AWK || April 30, 2007
Video interview's up at the top left... and for kicks, here's a localized version of "I Love New York City" with the backing accompaniment of Corn Mo and 357 Lover. -SM
Three Days To Rise || April 27-29, 2007
FRIDAY
Granada Theater: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah / Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Perkins blew me away at SXSW. He's one of the better young songwriters you'll see in America today, so consider this the top choice of the night. I compel you to sample his wares. CYHSY, though, are mighty underwhelming in concert, if their last show at the Gypsy Tea Room was any indication.
MAMFW: Modern 'til Midnight
National DJ Kid Koala plus local wonderboys Mom and up-and-coming Dallas DJ team The Party for ten bucks. If you don't like any particular act playing, then put that cover charge toward walking around the museum for a few minutes. Win-win.
Rubber Gloves: Neil Hamburger / Laura Palmer
Hailey's: Oso Closo
I looked at the band photos on their MySpace page and said to myself, "I don't even need to listen to this crap." But I listened anyway out of kindness for a local band, and I regret it. Really, this Denton band sounds exactly how those photos look, as if Steve Perry and Tom Cochrane made a butt-baby together.
The Cavern: White Light Fever
Hadn't heard of this Dallas band until Jasun prodded me to listen today. Anybody with a Sabbath boner will find something to appreciate about these guys, though the online samples don't answer the question of whether they come off as a solid band on their own right--like Hogpig--or another snore of a retread. But if you're one of 24 people sad about the changes to 92.5 this week, this show's made for you. WLF opens for Iowa's Radio Moscow and Dallas' Blackheart Society.
Palladium: Chris Cornell
You want to talk about a fall from grace? A few songs leaked from Cornell's new "solo" record weeks ago, and they sound like he hired the guys who won my high school's battle of the bands to back him up. Not that I was a fan of Audioslave in the first place, but this stuff really sounds like David Lee Roth squeezing out a Hershey's squirt.
SATURDAY
AllGood Cafe: Bosque Brown / Curtis Glenn Heath
If you're a casual reader of Dd who normally avoids local concerts, I urge you to consider this incredible double-bill at the casual, sit-down environment of the AllGood Cafe. Think Bend Studio without the "take your shoes off" nonsense or the $25 cover charge. On top of that, Theater Fire fans owe it to themselves to catch Curtis' solo set, loaded with songs that the full band doesn't play and backed with interesting, minimalist arrangements (as Curtis usually has two people join him on bass and other instruments).
Dan's Silverleaf: Andrew WK / Corn Mo
I find myself in the unfortunate position of being the least credible critic of Jonanna Widner. That's unfortunate, because I sure have a lot to say about her work, but I generally keep quiet due to the fact that my criticisms may be seen as full of baggage. Having said that, I'm lifting my silence this week. Calling Corn Mo "Denton's version of Daniel Johnston" is wrong on so many levels--one, Corn Mo doesn't live here anymore; two, Daniel Johnston doesn't play an accordion; three, Daniel Johnston isn't a witty, self-aware one-man dynamo who both parodies and embraces the power of arena rock; four, HE'S NOT SLOW. UGHGHKLERUFLJGHGH. Fucking kill me, already! Andrew WK headlines. As this is a Kittenpants.com party, expect lots of weird, unique and hilarious stuff. Darci knows how to throw down.
Rubber Gloves: The Marked Men
I've slowly grown to realize how wrong I was about disliking Denton's The Marked Men. Local intelli-punk doesn't get much better.
Hailey's: Sunset Rubdown / Evangelicals
I can't believe I'm ranking this as the fourth-best thing to see on Saturday. This out-of-town wallop would be #1 any other night of the week. The latter is from Oklahoma and tours through Dallas fairly frequently, but Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade) hardly comes through town with EITHER of his bands, so act accordingly.
Amsterdam Bar: Here, In Arms / Eaton Lake Tonics
Assuming this is free.
SUNDAY
Mavs game. Also, there's a BBQ with Doug Burr, Sarah Jaffe and more on the Club Dada patio (click here for roster/schedule)...is the food free, Amanda? -SM
Granada Theater: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah / Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Perkins blew me away at SXSW. He's one of the better young songwriters you'll see in America today, so consider this the top choice of the night. I compel you to sample his wares. CYHSY, though, are mighty underwhelming in concert, if their last show at the Gypsy Tea Room was any indication.
MAMFW: Modern 'til Midnight
National DJ Kid Koala plus local wonderboys Mom and up-and-coming Dallas DJ team The Party for ten bucks. If you don't like any particular act playing, then put that cover charge toward walking around the museum for a few minutes. Win-win.
Rubber Gloves: Neil Hamburger / Laura Palmer
Hailey's: Oso Closo
I looked at the band photos on their MySpace page and said to myself, "I don't even need to listen to this crap." But I listened anyway out of kindness for a local band, and I regret it. Really, this Denton band sounds exactly how those photos look, as if Steve Perry and Tom Cochrane made a butt-baby together.
The Cavern: White Light Fever
Hadn't heard of this Dallas band until Jasun prodded me to listen today. Anybody with a Sabbath boner will find something to appreciate about these guys, though the online samples don't answer the question of whether they come off as a solid band on their own right--like Hogpig--or another snore of a retread. But if you're one of 24 people sad about the changes to 92.5 this week, this show's made for you. WLF opens for Iowa's Radio Moscow and Dallas' Blackheart Society.
Palladium: Chris Cornell
You want to talk about a fall from grace? A few songs leaked from Cornell's new "solo" record weeks ago, and they sound like he hired the guys who won my high school's battle of the bands to back him up. Not that I was a fan of Audioslave in the first place, but this stuff really sounds like David Lee Roth squeezing out a Hershey's squirt.
SATURDAY
AllGood Cafe: Bosque Brown / Curtis Glenn Heath
If you're a casual reader of Dd who normally avoids local concerts, I urge you to consider this incredible double-bill at the casual, sit-down environment of the AllGood Cafe. Think Bend Studio without the "take your shoes off" nonsense or the $25 cover charge. On top of that, Theater Fire fans owe it to themselves to catch Curtis' solo set, loaded with songs that the full band doesn't play and backed with interesting, minimalist arrangements (as Curtis usually has two people join him on bass and other instruments).
Dan's Silverleaf: Andrew WK / Corn Mo
I find myself in the unfortunate position of being the least credible critic of Jonanna Widner. That's unfortunate, because I sure have a lot to say about her work, but I generally keep quiet due to the fact that my criticisms may be seen as full of baggage. Having said that, I'm lifting my silence this week. Calling Corn Mo "Denton's version of Daniel Johnston" is wrong on so many levels--one, Corn Mo doesn't live here anymore; two, Daniel Johnston doesn't play an accordion; three, Daniel Johnston isn't a witty, self-aware one-man dynamo who both parodies and embraces the power of arena rock; four, HE'S NOT SLOW. UGHGHKLERUFLJGHGH. Fucking kill me, already! Andrew WK headlines. As this is a Kittenpants.com party, expect lots of weird, unique and hilarious stuff. Darci knows how to throw down.
