Busy || June 29, 2007
I'm writing about Seattle's forthcoming edition of the Rock Lottery for a nearby publication, which means I'm busy. We Shot JR should be of service. -SM
Fried Street || June 28, 2007
It's not really music-related, but Dd makes an exception for burn-downs and potential arson...and the fiery end of Denton's Flying Tomato (video above) fits at least one of those categories. Surely this story will make the local news/blog rounds for the morning and be forgotten by most by 1 p.m., but it makes a sick sense that Fry Street's current state of teardowns and gentrification got a shot in the arm.
Photo by Rhonda Boaz
The info is courtesy of a frantic text message late this evening from our friends at Kittenpants along with updates at the Denton Rock City forums. The latter has plenty more info and photos, so we'll step out of the way for now... but if we find out that Built to Spill started the fire, we'll report ASAP. -SM
Tickets || June 27, 2007
Thanks to Fast Lane Concerts and Spune Productions, we have two pairs of Supersuckers tickets to give away for Friday's show at the Curtain Club. This AZ quartet is not our favorite band, but we had a Supersuckers phase in college, and we had much worse phases in college. (No, not that bad. This bad.)
If you're interested, send an e-mail with the subject "Supersuckers" to bigdlittled@gmail.com. Winners will be picked at random from the pool of names at 12 p.m. CST tomorrow. Good luck! -SM
If you're interested, send an e-mail with the subject "Supersuckers" to bigdlittled@gmail.com. Winners will be picked at random from the pool of names at 12 p.m. CST tomorrow. Good luck! -SM
Other Sites || June 27, 2007
Worthwhile music reads from around town:
Last night, We Shot JR posted a must-read piece on Sloppyworld, the soon-to-come music venue in Exposition Park helmed by local legend John Freeman. It's a very well done, informative article, so I won't bother summarizing it. Read it now.
And Monday saw a pretty comprehensive local music news pileup courtesy of the Observer's Noah W. Bailey. From Cartright sadness to quite a gig for Centro-matic's Will Johnson, it's a nice chunk of words from arguably the paper's best music writer right now.
Ticket giveaway to come later today. Supersuckers, I think. Keep yer eyes peeled. -SM
Last night, We Shot JR posted a must-read piece on Sloppyworld, the soon-to-come music venue in Exposition Park helmed by local legend John Freeman. It's a very well done, informative article, so I won't bother summarizing it. Read it now.
And Monday saw a pretty comprehensive local music news pileup courtesy of the Observer's Noah W. Bailey. From Cartright sadness to quite a gig for Centro-matic's Will Johnson, it's a nice chunk of words from arguably the paper's best music writer right now.
Ticket giveaway to come later today. Supersuckers, I think. Keep yer eyes peeled. -SM
Tonight || June 26, 2007
The members of Current Leaves must be concerned about the lack of promotion for their gig at the Palladium Loft tonight, as Denton's best Merle-leaning act has gone to Pikahsso-level lengths to clusterfuck MySpace with plugs for the show. They, along with Dd faves Dove Hunter, open for a ho-hum California act by the name of Great Northern.
I tried to seek out more info about the gig, including times and price, but according to the Palladium site, this show doesn't even exist. With that in mind, I can see why the guys in Current Leaves would get persnickety. What I've gathered as of now is a start time of roughly 9:30 p.m., a ticket price of $8 and a parking price of $10. Methinks the South Lamar streets will be barren enough on a Tuesday night to find a free street spot, but still...think about carpooling. -SM
EDIT: Chris says in the comments board that parking is free for Loft shows. I can't vouch for it, but if you hate the people you were going to carpool with, it is an option.
I tried to seek out more info about the gig, including times and price, but according to the Palladium site, this show doesn't even exist. With that in mind, I can see why the guys in Current Leaves would get persnickety. What I've gathered as of now is a start time of roughly 9:30 p.m., a ticket price of $8 and a parking price of $10. Methinks the South Lamar streets will be barren enough on a Tuesday night to find a free street spot, but still...think about carpooling. -SM
EDIT: Chris says in the comments board that parking is free for Loft shows. I can't vouch for it, but if you hate the people you were going to carpool with, it is an option.
What You Missed || June 25, 2007
Saturday's concert by The New Year saw a few interesting things--namely, the first new songs from the brothers Kadane in years (one of which is posted right here). But I managed to be overwhelmed by something that most other people might call inconsequential: the presence of Clark Vogeler and Peter Schmidt in the band.
