Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster are a hard band to label. Like Maple Mars, everyone seems to have an opnion of exactly which category the band falls into, but none of those genres is exactly right. Or maybe they all are. Southern rock, metalcore, Christian rock... The only thing that is certain is it is definitely good stuff. They are a southern rock band with metal roots that have no problem proclaiming their Christianity while avoiding the preachy lyrics that often prohibit many religious bands from breaking into the mainstream.

In fact, I have been a fan since their third album was released in 2009 and only knew for sure they were a band with a message when I did a little research for this blog post. I also learned that (also like Maple Mars) the band has only one constant member -- lead vocalist Dallas Taylor. Taylor summed up the band's philosophy by saying, "I absolutely hate shoving things down people's throats, but hiding who you are is just as bad."

So, would these self-proclaimed not-so-freaky Jesus freaks make it onto the Woodstock stage? While the band's southern leanings and Jesus-friendly attitude probably would not keep them away, I have to think those metalcore roots might be the things that would keep them at bay. So I will have to say, no, these guys are probably not Woodstock.

Maple Mars

There are those who will say Maple Mars is simply singer-songwriter-guitarist Rick Hromadka's stage name as the other personnel has changed on each of the band's four albums. There are also those who will say Cousin Oliver from The Brady Bunch television show engineered the band's second album. And while one or more of those statements may very well be true, the bottom line is that neither one matters. Because Robbie Rist (aka Cousin Oliver) is a damn fine engineer and Rick Hromadka (aka Maple Mars) is a damn fine one man band when he needs to be. But as fine of a solo musician he may be, he never seems to have a problem putting together an awesome line-up when the time comes.

The band (or maybe it was just Rick) has been known to describe their sound as psychedelic pop from time to time. And while some may say that they are simply power pop, I say labels do not really mean much when it comes to rock 'n' roll. You really just have to let the music do the talking. And Maple Mars' music certainly has a lot to say. With soaring pop guitars over jaunty, danceable rhythms all topped off with sugary sweet harmonies and easy-on-the-ears lead vocals, this is a band that most definitely would have been right at home on the stage at Woodstock.

WONW: January Classic Rock Mix

Use the player above to hear songs from some of the bands recently featured here as well as some rarely played tracks from a few classic rock bands as well as a classic rock radio staple or two. It's a great way to spend an hour relaxing or it works well as background music while tackling those daily chores!

Vintage Trouble

When vocalist Ty Taylor and guitarist Nalle Colt came together to form Vintage Trouble, they clearly had in mind a band with roots deep in the rock 'n' roll tradition. Rounding out the band with bassist Rick Barrio Dill and drummer Richard Danielson, a powerhouse quartet was born. Combining elements of the blues, soul and early rock 'n' roll, the band take to the stage with a wild abandon that revs up even the most sedate audience leaving them no choice but to grab on tight and enjoy the ride.

In 2012, Vintage Trouble was handpicked by Woodstock veterans The Who to open the North American leg of their first tour in four years. Their album, The Bomb Shelter Sessions, is one of the strongest debut records from a new band in years. It is a sweet slice of bombastic plastic that makes it clear this is a band to be taken seriously. With their devoted following of die-hard fans (affectionately known as "Troublemakers"), would Vintage Trouble fit in on the Woodstock stage? Absolutely!

And if you have any doubt, just check out the video of the band performing "Hand Me Down Blues" on the Late Show with David Letterman below...

Pearl

Pearl is Pearl Aday's band and features Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian. Aday and Ian are also man and wife. Now maybe you are thinking this does not sound like the kind of band that would fit in at Woodstock. But did I mention that Pearl Aday is Meat Loaf's stepdaughter? Or that her biological father was Janis Joplin's drummer? Or that the band also features members of Mother Superior and Vintage Trouble? Do not let the thrash metal connection fool you. Pearl is a band that thrives on down-and-dirty Joplinesque rock 'n' roll.

On their debut album, Little Immaculate White Fox, Pearl manages to fill the disc with instant classic rock that could just as easily have been pulled straight out of the late 1960s or early 70s. It does not sound dated but rather completely fresh and cutting edge. Pearl Aday considers Meat Loaf her real dad and she has that same intense stage energy that Meat has always displayed. All these characteristics combine to make Pearl most certainly Woodstock all the way.

Texas Hippie Coalition

With a name like Texas Hippie Coalition, you might think this band would be a shoe-in for the Woodstock stage. But as much as I love these guys, I am afraid that just is not the case. With their in-your-face Southern metal style, these hippies do not seem quite ready for the commune. With songs like "Pissed Off and Mad About It," "Clinched Fist" and "Damn You to Hell." these guys are definitely not Woodstock.

The Avett Brothers

Often described as folk rockers, North Carolina band The Avett Brothers are not really so easy to pigeonhole. Their catchy blend of music includes the influences of country, bluegrass and honky tonk as well as rock and roll, punk and even pop. Throw in a bit of ragtime and, of course, traditional and modern folk, and you have one of the most interesting bands to take the stage in quite some time. But would this magical mixture of styles find a home on the 1969 stage at Woodstock?

When you consider the diversity of the bands that played at Woodstock, it is clear that not only would The Avett Brothers' home-brewed hodgepodge of hippie-friendly harmonies be appreciated, but it would in fact be demanded by the Woodstock crowd. For the most part, The Avett Brothers songs are about love. Quite fitting for the "Summer of Love." But even when they stray from this theme with a song like "Me and God," they still convey a vibe that would have fit right in with the peace, love and harmony that permeated Woodstock. Definitely Woodstock.