For Nostalgia's Sake: Into the Son

Dakoda Motor Co.'s debut, Into the Son, was my first real exposure to a female-fronted rock band (that and Hoi Polloi's self-titled record). I remember being so excited when I spotted the DMC crew strolling around Six Flags at Atlanta Fest '93 only weeks before the album was released. Dakoda was a major influence in my early development as an aspiring chick rocker. Today, while searching for the cover art for this CD (which I found with a little help from my friend Jim), I discovered that the band recently united after a 12 year hiatus!

My Two Cents: Roots

Although I have yet to examine or critique its lyrical content, I must say that I am disappointed with Shawn McDonald's third studio album, Roots. Unfortunately, to my ears (admittedly after a mere two spins), Roots sounds like Steven Curtis Chapman's AC vocals colliding with Superchic[k]'s teenie bopper beats. Gone are the simplistic, artisitc, folk-pop stylings that I enjoyed on Shawny Mac's previous efforts. And comparisons to Jack Johnson are weak at best.

KT at the RY

Got tickets recently to see KT Tunstall at the Ryman Auditorium in May. Looking forward to seeing the Scottish singer/songwriter live for the first time.

Kearney Sighting

A resident of Nashville for nearly six years and a music journalist for 10, I am not a star-struck, googley-eyed, gushy-mouthed, gaga-gooing girl. Still, there are times when I get a kick out of running into an artist around town. It happened again last week while I was at f.y.e. I saw Mat Kearney -- one of my favorite artists, a musician I have covered for HM Magazine, a man I have talked with casually at church and concerts around town -- and we exchanged brief greetings. I don't think he's ever known me by name, but you could tell that he definitely recognized me in the store. I look forward to hearing his new stuff, as he is going back into the studio soon. In hindsight, I wish I would have told him as much that night, if for no other reason than to encourage him for a moment.