[Ed. note - I hope to make this a regular feature.  I'm making a more concerted effort to stay up on the DC music scene.  As a former participant, I admit I've lost touch over the years.  I'm trying to correct that.]

Though far from exhaustive, these are five bands you should be checking out.  I'm listing their music or myspace site with available mp3s, and the best songs (IMHO) available.   Many of this round are pretty obvious.  Nevertheless, there's so much good music in this town, there's really no reason to ever stand in the overpacked crowd at a sold out 9:30 show ever again.  On the other hand, if I check out a band and don't like them, I'm merely not including them in these lists.  I don't want to say anything negative about fledgling bands.   Although I did see a Philly band recently that sucked pretty hard, and the fact that they aren't local makes me want to tear them up.  But I won't.  But without naming names, I felt like I was at a Matchbox 20 show, which really doesn't speak well of the Philly music scene.  Not saying, just saying.  So here we go:

• Monopoli Love - regular readers know this is my favorite DC band.  And by that I mean I like them so much I secretly, selfishly hope they stay off/minor label so that I can continue to see them in intimate venues.  Seriously, these guys rock.  And I kid about the staying off label crap. 
  
• Deleted Scenes Hyperbaric - I checked them out for the second time last weekend.  I can't believe these guys have only been together for a few months.  They're young, but they have a bright future.   Definitely the next big thing.
  
• The Hard Tomorrows Dear Mary - These guys are definitely fast becoming a DC staple.  If not already.
  
• Army of Me Come Down To DC - a well established DC band that should always be included when discussing DC bands.
• Bicycle Thieves Loser of the Year - while I don't condone bike thievery, I do think this band rocks.  Oh, and give me back my bike you bastards.