Bands I Love: Cast of “Nashville”
Whoever said the Bands I Love couldn’t be fictional characters? Exactly. I praised the cover of “If I Didn’t Know Better” a while back, and the show’s songs have continued to impress.
A sampling of favorites, courtesy of cleverly created YouTube channels:
“Wrong Song” – Juliette Barnes f. Rayna James
“No One Will Ever Love You” – Rayna James f. Deacon Claybourne
“Undermine” – Juliette Barnes f. Deacon Claybourne
Plus these guys:
- “I Will Fall” – Gunnar Scott & Scarlett O’Connor
- “Telescope” – Juliette Barnes
- “Buried Under” – Rayna James
Check out this week’s episode — the winter finale — to get yourself hooked too. “Nashville” airs Wednesdays on ABC at 10/9c.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I intended to cover some other very exciting things this week, but then I noticed a recurring theme and couldn’t stop myself. You guys know I love a good theme, yeah? Let’s see if you can figure it out, but first, lemme light a candle:
- Van Diemens: RIP, you awful bar. I spent so many nights (and days) in NYC at this bar, first because they played my college team’s football games, but then because we got to know the staff so well they just gave us great deals all the time. I recently learned it’s since closed and my poor soul aches thinking of all the times we could have had if it hadn’t closed its doors.
- Paradise Park: Even more recently (as in last night), I learned this Nashville treasure shuttered last summer. You want a bucket of Bud Lights and live music and the best people-watching that side of the Mississippi? Well, good luck finding it anywhere else on the bar-lined Broadway. In all seriousness, though, Paradise Park will forever remain my fave Nashville spot and I’m in full mourning.
- Ghost from GoT: Has a CGI character ever inspired such reaction, such fan-demonium, such chatter? Probably, but this one’s top of mind and so he’s featured here today. The budget for Game of Thrones is utterly wild, so to know our dear Ghost gets any screen time anymore is kind of a major blessing… but it’s still not enough for us fans. All Ghost, all the time? I smell a sequel.
- “The Ghost of You” – My Chemical Romance: Oh yeah, we’re throwing it back and it’s not even Thursday yet. As you’ve likely guessed by now, this week has dug up a lot of ancient memories for me, so it’s only natural I tip my metaphorical hat to the guyliner-wearing screamers I loved. Never one to love a mosh pit, I can still appreciate how this song gives me all the feels all these years later.
Images courtesy of: Van Diemens, Yelp, Esquire, Wiki
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I’m back from a ridiculous, fun, amazing weekend in Music City and couldn’t be more excited to share my trip highlights with y’all. Saddle up:
- The Southern: This place came highly recommended for both brunch and dinner, so we moseyed on over after touring the Grand Ole Opry. The drinks were delish, the food phenomenal and the service stellar. Highly recommend checking it out — maybe even for more than one meal!
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: I’m a total history nerd, and what better way to escape the sultry southern heat than step back in time and learn about country music’s roots? There’s a super cool exhibit chronicling Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash’s musical mojo, too. I dig it.
- The Listening Room Café: The now-canceled show, “Nashville” led plenty of people to the famed Bluebird Café. But within walking distance of Broadway is this fabulous venue with local musicians and satisfying menu selections. Tickets for the 6pm show were FIVE DOLLARS each. It doesn’t get much better than that.
- Rose Creek: Among the many talented musicians we saw this weekend, these guys were my favorite. They had great stage presence, were fun and engaging, and I even got a signed CD… you never know where they’ll be in a year! Check out their first single, “High,” here.
Images courtesy of: The Southern, Wikipedia, Clyne Media, Facebook
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Are y’all ready for this? You read that right, I’ve gone back to my southern roots for this week’s obsessions. Git along, little dogies.
- Bible App: Easter was 60 days ago, and I know this because that’s the day I committed to a 60-day New Testament reading plan with my Bible app. I love that I get my spiritual fill in 10–15 minutes a day, and you can make fun images out of verses you enjoy.
- Nashville: What do you do when you’re feeling sorry for yourself after neglecting to make Memorial Day plans? Tack yourself onto a girls’ trip to Nashville and book your flight six days in advance. Crazy, but true. Can’t wait to kick up my boots with some of my fave gal pals, even if the ABC show was canceled mercilessly.
- Trick Dog: This bar has an obnoxious menu, and I admittedly wasn’t crazy-impressed during my first visit in February. But a friend and I stumbled upon it last weekend, and I absolutely enjoyed our experience. The steak tartare, “manimal” fries and Loch Ness “Monster” are all must-tries.
- Chewbacca Mom’s Carpool: I’m sure you’ve seen the Chewbacca Mom video, which is officially the most-watched Facebook Live post ever. Candace’s laugh is contagious, and her simple mantra to enjoy the simple things is exactly what we all need to heed. Enjoy her follow-up video, courtesy of cult hit “Carpool Karaoke.”
Images courtesy of: Bible, Visit Music City, Trick Dog, Metro UK
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Were your social-media feeds flooded with engagements and baby announcements today … like, more than usual? April Fools’ Day jokes aside, I am over the moon for one very real engagement: my good friend Cosmo proposed to his lady, Natasha, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
And now? A Nashville-themed week of obsessions. I’m still recovering from my friend Meghan’s bachelorette weekend, so it totally counts:
- Yazoo Brewery: What better way to start the weekend than with a brewery tour? Yazoo’s hefeweizen was delicious and refreshing, and I faintly remember enjoying the other seven samples we had, too 😉
- Sprocket Rocket Party Bikes: It’s a big trend in Nashville to pedal your way around town with music pumping and drinks flowing. We made the most of this fad with our awesome guide, John, and bartender, Mary. Considering the bride-to-be didn’t make it out after, I’d say this was the most successful activity.
