Live Review: Shovels & Rope – 1884 Lounge – Memphis, TN
11 years ago Liv Carter 3
Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst aren’t your typical married couple. They spend their days traveling from city to city. They spend their evenings playing at music venues ranging from large outdoor festivals to tiny dive bars. They call themselves Shovels & Rope.
An amalgamation of country, bluegrass, and rock and roll, there’s something to Shovels & Rope for everyone. The duo writes music that’s enticingly unique, but somehow also keeps it simple.
Speaking of keeping it simple, a modest drum set salvaged from a junkyard and a few guitars are all they need to pull off their eclectic sound. O Be Joyful might be the lovebirds’ debut album with Dualtone Records, but it most definitely has a history.
‘Birmingham’ tells the story of a girl and a boy growing up, making music, meeting one another and eventually making music – together. It’s an autobiographical song about the formation of Shovels & Rope. Cary Ann began her musical career as a solo act and Michael is the former front man and guitarist for indie rock band The Films.
After many years of occasionally crossing paths, fate had its day. The two decided to join forces to create an even sweeter sound – and, oh, how sweet the sound.
I had the opportunity to see Shovels & Rope perform in an intimate venue, among a group of about fifty people. I could see the sweat beads dripping down Michael’s face. I could hear the stomps of Cary Ann’s red cowgirl boots. I could feel the fiery passion pulsating between the two of them, as they leaned in closely to sing from the same microphone.
The energy Cary Ann and Michael bring to the stage gives life to the audience. The love they possess for the music – and for one another – is contagious. Trust me, you’ll want whatever they’ve got.
Audience favorites included ‘Keeper’ and ‘Tickin’ Bomb.’ Both songs had the entire crowd dancing, even those who didn’t know the lyrics. The beauty of Shovels & Rope is that you don’t have to know the words to enjoy the music. Isn’t that how it should be?
Both Cary Ann and Michael take turns on lead vocals, strumming the guitar and beating the drums. They’re multi-talented. What’s more, they have fun together. They move around, they dance and they aren’t afraid to get sweaty.
Their performance is powerful and, honestly, one of the best live shows I’ve attended in a very long time.
The duo just announced their first headlining tour set for the fall. Is your city on the list? If not, they’re worth the drive.
Liv Carter
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
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