"We haven't played on a stage together in 11 years," Schmidt says, and it's probably as close as Dallas music fans will get to a Funland reunion for the foreseeable future. The pop-rock trio's paths diverged greatly after Funland broke up in the '90s--Schmidt had LCC, Vogeler had/has The Toadies, and drummer Will Johnson started a little something called Centro-matic--and efforts to entice a reunion have failed consistently over the years. Of course, the night had nothing to do with Funland; The New Year needed someone to fill in on guitar for a brief west coast tour, Vogeler lives in California while working on video editing projects (Project Runway, etc.), and Schmidt called the old friend. But I almost found myself requesting "Impala." How I restrained myself, I'll never know.
"For the first few days of the tour, I was nervous, just trying to learn the songs," Vogeler says. "But tonight's show was the last one of the tour. I was comfortable, and I got to finally sit back and listen." It's an apt description of The New Year's set--four guitarists lay out the kind of melodies that others would rig up a pedal kit to work up, and the band's ability to drop ego and let each other's parts work together results in a guitar tone that you rarely hear in concert. Beautiful stuff; The New Year will begin recording its next record with Steve Albini in August with hopes for a CD release within a year after that.
In addition, I'll have more on Schmidt's latest endeavors either this week or next. -SM
D Nuts || June 23, 2007
Years have gone by since Dallas' Sara Radle made a big hullabaloo about joining synth-pop legends The Rentals; for over a year, all we've seen of it are live takes on "Friends of P." But behold! A new song has finally risen from the Moog mist at The Rentals' MySpace page, the opening track of their EP which sees digital release next week (and mainstream release in August). Any good? Eh. It's not the song I expected after seeing the "reunited" Rentals in concert last year, but we'll try to track down a copy of the EP next week and see if the rest is any better. -SM
Four Days To Rise || June 22-25, 2007
(DdCal isn't completely updated as of noon CST. After running errands today, I'll be back to beef it up, unless Jasun is compelled to save me some trouble and add the fucking Coolio / Tone Loc / Color Me Badd concert on Saturday.)
FRIDAY
The Cavern: Sarah Reddington / Tim Seely / Eyes, Wings & Many Other Things
Denton's rising college-tinted popsters SR handle quite a headlining slot; the main opener, Tim Seely, will be better known to 12 of you as the lead singer of Actual Tigers, a band that blew me away lonnnng ago at SXSW '02. Before him is Eyes Wings..., a quartet with members of The Theater Fire and Pegasus Now. Though this might seem like a cop-out description, the band really does sound like a halfway cross between those. And that's fine by me.
Rubber Gloves: Spitfire Tumbleweeds / Silver Arrows / Tame...Tame & Quiet / The Night Game
Not sure if The Silver Arrows are as good as when they left Denton for NYC a year or two ago, but Dentonheads should feel compelled to catch this rare glimpse. Rest of the lineup is made up of usual recommendations. Except for The Night Game.
SATURDAY
Granada Theater: Polyphonic Spree
I'll be honest--I'm not as into their live set as years past, and it's not just the robe change. Something in the original project's grandeur has been lost...but the best moments of a Spree show still outdo 99% of touring bands in America, so hate on, haters.
Lee Harvey's: White Ghost Shivers
The Lee Harvey's outdoor patio is probably the best place to see these Austin vaudevillians...mostly because there's no cover.
SUNDAY
Dallas Arboretum: Trout Fishing in America
...I'm only posting this because my buddy's goofy dad really likes TFiA. Poor guy. Does he like Raffi too, Mike?
Barley House: Glen Reynolds
Free chance to hear material from In Between Days in concert. The Sunday night scene at the Barley is as close as the bar gets to its golden Knox/Henderson days, so at the very least, attend for a good crowd and friendly bartenders.
-- Addition from Jasun --
Fort Worth Weekly Awards Showcase - Free
Venues - 8.0, McDavid Studio (in the Bass Hall), Embargo, Pour House, Flying Saucer
30 bands scattered around downtown Fort Worth. Check out the Weekly for details, but my picks for this thing are Dove Hunter (4pm McDavid Studio), Tame Tame & Quiet (9pm McDavid Studio), 100 Damn Guns (6pm Pour House) and PPT (7pm 8.0).
MONDAY
Hailey's: Battles
I'm crazy-nuts for this band's record. Someone let me know how this show turns out...seeing them in Seattle in a coupl'a weeks.
Rubber Gloves: Jana Hunter / oveo
Considering that crowded shows at Hailey's often result in being unable to see the entire band, this might be one helluvan alternative. Jana had a shitty SXSW showcase, but I'm confident that this'll be a compelling show.
