In comtemplating the end of the old year, I've noticed that my memory of
the arly part of 1996 is pretty much gone. I think because of this and
other things, my list of favorite local music is somewhat imcomplete. For
example, did Cognitive Mapping II come out this year? If so, it's on this
year's list. 

Trailer Bride both live and on their new cd is probably number one on this
list. Those times they played the cave, or when singer-guitarist-harmonica
player Melissa Swingle played solo, I couldn't get in because of their age
requirements. But, when I have seen them, opening for Scrawl,etc, they
played
tight, fast and with boundless energy. When Swingle bites down on that
harmonica, she pulls country out kicking and screaming. In terms of good
feeling, good music, Trailer Bride rocks boots. 

Of course, this year for me has been The Year of Loretta...with its
resultant desire to sexualize such hits as Fist City and alter the
meanings of You Ain't Woman Enough and Woman of the World. 

Anyhoo, Polycarp's Magnetic Momentsis tops. And Cole's "How the Crow Came
to Be Black" and Polvo's "Exploded Drawings." Note that all three of these
bands are great live, especially since Cole have added lyrics to some of
their formerly instrumental songs, and as of late are even putting Steve
Kuhn's vocals high enough in the mix so as to be audible. Polycarp have
been altering the way they play live, so there have been some not up to
par performances because of that.  
The change is something like not using all the tape loops they
used to, doing
those loops live. 

Note also Analogue and Bio Ritmo. June, " I am Beautiful." That song from
the Backslider's ep, Sheriff, is  a beautiful thing. This list is getting
incoherent, as I contemplate a full list of everything released by a local
band this year. Stuff from Hellbender, Griver, Joby's Opinion, Tractor
Hips, The Archers, Superchunk, Troubador Squat String Trio, Whisketown. 
The rebirth of the house show, courtesy of the folks at Richard's.O kay so
I am not the person who should be making that list. Perhaps my deodorant
is suspect as well.  I feel
like I've just eaten a big meal that gave me food coma. Now is the time to
lie down.


				RUBBERMAID
Pine State   The Beershitz
Krapper Keeper 

Sarah Corbitt
 harness@email.unc.edu