Rubber Gloves: The Marked Men
I've slowly grown to realize how wrong I was about disliking Denton's The Marked Men. Local intelli-punk doesn't get much better.
Hailey's: Sunset Rubdown / Evangelicals
I can't believe I'm ranking this as the fourth-best thing to see on Saturday. This out-of-town wallop would be #1 any other night of the week. The latter is from Oklahoma and tours through Dallas fairly frequently, but Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade) hardly comes through town with EITHER of his bands, so act accordingly.
Amsterdam Bar: Here, In Arms / Eaton Lake Tonics
Assuming this is free.
SUNDAY
Mavs game. Also, there's a BBQ with Doug Burr, Sarah Jaffe and more on the Club Dada patio (click here for roster/schedule)...is the food free, Amanda? -SM
What You Missed || April 26, 2007
Thanks to a new video provider, here's the world Internet premiere of new Baptist Generals song "Clitorpus Christi," performed last week at the Dallas Public Library. Notice the utter lack of microphones or PA...I wasn't kidding when I said the show would be intimate. Enjoy!
You might be wondering when this song will see release as part of the Baptist Generals' long-awaited follow-up album on Sub Pop Records. Unfortunately, from what we heard at the Friday night show, all progress on the album has recently been scrapped, with the guys rumored to have said that they're "tired of the old songs." This, of course, is annoying to hear, as it's hard for the rest of the fans to be tired of songs they've barely ever heard, and it's yet another delay for an album that was originally touted by Sub Pop as a 2005 release. Oy. Will keep you posted on any further news on the album, which I'm pretty sure IS at least still being made...but who knows? -SM
EDIT: Here's another great song from that show, "Damn The Bloom." You might know it as a song available only on the European version of Dog...or you might just know it as the one in which Chris Flemmons yelps a whole bunch. Either way, it's become a new regular song in his rotation, and thank goodness.
You might be wondering when this song will see release as part of the Baptist Generals' long-awaited follow-up album on Sub Pop Records. Unfortunately, from what we heard at the Friday night show, all progress on the album has recently been scrapped, with the guys rumored to have said that they're "tired of the old songs." This, of course, is annoying to hear, as it's hard for the rest of the fans to be tired of songs they've barely ever heard, and it's yet another delay for an album that was originally touted by Sub Pop as a 2005 release. Oy. Will keep you posted on any further news on the album, which I'm pretty sure IS at least still being made...but who knows? -SM
EDIT: Here's another great song from that show, "Damn The Bloom." You might know it as a song available only on the European version of Dog...or you might just know it as the one in which Chris Flemmons yelps a whole bunch. Either way, it's become a new regular song in his rotation, and thank goodness.
Distraction || April 25, 2007
Since it's a slow news day, I'd like to direct your attention to Dd's semi-sister site, the ACL News & Rumor blog, created and run by Dd partner Jasun Lee. He's been cobbling together Austin City Limits Music Festival hints and advance gossip for a few years now, always trying to predict the fest's next lineup, and in today's edition, he got an anonymous tip that seems WAY too star-studded to be true. Or is it?
Click here and scroll down in the comments to see one anonymous tipster's take on the unannounced schedule. Considering that the full lineup will be announced in three weeks, now's as good a time as any for a roughly complete list to start circulating. Do you buy it? Are you dreaming of yet another Neil Young/Eddie Vedder take on "Rockin' in the Free World"? Post your thoughts. -SM
Click here and scroll down in the comments to see one anonymous tipster's take on the unannounced schedule. Considering that the full lineup will be announced in three weeks, now's as good a time as any for a roughly complete list to start circulating. Do you buy it? Are you dreaming of yet another Neil Young/Eddie Vedder take on "Rockin' in the Free World"? Post your thoughts. -SM
Gypsy Nuts || April 24, 2007
Last Thursday, I was lallygagging outside Club Dada and chatting with a few friends and acquaintances about the usual Dallas music complaints--radio, the scene, ugh--when Russell Hobbs walked up.
You might know him as the owner of The Door, the all-ages teen-friendly rock venues in Dallas, Fort Worth, and now apparently Canton, TX as well. Or you might know him as the born-again Christian who used to be a hellraiser as owner of the Theatre Gallery and Prophet Bar back when Deep Ellum was in even worse shape than it is now. I'm used to meeting people who've been around Dallas a helluva lot longer than me, and Hobbs is certainly on the top of that list.
As this was the first time I'd ever met the man, he quickly fit the profile I'd come to expect--nice but incredibly eccentric. Within two sentences, he informed us that he'd just come up with a great band name: The Minstrel Cramps. "Get it? Spelled 'm-i-n-s-t...-r-e-l.'" Nice to meet you, too.
Of course, I can't talk to someone in Dallas without hitting him up for news, so I asked Hobbs what the story was about his forthcoming move to the Gypsy Tea Room's building. This is where the story gets interesting: The move wasn't his choice.
Paraphrased: "Our landlord is tearing down the current Door [at the far east end of Deep Ellum] to build condos. And our landlord owns the Gypsy building as well. We told him to find us a new building or we'd move to Addison, which would work out for us anyway since that's where more of the teens who go to our shows live, anyway. So he offered us the Gypsy space."
But wouldn't that cost more? Rumor held it that the Gypsy was leaving partially because of a rent hike... Hobbs shook his head 'no' in response. "They didn't raise the rent," he said. I'm tempted to believe him--if the rent was raised, why wouldn't he go ahead and move to a cheaper building in Addison?
Hobbs didn't have a date for the move, but by the time the big switch goes down, word will surely have spread. Will keep you posted. -SM
You might know him as the owner of The Door, the all-ages teen-friendly rock venues in Dallas, Fort Worth, and now apparently Canton, TX as well. Or you might know him as the born-again Christian who used to be a hellraiser as owner of the Theatre Gallery and Prophet Bar back when Deep Ellum was in even worse shape than it is now. I'm used to meeting people who've been around Dallas a helluva lot longer than me, and Hobbs is certainly on the top of that list.
As this was the first time I'd ever met the man, he quickly fit the profile I'd come to expect--nice but incredibly eccentric. Within two sentences, he informed us that he'd just come up with a great band name: The Minstrel Cramps. "Get it? Spelled 'm-i-n-s-t...-r-e-l.'" Nice to meet you, too.
Of course, I can't talk to someone in Dallas without hitting him up for news, so I asked Hobbs what the story was about his forthcoming move to the Gypsy Tea Room's building. This is where the story gets interesting: The move wasn't his choice.
Paraphrased: "Our landlord is tearing down the current Door [at the far east end of Deep Ellum] to build condos. And our landlord owns the Gypsy building as well. We told him to find us a new building or we'd move to Addison, which would work out for us anyway since that's where more of the teens who go to our shows live, anyway. So he offered us the Gypsy space."
But wouldn't that cost more? Rumor held it that the Gypsy was leaving partially because of a rent hike... Hobbs shook his head 'no' in response. "They didn't raise the rent," he said. I'm tempted to believe him--if the rent was raised, why wouldn't he go ahead and move to a cheaper building in Addison?
