Favorite:

We were surprised by the winner in this category, but only until we had a chance to sit down and listen to the band. We weren't sitting for long. Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers make a sweet honky-tonk country racket that's perfect for long road trips, lazy afternoons and jumpin' and jivin' at the corner bar.

If you like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, X or any combination thereof, you'll immediately recognize the band as kindred souls. If you don't like those great artists, guess what? You may end up dancing to The Snakehandlers anyway, despite yourself. The band's that good.

1. Other top finalists
2. Awesome
3. Bethurum
4. Degenerate Art Ensemble
5. Five Dollar Fine
6. Freddy Pink
7. Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter
8. SMP
9. The Upskirts
10. backandtotheleft

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