Many great songs have been written about the city of Memphis. This list however deals with only one of them: John Hiatt’s “Memphis in the Meantime.” Hiatt is an American songwriting treasure, releasing 21 fine long players over a brilliant career dating back to 1974. His ode to the home of Elvis, Sun Studios and […]
For a long time, I couldn’t figure out why I got sad every time I listened to The Monkees’ song “For Pete’s Sake” which happened to be the closing theme to their popular TV series. One day, it came to me: As a youngster, the song meant that my favorite show was over for the […]
Los Angeles-based band, Dawes, gave two brief performances here in Nashville last week. Beginning with a lunch time, three-song “Not So Secret, Secret Show” broadcast live on local radio station Lightning 100 (listen here). The band then headed over to play a 5:30 sold-out in-store at Grimey’s Too. After a few more promo spots around the […]
It would be hard for any follower of the music scene over the last twenty years to not be aware of the iconic dark image of Nick Cave. My only connection with his work, however, came from my fascination with “Into My Arms,” a rather firm but sensitive love ballad from 1997’s The Boatman’s Call. […]
Every true music geek likes to know the title of each new song he hears. Guessing is required when you hear it live in concert for the first time. Sometimes, the title is an obvious refrain, often heard in the chorus. Other times, however, titles are obscure and have no direct mention in the lyrics. […]
My friends naturally thought I’d be watching the Walking Dead on TV when I mentioned “zombies” in the context of my plans for last Sunday evening. Rather, I was referring to the great 60’s British Invasion hit makers, “The Zombies.” The band made their return Nashville engagement to a somewhat sparse crowd at the War […]
Nashville has a tradition of posting billboards to promote country music. But in what may be a first for the rock side of Music City, artist-resident and Third Man Records impresario, Jack White, now has one posted to tout the success of his recent Blunderbuss LP. Here’s a shot of the electronic screen that has […]
Last weekend, the stage at Grimey’s continued to be on fire, this time from a lively in-store by a trio of Nashville transplants, The Howlin’ Brothers. Having fine-tuned their live act playing around town, including a Lower Broadway stint at Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, the crowd-pleasing Brothers celebrated the release of their first major record, Howl. […]
Without having much history with the music of Andrew Bird, I attended his 2009 show at the Ryman Auditorium based on his reputation alone. I failed to be overwhelmed that night and left more impressed with his exciting opening act, the endearing St. Vincent. However, I always remain open to giving an artist a second […]
Here is a link to the New York Times obit on Stanley Snadowsky, co-founder of the legendary Greenwich Village night club: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/nyregion/stanley-snadowsky-founder-of-greenwich-village-nightclub-dies-at-70.html?_r=0 The Bottom Line was open from 1972 through 2004. During the late 70’s heyday of the record business, it was the industry’s premier showcase venue, launching many new artists into the spotlight. Seating […]
Music City Mike 