High on Fire, SMC Recordings, and John Vanderslice Make History Now

Mainstream media outlets spent 2007 casting spotlights on the Bay Area's music scene. Unfortunately, the bulk of that press focused on Summer of Love nostalgia that barely mentioned what's happening with local artists in the here and now. Yes, we live in a region rich with rock 'n' roll history, but critical glances shouldn't only be cast back over our shoulders at what's come to pass.

Darrick Rainey

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SF Weekly's annual Music Awards issue is our way of throwing extra accolades on the local musicians, DJs, and MCs making noise worthy of recognition. Check out the Music Awards program guide inserted into the paper for a survey of some of our favorites from various genres in '07, but we also offer a deeper look here at some folks we're especially excited about this fall. In keeping with the Bay's legendary metal lineage, High on Fire has released an acclaimed new record that's locked in the respect of heavy-rock fans and bands across the country. On the label side, SMC Recordings is bucking the downward trend of slumping CD sales by thriving in its quest to get regional rap on the national map. And songwriter and producer John Vanderslice is adding to his extensive resume with the release of a thoughtful new album capturing the political and cultural paranoia that is part of living under the Bush regime. Together this triumvirate is but a small sampling of the talent that the Bay Area produces on a regular basis. But they're important pieces of the larger network ensuring that 40 years from now, people will still be discussing our music scene with pride.