composed an entire album without meeting each other face to face. Nearly everyone I've exposed their music to has been blown away by their sound. Peter van Ewijk (Vanek) combines ethereal lyrics with silky smooth vocals that are richly textured by Jamie Watts' (Kilowatts) electonica orchestrations. Their music is available on iTunes, and you can find their music on Amazon, but as far as I can tell, I'm one of a few people who has heard this band who surely has mass appeal.

Sent by Aaron Mosby | 3:48 PM ET | 01-14-2008

I would say that Why? fills that role for me, except that there's such a rabid (albeit insulated) cult around all the anticon artists that I can't honestly say I feel that they belong to me.

So I guess I'd go with The Invisible Cities. www.theinvisiblecities.com

Sent by Alek | 7:39 PM ET | 01-14-2008

my secret gem is Fran Windler of Kansas City. This live album recorded in a Unitarian church with an audience of less than a dozen people is quite possibly my favorite record of all time. I've said it before and i'll say it again "I WANT THIS RECORD PLAYED IN ITS ENTIRETY AT MY FUNERAL"

i created this fan site for her.

http://www.petermaxlawrence.com/Art/WEB/Fran%20Windler/FW_default.html

you can hear the entire album here:
http://mp3blog.org.ua/archives/july2006/mp3/folk/a00d960a.html

enjoy,

Peter Max Lawrence
http://www.petermaxlawrence.com

Sent by Peter Max Lawrence | 10:18 PM ET | 01-14-2008

Hey Bob,

I was searching around for David Lynch on youtube last year when I found a clip with someone playing a short improvised piece on an organ before the start of Inland Empire. I then looked up the guys myspace profile and my jaw just about hit my keyboard. This man was brilliant.
His name is Daniel Knox. His voice both strong and tender with a unique vibrato that drips with emotion. The lyrics are a cut above the rest, melancholy but not bitter. Each track is memorable and has superb song writing and instrumentation. I'm sure people will compare him to an early Tom Waits. In my opinion he is at least equal in ability. What he lacks in Waits' bravado and showmanship he makes up for with the truly haunting quality of his music.
http://www.danielknox.com/mp3s/NoAccident.mp3

check out the track "ghostsong" on myspace
http://www.myspace.com/danielknox

Sent by Dave Madden | 1:54 AM ET | 01-15-2008

Interference. He cameoed in "Once." Seeing Fergus up on stage was one of the highlights of my time in West Cork...

Sent by Akira | 3:11 AM ET | 01-15-2008

The Six Parts Seven, while much loved by NPR, was once just a local band in Kent, OH making some of the softest, heartfelt music around. They changed the way I listened to music. I never wanted to let them go, but while living in Montana I heard them played between segments on Fresh Air. The joy that knowing Kent's little secret was heard all around the globe was worth the wait.
http://www.myspace.com/sixpartsseven

Mark - Kent, OH

Sent by Mark Bartholet | 10:03 AM ET | 01-15-2008

Hi Bob,

I've been on a crusade for many months now to get more people into a Vancouver band called the Parlour Steps. They play a brand of original, expressive rock they call Thought Rock, and I managed to hang out with them in the summer when they toured central Canada. They've won a songwriting award for their song "Thieves of Memory," which is a good place to start.

Here is their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/parloursteps

and here's a blog post of a newspaper article I wrote about them:
http://www.prop.ca/wp/?p=309

Mason Wright, Toronto

Sent by Mason | 12:29 PM ET | 01-15-2008

Not all that secret, but fitting the bill for me would be Chisel. They are mainly remembered now as Ted Leo's last band before he went on to his solo/Pharmacists success, though Chris and John both played a major role in the band's sound as well. Maybe every school has a band that all the music fans orbit around - if not, they should - and for me (and many others) that was Chisel, so I think we had it pretty good. The band and guys in it led me on to all kinds of other great music - Wire, The Jam, Mission of Burma, Cardinal, and all the fun Dischord, K, Teen Beat, Sub Pop etc stuff coming out in the early 90's, and continues to lead to new paths I'm still enjoying exploring.

http://www.myspace.com/chiselmusic has a few samples but try anything on "Set You Free" for their peak sounds.

Gracias,
Greg

Sent by Greg Murphy | 11:57 AM ET | 01-16-2008

There's a local Vermont oldtime/bluegrass/folk band called Sugarblue that fits this bill for me. I heard about them from a friend who is friends with one of the members, and was floored when I heard some random demo recordings. They have one studio album out now and it is fantastic.
http://www.myspace.com/sugarblue1

I particularly recommend the song "Reuben".

Sent by Chloe | 10:57 PM ET | 01-16-2008

No band will ever speak to me the way The Replacements did back in 1985, when they saved me from a steady diet of radio pablum and bad heavy metal. I was in high school and their ragged songs perfectly expressed what I was feeling at the time.

Best of all, as I've grown older, perhaps not so wiser, Paul Westerberg continues to write the soundtrack to my life. Lot's of people know them, but The Replacements are mine. Back off.

Sent by Mike M. | 1:13 AM ET | 01-17-2008

Hi Bob,

First of all I am an avid fan of the All Songs Considered show and listen to every single one (ok, this sounds like im buttering you up..but honest I am not). I listened to the last show and heard about this blog and immediately thought of a local Toronto (Ontario) band that I think the world needs to know about. They are lyrically and rhythmically fascinating. A drum and guitar duo in what I would classify as indie in terms of genre.

The band is called Polyester Heart and they seem to be reluctant to have a myspace page as I can't find one - they do have a page to preview the ep here: http://www.llarc.com/polyesterheartep as well as an awful music video posted on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBMB9tDtp48

Hope you enjoy it!

Sent by Lindsay | 9:07 AM ET | 01-17-2008

The new love in my life is Black Jake & The Carnies. Their approach to bluegrass is akin to Flogging Molly's approach to Irish folk. Their lyrics have some of the same sensibilities as the darker tunes of Colin Meloy but with more punk energy than indie rock. I've been on a folk-inspired rock kick, listening to a lot of DeVotchKa, Beirut, and the like. I was ecstatic to find a band that literally lives around the corner incorporating more Americana into the trend.

http://www.myspace.com/blackjakeandthecarnies

Sent by Jesse M. | 9:27 AM ET | 01-17-2008

The Falling Wallendas. They were a band from Chicago in the 90s, released two CDs (Falling Wallendas and Belittle) and an EP (Pattycake). After they broke up, their lead singer, Allen Keller, also did a great solo CD called Wuthering Depths. I first read about them in Stereo Review magazine, of all places, and whoever the reviewer compared them to piqued my interest enough to pick up the self-titled CD. They're funny, smart, twisted, and awesomely talented musicians. A little like the Bears, but a lot darker. I love, love, love this band. I still occasionally see their CDs in cutout bins or on ebay. They should have been huge, and although I think I understand why they weren't, I almost never run into anybody who's even heard of them, and that's wrong. Here's a couple of links where you can hear a few songs:

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Falling+Wallendas

http://www.allen-keller.com/

Sent by Gary | 10:41 AM ET | 01-18-2008

A while ago, my friend used to make these amazing mix tapes for me. If it weren't for her, I might have never heard of Big Star, Wanda Jackson, or The Exploding Hearts, to name a few. One of my most cherished discoveries from these tapes is an 80's Australian band called Eastern Dark. I heard the song I Don't Need the Reasons, and had to find their EP, Long Live the New Flesh. I'm still hooked.

