Charles Walker was a veteran vocalist edging his way toward retirement. The Dynamites were a skilled band with little hope of a hit unless they could find a compelling frontman. It was a match made in heaven. The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker are a neo-soul outfit worth listening to. The sound is so funky you'd be hard-pressed to sit still while listening. Walker's years of experience and strong voice are perfectly showcased by the sharp instrumentation and tight grooves. The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker are probably the closest most of us will ever get to experiencing the early days of funk in the 1960s, but, with a band this good, maybe it's close enough.

The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker
Nashville, TN
Latest Release: Kaboom!, 2007
Friday, September 14th, 3:15 p.m., WaMu stage

Young Love sounds like a whole bunch of childhood memories of pop music wrapped up in a bundle. Remember the Breakfast Club? And New Order? And that after hours club with that dj? You know, the one with the hairdo? Right, now run all that through a Killers filter, and you've got, more or less, the Young Love sound -- it's a little bit emo (in a good way) and totally danceable.

Young Love
New York, NY
Latest Release: Too Young to Fight It, 2007
Saturday, September 15th, 12:50 p.m., Austin Ventures stage