Chris Milam

Ello again,

After some technical difficulties, we're back and better than ever. Also, look to the right. See my archives? Now click them. See them work? That's a marked difference from before, when they were on the sidebar but did not, in fact, work. Tis a beautiful thing.

Check back often because we've got some catching up to do. Namely, upcoming show dates, My Thoughts on Myspace, a full review of Cory Branan's new album, and 50 More Things You Need to Know About Me. Plus some Songs of the Week. And other stuff that I haven't even thought of yet but I anticipate being insightful and entertaining.

In the meantime, this picture of John Calipari will have to tide you over.

Go Tahgers (Rest in Peace),
Chris

....but you can hear me on the internet.

Check it out, all you bloggers: Trevor Higgins, a music reviewer for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, is spinning some Milam over at his weekly podcast. Trevor's a bright music critic and a generally funny person, so his podcast is definitely a good listen.

Check it out HERE.

Also, keep an eye out, because the Times Free Press is going to be running a spread to promote my upcoming show in Chattanooga. I'll keep you posted...

Until next time,
Chris

Reigning Sound's "Stormy Weather":

We'll keep it in my hometown this week and talk about Memphis-scene staple Greg Cartwright's song "Stormy Weather." Cartwright's been in and out of several bands during his widely-influential career, now settling comfortably into "cult following" status with his most recent project, Reigning Sound. "Stormy Weather" is not their most recent song, but it's my favorite because it seemlessly combines the chord patterns of early-60's rock-pop with the attitude of punk's formative years. Think Please Please Me-era Beatles meets The Ramones with some armhair-raising vocals and a suprisingly infectious melody.

Which leads me to the most interesting aspect of this song: the juxtaposition of intent and execution. That is, the melody and harmony are pretty and innocuous, but the lyrics and vocal performance are troubled, to say the least. In this way, Cartwright executes a successful paradox: pairing troubled waters underneath a seemingly calm surface, thus enacting the emotional conflict in the song itself.

Check out the song here, and stay tuned...

Raining all the time,
Chris

All y'all,

I realized that I am now officially included in Nashville's circle of blogness, the bloggregate, the collective blogtrust, if you will. Evidently Channel 2 hosts a blogroll--basically a list of active blogs in Nashville that are, I guess, of interest. So, feel free to check out all of that HERE.

Until next time,
Chris

P.S. I'm the one on the list called "Chris Milam." Thanks.
P.P.S. Yes...that's Donnie Jeffcoat.