Sent by Andrea | 3:48 PM ET | 01-18-2008

I was back home in Ireland over Christmas and was recommended a local band (from Cork), called HOORAY FOR HUMANS and they have a debut album called, SAFEKEEPING. Good catchy pop/rock tunes.
http://www.myspace.com/hoorayforhumansband

Another favourite of mine were the various incarnations of Donal O'Mahony and Carol Keogh. They were in a band called the PLAGUE MONKEYS in the mid 90's, and made some beautiful music which drew comparisons to the Sundays and the Cocteau Twins. The band subsequently broke up, but reformed as THE TYCHO BRAHE, but had to later change name again to TYCHONAUT. Again there were some great songs on their second album, Love/Life. There is talk of them getting back together again soon, meanwhile Carol has been doing some vocals with Autamata.
Examples of their sound can be found here
The Plague Monkeys - The Plague Monkeys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSiAQcCvGvE
The Plague Monkeys - White Feathers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51fXQojLYTQ
Tychonaut - Steel Wheels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fazIp5Obxd4
Autamata w/ Carol Keogh (this clip has a few glitches at the start i think)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vQbJNHjKeE

While some of their later music i can take or leave, I still love the Plague Monkeys debut album SURFACE TENSION (Surfacing is still one of my favourite songs ever), and have really enjoyed seeing them live over the years. Carol has a really beautiful voice and i really like some of the simpler arrangements. It's a pity they never made it big.

Sent by Gear??id O'Sullivan | 9:07 PM ET | 01-18-2008

I'm always kind of surprised with how few people know about the Archie Bronson Outfit. They're a garage rock band from England that's released a handful of singles and two albums, most recently "Derdang Derdang" in 2006. I've put some of the band's songs on mixes for my friends, and I'm always asked for more songs from "that one band that plays 'Dart For My Sweetheart'."

the band's site: http://www.archiebronsonoutfit.net/abo/releases/

My friend Alex's band the Noise has also been putting out consistently good stuff for a number of years. Those of us who have been keeping up are incredibly proud of these guys. Their myspace page is here:
http://www.myspace.com/thenoisemusic

Sent by Abby Olcese | 10:44 AM ET | 01-19-2008

I wish I had found this earlier! Time of Orchids is an utterly amazing band no matter how you analyze them. From profoundly original sounding music (is that even possible anymore?) to almost unhuman technical proficiency at their instruments, they will blow you away.

They used to be on Tzadik as one of the only rock bands innovative enough for John Zorn's label. That says something! I hope more people find them!

http://www.timeoforchids.com

Sent by Matt Ward | 11:34 AM ET | 01-20-2008

I'm not sure if bands of yesteryear still qualify, but Sordid Humor is a band that has been bouncing around my head since I first heard them. I never knew too much about them, my brother brought the CD home and I was hooked. The songs have a bittersweet edge to them.

The lyric that defined my young adulthood goes:

"I know I'd leave if I knew where to go,
I heard the winter months are sweet in Rome,
I pack my bags and get on a boat,
and I always end up at home sweet home."

If you want more clips let me know, both of their albums are way out of print.

Sent by Paul Stevens | 10:30 AM ET | 01-21-2008

I forgot to post the link:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=153341129

Sent by Paul Stevens | 10:32 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Is Marah too mainstream to fit this bill? If so, I would also nominate The Living Things and The Supersuckers.

Sent by Carlos R. Pastrana | 4:43 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Oh, and the Bowery's late, much-missed My Victoria.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diQszTh5jKc

Sent by Carlos R. Pastrana | 4:49 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Wow, it's so hard not to put 10 bands on here. I'll restrain myself and only put two. This first band is from St. Louis and self produced their first album. Amazing job for not being signed...
Jumbling Towers
http://www.myspace.com/jumblingtowers

Another one who is touring with Yeasayer right now is from Brooklyn. Very smart electronic indie pop....
MGMT
http://www.myspace.com/mgmt
"Time to Pretend" is a must listen.

Sent by Ricky Ferrer | 1:49 PM ET | 01-22-2008

I wasn't going to post a response to this blog entry since I cannot find any web pages regarding the-band-I-call-my-own, and 'my band' never really made it out of my hometown. That is until now!

After having heard Justin Vernon's (aka 'Bon Iver') "For Emma" on 'All Songs Considered' a few weeks ago (see the Jan. 10th podcast!), I decided I'd chime in and acknowledge his high school band, Mount Vernon. They had 2 albums that I know of 'We Can Look Up' (1998) and 'All of Us Free' (2000).
http://www.volumeonemag.com/shop/item.php?item_id=25

I was fortunate that the local Borders in Eau Claire, Wisconsin was willing to sell local artists' albums, otherwise I would have never been able to acquire them.

I have always felt that the title track from their first album ('We Can Look Up') was better than all of Billboard's Top 10 from 1998 combined. (Granted, the late 90's probably boasts some of the most pathetic years of pop/rock music.)

The song "We Can Look Up" reminds me of fall in Wisconsin. More specifically, when I hear it, I picture a fall day in northwestern Wisconsin and I'm in high school walking across my high school's campus. It's probably the wind instruments that sound similar to the many pep band rallies I'd hear in the distance as I'd walk to and from my high school's campus that induce memories of high school. But there's also these great lyrics that remind me of the fear and nervousness I had about leaving home and all that was comfortable and familiar.

What a song! Too bad nobody outside of Eau Claire, Wisconsin will ever hear it. In my world, it wasn't Next, Savage Garden, or Brandy that had the #1 song in 1998, it was Mount Vernon!

Best of luck to you Justin (Bon Iver)! I hope to be in Eau Claire for your CD release! (See http://www.myspace.com/boniver for Bon Iver's tour dates.)

