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Arts & Entertainment: Critics' Picks
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BEST BOOKSTORE (SPECIFY LOCATION)
Borders, Morrocroft
We hate to go with a big box corporate giant for this category, but you can't beat the selection or prices at this superstore (they call it "super" for a reason). The oldest Borders location in Charlotte also brings in notable authors for book signings and hosts fun events for children. Stop by for their Bean Fridays and get a free drink for every bag you buy of Seattle's Best.
Morrocroft Village Shopping Center
3900 Colony Road
704-365-6261
BEST COMIC BOOK SHOP
Heroes Aren't Hard to Find
As far as local comic book shops go, it's hard to top Heroes Aren't Hard To Find. With its bright interiors, huge selection of products, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, Heroes puts the stereotypical shop (like, you know, those dank stores full of snobby geeks) to shame. On top of that, as the shop responsible for hosting the annual HeroesCon comic book convention, the store has -- for all intents and purposes -- positioned itself as the center of Charlotte's comic universe.
1957 E. 7th St.
704-375-7462
BEST NEW BAND, FORMED IN LAST 12 MONTHS
Coma League
If they're good enough for folks on the other side of America (named Band to Watch by Cali-based IndieRockCafé.com), they ought to be good enough for us -- and they are. Until now, Ben Gelnett's been best known for his discriminating design eye, as seen in his memorable gig posters. But with his 15-minute blast of new garage-boogie, This Could Be the Night, his creative hot streak extends into the audio realm as well. Backed by drummer Kevin Markie and recent addition Blake Raynor (ex-Stone Figs) on bass, the upcoming full length has us all atwitter.
BEST LOCAL BAND/ARTIST
The Houstons
A two-man band with an amazingly full-band sound is probably the simplest and best way to describe these stalwarts of the Charlotte music scene. We first came to know real-life brothers Justin and Matt Faircloth as the duo, The Houston Brothers. Justin simultaneously handled vocals, keys and drums while Matt handled harmonies, guitar and bass pedal. They blew our minds. Later on, they expanded the lineup for a time and dropped "Brothers" from the name -- becoming The Houstons -- but now they're back playing as a 2-piece again and, well, they're back to blowing us away. If you haven't experienced them live yet, consider it a must.
BEST LOCAL SONGWRITER
Stephen Warwick
Warwick's Secondhand Stories are (grand simplification here, but we only have so much space) somewhat along the lines of a Talk Talk (note the extra "Talk"; not the local band of old) or Sam Beam if either of those acts were signed to an up-to-the-minute indie-like Thrill Jockey: The music is soaring yet hushed, harmonically bell-clear and so analog-warmed that you forget all the digital whoseewhatsits comprising the lush backing. What's more, Warwick can cut to the bone with a melancholy note or hopeful couplet with equal grace, and his gift with what the French call "le mot juste" is justifiably applauded in local songwriter circles. Now if we could just hear that new record.
BEST LOCAL MALE VOCALIST
Benji Hughes
A repeat winner. Whatever on- and off-stage shenanigans Mr. Hughes gets up to, that croon of his can melt the frost off any cynic's heart. Still riding high on last year's A Love Extreme, arguably the party (double) disc of the season, Hughes' vocal range suits his songs to a tee, whether celebrating the party in full swing or rear-viewing the lonely aftermath. Too bad the knuckleheads at New West aren't gonna put out the disc he did with Bill Botrell, which may be even better.
BEST LOCAL FEMALE VOCALIST
Christine Navarro
Navarro is kinda like having our own Gwen Stefani and we mean this in the very best of ways. She possesses that grrl (i.e. spunky) attitude, she's got a bod you'd absolutely kill for (she's a top-notch yoga instructor), and her vocals are just as strong and rock-steady, candy-sweet and radio-ready as Stefani's. Plus, she's got plenty of presence to match that attitude. She first burst onto our scene fronting the band Etheric but these days you can catch her with her latest project, Snowfight.
BEST CLUB/PARTY DJ
DJ George Brazil
You could call him "The Party Starter," and it's no joke. With an ear for danceable fare old and (especially) new, Señor Brazil is a man-about-town fixture whose wicked sense of humor and grande heart comes through in both the grooves (or data) he spins and the parties he throws. Often busy in various bands and side projects, they all seem to wind up in his eclectic DJ repertoire -- that, and the ability to suss a room's mood, earns him our kudos.
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