Hobbs didn't have a date for the move, but by the time the big switch goes down, word will surely have spread. Will keep you posted. -SM
92.5 || April 23, 2007
I just tuned in. Ryan Adams, John Mellencamp, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jack Ingram all in a row? Forget the national exposure that 92.5 KZPS has garnered for today's changes in radio advertising--this whole deal is apparently a desperate attempt to lure Dallas' frat boys back to radio. Figure it won't be long before Ian Moore is bellowing "Jesus crossed the Rio Grande!" on Dallas airwaves again.
A change to 92.5 is all well and good, but this format appears to still be terribly dependent on years-old hits. Local radio sucks because it's given up on adventurous program directors who find the best in new music. While this format has potential for blending in newer alt- and Texas-country artists...time will have to tell if that potential is realized, or if Clear Channel depends on its market research bullshit, plays another Stevie Ray Vaughan solo and continues to roll the same ol' shitstick. -SM
A change to 92.5 is all well and good, but this format appears to still be terribly dependent on years-old hits. Local radio sucks because it's given up on adventurous program directors who find the best in new music. While this format has potential for blending in newer alt- and Texas-country artists...time will have to tell if that potential is realized, or if Clear Channel depends on its market research bullshit, plays another Stevie Ray Vaughan solo and continues to roll the same ol' shitstick. -SM
Three Days To Rise || April 19-21, 2007
One helluva weekend is brewing, and the good shows start tonight, so here's the weekend wrapup a day early:
THURSDAY
Sons of Hermann Hall: Bill Callahan / Sarah Jaffe
Everything you need to know about this show, you'll learn from the Jaffe interview I just posted.
Club Dada: Lucero / Catfish Haven
Congrats go out to David Ray and Carlin Stultz, who won tickets to this show courtesy of Charles Attal Presents. I'm hoping that Callahan's set ends early enough so that I can still get to this show in time, as Lucero is among the great hard-touring American bands as of late. And as I said before, Catfish Haven is a rising band in a similar Americana/Springsteen/Lucero/Marah vein that has gotten better and better in just a few short years.
FRIDAY
Dallas Public Library: Baptist Generals
I did a triple-take when I saw a flyer for this gig at CD World the other day. If you think Denton's greatest Sub Pop signee playing at a library is weird, you should probably take a look at the complete 25th Anniversary celebration schedule at the library...something tells us the midnight-to-dawn screening of the Qatsi film trilogy will attract at least a few weirdos. And don't even get us started about the Cosplay contest...4/20, man. Since this will be in a damn library, I expect the Generals to go minimalist again, much like they did at their mindblowing house party show from a few months ago. If you like the Baptist Generals at all, don't even think of missing this special show.
The Cavern: The Tah-Dahs / Laura Palmer / Vic Thrill / The Dutch Treats
Speaking of 4/20, this one is being billed by John Freeman as an Adolf Hitler Birthday Party...which I believe sums up this bill better than any 40-word description of my own. Vic Thrill's the only out-of-towner on this one, and a quick sample of his electro-insanity is very in tune w/ Freeman's Dutch Treats sensibilities.
Dallas Museum of Art: PPT
Uhh... this should be weird.
SATURDAY
Sons of Hermann Hall: Bobby Patterson with Shibboleth
A while back, Dallas '60s soul legend and current 770 AM radio host Bobby Patterson was stuck to the end of a big Dallas music revue show at Sons with a pretty short set. This time, the man gets center-stage treatment with Shibboleth sitting in as his band, along with an assortment of horn players and back-up singers. This should be among the most interesting shows Dallas has seen in years.
Rubber Gloves: The Crash That Took Me
Gigs are rare for these starry-eyed post-Pumpkins rockers, so if you enjoy the best work that [DARYL]'s Dylan Silvers has done in years, get a dose when these guys open for The Appleseed Cast.
Barley House: Sparkepussy Barbie, Pepper Theft
1310 The Ticket fans will probably abound at this to see Grubes, the station's 21-year-old board op, perform covers of Red Hot Chili Peppers songs. Then they will be frightened by Deathray Davies side project Sparklepussy Barbie.
THURSDAY
Sons of Hermann Hall: Bill Callahan / Sarah Jaffe
Everything you need to know about this show, you'll learn from the Jaffe interview I just posted.
Club Dada: Lucero / Catfish Haven
Congrats go out to David Ray and Carlin Stultz, who won tickets to this show courtesy of Charles Attal Presents. I'm hoping that Callahan's set ends early enough so that I can still get to this show in time, as Lucero is among the great hard-touring American bands as of late. And as I said before, Catfish Haven is a rising band in a similar Americana/Springsteen/Lucero/Marah vein that has gotten better and better in just a few short years.
FRIDAY
Dallas Public Library: Baptist Generals
I did a triple-take when I saw a flyer for this gig at CD World the other day. If you think Denton's greatest Sub Pop signee playing at a library is weird, you should probably take a look at the complete 25th Anniversary celebration schedule at the library...something tells us the midnight-to-dawn screening of the Qatsi film trilogy will attract at least a few weirdos. And don't even get us started about the Cosplay contest...4/20, man. Since this will be in a damn library, I expect the Generals to go minimalist again, much like they did at their mindblowing house party show from a few months ago. If you like the Baptist Generals at all, don't even think of missing this special show.
The Cavern: The Tah-Dahs / Laura Palmer / Vic Thrill / The Dutch Treats
Speaking of 4/20, this one is being billed by John Freeman as an Adolf Hitler Birthday Party...which I believe sums up this bill better than any 40-word description of my own. Vic Thrill's the only out-of-towner on this one, and a quick sample of his electro-insanity is very in tune w/ Freeman's Dutch Treats sensibilities.
Dallas Museum of Art: PPT
Uhh... this should be weird.
SATURDAY
Sons of Hermann Hall: Bobby Patterson with Shibboleth
A while back, Dallas '60s soul legend and current 770 AM radio host Bobby Patterson was stuck to the end of a big Dallas music revue show at Sons with a pretty short set. This time, the man gets center-stage treatment with Shibboleth sitting in as his band, along with an assortment of horn players and back-up singers. This should be among the most interesting shows Dallas has seen in years.
Rubber Gloves: The Crash That Took Me
Gigs are rare for these starry-eyed post-Pumpkins rockers, so if you enjoy the best work that [DARYL]'s Dylan Silvers has done in years, get a dose when these guys open for The Appleseed Cast.
Barley House: Sparkepussy Barbie, Pepper Theft
1310 The Ticket fans will probably abound at this to see Grubes, the station's 21-year-old board op, perform covers of Red Hot Chili Peppers songs. Then they will be frightened by Deathray Davies side project Sparklepussy Barbie.
Show Alert || April 17, 2007
This Thursday: Bill Callahan of Smog and Dallas' incredible Sarah Jaffe at Sons of Hermann Hall. $12. See you there. -SM
D Nuts || April 17, 2007
New hobby: selling crap on Amazon.com. This means I'm at the post office more often as of late, where I'm typically forced to endure spoiled Lakewood children and the housewives who ignore them. But a few days ago, I had a better time, because I ran into John Freeman, the former Dooms UK madman who currently performs as The Dutch Treats.
