American Aquarium to Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
It’s a rite of passage for any artist or band. And no matter how bygone the honor and opportunity might feel to some, to any act in the country and roots realm with any notion of history, it’s a bucket list item they will cherish and remember forever.
North Carolina’s American Aquarium and it’s frontman BJ Barham we’re supposed to make their Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, May 1st 2020, which was also the day they released their latest original album, the critically-acclaimed Lamentations. But COVID put the kibosh on those plans as the Opry transitioned to a Saturday-only stripped-down schedule.
But it all worked out in the end, and perhaps for the better. Though they’ve rubbed elbows with country plenty, American Aquarium has always been considered more alt than country over their career. But they surprised everyone in early May when they released Slappers, Bangers and Certified Twangers—a delicious dive into 90s country standards and semi-hits that had people raving, and dudes annoying their wives and girlfriends by proclaiming themselves “The Charlie Daniels of…” whatever they happened to be doing after the band revitalized the old Sammy Kershaw Song “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer.”
Who knows, when BJ Barham steps into the hallowed Opry circle on Tuesday July 13th, perhaps he’ll choose to feature more original material for the band’s now 15-year legacy. But thanks to the new album, when the folks go searching, they’ll find out that American Aquarium can twang as well.
Other performers on Tuesday include Tommy Emmanuel, and (cough) Trace Adkins and Chris Janson. Of course we all can’t be there in person, so the rest of us will have to tune in via WSM online for the audio broadcast.
Signing off for now is the “Charlie Daniels of Country Journalism,” yours truly, Trigger.
July 12, 2021 @ 9:29 am
Very excited for AA. I have enjoyed every album they put out and think BJ is an incredibly insightful songwriter.
July 12, 2021 @ 9:55 am
Colt,
Couldn’t agree more, especially about BJ’s songwriting. Can’t wait to see them again this summer.
July 12, 2021 @ 10:53 am
I love, LOVE, LOVE, Me and Mine- I play it at least once every day!
Tip-o-the hat (and twang of me guitar) to “The Charlie Daniels of Journalism” for his *great* journalistic endeavors.
July 12, 2021 @ 11:27 am
Unpopular opinion here, but try as I might I can’t get excited about AA. I’ve got friends who love BJ and crew and have recommended them to me on multiple occasions, but I just find his songwriting to be weak and contrived — especially when compared to Evan Felker or Tyler Childers or Adam Carroll (who you should definitely check out if you never have). Barham’s songs always feel like he’s trying desperately to say something profound, but never quite reach that level.
July 12, 2021 @ 2:21 pm
Adam Caroll is definately an amazing talent.
Each to their own, but I think BJ gets his point across pretty well. Maybe its because some of his songs don’t have answers, they just try to explain parts of the problems.
I found the Live album to be an easy way to get into AA
July 12, 2021 @ 4:02 pm
I agree about AA, and it’s not for lack of trying…I forced myself to listen to a few albums repeatedly, thinking I must be missing something based on all the recommendations, but I still found the songs mediocre at best.
Never heard Adam Carroll, will check him out.
July 13, 2021 @ 6:55 am
Completely agree, Jake and Sage. I feel like I harp on it too much, but BJ just isn’t a good enough songwriter to justify his poor singing. I’ve been tuning in and out of their output (and live shows) since BJ was barely out of college, and I’ve enjoyed a song here and there okay, but man, most of it just seems so derivative (or as Sage called it above “weak and contrived.”).
But then I’ll see somebody like Hayes Carll compliment him as a “great songwriter” or Isbell jump in to produce, and I feel like I’m going crazy trying to make sense of it, like: “What am i missing??!!”
And his victimhood when the original band quit on him… how they betrayed him (even though he has even admitted on podcasts their leaving was partly because he was constantly an a-hole)… just rubbed me the wrong way.
But I’ll just agree to disagree. Different tastes. He works really hard, and that’s commendable. And puts on a fun show. So congrats on the Ryman.
July 13, 2021 @ 7:09 am
Just curious if any of y’all have seen them live. Sometimes that helps “sell” a band to the public, and American Aquarium is certainly one of those bands that people rave about seeing live. That may be where some of the disconnect is coming from.
July 13, 2021 @ 2:33 pm
A solid handful of times back in the day, but I’ll admit it’s been a good 8 years or so since seeing them live. Guess I gotta give ’em another go.
I’ll try my best to give ’em a fair shake and not heckle. (Not sure, though, if that’s gonna require having zero alcohol and being quiet or having an excessive amount of it, joining the party, and letting some BJ’s off-key shit slide.)
July 14, 2021 @ 2:26 am
I have been an AA fan since my first show in January 2009. Booked them in my hometown several times and was super close to the guys in the old line up so I am reading these bad songwriting/bad voice comments like what??? BJ deserves every good thing that is coming his and the band’s way in my opinion.
July 14, 2021 @ 5:44 am
Not I. I can appreciate that AA or Margo can put on a good show, but there are plenty of bands that can put on a great show that also have great songs, so I’m don’t feel I’m missing anything.
July 13, 2021 @ 7:06 am
Try the tune “One Day at a Time”. I think it is great songwriting. Although I like songs about something other than the songwriter him or herself (ie Corb Lund perfect example), this was great for me.
July 13, 2021 @ 1:21 pm
I get it. I disliked AA for a long time, but the last album turned me on to them for whatever reason.
July 14, 2021 @ 5:53 am
You mean the one where they play other people’s decently written SONGS?
July 12, 2021 @ 11:58 am
These guys killed it on the final night of the Mile0 Fest.
I’d love to catch them on tour.
July 12, 2021 @ 12:17 pm
I pretty much like any band that tours with a B3 and pedal steel player. His interview on Robert Earl Keens podcast was great, glad he is getting some success in the semi mainstream, though it sounds like they have such a devoted fan base that they are able to make whatever records they want!
July 13, 2021 @ 9:25 am
Saw BJ solo after he got Sober at Standard Deluxe. He had fire in his eyes, one of the best hands down..