Gonzo troubadour Todd Snider is the de facto leader of Hard Working Americans, a band that evolved out of his friendship with Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools. The group’s self-titled debut began as a collection of Snider’s favorite songs, many from past tourmates like country traditionalist Kieran Kane (“The Mountain Song”) and the Bottle Rockets’ Brian Henneman (“Welfare Music”). Two of the album’s most memorable tracks (“Another Train” and “I Don’t Have A Gun”) are credited to Will Kimbrough, who played in Snider’s ’90s backup band, the Nervous Wrecks. Snider and Schools will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new feature on them.
Snider: this is the best band in our neighborhood. they got together at east nashville high school in the 80’s to play what i would call party rock ‘n’ roll.
they got a sax guy and a hot chick who chews gum and dances and they only play well known early ’60s late ’50s stuff mixed with a couple original songs about east nasvhille and, or as there one song says “chicks and cars and partying hard.”
they don’t play much or well but man when they do play i just have to move. it’s like church for me.
they made an EP called shit sandwich a few years ago that is my all-time desert island disc.
and when they play, the crowd doesn’t cheer they chant “let’s go bulldogs” likes it football or something.
the shows are crazy sweaty dance parties, people make out a lot at their shows.
and women get naked at their shows too. people bring signs. it’s insane
the singer, elmo buzz (probably a fake name) nd i had a falling out over a gambling thing a long time ago and i’m still afraid of him because he stabbed me and broke my tooth but i won’t miss the shows so i go and dance in the way back.