Rather than prod him about his large box smothered with "FRAGILE" tags, I instead asked him about his latest venture: Sloppyworld, his forthcoming music venue/alternative shop in Exposition Park. You may remember Freeman as the man behind the brief New Amsterdam booking renaissance (the Beach House gig from a while back being a particular highlight). After parting ways with the bar, he decided to start a house of his own. In spite of some red tape, Freeman succeeded where the likes of Fat Daddy's failed, and the place is set to open "this summer" with what should be a solid booking mix of the beautiful and the bizarre. Considering I love Exposition Park about as much as I love everything Freeman's laid his insane hands upon around Dallas, I can't help but get excited about what Sloppyworld may do for local music. And since Freeman's an incredibly nice guy with good music connections, something tells me he won't have trouble fetching some unique and must-see out-of-town bills.
Note: This is actually among the tamer comics that Freeman has posted at Sloppyworld.com.
Whenever Freeman sends a firm update, I'll post any new information, but you'll find out sooner than I do if you befriend the venue's MySpace page. Hell, John may tell you more about the venue himself at his Friday night Cavern gig, where he'll share the stage with The Tah-Dahs, Laura Palmer and NYC's Vic Thrill.
TAKE NOTE: Looks like he'll also be performing on Saturday, April 28th, at the mega-huge Kittenpants birthday bash at Dan's Silverleaf, which will feature the incredibly entertaining combination of Denton legend Corn Mo and Coors' spokesman Andrew WK. Sadly, my May 3rd birthday will not see a concert anywhere near that level of insanity, so I'm just gonna pretend that's my b-day bash as well. Tickets are on sale for $12 if you call Dan's after 4 p.m. any day of the week at 940-320-2000. Don't be a dummy--even if tickets don't sell out on the day of, you'll still save $3 with an advance purchase. -SM
Rather than prod him about his large box smothered with "FRAGILE" tags, I instead asked him about his latest venture: Sloppyworld, his forthcoming music venue/alternative shop in Exposition Park. You may remember Freeman as the man behind the brief New Amsterdam booking renaissance (the Beach House gig from a while back being a particular highlight). After parting ways with the bar, he decided to start a house of his own. In spite of some red tape, Freeman succeeded where the likes of Fat Daddy's failed, and the place is set to open "this summer" with what should be a solid booking mix of the beautiful and the bizarre. Considering I love Exposition Park about as much as I love everything Freeman's laid his insane hands upon around Dallas, I can't help but get excited about what Sloppyworld may do for local music. And since Freeman's an incredibly nice guy with good music connections, something tells me he won't have trouble fetching some unique and must-see out-of-town bills.
Note: This is actually among the tamer comics that Freeman has posted at Sloppyworld.com.
Whenever Freeman sends a firm update, I'll post any new information, but you'll find out sooner than I do if you befriend the venue's MySpace page. Hell, John may tell you more about the venue himself at his Friday night Cavern gig, where he'll share the stage with The Tah-Dahs, Laura Palmer and NYC's Vic Thrill.
TAKE NOTE: Looks like he'll also be performing on Saturday, April 28th, at the mega-huge Kittenpants birthday bash at Dan's Silverleaf, which will feature the incredibly entertaining combination of Denton legend Corn Mo and Coors' spokesman Andrew WK. Sadly, my May 3rd birthday will not see a concert anywhere near that level of insanity, so I'm just gonna pretend that's my b-day bash as well. Tickets are on sale for $12 if you call Dan's after 4 p.m. any day of the week at 940-320-2000. Don't be a dummy--even if tickets don't sell out on the day of, you'll still save $3 with an advance purchase. -SM
I Hate The Internet || April 16, 2007
Netscape won't allow me to upload videos, while YouTube's service doesn't sync the audio in my video files. I could use some help finding a good video upload/embed service on the web...in the meantime, here's a performance from The Naptime Shake's set on Friday at the Cavern. Since the video's so dark, you probably won't notice the sync trouble... -SM
Three Days To Rise || April 13-15
FRIDAY
Double Wide: The Happy Bullets / Red Monroe / Curtis Glenn Heath
The singer/accordionist of The Theater Fire plays another solo set tonight as the early (10 p.m.) opener on this bill, and he has a lot of non-TTF songs in his back pocket. His last set at Lakewood Bar & Grill was all kinds of excellent, and the other bands listed above are repeat offenders on Dd's faves list for good reason. The main headliners, however, are The Ramonalisas, and I strongly encourage those in attendance to leave before they play. Sorry, guys.
The Cavern: David Karsten Daniels / Arbouretum / The Naptime Shake
Tough choice for 10 p.m., as old friend and Dallas Observer writer Noah W. Bailey also plays an opening slot this evening. His backing band, already full of Pleasant Grove members, now also features Glen Farris on keys, and the Shake will only get better from here on out. Arbouretum's full-bodied stoner rock was hampered by sound hell at SXSW, so here's to hoping The Cavern can offer an improvement for those guys.
SATURDAY
Fry Street Fair (Denton Fairgrounds)... already posted about this. See frystreetfair.com for more.
MORE TO COME LATER
Double Wide: The Happy Bullets / Red Monroe / Curtis Glenn Heath
The singer/accordionist of The Theater Fire plays another solo set tonight as the early (10 p.m.) opener on this bill, and he has a lot of non-TTF songs in his back pocket. His last set at Lakewood Bar & Grill was all kinds of excellent, and the other bands listed above are repeat offenders on Dd's faves list for good reason. The main headliners, however, are The Ramonalisas, and I strongly encourage those in attendance to leave before they play. Sorry, guys.
The Cavern: David Karsten Daniels / Arbouretum / The Naptime Shake
Tough choice for 10 p.m., as old friend and Dallas Observer writer Noah W. Bailey also plays an opening slot this evening. His backing band, already full of Pleasant Grove members, now also features Glen Farris on keys, and the Shake will only get better from here on out. Arbouretum's full-bodied stoner rock was hampered by sound hell at SXSW, so here's to hoping The Cavern can offer an improvement for those guys.
SATURDAY
Fry Street Fair (Denton Fairgrounds)... already posted about this. See frystreetfair.com for more.
MORE TO COME LATER
Lucero Tickets || April 12, 2007
Welcome to Dd's first-ever legitimate giveaway, courtesy of the fine folks at Charles Attal Presents. They've offered our readers a shot at two pairs of tickets to next Thursday's Lucero/Catfish Haven show, and this is a bill that I'm pretty stoked about. The former is among the finer bands in the latest wave of southern rock, as they bend more toward the Slobberbonian side than the My Morning Jacket one, while Catfish Haven ripped it up at this year's SXSW with many promising showcases and new backing singers to boot.
To win, DO NOT reply to this thread. Instead, send an e-mail to bigdlittled@gmail.com with your full name enclosed, along with the answer to this stupidly simple Dd trivia question:
In last November's Bosque Brown interview, a photo is included. What is the photographer's name?
First two readers to correctly answer the question via e-mail will win two tickets to the Thursday, April 19 concert at Club Dada in the form of guestlist spots. I'll post the winners here once they've been chosen. G'luck!
