Keep Out
Remember how frustrated you were when you tried to find that Clash song you thought was called “Stand by Me”—only to discover it was actually an unlisted bonus track at the end of London Calling entitled “Train in Vain”? Nashville rockers The Keep pull a similar fast one on their new self-titled CD: The five-song EP comes with two extra unlisted tracks, including a warm piano-backed ballad that’s the best song on the record. What’s it called? Can’t tell you—it’s not listed. Get the band to cough up the name of this mystery tune at their Ace of Clubs record-release party 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Eric Hamilton opens with a brief acoustic set.
The most rapidly expanding industry in Nashville right now isn’t coffeehouses, bakeries or publishing companies: It’s writer’s nights. Add to the list the irregular writer’s nights sponsored by the Jewish Community Center on Hwy. 70 near Bellevue, where as many as 175 people gather to hear local songwriters like Tony Arata and Sam Lorber. The next one, set for Oct. 1, will feature Karen Taylor-Good (who wrote the Patty Loveless hit “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” which is nominated for CMA Song of the Year), Steve Seskin and Pam Belford, among others. Event coordinator and songwriter Stacy Worthington says you should probably make reservations in advance, since well over 200 people are expected. Call 356-7170 for more info.
kicks off a monthly writer’s night Sept. 15 with performances by singer-songwriter Matraca Berg (who penned such hits as Trisha Yearwood’s “XXX’s & OOO’s” and Patty Loveless’ “I’m That Kind of Girl”) and Dead Reckoning artist Tammy Rogers. Upcoming events at Caffe Milano include a Sept. 22 show featuring drummer Chester Thompson, who has performed with Genesis, Peter Gabriel and Santana, among others. For more information, call 591-9073.
Caffe Milano will also host an evening with Word Records artist Grover Levy, who performs at the club Thursday, Sept. 14. Levy, a former PE teacher at Cameron Middle School, has just released his debut album for the label; he has a voice reminiscent of Mike Rutherford of Mike and the Mechanics, and he resembles a cuddly, timid Elvis Costello in highwater pants and baggy sweaters. (The Tennessean used his picture to illustrate a story on geek fashion.) His self-titled LP is currently available at Christian bookstores.
Sha Sha Boom will celebrate the release of its seven-song CD with a release party Sept. 21 at 12th &Porter. The CD, which contains some great rubbery bass and a lot of shrieking Vernon Reid-style guitar, was recorded at MTSU’s college studio and the CastleRecording Studio.
