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Best local recording

Local Shakedown

Former Boulderite Jello Biafra provides a spoken-word introduction to this collection, a two-CD, 45-track crash course in the very best modern music emanating from the Front Range. Sponsored by the good people at Radio 1190 (KVCU-AM), the student-run station affiliated with the University of Colorado at Boulder, Local Shakedown highlights many of the artists played on the station's weekly broadcast of the same name. A mishmash of styles ranging from punk and pop to ambient and plain ol' rock and roll, the compilation is a solid -- and wild -- ride through the complex terrain of local sounds. A good starting point for the newcomer -- and a satisfying recording that stands on its own.

Readers' choice: Here & Now, Saxxon Woods

Best local recording

Local Shakedown

Former Boulderite Jello Biafra provides a spoken-word introduction to this collection, a two-CD, 45-track crash course in the very best modern music emanating from the Front Range. Sponsored by the good people at Radio 1190 (KVCU-AM), the student-run station affiliated with the University of Colorado at Boulder, Local Shakedown highlights many of the artists played on the station's weekly broadcast of the same name. A mishmash of styles ranging from punk and pop to ambient and plain ol' rock and roll, the compilation is a solid -- and wild -- ride through the complex terrain of local sounds. A good starting point for the newcomer -- and a satisfying recording that stands on its own.

Readers' choice: Here & Now, Saxxon Woods

Best new label

Owned & Operated

If you're in the habit of thumbing through publications like Flipside or Maximum Rock 'N Roll, you may have noticed that Owned & Operated Recordings has branched steadily outside of its Fort Collins base in the past year. A record company started by former members of ALL and the Descendants, Owned & Operated has put out some of the finest and most professional-sounding releases of the past year, including fine offerings from locals Tanger and Someday I and regional acts like Shiner. Primarily a punk concern, O&O also operates Upland Records, a spin-off project created as a vehicle for more difficult-to-define artists like Drag the River and Spot. O&O's professionalism and quality output just might be proof that some old punk-rockers never die. They just figure out how to run cool, artist- and listener- friendly companies.

Best new label

Owned & Operated

If you're in the habit of thumbing through publications like Flipside or Maximum Rock 'N Roll, you may have noticed that Owned & Operated Recordings has branched steadily outside of its Fort Collins base in the past year. A record company started by former members of ALL and the Descendants, Owned & Operated has put out some of the finest and most professional-sounding releases of the past year, including fine offerings from locals Tanger and Someday I and regional acts like Shiner. Primarily a punk concern, O&O also operates Upland Records, a spin-off project created as a vehicle for more difficult-to-define artists like Drag the River and Spot. O&O's professionalism and quality output just might be proof that some old punk-rockers never die. They just figure out how to run cool, artist- and listener- friendly companies.

Best nutritious release

Get Your Beans by Mr. Tree and the Wingnuts

The Wingnuts' debut is a madcap celebration of roots raunch and the trio's "doghouse rock." Soapy Argyle brays his hillbilly-savant lyrics over his own careening guitar solos and the insane swinging of bassist Mr. Tree and drummer Shawn 4-On. It's baked, refried and loaded with musical fiber.

Best nutritious release

Get Your Beans by Mr. Tree and the Wingnuts

The Wingnuts' debut is a madcap celebration of roots raunch and the trio's "doghouse rock." Soapy Argyle brays his hillbilly-savant lyrics over his own careening guitar solos and the insane swinging of bassist Mr. Tree and drummer Shawn 4-On. It's baked, refried and loaded with musical fiber.

Best local-music reissue

New Music for Bowed Piano by Stephen Scott

Stephen Scott, whose day job is instructing at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, is an unsung musical innovator who converts his primary instrument, the piano, into a veritable symphony orchestra with a little help from his friends. He and his assistants physically pluck the pianos strings, many of which are altered with the use of bows made of Popsicle sticks and horsehair. New Music for Bowed Piano, which was first issued in 1984, isn't his finest work (1996's Vikings of the Sunrise continues to hold that distinction), but it's a welcome introduction to an artist with both talent and idiosyncrasies to spare.

Best local-music reissue

New Music for Bowed Piano by Stephen Scott

Stephen Scott, whose day job is instructing at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, is an unsung musical innovator who converts his primary instrument, the piano, into a veritable symphony orchestra with a little help from his friends. He and his assistants physically pluck the pianos strings, many of which are altered with the use of bows made of Popsicle sticks and horsehair. New Music for Bowed Piano, which was first issued in 1984, isn't his finest work (1996's Vikings of the Sunrise continues to hold that distinction), but it's a welcome introduction to an artist with both talent and idiosyncrasies to spare.

Best friend to have in a recording studio

Bob Ferbrache/Absinthe Studios

A onetime lap-steel player for 16 Horsepower, Bob Ferbrache is even more talented when it comes to the art of studio engineering, and local bands know it. In addition to a recent collaboration with the Horsepowered fellas, he's left his unique thumbprint on DeVotchKa's dazzling new platter and is overseeing the upcoming release by the Kalamath Brothers. Big Bad Bob also mastered the entire Local Shakedown disc issued by Radio 1190 and Smooch Records. Who needs Abbey Road when you've got Absinthe Studios?

Best friend to have in a recording studio

Bob Ferbrache/Absinthe Studios

A onetime lap-steel player for 16 Horsepower, Bob Ferbrache is even more talented when it comes to the art of studio engineering, and local bands know it. In addition to a recent collaboration with the Horsepowered fellas, he's left his unique thumbprint on DeVotchKa's dazzling new platter and is overseeing the upcoming release by the Kalamath Brothers. Big Bad Bob also mastered the entire Local Shakedown disc issued by Radio 1190 and Smooch Records. Who needs Abbey Road when you've got Absinthe Studios?

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