- Paradise Park: I was told to check this place out, and we stumbled upon it our second night in Music City. You guys, seriously: This bar brought back so many college memories of cheap beer and live cover bands and dancing like nobody’s watching. Last call came way too soon, and I couldn’t wait to go back.
- Grand Ole Opry: As my Instagram caption says, “Take me to church.” The backstage tour of country music’s most hallowed halls was so cool … even Deacon from the ABC show “Nashville” made a (recorded) appearance! I could get used to that.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Hey y’all! Notice my little country twang? That’s because I’m headed to NASHVILLE tonight for a dear friend’s bachelorette weekend. I can’t wait to kick up my boots and see what kind of trouble we get into in Music City.
Next week’s obsessions will be more fulfilling — hope you don’t mind listening to this on repeat till then 😉
Bands I Love: Pistol Annies
Maybe it’s because I miss “Nashville” or maybe it’s because there are few people in New York who appreciate country music. Whatever the case, I’ve recently fallen hard for the spitfire trio that is Pistol Annies.
Country superstar Miranda Lambert joined the talented Ashley Monroe and Angeleena Presley to form one wicked group of women in 2011. More than just pretty faces, these girls’ songs are full of grit, twang and fun.
Although they just canceled June tour dates (Miranda will appear solo), I’m hopeful for another announcement soon that the tour is back on. Don’t they know I need boots & banjos in my life?
It’s a big risk sharing their stuff with my literally hundred readers, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
Just make sure you don’t fall too hard — they’re not as nice as they look.
My fave! I’ve contributed at least 700 of these views.
Who doesn’t love a little (albeit crazy) self-deprecation?
The video alone makes it worth a watch … and listen.
I’m Not an Addict, I Just Play One on TV
I have a love-hate relationship with the DVR — it’s convenient, keeps me entertained and can be a real time-saver (ha). On the other hand, it doesn’t always record properly and gives me anxiety when the storage nears 2/3 full.
More painstaking than that, however, is the annual wait to see which shows will be renewed by major networks. While piles of crap like “2 & 1/2 Men” float by — TEN seasons, really?! — gems with actual merit are removed without a second thought. I’m still mourning the loss of “Best Friends Forever,” though I enjoy Jessica as the Marshall’s lady and Lennon’s brief appearance on “Mad Men.”
I’m so grateful ABC execs recognized the powerhouse that is “Nashville,” but I’m severely disappointed to see “Happy Endings” come to a, well … unhappy ending.
Although my taste level is questionable — I will defend The Real Housewives for sheer entertainment value at all costs — I cannot fathom why wit and charm are passed over for laugh tracks and seediness. Blech.
After finales air throughout the next few weeks, my DVR will finally get a much-needed break … because the only thing worse than the spring schedule coming to a close is the utter despair a “summer season” brings. TGFRHONJ!
WO: Weekly Obsessions
My weekends have been great here. So great that I haven’t had the chance to write as much as I’d like. So, one of this weekend’s goals is to get a new Moleskine notebook and fill it with the ideas swimming ’round my head. Till then, here’s what I can write about:
- “Heathers”: I’d never seen this cult classic because, well, it was released when I was a year old. But thank the TV gods for putting it on HBO this past weekend. Delightfully dark and completely crazy — it’s added to my ever-growing list of favorites.
- Charles Esten: I enjoyed his appearances on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” but didn’t follow his career. #pre-IMDb problems. Then Josh, Stanford branch manager from “The Office” was hot in a familiar way. He’s now Deacon on “Nashville” — marry me, please?
- Herald Square: We have a training at the Macy’s on 34th Street tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited. This is what being in NYC is all about: Running frantically through a sea of people just to make it to work on time. I love it.
- “It Happens” – Sugarland: In true graceful fashion, I ripped my tights yesterday (right before tripping down the stairs). Wouldn’t you know it? This song comes on my iPod next and I’m suddenly not so hostile. Essential to remember about life: Pssh … it happens.
P.S.: Did you guys watch “New Girl” last night?! Happy happy, joy joy.
Images courtesy of: Draft House, IMDb, Forbes, The Boot
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I split my pants today.
So that happened … and though it was thankfully in a spot where most wouldn’t notice, it was really the cherry on top of an accident-prone week. Oh, yeah — it’s WEDNESDAY. What disasters will the next few days bring? Only time will tell. Let’s focus on something happy, instead:
- Name that ‘Stache Calendar: Now that I’m all set up with a real live desk, I’ve got this daily laugh to keep me entertained. Many thanks to Santa for the excellent stocking stuffer.
- My Shows Return: From “GIRLS” to “Nashville” to “Workaholics,” I couldn’t be more pumped for this week’s winter premieres. Thank you, cable gods.
- This someecard: I have an ever-growing love for these guys, but maybe no other has been as true as this one. I pinned it yesterday and it’s since gotten 100 repins — so I know I’m not the only one feeling that way.
- The 70th Annual Golden Globes: How is it I’m still enthralled with recaps of the awards show I watched three days ago? Simple: Tina, Amy and Jennifer killed it. Enjoy.
Wittyburg.com 