Ministry Get Squirrely in Atlanta
Jourgensen’s style has not changed, rife with Goth over- (and under-) tones, the singer is a singular presence. His voice still resonates as it has for the past four decades and the musicians were very tight.
LCD Soundsystem Still Have the Edge
It was a good vibe in the Roxy. A wide range of ages were on display, including a surprisingly large percentage of Gen Zs in attendance.
Isbell at His Peak
The man’s had a rough couple of years, mainly caused by the dissolution of his 10-year marriage to Amanda Shires. Given that many of his songs have been inspired by or about her, one might wonder how he can still perform those lyrics.
Patterson Hood is Evolving
The band ran through all 10 tracks from ‘Trees & Screams,’ adding something from each of his prior solo efforts. Known for his deep dive of covers from favorite artists, Hood did not disappoint.
Drive-By Truckers and the Duality of the Southern Thing
Just four days on from the 2024 general election, Hood is holding up that mirror to our society again, as he did back in 2001. It stings even more today than it did then.
X Push Conspiracy of Punk
X’s punk rockabilly (punkabilly?) identity was on full display, sounding as tight as ever. It’s hard to believe its been 44 years since their debut. Each musician better than you think on stage, it seems that they’ve improved with age.
Sting 3.0 Tour Echoes Early Days
I know what you’re thinking, “Hey, weren’t The Police a trio?” Why, yes, they were. And true fans picked up on several Andy Summersesque guitar licks by Miller and even more Stewart Copelandesque drum fills by Maas.
Isbell and His Mighty 400 Unit Worship at The Ryman
A crowd favorite was the Drive-By Truckers track “Danko/Manuel,” Isbell’s song when he was with that band. It’s a sad tale written about the end of The Band as depicted in ‘The Last Waltz.’
The Spirit Power of Johnny Marr
Marr kicked off the show with “Armatopia,” a climate change warning for the world, “So let’s dance to the sound of our time running out / And watch the smoke on the breeze of rising seas.”
Five Eight Premiere ‘Weirdo’ Doc
The most revealing aspect was the band’s brotherhood. Creative and stress-induced differences led to three decades of ups and downs, always overshadowed by forgiveness and strengthened friendships.
NO EARPLUGS 