It is officially Nashville Burger Week, and we are celebrating the best way we know how—with music. Our intern picks this week are all about burgers. More specifically, we are choosing songs that capture the feeling of taking that first bite. Whether it is pure joy, greasy nostalgia, or straight satisfaction. Get ready for a playlist that is as juicy as your favorite burger.
Ashley’s Pick- “Night” by Dr. Dog
When I think of Burger Week, I’m reminded of the nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion that set in post-burger takedown. If I’m having a burger for lunch, you bet I’m factoring in a nap that afternoon. I know this might be an interesting angle, but I honestly can’t remember a time that I didn’t turn into a slug after slamming a saucy one. Accordingly, I’ve chosen a song that resembles this feeling. “Night” by Dr. Dog would be the perfect couch nap song after a date with destiny (a burger) at Brown’s. I’ve recently become a fan of this Philly-based crew after discovering their critically-acclaimed 2010 record “Shame, Shame”. They’re a tight knit group of six who’ve gone through every stage of indie band-dom together, led by core members Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman. They recently took a well-deserved pause from touring and recording in 2021, but later emerged in 2024 with a self-titled record that was glowing with new vibrancy.
On the opposite end, this song “Night” is a waltzy space track that cuts into their otherwise banging album “Critical Equation” from 2018. I discovered it on a long drive home in the dark last summer and fell into a not-so-there driving trance for all six minutes of the track. This song is patient, with carefully positioned instrumental choices that never fall flat. And lyrically, it’s an earnest love song to the night time, which I find super special. This particular line, “If it were only up to me / the sun would never ever shine,” echoes over gliding arpeggiated synths and muted piano. No lyric is rushed, and no whisper of electric guitar misplaced. Every instrument is washed in reverb, in a far away place, as if Dr. Dog himself sings from somewhere in the sky. As much as this may not sound like the perfect burger song, I firmly believe there’s no better comfort for post-burger melancholy than this track.
Take a listen to “Night” by Dr. Dog below!
Quinn’s Pick- “Burger Man” by ZZ Top
For this week’s Burger Week theme, I am going with ZZ Top’s “Burger Man.” Burgers make me feel greasy (in the best way possible), and no band embodies that slick, gritty energy quite like ZZ Top. Many of their songs feel like a bite into a burger or a walk into a dive bar—messy, loud, and exactly what you needed. They have mastered the art of greasy rock ‘n’ roll, and this track serves it up hot. ZZ Top formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969 with Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard. Known for their iconic beards, cool shades, and bold guitar riffs, the trio blends blues rock with touches of boogie, hard rock, and hot-rod swagger.
“Burger Man” is from their 1990 album Recycler, which leaned heavier into synths and groove, but kept their greasy garage feel. It is playful, unapologetic, and indulgent—just like the best burgers. With lyrics like “If you needing a good hot grillin’/Try my burger stand,” it fully leans into the absurdity, serving up ZZ Top’s signature blend of humor, heat, and hooks. ZZ Top’s “Burger Man” is greasy, indulgent, and impossible to resist, just like that first bite. If you are looking for a song that captures the flavor of Burger Week, this one’s well done.
Listen to “Burger Man” now!
Darci’s Pick- “Feels Alright” by The Nude Party
While I was initially stumped by this week’s intern pick theme, after a lot of listening and consideration, my pick is “Feels Alright” by The Nude Party. The seven-piece band originates from North Carolina, and has created a distinct sound that merges Americana, indie, and garage-rock elements together. “Feels Alright” is a prime example of The Nude Party’s genre-bending skills and creates a musical style that transports me to a barbeque on a hot summer day.
“Feels Alright” opens with a jangly guitar hook, layered with twangy riffs that appear throughout the song. Supported by dynamic bass and piano instrumentations, the track conveys an upbeat and optimistic energy. Frontman Patton McGee’s vocals backed by classic-rock inspired harmonies that feel like a modern spin on 2000’s dad rock. The song’s hook is “It don’t look good, but it feels alright,” which is a perfect way to describe my burgers when I am in charge of making them for the function.
Listen to “Feels Alright” down below!
Quin’s Pick- “Freedom of ‘76” by Ween
The idea of a song for burgers is undoubtedly a bit abstract. However, when you start to think about it, you begin to realize that maybe it’s not that hard to imagine after all. Honestly, I think the key is not to think about it too hard. When you bite into a burger, what do you hear? Is it a tasty blues lick? An epic guitar solo? A four on the floor hip-hop beat? That’s the beauty of a song for burgers; it is truly what your heart desires.
In my mind, there is no song more fitting for a burger than “Freedom of ‘76” by Ween. It is the soundtrack to feeling a little grease slip from your mouth after that first bite. The feeling of a burger being so good, you have to lick your fingers afterwards. It also serves as an opportunity for me to introduce any unfamiliar listeners to the magic that is Ween—two Philadelphia garage rock weirdos who have covered every genre from classic country to calypso. Even if you have never listened to Ween, you may have unknowingly heard their music through their contributions to shows like South Park and SpongeBob. Songs like “Ocean Man” & “Loop de Loop” were my first introductions to Ween, but if I had to do it all over again, I’d recommend that you start with the album Chocolate and Cheese! Fortunately for you, dear reader, this is the origin of my song for burgers pick. Give it a listen!
Take a listen to “Freedom of ‘76” below!
