SPIN and TELL

Hot Picks: Out Today

2012-01-24T10:14:00.001-06:00

The Fray : Scars & Stories

Ingrid Michaelson (above) : Human Again

Etta James dies

2012-01-20T15:06:00.001-06:00

Award-winning singer Etta James died today from complications of leukemia. She was 73.

Best of 2011

2012-01-18T17:03:00.004-06:00

BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR:
~ in alphabetical order, by artist ~
Bon Iver - Bon Iver (at right); Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto; Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials; Mat Kearney - Young Love; Mute Math - Odd Soul

BEST CONCERT: The Civil Wars, The Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 2

MOST MISSED CONCERT:
Adele, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tenn., June 20 (rescheduled) and Oct. 10 (cancelled)

MOST MISSED: Amy Winehouse

BEST ALBUM ARTWORK/DESIGN: ~ four-way tie ~
Adele - 21; The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow; Mat Kearney - Young Love; Over the Rhine - The Long Surrender

Melody with Mandy

2012-01-06T17:13:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow night's Mandy Barnett show will serve as my first concert of the year.

Hot Picks: Out Today

2011-12-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

The Black Keys (above) : El Camino

Amy Winehouse : Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Mindy at 3rd & Lindsley

2011-12-02T16:50:00.002-06:00

I will attend singer/songwriter Mindy Smith's holiday show this evening at 3rd & Lindsley.

Hot Picks: Out Today

2011-10-25T19:48:00.000-05:00

Coldplay (above) : Mylo Xyloto

She & Him : A Very She & Him Christmas

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-10-18T09:27:00.000-05:00

My Brightest Diamond : All Things Will Unwind

Ailing Adele cancels concert (again)

2011-10-10T16:50:00.003-05:00

Sadly, I will not be attending Adele's rescheduled concert this evening at the Ryman Auditorium. The smoky songstress was forced to cancel the Nashville show a second time, this time due to a vocal cord hemorrhage. The date will reportedly be rescheduled. Here's to hoping the third time IS the charm!

Hot Picks: Out Today

2011-10-04T09:55:00.001-05:00

David Crowder*Band : Oh for Joy

Feist (above) : Metals

Mute Math : Odd Soul

tobyMac : Christmas in Diverse City

Phil Wickham : Response

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-09-27T09:23:00.000-05:00

Switchfoot : Vice Verses

First With Ferrick

2011-09-19T09:46:00.002-05:00

I saw singer/songwriter Melissa Ferrick in concert for the first time last night. Her brand new album, Still Right Here, dropped last Tuesday.

A Time to Weep

2011-09-07T16:33:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow night, I will witness The Weepies in a sold-out, acoustic concert at the historic Belcourt Theatre.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-08-30T10:05:00.001-05:00

Lenny Kravitz : Black and White America

Katy, meet Katy.

2011-08-18T11:41:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow my Katy Hudson/Katy Perry experience will come full circle. More than 10 years ago, I witnessed a virtually undiscovered Katy Hudson (her given name) perform with her acoustic guitar in hand. Tomorrow night, I will experience Katy’s empire enterprise at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in all her glory, as the preacher's-kid-turned-party-girl returns to the city that originally signed her to a small, Christian record label.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-08-02T09:33:00.002-05:00

Mat Kearney : Young Love

Amy Winehouse, dead at 27

2011-07-23T13:24:00.000-05:00

Retro R&B rebel Amy Winehouse was found dead at her home today, according to CNN. Though sadly not surprising, the news is utterly devastating.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-07-19T09:42:00.001-05:00

Burlap to Cashmere : Self-titled

U2 in the Music City

2011-07-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow night, I will witness U2 in concert at Vanderbilt Stadium. Some 50,000 fans are expected to celebrate the band's first visit to the Music City in 30 years.

