Review a Tune: 'That's How I Got to Memphis'

The Avett Brothers killin' it in Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davis

On the menu today is a sweet little Tom T. Hall tune as performed by The Avett Brothers. I know that some of you may be scratching your heads thinking, 'what's going on? I thought this blog was all about the rock and roll?' Well, I won't fight you on that one - that's technically true. But let me level with you - what's more rock and roll than an upright bass? Still not sold? Alright. Moving on to more pressing matters...like the song itself and why I still think it kicks ass. 

The song was featured in the 2013 concert film, Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davis which features the talents of the Avett Brothers, Joan Baez, Marcus Mumford, Patti Smith, and Jack White to name a few. The concert is inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film, Inside Llewyn Davis, which is set to the backdrop of the Greenwich Village folk music scene circa 1961. While the film itself does not feature any music by The Avett Brothers, their folksy, grass-roots sound pays homage to folk and bluegrass artists emerging in the early 1960’s.

But let’s talk turkey. The song is great for a number of reasons - first off, the brotherly harmonies of Seth and Scott. In a day and age where music is often vapid and over-processed, their perfectly imperfect vocals are a breath of fresh air. There’s something truly captivating about listening to something that hasn’t been altered beyond recognition. While we’re on the topic of unrefined beauty in music, can we stop and marvel at brother Seth’s gritty little guitar solo? Tom T. Hall’s rendition does not feature a solo, and their decision to incorporate it adds the perfect level of depth to the performance. 

The boys do the song some serious justice when they strip the country tune down to a bare-bones, bluegrass adaptation, truly making it their own. Wearing many different hats in the band, The Brothers really showcase it in this song, which is comprised of a cello, double bass, banjo, and Seth Avett on both guitar and hi-hat. This kind of resourcefulness is reminiscent of The Band, who could all play pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. 

This track is brought to life by the brothers' infallible chemistry and desire to connect with the audience. "I know if you'd seen her, you'd tell me ‘cause you are my friend, right?" Right, Scott. It's small details like this that make the performance all the more personal, unfolding like a love letter to folk music. And I've gotta hand it to them...I'm feeling pretty smitten.

If you haven't already, do yourself the tremendous favour of checking out The Avett Brothers' performance in Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davis, which can be found on Netflix.

Until next time, stay groovy.
-A