The best releases from our own back yard

by Brad Kava
San Jose Mercury News, December 19th, 2004

Once again the Bay Area has proved to be one of the most musically rich areas in the country. Bay Area artists made this critic's national Top 10 (Green Day, Charlie Musselwhite, Mary McLaughlin), but there were plenty more that could have cracked it.

Here's a chance to think globally and buy locally, with suggestions from some Bay Area music aficionados. Most of these discs must be purchased at band Web sites. Streetlight Records in San Jose has the city's best ``local'' section and promotes local bands.

Here are a few more of my favorites:

1. ``Flawed,'' Viv (http://www.vivtheband.com): The musical depth of Coldplay or Radiohead. And you can sing along with every tune by this San Francisco group.

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