Short Takes: Rockin’ Country, Beach Music, Hard Rock and a Free Music Download

SHANE THOMAS
In May of 2006, Shane Thomas left his home in Ashland, Ky., for Nashville, Tenn. Dreams of a career in country music propelled the move.
Three years and no hits later, Thomas’ dream continues on July 10-11 when he plies his talent at the Rock-N-Horse II in Bristol, Tenn.
Strong of voice and apparently will as well, Thomas’ aw-shucks, rockin’ country style has attracted the attention of country hit-makers including Toby Keith and Danielle Peck.
That’s thanks to Thomas’ hit-worthy non-hits. From “Lucky in Kentucky” to “High Society,” his fun-loving personality strikes as equal parts entertaining and even charming.
Mix in ballads “One Last Drink” and “She’s a Miracle,” and Thomas emerges as a well-rounded honky-tonker with a whole lot to say.

IF YOU GO
Who: Shane Thomas
When: July 10-11, 8 p.m.
Where: Rock-N-Horse II Bar & Grill, 3080 W. State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Info: (423) 844-0400
Web: http://www.shanethomas.com
Audio: http://www.shanethomas.com/media/

BREAKS PARK OLDIES
Excellence endures in the form of The Tams.
Now in their 50th year, the five-man beach music legends will headline Breaks Interstate Park’s annual oldies show on July 11 at the park’s amphitheater.
Known as the Grand Canyon of the South and located in northern Dickenson County, Va., where the counties of Dickenson and Buchanan meet Pike County, Ky., Breaks Interstate Park and The Tams fit perfectly on at least one count.
Each qualifies as classics. Led by founding member Charles Pope, The Tams have long been known as a beach music band, but their sound is pure rhythm and blues circa 1960s style. They dress in snazzy and matching outfits and feature pinpoint harmonies.
Their hits include “What Kind of Fool” and “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy.” Fine songs. However, as time has proven, The Tams thrive as the real hits.
IF YOU GO
What: Breaks Interstate Park annual Oldies Show
Who: The Tams and The MJ Becks Band
When: July 11, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Breaks Interstate Park Amphitheater, Breaks, Va.
Info: (276) 865-4413
Web: http://www.thetams.com
Audio: http://www.thetams.com/thetamshits.html
Video: http://www.thetams.com/jimmybuffet.html

DROWNING POOL
Change unexpected and otherwise marks the history of rock’s Drowning Pool.
Formed in 1996, the four-man hard rocking band from Dallas, Texas, will electrify the Electric Cowboy in Johnson City on July 14.
With new album “Loudest Common Denominator” to plug and a lineup to solidify, look for Drowning Pool to play as a band with much to prove would.
Stardom found Drowning Pool when their 2001 debut album “Sinner” sold a million copies. Then, lead singer Dave Williams died suddenly in 2002. With his death went the band’s dark sound, replaced by singer Jason Jones and a more mainstream style. That lasted until 2005.
Ryan McCombs replaced Jones as the band’s sound shifted to post-grunge rock. Through change, strong songs like “No More” and “Step Up” kept the Drowning Pool from sinking to the bottom.

IF YOU GO
Who: Drowning Pool and The Third Age
When: July 14, 8 p.m.
Where: Electric Cowboy, 1805 N. Roan St., Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $15 in advance, $18 at the door
Info: (423) 928-0022
Web, audio and video: http://www.drowningpool.com

MUSIC NOTES
—Lost amid the massive news coverage of the death of Michael Jackson was the death of Allen Klein at age 77 on July 4. Klein managed the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, founded ABKCO Records and also owned a catalog of music that included titles from Sam Cooke and the Kinks.
—A tip of the Stetson goes to Montgomery Gentry. The country duo became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry on June 23. Welcomed by Opry members Marty Stuart and Little Jimmy Dickens, they seemed understandably thrilled.
“I remember sittin’ in an old junky station wagon listening to the Grand Ole Opry with my dad,” Eddie Montgomery said. “He’d say, ‘It don’t matter what you do in country music. If you don’t become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, you ain’t got there yet.’ ”
—Bring on The Killers. The ever-changing rock band apparently harbors plans of a covers album. Killers’ members Ronnie Vanucci and Brandon Flowers told NME magazine that material may come from the likes of Neil Diamond, Iggy Pop and The Cars. No word on when the album will hit stores.
—Meanwhile as sales of Michael Jackson’s music continues to boom – he holds nine of the top 10 best-selling albums on amazon.com – new albums offer a welcome respite.
Standouts include modern soul singer Maxwell with “BLACKsummers’night,” roots rockers Son Volt with “American Central Dust” and southern rock revivalists Drive-By Truckers’ scintillating “Live from Austin, Texas.”
—A barrel of blues marks this week’s link to free MP3 downloads. Yes, downloads, as in six of them. Just go to http://www.alligatorrecords.com/index.cfm?section=goodies for access to free downloads of such juke joint hoppers as “Going Down to the River” by Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women and Eric Lindell’s “Willin’ and Able.”
And so with music thirsts quenched for now, by all means return to Short Takes and Music Notes, same time and same place. Stay tuned for more, friends and neighbors.

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .