Although these bands & artists are on here for having awesome names, if ALL they had was an awesome name they wouldn’t have made this random act of All-Star team. It comes on the heels of my “Notes of Thanks” where I was sure to mention that Phillies team.

A team that became the very definition of what it means to be the Fightin’ Phils.

A massive managerial change, trades and cuts, lineup changes galore between April and October, and a long-term injury to last year’s MVP, but they won the pennant and took a dominant Astros team to 6. Even had a series lead.

Rob, Bryce, & Co. — Thanks for the memories, excited about the future.

I’m also very thankful that I don’t have to hear that fucking song again for a year. Those lyrics just don’t match the moment in the slightest. Still, we’re out there dancing like:

“It’s Tiesto and a playoff dub. Who gives a shit? Go Phils… I’M IN THE CORNERRR”

Wouldn’t mind a new song next year is all I’m saying.

So on & up, ladies & gents.

In our own way, this is The City Root’s ‘Thank You’ to the 2022 Fightin’ Phils

Sponsored by TOPPS — @topps

It should be noted that it IS strictly prohibited to sell a City Root All-Star card to Gary Vaynerchuck. Both in physical or metaphysical form (blockchain transactions). Legal action will be taken agai

The Lineup

1. CF — CVGEBIRD

CVGEBIRD was the very first featured artist on The City Root because I felt, and still do, that “Frida Trap” is a sort of paragon for what we’re aiming for—a powerfully positive message delivered in the absolute dopest fashion imaginable. Art & Life. Music & Madness. Combine that with a cool ass name and there was simply no other artist suitable for the leadoff spot.

Came out swingin’. Walked in drippin’. Did a lil’ snippin' (watch the video and you’ll get it).

Go through the full lineup below but here’s CVGEBIRD’s feature: full article

@CVGEBIRD

2. LF — St. James & The Apostles

St. James & The Apostles was actually our first SHOOTIN’ interview. Before the website was even in existence. It was a great interview and conversation but the audio/video (over zoom) was of such shit quality we had to can it. One day we’ll have to do it again. But in the meantime, you need to soak up their soulful rock n’ roll in any format you can get it, especially if you have a chance to catch a live show… speaking of which:

NEXT SHOW: Saturday, Dec. 3 @ John & Peter’s in New Hope, PA

@StJamesTheApostles

3. 1B — Party Muscles

You could say Party Muscles is a band with a real clean Stroke. Their big swing resembles that of another awesome indie rock band that you may have heard of, but their stories and songs all certainly all their own. “She Goes to Juuliard” is a standout off the first album and the improvement from the debut, Does It Even Matter, to the sophomore album,

I N T E R N a L a F F a I R S … shows throughout. Side note: That second album name gets the award for worst SEO name of all-time.

@partymuscle666

4. DH — Panda Slugger

I mean his name is fucking Panda Slugger. At heart, the West Philly native is a songwriter. He’s a talented producer with taste to match the moment. Pop-hop is what I’ll call it, you call it what you like. His videos are tasteful and many of his hooks and songs have viral potential.

IG: @pandaslugger

5. SS — FoxTrot & The Get Down

The shortstop / second base duo here is a special one. Double plays are turned over like whips. Fox Trot & The Get Down steps to the plate after two powerhouse sluggers with similar big play capability, but with consistency and versatility that comes with being a large band with multiple vocalists. Mixing pop, R&B, rock, rap, blues, jazz… you get it. Fox Trot & The Get Down makes music that speaks to them. It appears new music is in the works.

Lead singer/founding member, Colin Budny also hosts @OnTheGuestListPod

@foxtrotandthegetdown

6. 2B — Trap Rabbit

Chipper and consistent. Trap Rabbit is a single machine on the diamond and dynamic production duo in the Philly music scene. They refer to themselves as “Philadelphia’s Premiere Fake Jazz Band,” and although they don’t play jazz straight up, it sounds like jazz could likely be their primary influence. Annelida (whoever/whaterver that is) may be their secondary influence.

@TrapRabbitMusic

7. 3B — Mars Parker

Go through Parker’s first three songs and you’ll recognize range quickly. He dips into whatever genre he wants with melody that fits the tone and the story. Personally, I’m catching melancholy with bounce. As his bio mentions him, a composer, visionary, and audio engineer—his versatility gives the team a versatility to fix what’s broken and continue what’s not as it works it’s way down the lineup.

He also runs SadBoy Studio — a mixing/mastering music studio; as well as Stay Pressed Productions — a clothing design co.

@_neowolf

8. C — Lady HD

Funk & Psych/Soul … that combination alone is worth the listen. If you were still on the fence, I bet the Chifa album art will do the trick. It’ll have you wondering, “What is this guy up to?” That guy is Ciaran Wall, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who is influenced by 70s Philly soul and funk and stylistically driven by Latin, Peruvian roots. When the full Lady HD band gathers, including the multiple vocalists, it’s certainly a sight to see.

@LadyHD_theband

9. CF — Arthur Thomas & The Funkatorium

Somewhat of a City All-Star band already, Arthur Thomas brought together a top tier group to bring tried and true funk back to the scene. The Funkatorium takes things to another level of special when it comes to the live shows, but overall it’s one of the city’s most fun live band experiences, hands down.

@TheFunkChild

P — Gabrielle Chapman & The Vortex

The Vortex is an unstoppable pitch. Ever play Backyard Baseball? It’s a combination of the Elevator pitch and the corkscrew that absolutely baffles batters.

Gabrielle Chapman & The Vortex is quite the duo—melting hearts & faces with melancholy bops.

@GCTVmusic

P.S. The Relief Pitchers have been nicknamed the “Ill Fated Natives” as they often come into the game in dire situations to save the day, or go down guns blazing, fighting to the bitter end for the city emblazoned across the chest.

P.P.S. Notable name change: Astronaut Jumpshot (greatest name ever) is now XIXIX.

I’m sure there’s a reason.