Sent by Dan Malosh | 1:38 AM ET | 01-23-2008

Dear Bob Boilen,

I feel like I should just call you "Bob," but in my house you are always referred to as "Bob Boilen." My husband listens to you on his i-pod every week during his thirteen-mile bike commute to work,and his only complaint is that your show is not long enough! I have to confess that I am no music connoisseur. I rely on my husband to introduce me to new music, and usually it takes four or five listens before anything sticks. But last summer he introduced me to a local band that "stuck" the very first time! I can't tell you how excited I am about Sarah White and the Pearls! They were the music of my summer, and I got to see them live at a local show in Charlottesville, VA last fall. I was amazed at the control Sarah has of her vocals... she sounded just as amazing live as she did on record. She recently won "Best Song" on the Mountain Stage Contest. My favorites are "Fighting Words" and "Sarah, Arizona." Please listen. I know you'll be impressed.

With greatest regards,

Darrah McDermott

thanks for the kind words Darrah, I'll give a listen. All the best
Bob

Sent by Darrah McDermott | 9:21 PM ET | 01-26-2008

Lovers is a beautiful band. Changed the way I think of Love, Death, and the intimacy of music.
www.myspace.com/loverstheband
www.loverstheband.com
www.loverstheband.org

wow, I'm going to listen now!
bb

Sent by david | 1:47 AM ET | 01-29-2008

Hey Bob! Thank you so much for the email back and the direct link :) I love the idea for "a band to call your own", it's really nice that you take the time to write a little back and that you're willing to hear out suggestions... your a true lover of music to share with us so much and let us share with you.

I'm glad you liked what you heard. The Afterwhiles actually just played a show this last weekend in Va Beach for the Invisible Children's benefit, which i don't know if you have heard of the invisible children but it's a awareness organization for the people of Northern Uganda, and the Lord's Resistance Army there, that kidnap children and make them into soliders. I don't know too much about it but i know it seems like a pretty good cause to alleviate such a sad situation.

There a really fun band that plays their music because they love it, and love to to share the feeling of the emotion of sound with everyone who is willing to listen. I know they spend a lot of time making sure to comment back to everyone of their fans.. trying to make the connection real, and let them know that the music that they play and what the reaction or inspiration of it to that person is just as special to the band as well.

Their link is:
myspace.com/theafterwhiles
.. and they are on purevolume as well :)

Thank you so much Bob for letting me and suggesting to write on here, hope you enjoy.. and hope you are having a good week so far!

Owen

my pleasure Owen
bb

Sent by Owen | 3:48 PM ET | 01-29-2008

Man, another blog to keep up with. I just listened to the podcast and felt that although there were some great bands to listen to for the first time, brit pop could have had better representation. So I am recommending post podcast, School of Language:

http://www.schooloflanguage.co.uk/index.php

which is Chris Brewis's (of Field Music) solo project.

His first album, "Sea From Shore," was recently released in the US (you can get it through Thrill Jockey,http://www.thrilljockey.com/catalog/index.html?id=102063)
It is in a similar vein to Field Music. The first track "Rocklist Part 1" floored me. I love the vocal intro to it. I have been a big fan of a group of bands that have rekindled the post punk/new wave sound from that area of the UK (i.e. Field Music and The Futureheads to name two).

I like to hear albums which can't necessarily be played live the same way it sounds on the album. It keeps you guessing at what it will sound like if you do get to see the band live. I think this is one of those albums. I'm hoping to find out how this sounds when he makes it to Boston this spring.

sweet, thanks
bb

Sent by Mac Coldwell | 1:46 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Bob,

One more band I call my own. They are "The Panics" out of Perth, Australia who have a fair degree of notoriety down under. I discovered them while CD shopping in Sydney in 2005. They just released their third album, "Cruel Guards" which is great. Their sound ranges from Stone Roses-eque to alt-country... They have a fair degree of notoriety down under but virtually unknown in the states.

Please check them out at http://www.thepanics.com.au/ or www.myspace.com/thepanicsmusic
will do, thanks
bb

Sent by Dan | 6:27 AM ET | 02-01-2008

My current favorite album "An Army Life" which was just released by a band called "That's Him! That's The Guy!" They're an folk/alt-country duo from mid-Michigan who write a personal, deeply felt songs with biting lyrics. I'm not typically a country fan, but their music has made me seek out their roots and influences from over half a decade ago. The album features guest appearances from members of other local bands on banjo, mandolin, and a particularly stunning performance on pedal steel.

Currently the best place to find them is on their myspace page.
http://www.myspace.com/thatshimthatstheguy

While I'm at it I'll also mention Chris Bathgate, another mid-Michigan local. He's a solo folk singer-songwriter who's tender voice and touching lyrics pair well with his spare and shart guitar playing. His most recent album is titled "A Cork Tale Wake"
http://www.acorktalewake.com/

Sent by kevin | 11:01 AM ET | 02-01-2008

I should have mentioned some tracks to start with!

That's Him That's The Guy!: Polish Lancers, Half

Chris Bathgate: Last Parade on Ann Street, Serpentine, Buffalo Girl

Sent by kevin | 11:15 AM ET | 02-01-2008

I wish I would have seen this post sooner! The band that immediately comes to mind as "my own" is Lookwell. They were actually a huge reason that I started my little record label, eskimo kiss, seven years ago (and I swear this isn't shameless self promo). Their little 5-song CD is still one of my favorite collections of songs ever.

They since broke up but the main songwriter Chris Jackson is now making music in a new band called Citified. But you can still hear some Lookwell here: http://www.isound.com/lookwell_2, one of their best tracks "The Ghost in the Courthouse."

As for someone more recent, I've been singing the praises of Richmond, VA's David Shultz since I received his record "Sinner's Gold" early last year. Some of the finest songwriting I've heard in quite some time. www.myspace.com/davidshultz

Sent by Kim | 11:51 AM ET | 02-01-2008

"My band" is unquestionably Steppin' In It. They are a band from Lansing, Michigan that this displaced Michigander discovered while living and working in Portsmouth, NH. They were playing a live set for the local low-power FM radio station, which was just down the hall from my workshop, and upon hearing their music, I ran down the hall to meet the band in person and get directions to their show that night. They are a multi-instrumental band that plays a range of folksy tunes that harken back to the songs of the 1930's and 40's. They have three "solo" CDs and one recording with singer Rachael Davis under the band name Shout Sister Shout! That particular album is probably my favorite - a number of jazz standards that are brought to life by Rachael's voice and the instrumental efforts of the boys in the band. I would recommend them and any of their albums to anyone. It is music that is at times painfully sad, and at other times reminds you that life should be lived joyfully. My favorite track is "Plenty" from Children Take Your Shoes Off.

