The name of The Bands

Philadelphia, PAdrdogmusic.com
Don't call it a throwback! These Philly phenoms mine classic '60s building blocks and shape them into utterly original forms for the '00s. Imagine the looseness of The Band combined with Beach Boys harmonies and George Harrison tunefulness, dosed with an irresistible, bearded exuberance

London, UKthenoisettes.com

The first thing that hits you is singer/bassist/rock-warrior-princess Shingai Shoniwa's mere presence. The second is the sheer physicality of it all. From raw punk snarl to soulful balladeering, this trio generates more entropy and range than bands twice its size.

* Los Angeles, CAlavenderdiamond.com

Spinning filigrees of folk, pop, country and children's music into mini-masterpieces, this quartet is as striking and gorgeous as its name implies. Leader Becky Stark's crystalline soprano soars above it all, delivering a message of hope, change and thinking with your heart.

Essential (Legal) Downloads: "Open Your Heart," "The Garden Rose"

** She's my favorite Artist of the day!

Atlanta, GAmyspace.com/theblacklips

In an age of computerized sound bytes and genetically modified music, The Black Lips are like a refreshing breath of stinky, beer-soaked air. It's no wonder ten out of ten rock doctors insist you experience their psychedelic spectacle first hand. Side effects include flying blood, sudden nudity and group kissing.

Detroit, MI (duh)detroitcobras.org

With a twin-cam blast of ass-shaking wallop and R&B sass, these Motor City bad asses mine the nuggets of yesteryear for a now sound that brings the roll back to rock. Lift your whisky glass high and make a toast to wild times, loose morals and a little bit of loving.

Brooklyn, NYmattandkimmusic.com

Unbridled enthusiasm and mile-wide smiles quickly reveal this duo's genuine love for the oft-forgotten art of musical celebration. Or, as their MySpace page points out, it's "an onstage pizza party!" From humble basements to big time stages, these proud Brooklynites gladly bring their anthemic choruses, rough and tumble rhythms and good vibes anywhere and everywhere.

Brooklyn, NYwearescientists.com

Power trio for the current generation? A triple dose of post-punk poster dudes? Three-tusked mastodon? You decide. Meanwhile, they'll be rocking the hyperkinetic drums-stingray guitar-syncopated bass stylings they've been perfecting since way back in 2000. These California transplants far exceed their peers with clever wordplay, undeniable hooks and a healthy sense of whimsy.

New York, NYnydolls.org

Thirty-six years and many, many tubes of lipstick in, the Dolls are still lighting loins aflame with all the gritty glamour their name implies. Never mind the tasty riffs and sugary licks that have become a bona fide pop archetype. It's that whole androgynous-sex-rock-swagger that truly changed the cultural landscape for the better. More simply put, and as Morrissey himself pointed out, "Mick Jagger stole everything from David Johansen!"

Omaha, NEcursivearmy.com

Melody and technical proficiency join forces with the cathartic wail of singer Tim Kasher for a result that is at once invigorating and intimate. Truly a band in every sense, these Omaha musicians show genuine growth with each successive album. Their most recent, "Happy Hollow," is infused with hints of gospel and skewed blues. Live, the driving rhythms and careening guitars are even more poignant.