To win, DO NOT reply to this thread. Instead, send an e-mail to bigdlittled@gmail.com with your full name enclosed, along with the answer to this stupidly simple Dd trivia question:
In last November's Bosque Brown interview, a photo is included. What is the photographer's name?
First two readers to correctly answer the question via e-mail will win two tickets to the Thursday, April 19 concert at Club Dada in the form of guestlist spots. I'll post the winners here once they've been chosen. G'luck!
Giveaway Coming... || April 11, 2007
Check Dd tomorrow for a chance to win a pair tickets to the Lucero/Catfish Haven show at Club Dada next week. What time's the Thursday giveaway? Dd's MySpace friends will find out later tonight. No purchase necessary; it'll be easy to win, as long as you're among the first two e-mailers to get the question right. See ya then! -SM
D Nuts || April 11, 2007
A few shows around town tonight:
First, Dd's favorite Kansasian-turned-Austinite Pink Nasty drives north to Hailey's, complete with her brand new band who played a fine set at this year's SXSW. Tonight, she'll be supported by two of Denton's finest: Current Leaves and Glen Farris. The latter has only played, erm, one gig around town that we know of, and lucky for you, I snapped video of the incredible September '06 set (click this link for video, which might not be ready to download until 1:30 today...stupid video upload service). Farris' songwriting ability needs to be seen around town a lot more often, so enjoy the video clip and then get to Hailey's early--9:30--to see his opening set and possibly encourage the guy.
Second, and much closer to our offices, is a CD release show at the Granada Theater from one of our favorite local MCs, King Ashoka. Though particularly aggressive, Ashoka steers clear of most generic aggro-rap pitfalls to tell honest stories that aren't compromised for any potential audience. (Better put: if DMX wasn't a stale, one-trick pony.) That resolve might doom him to non-fame as a result, which is a damn shame if his concerts are any indication. Sadly, Ashoka's yet to put a CD in our hands, but if the album turns out as well as I've hoped, I'll have a review up shortly.
And lastly, FtW gets a not-quite-must-see show at the Aardvark from The Freek Out, whose manic-depressive blend of Bowie, Byrne and, erm, college-funk has always intrigued me, if not won me over. Have fun with that, Jasun. -SM
First, Dd's favorite Kansasian-turned-Austinite Pink Nasty drives north to Hailey's, complete with her brand new band who played a fine set at this year's SXSW. Tonight, she'll be supported by two of Denton's finest: Current Leaves and Glen Farris. The latter has only played, erm, one gig around town that we know of, and lucky for you, I snapped video of the incredible September '06 set (click this link for video, which might not be ready to download until 1:30 today...stupid video upload service). Farris' songwriting ability needs to be seen around town a lot more often, so enjoy the video clip and then get to Hailey's early--9:30--to see his opening set and possibly encourage the guy.
Second, and much closer to our offices, is a CD release show at the Granada Theater from one of our favorite local MCs, King Ashoka. Though particularly aggressive, Ashoka steers clear of most generic aggro-rap pitfalls to tell honest stories that aren't compromised for any potential audience. (Better put: if DMX wasn't a stale, one-trick pony.) That resolve might doom him to non-fame as a result, which is a damn shame if his concerts are any indication. Sadly, Ashoka's yet to put a CD in our hands, but if the album turns out as well as I've hoped, I'll have a review up shortly.
And lastly, FtW gets a not-quite-must-see show at the Aardvark from The Freek Out, whose manic-depressive blend of Bowie, Byrne and, erm, college-funk has always intrigued me, if not won me over. Have fun with that, Jasun. -SM
FtW Nuts || April 10, 2007
Like last summer, Spune is invading Fort Worth every Thursday with shows on the patio of Central Market. This year's line up includes quite a few Dd favorites (The Drams, Glen Farris, Josh Weathers, The Weary Boys) and quite a few other acts we have been wanting to check out. The shows are early (from 6-9pm), free and always a blast.
The series kicks off this week with The Drams, Doug Burr and Greg Pherigo.
The rest of the line up is as follows:
Apr 19 Josh Davis & Josh Weather's Band
Apr 26 The Campaign / ODI S / The Wonderful Façade
May 3 Boys Named Sue / High School Ceaser
May 10 Country Fried Soul / Sleep Lab
May 17 Backside Pick / Snarky Puppy
May 24 The Weary Boys
May 31 The Burning Hotels / The Lemurs / The Stock Market Crash
Jun 7 The Killdares
Jun 14 Big Daddy Alright
Jun 21 Pablo and the Hemphill Seven
Jun 28 Brave Combo
Jul 5 Dylan Sneed / Telegraph Canyon / Glendon Farris
Jul 17 Goodwin
Jul 26 Stephen Pointer / Bobby Duncan
Aug 2 Bois D'arcs / Mandy Hutchins
Aug 9 White Ghost Shivers
The series kicks off this week with The Drams, Doug Burr and Greg Pherigo.
The rest of the line up is as follows:
Apr 19 Josh Davis & Josh Weather's Band
Apr 26 The Campaign / ODI S / The Wonderful Façade
May 3 Boys Named Sue / High School Ceaser
May 10 Country Fried Soul / Sleep Lab
May 17 Backside Pick / Snarky Puppy
May 24 The Weary Boys
May 31 The Burning Hotels / The Lemurs / The Stock Market Crash
Jun 7 The Killdares
Jun 14 Big Daddy Alright
Jun 21 Pablo and the Hemphill Seven
Jun 28 Brave Combo
Jul 5 Dylan Sneed / Telegraph Canyon / Glendon Farris
Jul 17 Goodwin
Jul 26 Stephen Pointer / Bobby Duncan
Aug 2 Bois D'arcs / Mandy Hutchins
Aug 9 White Ghost Shivers
Centro Nuts || April 9, 2007
Centro-matic completists, take note: Operation Motorcide has been loosed.
...it's blurry but that's all we got. Stupid Euros.
Last year's chart-topping Fort Recovery LP was originally planned as a double-disc affair, only to be trimmed of 11 songs. Three of those saw release overseas and on American vinyl versions, while the final chunk of songs is now available on an EP through Houston Party Records--the European label that brought us that fantastic Centro cover song last year.
But if overseas shipping isn't your bag, you can get a hard copy of Operation from this California shop or wait for the iTunes release, which bassist/guitarist Mark Hedman says could come as soon as this week. This Centro-matic forum thread also has some interesting details from Hedman about Fort Recovery's original tracklist, and he waxes a bit here about the group's next big release--a potential double LP that's split halfway between Centro-matic songs and South San Gabriel songs. Strings and trumpets? Bring it.
Anyway, after listening to this, it's obvious that lead singer Will Johnson writes too many good songs; "A Celebrated Grime" is as good as everyone else raves, a potential must-play for the band's concerts. During SXSW, I asked Johnson about what hopes fans should have for a box set someday full of rarities and one-offs, and he has unofficially insisted that such a project is actually underway. Though that's an easier-said-than-done deal in all respects, we'll keep hounding the man until our dreams become reality. Until then, this EP is a nice slab of leftover gold from the band's archives.
(Note: Cheapies can visit the band's MySpace page for some Operation samples.) -SM
...it's blurry but that's all we got. Stupid Euros.