They have songs posted on both their website and their myspace page.

www.steppininit.com

http://www.myspace.com/steppininit

Sent by Jonathan French | 1:07 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Bob et al.

Loved this show (it downloaded today)
couple of notes
1)Many of the Artists on today's show can be found at eMusic
(Blanche, K'naan and many others)
2)If the listener who suggested K'naan is still old skool and using CDs he can get it in the U.S. from the label "Track and Field Inc / CD Baby"(Which probably means he can order it from CD Baby).
Just a note on K'naan that I posted to eMusic "Wow!!! Now I remember why I download the hundreds of hours of random music from All Songs considered, there are sooo many hidden Gems waiting to be heard. . . AWESOME FIND!!!"

thanks for this Josh
bb

Sent by Josh | 2:27 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Tim McDonald is an Arizona songwriter that I listen to who I don't think anybody else knows about. Here's a link to the myspace page for his band Broken Poets: http://tinyurl.com/2o4fka

I only wish I wasn't such a lackluster fan. I haven't been out to a show in ages. :(

Sent by John Tynan | 3:44 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Dropkick, an alt-country pop group from Scotland. Best lyric ever: "How can I take you seriously when your ass looks nicer than your face?"

http://www.myspace.com/dropkickmusic

Sent by Afton | 5:15 PM ET | 02-01-2008

I agree with Gear??id O'Sullivan above - Carol Keogh, Plague Mankeys. Excellent - why aren't they famous? Iolarwood, Dublin

Sent by Iolarwood | 5:30 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Bob - I listen to your show via podcast and I am now as addicted to it show the way that I am to Vin Scelsa's 'Idiots Delight' It's through shows like yours and his that I can break away from mainstream radio and, at the same time, get to listen to new music. It was through Scelsa's show that I "discovered" Bobby Bandiera about 10 years ago. He's got a Roy Orbison like voice and is an incredible guitar player (I'm not ashamed to say I get goose bumps when wails away on a blues tune). He seems to be way too modest to plug himself; so he gets virtually no airplay. Info on him can be found at:
http://www.bobbandiera.com/

http://www.southsidejohnny.com/theband/bobbandiera/index.htm
and a few songs at:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=75069086

Keep the new music artists coming!

I have some listening to do. Thanks!
bb

Sent by Liam | 7:57 PM ET | 02-01-2008

You gotta do another one of these shows. Great idea! The first suggestion I have is a band from Boulder, Colorado called The Autumn Film.
http://www.theautumnfilm.com
http://www.myspace.com/theautumnfilm
We've done a couple shows with them and they're fantastic live. Tracks to listen to... Enough, Because we are, Safe and Sound.
The second suggestion really needs to be experienced live. Tom Conlon (myspace.com/tomconlonmusic) travels around the country doing primarily house shows. Tom is one of those people that is completely real and transparent. When you get to see him in a small venue its like time stops. Keep the tunes coming!

will do and thanks
bb

Sent by Tim | 8:15 PM ET | 02-01-2008

I was traveling on business in San Francisco a while ago and happened into a local performance art gallery one evening after work. There were several bands playing, one of which was Two Seconds. They were two girls, both still in high school, I believe. One played drums and one played guitar and sang (no bass or any other instruments). As a fellow musician, I was totally struck by their energy, which was brilliantly captured on their debut CD, "To Pass The Time". They have since released a second CD, "Until We're Legal", which also had great playing, recorded in a way that really captures their spirit and exuberance.

I can't wait until their next CD!

http://www.myspace.com/twoseconds

NPR, thanks for giving new artists the chance to be heard nationally, even when they're still just starting out. We are listening!

Eric
Phoenix

Sent by Eric Shelley | 8:17 PM ET | 02-01-2008

David Garza is an Austin-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. Since the late 80s, he has been creating inventive music of eclectic flavors. He has released albums over the years that reflect a heavy 70s rock n roll vibe, and others that call to mind the border music of Texas.. not to mention the quiet acoustic lullabies or the strange instrumental numbers...

Though he released a few albums on a major label in the late 90s, David Garza amazingly has sustained a career on self-releasing his music - before self-releasing was cool. Heck, DG was doing amazing things with a four-track before the advent of digital recording! (Listen to "Four Track Manifesto" for evidence of this.)

To say that David Garza's music has meant more to me than that of any other living artist would be an understatement. For the last 15 years, despite the varied genres he has explored, David Garza's music has continued to resonate with and inspire me in a way words cannot describe.

To dive head first into his music - a journey that will leave you feeling inspired about one human can do - I highly recommend his four-disc box set called "A Strange Mess of Flowers". If you want just one disc, I suggest "Kingdom Come & Go" (if you can find it).

Otherwise, click here for a little taste: www.myspace.com/davidgarza

Enjoy!
I've got a lot of listening to do!
bb

Sent by Tamryn | 8:32 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Hi Bob,

What a great topic! My first relatively unknown musician is John Hiatt. Most people have heard his music because so many of his songs have been covered by well known artists, such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, BB King, or Bonnie Raitt. In fact I first heard him during an interview he did on NPR. In the studio for that interview, he had only his guitar and a band member with a box or something to drum on. Hiatt and his ill-equipped friend made big, beautiful sound together and I was hooked. I've got everything he ever did and I've seen him live three times.

The second artist that I'd like to add to this list is Neko Case. I discovered here at twangville.com during a bout of severe insomnia earlier this year. For me, she has the voice of an angel, yet with such depth and power that she ranks as the finest female vocalist alive today. I found her music and lyrics to be truly new and apart from mainstream, blazing new ground. I burned four of her songs from the internet onto a CD, jumped in the car at 3:00 a.m. and drove around for three hours blasting these tunes until the sun came up. I went to the first music store I could find and bought all the Neko Case they had in stock. She's amazing.

thanks, you can find an entire concert on our live concert podcast. We sure do love her.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510253
enjoy

bb

Sent by Chris in San Diego | 11:46 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Here's a story that was nearly two years in the making....

I chanced upon an mp3 by a band called Morglbl. Here was the sound I had always wanted to hear before I knew it, but what little I could find on the web was all in French...and useless to me.

A year passed, then my sister visited. Remembering she had taken high school French I asked her to help me in my search for Morglbl. We googled, she interpreted, a few words of which were fed back, and viola! The name of Christophe Godin appeared as the driving force of the band.

