[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

As Amie Street prepares to travel to DC tonight (Saturday 3/24)for the finale of their first ever tour (the show is at The Rock and Roll Hotel and features Middle Distance Runner, The Dead Trees, The Epochs, and Crash Boom Bang), I felt that it would be a good time to discuss some of the great artists from the Baltimore/Washington metro that have their music on the site. Some of these artists have been covered in the past, but many of them have managed to slip under the radar. In the end, this post should show you why a lot of people are starting to praise the regional music scene for being one of the best in the country.

Caleb Stine and the Brakemen is an indie country band from Baltimore. While I am not usually a fan of the genre, I find their music very listenable and highly recommend checking them out.

Devil (

) -- Since Sunday ()

Cedars are DC's kings of atmosphere. They are also one of my favorite indie rock bands in the city.

Black Book (

) -- This Century ()

Crash Boom Bang is an indie pop group and they will be opening Saturday’s finale of the Amie Street tour in DC.

Let it out (

)

Death by Sexy is a 2-piece (sometimes 3) indie rock band from DC that puts on one of the fiercest performances in town. If you are looking for something a little different and a little louder, check this band out.

Blow My Mind (

) -- I'm Going to Make You Cry ()

Faster Faster Harder Harder is an indie rock band from Baltimore. They are also some of the best instrumentalists in the region.

Calm Down (

)

Middle Distance Runner needs no introduction. They are currently the "it" band in DC and that is starting to spread across the northeast as well. Take a listen to a couple of their lesser known songs that are amongst their best work.

Switch it Up (

) -- Hooks ()

School of Beats is DC hip hop. While I never pretend to be any sort of hip hop expert, they have some really laid back rhymes with some nice backing tracks. Definitely show them some love, because they make some of the best hip hop that I have heard in a long time.

Blaxploitation feat. Malik 16 (

) -- I Feel Good feat. Laelo Hood & Heiress ()

Telograph is an indie rock band from DC. Anybody who has read any of my posts in the past knows how much I admire this band. Take the time to become acquainted with their music now, before it is all over your local radio. They're that good.

We Won't Settle Down (

) -- Beneath Your Feet ()

The Payola Reserve is an indie rock band from Baltimore. I stumbled upon them late last summer and have given their album a lot of play since. They write very honest songs that tell you exactly how they feel about the subject at hand.

Lay In Wait (

) -- Music Is Not Music ()

The Seldon Plan makes some of the best laid back indie rock in the region. If you enjoy bands like Death Cab, you should find some enjoyment here.

Making Circles (

) -- Holding Patterns Are Slow ()

The Vita Ruins are the latest DC indie band to add their music to the site. Their music has a way of pulsating and that is a very good thing.

My Last Days On Earth (

) -- Alien ()

These United States are appropriately from DC. As I have said before, they may be the best band from the northeast right now. Instead of hyping them for the millionth time, listen to some of their tracks and decide for yourself.

The Business (

) -- We Go Down to That Corner LIVE ()

Waterlog is another hip hop group with DC roots. Again, I am nowhere close to being an expert on the genre. All I can say is that I think their music is good and that is saying something.

The Onion (Open Doors Version) (

) -- Blowing Trees to Dead Music ()

[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

I've been kind of missing in action lately. During my absence, Amie Street has been kicking it into high gear. A lot of really good music has found its way on to the site in the past several weeks. There are 3 bands that I want to talk about in particular.

Telograph is a band from Washington, DC. They recently added Little Bits of Plastic to the site. I can't recommend that EP enough. Ever since I received an advance copy of it late last fall, it has been a regular in my rotation. It's almost like they picked everything that has been good about music in the past 20 years, mixed it up and made it their own sound. They took elements of music by the likes of Radiohead, U2, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Cure and Jeff Buckley and turned them into an amazing sound of their own. Apparently, I am not the only one noticing. In the next few weeks, they will be opening for O.A.R. on an arena tour, playing several shows in the DC area and making their SXSW debut. Get on board with these guys now, before it's too late.

We Won't Settle Down (

)

Eye For An Eye (

)

One band that recently added their catalogue to Amie Street that the majority of the world has never heard of is Hershey, PA band The April Skies. This band has been out there entertaining with their brand of Europop, since the late 80's. In the 90's they played places like CBGB's, The Chameleon Club and the 9:30 Club and shared the stage with bands like Ride and Lush. After taking several years off, the band regrouped and returned a few years ago with The Breathe EP. In the past 2 years they have released Flood and How It All Played Out and have been wowing audiences with their amazing live shows. They are currently more viable than they have ever been and show no signs of slowing down soon. Recently, many of the big players in the booming DC and Brooklyn scenes have started to take notice and have begun sharing the stage with these guys. Citing influences like The Cure, The Ocean Blue, REM, U2, The Stone Roses, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths and The Jesus & Mary Chain, they are ready to take over the northeast with their catchy hook laden pop songs. As warmer weather approaches, they are preparing to play just about everywhere in the region and may even hit the west coast. Another new album is also in the planning stages. When they come to your town, go see them. Their albums may be good, but their live shows are where they really shine.