Last year's chart-topping Fort Recovery LP was originally planned as a double-disc affair, only to be trimmed of 11 songs. Three of those saw release overseas and on American vinyl versions, while the final chunk of songs is now available on an EP through Houston Party Records--the European label that brought us that fantastic Centro cover song last year.
But if overseas shipping isn't your bag, you can get a hard copy of Operation from this California shop or wait for the iTunes release, which bassist/guitarist Mark Hedman says could come as soon as this week. This Centro-matic forum thread also has some interesting details from Hedman about Fort Recovery's original tracklist, and he waxes a bit here about the group's next big release--a potential double LP that's split halfway between Centro-matic songs and South San Gabriel songs. Strings and trumpets? Bring it.
Anyway, after listening to this, it's obvious that lead singer Will Johnson writes too many good songs; "A Celebrated Grime" is as good as everyone else raves, a potential must-play for the band's concerts. During SXSW, I asked Johnson about what hopes fans should have for a box set someday full of rarities and one-offs, and he has unofficially insisted that such a project is actually underway. Though that's an easier-said-than-done deal in all respects, we'll keep hounding the man until our dreams become reality. Until then, this EP is a nice slab of leftover gold from the band's archives.
(Note: Cheapies can visit the band's MySpace page for some Operation samples.) -SM
CD Review || April 6, 2007
Looks like I'm not the only one who can't finish a CD review in time...here's Jasun's abbreviated take on Tin Can Communicate by Tame...Tame & Quiet, which sees release today in the form of two CD release shows this weekend--see Three Days To Rise below for locations. (By the way, my take is pretty similar to Jasun's; this debut album, while relatively demanding, is a pretty rewarding disc for a local group to pull off. Recommended.) -SM
CD REVIEW: Tin Can Communicate (self-released), Tame...Tame & Quiet
I am often accused of having "good old day syndrome." Yeah, I think the best period of local music (hell, independent music as a whole) was the mid to late '90s...so sue me. That was a time when dissonant, jazz-influenced "math" rockers June of 44, Polvo and Hoover were ruling the indie-rock world and bands like Wiring Prank and Deadpan were doing their best to carry the local flag. But it seemed that with the death of Denton's favorite club, The Argo, so died that part of the scene.
In just 44 minutes, singer/guitarist Aaron Bartz, guitarist Darren Miller and drummer Boyd Dixon manage to both take you back to that period and push you in a direction that can be nothing other than the future. The album opens with the loopy discordant guitar lines of "I Am a French Police," which sounds more like a clinic in music theory than an actual song--but in the best way imaginable. That's not to say that TT&Q abandon melody altogether. The grooves that are hit in "What You Have Read" and "Go Get the Ghost" are first-rate head nodders at the very least. The final song, the title track, takes you on a 7:30 roller coaster ride that showcases every musical weapon in the band's arsenal.
While at times it can be a tough listen, Communicate seems to beg for your patience. The beautiful part is that it never really needs to. -Jasun Lee
CD REVIEW: Tin Can Communicate (self-released), Tame...Tame & Quiet
I am often accused of having "good old day syndrome." Yeah, I think the best period of local music (hell, independent music as a whole) was the mid to late '90s...so sue me. That was a time when dissonant, jazz-influenced "math" rockers June of 44, Polvo and Hoover were ruling the indie-rock world and bands like Wiring Prank and Deadpan were doing their best to carry the local flag. But it seemed that with the death of Denton's favorite club, The Argo, so died that part of the scene.
In just 44 minutes, singer/guitarist Aaron Bartz, guitarist Darren Miller and drummer Boyd Dixon manage to both take you back to that period and push you in a direction that can be nothing other than the future. The album opens with the loopy discordant guitar lines of "I Am a French Police," which sounds more like a clinic in music theory than an actual song--but in the best way imaginable. That's not to say that TT&Q abandon melody altogether. The grooves that are hit in "What You Have Read" and "Go Get the Ghost" are first-rate head nodders at the very least. The final song, the title track, takes you on a 7:30 roller coaster ride that showcases every musical weapon in the band's arsenal.
While at times it can be a tough listen, Communicate seems to beg for your patience. The beautiful part is that it never really needs to. -Jasun Lee
Three Days to Rise || April 6-8, 2007
The new NIN record has dominated my stereo for a good three days now--and I'm not some diehard NIN guy or anything. I just think the guy has really made an incredible pop-rock record this time. Trent's giving it away in free, high-quality streams right now.
Oh, you wanted weekend concert info?
FRIDAY: The Deep Ellum Arts Festival rolls into town for three days, but sadly, only today includes a musical act that comes close to "must-see": Voice Rock, a local MC who takes the "Ballyhoo" stage at 7 p.m. The guy's incredible--many steps above most of his local peers with a musicality to his flow that recalls the best of '80s NYC underground, and the cuts on his MySpace page are just a hint of what his forthcoming EP will deliver later this month. Still, his close association with snore against the machine funk-rockers Blunt Force Crew is a head-scritcher.
Otherwise, Dallas is pretty dry tonight, while Denton sees Chris Garver headline at Secret HQ, and Ft. Worth's Chat Room hosts the first CD release party for Tame...Tame & Quiet (check later today for Jasun's review of the disc).
SATURDAY: TT&Q continues its CD release warpath at The Cavern with Black Lights opening. On the other side of town, Pleasant Grove plays at the Barley House's 14th anniversary party, which probably means classics like "Nothing This Beautiful" will be worked up for the occasion. [An aside--bassist Tony Hormillosa told me the other night that the band is once again in talks with California label Badman to release the group's next album, which might be a sign that the damn thing will be finished soon.]
In Denton, Rubber Gloves houses the We Shot JR-approved local weird-a-rama of The Undoing of David Wright (who I find more obnoxious than exhilarating), Eat Avery's Bones (who I find more exhilarating than obnoxious) and Ghost Hustler (new 8-bit popmakers who have yet to prove themselves on stage, and they won't have the tech and graphics of Tree Wave to help with a compelling live performance). Or you could see touring act Fu Manchu at Hailey's. You could also commit suicide, though. They're both options.
SUNDAY: Yo La Tengo at the Granada. Ohio band Times New Viking opens, and it'll be interesting to see if they play live in a tin can as well. Later that night, Here, In Arms performs for free at the Barley. Oh, and on the third day, he is risen? I dunno, I had to look it up on Wikipedia. -SM
Oh, you wanted weekend concert info?
FRIDAY: The Deep Ellum Arts Festival rolls into town for three days, but sadly, only today includes a musical act that comes close to "must-see": Voice Rock, a local MC who takes the "Ballyhoo" stage at 7 p.m. The guy's incredible--many steps above most of his local peers with a musicality to his flow that recalls the best of '80s NYC underground, and the cuts on his MySpace page are just a hint of what his forthcoming EP will deliver later this month. Still, his close association with snore against the machine funk-rockers Blunt Force Crew is a head-scritcher.
Otherwise, Dallas is pretty dry tonight, while Denton sees Chris Garver headline at Secret HQ, and Ft. Worth's Chat Room hosts the first CD release party for Tame...Tame & Quiet (check later today for Jasun's review of the disc).
