B3nson takes the Best Of by storm

Here are some snipets of what Metroland staffers had to say about the B3nsonites they awarded in this years “Best of the Capitol District 2009″ issue.

Best Acoustic Duo – We are Jeneric
“What started with a box of Nerds and a shared love of Emerson and Thoreau has turned into a gorgeous musical arrangement (not to mention marriage) for Jen O’Connor and Eric Krans. The two craft lovely, lo-fi tales of tea and turkey vultures in their haunted Altamont parlor when they’re not off rambling with the Hobo Banned. Keep on the lookout for Animals Are People Too, due out later this summer. ”
(I’m not totally sure that makes sense, but anyway…Animals Are People Too (b3020) will be available August 9th to be exact. Also catch them tomorrow (June 17th) at the Albany Public Library  Garage Band Concert Series at 6pm. The free show will also feature Space Lounge. You can find it behind the main branch of the library.)

Best Pop Band – Scientific Maps
“They took this one in 2006, and Aaron Smith emerged from the scrum last year as Best Male Songwriter, but with Hold On Whoever You Are (b3018)…the Maps still craft the smartest, catchiest crypto-zoological tunes in the land…”
(Aaron Smith and his band of georgraphy nerds will be releasing a brand new EP on July 31st at Valentines. Galvanic Wizardry (b3012) will be available for purchase.  $5 dollars and you can see Swimclub and Salon Style as well!)

Best Electropop Band – BEWARE! the Other Head of Science
“Don’t even think about asking who the original head of science is or why you shouldn’t excercise caution around him/her. Just dance. BEWARE!’s spazzy synth-pop is like a can of root beer, filled with Pop Rocks, poured down the pants of a hyperactive 7th grader. Yeah. ”
(Yeah. That sounds about right. They’re deep in the midst of recording their debut album right now, and hopefully soon we’ll all be able to pour Pop Rock-filled Rootbeer down our pants whenever we want.)

Best Great White Hope - Sgt Dunbar & the Hobo Banned
“…they’ve made significant strides on the national radar… They don’t seem to be after the big record deal or magazine cover; they’ve simply, quietly become a self-made success, having amassed their audience – and NPR hype, and primo showcases, and out-of-town gigs – through sheer hard work…. We wan’t to be able to say “we told you so” when these guys get their first 9.0 from Pitchfork.”
(The Hobo Banned with be playing at Riverlink Park in Amsterdam, NY this Saturday with good friends The Ramblin’ Jug Stompers. It’s a free show and starts at 7pm.)

A great friend and supporter of B3nson, Matthew Loiacono also made the Best Of list as Best Project-Oriented Songwriter, an award for which he is more than well-deserving.

Pick up a copy of this week’s Metroland in most places you’d expect to find the alternative news-weekly, or just go here to see the complete list of the Best Of everything you can imagine.

Thanks to the everyone at the Metroland for the kind words, and to each and every B3nsonite for doing what they do best.

Do bees have knees?