I contacted his label in France to order everything he had recorded but was informed there would be a 30 day wait for a new pressing. What the heck. I'd waited a year, what's another month? Two weeks later four autographed CD's arrived in my mailbox! My sister had also contacted the French label and told them specifically NOT to sell to me! She wanted to buy them as a gift. The label put her in touch directly with Godin who was pleased to have his first American fans, and so gladly autographed the CD's. But through the relationship she had struck up, Godin invited us both to be his guests at the NAMM show in LA last year where he would be performing as the official endorsee for Laney amplifiers. This was his first time in the US and he couldn't have been a nicer guy. After 3 days of watching him play and getting to know each other, my sister and I, having no connection to the music business whatsoever, knew we had to do something to help Godin gain an audience in America.

Last summer we arranged for the band to play for 3 weeks in the Carolinas where audiences were very enthusiastic. Morglbl released their new album, Grotesk, their first American release, last October and are due to return this summer.

What motivated us to do all this? It's all about the music. Samples can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/christophegodin

can't wait to hear this! thanks
bb

Sent by Rodney Cord | 11:51 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Funny because I was realizing lately that (with a lot of help) I had made an album that is secretly one of my favorite albums. http://www.dancelikeaghost.com

Sent by Racecar | 8:07 AM ET | 02-02-2008

My band is called "Public Property". They are a reggae band out of Iowa City, Iowa. For those of you haven't chuckled aloud and completely dismissed them because of where they are from, take a listen. They are energetic, fun, celebratory and sometimes angry. Here's the link:

http://www.myspace.com/publicprop

Still with me?...here's a brief description taken from their site. This band needs to been seen LIVE to get the full effect.

After three albums, 4 years, and hundreds of gigs, Public Property has established itself as one of America's top touring reggae bands. Started in 2003 by the Hawaii born and bred frontman Dave Bess, the band seamlessly jumps from roots reggae to gospel reggae, ska to hip-hop infused funk, to rock and back to reggae, all the while keepin' the dance floor hot and the booties shakin'. Add female vocalists, a ukulele, and a controversial and urgent message, it's no wonder this band has risen so quickly in the U.S. reggae and jam scenes as one of the top nationally touring reggae acts.

Sent by Dave Roan | 12:28 PM ET | 02-02-2008

The band I call my own is J Roddy Walston and The Business this is the best cd to have in your car and there one of the best live shows in Baltimore
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=12999755

Sent by kelly | 1:19 PM ET | 02-02-2008

Not really a "band" (as most people understand the word) but an ensemble dedicated to preservation and innovation of Balinese performing arts: Cudamani. They recently finished a multi-city North American tour.

http://www.cudamani.org

They are in the forefront of preserving classical forms of Balinese music and dance. At the same time, their Gamelan Semaradana (7-tone) instruments make up a seemingly limitless tonal pallet for innovative compositions. Furthermore, they do not play for tourist dollars; instead, their performances are dedicated to "ngayah", or devotional service, to their village temples and other devotional obligations. I've had the fortunate opportunity to play and study with this group of highly accomplished and talented artists. This is a group not to be missed or overlooked!

The music from their latest tour:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/odalanbali

Sent by Ed | 2:23 PM ET | 02-02-2008

Also, a nice video of Cudamani performing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EXzfpS6WK4

But, of course, they're best seen live...

Sent by Ed | 2:35 PM ET | 02-02-2008

I am very excited to investigate many of the bands listed already... But, of course, I have my own. The Damnwells, out of Brooklyn.

http://www.myspace.com/thedamnwells

Sent by Rachel | 3:50 PM ET | 02-02-2008

Thanks Bob

What a great idea for a show. I love hearing all these new-to-me artists.

No need for me to think twice.
My choice would be Martyn Joseph who is famed in the UK he's Welsh and has a large following in Canada but who remains undeservedly obscure here in the US.

I stumbled upon an interview of him online some five or six years ago listened to a few clips and sent away to Wales for his "Best of" CD set. I was hooked immediately by the depth insight and passion of his songs and his amazing voice and guitar work.

But it wasn't until I saw him live that I walked down the aisle and accepted him into my heart as my personal singer and songwriter. He is incredible live and incidentally is touring the US this month, so catch him while you can.

He's put out three studio albums since I discovered his work and he just keeps getting better. No other artist has spoken to my inward being quite like this guy. I hate to use the word "inspirational" but dammit I must!

There's plenty to listen to on his website and myspace accounts

www.martynjoseph.com
www.myspace/martynjoseph

but nothing quite captures the feeling of his live shows.

Here's one of many youtube videos of him.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7ejFYi0XcJs

Thanks!
Nancy

and thank you Nancy, I've got a lot of listening to do
bb

Sent by Nancy Vitavec | 7:32 PM ET | 02-02-2008

Neutral Milk Hotel. Maybe not obscure enough for the NPR crowd, I guess, which is why it probably hasn't been posted yet. Well, for those of y'all not in the know, _In the Aeroplane Over the Sea_ is the most beautiful album in the world. The End

amazing record. Robin HIlton turned me on to it when he started working for ASC. but good to put it here
bb

Sent by J.V. Grabowski | 8:19 PM ET | 02-02-2008

She's not really a band, but singer-songwriter Ani Difranco. Though many have heard of her, not many have really listened to her. Her uniqueness stems, not from her guitar playing, which inspired me to learn the guitar, but it primarily stems from her lyrics. Not many songwriters put their soul into their lyrics, leaving them feeling vulnerable when sharing it with others. It is both this vulnerabilty and boldness in her lyrics that attract many to her. Ani's music is an acquired taste, but worth the effort to listen to.

http://www.righteousbabe.com/ani/index.asp

Sent by Tiffany | 11:04 PM ET | 02-02-2008

The Faith Healers my man!!!

I can't find an mp3, so that must make them ultra cool.

Here's the amazon link
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BOH940/

Sent by P. Skunk Willy | 2:26 AM ET | 02-03-2008

There's tons of talent here down under that id like to tell the world about. However one standout; Sarah Blasko. When i first heard her sing a cover of a classic 80's Aussie Ballad, called Flame Trees it brought back memories of the first time I heard Chrissie Hynde's sultry voice singing Brass in Pocket.
Sarah has a lot of her own stuff but a great way to introduce yourself to her awesome voice is to listen to her cover of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Crowded House' Dont Dream it's over.

BTW - Bob I have to thank you for introducing me to Mark Vidler - GoHomeProductions - it's really cool stuff and love seeing friends reaction to his stuff.

Love your show.

