The only truly unique act on the Memphis scene right now. Sure, it's half performance art, but the songs are insightful. For all of the punk-rock posturing that goes on, no one has as clear a grasp on the politics and realities of corporate, consumer society as Scott Moss. -- Chris McCoy
Hearing the Wolfman's hypnotic electric country boogie performed live is one of the last authentic-feeling blues experiences left in Memphis. -- Eddie Hankins
Holding on to what Memphis once was. Can't wait for a recording.
-- Andrew McCalla
Los Cantadores
Memphis' only Gypsy folk band is making a real impression on the local scene. Their sound is very infectious and is reaching people who have not been exposed to Latin music. Their vitality lies in the fact that they are opening doors to new sounds and the influence of Latin culture. -- Wayne Leeloy
Although they would hate to see their names [appear in] such mainstream media, this band has made a name for themselves outside Memphis. They are the ONLY real hardcore band in Memphis and they do it very well. Props need to be given now! -- Pat Mitchell
The Coach and Four get extra points for covering the Nerves' power-pop classic "When You Find Out." -- Andrew Earles
Straight-up rock-and-roll, never a dull moment at their shows. These guys cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis.
-- Andrew McCalla
This band is young, dedicated, and excellent musicians -- the next band on the heavy scene to get national attention. -- Pat Mitchell
Quiet electroclash-like dance music, a new type of thing that is needed [locally]. -- Brian Venable
White men can rap!
-- Jared McStay
I voted for this band in an earlier poll for largely novel reasons. They were irreverent, messy, and, if you took away how they sounded, everything great about rock-and-roll. I'm too young to have seen the pre-Rollins incarnation of Black Flag, but at least I have this loose interpretation. -- Andrew Earles
Serious chops all around. Their music is a fusion of New Orleans funk and Memphis soul, performed with an energy and vitality that makes it special.
-- Jay Sheffield
One of the best harmonica players in Memphis. A true professional musician with talent oozing from every note.
-- Carson Lamm
Brad Bailey is an excellent songwriter; John Argroves is one of the most sought-after drummers in Memphis; and Tommy Pappas is the most dedicated bassist I've ever played with. They are currently working on their new album at Easley-McCain Studio, and what I've heard sounds great. It's always exciting to watch a new project gain such positive momentum. -- Brad Postlethwaite
I believe that Andy Grooms writes some of the best songs I have ever heard. His band is amazing and their music is extremely original. He deserves credit for his work. -- Dave Green
This guy is what it's all about. [Hart] has more talent and crossover appeal than should be allowed -- a real musician's musician. [He's] a creative songwriter with a great voice, and, man, can he play. He's the total package and will certainly be considered a legend in years to come. -- Brent Harding
Better than ever, a soundtrack band for the ages. -- Jared McStay
The Preacher's Kids
Some nips of glam, a spot of fledgling Stones, a bit of the Clash, and a dash of the Ventures ah, the raunch of it all!
-- Lisa Lumb
Who else in the "Year of the Blues?" One of the true giants of the genre. Even [on] the rather formulaic Malaco stuff that sells a lot of records for him, his immense vocal talents are transcendent.
-- Jay Sheffield
Noisy, volatile, mean, and extremely good. With a recent write-up in Magnet, loud-ass live shows, and a new album, these unique synth-punk screamers are our best chance to prove that Memphis rock musicians go beyond rehashed blues covers, mainstream puppetry, and exploited family history.
-- Kerry Vaughan
This woman is amazing. Best record has got to be Susan Marshall Is Honey Mouth -- stunningly beautiful.
-- Nancy Apple
A fine lineup of local musicians including Alicja Trout and Robbie Grant, with the good sense and ability to cover (native Memphian) Arthur "Love" Lee's psychedelic classic "Alone Again, Or."
-- Dan Ball
Joe Perry's stamp of approval aside, this band is among Memphis' low-brow best. Catch their live show while you still can.
-- Dan Ball
Nothing against Norah Jones, but isn't Di Anne Price really the kind of piano-playing chanteuse that Blue Note should be signing? Her seductive, knowing, yet bruised singing, keyboard mastery, and smart song selection conjure ghosts of Memphis' blues past, from Alberta Hunter to Memphis Slim.
-- Eddie Hankins
Just about the tightest blues band there is and probably the most underrecognized.
-- Brent Harding
Sid Selvidge is a Memphis treasure. He passes on to us the Delta blues traditions and musical craft that he learned straight from the masters: Furry Lewis, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Mississippi John Hurt.
-- Dennis Brooks
Snowglobe's Our Land Brains is one of the best self-released albums I have ever heard. You can hear the band's influences from emo and post-punk to the Elephant 6 bands, but this album is better than that I think -- more mature. The strings, keyboards, and sampling are tasteful. The horn arrangements are perfect. Snowglobe puts me more in the mind of the Kinks or even the Beatles than a modern rock band. -- James Manning
The Subteens
Instant rock party. Just add beer.
-- Steve Walker
Independent release has sold over 19,000 copies worldwide to people who don't even know he plays Kiss covers!
-- Traci Brothers
The reason Memphis rappers can make it, and probably the reason I still have my job. Their inane but undeniably catchy music blew the roof off of Memphis rap, and they and their protÇgÇs are consistently our best sellers. -- Kerry Vaughan
I must confess to just discovering this great singer/songwriter/keyboardist -- who plays regularly on Beale Street, of all places! An out-of-town friend turned me on to him; unfortunately, this is a common scenario in our fair city -- outsiders spotting talent before we locals do. One of Memphis' many hidden musical treasures.
-- Lisa Lumb
Move over, Three 6 Mafia. With a long-awaited third album finally getting set to drop in May, Yo Gotti is poised to become the biggest-selling solo rapper in Memphis since Project Pat. And this time it's on a major national label (TVT).
-- Steve Walker
Thanks to all voters:
WEVL-FM 89.9
freelance
photographer
KXHT-FM 107.1
independent
promoter
The Lounge
SNAX Memphis
Cat's Music
NARAS
The Memphis Flyer
Beale Street
Caravan
Young Avenue Deli
freelance writer
Select-o-Hits
Goner Records
The New Daisy Theatre
WEVL-FM 89.9
The Hi-Tone Cafe
The Memphis Flyer
WEVL-FM 89.9
independent
promoter
The Memphis Flyer
The Memphis Flyer
freelance writer
freelance writer
Cat's Midtown
WMFS-FM 93X
River City
Management
L2 Media
The Memphis Flyer
Cat's Midtown
freelance writer
The New Daisy Theatre
Shangri-La Records
freelance writer
Stranjbrew.com
WEVL-FM 89.9
Shangri-La Records
The Blues
Foundation
The Memphis Flyer
Makeshift
Music
freelance
photographer
Legba Records
Tha Movement
NARAS
Jay Sheffield
Entertainment
Tha Movement
Cat's Midtown
SNAX
Memphis
WMPS-FM 107.5 The Pig
Cat's Midtown
Last Chance Records
independent booker
Cat's Midtown
Cat's Midtown
Shangri-La Records
WMFS-FM 93X
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