I like my rock straightup.

No b.s. Just loud guitars, bass, guitars and an ugly singer with great chops.Live-off-the-floor, no overdubs, no sitars, mandonlins, computers, keyboards. Just balls-out, bare-bones rock.

2013 could be off to a great start if these new straight-up bands make it.

Let’s start off HEAVEN’S BASEMENT a band that’s opening for Buckcherry at the Phoenix this Saturday. They’re from the UK but they sound American and have some of that 80’s swagger.

Next up is the VIRGINMARYS, another band from the UK. There's always something special about what comes out of a power trio. These guys don’t screw around.

Next is the band from L.A. that gave us the song “Pressure & Time”. They struggled in the U.S. but were huge with the song in Canada. They've picked up where they left off and are ready to crank it into 2013 with a new album and new song.

Are you picking up on some of the religious overtones in the last 3 videos. With the last band here, there is another one from the old testament, but it's a bit of stretch.

Jason Barr, who has a great ear for new music, passed  this along to me a week ago and I'm hooked! The band is DEAD SARA – they’re also from La-La land. The album came out last year and was good enough to get them on the Warped Tour and as support act on some semi big tours. The big break came with the guys in MUSE who were totally blown away, especially with lead singer Emily Armstrong. They were so impressed that Dead Sara will open for Muse during their North American tour this spring. If don't know them, Muse may have one of the biggest and most successful rock tours of the year by the time 2013 finishes. So check this out....(WARNING: this girl wails!! - LOVE IT)