This is the first time I’ve written a blog post only to showcase a musical pairing—Union Hill by Bad Mountain. I believe music has a way of tapping into buried emotion, a way of carrying us back to our roots or uncovering long forgotten memories. That’s why I always include a musical pairing with each blog post. Believe it or not, sometimes I spend more time selecting the music to accompany my posts than I do writing or preparing the photos. And who knows if anyone listens.
But I hope you’ll listen to this.
When I heard Union Hill by Bad Mountain, it struck a chord way down deep inside. The steel train and rhythm is a throwback to Johnny Cash. There’s a little gospel storytelling, too. The lyrics and vocals make me want to play the spoons or the pie pan (which my Nana did), and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, well I’m sorry about that. It was a sight to behold and funny as all get out.
Bad Mountain’s music is simple, Americana, pure and rutty at the same time. I added Union Hill to my Accidental Playlist. (Did you know my book has a soundtrack?)
Singer-songwriter, Jesse Anderson, is based in the Dallas Ft. Worth area—the band plays at all the coolest places. Since I lived in East Dallas for years, I feel that connection of place, too.
True story: I’ve said on more than one occasion to several people that I think it would be fun to have a book signing at Double Wide in Deep Ellum. And guess where Bad Mountain is playing on February 20? Yep. Double Wide is a come-as-you-are hole-in-the-wall joint more suited for whiskey-drinking than book-reading, but Gracie Lee’s Daddy frequented those places and he was a reader, too, so it fits. Plus there’s a tornado on the roof.
I’m hoping Bad Mountain will travel to the Boston Mountains and play at George’s? Someone should make that happen.
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Americana bliss from Bad Mountain. My new favorite #EP #Folk music. @BadMountain @DObserverMusic @sxsw[/tweetthis]
P.S. Be sure to follow Bad Mountain on Instagram and Twitter @BadMountain. (#ThisIsNotAnAd. I’m just their newest stalker fan.)
I’m feeling some Elvis, too.
I think so too, Paula:)
I have never heard of Bad Mountain, but I enjoyed Union Hill. You’re right. It has just the right beat for some pie-pan-playing. Bad Mountain would have been a big hit at Vera’s in Etowah.
Yeah, movie soundtrack for sure:)
Talya, had never heard of bad mountain, but that sounded like pretty good country music for a country boy like me
me too!
Toe tapping, swaying to and fro, smacking those pie pans together.
Exactly, Colene!
Love songs and the feelings they stirs. For me, it’s more about lyrics than the tune, but when the two mesh like this, I always crave a little more. I’m glad you have music in Gracie Lee’s story.
I agree, Dorothy. Thank you!
I listen to your musical pairings! I so enjoy hearing people I had never heard of! Love your blogs, appreciate that you post so often! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Nikki! I need that validation- LOL.