...please reply with other show picks. -SM
FRIDAY
The Cavern: Sarah Reddington / Tim Seely / Eyes, Wings & Many Other Things
Denton's rising college-tinted popsters SR handle quite a headlining slot; the main opener, Tim Seely, will be better known to 12 of you as the lead singer of Actual Tigers, a band that blew me away lonnnng ago at SXSW '02. Before him is Eyes Wings..., a quartet with members of The Theater Fire and Pegasus Now. Though this might seem like a cop-out description, the band really does sound like a halfway cross between those. And that's fine by me.
Rubber Gloves: Spitfire Tumbleweeds / Silver Arrows / Tame...Tame & Quiet / The Night Game
Not sure if The Silver Arrows are as good as when they left Denton for NYC a year or two ago, but Dentonheads should feel compelled to catch this rare glimpse. Rest of the lineup is made up of usual recommendations. Except for The Night Game.
SATURDAY
Granada Theater: Polyphonic Spree
I'll be honest--I'm not as into their live set as years past, and it's not just the robe change. Something in the original project's grandeur has been lost...but the best moments of a Spree show still outdo 99% of touring bands in America, so hate on, haters.
Lee Harvey's: White Ghost Shivers
The Lee Harvey's outdoor patio is probably the best place to see these Austin vaudevillians...mostly because there's no cover.
SUNDAY
Dallas Arboretum: Trout Fishing in America
...I'm only posting this because my buddy's goofy dad really likes TFiA. Poor guy. Does he like Raffi too, Mike?
Barley House: Glen Reynolds
Free chance to hear material from In Between Days in concert. The Sunday night scene at the Barley is as close as the bar gets to its golden Knox/Henderson days, so at the very least, attend for a good crowd and friendly bartenders.
-- Addition from Jasun --
Fort Worth Weekly Awards Showcase - Free
Venues - 8.0, McDavid Studio (in the Bass Hall), Embargo, Pour House, Flying Saucer
30 bands scattered around downtown Fort Worth. Check out the Weekly for details, but my picks for this thing are Dove Hunter (4pm McDavid Studio), Tame Tame & Quiet (9pm McDavid Studio), 100 Damn Guns (6pm Pour House) and PPT (7pm 8.0).
MONDAY
Hailey's: Battles
I'm crazy-nuts for this band's record. Someone let me know how this show turns out...seeing them in Seattle in a coupl'a weeks.
Rubber Gloves: Jana Hunter / oveo
Considering that crowded shows at Hailey's often result in being unable to see the entire band, this might be one helluvan alternative. Jana had a shitty SXSW showcase, but I'm confident that this'll be a compelling show.
...please reply with other show picks. -SM
d Nuts || June 21, 2007
Today's Denton Record-Chronicle looks at the decline of the Delta Lodge, creators of the formerly venerable Fry Street Fair. The story seems all too familiar, ringing of the same already-obvious decline that Deep Ellum stories of the past couple of years have reeked of, and anybody who attended this year's FSF can't be surprised by the news that the Fair's a goner.
Unlike Deep Ellum, though, the gentrification of a zone isn't killing off the city's creative juices. Regular readers here know that the infrastructure that fosters and encourages music around Denton has not died but shifted--not a surprise in a college town. It's sad to see the Delta Lodge going through woes and selling off the symbolic house, but the city's overall vibe is nowhere near Jonanna Widner's confused tour through Deep Ellum in this week's Observer. So Denton definitely has that going for it. -SM
Unlike Deep Ellum, though, the gentrification of a zone isn't killing off the city's creative juices. Regular readers here know that the infrastructure that fosters and encourages music around Denton has not died but shifted--not a surprise in a college town. It's sad to see the Delta Lodge going through woes and selling off the symbolic house, but the city's overall vibe is nowhere near Jonanna Widner's confused tour through Deep Ellum in this week's Observer. So Denton definitely has that going for it. -SM
What You Missed || June 21, 2007
Dd's Seattle chapter welcomes all North Texan performers, and if you want proof, here's a clip of Kristy Kruger's Tuesday night performance at a barren bar in Olympia, WA. This was the last stop of her national memorial tour for her brother, who died in his first day of duty in Iraq last year. I have to thank Robert Wilonsky for hipping me to this gig all the way from Dallas.