Cheers from Sydney

Sent by Manny | 9:27 AM ET | 02-03-2008

Hey Bob,
Thanks for the show - it was good to listen to a few bands I hadn't heard yet. The other day I made my way to see Tulsa, the band I recommended above ("Mass" is a great track), and the opening band blew me away. A combination of The Sparks and Marc Bolan, the band Bryan Scary & the Shredding Tears is one I'm trying to get people to hear: http://www.myspace.com/bryanscary

I love Sparks, can't wait to hear this one
bb

Sent by Pablo | 2:20 PM ET | 02-03-2008

Great idea for your blog! Here's my little secret chestnut:

http://www.nickjaina.com

Sent by Crom | 9:36 AM ET | 02-04-2008

I was searching through a recent online magazine music contest and came across a bevy of unheard bands, namely one guy, RED 5 who seems to be composing and producing neo-soulish women singers over a very still waters run deep backbeat (is such a thing possible?!). It's smart and sexy and when I heard the recent buzzword of "genre-bending", I knew Red 5 was ready to be discovered. I especially love the "kill a man" sample. Find Red 5 for yourself at http://saundi.musicnation.com

Sent by Jess Z. | 12:07 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Jared Wright and the guys from The Red Swill in Macon, Georgia get my vote as the best up and coming folk band. (Jared also wins the best beard award!)
http://www.myspace.com/theredswill

Sent by Linda Bramhall | 1:01 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Bob,

Great article, love the show!!

The band i am loving these days is Hotel45!! A great band from chicago.

www.myspace.com/hotel45

keep up the great work bob!!

thank you

Sent by Steve | 1:22 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Bob,
I love this idea. I love this episode of the show. I wish that I had your job sometimes so that people would just throw music at me.

Sent by Mb | 1:32 PM ET | 02-04-2008

I have two also, a band and a solo artist:

1. How I Became the Bomb, from Murfreesboro, TN: More fun than you can shake a stick at. Catchy tunes, entertaining stage presence, the whole package. As with everyone else on this (amazing) list, I don't know why they aren't famous yet. Listen to "Killing Machine," but maybe not while you're at work because you'll find yourself dancing on your desk with your fists in the air.
www.myspace.com/howibecamethebomb

2. Cory Branan, from Memphis, TN: Cory has had some national exposure (a Hot listing in Rolling Stone several years ago, which was cruelly rescinded this year) but still seems to be under the radar. This mystifies me. This man is a poet, the brave kind, with regular phrase turnings that will make you gasp. So many of today's popular artists don't write their own material, and still get heralded as Important Voices, and then there's guys like Cory who never quite seem to break through. It's a tragedy, really. Check out "Tall Green Grass," on his 2006 release Twelve Songs, and try not to swoon.
www.myspace.com/corybranan

Sent by Delaney Gill | 2:12 PM ET | 02-04-2008

"Nashville can Rock...if you just let it" says the MySpace page of my fave musician MixMasterMandy and her band the Sellouts. This Music City band describes their sound as rock, pop and hippity hop. I'm always there when they play in Nashville.
website: http://mixmastermandy.com/
myspace:http://www.myspace.com/mixmastermandy

Sent by Rose | 2:36 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Rachel's is one band I have always thought to be more than a little underrated. The first album of theirs I picked up was "Music for Egon Schiele", almost 10 years ago. Being a silly high school art club weirdo at the time (though now I am merely a 20-something version of the same), I bought their album song-unheard for the Schiele reference alone - and ended up loving everything about them.

From the intensity of emotion masterfully wrapped up in such minimal instrumentation (the quote from Arnold Schoenberg says it all) to the care with which the album was designed and constructed, I knew I had found something unique and unsurpassed in sincerity of heart. Nothing so much moves me as a soul laid bare in song.

While they may have been categorized to an extent as neo-classical, I feel they are more aptly described as fearless pioneers of sound. After that first album, I snatched up every one I could get my hot little hands on without hesitation, knowing that with it would come something that was as familiar to my soul as it was new to my ears. Theirs is a singularly genuine approach to music that has kept me enrapt throughout many a subgenre obsession (and hairstyle).

http://www.rachelsband.com/
http://www.touchandgorecords.com/bands/band.php?id=20

Sent by julia | 2:56 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Bob,
I've become an evangelist for Canadian indie music. I subscribed to the CBC Radio3 podcast 2 years ago and it changed my (musical) life. Though NPR has covered some Canadian bands (New Pornographers, Stars, Apostle Of Hustle) this barely scratches the surface. Besides the above mentioned K'naan, I have to recommend;
Jill Barber -For All Time
Joel Plaskett -Chinatown/For The Record
Royal Wood -A Mirror Without
Mother Mother -Neighbour
Corb Lund -Horse Soldier
The Dears -Ballad Of Human Kindness
The Weakerthans -Civil Twilight
King Cobb Steelie -Busy Bee

All of these artists can be found at;
http://radio3.cbc.ca/

And most are available at e-Music.

Also, one American artist that you must hear (live if possible) is Stuart Davis. Probably the best, most interesting singer/songwriter I've come across in my four decades on this planet.

Keep up the great podcast!
Z

wow, I'm never going to sleep, thanks Zachery
bb

Sent by Zachary | 5:33 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Hello. Tara Fuki are a pair of Czech female cellists/singers who have a haunting and soaring sound that permeates their music yet package this music with a minimalist sensibility. Here's a link to a couple of Youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq9NBa9fycI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YO8nta8_Q&feature=related
Emusic.com sells all of their recordings at a great price.

Sent by Graydon Yatabe | 8:25 PM ET | 02-04-2008

This is such a great idea. These guys get my nod. http://www.myspace.com/blueribbon

Sent by Raistlin M. | 8:42 PM ET | 02-04-2008

I am absolutely taken with Mark Eitzel/American Music Club. Their music is dreamy and disturbing all at the same time. They are not a really obscure, they definitely have a following, but not overly known. AMC is making music now, after several years of pursuing other things. Meanwhile, Mark Eitzel continued making music since their split around '93. His lyrics speak to me in a very profound way. Do yourself a great favor and check him/them out. http://www.markeitzel.com/

Sent by Debra Love | 9:51 PM ET | 02-04-2008

Broken Social Scene may be better known, but I discover something new every time I listen to them. A collection of the best of the Toronto indie scene, their membership includes Feist, and members of the stars and Apostle of a Hustle. Their music surrounds, what with it's horn section and full cast of exotic instruments. They're like orchestral indie. http://www.arts-crafts.ca/bss/

Lesser known, hailing from Portugal, are "Moe's Implosion"
http://www.myspace.com/moesimplosion
and "Party On Feet" (A bit on the mellower side than their contemporaries moe's implosion) http://www.myspace.com/partyonfeet

Of course, who can forget The Breakfast (formerly the Psychedelic Breakfast)http://www.archive.org/details/breakfast2007-10-04.mk21.nbox.flac24

Sent by Phinneaus | 10:12 PM ET | 02-04-2008

You all need to know Chanda Rule, www.likewatermusic.com. This woman is phenomenal she mixes Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel, love and life into her music. I listened to her EVERY day while I was on a job that I hated and her music kept me going, I quit soon after!

