Deanna Lepsch's Top Nine: Bearded Bands!

What started as a series of Twitter asides has turned into a full-blown blog-off. I gave her the honor of first blood. Little does Deanna know, I take my beards very seriously. (Follow @dlepsch on Twitter!)

Deanna’s Bearded Bands:

Silversun Pickups: (so many songs!) "Lazy Eye."

For being such a chill band, they rock it. One of my favorite shows of 2012 despite a less
than stellar venue. "Lazy" was the first song I loved from this band.

Of Monsters & Men (Beauty and the Beard): "Love Love Love" and "Mountain Sound."

I love her voice. It’s so Iceland-ish! This was the perfect show to end out my 2012 year of
music. "Mountain Sound" gets me rolling every time I hear it.

Matt Nathanson: "Run" (Sexy Adult time!) and "Modern Love."

I frequently say Matt Nathanson is single-handedly changing my mind about beards. It’s not completely true. Chris Hemsworth as Thor is helping that cause, but Matt Nathanson started it. His tunes are catchy which you’d think would make him a ready addition to the pop scene but he hovers just on the outside of the top of the Top 40. I love his lyrics and he’s hilarious in concert.

The Cab: "Endlessly."

The Cab holds a very special place in my heart. This particular song inspired a scene in
one of the books I’m currently writing. Plus, the band let me check out their tour bus in
the name of research after one of their shows.

Grace Potter and The Nocturnals: "Apologies and "Paris (Ooh La La)" (because it rocks!)

Grace Potter is a flower amongst a bunch of weird bearded dudes. This woman can rock
it with the best of them. She can play piano, in the next breath pick up the tambourine
and manages to belt out soulful tunes without missing a beat. I want her voice!

Amos Lee: "Colors" and "Southern Girl."

This may be cheating. Amos lee doesn’t have a beard so much as he has scruff, but he’s
so good I had to stretch it a little.

Alabama Shakes: "I Ain’t the Same." (Damn, that Brittney can SING!)

Clearly the lead singer does not have a beard but you’ll find a few on her band mates.
I was blown away by her voice and presence on stage. The girl can sing and she does it
with more soul than most folks twice her age.

The Civil Wars: "Poison Wine."

This song inspired a scene in my current novel, BASS DESIRES. It’s such a real portrayal of
relationships and so many of the lines have me shaking my head and cringing and crying
a little at their honesty and truth.

Ray LaMontagne(!): "Hold You in my Arms" and "Jolene."

Ray LaMontagne has the mother of all beards! His music is earthy and relaxing and wonderful. You can’t listen to it and not feel the stress melt away. Yes, it’s a little melancholy too.

Bands that sound bearded but aren’t:

Needtobreathe: "The Outsiders."





Old Crow Medicine Show (though there may be a set of mutton chops in there): "Wagon Wheel



The Raconteurs: "Top Yourself" and "Many Shades of Black."