This weekend finds Shearwater and The New Year wandering through my neck of the woods...the latter rarely plays even in Dallas, so I'm stoked. Will have video for either/both of those shows on here next week if the digital camera can withstand the noise. -SM
More on WoSF || June 21, 2007
Just got another e-mail from Spune Productions. Four more acts have been added to September's Wall of Sound Festival 2007:
OM (duo formed by the rhythm section of the disbanded stoner-doom metal band Sleep)
LYMBYC SYSTYM (Austin/Phoenix / Mush Records)
THE BAPTIST GENERALS (Denton / Sub Pop)
THE TIMEOUT DRAWER (Chicago / Consumers Research)
More national and local acts will be announced within a week or so. From the look of it, Spune Productions ringleader Lance Yocom has learned plenty from last year's over-long, under-attended fest (UPDATE: To be fair, the first day of the two-day fest reached capacity...but the second day left something to be desired in crowd size, as I wrote about last year). Though the September date may seem to compete with the Austin City Limits fest, it's technically one week later, and it also serves an entirely different market and audience. As a bonus, the move from summer to fall means more of Denton and Fort Worth's college kids will be around to attend this one. The outdoor location will make the full days' worth of music more bearable as well, and the array of national bands that have already been announced are...well, geez. Om? Pinback? Brothers and Sisters? The Books? I'd call that a niiice spread. -SM
OM (duo formed by the rhythm section of the disbanded stoner-doom metal band Sleep)
LYMBYC SYSTYM (Austin/Phoenix / Mush Records)
THE BAPTIST GENERALS (Denton / Sub Pop)
THE TIMEOUT DRAWER (Chicago / Consumers Research)
More national and local acts will be announced within a week or so. From the look of it, Spune Productions ringleader Lance Yocom has learned plenty from last year's over-long, under-attended fest (UPDATE: To be fair, the first day of the two-day fest reached capacity...but the second day left something to be desired in crowd size, as I wrote about last year). Though the September date may seem to compete with the Austin City Limits fest, it's technically one week later, and it also serves an entirely different market and audience. As a bonus, the move from summer to fall means more of Denton and Fort Worth's college kids will be around to attend this one. The outdoor location will make the full days' worth of music more bearable as well, and the array of national bands that have already been announced are...well, geez. Om? Pinback? Brothers and Sisters? The Books? I'd call that a niiice spread. -SM
Show Recommendation || June 20, 2007
Nice show at Dada tonight.
Gazelles and A Pacific Model play on each side of Austin's Quiet Company, who I have mentioned here before.
A perfect show to kick back and drink some beer to.
Show starts at 9. QC at 10.-jhl
Gazelles and A Pacific Model play on each side of Austin's Quiet Company, who I have mentioned here before.
A perfect show to kick back and drink some beer to.
Show starts at 9. QC at 10.-jhl
Wall of Sound || June 18, 2007
After last year's poorly attended Wall of Sound Festival at the Ridglea Theater (which featured a stellar line up that included The New Year,Sound Team, David Bazan, LOW and Okkervil River to name a few), Spune Productions' head honcho Lance Yocom decided to go back to the drawing board to make Wall of Sound 2007 bigger and better.
The first change? Setting the festival in the fall (September 22nd this year), instead of early Spring like previous festivals.
Another notable change is the venue. This year's festival will take place at LaGrave Field, just north of downtown Fort Worth.
One thing that has not changed is the quality of the bands playing the fest. Yocom has announced that this year's line up will feature 40 acts, and the 10 he made public today are:
Explosions in the Sky, Midlake, Ghostland Observatory, Pinback, The Books, Bobby Bare Jr., The Sword, Eleven Hundred Springs, Brothers and Sisters and The Weary Boys.
The Wall of Sound website has also relaunched, with a promise of more acts to be announced June 20th. A bulk of the full line up should be displayed on the site by the end of the week.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 29th.
-jhl
The first change? Setting the festival in the fall (September 22nd this year), instead of early Spring like previous festivals.
Another notable change is the venue. This year's festival will take place at LaGrave Field, just north of downtown Fort Worth.
One thing that has not changed is the quality of the bands playing the fest. Yocom has announced that this year's line up will feature 40 acts, and the 10 he made public today are:
Explosions in the Sky, Midlake, Ghostland Observatory, Pinback, The Books, Bobby Bare Jr., The Sword, Eleven Hundred Springs, Brothers and Sisters and The Weary Boys.
The Wall of Sound website has also relaunched, with a promise of more acts to be announced June 20th. A bulk of the full line up should be displayed on the site by the end of the week.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 29th.
-jhl
Moving Pains || June 18, 2007
It's late June and I can see my breath outside. Talk about an abrupt transition.
I've landed in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle. How is it? Well, when I first visited the grocery store down the block, it was like shopping at the Double Wide. Four out of every five people were 20-somethings dressed like they were going to a rock show. And the fifth was a crotchety 40-something with a "Tommy Middlefinger" shirt on...whatever that is. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but the location is ridiculously close to everything I want to be near around here. And their bus system works. Man.
I've got a few stories from the 3-day road trip, though most won't matter much to you, dear Dallas music fan. I did want to mention that when my car broke down in Cheyenne, WY, a little store called Ernie November perked my day right back up. Independent record stores that sell mint condition copies of After The Gold Rush on vinyl for $2...I didn't know those existed.
