Weekly Playlist: Hopscotch edition

With the Hopscotch lineup being a source of delight for many in the Triangle, I decided to dedicate this weekʻs playlist to the festival. By no means is this list in a specific order; it is just an opportunity to whet your appetite and encourage you to buy your tickets if you havenʻt already.

(Video: cotafloata)

1. Mount Moriah

This Durham-based band has made a name for themselves with the beautiful melodies theyʻve created. Here, theyʻre performing at a festival in Pittsboro, NC. I enjoy the mellow feel their music offers up as if beckoning you to stay a while. I canʻt imagine a reason to decline with tracks like “Social Wedding Rings” and “Telling The Hour” giving you reason to stay transfixed on their lyrics that creep up on you so easily.

(Video: caseymagic)

2. Drive-By Truckers

This band doesnʻt get enough credit, both literally and figuratively. With controversy over not being mentioned in headlines on major media websites, Drive-By Truckers have taken a beating. They canʻt help getting back up and continuing their fight though, as proven with a performance on Letterman and being third on the billing for Hopscotch.

(Video: EJDubbz)

3. Justin Robinson and The Mary Annettes

This band is a bit more laid-back than most of the others that Hopscotch will be offering up, but it is that attitude that brings a different outlook to the festival. Justin Robinson (most notably recognized for being a Grammy winner and former member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops) heads up  a multitude of instruments coupled with his vocals that manages to bring the whole ensemble full circle. Kyra Moore also offers up her incredible musical abilities, as well as Sally Mullikin and Josh Stohl. Despite Mullikin and Robinson being the natives of the group, Moore and Stohl found the musical heritage of North Carolina to be so rich, it was worth moving for. From the looks of it, they donʻt seem to regret the leap one bit.

(Video: caseymagic)

4. The Old Ceremony

The Chapel Hill-based band has made a name for themselves with performances alongside Polyphonic Spree, Mountain Goats, and Avett Brothers. As a Triangle favorite, itʻs easy to see why they would be on the bill alongside bands like Superchunk, Xiu Xiu, and Guided by Voices.

Related posts:

1. Weekly Playlist: Music festival edition
2. Weekly Playlist: The other 4 bands worth listening to (Seattle edition)
3. Itʻs Thursday! That means it must be time for my weekly playlist
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