Welcome to Baltimore, home of the Ravens, Duff Goldman from "Ace of Cakes" (why did they have to cancel that show?) and Old Bay seasoning - our first stop on our Music Map journey. Charm City is home to a vibrant indie music scene; the trending Baltimore music world is characterized by an experimental, psychedelic folk style. There are numerous bands that fall into this far-reaching category, many of which are primarily locally known. I want to highlight several that really stand out from the crowd.
First, I'm going to be a little biased and talk about my favorites. Beach House was my summer love story. No, this is not some really bad pun. I first heard "Norway," from Beach House's album "Teen Dream," when I was home in Arnold, Md., over last winter break. For some reason, I didn't look much into their music until their most recent album "Bloom" was released in May of this year. From the moment I listened to "Myth," I knew it was meant to be. Beach House's dream-pop style draws you in and envelops you in an atmospheric, ethereal music world. The duo is composed of alto singer/keyboardist Victoria Legrand and guitarist/keyboardist Alex Scally. They have released four full-length studio albums since their formation in 2005 and are currently on tour to promote "Bloom." If you love reverberating guitar lines, synth keyboards and otherworldly effects, then Beach House is the band for you. But really, you should listen to them. Like, right now.
I am an ardent radio lover. Some may call me outdated (just like my obsession with buying CDs - I tell you, one day my CD collection will be worth something), but I have discovered more great music on the radio than through any other medium. Annapolis, Md.-based station 103.1 WRNR is radio music gold. It doesn't play songs to death, it throws in a healthy mix of classics like U2 and R.E.M. and it features local and indie music regularly. Wye Oak is another Baltimore-based indie band that I got hooked on after hearing their track "For Prayer" on WRNR. The band is named after an iconic 460 year-old oak tree in Wye Mills, Md. (Sadly, the massive tree was destroyed by a thunderstorm in 2002.) Wye Oak is comprised of singer/guitarist JennWasner and drummer/keyboardist Andy Stacks (who, interestingly, plays the drums with only his right hand and foot, and the bass line on a keyboard with his left hand). Formed in 2006, the band has three albums and an EP under their belt. Though classified as an indie-rock band, they have touches of a little bit of everything - folk, nu-gaze and dream pop. Wasner's mesmerizing vocals and the introspective lyrics are enchanting, and it isn't long before you've realized that you just listened to every song in their repertoire when tuning in on Spotify.
Other local names to check out include Lower Dens. The group is a "freak folk" band composed of singer Jana Hunter, guitarist Will Adams, bassist Geoff Graham, drummer Nate Nelson and keyboardist/guitarist Carter Tanton. They released their sophomore album "Nootropics" this year, featuring more experimental effects than their debut "Twin-Hand Movement." Their songs have an echo-y quality that rings throughout and give the listener the feeling of experiencing their albums in an acoustic concert hall.
Cass McCombs, though not originally from Maryland, finally settled down in Baltimore after a period of drifting throughout the United States. His style incorporates qualities of folk, featuring acoustic guitars and prominent bass, weaved with moody keyboard lines.
If you are looking for good, solid, pure, no-frills indie rock, look no further than The Seldon Plan. The band's founding members are singer/guitarist/keyboardist Michael Nestor and bassist David Hirner, with Frank Corl and Chris Ehrich joining the group for their most recent album, 2011's "Coalizione Del Volere."
And no one can forget Animal Collective, whose 2009 album "Merriweather Post Pavilion" (an outdoor concert venue in Columbia, Md.) inspired a fellow Scene writer's excellent article, "Music For Everyday."Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deakin and Geologist make up this highly experimental, psychedelic band that seamlessly weaves penetrating synths, melodic harmonies and intense drumbeats that makes any album listening session an experience in itself.
You will soon notice that a Counting Crows song is included on the playlist below. Yes, I know that Counting Crows is not an indie band but my reasoning is as follows: 1) The song is called "Raining in Baltimore." Self-explanatory. 2) Adam Duritz is from Baltimore. He writes some of those most enigmatic, thought-provoking and painfully beautiful lyrics that I would give my right kidney to be able to come up with. Thus, the song had to have a spot on the list.
That concludes our stop on the Music Map. If you ever actually find yourself in Charm City, make sure to fill up on some Maryland blue crabs, perhaps catch an Orioles game, swing by Ram's Head Live or visit Merriweather Post Pavilion for a Baltimorean concert experience.
Contact LIzzySchroff at eschro01@saintmarys.edu
