Miracles of Modern Science perform at The Cake Shop

Here is out unranked list of the best groups we had occasion to see at CMJ 2010.

1.) Bear Hands: The overall winner for me. Catchy riffs, great vocals, overall up beat music created by talented Brooklynites. I hope bands like this keep coming out of Brooklyn; it really makes my music library more attractive. -AH

2.) Dark Dark Dark: They are always a favorite of mine, but they keep growing, becoming more mature. Their sound used to have more of a punk edge for me, but they are almost growing into a chamber ensemble that focuses on haunting folk tunes. -DN

3.) The Lisps: There are few bands that look like they enjoy playing music as much as The Lisps do. It shows, and it makes watching them a whole lot more fun. Unfortunate that they only did one showcase (full disclosure: it was one I put together, but I get no points after the fact by saying that it was amazing). -DN

4.) Miracles of Modern Science: This young Brooklyn based group is just strings and drums: cello, violin, stand up bass, and mandolin. But their sound is huge, and they spend most of the set rocking out. They just finished (or are about to finish) recording their debut LP. It is quite possible that it will be awesome. -DN

5.) Royal Bangs: Driving, thumping, intricate with a dash of soul, a dollop of electronic, and a whole lot of action. This three piece takes risks and the listener gets to reap amazing musical benefits. -AH

6.) Spirits of the Red City: Playing without any sort of amplification, they set up on the floor in front of the stage, and sitting a circle, these Midwesterns played one of the most intimate shows I have ever seen. Maybe electricity isn’t needed to rock. One of the best shows this year period. -AH/DN

7.) Tape Deck Mountain: They are almost pop, almost noise, almost a lot of things. But their set vacillates between head banging, knees on the floor, walls of feedback, and mellow looped guitar and keys. They are versatile, and they’ve been doing this for a minute. They’ll probably never be a buzz band of CMJ, but they are a must see live act. -DN

8.) Young Rival: They played a straightforward showcase of rock and roll from all areas of the spectrum. the big picture take away with Young Rival: if you rock, they will come. -AH

Compiled by Dustin Nelson and Adam Hagedorn