Yeppers baby … got rolled in … gonna be a few more days though until I’m back at “work” (still have to deal with moving trucks, storage units, etc). In the meantime, thanks to Greta Cornett for hosting The Colorado Sound at KRFC in my absence. Her playlists are great as usual. I’ll post them in the appropriate place here in a bit.
So, what did I learn? Well, to start with, if you’ve never really traveled by car across this country then you don’t know how blessed we are here in Colorado to have such great radio —- truly, radio across the country SUCKS!
Over 90% of the “public radio” section of the dial belongs to religious broadcasters – and depending on what part of what state you’re in it can be very dark subject matter (at least it was to my ears). What parts of the dial that are not religious are strictly NPR – a travesty really, as live and local seems as foreign a concept to public stations across the country as live and local commercial radio. Obviously, there are exceptions but they were truly so few that I didn’t even bother to take note – other than the most killer Americana country station I’ve heard – WDVX in TN. And how that station exists in such a blatantly conservative state is beyond me.
Musically, both Nashville and Memphis delivered what they promised…. lots of country and lots of blues. Interestingly, I didn’t really come across all that much glam-pop-country while in Nashville. Half the places were traditional, the other half modern country-rock ala Garth Brooks meets Lynyrd Skynyrd. There were a few Kenny Chesney meets Jimmy Buffet types as well. Overall though, I saw and heard more trad stuff – ala Willie, Waylon and Johnny. Best place for the “punk” crowd? Layla’s Bluegrass Inn on Broadway… think Bender’s meets Larimer Lounge for the tourist set. OH, and bands play from 10AM on … all day … in three and four hour shifts with no breaks! Sound systems were bleh! Only met one sound guy in one room (hey Logan!).
Only spent enough time on Beale St in Memphis for some q and to hear bands from the street … great music … but otherwise eh … did do Sun Studio … had the most spiritual experience while there – brought me to tears twice. The spirits of Elvis, Johnny, Carl, Jerry Lee et.al. were deeply present in the place.
Gotta throw some props out to the Dixie Cafe crew in Oklahoma – Pam and her staff were great! Very hospitable… incredibly friendly…. and truly excellent cobbler.
K… time for some food and relaxation …
Chris K's Colorado Playlist 