Memphis 59 Get It “Ragged But Right” With Their Debut Album

On “Black & White TV,” Scott Kurt sings, “I remember the neighbors would pound the wall and tell us to keep it down,” but I imagine music lovers will only be turning up the volume on Memphis 59’s debut album, Ragged But Right. Produced by Grammy-winner John Jennings, the record’s title comes from Jennings’ description of the band’s signature sound.

Recorded in June through October of this year, Ragged But Right evokes those sultry summer nights spent with good friends. This is American roots rock at its best, with a pinch of country, bluesy flavor for good measure. You can almost picture the rusty pick-up truck from the album cover parked in the gravel lot of a Delta juke, where the beer is ice cold and the dance floor is burning hot. The slide guitar intro on “Knock Me Out” sets the scene perfectly.

Memphis 59 (l to r): Richard Lewis, Chris Zogby, Scott Kurt

The record starts out with the destined-for-radio-play “Me, Myself & Eyes,” a song about love, relationships, and second chances – themes frequently repeated throughout Ragged But Right’s 12 tracks. The energy remains high on the majority of songs – with “Gone,” “Girl at the End of the Bar,” and “Killing Time” of particular note, with their catchy hooks and lyrics with which you can’t help but sing along. Things take a softer, slower turn on “Way With Words” and closing track “Heartbreak Luck.”

In addition to John Jennings, who also recorded guitar and Hammond organ tracks for the album, Ragged But Right is backed by the Grammy-winning talent of engineer Bob Dawson and Jon Carroll on keys. These industry veterans balance the relative youth of Memphis 59, rounded out by Richard Lewis on bass and Chris Zogby on drums. There is a very cool retro vibe to this record – from its look to its sound – and major props must go to the seasoned talent behind the scenes.

Memphis 59 released Ragged But Right on 4 December, 2009, to a near-capacity crowd at Vienna, Virginia’s Jammin’ Java. That night, they also debuted their first concert tee, developed in partnership with DC’s own Crooked Monkey – a brand featured in magazines ranging from Seventeen to GQ, television shows from Weeds to Dancing with the Stars, and movies like the upcoming third installment of the Twilight series.

With top-tier talent, designer merchandise, and one fantastic album to their credit, Memphis 59 may not be all that ragged, but they certainly are oh so right.

Ragged But Right is available online at CD Baby.

Memphis 59 tees, designed by Crooked Monkey, are available online in a range of girls’ and guys’ styles and sizes.

For fans of: Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg, Old 97’s

* CD cover art and publicity still courtesy of Bryan Thomas.