In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, 520 put a challenge to its writers in the form of a task: choose the song, artist, band or musical venue for which your most thankful.
It seemed so simple, at first. But as it turns out, this basically amounts to cruel and unusual punishment for a bunch of music fanatics. They rose to the challenge, though. Below you'll find the well considered results of their soul-searching.
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Greg Wood:
Although my initial reaction was to say I’m thankful for Nirvana or Radiohead (both of which I am incredibly thankful for), I realize I’m most thankful for Neil Young. After all, he greatly influenced both Nirvana and Radiohead.
Neil’s music is down to earth, so much so that he often doesn’t bother to tune his guitar before recording. Sometimes, he gets so into the song he doesn’t even care if his voice is slightly (or sometimes majorly) off key. Also, there is some Neil for everyone and for every mood—he’s done country, he’s done rock, he’s often seen as one of the creators of grunge, he’s done rockabilly (albeit awfully, but still) and he’s done techno. We love Neil for his diversity in his sound, but the overwhelming passion and sincerity shines through so frequently. There’s never a bad or wrong time to listen to Neil Young.
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Debra Dylan:
WDVX: for their dedication to great music and for the Blue Plate Special, in particular: Greg Garing's Music City Circus, Mad Tea Party, David Onley, All Star Refugees of Sierra Leone, & Asylum Street Spankers. These shows had a huge impact on me.
Jobe Blues Band: Diane Jobe and Robert Higgenbothom were the first local musicians I met during my happy transition from Seperated to Divorced. I admire Diane's energy, passion and talent. When I'm feeling down, Jobe's shows are a necessary tonic. Just "Push on Through."
Phil Pollard & his Band of Humans: I was startled the first time I saw the Humans. I swore I never wanted to see that freak and his xylophone again. Now I can't get enough of them! I'm thankful for their talent, ingenuity, humor and love of literature. You guys are rocking fantastic.
The Bearded: For keeping it real and for being so delightful.
Vanilla Junket: Thanks for the Zappa, the Rolling Stones' "Monkey Man", and most importantly, for the Ziggy Stardust. And thanks for not freaking out when I stand in front of the band and sing along while sometimes engaging in tai chi.
Christabel & the Jons: Thank you for your glorious vintage sound and style. I've had a blast with you at Preservation Pub, Oodles, and especially the Barley's shows.
Natti Love Joys: I'm thankful for your beautiful happy music and your message of peace. Your shows always make me happy.
Cutthroat Shamrock: Thanks for the euphoric vibes and the catharsis!
The LoneTones: Your sweet peaceful music feeds my soul.
Sara Schwabe & her Yankee Jass Band: Thank you for your sense of fun, your excellent song selections, the band's chemistry and talent, for spelling jazz in its original form, and for your friendship.
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This Year I am thankful for Umphrey’s Mcgee. Last Friday I witnessed my 30th (give or take) performance from the Chicago six-piece. For the past four years their sound has been organic Adderall to my musical psyche. So many fond yet hazy moments to ponder, my favorite has to be either New Year’s in Chicago 2003 or late night at Bonnaroo 2004. Be on the lookout for them at the Bijou this spring.
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Joe Beuerlein:
A tricky 520 request, this thank-themed blog just in time for Turkey Day. Which song/record/band that I am thankful for would I like to publicly praise? I feel like I'm around the dining room table, being forced to drum up a lie like "well, I'm thankful for my older brother and sister because they are really nice and sometimes let me play their video games" in order to satisfy Dad enough to start carving the bird. I don't know what the bird represents in this metaphor, but I'm at a table with a lot of bloggers much more musically-inclined than I am, so I will cheat at this request in order to save my dignity.
I am thankful, therefore, for the "band" of comedic film actors responsible for my favorite comedy of all-time, Waiting for Guffman. This
Christoper Guest-led troupe of improv genuises has expertly lampooned community theatre ( Guffman), folk music (A Mighty Wind), and even dog shows (Best of Show), and is back in the movie theatres right now in For Your Consideration, a send-up of Hollywood's obsession with itself. (No kidding, go to Downtown West, it's there.) Each new release by these all-star comedians ~Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey, to name a few~ reminds me that I am not alone in my quirky sense of humor, and that it's possible to make a living being absolutely ridiculous. For that, I am thankful.
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Bluegill:
I’m very thankful that the Knoxville music scene is a veritable cornucopia of marvelous musicians, bands and concerts. Trying to pick just one from this bounty of almost every conceivable genre is an intimidating task, but I’ll got with my first mind and lift my glass to
R. B. Morris, who could be in Nashville or Austin or Paris (that other one that’s not in Texas or Tennessee), but he chooses to live right here in Knoxville. I’ve got all his CDs and even his first cassette, “Local Man�, and I love them all. Seeing him in concert, whether solo, as a duo with guitarist
Hector Qirko, or with his whole band, is always a journey through a gamut of emotions, which culminate as a soul-satisfying, uplifting experience. Thanks, R. B., for all your songs and poems and music and more. And thanks for being who you are, a Knoxville native son to be proud of.
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Sara Schwabe:
This is like the Sophie's Choice of the music world, right? If I am forced to select just one of my favorite musical entities for which to be the most thankful, will the others be dead to me? (ok...so that's a tad dramatic.)
I've given this much thought over the past few days. I've spanned centuries and run the gamut between my favorites like Anton Bruckner and Tom Waits. I finally (and happily) settled on jazz legends Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. My grandfather had me listen to Everybody's Boppin' when I was about 12 years old and I've loved them ever since. Annie Ross' vocal range and sass made me want to sing - still does. Jon Hendricks' nimble solos made me want to scat - still do. I don't know of another jazz group in the history of history that had more fun making music. They're still an inspiration to me and for that I'll always be thankful for Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.
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brent thompson:
Dear World Thankers-
On this day of intoxication with family, minimized communication between friends via text message, and overabundant indulgence I would like to express my thanks for my roots. So many great musicians have penned moving songs that have given me chills in my life that it is hard to pick just one, so I'll pick a collection. Today I am most thankful that my Dad introduced me to Paul and Art. The music they made was introspective, political, whimsical, and beautiful. While there are several releases that I could choose from I am thanking the boys for cranking out the, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. This album filled me with moxie when I was five and still does today. Of course the title track I still regard as one of the greatest songs ever written. It is about friendship and it's most poignant purpose; "being there for someone". You've said it...I've said it...and we mean it. My sister and I grew up harmonizing every note in these songs like, "The Boxer", "Cecilia", "Keep the Customer Satisfied", one of my faves is "Frank Lloyd Wright", and "Song For the Asking". If you don't have this in your collection I implore you good music lovers to acquire very soon. You could download it, but at least look for the vinyl. Check out the library and give it a listen. Two voices in the name of peace and love. If you do have it pull it out and listen today. Give thanks for harmony. I do.
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520 is grateful for its dedicated and brilliant staff of writers and contributors. We're thankful for Knoxville's vibrant entertainment scene. We're also thankful for good folks, like yourself, who read our site on a regular basis! Happy Thanksgiving!
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