In our effort to report the news from the front lines of a burgeoning rock scene in an industry town, we've polled some of Music City's finest bloggers, musicians, venue owners, rock stars, bookers, hookers and pimps (OK, maybe not the last two) to find out just what made 2008 Two-Thousand-Great. Two things we learned: 1) Dudes in bands patently ignore proper grammar and punctuation and 2) Even if a question has nothing to do with someone, he or she will find a way to work him- or herself into the answer. (For more responses, visit our music blog at nashvillecream.com .)

Respondents:
Brendan Benson – musician, The Raconteurs
David Berman – musician, Silver Jews
John Bruton – Mercy Lounge
Joe Baine Colvert – Lake Fever Productions; blogger, Indie Ghetto, We Own This Town
Madison Conger – blogger, The Deli Nashville
Chris Crofton – comedian; musician, Alcohol Stuntband; DJ, "Best of Bread" on WRVU
Denis Deck – musician, How I Became the Bomb
Aaron Distler – publicist, Two Birds One Stone PR
Michael Eades – blogger, Yewknee, We Own This Town
Ryan Ervin – musician, The Carter Administration
Jeremy Ferguson – producer/engineer, Battletapes
Matt Hearn – musician, The Tits and The Glib; DJ, "Holly House" on WRVU
Todd Kemp – musician, The Carter Administration, The Clutters
Brian Miles – musician, Heathern Haints
Drew Mischke – Mercy Lounge
Ethan Opelt – Movement Nashville; co-founder, Next Big Nashville
Bob Orrall – Infinity Cat Records; daddy, the Orralls
Darrin Revell – blogger, Page 300
Justin Roddick – owner, 12th & Porter
Caitlin Rose – musician
Todd Sherwood – co-owner, The 5 Spot; musician, Danger Bear
Dean Shortland – Movement Nashville
Janet Timmons – DJ, "Out the Other" on WRVU; blogger, Out the Other


What local band ruled Nashville in 2008?

How I Became the Bomb, The Protomen, Space Capone. —John Bruton

Apparently The Ettes, whoever they are. —Todd Kemp

Hotpipes. —Ryan Ervin

Shoot the Mountain. —Matt Hearn

Despite being a new discovery for me, I'd say And the Relatives topped my list of best local bands. —Michael Eades

Definitely Shoot the Mountain. Their rebirth is more successful than a Maury Povich makeover. —Aaron Distler

Shoot the Mountain is poised for '09. —Denis Deck

Really all of Infinity Cat, but probably more specifically MEEMAW. —Madison Conger

Looks Like a Snake...I expect more good things to come from these lads. —Brian Miles

The Raconteurs, of course. —Brendan Benson

The Alcohol Stuntband. —Chris Crofton

Paper Route. —Dean Shortland

JEFF The Brotherhood. Love 'em or hate 'em, they rule! —Bob Orrall

Hotpipes. Future Bolt was one of my absolute favorite albums of the year, and they never disappoint live. —Darrin Revell

Maytown Boondoggle. —David Berman

The Features! They didn't play as often as I'd have liked, but their new album Some Kind of Salvation continues to rule my iPod and my heart. —Janet Timmons

What was your favorite discovery this year?

The Ettes, Elle Macho, Cheap Time, Shoot the Mountain. —John Bruton

KinderCastle, Shoot the Mountain, Elle Macho, The Nerq Twins. —Drew Mischke

Shoot the Mountain, Tristen and Millionaire Magicians stand out. —Jeremy Ferguson

Dead tie between And the Relatives and KinderCastle. I can't seem to get enough of either. —Michael Eades

Modoc. They put on a great rock 'n' roll show. —Todd Sherwood

The Tits! When I heard their music it blew my mind; this is rock 'n' roll revivalism at its finest. —Madison Conger

Modoc made me stop what I was doing and shut my mouth the first time I saw them. The second would be Elle Macho, and all I need to say about that is to take the following ingredients: Butterfly Boucher + Lindsay Jamieson + David Mead and place them in a room with some instruments; then wait for 30 seconds and you have something amazing. —Dean Shortland

Locally I'd have to say Shoot the Mountain. I'm expecting big things from them next year. —Janet Timmons

Best/worst band breakup of the year?

