Every year, national record executives and experts honor who they think are the best of the best in the music industry. Here, we’ve narrowed down Gainesville’s best — musicians who for the past year have unknowingly competed for awards in categories similar to those in the Grammys. For the first time ever, the Avenue presents its top picks for locally formed acts. We introduce to you: the Alligrammys.
Song of the Year
“Channel 10” / “Channel 11” - Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake’s “TV/EP” is a collection of 16 covers of TV theme songs and commercial jingles. We had to pick both songs to amount to the length of one normal song. “Channel 10” is the theme song from “Spongebob Squarepants” and “Channel 11” is the theme from “That ‘70s Show.” Believe us, Less Than Jake’s ska-punk repertoire makes singing along to songs you’ve known for years even more fun.
Album of the Year
“White Crosses,” Against Me!
Gainesville’s pride and joy continue to evolve from album to album, and the group’s studio LP does not disappoint. Against Me!’s brand of folk-punk and rock ‘n’ roll — this time, with catchier hooks and friendlier instrumentation — has never been more accessible.
Best New Artist
Greenland is Melting
The Gainesville natives in 2009 released “Our Hearts are Gold, Our Grass is Blue” and in 2010 gained local notoriety. The band’s style of bluegrass is perfect for listening to at social events or while hanging out with friends. Keep an eye out for “Folk Songs From Florida,” which the band will self-release in 2011.
w Best Vocal Performance
Tom Gabel - Against Me!
Gabel’s performance on “White Crosses” is a memorable one, bringing Against Me!’s sounds to more headphones than ever.
Best Band
Less Than Jake
This band continues to put out witty, well-thought-out material. One of the grandfathers of ska-punk, Less Than Jake seems stronger than ever after more than a decade of playing together. This year, look out for re-releases of the group’s two early albums, “Losing Streak” and “Hello Rockview.”
Best Record Label
No Idea Records
Although it was a close call between No Idea and Paper + Plastick Records, No Idea takes the prize because of its work on The Fest. Every year, the Gainesville-based label puts on the three-day punk festival, and in 2010 the event had its ninth anniversary. The Fest is every crusty punk’s favorite weekend, and, as innocent student bystanders know, standing by and watching the mayhem unfold makes the experience all the better.