Here Comes The Rush (

) and Beautiful Girl () from The Breathe EP

322 (

) and A Game () from Flood

My Love Is In This House (

) and Unstoppable () from How It All Played Out

Finally, I want to talk about These United States. They are from DC and are quite possibly the best band in the northeast right now. Take elements of indie rock, country and folk. Throw them all into a blender. Toss in great lyrics, amazing musicianship and Jesse Elliott's haunting voice and you have These United States. Their recorded songs are amazing and their live shows are even better. They embark on a U.S. tour later this week and will pretty much be everywhere between now and tax day, including several shows at SXSW. Go see them when they come to your town. You will not be disappointed.

Already Got a Girl Who Calls Me That (

)

We Go Down to That Corner LIVE (

)

[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

I have finally returned with some new rock flavored picks. Last week was crazy and I didn't get around to doing this. To make up for it, here are my picks of January 15-28. Amie Street added a lot of good music recently. I start with my 3 favorites of the past two weeks and then I list other tracks that I feel are worthwhile. Enjoy!

My Favorites

These United States - So High So Low So Wide So Long (

) In December, Jesse gave me a huge Christmas present and internet premiered this song on our site. Ever since then, it has been a favorite of everyone that works on IA. Based on the other tracks that he let us stream, we believe that this CD will be huge when they finally release it. I can't wait.

Telograph - We Won't Settle Down (

) Andy hooked me up with an advance copy of this EP around Halloween and I have been listening to it ever since. "Beneath Your Feet" and "Eye For An Eye" are probably the catchy singles, but "We Won't Settle Down" also stands out to me. It has arena ready and show stopper written all over it. Someone must agree with me, because it's also the song that they end all of their shows with and they were just invited to play it in an arena.

Loto - My Guitar (

) This is a band from Portugal that reminds me of New Order. They actually worked with Peter Hook on a couple of tracks and we posted one on our site a couple of months ago. This particular track is quite catchy. Hopefully they will add the rest of the CD soon.

The Best of the Rest

Au Revoir Simone - Through the Backyards (

) Mellow music with multi layered female vocals. It sounds like it was made for Grey's Anatomy... oh wait, it was.

Bryan Byrne - Jen's Song (

) I just picked a track, but these are some mellow singer songwriter tunes. They sound familiar, yet they're good music for a reflective drive.

Chester Travis - Weight Of Wrong (

) A singer songwriter along the lines of John Mayer and Five For Fighting.

Dearly Beloved - The Butler Routine (

) This is an odd turn for a band that obviously likes to take chances, but it works.

Drew Harrison - Go It Alone (

) This makes me feel like I am sitting in a bar, drinking some beers with friends on acoustic singer songwriter night.

Jack Zerby - Over and Over (

) This has soul.

Jim James Band - Lazy Eye (

) This sounds like the bastard child of Counting Crows and Pearl Jam.

The Love - New York (

) This whole CD has a very pleasant vibe and feels like it was made to chill out to.

The Powerless - The Wench (

) The musicianship is what sells me on this track. Some lyrical improvements and this band will go far in the alternative rock world.

Renee - we cry (

) Another track that is laid back and radio friendly.

The Salads - Come Around (

) These guys are somewhere between 311, Limp Bizkit and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. They are definitely a throwback to the 90's, but all of their music is a nice guilty pleasure for a long drive that needs a little groove.

[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

Another week has come and gone, so it is time for some fresh picks. You can find my previous selections here.

My Picks of the Week

Jets Overhead - Seems So Far (

) I recommend the entire disc. This is a great example of when indie rock works. All of my favorite parts of indie are meshed together in one perfect package.

ARCTIC - Some One Turning (

) I definitely dig this. There is certainly a Radiohead vibe at work here.

Faster Faster Harder Harder - Calm Down () I actually know these guys. They are one of Baltimore's best kept secrets. They have punk sensibilities and mesh them with influences like The Cure, to create original indie rock. If you ever get the chance to catch them, they are great live. When they break into their instrumental sections, it is absolutely fantastic.

The Station Myth - Buried in the Sound (

) They create music that has a nice atmospheric feel to it.

The Best of the Rest

Kosha Dillz - hairy chest 2 hollywood (

) I don't pretend to be an expert on rap, but he certainly has game.