Return to Self or Ligion. They will both be missed. —Justin Roddick

Pink Spiders—it was a good story that provided a lot of insight into the inner workings of bands and record deals. —Drew Mischke

Best: The breakup of The Pink Spiders' original lineup was particularly satisfying, especially the parts about their bus catching on fire and Bob Ferrari talking about "fucking bitches." Worst: Apollo Up! because they were awesome. —Ryan Ervin

While the breakup is not official, I was rather disappointed to accept the fact that Apollo Up! is more of a memory these days than a viable rock option. Jay's departure to the Middle East certainly didn't help things; it's a damn shame because Walking Papers is a real treat. —Michael Eades

I don't believe in band breakups. It's just an excuse to have a bunch of reunion shows to get more people out and clear out their boxes of merch. —Todd Sherwood

The Pink Spiders. Best thing to happen to the Nashville rock community. They were a fucking blight and an embarrassment. —Brian Miles

Didn't the Turncoats break up? Yeah, let's go with them. I bet those dudes hate each other now. —Joe Baine Colvert

I would say Ligion would have been the best breakup as it was time for those guys to move on to new things. HOWEVER, the best departure from Nashville was Jared Micah and Hats. —Dean Shortland

Best: Ligion. —Ethan Opelt

Be Your Own Pet. Honestly I wasn't that big a fan, but the extremely polarized opinions they generated on Nashville Cream were always entertaining. —Darrin Revell

I loved Be Your Own Pet. Jemima and the Rudy Kalis Sweaters —David Berman

Best music story of the year?

Girl Talk getting shut down. Now THAT was a party. —Madison Conger

Seventy dead and 235 injured when terrorists strike Cannery Ballroom during Girl Talk show. —Drew Mischke

Photographer for No Depression is gay for Matt Moody; JEFF is playing a show; AutoVaughn asks for 30 grand from fans; Chris Slack changes name and attempts to erase embarrassing past as grunge rocker, 1992-2007. —Todd Kemp

The Jennifer Herrema/Chris Crofton throwdown at Springwater was pretty great. —Ryan Ervin

When I got all those platinum records and won all those awards was a pretty good one. Or the one where I saved that busload of kids with my ears alone. —Jeremy Ferguson

I highly commend How I Became the Bomb for not releasing a traditional follow-up album to Let's Go! and opting for the DEP—digital EP—route. The same goes for Jensen Sportag and any band that understands that at this stage of the game having people hear your music is far more important than moving a $10 CD out the door. So while it may be a bit nepotistic because I was actually directly involved in aiding with the distribution, I think that How I Became the Bomb has set a new precedent/model for local bands to consider. —Michael Eades

Kings of Leon blowing up a song that could not be about anything other than being burnt by gonorrhea. Not to mention that the video is full of sweaty restrained men and cocks—literally. —Aaron Distler

"The Vinyl Countdown" [Oct. 1] by Steve Haruch. Not because we were included, but it was thoughtful and opened some minds to developments in the industry. At least I hope it did. —Brian Miles

At the risk of sounding like a shameless self-promoter, I'd have to say that it was the way we released our album; on all formats, all at once, without warning and without the usual three-month hype-machine. It was bold and risky for us, but in the end, it proved to be a very worthwhile experiment. —Brendan Benson

The original Superdrag lineup getting back together to make a record and go on tour. It's like I'm 16 again! —Joe Baine Colvert

Totally Snake were playing a show at The 5 Spot and Party Canon jumped onstage and caused a shitstorm complete with bottle rockets, Roman candles and anything else that would explode. Within 10 minutes the room was filled with smoke and everyone evacuated. Also notable was the fireworks burn on Jimmy's (Totally Snake) back. Another one would be witnessing Metallica play at The Basement and not being able to string together a simple sentence nor demonstrate any signs of basic motor skills for the next 48 hours. —Dean Shortland

Kings of Leon's continued growth as artists. Really. They're doing it. —Bob Orrall

Stonewall Jackson settling his age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord. —David Berman

If we're literally talking about music stories, I'm going to go with Tracy's excellent feature "Not Playing Here" in the Scene [April 10]. A great look at why bands skip Nashville and why show attendance in town can suck. —Janet Timmons

Charlie Louvin showing up to Grimey's and singing three songs with an overjoyed Drakkar Sauna, who had just put out a Louvin Brothers tribute album. It was awesome. They looked like they were going to cry. They were awesome. Awesomezzzzz. —Caitlin Rose

What trend would you like to see left behind in 2008?