SATURDAY: TT&Q continues its CD release warpath at The Cavern with Black Lights opening. On the other side of town, Pleasant Grove plays at the Barley House's 14th anniversary party, which probably means classics like "Nothing This Beautiful" will be worked up for the occasion. [An aside--bassist Tony Hormillosa told me the other night that the band is once again in talks with California label Badman to release the group's next album, which might be a sign that the damn thing will be finished soon.]
In Denton, Rubber Gloves houses the We Shot JR-approved local weird-a-rama of The Undoing of David Wright (who I find more obnoxious than exhilarating), Eat Avery's Bones (who I find more exhilarating than obnoxious) and Ghost Hustler (new 8-bit popmakers who have yet to prove themselves on stage, and they won't have the tech and graphics of Tree Wave to help with a compelling live performance). Or you could see touring act Fu Manchu at Hailey's. You could also commit suicide, though. They're both options.
SUNDAY: Yo La Tengo at the Granada. Ohio band Times New Viking opens, and it'll be interesting to see if they play live in a tin can as well. Later that night, Here, In Arms performs for free at the Barley. Oh, and on the third day, he is risen? I dunno, I had to look it up on Wikipedia. -SM
d Nuts || April 5, 2007
Fry Street Fair 2007 was announced a while ago, scheduled for April 14 at the Denton Fairgrounds, but today sees the fest's official schedule finally crawling through the tubes. There's no official FSF'07 site, so we're happy to take some of the cred by copying and pasting the schedule:
Main stage
noon-12:35 KHORINA VEGA
12:50-1:25 ADVENT
1:40-2:15 CONGRATULATIONS
2:30-3:05 TAME...TAME AND QUIET
3:20-3:55 CURRENT LEAVES
4:10-4:50 SHAOLIN DEATH SQUAD
5:05-5:45 SPITFIRE TUMBLEWEEDS
6:00-6:45 JETSCREAMER
7:00-7:45 RECORD HOP
8:00-9:00 THE DRAMS
Stage 2
12:50-1:25 KNEE PAD
1:40-2:15 WHITE DRUGS
2:30-3:05 LITTLE BIG HORN
3:20-3:55 MESCALERO
4:10-4:50 BLOOD OF THE SUN
5:05-5:45 RED MONROE
6:00-6:45 JOINTMETHOD
7:00-7:45 MAD MEXICANS
8:00-9:00 PPT
Stage 3
noon-12:35 FATTY POINDEXTER
12:50-1:25 Battle of the Bands WINNER
1:40-2:15 J.PRICE
2:30-3:05 THE DEMIGS
3:20-3:55 SPACE CADET
4:10-4:50 ROSE COUNTY FAIR
5:05-5:45 POPS CARTER & THE FUNKMONSTERS
6:00-6:45 SLEEZUS FIST W/ THE SIDECAR GIRLS
7:00-8:00 PINEBOX SERENADE
HIP-HOP STAGE
1:00-1:30 MOOKIE PETERSON
1:45-2:15 T-LIT & TLP
2:30-3:15 L.I.G.H.T.
3:15-3:45 FAB DUECE
4:00-4:45 VORTEXAS
5:00-5:45 CLEATUS BLACKFOOT
6:00-6:45 BOONDOX
7:00-8:00 LIQUID BOUNCE
In addition, everyone's favorite local wrestling troupe--or at least mine--brings the pain for between-gigs entertainment, and there'll be some burlesque show as well. Thankfully, no Roller Derby crap is on the schedule.
The last time I saw a show at the Fairgrounds was the '05 Wake Up Fest, and the place was perfect for a sunny, all-day music event, complete with food options and scattered seating. This lineup is a damn treat as well, deserving of the "something for everyone" tagline in terms of local diversity--along with quality, though there are also a bunch of acts I've never heard of that I'll be curious to see. Tickets are a ridiculously cheap $5 if bought in advance at the Delta House or the UNT Union; otherwise, pay $10 at the door on the 14th. Calendars? Marked. -SM
Main stage
noon-12:35 KHORINA VEGA
12:50-1:25 ADVENT
1:40-2:15 CONGRATULATIONS
2:30-3:05 TAME...TAME AND QUIET
3:20-3:55 CURRENT LEAVES
4:10-4:50 SHAOLIN DEATH SQUAD
5:05-5:45 SPITFIRE TUMBLEWEEDS
6:00-6:45 JETSCREAMER
7:00-7:45 RECORD HOP
8:00-9:00 THE DRAMS
Stage 2
12:50-1:25 KNEE PAD
1:40-2:15 WHITE DRUGS
2:30-3:05 LITTLE BIG HORN
3:20-3:55 MESCALERO
4:10-4:50 BLOOD OF THE SUN
5:05-5:45 RED MONROE
6:00-6:45 JOINTMETHOD
7:00-7:45 MAD MEXICANS
8:00-9:00 PPT
Stage 3
noon-12:35 FATTY POINDEXTER
12:50-1:25 Battle of the Bands WINNER
1:40-2:15 J.PRICE
2:30-3:05 THE DEMIGS
3:20-3:55 SPACE CADET
4:10-4:50 ROSE COUNTY FAIR
5:05-5:45 POPS CARTER & THE FUNKMONSTERS
6:00-6:45 SLEEZUS FIST W/ THE SIDECAR GIRLS
7:00-8:00 PINEBOX SERENADE
HIP-HOP STAGE
1:00-1:30 MOOKIE PETERSON
1:45-2:15 T-LIT & TLP
2:30-3:15 L.I.G.H.T.
3:15-3:45 FAB DUECE
4:00-4:45 VORTEXAS
5:00-5:45 CLEATUS BLACKFOOT
6:00-6:45 BOONDOX
7:00-8:00 LIQUID BOUNCE
In addition, everyone's favorite local wrestling troupe--or at least mine--brings the pain for between-gigs entertainment, and there'll be some burlesque show as well. Thankfully, no Roller Derby crap is on the schedule.
The last time I saw a show at the Fairgrounds was the '05 Wake Up Fest, and the place was perfect for a sunny, all-day music event, complete with food options and scattered seating. This lineup is a damn treat as well, deserving of the "something for everyone" tagline in terms of local diversity--along with quality, though there are also a bunch of acts I've never heard of that I'll be curious to see. Tickets are a ridiculously cheap $5 if bought in advance at the Delta House or the UNT Union; otherwise, pay $10 at the door on the 14th. Calendars? Marked. -SM
I Was a Lover || April 4, 2007
TV on the Radio play the Granada Theater tonight. Needless to say, we are giddy as all get out. Rarely is there a band that everyone in the Dd office agrees on, but we like this show so much we are closing shop early today.
TVOTR have released 2.5 of my 5 (or so) favorite albums in the zero zeros and they are known to up their ante big time when playing live.
Get there early (show starts at 8) to see the Noisettes who, according to a pal in San Diego, nearly stole the show from TVOTR this past Sunday night.
Also....
Former good half of 102.1's The Adventure Club and one of the main reasons we miss The Met, Keven McAlester's film You're Gonna Miss Me has been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary.
