What are the top-five bands or music acts in Duluth?

Really, you think TBT is on top? I'd prefer to go over the top five paranormal events in the area.  Can we do that instead?

I personally don't like TBT that much as even grandma knows who they are. They went from hipster Duluth band, to hipster MN band, to hipster national band. Next step is hippie mainstream/Phish opener.

Who is bigger than TBT right now though?

You don't like a band because they are successful? 

Yeash. Alright, I guess we all have our own criteria.

Trying to be objective, at this moment I think it is likely to be something like:

TBT
Low
Charlie Parr
Retribution Gospel Choir 
???

It's hard for me to fill in the fifth spot. It really could be any number of bands/people. (I'm not sure everyone likes a list other than everyone likes a list to argue about).

You must be talking about draw, not quality.

This weekend I was treated to an amazing show by 4ontheFloor, who are developing some great drawing power and have an amazing vocalist and song craftsmanship.  They also trotted out impressive covers of Whiskeytown and Wilco.  

And then I was treated to the funk and soul stylings of Big Wave Dave and the Ripples (with Sarah Krueger) at Grandma's Tent.

I am not saying I don't like TBT because they are successful, I just don't care for speedgrass much. 

4 on the Floor and Big Wave Dave are the fastest rising bands - probably 6 & 7 on any list and rising fast. Then you may want to throw in Jack Campbell/Excuse Me Princess and Banjos.

And that's the thing here, there is a nice big array of talent going across a lot of lines that people can afford to be picky about who they like and who they feel has talent and who doesn't. 
Karasu, don't know if your comment was directed at me or Andy but regardless, all of those folks listed have quality, whether or not I, or you, actually like the music we are hardly in manufactured pop sensation territory.

For what it's worth, I like 4ontheFloor quite a bit but I think they are a Twin Cities outfit.

The lead singer of 4 has an epic beard - so I get confused and consider that a major qualification for being a Duluth Band. Seriously, they were a joy to watch.

I've been digging Low Forms, the Silk Sheiks, Brothers Band (guess they are done now) and Yester as of late.

Took my friend to see 4 on the Floor and explained to him the gimmick about all being in 4/4 time, having four dicks etc etc. I have to agree with his response which was, 'whose great idea was that?'  Rock music, that is, the divine art of balls to the wall, free-form, face-melting, boner-inducing Rock and Roll has become, for me anyway, synonymous with creamed asparagus atop stale melba toast.  I really would rather discuss paranormal activity, at least that's unpredictable.

Murder of Crows
Charlie Parr/Devil's Flying Machine
Brothers Burn Mountain (are they considered local?)
TBT
Brothers Band - is done?

Sarah Krueger and Charlie Parr should rank high.  TBT and Low are a given.

How has no one mentioned Hairball yet?

Who was that guy playing guitar at the ceramics show at Mr. Lucky's in Superior. That guy was awesome.

I'm loving Murder of Crows these days.

For Herzog...


top five paranormal events:

5. The occasional feeling of cold at the old folks home caused by the restless soul of a former resident, tortured into signing away all of her Cheetos... never mind the season (winter) or the window (open).

4. A bilocated burp by local musician Alan Sparhawk when he was in another state, captured via EVP in the secret subbasement of EHS. 

...

1. The saucer shaped UFO that recently flew between us and the sun. It blocked the sun's light for hours, yet curiously nothing on the news! Natch, by unidentified I mean identified as an alien craft. 

That's all I got- ball is in your court, Herzog...

Two up and coming bands that have incredible stage presence and are danceable (2 things I'm surprised I care about) are the Blasphemists and Dead Guys. Their live shows are not to be missed while their recorded music simply doesn't do them justice. 

Big Wave Dave and the Ripples are truly fantastic. 

And to round out the list, I would say Low, because they are classic, and Southwire, on shear charisma plus they are the closest to mashup artist/band that Duluth has.

Mud Puppies, Big Wave and Gallus all throw down awesomely consistent sets every week, maybe not contenders for the Billboard Charts but certainly in the running for hardest workers.  And let's not forget jazz, such as the legend Billy Barnard, the super smooth Maxi Childs Trio (who play four times a week) Monday Night Players Club, Mark Anderson, etc.

Flood Pants & the High Waters

Taste the Runoff

Alleys & Sinkholes

The Manholes

Mother Superior

Now, who's going to start a band with one of these names? Side project anyone?

American Rebels are rocking it!

Someone should mention Bratwurst, since it is the band that won Homegrown.