I want Memphis radio to get serious about playing Memphis music. And I don’t mean ghettoizing Memphis music in a “locals only” 15 minute show once a week at 3 in the morning. I mean seriously adding Memphis music to the rotation without warning people to turn off their radios ‘cause it’s inferior local music. Seriously, the local radio clear channel crap for the last 5 years has been horrible. Memphis music has been back on the rise for over 10 years. How can it be good enough for Monday Night Football but not for these local stations????
I want better band selections at Memphis in May. I don’t want to hear one band that Rock 103 played when I was in 7th grade in 1978. This includes Kansas, Journey, Heart, and especially Cheap Trick (A Cars reunion would be acceptable). I want to hear some of the great Afro-Caribbean music booked at Jazzfest. I want to hear “current” bands i.e. bands in their prime–not 10-20 years past it. I want to hear great bands that have never played in Memphis. I don’t want to hear the Black Crowes, ZZ Top, or any band that has played Memphis in May in the last 10 years. If a doctor in New Orleans can single-handidly book a better festival with money out of his own pocket than the entire Memphis in May organization, then a new booking agent needs to be hired.
I want more music at Memphis in May events. That month is a great opportunity to showcase Memphis bands. Make Memphis band’s presence mandatory at every sanctioned event.
I want Young Ave. Deli to hire a sound consultant. I wanna love and appreciate the hard work they do booking great bands, but until their sound gets better, the sounds are all going up in smoke. I was at the Yo La Tengo show where they brought their own sound man and board and it sounded great…
I want Beale St. to book good music–something worthy of bringing friends from out of town to. Is that too much to ask for this city’s most subsidized entertainment district (Christmas is for fantasies, isn’t it?). Since the Gibson Lounge quit booking shows, it’s been Memphis Bleek on Beale St. for live music. A new arena in and of itself does not a great entertainment district make. Wonder why people pour outta the Forum running (fast) right by 20 or 30 open bars?
I want Memphis rap to come up with a positive, upbeat song with a beat that I can enjoy. If Atlanta can do it, why do we have to wallow in the gutter? Keep that street cred and forget about crossing over…Just give me one!
I want the local Naras chapter to get Memphis’ great bands a real Grammy nomination. Reigning Sound, Harlan T. Bobo, Vending Machine, Candice Ivory, Halfacre Gunroom, Subteens, Limes, Color Cast, Big Star, Snowglobe, etc…take your pick. Their records are all better than most Grammy nominees. Step up or step aside, please!
