In my last post I made the claim that the Baton Rouge music scene is exploding with talent. This post is all about proving that claim to be true. Please enjoy this mix tape of the best of Baton Rouge. The music is varied, some is new, some is not, but all of it is awesome.

Listen to the best of Baton Rouge Mix Tape here on 8tracks

Download the Iphone app 8tracks Radio and listen on the go, follow DJ Clay.

Best of Baton Rouge, Track List:

1. Liam Catchings and The Jolly Racket – My Name is John the Baptist

(For a full review of this song check out my first blog post

This is rock to cause a ruckus to. The band makes dirty, dance-able tunes with more brains than the initial casual listen lets on.

2. The Hitchhiker – Glad It’s Not Her, Glad It’s Not You

There’s art rock, alt. rock, punk rock, pop rock, rap rock, and garage rock. The Hitchhiker makes rock rock, and they do it really well. This band carries an arena worthy energy no matter where they play.

3. West Without – Give Me Your Heart

This is modern rock polished and packed with a hell of a punch. West Without uses multiple singers to wonderfully spin hauntingly beautiful melodies.

4. Pacifico – I Finally Found What I’m Looking For

As far as pure pop melody and immaculate song structure go; it doesn’t get much better than Pacifico. These songs are radio ready if the radio played anything near this good.

5. Millburns – Don’t You Wait

I have fiercely enjoyed watching this band grow from their inception. They’ve blossomed into a fantastic rock group and put on a hell of a live show. They also seem to effortlessly blend classic and modern in a way that makes me jubilant.

6. Secret Annex – The Ledge

This band is a burst of joy. The rambunctious energy of The Ledge particularly rings my bell.

7. Jason Martin and The Corner Pocket – Something Like You

This guy brings a lot of soul for a white kid from a small town across the river. Martin has the perfect blend of southern twang and dirty rhythm and blues.

8. Minos the Saint – Just Like New York

This is one of the most eclectic bands in Baton Rouge. The sound is beyond classification. Which is frustrating when trying to write about it, except music this good doesn’t really need a classification.

9. Ryan Harris & Co. – Cheers to the Wind

Harris is one of the most diverse song writers in Baton Rouge. He is usually playing in several bands that are as varied as his own sound. Every project from him is a fun surprise.

10. Denton Hatcher – Delila

Denton is a mischievous rabble rouser. The fun in his songs is only overshadowed by the fun he’s having while playing them.

11. Ben Bell and the Stardust Boys – Strangest Dreams

Smooth, galloping rhythms set to jangling country melodies. Ben and the boys are seasoned musicians and it shows through tight, well crafted songs.

12. Polly Pry – Loretta Lynn

Polly Pry does smart, well crafted country ditties. Sweet melodies and serious hooks wrap around fun, but personal lyrics.

13. Eric Schmitt – Everything’s for Sale

This ex member of Flatbed Honeymoon carries on in the tradition of making great, song driven country music. While his album Pina Coladas and a Polynesian Girl is a solo effort it is brimming with a load of talented locals.

14. Clay Parker – Can’t Go Home

Country music is at its best when it is telling a heart felt story. Clay Parker is country music at its best. These are songs you’d expect to hear from a grizzled character twice Parker’s age delivered with sweet, pure sincerity.

15. Jodi James – Just the Girl

James is a brutally honest songwriter. Haunting, soft spoken, and self reflective she creates achingly beautiful sounds.

16. Prom Date – Walking Dead

Prom Date is unapologetically poppy, and pop music would do well to take a listen.

17. Rondo Hatton – Miramar

Rondo Hatton is exactly what it is supposed to be; superbly done surf rock. Do you like having fun? This is your band.

18. Lucy and the Gamblers – Attitude

Holy mother of soul! The Gamblers is a overwhelmingly sassy funk/ soul/ r&b group. If you can sit through three songs and not feel the uncontrollable urge to dance check your pulse.

19. England in 1819 – Himmel

These boys have always lived in the stratosphere; making floating, spacey soundscapes. For their new release they’re still up in the clouds, but they’ve invited you to come up and dance.