There’s always a lot of chatter about #NewNashville, the changing face of our city and a generally pessimistic vibe about the direction Nashville is headed in. Despite that pervasive curmudgeonly attitude, there’s always great people in Nashville. Sure, there’s unbearable singer-songwriters and baristas that give you the stink-eye for ordering a cup of drip coffee but that’s everywhere. Nashville has phenomenal people. Supportive people. Loving people. 

We lost two of those folks recently and it’s a horrible reminder that no amount of condo’s or restaurants closings has any real bearing on the city when compared to the loss of great people.

I didn’t know Candice Burnside Ferguson or Jim Ridley on a deeply personal level but I feel an profound emptiness hearing that they are gone. The outpouring of love and emotion for the families left behind is warming; both touched and affected so many people in the best way.

The name “We Own This Town” really strikes me at moments like this. WE are the community. WE  are the city. WE, the people, make this place great. I implore you to support the families and remember that Nashville is great because of the people, all of you.

Support Candice Burnside Ferguson’s Family

Support Jim Ridley’s Family

Sturgill Simpson - A Sailor’s Guide To Earth

This is an unpopular opinion but I don’t always get Sturgill Simpson. From a helicopter view, I’m a fan of throwback country vibes as the next guy and I’m way into anyone that can modernize the style and make it accessible to new audiences. Even with all that in mind, his previous album just didn’t grab me. It sounded country and talked about far out topics but it always felt flat to my ears. I know, I know! What’s wrong with me!?

His newest endeavor, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, pushes his style past modernized classic country and integrates a lot of R&B fundamentals; plenty of horns and upbeat undertakings. The Nirvana cover is an “interesting” way to rope in new listeners but, honestly, it sticks out fairly oddly in the flow. I would not be the least bit surprised that, in ten years, we find out some label head or manager really pushed to have that included for marketing efforts.

All of this is to say, my interest in Sturgill Simpson has grown by leaps and bounds with just a single listen of A Sailor’s Guide to Earth and I imagine it will only deepen and solidify with every additional spin. 

I did not know Jim Ridley, Editor-in-Chief of The Scene, but I have felt his influence all around me in more ways than I could ever count. Many of my friends are journalists that have published under him and learned from his tutelage. The Scene in general has been a phenomenal source of championing Nashville, in no small part to his steadfast work. I am saddened to hear of his passing and my sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone who had the opportunity to know him. Moreso, Nashville should mourn his loss on the whole, as our city was absolutely made better by his tireless work.

The Lees of Memory – Unnecessary Evil

The second full-length from The Lees of Memory is available for pre-order over on PledgeMusic. I can not imagine a scenario in which this album is disappointing, so go ahead and get it.

*repeat repeat – Podcast Podcast

Did you know repeat repeat has a podcast now in its tenth episode? Well, they do and it’s quite enjoyable. Go give it a listen and then go see them on April 5th at Third and Lindsley.