Adele's Absence

2011-06-20T12:57:00.003-05:00

What would have most likely been named my favorite show of the year, Adele at the historic Ryman Auditorium -- originally scheduled for this evening, has been cancelled due to the soulful singer-songwriter's bout with laryngitis. I am beyond disappointed.

UPDATE - 6.23.11: Per WRLT this morning, the show has been rescheduled for Oct. 10; all tickets to the June 20th show will be honored. Huzzah!

Dylan turns 70

2011-05-24T11:02:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday, Mr. Zimmerman!

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-05-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

Lady Gaga : Born This Way

Uh Huh Her does Nashville

2011-05-17T15:07:00.000-05:00

I will see indie band Uh Huh Her at the Exit/In tomorrow night for the first time. One half of the electropop duo, Leisha Hailey, is of The L Word fame.

Chely Wright Film World Premiere

2011-04-13T16:59:00.003-05:00

On Friday, I will attend the world premiere of "Wish Me Away," a film featuring singer-songwriter Chely Wright's coming-out story. The documentary will debut at the Nashville Film Festival to a sold-out audience.

Megan McCormick Live

2011-03-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

I will see Megan McCormick in concert tonight.

Hot Pick: Out Yesterday

2011-03-02T10:06:00.002-06:00

Eisley : The Valley

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-02-22T10:23:00.001-06:00

Adele : 21

Over the Toilet

2011-02-21T11:46:00.005-06:00

I had tickets to see my beloved Over the Rhine last night. Unfortunately, Karin caught a severe stomach flu bug and the concert was cancelled. Thankfully, she survived what she dubbed on Facebook as "a contender for the suckiest 24 hours I ever spent." Looking forward to the rescheduled show.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2011-02-08T10:01:00.002-06:00

Over the Rhine : The Long Surrender

The Civil Wars make history

2011-02-02T09:25:00.002-06:00

I will see The Civil Wars' sold out show tonight at Nashville's historic Belcourt Theatre. The folk duo released their full-length studio debut, Barton Hollow, yesterday.

Lyrics & Lines

2011-01-22T09:53:00.003-06:00

I will attend my first concert of the year this evening at Vanderbilt University. Jennifer Knapp (above) will share a bill with comedian Lianna Carrera.

Top 10 Songs of 2010

2011-01-16T11:01:00.007-06:00

My Favorite Tracks of the Year:
~ in alphabetical order by artist ~

1. Who Would Jesus Love - Ray Boltz

2. Shake It - Michael Franti and Spearhead

3. The Immortals - Kings of Leon

4. Dive In - Jennifer Knapp

5. Shiver - Megan McCormick

6. Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons

7. Firework - Katy Perry

8. Changed Forever - tobyMac

9. I Was Made for Sunny Days - The Weepies

10. And the Birds Sing - Tyrone Wells

Best of 2010

2011-01-07T15:34:00.004-06:00

FAVORITE 3 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: The Black Keys - Brothers; Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown; Tyrone Wells - Metal & Wood

BEST NEW ARTIST: Megan McCormick (at right)

BEST CONCERT: *tie* The Civil Wars, 3rd & Linsley, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24 & Julie Lee, The Station Inn, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 3

BEST BACK-FROM-THE-DEAD ALBUM: Jennifer Knapp - Letting Go

Top 10 Songs of 2009

2011-01-06T14:56:00.010-06:00

NOTE: Before I post my top 10 songs of 2010, I thought it was high time to post my top 10 of '09. I had a particularly difficult time nailing down my 10 favorite tracks of 2009, but hindsight has finally proven helpful, I suppose.

My Favorite Tracks of the Year:
~ in alphabetical order, by artist ~

1. That Year - Brandi Carlile

2. Poison & Wine - The Civil Wars

3. Sleeping Beauty - Phillip LaRue

4. Solider - Ingrid Michaelson

5. You and No Other - PawnShop Kings

6. Marrow - St. Vincent

7. The One Who Sees Me - Shannon Stephens

8. Get on Your Boots - U2

9. The Spirit Vs. the Kick Drum - Derek Webb

10. Gentle Hours - Yo La Tengo

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-12-07T09:20:00.003-06:00

Sufjan Stevens : All Delighted People (on CD)

Short Wait for Long Surrender

2010-12-03T10:11:00.003-06:00

Last night I received my copy of Over the Rhine's new record, The Long Surrender. This is particularly exciting because the album's official release date is Feb. 8, 2011.

Marshall Chapman at Grimey's

2010-11-30T09:54:00.003-06:00

Tonight, I will see singer-songwriter/author/actor Marshall Chapman perform at Grimey's, Nashville's premier record store.

Downtown with Julie Lee

2010-11-15T10:19:00.003-06:00

Last night, I saw Julie Lee in concert at Nashville's historic Downtown Presbyterian Church, the very same location where Patty Griffin recorded her latest album, Downtown Church.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-10-19T10:17:00.002-05:00

Kings of Leon : Come Around Sundown

Dylan Does Nashville

2010-10-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, the living legend Bob Dylan will play Nashville's Municipal Auditorium and I will be there to witness it.

Mat, Michael & Me

2010-10-13T09:25:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I will see Michael Franti & Spearhead (above) and Mat Kearney live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Kearney's come a long way since that Sunday he tinkered with my percussion toys on our church platform between services.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-10-12T09:36:00.002-05:00

Sufjan Stevens : The Age of Adz

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-10-05T09:35:00.002-05:00

KT Tunstall : Tiger Suit

Matt Lovell at Hard Rock

2010-09-29T15:48:00.004-05:00

I will see my friend Matt Lovell play Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe tonight. Lovell is a singer-songwriter with blue-eyed soul -- part John Mayer; part John Legend.

Hot Picks: Out Today

2010-09-21T09:26:00.004-05:00

Michael Franti & Spearhead (above) : The Sound of Sunshine
Group 1 Crew : Outta Space Love

The Civil Wars Battle Beautifully

2010-09-03T12:46:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow night I will witness The Civil Wars in concert.

Julie Lee at The Station Inn

2010-09-03T09:59:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I will see Julie Lee live at The Station Inn. This will be my first visit to the legendary Nashville venue.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-08-31T10:40:00.002-05:00

The Weepies : Be My Thrill

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-08-17T10:49:00.002-05:00

Ray LaMontagne : God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise

Eisley in the Flesh

2010-06-26T16:45:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow night, I will see Eisley in concert for the third time.

New Over the Rhine Demos Available

2010-06-24T15:49:00.004-05:00

Last night, I pre-ordered Over the Rhine 's forthcoming album -- as a part of their Let's Make a Record initiative -- and received the bare-bones demos for the early 2011 release. I can't wait to wade into the demo's warm, acoustic waves.

R. I. P. Dana Key

2010-06-07T20:00:00.002-05:00

Dana Key, solo artist and frontman of DeGarmo & Key, passed away yesterday at the age of 56, of a reported blood clot rupture. D&K was one of the very first Christian rock bands that I listened to as a young teenager. I've always loved Key's cover of Larry Norman's "The Outlaw." Tonight, I'm listening to old D&K records, in honor of Key.

Abraham Inc.: Old world roots, new world zoots

2010-06-06T18:26:00.008-05:00

I recently discovered the "all-out-klezmer-funk-dance-party" outfit, Abraham Inc.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-05-11T09:23:00.002-05:00

Jennifer Knapp : Letting Go

I got my copy Sunday night at her Nashville show, as well as her limited-edition, acoustic EP, Evolving!

Hot Picks: Out This Month

2010-04-28T21:10:00.004-05:00

Two great, new releases snuck up on me this month -- Ray Boltz's True and Tyrone Wells' (pictured above) Metal & Wood.

JK on LKL Tonight

2010-04-22T21:16:00.003-05:00

Catch Jennifer Knapp's revealing interview tonight on Larry King Live!