Sent by Thysha M. Shabazz | 11:23 PM ET | 02-04-2008

I know this is over by weeks probably, but I just had to mention an incredible local band that is very unknown. They're called They Sang As They Slew, and hail from a small town called Toccoa, GA, just an hour north of the great Athens, GA.

www.myspace.com/theysangastheyslew

there is nothing over about this post...it is all about telling others about bands you love, so thanks for doing that.
bb

Sent by Tim | 6:06 AM ET | 02-05-2008

Jets to Brazil is my favoritest band ever. The ways these guys write is mind-blowing. They aren't around anymore, and I missed my one chance to see them six or seven years back...I can't even really describe their music except to say that it is punkish and can be a bit harsh, but there's so much "there" there. I listen to them when I am cranky or psyched or sad...and you just don't get tired of it.

Blake Schwarzenbach, the lead guitarist and singer, was the frontman of San Francisco punk band Jawbreaker. He is a total wizkid with words, and, last I heard, he is is working on a Lit PhD. In music, this band is as close to perfection as I have found.

http://media.jadetree.com/Jets_to_Brazi-Resistance_is.mp3

Sent by Megan | 11:06 AM ET | 02-05-2008

Bill Mallonee/Vigilantes of Love - billmallonee.net - recommended CD's Summershine (brit pop inspired) and Audible Sigh (Americana/Folk Rock)...most of Bill & VOL's work falls in the Americana/folk rock category (think Dylan/Neil Young/and an early 90's alt flavor). Bill hails from Athens Georgia and the REM scene. Thoughtful, sometimes heartbreaking lyrics and music. Much over-looked although noticed by some critics. Please check him out - he's also got a MySpace page with some free samples.

Sent by Chris | 11:14 AM ET | 02-05-2008

some friends from back home who've been playing in bands for years are about to release the debut of their latest incarnation, and its been a long time coming. They're called Allies, they're very driving and melodic, and touchingly sincere. check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/alliessounds

changing gears a bit, another band i've been digging is called heliocentrics. they're from the uk and feature drummer malcolm cato, who's sampled often by dj shadow, madlib, yesterday's new quintet, etc. psych/funk sounds.

http://www.myspace.com/heliocentrics

http://www.stonesthrow.com/nowagain/heliocentrics/index.html

Sent by Mike | 11:24 AM ET | 02-05-2008

I wouldn't call them my own, but Greensboro's Dawn Chorus is a great indie rock band in the spirit of earlier Built to Spill. It's straight up indie rock to be sure, but without the disdain or complacency one might find unattractive.

http://www.myspace.com/dawnchorus

Sent by Jeff | 12:40 PM ET | 02-05-2008

Atlanta musician, Lindsay Appel, has a more distinguished and developed sound than most people her age and genre.

http://www.myspace.com/lindsayappelmusic

Sent by John | 1:58 PM ET | 02-05-2008

Bob,

A musician who has, for me, redefined what a live show can be is Martin Sexton. While not new or that obscure, his live shows are a revelation. He's one of those musicians who pours every ounce of his energy into the performance and makes it radiant. His voice is incredibly rich and expressive, the guitar is like an extension of his body (like it was for Hendrix) and he can shift among many musical styles. Go see him live, you'll be glad you did.
http://martinsexton.com

Sent by Matthew | 9:44 PM ET | 02-05-2008

I am so far behind on my podcasts, but here is my two cents. Great idea (and show), by the way.

I guess I can't consider Modest Mouse my own anymore, so I'll throw out the Great Lake Swimmers. I think you are missing some essential part of your soul (or self or whatever) if you don't like this band, because I just can't fathom that occurrence. Granted, on the outside, it's not necessarily what I would pick, but after someone gave me one album, I went and got the rest. Absolutely amazing stuff, stark and beautiful.

And I have to add that I just saw Portland's Hillstomp and, like someone above, bought the T-shirt, the whole deal. Again, not what I would probably choose, but they definitely show us what rock used to be about: suffering, sin, sex, and the Devil. Not to mention that the sound is great. Who could want more?

Thanks for the show!

Sent by Sarah | 4:55 PM ET | 02-06-2008

Let me introduce you to Krystle Warren and the Faculty. Granted, Krystle and her band are friends of mine. I'll get that out of the way before saying that she was just signed to Because Records (Justice, Klaxons, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Manu Chao, Rodgrigo y Gabriela, etc etc etc), and they will be releasing an album that she and the band worked on for most of 2006 and some of 2007 at Electriclady Studios with producer Russell "The Dragon" Elevado (Alicia Keys' Songs in A Minor, D'Angelo's Voodoo); he became interested in working with Krystle after hearing her EP Diary (also recorded at Electriclady).

Regardless of whether or not she's a friend, Krystle Warren has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard, a sporadic and sprawling landscape of influences that can be succinctly heard in just one song creating her own influential sound, and intelligent and often heartwarming (or breaking) lyrics that aren't ever too bubble gum but never delve into overbearingly existential. I am certain that she'll gain some success, though I never know how much. She begins touring in Europe in March or April; Because wants to release the album there (September) before dropping it Stateside (January '09), but she'll be releasing another EP before then.

If you don't believe me, then just simply listen.
Here are the websites to visit:
www.myspace.com/krystlewarrenandthefaculty
www.because.tv
www.krystlewarren.com [though this is rarely updated]

And Diary is available on iTunes through Velour Records.

Sent by phil | 2:41 PM ET | 02-07-2008

Very cool podcast, and I'm sorry I couldn't put in my candidate for you earlier: P.E.E. (or Pee, depending on who you're talking to). This band released two brilliant records in the 90s, including "Now! More Charm and More Tender" and "The Roaring Mechanism." A great bit of mid 90s indie rock somewhere between Archers of Loaf and Heavy Vegetable. Features Andee Connors of A Minor Forest and J Church fame. "Now!" is a fast-paced but mesmorizing packed to the brim with ideas. Please check them out!!!

Sent by andrew | 10:10 PM ET | 02-07-2008

Priscilla Ahn has a unearthly angelic voice that will silence anyone who will listen. her songs "rain" and "lullaby" and stunning. give one of these a listen and I'm sure you will try and take responsibility for her as well...

and, she is as obscure as they come. i dare you to look her up.

