[audio:http://www.funkynashville.dk/uploads/media/Hitch_A_Ride.mp3]
Close your eyes, hop into a 60’s era convertible of your choice with your favorite shades on. You are driving down Route 66 with the sun shining overhead, a bead of sweat making its way from your forehead to your ear and carcasses of snakes baking below your radial tires. This is the aura that Funky Nashville creates. Speaking of Route 66, their sound strangely evokes the best of Depeche Mode but with a Texican slant. Think Calexico meets DM. The name of the band accurately captures the spirit of the music, a country base with overlays of groovy funk and soul.
Based in Denmark (not a typo), Funky Nashville is composed of Sverre Stein Nielsen (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Mads Mazanti (bass and vocals) and Thomas Engelhardt (guitars and vocals). Hitch a Ride, their second album, was released July 11, 2006 on 215 Records.
Start with: “Hitch a Ride”
Deeper digs: “Mexican Stars”, “California Mansion Girl”, “El Paso Bound”, “My Corazon”
Hitch a Ride is available from FYE and Amazon as well as iTunes
Video Extra: “Hitch a Ride”
My quick commentary on the video. What’s up with the hot chicks dancing on the cars? Of course, I’d be hypocritical if I completely shrugged them off, but don’t you think it cheapens an otherwise good video?
Sources: FunkyNashville.dk (MP3), YouTube (video). Special thanks to Nicole for the recommendation.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.