It seems that every rock band these days must have at least one bearded member. I'm not sure what's behind this surge in hirsute rockers, but let's celebrate the best of the bewhiskered anyway.
Best Beard, Group Performance: Midlake.
Their touring band has seven bearded/ mustachioed members, giving them a sizable win over the Seattle's hairiest band, the Fleet Foxes (who have a mere four beards in their band).
Best Beard, Individual Performance: Patrick Stickles from Titus Andronicus.
Best Mustache, Group Performance: Yeasayer.
Brooklyn's Yeasayer have two great albums and they are awesome live, but they look like an American Apparel ad gone wrong. Kids just say no to ironic facial hair and vests!
Best Mustache, Individual Performance: Nick Cave.
Best Stubble, Group Performance: The National.
Best Stubble, Individual Performance: James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem.
Most Improved Beard: Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys, Blakroc, Keep It Hid.
I love Dan's crazy, mysteriously orange beard, but it looks much nicer now that it's neatly trimmed and the same color as his hair.
Best Supporting Beard: Kyp Malone from TV on the Radio.
Paul Giamattiest/ Best Beard Drift (where hair from your head drifts to your beard): Will Oldham of Bonnie Prince Billy and Palace Brothers.
Handsomest Man with a Beard: Lindstrom.
Yes, Lindstrom's beard needs work. It's too much on his neck and not enough on his face, but it really highlights his excellent bone structure.
Runner-up for Handsomest Man with a Beard: Jose Gonzalez.
Because you can never have enough rugged hotness. Thanks Scandinavia!
Most Surprising Band without Beards: Grizzly Bear. A folk band (!) from Brooklyn (!) named Grizzly Bear (!!!) can only muster up one measly half mustache (nice try Ed Droste!).
