Churchbuilder

Microdancer EP (Mediafire)
Patty Darling (album, Mediafire)

One of the things I've always loved about growing up in Cleveland is the sheer number of fantastic bands from Ohio. True, the local pop scene is a touch on the small side, but there are some real gems if you're willing to dig.

Churchbuilder was a favorite local (enough) band of mine in high school; I've practically worn out my copy of Patty Darling. They have the perfect blend of upbeat and melancholy and I love, love, love their lyrics. "Castle of Blood" and "French Kiss Conspiracy" are perfect snide pop songs and "New Critics" and "Hey Flannery" are topical, but catchy as well, and "Spanish Song" is just all around delightful.

Patty Darling is, to the best of my knowledge, out of print and I get the feeling that the Microdancer EP is on its way out as well -- though if you're quick you can snag a copy for just $1 as a part of Shelflife Records' September Sale.

Though it's been several years since Churchbuilder disbanded, they do have a MySpace where you can preview some of the songs from Patty Darling.

Microdancer EP (Mediafire)
Patty Darling (album, Mediafire)