Urban Dictionary defines "Beard Rock" like this: A little-known form of music originating in the 1990's as a throwback acknowledgement to the early folk rockers...The difference from regular indie/folk music is that each group tends to sport facial hair, styles including but not limited to: the chin curtain, Grizzly Adams, mutton/lambchops, or any other generally considered "unkempt" look. These artists emphasize the importance of the environment, overall camaraderie and independent thinking, making Henry David Thoreau look like a demigod. Examples of bands are: Fleet Foxes, Midlake, The Decemberists, Band of Horses, Mojave 3 and many more. One thing is for sure though, the beard is key to defining Beard Rock.
Now I could devote a whole blog to this entry (nothing included on a brodeo like Urban Dictionary can be that "little-known"), but I'll just put it this way: Softly strumming folkies don't have the market cornered on follically fortified faces.
No, in this week's Record Heat, Brad Dwyer ponders the Samson-like powers of Phoenix-based rockers Said Gun. Listen to the band and read the comic after the break.