Watch CBS News

Top 5 Baltimore Summer Singles

By: Brett Yale

Baltimore's music scene is filled with an arsenal of summertime singles in heavy rotation from Canton to Hampden. Whether these singles are previews of an upcoming release, or a reminder of a full length that has already been relinquished into the world, one common trait can be found – they transcend the months between June and September, and they originated from artists that call Baltimore home. The following five songs are a handful of some of the best summer singles from Baltimore in 2011, offering a wide array of genres including dance, art-pop, R&B, rock and more.

1.  Future Islands – "Before The Bridge" (Thrill Jockey Records)
"Before The Bridge" is the A side of a 7" out this month on Thrill Jockey. This new Future Islands single proves further maturation of the Baltimore by way of North Carolina trio. Building off the emotive and dark undertones of In Evening Air, "Before The Bridge" matches a big beat with dark cries, impossibly beautiful synths, and a bass line to boot. In this case, the big beat is beefed up a bit, courtesy of live drumming by Denny Bowen of Double Dagger. This is a summertime dance floor anthem that's sure to move even the most insensitive listeners.

2. White Life – "Time Is Wasting" (Ehse Records)
White Life is yet another project from the prolific John Ehrens, with help from Emily Ehrens, Jenn Wasner, Andrew Bernstein, Dave Fell, Mark Brown, and Grayson Brown. The debut LP came out on Ehse Records a few months ago, and is filled to the brim with 80s-inspired radio pop glee. "Time Is Wasting" leads off a record that will instantly get stuck in your head, with infectious synths and stellar beats accented by Ehrens' funky R&B vocals.

Co La Live in Baltimore
Photo Credit: Valerie Paulsgrove

 3. Co La – "Blood Orange Crush (Dynasty Version)" (Friends Records)
Co La is the new sample-based project by Matthew Papich, who also currently heads the Ecstatic Sunshine moniker. Each track features samples from one particular song, morphed and deconstructed into an unrecognizable form of dub or future-club music. "Blood Orange Crush" is the first single in a new summer series by Co La and Friends Records called Fugitive of Leisure. Each month a new single will be released by Co La and the label, until the end of the summer where they'll all be collected on to one physical release.

 4. Raindeer – "Juanita" (Self-released)
Raindeer is the psychedelic disco-pop outfit that is the brainchild of Charlie Hughes, which features live help from Beau Cole, Devin Byrnes, and Liz Vayda. The debut self-titled EP was made for summer, as it moves and twists its way through countless genres. "Juanita" is one of the catchier gems of the bunch, oozing with tropical bliss and endlessly endearing vocals. Raindeer are one of the newer bands to the Baltimore music scene, with much to look forward to as they progress and work on new music this summer.

Flock of Dimes
Photo Credit: http://flavors.me/flockofdimes

 5. Flock of Dimes – "Prison Bride" (Self-released)
Flock of Dimes is the solo project of Jenn Wasner, singer and guitarist of Baltimore's Wye Oak. Jenn recently unveiled this new project, of which its existence is amazing in and of itself with all the time Jenn spends on the road touring and working on music with Wye Oak. "Prison Bride" was introduced just as signs of warmth began to show in Baltimore, but my guess is it'll be on repeat until it gets cold again. This genre-defying banger sports elements of rock, R&B, hip hop, soul, and just about everything else in between. Jenn constructed the beats on her own with some guidance from Mickey Freeland, and her vocals cascade quite beautifully over top of the luminous rhythms.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.