The Memphis Strange

Birth of the Strange

Modern country-rock bands brim with talented musicians pursuing a barroom style devoid of creativity. The Memphis Strange makes me eat my words. Birth of the Strange has range, taste, and skill. The constant guitar duel between Johnny Dango and Doug Strahan isn’t so much about interplay as it is about sonic variety and caliber. With pianist Todd Thompson, they sing blues and ballads with fantastic harmonies and lyrics like, “After all of this time you ain’t changed a bit/Still talking all of that same old shit.” ***.5

This article appears in August 17 • 2012.

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