My net access is currently limited, though I'm hoping my order for high speed Internet won't be delayed for a million years. Once I'm consistently back online, I'll resume general updates, so please keep those e-mails coming with show info, news, MP3s and whatever else. And I'll update the mailing address soon as well. I can check GMail from the phone, so hit me if you need anything urgently. Otherwise, see ya in a day or two. -SM
I've landed in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle. How is it? Well, when I first visited the grocery store down the block, it was like shopping at the Double Wide. Four out of every five people were 20-somethings dressed like they were going to a rock show. And the fifth was a crotchety 40-something with a "Tommy Middlefinger" shirt on...whatever that is. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but the location is ridiculously close to everything I want to be near around here. And their bus system works. Man.
I've got a few stories from the 3-day road trip, though most won't matter much to you, dear Dallas music fan. I did want to mention that when my car broke down in Cheyenne, WY, a little store called Ernie November perked my day right back up. Independent record stores that sell mint condition copies of After The Gold Rush on vinyl for $2...I didn't know those existed.
My net access is currently limited, though I'm hoping my order for high speed Internet won't be delayed for a million years. Once I'm consistently back online, I'll resume general updates, so please keep those e-mails coming with show info, news, MP3s and whatever else. And I'll update the mailing address soon as well. I can check GMail from the phone, so hit me if you need anything urgently. Otherwise, see ya in a day or two. -SM
Three Days to Rise || June 15, 2007
FRIDAY
Wreck Room: Panther City Bandits, Invincible Czars, MC Router, Dutch Treats
An all over the place bill that somehow makes perfect sense.
SATURDAY
SHQ: Eyes, Wings and Many Other Things
Killer project from Shawn of The Theater Fire and Colin of Pegasus Now. The cuties from Miss Celia and Lovie fill out the bill.
Granada: Eleven Hundred Springs, Weary Boys
Yes.
Hailey's: Summer Showcase
Sarah Jaffe, Ghosthustler, Lions, 100 Damn Guns, PPT and handful of other bands are playing this free (if you are over 21, $5 if not) showcase that starts early in the afternoon and goes all night long. Check out the DdCal for full line up and set times.
The Cavern: Daniel Folmer, Chris Garver, New Science Projects
SUNDAY
I don't really see anything that jumps out at me. Feel free to toss stuff in the comments.
Wreck Room: Panther City Bandits, Invincible Czars, MC Router, Dutch Treats
An all over the place bill that somehow makes perfect sense.
SATURDAY
SHQ: Eyes, Wings and Many Other Things
Killer project from Shawn of The Theater Fire and Colin of Pegasus Now. The cuties from Miss Celia and Lovie fill out the bill.
Granada: Eleven Hundred Springs, Weary Boys
Yes.
Hailey's: Summer Showcase
Sarah Jaffe, Ghosthustler, Lions, 100 Damn Guns, PPT and handful of other bands are playing this free (if you are over 21, $5 if not) showcase that starts early in the afternoon and goes all night long. Check out the DdCal for full line up and set times.
The Cavern: Daniel Folmer, Chris Garver, New Science Projects
SUNDAY
I don't really see anything that jumps out at me. Feel free to toss stuff in the comments.
Dd Nuts || June 14, 2007
Still a couple of hours to enter to win the Dino Jr./Black Keys tickets. Check out the post below for details.
A couple of decent shows tonight, one in D and the other in d.
Double Wide - Glen Farris/ Here, In Arms/ LaLaLand
While we love Here, in Arms and Austin's LaLaLand, there real story here is that tonight Glen is going to have CDs for sale for the first time. We have gone on and on about how great we think Glen is, but we really can't say enough. Glen goes on at 10:30.
Andy's Bar - Brake! Vegas
B!V are playing their first show with new vocalist Justin Wilson (Saboteur, Red Animal War, the Numbers Twist, the cover of Tiger Beat Magazine). The guys have been in the studio with Jon Congleton, and if the two songs they have posted on their MySpace page are any indication of what to expect, you should bring earplugs and condoms.
-jhl
A couple of decent shows tonight, one in D and the other in d.
Double Wide - Glen Farris/ Here, In Arms/ LaLaLand
While we love Here, in Arms and Austin's LaLaLand, there real story here is that tonight Glen is going to have CDs for sale for the first time. We have gone on and on about how great we think Glen is, but we really can't say enough. Glen goes on at 10:30.
Andy's Bar - Brake! Vegas
B!V are playing their first show with new vocalist Justin Wilson (Saboteur, Red Animal War, the Numbers Twist, the cover of Tiger Beat Magazine). The guys have been in the studio with Jon Congleton, and if the two songs they have posted on their MySpace page are any indication of what to expect, you should bring earplugs and condoms.
