Editors' Picks: Sidekicks, 500 Miles to Memphis

Justin: Sadly between a full–time job, writing news, eating and sleeping we don't always get to hear each of the bands we post about in the New Music Roundups that we post. I took the time to check out Sidekicks and was pleasantly surprised. Upbeat, melodic punk rock that's kinda jangly with some pretty obvious singalongs and raspy vocals a'plenty. The first track on their MySpace "Slight Sting" is probably the most standout track they have posted – you can tell where the crowd's going to get into it already. I think they'd fit in great with the current revival of fun punk rock that's not vapid but also isn't entirely depressing. Imagine them on a bill with Nothington, Off With Their Heads and Dead To Me and you'd have an amazing show.
Sidekicks on MySpace

Ben: With summer coming to a close, it's almost time to put away those sunshine jams and break out music to me through another Canadian winter. 500 Miles to Memphis, named after the distance from the band's hometown to Graceland is the perfect band to help us through that transition. sunshine in a Shot Glass, released in June through Deep Elm goes just as well with an open window drive through the country as it does with a glass of stout by the wood stove. The band's combination of punk grit and attitude combined with country–staples such as a vocal drawl and tales of remorse make the band appeal to