J.J. Grey & Mofro: Pure Florida

To me, there’s no band out there that epitomizes what old-school Florida’s all about better than J.J. Grey & Mofro.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they perform a song entitled “Florida”, a wistful remembrance of all that’s good about the old days of this state.

Nor does it hurt that they have a lead singer like Grey, whose raspy voice and songwriting style makes fans feel like they’re hanging out on his front porch, rather than a nightclub.

Enjoy this Florida treasure at City Limits this weekend and have a great holiday!

My Music: Against Me!, “New Wave”

When, how acquired: 2008, iTunes

Why: Curiosity. Spin named New Wave its best album of 2007.

What do you think? Against Me! turned out to be nothing like what I expected. As they came out during the early part of this decade, I expected them to be either emo or I-hate-my-dad metal. Pays to do some research, Tully!

They started out as what someone called punk-folk (which to me sounds like contradictory styles, but…). This album, their first for a major label (Sire), is a very straight ahead rock record, one that really showcases two aspects of lead singer Tom Gabel’s talents — his songwriting and his powerful voice.

Against Me! dives into several different styles of song, from hard-hitting protest to contemplative. Highlights include the title track, the duet with Tegan Quin of Tegan & Sara called “Borne on the FM Waves of a Heart”, and the last song, “The Ocean.”

Rating: B+

Fate in your collection: Keeper

Watch this: “White People For Peace”