And I lost my British soul...

Sunday night, my husband, Grant and I went to 3rd and Lindsley in downtown Nashville with some friends, Carol and Matt, for a little evening of music, food, drinks, and of course, music. Bobby Long, one of my very favorite British singer-songwriters was the main event, but beforehand I was introduced to two new acts. I found myself grabbing a napkin and a pen from my purse to jot down notes as quickly as I could!

The first act was Curtis Peoples. He had the face of a 12-year-old but the voice of a man well beyond his years. He, interestingly enough, had a "Daughtry-ish" quality to his voice, although his style of music was much more "singer-songwriter." He definitely had some good songs, and I feel that he is maybe just beginning to mold into the singer he wants to be. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. He is talented for sure, just maybe not my style. Two songs I would recommend you check out of his are "Rooftop" and "I'm Not the One."

The second band, I was completely blown away with. It was an L.A. band called Everest. They had recently released their second album and were touring to promote it. I absolutely loved them. In fact, our whole table, and possibly the whole crowd did too, including Bobby Long. Their sound is a cool mix of Band of Horses and Coldplay, and their look was very Band of Horses as well. They had a kind of 60's throwback mixed with 90's pop, mixed with indie folk rock. It was outstanding. They are definitely being added to my ever growing list of favorite bands! After the show, I had to go buy a t-shirt and Carol and I were fortunate enough to meet the lead singer, Russell. We had our picture made and talked for a bit. I told him how they were a new favorite of mine and he seemed very appreciative. It is so neat to talk with someone you admire who is "just one of the guys." There's no hype or nervousness, just simple conversation. He even asked us if we could spare a piece of gum.  You have to check out "House of 9's", "Let Go," "Trees," and "Rapture."

And finally, Bobby Long...

To say that Bobby Long is "dreamy" is an understatement.  Pair his incredible good looks with a British accent and a voice out of this world...FORGET ABOUT IT! In addition to that, his guitar playing skills are stellar and his songwriting puts him in a class all his own. But the best part about Bobby Long? He's just your average guy.  In between sets, I found myself waiting in line for the restroom. All of a sudden, this handsome, young guy with a scraggly beard and a hoodie walks up. Outside, I remained cool and collected. Inside I was screaming! It was him, just getting in line for the "loo".  I was next up, but I offered him my place. After all, he did have to be on stage in a few minutes! He accepted and was so grateful and generous. He clapped his hands together and bowed slightly and repeated "thank you", and "are you sure?" a few times.

Then he went on stage...his talent is unarguable. This was my third time to see him live, but my first time to see him with a band. It's amazing how the addition of the band has evolved him as an artist. It was much more rock and he seemed a bit more free.  He did old favorites like "Who Have You Been Loving?", "Left to Lie," and "In the Frost." He took the ballad "Winter Tale" and rocked it out and the band had a full on jam session during it.  Also he debuted a new song, "Devil Moon", which had a much more rock & roll feel to it than his other, more folksy tunes.



On top of being talented, he is also funny, which for me, is more important than the pretty face. Before preforming "Dead and Done," he stated, "The next song is called...what is it called? It's a Rush cover..." I couldn't help but laugh. Anyone who loves a British accent would love hearing him speak and sing. His accent is heavy and he throws words like "wags" and "cash in the kitty," into the mix. Finally, his last song was a song called "Hard to Take," which I had never heard before. He was joined on stage by two of his friends, Caleb and Eric (I will have to do more research and find out who these guys are). It was such a fitting end to the show. Unfortunately, there was no "meet and greet" afterward like there had been in the past, so we didn't get to meet him (other than the bathroom experience) and have our photos taken. But I have done that twice before, so I was okay with that.

Overall, it was a fantastic night and I am thankful I got to share it with some great people. Carol, by the way, is credited for the majority of the photos you see. She is a very talented photographer and I hope she can come along with me to many more shows!

For the Love of the Gingers

It all started with Neko...

At least, that's the first time I noticed it.

Over the past couple of years, I have been trying to coax my husband, Grant, into the indie music world. Reluctantly, he has somewhat began to embrace some of the music I love.  However, there appears to be a growing trend...Grant loves the red-headed ladies!

Like I said, it all began with Neko Case. In fact, she was the very first independent musician Grant really liked at all. I had just gotten my iPod and  filled it full of songs that were completely foreign to him. After several "skips" he listened to the first few lines of In California. I could see the wheels turning in his mind, and it was written all over his face...he liked it. Then when I got the, "Play that one again," I knew it was a hit.

Ever since then it has become a running joke between he and I. If I play a new female musician and he likes her, he will immediately ask, "Is she red-headed?" And usually the answer is yes.  Over the past couple of years, Grant has accumulated a slightly significant list of ginger singers that include, but are not limited to:
Neko Case, A Fine Frenzy (although Alison Sudol has been seen sporting golden locks recently), Jenny Lewis (solo and with her band, Rilo Kiley), Adele, Karen Elson, and Florance and the Machine.

I find it humorous that Grant, who has never been a big "woman singer" fan (he assures me it's not a man thing, he's just very picky when it comes to female voices) has embraced so many independent female artists recently, most of them sporting ginger dos.  He certainly stays true to his convictions!

Here is a sampling of Grant's ladies. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

After the Storm

The definition of lyrics is simple: a set of words that make up a song. But the lyrics of a song are so much more than just words. Lyrics often emote the deepest, most vulnerable feelings the writer has. That is why it is so easy for us to connect to a song, because it makes us feel. I for one attach a song to everything; people, time periods, a moment, an emotion, anything.

