The Dillingers were a short-lived local bar band that tore up a few Memphis clubs a couple of years ago with a sound more akin to the Uncle Tupelo alt-country standard than, say, their friends and competitors Lucero’s more punk and indie-rock take on the genre. The barely-legal-aged motley crew was led by big-voiced singer/guitarist/songwriter John Murry, who has remained an erratic presence on the local music scene. The band was rounded out by guitarist Brian McDurmon, bassist/vocalist Brady Potts (later frontman of another short-lived local rootsy bar band, the Star-Crossed Truckers), and drummer Josh Acosta. The Dillingers will re-form for a final gig Friday, November 29th, at old stomping grounds the Hi-Tone Café to celebrate the release of their first — and last –album, a mix of studio and live cuts called More a Lie Than a Band. The record’s title is wishful reference to the posthumous Flatlanders album More a Legend Than a Band, and while the Dillingers certainly aren’t a lost treasure on par with that seminal West Texas outfit, in terms of recent local music they are definitely a notable “might have been.” More a Lie Than a Band features the only available-for-purchase versions of memorable Murry songs “Waste of Time” and “40 Acres,” along with knowing covers of songs by Warren Zevon, Townes Van Zandt, and a loving medley of the Platters and the Clash. Flyer contributor Stephen Deusner provides liner notes.
But that’s not the only local record-release party of note this week. The hard-rockin’ Internationals celebrate the release of their second album, We’ve Never Heard of You Either, Friday, November 29th, at the Hard Rock Café. Nicely bridging the gap between the city’s usually opposed metal and garage-rock scenes (and with a hint of rockabilly skipping along beneath the surface), the Internationals are also known to deliver a pretty rowdy live set.
And eclectic locals Deep Shag, whose new album, Rug Burn, features background vocals from George Clinton on a couple of tracks, will be playing three CD-release/charity shows (to benefit the Union Mission) at Club 152 on Beale Thursday, November 28th, through Saturday, November 30th. — Chris Herrington
Do any of you people understand what a chore it is finding something for you to do week in and week out? Well, it is, let me tell you, especially weeks like this one where the only groups I would go out to see are groups I’ve already recommended too often. I would never send you to a show I wouldn’t go to myself, but this week I’m making an exception or two. For instance, I would never actually go to see Will Hoge, Nashville’s rootsier answer to Counting Crows, when he plays the New Daisy on Saturday, November 30th. Sure, as a songwriter, ol’ Will’s got some really clever wordplay going on; it just doesn’t move me. Likewise, I would never go to see Nine Inch Nails worshippers Defy when they do their in-store appearance at Tower Records on Saturday, November 30th. But maybe you liked Trent Reznor and will also like his wannabe. Who am I to say? I wouldn’t pay, but I might go see Aerosmith at The Pyramid if somehow free tickets fell into my lap, since I’m the only guy left on earth who hasn’t seen them live yet. But I won’t. Tellyawhat: You guys check out these shows. I’m going to sit home and watch Snowglobe over and over again on LiveFromMemphis.com. — Chris Davis