1997

I'm not talking about the year... (even though '97 DID grace us with a Black Sabbath reunion, a Pat Boone album of metal covers, and "MMMBop" and "Barbie Girl" both getting MASSIVE radio play and being worldwide, chart-topping hits)

... I'm talking about the band. 

1997 is a band from the 

Chicago suburbs that every person should check out. There's never been a sound quite like theirs

. It's an equal mix of folk, pop, rock, indie, and amazing. They have two albums out right now.

The first, called "A Better View of the Rising Moon," was released through Victory Records in 2007. This album is nothing short of musical perfection. It really has something to offer everyone. "Garden of Evil," "Hey Darlin'," and "The Roads You Can Take," are the tracks you absolutely have to listen to. "Grace," "Water's Edge," and "Tennessee Song," are equally fantastic as well. 

Their second album is called "On The Run," and was also released through Victory Records a year later. Alida Marroni replaced Kerri Mack on this record, and some key tracks to listen to are "One Track Mind, Four Track Heart," "Dancing With The Devil," and "Tennessee Song Pt. 2."

All in all, I just wanted to gush about this band. They truly redefine songwriting. They challenge you as a listener to find everything there is to enjoy about music. 

Check them out at www.partylikeits1997.com, where you can listen to their early stuff and their entire second album, and also see some videos of them playing live. You can also buy their albums at Best Buy and on iTunes and elsewhere. 

Expect some amazing things coming from these guys soon!