The doc, which is about the demise of Austin's own 13th Floor Elevators front man Roky Erickson, has been gathering accolades at fests from Denmark to New Zealand to the Jury Prize at the London International Film Festival.
Here is the trailer:
TVOTR have released 2.5 of my 5 (or so) favorite albums in the zero zeros and they are known to up their ante big time when playing live.
Get there early (show starts at 8) to see the Noisettes who, according to a pal in San Diego, nearly stole the show from TVOTR this past Sunday night.
Also....
Former good half of 102.1's The Adventure Club and one of the main reasons we miss The Met, Keven McAlester's film You're Gonna Miss Me has been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary.
The doc, which is about the demise of Austin's own 13th Floor Elevators front man Roky Erickson, has been gathering accolades at fests from Denmark to New Zealand to the Jury Prize at the London International Film Festival.
Here is the trailer:
Beer Nuts || April 4, 2007
Guess Thor and Noah can stop worrying about clanking beer bottles being a problem at the Gypsy Tea Room of the future. -SM
Tonight || April 2, 2007
At 8p.m., Dallas' the pAper chAse performs at the Granada Theater before Austin's Explosions in the Sky headlines. Jasun, post a comment about how much you love Explosions. You'll say it better than I can.
Though the Granada site says it's sold out...something tells me they just might have tickets at the door. They aren't kidding about the early start time, though, so don't dilly dally. -SM
Though the Granada site says it's sold out...something tells me they just might have tickets at the door. They aren't kidding about the early start time, though, so don't dilly dally. -SM
Re: Gypsy || April 2, 2007
Whenever I get frustrated about recent local music coverage, I'm always comforted by Thor Christensen. The fact that our city's scenes have had this out-of-touch fogey hanging on for so long is like the local music version of ma and apple pie--you can always count on him to write crap like this.
In short, Thor blames the downfall of the Gypsy Tea Room on its inability to see the bands and its loud patrons. Uh, Thor? Try going to any GTR concert in the past four months, many of which were filled to near-capacity--those people STILL didn't mind the issues that you so confidently boast brought the house down.
What's really sad is how much of a "kick them while they're down" piece this really is. For the sake of his argument, Thor ignores the venue's mid-level capacity and intimacy, things that will always amplify crowd noise, beer clanging and "why'd that tall guy stand in front of me" issues. Yeah, those things could be annoying, but the room wasn't some hushed singer-songwriter haven...nor was it the goddamned Nokia. You didn't have to stare at dozens of ads and cell phone kiosks while sauntering in to stand 40 feet from your favorite bands.
The room had its problems, obviously, but the GTR still deserved credit. Thor proves himself a coward many times more than a critic this week. Shame on you. -SM
In short, Thor blames the downfall of the Gypsy Tea Room on its inability to see the bands and its loud patrons. Uh, Thor? Try going to any GTR concert in the past four months, many of which were filled to near-capacity--those people STILL didn't mind the issues that you so confidently boast brought the house down.
What's really sad is how much of a "kick them while they're down" piece this really is. For the sake of his argument, Thor ignores the venue's mid-level capacity and intimacy, things that will always amplify crowd noise, beer clanging and "why'd that tall guy stand in front of me" issues. Yeah, those things could be annoying, but the room wasn't some hushed singer-songwriter haven...nor was it the goddamned Nokia. You didn't have to stare at dozens of ads and cell phone kiosks while sauntering in to stand 40 feet from your favorite bands.
The room had its problems, obviously, but the GTR still deserved credit. Thor proves himself a coward many times more than a critic this week. Shame on you. -SM
Post-Fool's || April 1, 2007
Here's to hoping you haven't lost all trust in the Dd (do you really think I'd bury a Funland reunion story in an April Fool's Day concert list?).
Two relatively notable things went down this weekend; on Friday night, I was blown away by Karrie Hopper, an Austin songwriter who performed before Eaton Lake Tonics at the Cavern. Though her performance was problematic--by the end of the night, she couldn't find a note if you handed it to her--the songwriting rose above her nervousness. Her poetry and vocal delivery create a touching combination of wonder and disappointment, and anyone with an affinity for current Austin folk-weirdos like Peter and the Wolf would be nuts to miss her record, An Unusual Move. (Eaton Lake Tonics, meanwhile, followed with a short solo set that seemed more indebted to Brent Best and Will Johnson than inspired by. Solid, at least.)
Meanwhile, The Great Tyrant stole my five dollars on Saturday. I showed up too late to catch Wanz Dover's latest band, War Wizards, and was also too late to ask him about the awful van wreck that he was in a few weeks back. Looked like he was okay, though. Thirty minutes later, TGT, fronted by ex-Pointy Shoe Factory member Daron Beck, took the stage and drilled through a gothic waltz-dirge of repetition and noise...and after that first song, they cleared out. Turns out the drummer tore a hole through his snare head.
Come on. This was at the Double Wide, the kind of venue where people probably won't give two shits if a drummer replaces a snare drum with, say, a tom. (Note: Nobody else had a snare drum to offer, as the rest of the acts all used drum machines. And they say technology makes our lives easier...)
At any rate, I've seen bands act rude and immature...but cutting out after just one song is probably the most annoying thing I've seen at a show. People came to your gig instead of picking from plenty of other nightlife options--for example, Nouns Group's show at Rubber Gloves that night, which was given incredibly high kudos by a trusted associate. The least you could do is give those showgoers what they paid for. Lame. -SM
Two relatively notable things went down this weekend; on Friday night, I was blown away by Karrie Hopper, an Austin songwriter who performed before Eaton Lake Tonics at the Cavern. Though her performance was problematic--by the end of the night, she couldn't find a note if you handed it to her--the songwriting rose above her nervousness. Her poetry and vocal delivery create a touching combination of wonder and disappointment, and anyone with an affinity for current Austin folk-weirdos like Peter and the Wolf would be nuts to miss her record, An Unusual Move. (Eaton Lake Tonics, meanwhile, followed with a short solo set that seemed more indebted to Brent Best and Will Johnson than inspired by. Solid, at least.)
Meanwhile, The Great Tyrant stole my five dollars on Saturday. I showed up too late to catch Wanz Dover's latest band, War Wizards, and was also too late to ask him about the awful van wreck that he was in a few weeks back. Looked like he was okay, though. Thirty minutes later, TGT, fronted by ex-Pointy Shoe Factory member Daron Beck, took the stage and drilled through a gothic waltz-dirge of repetition and noise...and after that first song, they cleared out. Turns out the drummer tore a hole through his snare head.
Come on. This was at the Double Wide, the kind of venue where people probably won't give two shits if a drummer replaces a snare drum with, say, a tom. (Note: Nobody else had a snare drum to offer, as the rest of the acts all used drum machines. And they say technology makes our lives easier...)
At any rate, I've seen bands act rude and immature...but cutting out after just one song is probably the most annoying thing I've seen at a show. People came to your gig instead of picking from plenty of other nightlife options--for example, Nouns Group's show at Rubber Gloves that night, which was given incredibly high kudos by a trusted associate. The least you could do is give those showgoers what they paid for. Lame. -SM