Category Concert Reviews
The Lumineers: Ryman Auditorium / Nashville TN / October 14, 2013
I’m tired of the Lumineers and all the hoopla surrounding them. Even the Nashville TV show is hawking them by having its character Avery Barkley whine about wanting the opening slot for an upcoming Lumineers show. While they sing happy, fun songs and don’t play all that bad, there’s really nothing special about them or […]
James Maddock @ The Basement / Nashville TN / October 14, 2013
In a previous blog, I gushed accolades for the musical talents of James Maddock. In that piece, I discussed how he mostly gigs in and around New York City. Imagine my surprise when I found out–while I was in New York of all places–that Maddock would be playing the next night at my favorite hometown […]
Blondie: Ryman Auditorium / Nashville TN / September 30, 2013
Back in my New Jersey college days, I asked a friend what his friend Gary (Lachman) was up to. “He’s playing bass with some chick named Blondie,” he answered. I replied, “I didn’t know Gary played bass.” My friend simply replied, “He doesn’t!” Well, Gary eventually learned how and became Gary Valentine. Despite writing Blondie’s […]
Mavis Staples: War Memorial Auditorium / Nashville TN / September 25, 2013
Thinking back about my youth, I plead guilty to foolishly narrowing my musical tastes. By the time I reached my late teens, I graduated from Top Forty AM radio to the hipper, rock sounds found on the FM dial. But, for many years I just got stuck there. In doing so, I had no respect […]
Americanarama VI @ Grimey’s New & Preloved Music / Nashville TN / September 21, 2013
Someone once asked me to describe what Americana music was. My simple reply was “country music that doesn’t suck.” I further embellished this remark by adding that an Americana artist most likely 1) plays an instrument; 2) writes their own songs; and 3) doesn’t need to use Auto-Tune to correct their vocals. While my description […]
Glenn Tilbrook @ Third and Lindsley / Nashville TN / September 17, 2013
I should probably issue a disclaimer with this post that I have been a colossal Squeeze fan since their first record in 1978. Over the years, the band’s working status has been a roller coaster ride. Fortunately, about a dozen or so years ago, the band’s main voice, Glenn Tilbrook, started touring on his own. […]
Bleu @ 12th & Porter / Nashville TN / September 15, 2013
I am forever grateful to the friend who introduced me to Boston-bred and Los Angeles-based artist Bleu (real name William James McAuley III). My entrée to his work was through a record by The Major Labels, a band he was a part. I soon thereafter saw the first of several of his solo shows at […]
The Silver Seas @ The Basement / Nashville TN / August 31, 2013
Great pop music is my true passion. I have previously written about my love for one of its best proponents, The Silver Seas. This Nashville-based band consistently puts out great records and always plays a solid live show. Tonight’s long overdue return to The Basement would mark the 16th time I have seen them perform. […]
Music City Mike 