Chicks Rock

2010-04-11T08:43:00.002-05:00

This past week, I purchased fantastic seats to see electronic queen Imogen Heap (pictured above) in concert for the first time at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium on June 5th. I also recently purchased tickets to see folk rocker Jennifer Knapp on May 9th, just two days before her new record, Letting Go, drops. Needless to say, I am a happy woman.

Julie, Just the Thing

2010-03-19T16:51:00.002-05:00

I saw one of my favorite Nashville singer-songwriters, Julie Lee, in concert last night at Bongo Java's After Hours Theatre. A night of healing, live music was just what I needed in the midst of a difficult work week.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-03-02T09:29:00.002-06:00

Lifehouse : Smoke & Mirrors

Best of 2009

2010-02-24T09:29:00.005-06:00

FAVORITE 3 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: The Civil Wars - Live at Eddie's Attic; Ingrid Michaelson - Everybody; Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome

BEST NEW ARTIST: The Civil Wars

MOST IMPORTANT SONG: Derek Webb - "What Matters More"

BEST CONCERT: Coldplay, Sommet Center, Nashville, Tenn., June 6

BEST BACK-FROM-THE-DEAD CONCERT: Jennifer Knapp, Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 18

BEST ALBUM ARTWORK/DESIGN: Mat Kearney - City of Black & White

BEST NOVELTY PROJECT: Sufjan Stevens - The BQE

Hot Picks: Out Today

2010-02-23T09:42:00.003-06:00

Johnny Cash : American VI: Ain't No Grave
Newworldson : Self-titled

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-02-09T09:54:00.002-06:00

tobyMac : Tonight

Jennifer Knapp announces new release

2010-02-05T14:26:00.002-06:00

Jennifer Knapp's new album, Letting Go, is scheduled to drop on May 11.

JK + DW = !

2010-02-03T10:09:00.004-06:00

Two of my favorite artists -- Jennifer Knapp and Derek Webb -- are joining forces. The duo is set to announce an upcoming tour!

Grammy Love 2010

2010-02-02T13:22:00.003-06:00

My congrats to both Beyoncé and Kings of Leon (above), as I am a big fan of "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" and "Use Somebody," their multi-award-winning songs, respectively! Congratulations are also in order for artist Imogen Heap, who engineered her album Ellipse, named the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.

Make Love, Not War

2010-01-28T11:30:00.007-06:00

Two words: Sheer Artistry. I was expecting Joy Williams and John Paul White of The Civil Wars to deliver at 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill on Sunday night -- AND THEY DID. The way the two singer-songwriters interplay is nothing short of vocal communion, dare I say vocal intercourse. Beautifully haunting Americana/folk/pop bliss. (Their cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" is well worth watching.) I was thrilled to pick up their Poison & Wine EP at the show, though I highly recommend the live album, a free download available here.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-01-26T09:15:00.002-06:00

Patty Griffin : Downtown Church

Seeing Starr

2010-01-22T16:12:00.003-06:00

I will see singer-songwriter Garrison Starr in concert for the first time tonight.

Joy Williams' New Band

2010-01-14T16:11:00.005-06:00

I recently learned that singer-songwriter Joy Williams has formed a new band/side project with singer-songwriter John Paul White called The Civil Wars. I may even get the chance to see them in concert next weekend...

Hot Pick: Out Today

2010-01-12T09:25:00.003-06:00

All Star United : The Good Album

Webb Won First Spot of '10

2010-01-11T11:43:00.003-06:00

My first concert of the new year was actually a solo, acoustic Derek Webb gig. It was interesting to hear him render songs from his latest (electronica) album, Stockholm Syndrome, on his acoustic guitar. With or without loops, Webb is a wonderful wordsmith with a great voice -- both vocally and lyrically.

Top 10 Countdown Continues

2010-01-04T11:35:00.001-06:00

I'm having an unusually hard time selecting my top 10 songs of 2009, but I'm working on it. Stay tuned for my top picks...