Brad Sucks - Borderline (

) He started posting this album last week, but he added the rest. It has a laid back slacker groove and reminds me a lot of the mid to late 90's.

Love Is Chemicals - Everyone Is In On It (

) Indie rock with a pop feel and a slow groove.

April Hobart - Dad's Backstep (

) If you like bluegrass or folk music, you will enjoy this entire album.

The Lucky - The canyon is on fire (

) Mellow folk music delivered with the kind of gravely female voice that screams of experience.

Emilie Rose Bishop - little curse (

) An upbeat song with a nice, slow groove. She has a great voice as well.

[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

As part of my contribution to Amie Street, the admins asked me if I would share my rock picks of the week. At some point, I'll have to talk about my favorites from last year. Until then, here are the best tracks from the week of January 1st.

My Favorites

Luxxury - Drunk (Expensive Mix) This just screams party.

Pipe Choir - Lights Up To me, this is what Pink Floyd would sound like if they were a modern day indie rock band.

Sacred Cowboys - Nothing Grows in Texas This has 80's alternative written all over.

Brad Sucks - Look and Feel Years Younger I just picked a track, but I'm really digging this CD.

The Best of the Rest: These tracks aren't really my thing, but they represent their genres well and deserve a listen.

The Crestview Project - Don't belong An upbeat indie track.

Dustin Shey - All The Same For fans of lighter rock bands like Lighthouse.

Deathboy - Black Morning (single mix) If you were into 90's bands like Gravity Kills and Stabbing Westward, you will enjoy this.

Mad Machinery - The Quickening Fans of bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Tool will appreciate these guys.

The Flanks - Bring it With You When You Come This is a must for those who love bluegrass.

[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

How's it going? My name is Joe and I run the Baltimore/Washington music site Instrumental Analysis. Since I am familiar with many of the indie bands on Amie Street, I've been asked to occasionally contribute pieces on some of them. Chris (who works on IA with me), will be contributing some pieces as well.

For my first piece, Amie Street asked me to introduce all of you to Saturna. They are a band from the Pacific Northwest, who describes their music as "fuzzy, dirty, driving, psychedelic bliss pop." If you are a fan of bands such as Ride, Lush, Catherine Wheel, and My Bloody Valentine, you should really enjoy ...All Night [

]. The band told me that this EP was designed to be the perfect compliment to your night out. It is supposed to take you from the time that your evening begins until you stroll in at sunrise. After listening to it, I truly believe that.

The lush instrumental Springboard has been a favorite on Amie Street. I personally enjoy the soaring beauty of Blanket Of Stars . Honestly, you really can't go wrong with any of these tracks.

I recently conducted an interview with their front man Ryan Carroll for my site, and I am going to share it here as well.

Q - What are your best memories of 2006?

A - I have to say that putting out our EP ...All Night was a real highlight for me. We worked really hard on it and we got some really great reviews from all over the world. Seeing it in a couple of year end best of lists, really made me feel good.

Q - What's on tap for 2007?

I am so excited about this year. We have a full length ready to go in the spring. We worked with some amazing people on it. Tony Lash (Dandy Warhols, Stars of Track and Field) and Brin Addison (Blur, Supergrass, Smashing Pumpkins) are doing some mixing for us and Justin Renney is doing the artwork. It's really turning out well and I can't wait to go on tour and play all of these songs live. We're even hoping to tour the UK next fall. We're one of those bands that are always working, so expect to see a lot of us in 2007.

Q - I heard that you just played a big show. How did that go?

A - Yeah, we played the Reverb Records Holiday Party in Portland, OR. We played with The High Violets, Hypatia Lake and The Upsidedown. The place was packed and the bands rocked. Hypatia Lake is the most amazing psychedelic rock band around and The Upsidedown played an amazing set. The High Violets ended the night with a bunch of people jamming with them up on stage and the party didn't end until dawn. We prepared a couple of covers that we love and I heard rumors that somebody got it on video. I'm in NYC now, but I'll find out when I get back. If they did, it's going on youtube.

Q - What covers did you perform?

A - We performed Catherine Wheel's "I Want To Touch You" and one of my personal favorites, Ride's "Leave Them All Behind".

Q - Is there anything else going on with Saturna?

A - Our holiday break ends on January 5th and we start working to finish the album. In the next couple of weeks, it's a whirlwind of photo shoots, final mixing and finishing the artwork. After that, Eric leaves for a couple of weeks to Morocco and Spain on a humanitarian mission for Mercycorps. The rest of us will take a much needed break, while we wait for the record to be duplicated. By the time that he returns, we should be ready to roll. We'll hit the west coast and then we'll see everyone in Austin during SXSW.

Click here to listen to ...All Night by Saturna.