If you read RFC's CMJ preview or our twitter, you've probably picked up on my love of Midwestern music and the more astute of you have probably picked up on my love of one local Michigan musician in particular, Chris Bathgate. I'd never heard of Bathgate until I moved back to Michigan after a sabatical from the state that saw me make my way to Chicago for a fair few years, as well as Ohio before returning. I was hanging out with a friend one evening, splitting a pack of PBR in his living room and doing what it is that I do best: Talk about music. In betweens mentionings of such steadfast favorites as Dawes and Wilco and the National, my friend mentioned Chris Bathgate.
"Who's Chris Bathgate?"
"You've never heard of Bathgate?" His voice was rife with the shock and dismay that I knew so well because it's the same tone I take on when I incredulously learn that one of my good friends doesn't know something or someone I was most certain they loved.
After that night, I made certain to take note of this Bathgate fellow and, well, it sort of changed everything.
It's rare that I find a musician, particularly a Michigan musician, that has a fairly solid local following but has escaped my ear up until now. I don't like being a late bloomer when it comes to music, especially Michigan folk music, but here I was, way behind the curve so far as Bathgate was concerned.
Chris Bathgate - Madison House
From the opening notes of "Serpentine", the lead track on Bathgate's most recent album, A Cork Tale Wake, it's hard not to be taken. From the gentle piano, juxtaposed againt Bathgate's low voice, to the haunting melody of repeated "Oh's", "Serpentine" takes root in your brain and doesn't let go easily. Thankfully, many of A Cork Tale Wake's later tracks prove just as harrowing, with Bathgate's strong lyrics and placid melodies taking unexpected turns, painting strong visual images, from the crumbling relationship that "left a hole in the cold September dawn" (A lyric from the gorgeous lullaby of "Madison House") to the unshakable tragedy Bathgate frames perfectly with mournful keys and violin in "Do What's Easy", one of the most beautiful tracks I've heard in the past few years.
In just a few short days, Bathgate will be playing Mittenfest, ringing in 2011 as he takes the stage at Woodruff's Bar in Ypsilanti, Michigan at 11:45 p.m.. Personally, I can't think of a better start to 2011 than listening to the sweet sounds of Chris Bathgate, who's followed shortly thereafter by RFC favorites Frontier Ruckus. Does life get better? The answer is no. No, it does not.
Single day passes for Mittenfest are $7 and four day passes'll run you $25. Let's face it: You probably can't catch Frontier Ruckus alone for $7 these days. Pair them up with Bathgate, Prussia, and the lovely Wonder Caverns and you really can't lose.
Have you ever had a topic to write about that seems too big to tackle that you can’t even begin to write about it? Well, welcome to my world. I need to send educational supplies to Africa. I know! You have so many questions racing through your head right about now. Let’s just say – all of your questions will be answered in due time. For now, listen to my heart and my passion
Posted by: Nike Air Max 2012 | 01/13/2012 at 04:02 AM
thank you for having a good discussion on this topic
Posted by: dr dre studio black | 12/13/2011 at 01:32 AM
Never done in the article comments, this is my first network comments, appreciate you sharing. Very good articl
Posted by: Asics Tiger | 05/19/2011 at 07:56 PM
Your article very interesting, I have introduced a lot of friends look at this article, the content of the articles there will be a lot of attractive people to appreciate, I have to thank you such an article.
Posted by: Jordan Heels | 05/06/2011 at 05:02 AM
Thank you, I need that Blessed Assurance.
Posted by: visvim | 03/15/2011 at 10:14 PM