It's true that over the last several years I have faced several personal obstacles. I find that in moments of despair, I will turn to music to see me through. The last couple of days I have been forced to deal with an unpleasant and very difficult situation with a loved one.  So, in an attempt to pull myself out of my"funk" I knew exactly where I needed to turn...to Mumford and Sons.

Marcus Mumford wrote some of the most beautiful and in my opinion, inspiring, words I have ever heard.  I wanted to take this opportunity to share them with you.  I know each of us face troubling times every now and then, but I think these words can inspire one to "get over their hill." This song truly touches my soul, maybe more than any other song ever has. I hope it does the same for you...

After The Storm by Mumford & Sons

And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.

Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.

I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Or God knows where.
Because death is just so full and man so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

Who Says Only Country Music Comes Out Of Tennessee and Kentucky?

I moved (with great reluctance) to the Nashville area in 2007. As much as I fought the idea of moving here, it opened up a new world to me as far as music was concerned, and that in itself has been worth all the "suffering."  Most people associate country music with Nashville, but there are so many talented non-country bands here, and I am discovering more and more every day.

In addition to the Nashville scene, Lexington and Louisville also produce outstanding music. Although I either know members or people closely related to the following three bands, I feel like I can tell you with utter assurance that these three will rock the socks right off you! Take a listen and let me know what you think... 

 FEEDBACK REVIVAL:

I was very excited when Grant (the hubs)'s cousin, Alicia, told us about her husband, Nathan's, band. Feedback Revival is quickly making quite a name for themselves around Nashville. They are a smooth blend of funk, soul, and southern rock all mixed together in a big ball of awesome.  The band consists of Dan Fenton on lead vocals and guitar, Nathan McFarland on guitar, Brandon Urich on drums,  and Justin Miller on bass.

You can check out their Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/#!/feedbackrevival) or their Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/feedbackrevival) for more info or to purchase some of their music! I suggest the song Money, which you can watch a video of below. At the end of this month they will be playing alongside The Romany Rye and The Weeks (HELLO) at 12th & Porter, and you can count on my happy ass being there!

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS:


 Very recently, my aunt told me about her friend's son's band, The Non-Commissioned Officers.  They played at Mercy Lounge last night, and unfortunately I wasn't able to make it, but I will definitely be catching the next show.  This large group band, with their Violent Femms-ish pop sound, are truly a breath of fresh air for this town.

They got together writing music for the indie film Make-Out with Violence (in my Netflix DVD queue, and also starring members of the band).   I'm going to thief a little review from the bands website, because I know I can't say it any better, so why even try?
"While part of the Non-Commissioned Officers' mystique stems from their ability to deliver mind-bending compositions and lush pop-infused allure in a city known for the sheen of the synthetic country music hit, ultimately the band's hometown has little relevance. These songs are timeless, out-of-nowhere gems waiting to be discovered and cherished for traversing between deft arrangements and infinite energy."  Amen.

The Non-Commissioned Officers are releasing their album, Money Looking for Thieves, on March 14! You can get more info by checking out their website (www.thenoncommissionedofficers.com) or their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Non-Commissioned-Officers/72586281166?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/pages/The-Non-Commissioned-Officers/72586281166?sk=info).  Also check out Make-Out With Violence...I know I'm gunna!

LOOSE BAGGY MONSTER:


Lexington-based Loose Baggy Monster, is a band I have a personal connection to. Lead singer and lead guitarist, Joshua Bush, just happens to be by best friend's hubby.  But in addition to that, this band is truly unique, mixing all different styles and types of music into a rock fusion sound out of this world. Whether it is putting a new spin on an old cover or electrifying the stage with one of their original soon-to-be hits, Loose Baggy Monster has the makings of a true rock and roll band.

Loose Baggy Monster is made up of :
Joshua Bush - Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
Paul Fisherkeller - Rhythm Guitar / Vocals
Levi Bolin - Drums / Percussion / Vocals
Dave Wood - Percussion / Harmonica / Vocals
Luke Cornett - Bass / Vocals

Seeing The Monster released on stage was quite an experience. For the first time in my life I got to say, "I'm with the band!" A great gig on top of that was just icing on the cake. You can see Loose Baggy Monster's groovy "Pomplamoose" inspired videos on YouTube.  Check it!

Mountain Man- An Introduction

I cannot fully explain the excitement I felt when John McCauley, lead singer of my beloved Deer Tick, formed a side band with Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit (two of my other favorite bands in this world) called Middle Brother! Their first album, recorded right here in Nashville, Tennessee, came out on March 1st. Of course, I was up first thing that morning listening to the music I had pre-ordered. And in my very humble opinion, this collaboration is nothing short of musical genius at its best.

I was trolling Middle Brothers Facebook page this morning, as I do every morning, hoping to see a posting that they will be playing a show in Nashville soon and I can quit having heart palpitations from fear that they won't.  But instead of a tour date, I discovered a video of them singing my favorite song from the record, Daydreaming. What was different about this particular version of the song is they were joined by a trio of ladies called Mountain Man.

Of course, this peaked my interest. Anytime I discover a band or musician that I have never heard of before, I have to immediately do my research to see if I can then add them to my growing list of undiscovered greatness.  Mountain Man did not disappoint. Their sound is very unique, full of intricate harmonizing and with a vibe reminiscent of early Appalachia folk.  I can't wait to see what else this amazing trio has in store.

They are signed with the same indie label as Deer Tick and Middle Brother, Partisan Records.

Take a listen and see what you think...








Here is a link to the Middle Brother video with Mountain Man if you would like to view that as well:
http://vimeo.com/20591476