-jhl
Free Tickets || June 14, 2007
I just got a call from Sam. He is on his way to Seattle and, being the genius that he is, he just remembered that we have a pair of passes to the Dinosaur Jr./Black Keys show Tuesday at the Ridglea Theater to give away.
We need to give these things away quickly, because Briany McBrainerson is going to have to mail these to the winner by tomorrow morning.
So no dumb trivia or scavenger hunt this time, just drop an email to bigdlittled@gmail.com by 7pm cst and Sam will notify you if you win.
I'll be back later with a couple of show picks for tonight.
-jhl
We need to give these things away quickly, because Briany McBrainerson is going to have to mail these to the winner by tomorrow morning.
So no dumb trivia or scavenger hunt this time, just drop an email to bigdlittled@gmail.com by 7pm cst and Sam will notify you if you win.
I'll be back later with a couple of show picks for tonight.
-jhl
d Nuts || June 13, 2007
Tired of kicking yourself for not going to Denton for yet another show you knew was going to be badass?
Check out The Denton Catalogue to see what you missed.
Call us behind the times if you want (seems that WSJR has been linking to this site for a while now), but don't hate us for sending you to a site where you can watch video (in some cases full sets) of Brent Best, The Baptist Generals, Current Leaves, Early Lines, Deep Snapper, Christian! Teenage Runaways and just about anyone else who is anything in the DdFW scene anytime you want.
Especially awesome is the footage of Record Hop's Ashley Cromeens' set at the SHQ anniversary show. [EDIT FROM SAM: Looks like this guy's mic is as crappy as mine, if not worse, so if you'd like to actually make out the sound of that Nouns Group performance, I'll have a tolerable clip up either this week or next. Still, the quantity of material is phenomenal. Good stuff.]
To find the polar opposite of how awesome The Denton Catalogue is, allow me to point you to We Made Out Once. I'm not 100% sure what this Cobra Snake/Last Night's Party-ish site is trying to do, but I think it is something along the lines of a future sex offender watch list.
Don't say I didn't warn you. -jhl
Check out The Denton Catalogue to see what you missed.
Call us behind the times if you want (seems that WSJR has been linking to this site for a while now), but don't hate us for sending you to a site where you can watch video (in some cases full sets) of Brent Best, The Baptist Generals, Current Leaves, Early Lines, Deep Snapper, Christian! Teenage Runaways and just about anyone else who is anything in the DdFW scene anytime you want.
Especially awesome is the footage of Record Hop's Ashley Cromeens' set at the SHQ anniversary show. [EDIT FROM SAM: Looks like this guy's mic is as crappy as mine, if not worse, so if you'd like to actually make out the sound of that Nouns Group performance, I'll have a tolerable clip up either this week or next. Still, the quantity of material is phenomenal. Good stuff.]
To find the polar opposite of how awesome The Denton Catalogue is, allow me to point you to We Made Out Once. I'm not 100% sure what this Cobra Snake/Last Night's Party-ish site is trying to do, but I think it is something along the lines of a future sex offender watch list.
Don't say I didn't warn you. -jhl
What You Missed Archives || June 13, 2007
The Angelus' Emil Rapstine performs at the Secret HQ First Anniversary concert with a few friends. If I'm unable to post any other clips or news for the rest of the week, remember that Hailey's has a huge bash on Saturday...and look for Jasun to kick in a few show recommendations of his own for the weekend. -SM
Spree Nuts || June 12, 2007
Achingly desperate to hear the new Polyphonic Spree record? Then you're probably also a music dweeb who owns, operates and even takes good care of a turntable. If that's indeed you, then...could you hook me up with an MMC2 for my B&O? I can, uh, pay you back.