First Concert of the New Year

2009-12-31T08:35:00.005-06:00

Singer-songwriter Garrison Starr will be playing Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley on Jan. 22. Perhaps my first show of 2010...

New Patty Griffin Project Next Month

2009-12-01T10:33:00.004-06:00

Patty Griffin's new album is scheduled to drop on Jan. 26.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-11-23T14:00:00.006-06:00

Adam Lambert : For Your Entertainment

Knapp Is Back

2009-11-18T09:21:00.003-06:00

Tonight I will see Jennifer Knapp live at Nashville's historic Belcourt Theatre. Her hometown show will mark the third concert since ending her five-year musical hiatus.

Hot Picks: Out Today

2009-11-17T09:19:00.004-06:00

John Mayer : Battle Studies
Phil Wickham (pictured above) : Heaven & Earth

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-11-10T09:46:00.003-06:00

Switchfoot : Hello Hurricane

Mute Math: Division and Subtraction

2009-11-09T09:22:00.006-06:00

I saw Mute Math in concert last night. The last time (and first time) I saw MM, I was floored by their passion and energy onstage. You could tell that they loved what they were doing. Four years later, despite a bigger budget and a better stage set, the math makers were missing something. To be fair, they are very good at what they do. But, instead of making music for the pure joy of it, last night, it looked more like just another (well-executed) job.

My Two Cents: Ingrid Michaelson - Everybody

2009-11-03T10:28:00.003-06:00

She had a few standout tracks on her 2007 national debut, Girls and Boys, but Ingrid Michaelson's latest album Everybody is a winner. There is nary a bum cut on the record, an accomplishment few can ever boast. Michaelson has matured into a bonafide songstress, seamlessly sewing contagious hooks and introspective lyrics together into adult pop suitability you wanna wear all day.

Ingrid Michaelson to Play Sold Out Nashville Show

2009-11-02T10:36:00.004-06:00

Tonight I will see Ingrid Michaelson live for the first time -- at Nashville's historic Belcourt Theatre.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-10-27T13:27:00.003-05:00

The Swell Season : Strict Joy

It Is Time for a Love Revolution

2009-10-26T09:38:00.004-05:00

The day has finally arrived...Lenny Kravitz live at the Ryman Auditorium. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-10-20T09:28:00.003-05:00

Sufjan Stevens : The BQE

Following Up on Sufjan

2009-10-13T15:58:00.004-05:00

According to this interview, while Sufjan Stevens is wrestling with the questions of life (and music), he is not retiring.

Sufjan 'Over Stated'?

2009-10-07T15:49:00.005-05:00

He led us to believe that we could expect 50 state-related CDs. After churning out Michigan and Illinois(e) in a relatively short amount of time, the feat did not seem out of the question for Sufjan Stevens, the prolific, ambitious indie wondergod. But perhaps it is. Stevens recently posted an interview with his labelmate and former Marzuki bandmate Shannon Stephens in which he revealed, "I’m at a point where I no longer have a deep desire to share my music with anyone, having spent many years imparting my songs to the public" and "I sometimes feel I could not, should not, would not participate at all, and that my innocuous music offers nothing new or beneficial to the white noise of it all." Only time will tell...

Hot Picks: Out Today

2009-10-06T09:32:00.006-05:00

Brandi Carlile (above) : Give Up the Ghost

Phil Keaggy & Jeff Johnson : Frio Suite

BeBe & CeCe Winans : Still

Derek Webb in Concert

2009-10-04T11:30:00.005-05:00

Last night I saw Derek Webb's Nashville stop on the Black Eye Tour. VERY cool show.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-09-29T09:33:00.002-05:00

Paramore : Brand New Eyes

Sarah Bettens in Concert Tonight

2009-09-25T09:59:00.004-05:00

Tonight I will see Sarah Bettens (of K's Choice) in concert for the first time.

