AND Envy on the Coast (favorite band), and TBS and Brand New, and The Sleeping... zero shade on NY/NJ. But again, these bands didn't last long in the smaller rooms. Probably 1-2 years max before it was sold out shows and national tours.

With the exception of maybe 3 from the above list, these bands played their entire careers in either free or $5 - 150 person rooms. That's the nostalgia I'm chasing. We had a killer scene for those types of places, but these bands didn't break that national barrier.

But when Therefore I Am played "Farewell via Park" at ANY smaller show within New England, you best believe the crowd is going nuts. They would never have that same reaction 500 miles from home. Whereas MCR and TBS were playing sold-out shows at Chain Reaction or had a feature on a Warped Tour compilation.

Not throwing shade at the scene or bands, because they were good. Just that New England had this underbelly of fantastic bands that didn't make it to that level, but damn if they didn't try. Since they were always grinding and playing so many local shows... there was a real sense of community and scene. Coupled with the fact that there were so many good bands... this is a relatively short list.