Don't Miss the Thompson Brothers! They'll be back in town soon. We caught them at the Hog's Breath Saloon last week.
They come from Boston, but have lived in Nashville for several years. They were on RCA Records for a couple of albums, but they are not remotely country, so Nashville didn't know what to do with them. It's only a matter of time until the right label signs them. RCA's Joe Galante has great taste. It's a shame he didn't get them in the right division. They are as unique as Lyle Lovett, but a lot more energetic.
Andy Thompson plays electric guitar. His brother Nat kicks drums and sometimes garbage cans. Mike Whitty plays a huge acoustic bass. All three sing lead and Beatlesish harmony. If I had to compare them to anyone, it would in fact be the Beatles.
This is a power trio with original songs you want to hear again and their own take on the few covers they do. I loved "Dragging Those Chains Around" and "For What It's Worth", which is nothing like the old one. These guys can play. Really play. Their personalities shine. They are just enough off the wall to keep you watching and listening.
"Wait a Minute" had a boogie beat. Mike was all over the neck of his fantastic bass. Andy smokes lead. The Beatles' "I've Just Seen a Face" is hot. These boys are tighter than spandex. This one is beyond up-tempo. Then we hear a change of pace with "Hit Me Hard" from their latest CD. Mike and Andy trade lead vocals on this definitely Warren Zevon-ish tune."It's Everlasting" has no bass. Needs none. "I Get Swept Away" is marvelous.
You'll love the lyric on "I'll Be Yours Tonight". Are there hit songs here? Absolutely. "Got No Reason" has a Beatlesish arrangement. All their arrangements are first class. When you see other musicians digging an act, you know they're special.Wayne Hammond, Scott Kirby, Dan Mobley, and Gary Chase were entranced. They tore up the house with "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Mustang Sally", on which we all sang. This band should be all over the radio. If there's anything like justice in the music biz, they will. Hear them while you can. It could happen anytime! Stay cool.