Ahem. What I meant to say was that the new Spree record, The Fragile Army, sees release today on wax before next Tuesday's CD/download release. And I just called CJ at Good Records to confirm that, indeed, they have it in stock (and that the record comes with a coupon for free MP3 download next week). So put on a black uniform and rock out to the album that comes closest to replicating the Daisy days. Does it succeed? You'll have to wait until my album review next week to find out...unless you're an impatient wax hound, anyway. -SM
Ahem. What I meant to say was that the new Spree record, The Fragile Army, sees release today on wax before next Tuesday's CD/download release. And I just called CJ at Good Records to confirm that, indeed, they have it in stock (and that the record comes with a coupon for free MP3 download next week). So put on a black uniform and rock out to the album that comes closest to replicating the Daisy days. Does it succeed? You'll have to wait until my album review next week to find out...unless you're an impatient wax hound, anyway. -SM
Tonight || June 12, 2007
Though Zac Crain wasn't so good at running for mayor, he was quite the soothsayer in his Dallas Observer prime. His Sack of Kittens column, a true Dallas music classic that broke new ground in bashing bands, was where Dallas' Fair to Midland first debuted in the paper, and from my taste perspective, it's a spot-on write-up. Notice this ending line in particular:
Number of kittens in the sack they're currently standing on? Four, but that's only because they saw someone else--say, System of a Down, maybe--standing on that many.Granted, he didn't exactly predict the band's later-to-come association with System of a Down and Serjical Strike Records, but it's close enough. The band's major label CD release show is tonight at the Curtain Club, and though packing will almost certainly prohibit me from attending, I'd like to be there--for only one hour. Denton's phenomenal Record Hop is among the openers at this extremely early (and otherwise crappy) show; arrive at 8:30 if you want to see them play a rare gig before they head to Chicago in a week to record their sophomore record with Steve Albini. -SM
What You Missed (Pt. 2) || June 12, 2007
Pleasant Grove at the same show that was mentioned yesterday. -SM
What You Missed (Pt. 1) || June 11, 2007
From Dove Hunter's set on Saturday night. The clip begins with Jayson Wortham saying so long to yours truly, and I owe him a big thank-you, but not just for talking to me on-stage. You'd have to see the shirt he got me to understand. Thanks for the thoughtful gift, Jayson. More videos to come. -SM
Buy My Things || June 9, 2007
Moving sale starting at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 10. Details here. Come on by. I might have some Darlington CDs for sale... -SM
Three Days To Rise || June 8-10
DdCal has listings; here are a few picks.
FRIDAY
The Wreck Room's graaaadual farewell continues with Denton pals Hogpig and Spitfire Tumbleweeds sharing the stage tonight. And I can't help but plug PPT's spot on the Double Wide bill tonight.
SATURDAY
As posted below, my semi-official farewell to Dallas takes place at the Double Wide. But Denton's trying to ruin my party (AS USUAL), with Hailey's hosting the incredible Hold Steady and Rubber Gloves celebrating Deep Snapper's stellar CD release. Review of that disc will come at some point. The unbelievable Nouns Group opens. And if you've got time to spare that afternoon, Glen Reynolds (3pm) and Robert Gomez (5pm) hold court at Good Records for free.
SUNDAY
Happy Bullets play for free at Barley House. I may do a bit of a farewell deal here as well. Depends on how my garage sale that morning turns out.
FRIDAY
The Wreck Room's graaaadual farewell continues with Denton pals Hogpig and Spitfire Tumbleweeds sharing the stage tonight. And I can't help but plug PPT's spot on the Double Wide bill tonight.
SATURDAY
As posted below, my semi-official farewell to Dallas takes place at the Double Wide. But Denton's trying to ruin my party (AS USUAL), with Hailey's hosting the incredible Hold Steady and Rubber Gloves celebrating Deep Snapper's stellar CD release. Review of that disc will come at some point. The unbelievable Nouns Group opens. And if you've got time to spare that afternoon, Glen Reynolds (3pm) and Robert Gomez (5pm) hold court at Good Records for free.
SUNDAY
Happy Bullets play for free at Barley House. I may do a bit of a farewell deal here as well. Depends on how my garage sale that morning turns out.
I'm Moving || June 8, 2007
Hey folks.
Next week, on roughly the 14th of June, I'm packing up my possessions and driving them about 2,200 miles to my new place in Seattle.
While this may seem like the shocker to a number of you--and, to some extent, myself as well--this has been a long time coming. It's been an interesting year for me, one in which I somehow climbed up to the job of my dreams only to tumble into a heap and wander aimlessly since. There are a lot of things I can say about what happened at the Dallas Observer, and even more things that I'm totally clueless about, but the bottom line is, I blew it. In my attempt to be the best, most aggressive and most dedicated music editor I could be, I lost sight of a few important truths in a corporate-run media world. Not that I should've censored myself; I just made a few young mistakes.
And that's something I had to realize before making a decision like this one. When I first contemplated leaving town, it was about escaping that Observer past, avoiding the people who consistently come up to me at clubs with complaints about the paper's current, sad state. But I know I can't get away from something I love that much. I know I'll check every Dallas music site and publication on a near-daily basis if I go somewhere else; it's too much of a part of me not to. So for me, the move is about something bigger and more crucial. It's about taking an opportunity of a lifetime. I have the chance to uproot and give a whole new city, a whole new line of writing, a shot.
