Robbie Fulks - Fuck This Town
from South Mouth (1997)
It’s ironic that after decades of trying, the closest Robbie Fulks has ever gotten to a hit song is this hilarious and scathing middle finger to the Nashville music business. Those years of frustration were worth it, though, because this three minute burst of pure, intense catharsis is immensely satisfying. For Fulks, “this town” is Nashville, but it could just as easily be Hollywood, or New York, or any other city full of frustrated artists shaking hands, busting ass and doing lunch but ending up with shit to show for it. (It’s also remarkable that in a genre that prides itself on honesty, this is one of the few tunes to touch on the struggles of, you know, actual working musicians.) And just to sweeten the pot, Steve Byam tosses off some red hot steel guitar on the bridge. Fuck!