Spelling thingz with Zs. Get literate, people. —Madison Conger

Stripped-down, organic, acoustic minimalist singer-songwriters and the indie bands who try to do the same thing. —Drew Mischke

I'm sick of everybody dressing like camp counselors from the '70s. I'm also sick of not being able to smoke in most venues, but that's more of a law. —Caitlin Rose

Caitlin Rose. —Todd Kemp

Set times that exceed 30 minutes. —Ryan Ervin

Bands doing the bare minimum to promote whatever their latest release may be. It is surprisingly difficult to hunt down track listings, album art or even, God forbid, a PayPal link to buy an actual CD. —Michael Eades

1) People caring about a band's hairstyle. 2) Bands preaching their religion onstage. 3) China cymbals. 4) Girlfriends acting out their boyfriends' songs through dance. This prevents other girls from dancing because they are worried about not doing the proper dance moves. —Todd Sherwood

Those fucked-up headbands that all the kids are wearing. —Aaron Distler

For dance bands to go away. I really don't dig them. It just seems so 2003/2004 in the room. Bands like MGMT and The Faint need to let it go. Please, for the love of God, let it go. And another thing—what is up with Girl Talk? There are some things I will never understand. —Brian Miles

Fedoras. —Chris Crofton

The lack of local acts as support for bigger touring bands. —Joe Baine Colvert

Being in eight bands. —Ethan Opelt

People not going out to awesome shows. It probably won't change, but we can dream, can't we? —Darrin Revell

Namedropping Nimrod Workman. —David Berman

Bands and venues doing a lousy job publicizing their shows and not posting their calendars online. A Facebook invite the day of the show is not good enough, kids. —Janet Timmons

Capri pants on guys. —John Bruton

What was the most pleasant surprise of 2008?

Capri pants on girls. —John Bruton

SafetySuit, Erin McCarley and Framing Hanley's current major-label non-country success. —Justin Roddick

Billy Gibbons. —Todd Kemp

A lot more bands putting out their own records instead of waiting for somebody else to do it. —Ryan Ervin

Someone seems to have finally gotten their collective acts together in terms of booking national touring acts on a consist basis. —Michael Eades

Shoot the Mountain. I was a fan and a friend of them back when The Cycle was ruling the old Murfreesboro days. I was extremely happy when I saw them play as Shoot the Mountain for the first time, and they keep getting better. —Todd Sherwood

All the in-stores at Grimey's, especially David Byrne and Brian Wilson. —Madison Conger

Britney's comeback. —Chris Crofton

That The Features actually released a record this year. —Joe Baine Colvert

Seeing Todd Sherwood, Travis Collingsworth and friends make The 5 Spot a kick-ass room that pretty much owns East Nashville right now. —Dean Shortland

MEEMAW's Glass Elevator. —Bob Orrall

1) The Jypsi/Jeannie Seeley episode of CMT Crossroads. 2) The Kings of Leon/Chris Gaines episode of CMT Crossroads. 3) The Bill Frist/Terri Schiavo episode of CMT Crossroads. 4) The cancelled reemergence of the Mike Curb Congregation. —David Berman

Lots of shows starting on time? Honestly, that's a trend I'd like to see continued—rock o'clock happening in a scheduled and timely fashion. —Janet Timmons

Band you’re sick of seeing/hearing about?

Meat Tower. —Chris Crofton

Kid Rock. —Drew Mischke

JEFF, duh. —Todd Kemp

Tie: Kings of Leon/How I Became the Bomb. —Ryan Ervin

Elvis. —Jeremy Ferguson

Girl Talk, if Girl Talk counts. —Caitlin Rose

JEFF. It seems like the brothers are written up every other day. Other people are doing good things also and need the exposure more than these guys and the people connected to them. Time to move on. —Brian Miles

How I Became the Bomb. —Joe Baine Colvert

AutoVaughn. The man-child of a lead singer and his boy band need to get a grip on reality and simply LET IT GO! He is a great showman and smoking hot, but I think the music borders on some sort of gay Euro-pop peppered with yearnings to be a combination of pop rock outfit Ligion and the waste of space known as Jared Micah and Hats. —Dean Shortland

Any band that Dean Shortland suggests. —Ethan Opelt

Weiners. —Bob Orrall

Bob Dylan. —David Berman

JEFF...just kidding. —John Bruton

Who deserves more coverage than they got in 2008?

JEFF...just kidding. —John Bruton

Kyle Andrews. —Drew Mischke

12th & Porter. Almost zero press for the venue and the acts that regularly play the club. It almost feels like a conspiracy??? —Justin Roddick

Human Voice. They are amazing. —Todd Sherwood

Best show of 2008?

