The Detroit Cobras

Detroit is known for producing its share of renowned musicians. Rock-star bad-asses Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop and Motown legends the Temptations and Diana Ross all paved the way for what would become known as "good music" today. It's no wonder that the Detroit Cobras — hailing from such fertile land — have brandished a sound that echoes of classic rock and Sixties soul. All whiskey and cigarettes, singer Rachel Nagy and guitarist Mary Ramirez are the fronting bad girls whose no-frills music puts the tight pants back on chicks and the tough back in guys. The group's 2005 release, Baby, is a venomous injection of straight-up rock and roll that breathes new life into covers of oldies like Hank Ballard's "Cha Cha Twist." Nagy's warm, soulful vocals do justice to the somewhat obscure originals that the Cobras are known for sprucing up. Although an innovative cover band is almost unheard of, these girls tackle old gems with a touch and a kick that could turn what appears to be just a rusty old Ford into a shiny, revved-up Thunderbird. — Alexandra Quiñones