Nashville Rocks

Somebody once asked what the best thing about the Nashville music scene is. It's a pretty crazy question considering how diverse the music scene is here. Everything from 12 types of country/western/swing/bluegrass, to an amazing symphony, to a thriving rock scene fuels the city. And really, the more the merrier. There's always a show to see. From The Don Kelley Band at Robert's, to Vivaldi at the Schemmerhorn, to a Spoon show at Cannery. There are no shortages of amazing tunes going into the night.

The locals put on a pretty good show themselves. One thing is for certain though, when it comes to fuckin' rock, there is Jeff, and there is everyone else. The show is amazing. Anytime anyone in the room hasn't heard Jeff before makes it through about half a song, they move up close. They are the Pied Pipers of blowing minds. Jamin plays the drums like a Buddy Rich possessed and Jake's guitar riffs hit hard and heavy.

So, when I think of the Nashville music scene, I think of Jeff. Maybe more bands in town will be able to come close to their glory.....


probably not.

Swedes Do It Better

Go to Grimey's and get the new Dungen album right now. If you're like me and grew up listening to old rock records, or like psychedelic music, or like shit that will blow your mind, do it. This Gustav Ejstes guy does it right. Nice room sounds on the drums, kick ass guitar freak-outs, fuzzy zoom bass, as well as pretty laid back tunes. It is all in Swedish, so you hear some crazy words, but it almost seems to add to the music in the sense that you really focus on the whole picture (not just the lyrics or what-have-you). Track 5, Du Ska Inte Tro Att Det Ordnar Sig, is a personal favorite.

...and while you're at it, go ahead and buy the first Dungen album, Ta Det Lungt. It also kicks ass.

Indie Pop/Rock Gone Horribly Wrong

Holy cow. Shit. The new Architecture in Helsinki album is so fucking bad. That dude's voice over those dance tunes hurts my soul. I am but one man, but I welcome anyone to give me anything redeeming about it. Wow.

I Never Thought I'd Say It

but Courtney Love knows what she is talking about....

my new baby

my new baby, originally uploaded by Eli MF Cash.

I just bought a 60's Hagstrom bass (I'm thinking '65). Man it is the coolest shit ever. I've always been a stickler for simple basses (Jazz and Precisions mostly), but this thing is a load of fun. It has a total of 5 switches (lo, hi, tone, mute, and pickup) and it's short scale, which enables me to move with ease. Apparently Hagstroms were known for having "fast necks". I gotta say, from what I've felt so far, "they" are dead on. The frets are almost flush with the neck, but there's hardly any buzz (though the action is a little higher than I'm used to). The sunburst is identical to my '66 Jazz, which is a plus.

It was love at first sight. I have Magnus Sveningsson to thank for introducing me to the brand and Russ Pahl for hooking it up like a champ. Time to go plug it in to the Marshall.

P.S. That Supertramp album is the shit

East Nashville Venues

East Nashville needs a new mid-sized venue badly. With as many artists and musicians (as well as many other show friendly people) living in the hood, it seems silly to have to drive across the river for a good 300-500 capacity venue. The 5 Spot rocks, but it's too small. The French Quarter smells bad and it's dank, not in a cool way either. Something along the lines of the Exit/In out here would do very well methinks.