Working in the entertainment industry, you come across a lot of people who think they have talent—people who think they're the next Tyra or the next Pussycat Doll. News flash: most of them don't. I'll tell you what, though, Detroit. You better pay attention. The Singles actually HAVE talent and are about to shake up the local music scene.

Possibly my favorite rock and roll band to break out since the Kinks, The Singles channel the young-hearted spirit of singer Vince Frederick, the unyielding enthusiasm of drummer Brian Thunders, and boyish good looks of bassist Phil Roth into one rockin' sound you can't help but love. With songs like 'The Most Beautiful Girl' and 'Cryin' Over You,' just hearing the lyrics is enough brighten your mood [I would know], and you can't resist bobbing your head to the drums in 'Goodbye Little Girl' or singing along with 'Hypnotized.'

I'm clearly not the only one who digs these head-bobbing tunes either. The Singles have done some pretty extensive touring this year. They've rocked out on the East Coast and all through the Midwest—they even went on an international tour through Europe this past February. Less than a week after returning to the States [as truly cultured rockers], they headed down to Austin to play SXSW—and let's be real, not just anyone gets to play there.

I've had the pleasure of seeing The Singles live more than once [okay, 6 times. But who's counting?], and I'll be honest—I already can't wait to see them again. From the moment they take the stage, you know it's gonna be good. With uniform black suits and skinny ties, they're clearly dressed to impress. They're studs. All of them. I swear. Buddy Holly-esque glasses complete their retro 60's-inspired look, and Thunders rocks out the Chuck Taylors like a true rock and roller.

Then it begins. Thunders lays into his snare, grinning from ear to ear, and Frederick and Roth jam out up front, crooning head-bobbing melodies with old school lyrics. You can't help but giggle during Frederick's charmingly awkward small talk between songs, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a wink coming your way. So cross your fingers. Looks like we've got a heartbreaker in the making.

As if it wasn't fab enough to find a local band that actually rocks, they're actually pretty cool guys. Okay, VERY cool guys. Just chat them up at the merch table after a show, and I know you'll see what I mean. They're probably the friendliest musicians I've had the pleasure of interacting with, and you know what? They actually listen to [and care about] what you have to say. Talking to Frederick before a show one night, I let it slip that I had a weakness for the Everly Brothers. Sure enough, halfway through the set that night, he turned to his bandmates, gestured towards me into the audience, and within seconds, I heard the opening chords of "When Will I Be Loved?" My jaw hit the floor, and I found myself practically speechless [and that never happens]. Customized set lists? In the words of Frederick, "Holy smokes!"

So check 'em out. You'll be glad you did. Not gonna lie, I can't listen to 'The Most Beautiful Girl' without grinning. And yeah, that may be geeky, but I'll ask you this: what was the last band that did that to you?

Listen to The Singles on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/thesingles

You know you want to.

High fives,

Melissa


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