Given the cray but verifiable directionality of this year’s Best of Burque Music Reader’s poll, I found my agency and authority of Music Editor—and all who’ve held the position post-Henningsen, from the estimable Laura Marrich through my wonderful wife, Samantha Carrillo have benefited the community with their individual voices—was an important addition to the dialogue that commences with the announcement of winners.We’ve all got our own opinions after all, but perhaps a human unit that’s been following the local scene since childhood (I used to watch the “Val De la O Show” religiously, carnales!); has bona fides in the music community (Artemus Edwards was indeed my boss at the UNM Department of Music, sabes?); and can play the piano rather well (but hardly ever practices) should have a say with regards to what is considered the best, musically, in this dry as dust but beloved burg.That said, here’s what I was thinking when the Best of Burque Music poll came down the pike like a sodden beast expecting a beach towel for both comfort and affirmation. I gave it a bottle of Faygo Moomist, a Copy of Not Available by The Residents and a half-gram indica pre-roll instead, in case you are wondering.
Best Of Burque Music 2018 Editor's Choice
Best of the BestBest Band of All Time: Leeches of LoreBest Band of 2017: Sundog and The Timewreckers (Tie)Best Musician of 2017: Ashley FloydBest Performance of 2017: NiteKidzBest Stage Presence/Live Act: Rock Jong IlBest Band We Wish Was Still Together: Leeches of LoreBand Most Deserving of a Record Deal: Russian GirlfriendsBest RecordingBest Album: Perchance to Dream by James WhitonBest Single: “Golden” by The Talking HoursEnsembles and ArtistsBest Rock Band: SuperGiantBest Punk Band: Get Action!Best Metal Band: SuspendedBest Pop Band: Red Light CamerasBest Jazz Band: EntourageBest Latin Band: NosotrosBest Reggae/Ska Band: The Big SpankBest World Band: ¡Revíva!Best Country-Western Band: GunsafeBest Blues Band/Artist: Hillary SmithBest Folk/Americana Band/Artist: The Porter DrawBest Hip-Hop Artist: Wake SelfBest Rockabilly Band: Moonshine BlindBest Electronic Artist: REIGHNBEAUBest DJ: DJ LeftoversBest Cover Band: Pink FreudBest Experimental/Avant-garde: ICUMDRUMSIndividual PerformersBest Songwriter: Adam HooksBest Composer: Raven ChaconBest Guitarist: Amanda CastilloBest Bassist: Artha MeadorsBest Drummer/Percussionist: Sasha HornBest keyboard/pianist: Noah WoltersBest String Player: James Whiton and Emily AnsloverBest Saxophone Player: Lee TaylorBest Trumpet Player: Bobby ShewBest Other Instrumentalist: Skyler LovingBest Female Vocalist: Lilah RoseBest Male Vocalist: Adam HooksAround TownBest Party Band: Prism BitchBest Wedding Band: Black UnicornBest Karaoke Singer: Jeremy KeithBest Venue: SisterBest Recording Studio: Push Drive StudiosBest Music Store: Mecca Music & BooksBest Instrument Store: GuitarVistaBest Recording Engineer/Producer: Manny RettingerBest Radio Station for Local Music: KUNMBest Label: Orange Whip RecordsBest Music Teacher: Monica Demarco
