The Boston Phoenix recently ran an intriguing, exhaustive piece titled “50 Bands, 50 States,” which names the best acts within every state in three categories. For Florida, the New England alt-weekly dubbed Lynyrd Skynyrd “All-Time Best Band,” Tom Petty “All-Time Best Solo Artist” and the Miami metal outfit Torche “Best New Band.” Pretty cool idea. Had us buzzing at the office for a day or two last week. Here’s my variation on the concept: a list of Top 10 Florida acts, with the caveat that they must be currently based in Florida. (This counts out Petty, who fled to California decades ago.) Here’s the tally, in alphabetical order:
Gainesville
The Gator Country quartet has broken big this year, rising from the indie ranks to international recognition without losing a shred of smarts or punk attitude. Few major label debuts have been as assured and gratifying as Against Me!’s 2007 release New Wave, which features standout tracks like “Thrash Unreal,” “White People For Peace” and the funky (by white people standards) “Stop.”
Jacksonville
The MySpace buzz band may never live up to the hype, but I still dig the quintet’s irresistible brand of New Wave-inspired dance-rock. Plus, you got to like songs about a gal getting caught after dark in the park “giving head to a statue” (“Underestimated My Charm.”)
Cat Power (pictured)
Miami
Chan Marshall might have been born in Hot ’Lanta, but she resides in Miami, according to her website, and stayed at the psychiatric ward of Miami’s Mount Sinai Medical Center, according to a 2006 Spin magazine profile, so, y’know she’s ours. A sad sack? Sure. But the girl can give you chills, and the indie soul of The Greatest is sadcore brilliance.
This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2008.