15 years too late. Here are some bands from their hometown of Athens, Georgia that have managed to not cheapen their cause:

Neutral Milk Hotel: Singer/songwriter Jeff Mangum’s influence on alternative music is so massive that it even put him out of commission at the turn of the millennium. After releasing two acclaimed LP’s – 1996’s On Avery Island and 1998’s In The Aeroplane Over The Sea – Mangum dipped out of the spotlight before NMH legitimately took off. Thankfully, 2011 marked his return back to music with the release of a commemorative box-set that spans the entire NMH discography, plus 15 unreleased songs. Although this writer was a bit weary of the return being a potential cash-grab by Mangum, he’s handled the situation in the most genuine way. With sporadic performances slowly becoming consistent touring, after 15 years since playing the Magic Stick in Detroit, a return to the area seems inevitable.

Witches: If Neil Young wrote songs for Nirvana to play but Kurt Cobain had an angelic female voice, tho at melting pot would equate to Witches. With a new full length “Forever” the three-piece is one the most impressive indie-rock bands of our time. They’ve played the Trumbullplex a couple of times, each to under 30 people making them undoubtedly one of music’s best-kept secrets. All appreciators of an astoundingly catchy tune should give Witches a try.