Deerhoof at Mercy/Cryptacize at The End. —Todd Kemp

Boston Spaceships w/The High Strung at Mercy Lounge. —Ryan Ervin

The Hands Down Eugene Hologram Laser 3D Earthcast everyone seems to have missed.... Sorry, that was too expensive to do twice. —Jeremy Ferguson

I saw Glossary for the first time and they were amazing. I really enjoyed the Conor Oberst/Jenny Lewis show at the Ryman. But I think Jonathan Richman at The 5 Spot takes the cake. —Caitlin Rose

Despite the poor seating, the Dr. Dog/Delta Spirit show at 3rd & Lindsley was pretty much the finest performance I witnessed all year. —Michael Eades

How I Became the Bomb at Next Big Nashville was pretty fantastic. —Aaron Distler

Skyblazer at the Exit/In. —Madison Conger

Earth at Springwater. —Brian Miles

The Racon...nevermind. —Brendan Benson

Any one The Alcohol Stuntband played. —Chris Crofton

Glossary opening for Lucero at The Cannery. I bailed after the 'Boro's finest left the stage, so in essence I paid $15 to see Glossary. And you know what? Worth every damn penny. —Joe Baine Colvert

Butterfly Boucher, Brooke Waggoner and Paper Route at Mercy Lounge in January. —Dean Shortland

JEFF The Brotherhood in the woods behind the state prison on Friday the 13th. —Bob Orrall

Mercy Lounge 5th Anniversary Show back in January.... Also, Dean's herpes flared up that night and he didn't make it, so it was really a magical night without him running his mouth about booking shows or whatever nonsense his geeked-out boomerang-throwing ass is going on about. —Ethan Opelt

Bruce Springsteen at Sommet Center. So good it gave me goosebumps. —Darrin Revell

Herman Dune at The Belcourt. —David Berman

Wilco at the Ryman, Frightened Rabbit at Exit/In and of course a big chunk of Next Big Nashville. —Janet Timmons

Who consistently puts on the best live show?

The Features. —John Bruton

The Ryman [other than 12th & Porter]. —Justin Roddick

Club Sportag, Space Capone, The Protomen. —Drew Mischke

Cortney Tidwell. —Jeremy Ferguson

It may be trite but there's still nothing better than a show from The Features. The excited crowds mixed with a consistently dead-on performance of quality pop-rock songs is hard to compete with. —Michael Eades

Ricky Young with Red White Blue as his backing band. —Todd Sherwood

JEFF The Brotherhood. —Madison Conger

Space Capone. —Dean Shortland

Ummm...JEFF The Brotherhood. Sure, we're a bit biased as a label, but it's true. They NEVER disappoint. —Bob Orrall

The Don Kelley Band. —David Berman

Tristen. The girl's got moxie out the wazoo and a real go-get-'em attitude. —Caitlin Rose

Andrija Tokic. Jacob Jones. Me, Todd Sherwood. I'm going deaf and my liver is shriveling from booking shows, running sound, keeping The 5 Spot running and playing drums. —Todd Sherwood

How about Ghostfinger collectively? —Aaron Distler

I really like what the Holly House collective is doing as a whole. There are some really great bands working together over there, and I think they hold a lot of potential. —Madison Conger

Richie Ghostfinger. —Brian Miles

It's a three-way tie between Luke Schneider, Ryan Norris and Scott Martin. —Joe Baine Colvert

I don't know how hard every Nashville band works, but AutoVaughn sure works hard. —Ethan Opelt

Most fervent local show attendee?

Gumby. —John Bruton, a.k.a. Gumby

Ethan Opelt. —Justin Roddick

Stephanie Dooley. —Ryan Ervin

Steve Cross. —Denis Deck, Aaron Distler, Michael Eades, Jeremy Ferguson

Not me. —Caitlin Rose

Dean Shortland. That Aussie shows more support for the local music scene than anyone I know. —Todd Sherwood

Well, anyone that writes for the Scene is out of contention since there's a chance they're getting paid to be there. With that, I'll say that bass player from Eureka Gold. Doesn't that dude have a job or something? —Joe Baine Colvert

Ben Cashett. —Dean Shortland, Ethan Opelt

Luke Schneider. —Darrin Revell

Favorite local blog and/or radio show/podcast?

Nashville Cream. —John Bruton, Todd Sherwood

100.1 "Sunday Night at 3rd & Lindsley." —Justin Roddick

"Best of Bread" with Chris and Greg Crofton. —Chris Crofton, Todd Kemp, Ryan Ervin

Cowboy Anton's "Music City USA." And anything with that Ken Berryhill guy. —Caitlin Rose

1) WSM's "Bluegrass Underground." 2) Ken Berrryhill on WRVU. 3) WAMB 99.3 "Music in the Night," Donelson. —David Berman

The Deli Magazine Nashville/"Indie Ghetto" on WRVU/We Own This Town podcast. —Matt Hearn

Janet Timmons' Out the Other. —Aaron Distler

I am not sure if there is a local blog or radio show that has an ear to what I'm into. But Chris Davis used to have a show on WRVU and booked at Springwater and Ruby Green Gallery. That dude turned me on to so many good records. —Brian Miles

Michael Eades' We Own This Town podcasts consistently opened my ears to new local jams in '08. —Joe Baine Colvert