Tell us a good local band or artist

[Bluzmann57]

that may never achieve huge fame. Here in eastern Iowa, there are a couple such as Craig Erickson and Bo Ramsey, among others. Both hugely talented artists who will likely never be famous with the public at large.
Ramsey has been nominated for a Grammy however and anyone familiar with the alt/folk scene may have heard of him. Think Greg Brown, who also lives in eastern Iowa. At least we think he does.

[Aristus]

1. Afraid Of Figs - Seattle, Washington.

Great group.

http://www.afraidoffigs.com/

They put on a terrific show. Their stuff is close to punk, but funny punk, not angry punk. Think Bare Naked Ladies crossed with The Ramones.

[Initech]

2. Mad Caddies

Saw them at a bar in Torrance (California) a couple weeks ago, met the lead singer after the show, they're a really fun group to see live. I'd compare them to like Sublime or something similar.

[ornotna]

3. I dig Bo

Saw Pieta Brown and him perform down here in Florida a couple of years back. I do like me some Bo Ramsey.

[Initech]

4. Another one - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe

Not actually from Orange County, they're from San Diego. I've seen them live a few times, actually met the band after a show they did in Detroit. Awesome stuff, they have a new album out that is pretty killer called "Brother's Keeper".

[HopeHoops]

5. Sherri Mullen - now SM2 (pronounced S M Squared) with her son Shane Mullen

http://www.sherrimullen.com/

[TZ]

6. Pietasters. (Washington DC)

A local Ska/reggae/rock band. Really good live too. Thanks to Symarip for introducing me to them. I listen to their stuff ALL THE TIME now..:)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pietasters

[Forkboy]

7. My concept of "good" is going to differ, I just know it.

But I'm not passing up a chance to plug some Boston bands! :)

Bloodhorse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh8FczxXFyE&feature=related

5ive (not the boy band...these guys are actually good. Just a guy on guitar and a guy on drums. They were superb live.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmBRk6yt_20&a=VrLC72O6dso&playnext_from=ML

Old Man Gloom (Eugene Robinson from Oxbow on...uh...vocals, I guess you'd call 'em)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHs4oXZpj0A

Kayo Dot (aural cough syrup...makes you sleepy. Another real good band live, and not just because Mia on the violin is quite possibly the cutest female on Earth)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2UwIMUYeIU

[Iggo]

10. I dig Bloodhorse.

Grabbed their EP off iTunes last year.

Nice and sludgy...how I like it.

[Forkboy]

12. They have a newer one out, too.

It's got sludgy stuff, punky stuff...it's all good. The first song on the CD is a lot like the band 5ive.

[jobycom]

8. Kelly Willis, Toni Price, and Junior Brown.

Two of those have had some national exposure, but they are mostly local artists.

Kelly Willis had a small role in "Bob Roberts." Her husband, Bruce Robison, is a good songwriter, and wrote this song that George Strait much later made famous (I couldn't find a good live clip of it): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP2cmh3m-r8&feature=related

Toni Price (Couldn't find a clip that really captures her, but she's special): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUt5ZpGa1rE&feature=related

And of course Junior Brown had a big hit with "Highway Patrol" if you listen to the right stations, but mostly he's a local guy. It's hard to capture how great he is live, too. Started out as a guitar instructor around here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yojUpMPt2vk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aZ00y1zhpw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRMNeoaosQw&feature=related

And as a bonus because we're all liberals here, Ray Wiley Hubbard, "Conversation with the Devil." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HS5bGf6Pqw

[guitar man]

17. Junior Brown is a monster guitar player

Saw him live a few years back and he was just phenomenal! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[redqueen]

9. White Denim

Not exactly local but whatever. The Toadies are old and pretty well known, but them too.

[Brickbat]

11. Trampled By Turtles, Duluth, Minnesota.

"Codeine." Put the kettle on; this'll boil water, even though the sound sucks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxSpas8poWw&feature=related

[lazarus]

13. Halloween Town

Is basically one guy. He's supposedly the muse for The Killers. Only has a few songs available for sale, but they're very good. He's centered here in San Diego (I saw him open for the Killers in the fall) and a bit in Vegas.

[Fire Walk With Me]

14. Thinktree, late from Boston, IIRC.

[MilesColtrane]

15. My friend, Shelley Carrol

http://www.shelleycarrol.net/

He'll be touring with Sheryl Crow soon.

[guitar man]

16. Tha Salty Dogs

From Tulsa Oklahoma...but I might be a little biased since I'm a member :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G6axlmgKtE

edit typos :crazy: