The only two bands on your list that I am at all familar with are:

Contraband -- Nice little side project for these musicians. Liked most of it, but not absolutely crazy over it enough to buy it. Never got to see them either.

Southgang -- Ya know, I stumbled upon these guys at a place in Brooklyn (fairly large and usually packed) and they kicked ass. I was amazed at their stage presence and showmanship.

Butch performed as if the guitar was literally a part of his body the way he seemed to commanded that thing. I've never seen a guitarist (and I've seen plenty!) play so well, yet be able to use it in such a way like a prop or a toy before. He also came across as extremely sexy doing it (or is it because I seem to have this thing for dark-haired guitarists? Hmmm...). A short time later, I heard that they were scheduled to play a little club nearby where I live (ironically the very same place that Steve Augeri used to tend bar) and they put on the same energy-charged show to a much smaller crowd. They didn't seem to compromise their energy level one bit with such a small amount of people. Although their music at the time was clearly not cutting edge or very innovative, they sure knew how to get your attention.

On a side note, I recently caught The Marvelous 3 in concert on some cable channel (VH1?) on TV last week. I had vaguely remembered that these were the guys of Southgang, minus the singer (BTW, I barely recognized them!). Although their music was indeed catchy and energetic, I wasn't floored by the songs. I was very impressed by their performance though. Butch has still got that mega-stage presence and still whips that guitar around like he used to. He's also seems to have a few new tricks that he does with his guitar picks!

They're not my style of music, but I wish The Marvelous 3 lots of luck. Musicians who are such naturals at it, and obviously know what the word "entertainment" means, definitely deserve to have success.

Rocker Chic