A newbie from the Shoals...

[Anna]

Hello, kindreds!
I'm new to this board, and to the idea that our long drought of the soul might be quenched with a new album! I can hardly keep from crying with joy when I think about it.
I'm from the Muscle Shoals, Alabama area, where all the 60's folk and R&B artists recorded way back when. Helen Keller was born here, and W.C. Handy.
I'm a newspaper clerk, do a bit of theatre, and sing with a garage-lurking band called Kulmandu.
Besides Kate, some of the other artists who have touched me deeply are: Bjork, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel of course, Frank Zappa, Massive Attack, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Tom Waits, the Cure, They Might be Giants (well, not touched exactly, at least not in that sense), Geoffrey Oryema, Live, and Carla Bley.
Some acclaimed artists whose music I apparently do not "get" include Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, Beastie Boys and Yanni.
Thanks Altruest, for the welcome. I'll be checking in for updates.
All the love to all of you.
~Anna

[Xanadu]

Hello Anna & welcome!

Glad to bring you good news, of a sort. There's hope at least!

We have a couple of artists in common, like Heart, Talking Heads, and Gabriel.

Ironically, about Alabama, I am reading the autobiography of Helen Keller! I think I just read all about it, well from the turn of the century at least!

Check in often and be sure to post, the room's "warm" for you... ;D

[Al Truest]

Hey neighbor! Being from Nashville (Music City USA) and having lived in Memphis (home of Elvis and Beale street), I see a definate connection with these two cities and your own Muscle Shoals. W.C. Handy was a huge influence on the blues scene in Memphis. There are also a lot of influences from the MS sound in some country rock and pop fusion being played now.

Anyway, glad to see another southerner breaking down those stereotypical barriers. I assume, like me, you wear shoes and do not dangle your participles.

You name many great artists as well. I'll not only list the ones I like best, I will include at least one of my favorites from those I listen to:

* Bjork- 'Isobel' 'Bachelorette' "Human Behavior' etc..
* Led Zepplin 'Lemon Song' D'yer Maker'
* Talking Heads 'Lifetime Piling Up'"Nothing But Flowers'
* Zappa 'Lucille''Why Does it Hurt When I Pee?" "Brown Shoes Don't Make It"
* Gabriel 'Mercy Street' 'Steam' 'Last Tempt' Soundtrack
* Tom Waits ALL of "Rain Dogs"

I do get Clapton though, at least his older and laid back stuff e.g. 'Tales of Brave Ulysses' and 'Pilgrim' (soundtrack version that ends Leathal Weapon 3)) I didn't like the movie but do like the score.

[Al Truest]

Hope to hear back from you. You've started an interesting thread here.