5 artists you haven't heard of (or heard) but need to....

This is a list of some bands that are a little outside of mainstream that I feel have a lot to offer, depending on your preference. I welcome your comments.

1. My Morning Jacket- I put them first because of their live shows. It puts them over the top. If there's any doubt, check out the New Year's 2008 or 2008 Bonnaroo performances. Wow. They've definitely moved towards the front of the jam band class.

2. Gov't Mule- Guitarist Warren Haynes might be the hardest working man in music. If there's a summer festival going on, chances are he's there either solo or with his band in tow. He's playing with the Allmans at the Beacon run in NYC and he'll be on tour with the Dead this year. Sick guitarist. Keep an eye out for him and his band. You won't be disappointed.

3. The Derek Trucks Band- Derek's uncle is Butch Trucks, one of the founding members of the Allman Brothers. Nice pedigree. One of the best slide guitarists I've seen or heard. Take a large slice of the Allman Brothers, splash in some African beats, blues and gospel. Mix it up in a blender. Tasty.

4. Avenged Sevenfold- part metal, part goth, part rock. all parts good.

5. Robert Randolph and the Family Band- Take Sly and the Family Stone, give him 20 cups of coffee and stick him in front of a pedal steel guitar. Spin him up and let him go. Yeah, I'll have some of that.