Marquee Mayfield is another contribution to Nashville’s potent collective of well-turned out soul revivalists. He was reared in the stuff by his Motown-fanatic parents, and his music reflects his upbringing as well as his appreciation for electronic dance music and its effects on shoes, hips, and booties He headlines the Basement this Saturday, 11/23, supported by Sidewalk Chalk and The Grips. “Breakdown” is his current single. Does the intro remind me a little of “Anchorman?” Yes. Does this enhance my opinion of Mr. Mayfield? Absolutely. -Terra James-Jura

I haven’t had the chance to see Churchyard yet but have heard good things; so I was excited to finally see some songs posted. The pop-driven four track demo is an eclectic mix of sounds, ranging from the happy-go-lucky “Pumpin’ Gas in the Rain” to the eerie, surf-rock “Desert.” As diverse as this demo is, Churchyard quickly establishes their own identity with their glossy harmonies and polished vocals, but if it wasn’t for the fluid, distinct singing, I’m not sure that I could pick these songs out from other “diet-punk” acts around town. -Michael Perry

Hotel War compares themself to a ‘back-alley beating.’ Listening to the high level of ass-kick in “45,” it’s doubtful that they have ever been on the receiving end of any sort of aggression, alley or otherwise. They arrive at their sound by wrapping gritty distortion around blues and some Black Keys, and rolling it around cigarette butts, like grungy, leather-clad Martha Stewarts. It’s good stuff, and I can only hope that the promise of “great things” on their website include a full-length follow up to their recent EP “Rebels our Time.” They play the 5 Spot this Wednesday, 11/20 with Natural Outlaw, The Sandwich, and Bern Kelly. –Terra James-Jura

I’m having a moment with bright, bird-flipping punk rock, (possibly influenced by the Black Lips coming through town last week), so Chrome Pony is right up my alley. They’re lending local support to Sleeper Agent and The Weeks at Mercy Lounge Friday, 11/22, so hopefully the trio gets in front of some potential fans that need some new tunes to smash PBR bottles to. “Fun Girls” off their spring release, “Lazy Bones” is a standout. –Terra James-Jura

Harrison B is throwing his album release show Monday night at 9pm at the Basement. His sophomore effort is titled “Down at Brown’s.” If it’s anything like his debut LP, it will feature his smooth vocals over a blend of soul, funk, and rock, and highlight his ability to spew rapid-fire lyrics without missing a beat. He will be playing the album in its entirety at the show, where all questions about the new release, from “Who IS Brown?” to “Can I touch your hair?” will be answered. In the meantime, gospel-influenced “Freedom” is an excellent kickstart to the week. –Terra James-Jura

Thelma and the Sleaze caught me off guard the first time I saw them; I just wasn’t prepared for the blaze of bare skin and brazen intensity that the band delivered. But it needed to happen; I didn’t realize it at the time, but my brain wanted to be wallered by those three writhing banshees. I left the show with the same stupid satisfaction I get from breathing gasoline fumes at Mapco, maybe a tick tougher for surviving the onslaught.

The band is preparing for a double header this Friday, 11/15, to mark the release of their double EP box set. They are first performing in Mufreesboro at Mayday Brewery at 7, and then in Nashville at the Stone Fox at 9. More details are available here. This video for "Too Tough" is a close approximation of what to expect. Being the Southern belles they are, the band obliged me by answering a few interview questions. -Terra James-Jura

Dirty Things work to embody rock and roll by observing the holy trinity of women, cocaine and booze (lyrically, at least) and eschewing the concept of sleeves. This may be in hopes that dedication to the sweat and stank of the lifestyle will bring about music worthy of the title. They’re getting there, as their compositions grow on me a little more with each listen, despite the handicap of resembling the punks who used to smoke weed under my fire escape back in Chicago. “Poor” has some good swampy riffs to it, and “Mojo Hand” is formidable, though the stick tapping intro is lifted straight from “LaGrange.” However, “Monsters and Shadows” strikes a perfect balance between a hair metal ballad and gentle acoustic number, and executed well enough to show some real chops beneath the greasy bandanas. They probably kill it live, and the next opportunity to see the trio is this Tuesday at the Basement, and then 11/18 at Winner’s Bar and Grill for their album release show. –Terra James-Jura

Farewell Flight have been knocking around the country since 2007. They’ve connected to crowds over the impressive course of 700 shows through their approachable, pop-rock. In the spirit of "go big or go back to Penslyvannia," they’ve moved their operation to Nashville from Harrisburg, PA and are toiling away at their potential hit record. “The Places We’ll Go” is the first single off of the album. It has every element of becoming the anthem of bright young graduates this spring short of name-checking Dr. Seuss. –Terra James-Jura

Up-and-coming local DJs hailing from the depths of Middle Tennessee are coming together to provide support for headliners (and Murfreesboro’s own) Protohype and world-renowned beat master Datsik. Local support will come from DJ Skinny B who has been crushing the EDM scene throughout MTSU since 2010 and Beat Bear from Knoxville who prides himself on keeping the scene turnt up. Skinny B and Beat Bear will also be given some local love by Lusio and many more bass-thumping beat-mixing masterminds.

This much anticipated even will be taking place at Murfreesboro’s premier venue, Main Street Live, located at 527 W. Main St in Murfreesboro, TN, 37130. The venue will be loaded with Datsik’s state of the art PK sound system as well as his Vortex Lumen visuals on stage! This is not an event you want to miss! Advanced GA and VIP tickets including balcony access and a private bar are still available and there will be a limited amount of tickets reserved for the door!

Check out some beats from our very own Skinny B and Beat Bear below. -Maria Hartfield

Local heroes The Lonely Biscuits are quickly becoming the center of attention from Nashville to gaining national exposure when winning the title of mtvU’s College Band of the Year. Having recently released a sick new EP entitled "Things Sure Have Changed," the Biscuits are moving quickly in the direction towards stardom.

"Things Sure Have Changed" is a brilliant work that features the boy’s chill persona laced with a cool and inspiring funk rhythm. Not many artists can twist an album to contain hints of hip hop, reggae, funk, blues and even a little rap all into one album which leaves fans begging for more. With attractive beats and inspiring lyrics, The Lonely Biscuits made a splash with their newly released EP. The foursome is surely not far from hitting rock star status. Check out the EP at their iTunes store HERE. -Maria Hartfield

The Mystery Twins released EP “The Politics of Being Alone” as a taste of their upcoming album “Ghost in the Ground.” The EP is comprised of simple vocals, drums, and guitar from Stephanie Brush and Doug Lehman, reacting to the audio clips from Charles Bukowski, Henry Miller, and old films interspersed in the tracks. The duo leans on a 60’s pop sentiment as they magically make the whole jumble coherent. The official release of their full length album will be marked by a show at the Stone Fox on November 8th, with Bully and Wooden Wand. -Terra James-Jura

Looking for something to ease the post-weekend malaise? Them Vibes is hosting “The Hang” at the Performing Artists Co-op at 5 Points in East Nashville. “Cryin’ Shame” is a little taste of what you will be in for. The evening will include special guest, teenaged savant and current artist of the month contender Guthrie Brown. $5 is all you need to go and get hung. –Terra James-Jura