Kravitz brings 'Love Revolution' to Nashville

2009-09-21T16:02:00.006-05:00

I am not ashamed to admit that I am having a hard time breathing right now. News of Lenny Kravitz's upcoming October show at the Ryman Auditorium is making it very difficult to acquire enough oxygen. This is a must-see for me!

Jennifer Knapp: Out from the Shadows

2009-09-21T13:06:00.004-05:00

After a several-year hiatus, Jennifer Knapp is preparing to return to music. And all her fans say, "Hallelujah."

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-09-08T09:35:00.005-05:00

Shannon Stephens : The Breadwinner

My Two Cents: Mute Math - Armistice

2009-09-04T08:18:00.007-05:00

It happened to dc Talk after Jesus Freak. And now it seems to be happening to Mute Math. From what I've read about both dcT and MM, during the writing process for Supernatural and Armistice, respectively, Toby McKeehan's (of dc Talk) and Paul Meany's (of Mute Math) bandmates demanded to have equal input into the songwriting. Some bands thrive in that kind of creative democracy; others, not so much. Some musical outfits succeed most when an extraordinary front(wo)man takes the lead, calls many of the shots, and then relies on his/her bandmates to fill in the blanks to craft a great batch of songs. McKeehan and Meany are visionary artists whose work is best when it is allowed the opportunity to be fully realized.

dc Talk's Supernatural was fine, but it lacked the fire that Free at Last and Jesus Freak delivered. Similarly, Mute Math's Armistice seems to suffer from the democratic process. Meany's passion is missing, as is the band's explosive musical energy. Gone are the rock anthems MM has served up in the past -- "Control," "Chaos," "Typical."

While I understand the complexities of band personalities, individual creative needs, the art of compromise, contracts, industry survival, etc., I am an ultimate champion of "the song." That being my focus, I hope that the wizards once again take the helm and rescue me from the middle-of-the-road mush that oftentimes results from democratic dilution.

In the end, Armistice is not a bad record. It's just not a great record; certainly not the album that I expected to follow its brilliant predecessor.

New Story Unfolding

2009-09-03T09:38:00.005-05:00

The Script, a new Irish soul-rock trio, has managed to blow past all the new releases I've listened to this year thus far and fan the flame in my heart. (I'm a sucker for a passionate vocal and killer hooks.) This band might be compared to Maroon 5, but sounds to me like a cross between Mat Kearney and John Legend.

Mindy Smith Plays the Belcourt

2009-09-02T15:29:00.006-05:00

I just bought my ticket to see Mindy Smith at the historic Belcourt Theatre on Sept. 14. I look forward to seeing the singer-songwriter for the first time.

Hot Pick: Out Today

2009-09-01T09:25:00.003-05:00

Derek Webb : Stockholm Syndrome

My Two Cents: Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome

2009-08-31T15:20:00.010-05:00

In a bold, unexpected move, folk rocker Derek Webb goes electronica. Stockholm Syndrome, the artist's fifth studio release, features Webb's signature, passionate protests over danceable beats. While his lyrics continue to afflict the comfortable (and, at times, comfort the afflicted), with this record, the singer-songwriter challenges his own status quo, musically. Sonically, SS is akin to the music of Moby. Although Webb's vocals sound better than they have in years, after the sixth track (on the "explicit" version -- or track 5 on the "clean" version), I lose interest. The first 5/6 cuts are more pleasing, musically, to this fan. I highly recommend the uncensored version, as "What Matters More" (only available on the explicit version via Webb's Web site, and the culprit to all the controversy surrounding this album) is a courageous, important song.

Also New This Week

2009-08-26T15:39:00.005-05:00

Matisyahu : Light

Ingrid Michaelson (above) : Everybody

Hot Picks: Out Today

2009-08-25T09:39:00.003-05:00

Imogen Heap (above) : Ellipse
Leeland : Love Is on the Move
Skillet : Awake