Sent by Joel Barr | 10:28 PM ET | 02-07-2008

I discovered a Band called My Brothers Banned from Peekskill, NY:

http://www.myspace.com/mybrothersbanned

The Banned produced one of the best first albums I've heard in a long time. It's as if the Jayhawks met up with the Byrds, REM and Son Volt and produced an offspring. I've burned their disc for everyone I know and tried to get them noticed, but they seem to be my best kept secret. PLEASE give these guys some much deserved airplay. You won't be sorry.

Sent by FrankCap | 12:22 AM ET | 02-08-2008

My band hails from Slovenia. Orlek combines great rock and accordion in one fell swoop.When I feel a bit manic I'll crank it up with a shot of slivovitz.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=66854287
(Be sure to watch their video.)

Sent by Gregg Vershay | 7:17 AM ET | 02-08-2008

I think every college town has its acoustic band at any given point, possibly due to obscure laws put down by their founders that require such a thing. Gainesville, FL's Swayze deserve a higher pedestal though, in my humble opinion. For most of their run, they were just two acoustic guitars, a bass, and local producer/multi-instrumentalist Mike Maines on trumpet, pedal steel, or banjo.

What elevated them to "my band" though was their harmonies, which were effortless yet impeccable, singing lyrics that never touched on the usual tropes of boy-meets-girl (nothing wrong with that, though). The songs were about religion, regret, love, and occasionally, Greek mythology.

You can listen to or download their whole catalog at www.arkainrecords.com.

I recommend "Capable" and "III" from the album A Shame Play.

Sent by Sam | 9:10 AM ET | 02-08-2008

Well, I don't have a band, however, I'm really getting into this band called the World/Inferno Friendship Society. They have a really mellow sound that defines them as different from most anything I've heard before. I have two cd's by them, both of which I'd reccomend to anyone who'd like to listen (Red-Eyed Soul and Addicted to Bad Ideas). I got word of them from a friend who saw them live opening up for Against Me! but I just thought I'd share with others about them.

Sent by Cory | 9:16 AM ET | 02-08-2008

I absolutely LOVE Saul Williams. This guy is a brilliant poet and the shining light of hip-hop. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't love him.

Sent by Xochitli Pineda | 9:49 AM ET | 02-08-2008

What a nice topic to end the week on. For me, it's the touches of local flavor that set artists apart during these days of homogenous and commercial music that floods our lives. Most people who have grown up in D.C. will tell you that it's the drums and slow beats in Go-Go music that makes it such a local favorite. With that in mind, it's my great pleasure to present to your audience Citizen Cope. Clarence Greenwood, a.k.a. Citizen Cope seemingly melds influences from coast to coast with his nuanced melodies, liquid smooth beats and double aught grit voice that penetrates the soul with successive epiphanies spanning the emotional spectrum. To me it's his debut self titled album "Citizen Cope" that is his greatest masterpiece that stands the ages. In particular, the songs "Let the drummer kick" and "Mistaken Identity" that stand out, however taken as a whole, this is a stellar album from start to finish. A quote from his webpage which puts sums up Citizen Cope best:

"This is Cope's gift: He takes snapshots of the world around him, and turns them into universal truths. He sets them to the simplest of melodies, and weds those in turn to the most soul-stirring grooves."

Give his debut album a spin, and you won't be disappointed. Thanks again, and have an excellent weekend!

Sent by Andrew L. Yi | 11:19 AM ET | 02-08-2008

A Band to Call Your Own III

The Books HAVE to be on there

A duet of cut and paste music and "Found Sound".

A must hear if you don't know what I'm talking about.

I promise you won't be disappointed.

The Lemon of Pink album is probably your best start, although I think Lost and Safe is the most profound lyrically.

Thanks for reading Bob:-D

http://www.thebooksmusic.com/

Sent by C. Mike B. | 11:36 AM ET | 02-08-2008

One of my favourites is Joel Plaskett (and his Emergency Band) This guy has been on the Canadian music scene since the mid 90s, and over more than a decade has built a strong catalogue of music, growing critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Plus, he is a very engaging performer and a ridiculously friendly and approachable guy. I have waited in line at packed music venues to see him sometimes, and other times he plays to almost no one in some dingy bar. Find out more about his music at www.joelplaskett.com

I also highly recommend seeing his show if he ever passes through your town or city, he always puts off a positive vibe and it always makes me smile to see someone so obviously enjoying what they do.

Sent by Steve C | 1:08 PM ET | 02-08-2008

England's legendary Cardiacs - 30 years on and there's still nobody else comes close to this wonderfully unique, almost completely unknown band. I'm not worried that too many folks will jump on this bandwagon - the typical response to hearing/seeing them for the first time is revulsion and embarassment, most can't get past the starting gate! But - try.
Check it out.
This band has changed my outlook on life - just when I thought Rock, and Pop music was up the creek. I regret not finding out about them sooner (like you do, when falling in love)
There's tons of stuff on YouTube, and more at their website www.cardiacs.com
These are are some rehearsals from 2003, soon to be released on a dvd:
As Cold As Can Be in an English Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QYijFfOaQ
A "Humorous" Interlude - Jim's Shame:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AC8Z9uGe0A&feature=user
Jibber and Twitch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxhuQWKwbqY&feature=user

Sent by Steve Wilson | 1:45 PM ET | 02-08-2008

Thanks for turning me on to "Thrift Store Cowboys".

I have been a fan of the band "Over the Rhine" from Cincinnati, Ohio for awhile. I think all their albums are amazing.

Sent by Bob | 2:02 PM ET | 02-08-2008

Slowlands -- A band that was poised to do well in NYC, then suddenly disappeared into oblivion late in 2006. Check out http://www.myspace.com/slowlands... Listen to "Calderone" and "Lighthouse"

The Diggs -- You may start hearing more about these fellows, with the release of their second release nigh. "Massachusetts" is their best song, should you be combing iTunes for a new rocker to get goosebumps to.

Sent by Todd | 2:47 PM ET | 02-08-2008

Bright Light Fever
http://www.purevolume.com/brightlightfeverofficial

Sent by HG | 3:10 PM ET | 02-08-2008

A prolific songwriter, joe purdy, who has managed to keep the major labels at bay and garnered a fair amount of fanfare and success all by his lonesome. his music threads from slow and wistful to an energetic folk soul sound...

I am curious how you might hear his sound.

http://www.myspace.com/joepurdy

the music

Sent by Beth | 4:56 PM ET | 02-08-2008

For years, mine was Deerhoof, but it looks li