From the City That Let the Liberty Bell Crack

Philadelphia may have been too dangerous for Will Smith on The Fresh Prince, but this town is boasting some choice musicians that make the risk worth it. Here are my choice picks from the city of brotherly love that are bound to get your toes tappin’ and fingers snappin’. Enjoy!

Man Man
This would be an obvious choice. I guess I’m more than a little obsessed with their live shows and their new album ain’t too bad, either. The only band that can pull off wearing all white, war-paint, and sequined headbands.

Man Man – Harpoon Fever (Queequeg’s Playhouse) [MP3] [Insound]

Spank Rock
I can never get enough of this Philly bro’s downright naaasty rhymes and bumpin’ beats. Yeah yeah I know, we are all soooo over Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.”, but everything is better with a little Spank, no?

Benny Blanco mix Feat. Spank Rock and Mos Def – D.A.N.C.E. [MP3]

The YMD
Sometimes I just can’t handle all of the lo-fi goodness spewing from these two MC’s mouf’s. Totally in your face, totally name-droppin’ every ‘burb in Philly.

The YMD – New Direction [MP3] [Insound]

Pattern Is Movement
These two Philly gents have potentially put out my favorite record of 2008. Inspired by a set of antique photos, each track explodes with theatrical vocals, show tunes-esque piano, and polyrhythmic walls of sound.

Pattern Is Movement – Bird [MP3] [Insound]

Tickley Feather
This Philly lady’s lo-fi, FM Lite sound is crazy-awesome. Her vocals are slightly spooky, but the synth is oh-so-sweet.

Tickley Feather – Natural, Natural [MP3] [Insound]

And who could forget about Enon? We didn’t, see our Asian Mind Explosion playlist.