As the clock rolls down on 2007, we’ve done as bloggers tend to do and taken a look back. The DCist music staff scratched our chins, tapped our temples, and compiled a list of our favorite local acts of the year. Whether it was because they released a new album, had some great shows, or just finally wore us down with press releases, these are the D.C. musicians that really made us proud to call the District home this year.
DCist Mehan’s Picks
Bellman Barker
Bellman Barker reminds me a little bit of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. On their Anise & Anisette EP they sound delicate, heartfelt and just a little precious — not unlike a certain Scottish band whose name starts with the same first syllable. Live, however, they’re a totally different animal; a sweaty, rollicking power-pop machine. I’m not sure which of these is Bellman Barker’s true personality but I don’t really care: schizophrenia never sounded quite so good.
Georgie James
Given our city’s musical history, just about the last thing you’d ever expect to come out of the District is sunshiney 70s AM pop. Perhaps that’s what makes Georgie James so refreshing. Casting off the expectations of the scene that birthed them, John Davis and Laura Burhenn crafted an album that sounds like the exact opposite of D.C.: breezy, sweet and carefree. From the hook-heavy choruses to the pair’s beautifully-crafted vocal harmonies, Places is just the spoonful of sugar that D.C. needs right now.
Le Loup
In the world of indie rock, it’s not unusual for bands to hit big overnight. Yet Le Loup went from basement recording project to blogosphere buzz band over the course of a few short months — an anomaly even in the post-Napster era. While their debut album (or Sam Simkoff’s, really) of self-serious indie folk is pleasant enough, it’s easy to see that it was their live show that put the band on the fast track to sold out clubs and breathlessly effusive write-ups. If Le Loup can somehow capture their rambling, raucous live sound on tape, they’ll be a whole lot more than just D.C.’s most promising band.
