Talkin' Seattle Blues

"Talkin' Seattle Blues," also known as "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues," is a hidden track on Todd Snider's 1994 debut album Songs for the Daily Planet, tucked away at the end of the track "Joe’s Blues" starting at 4:55 on the CD. This satirical talking blues song humorously skewers the early '90s grunge scene, poking fun at the Seattle music explosion with lines like, “We turn our amps up until it hurts, we got bad attitudes, and what’s more, when we play we stare straight down at the floor.” The song’s style draws heavily from Bob Dylan’s “Talkin’ World War III Blues,” with Snider reciting lyrics over solo guitar and harmonica interludes. It became a minor radio hit, reaching No. 31 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and its witty take on grunge’s excesses resonated with fans and critics alike.

One notable story about the song comes from a 1995 Los Angeles Times interview where Snider recounted a serendipitous moment while discussing “Talkin’ Seattle Blues.” As he was about to answer a question about the song, he noticed Dave Grohl, former Nirvana drummer and then-leader of Foo Fighters, walking by his hotel window in San Francisco. Snider remarked on the irony, given the song’s playful jab at the Seattle scene Nirvana helped define. This anecdote highlights the song’s cultural relevance, as it captured the zeitgeist of a music movement while Snider crossed paths with its key figures. The song also references Neil Young’s “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)” and The Beverly Hillbillies theme, blending pop culture nods with its tongue-in-cheek narrative about a band that “refused to play” and still scored a record deal.

Social media posts from fans on platforms like Reddit show the song’s enduring appeal. In a 2019 post on the r/Music subreddit, user GRVrush2112 shared the track, calling it a “Folk/Americana” gem, earning upvotes and comments praising its clever lyrics. Another post from 2016 by user paulfromatlanta on the same subreddit described it as “Roots Grunge,” reflecting how fans continue to celebrate its genre-blending humor. On YouTube, a 2008 video of Snider performing the song has garnered comments lauding its storytelling, with one user noting it’s “a song about how rock’n roll will never die and a band that is alternative by not even playing.” These fan reactions underscore the song’s cult status among Todd Snider’s Zoo Freaks.

Todd Snider was born on October 11, 1966, in Portland, Oregon, and grew up in nearby Beaverton. His musical journey began after high school when he moved to Santa Rosa, California, to attend Santa Rosa Junior College. There, he learned to play the harmonica, but dropped out after one semester. With a plane ticket from his brother Mike, Snider relocated to San Marcos, Texas, in late 1985. A pivotal moment came when he saw Jerry Jeff Walker perform solo at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas. Inspired, Snider decided he could be a songwriter without needing a band. While frequenting a record store in San Marcos, he discovered singer-songwriters blending country, folk, and rock, shaping his musical style. After moving to Memphis in the mid-1980s, Snider became a regular performer at the Daily Planet nightclub, where he honed the songs that would appear on Songs for the Daily Planet.

Snider’s big break came when Keith Sykes, a member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, discovered him in Memphis. Sykes, impressed by Snider’s barroom performances, promoted him to labels, leading to a deal with Buffett’s Margaritaville Records. This launched Snider’s career, with his debut album establishing him as a wry, insightful voice in Americana, alt-country, and folk. His storytelling, often compared to John Prine and Shel Silverstein, blends humor and social commentary, as seen in “Talkin’ Seattle Blues.” Over the years, Snider has released 19 albums, toured with artists like Emmylou Harris and John Prine, and performed at festivals like Newport Folk Fest. Despite arthritis affecting his neck and back, he remains a road warrior, finding solace in live performances, as he shared in a 2024 Lincoln Journal Star interview.

Fans can connect with Todd Snider through his official website, where he’s celebrating 30 years of music with free re-recorded albums and exclusive merch. His social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and engages with fans. The Original Unofficial Todd Snider Fan Page on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate his storytelling. Another fan-driven space, Todd Snider’s Bandcamp, offers tracks like “Talkin’ Seattle Blues” and reflects his grassroots connection with listeners. These platforms keep Snider’s irreverent spirit alive for the Zoo Crew and beyond.