Skinny Jim & the Number 9 Blacktops August 9, 2008

Playing what has been dubbed "Hot-Rod Rockabilly," this Illinois trio takes the traditional rockabilly sound and soups it up with a high-octane edge. The Blacktops play more towards the raw rock influences of bands like The Black Crowes, throw in a little throttle, and combine the groove of Chuck Berry and Eddie Cochran to create danceable music without the thinness of pure rockabilly. "Its basically rock-n-roll, with a punk feel to it," says guitarist/vocalist Jim Rotramel.