Thankfully, for the past eight months, BigDlittled.com has allowed me to continue to do what I love in Dallas. And I really believe it's a hint of what shape hyper local Dallas media will take in the next coupl'a years. So for the time being, I will continue to update Dd from wherever I am. Though my ability to upload video will be hampered, my reports, CD reviews and insights about the Dallas music scene will still be on here to some extent. And if you're interested in contributing your own reports and local music thoughts in review/interview/post format, hit me at bigdlittled@gmail.com. Can't pay ya, though.
Since this news may be sudden to many of you, I'm using this post as an opportunity to gather some friends and say farewell in formal fashion. I'll be at the Double Wide on Saturday for the Pleasant Grove / Dove Hunter concert, and I'd really appreciate it if you came out and toasted a drink or two with me...and please spread the word as well, as I know this blog's audience is still limited. Find me; I'll be the redheaded guy. -SM
Next week, on roughly the 14th of June, I'm packing up my possessions and driving them about 2,200 miles to my new place in Seattle.
While this may seem like the shocker to a number of you--and, to some extent, myself as well--this has been a long time coming. It's been an interesting year for me, one in which I somehow climbed up to the job of my dreams only to tumble into a heap and wander aimlessly since. There are a lot of things I can say about what happened at the Dallas Observer, and even more things that I'm totally clueless about, but the bottom line is, I blew it. In my attempt to be the best, most aggressive and most dedicated music editor I could be, I lost sight of a few important truths in a corporate-run media world. Not that I should've censored myself; I just made a few young mistakes.
And that's something I had to realize before making a decision like this one. When I first contemplated leaving town, it was about escaping that Observer past, avoiding the people who consistently come up to me at clubs with complaints about the paper's current, sad state. But I know I can't get away from something I love that much. I know I'll check every Dallas music site and publication on a near-daily basis if I go somewhere else; it's too much of a part of me not to. So for me, the move is about something bigger and more crucial. It's about taking an opportunity of a lifetime. I have the chance to uproot and give a whole new city, a whole new line of writing, a shot.
Thankfully, for the past eight months, BigDlittled.com has allowed me to continue to do what I love in Dallas. And I really believe it's a hint of what shape hyper local Dallas media will take in the next coupl'a years. So for the time being, I will continue to update Dd from wherever I am. Though my ability to upload video will be hampered, my reports, CD reviews and insights about the Dallas music scene will still be on here to some extent. And if you're interested in contributing your own reports and local music thoughts in review/interview/post format, hit me at bigdlittled@gmail.com. Can't pay ya, though.
Since this news may be sudden to many of you, I'm using this post as an opportunity to gather some friends and say farewell in formal fashion. I'll be at the Double Wide on Saturday for the Pleasant Grove / Dove Hunter concert, and I'd really appreciate it if you came out and toasted a drink or two with me...and please spread the word as well, as I know this blog's audience is still limited. Find me; I'll be the redheaded guy. -SM
Giveaway || June 7, 2007
Once again, our friends at the Palladium are hooking Dd readers up with tickets, this time to Manu Chao's show on Sunday. Manu who, you ask? I didn't know a thing about the guy until seeing his Latin/ska/punk smorgasbord at the Sasquatch Festival a few weeks ago, and I was surprised by how much I wound up enjoying the set, though he started to get quite repetitive by the end of his hour-and-a-half romp.
I'm changing our first-come, first-served policy of contests past; just send an e-mail to bigdlittled@gmail.com with the subject "Manu Chao" and your name in the e-mail body. I'll pick a random name at 5 p.m. CST today and contact the winner with a free pair of tickets via e-mail. And if you don't win, the Palladium will have more tickets available at Robert Gomez's in-store at Good Records on Saturday at 5 p.m. -SM
I'm changing our first-come, first-served policy of contests past; just send an e-mail to bigdlittled@gmail.com with the subject "Manu Chao" and your name in the e-mail body. I'll pick a random name at 5 p.m. CST today and contact the winner with a free pair of tickets via e-mail. And if you don't win, the Palladium will have more tickets available at Robert Gomez's in-store at Good Records on Saturday at 5 p.m. -SM
Hump...Day || June 6, 2007
Jasun and I each have a concert pick this evening. Jasun first:
My pick's a bit lower-key (and free). Local boy Glen Farris opens for OKC's Samantha Crain at City Tavern (map) tonight. I'm a sucker for country-leaning singers in the Alela Diane/Mara Lee Miller/Karen Dalton mold, and this Crain gal is right on the money in that regard. Looks like she'll have a full band in tow as well, if that helps sway your decision. Or if you're in Denton, head to Andy's tomorrow night, where Crain and her band will play with Raleigh. -SM
Fans of piano- and synth-driven, mid-tempo indie-rock a la Sparklehorse and newer Flaming Lips should head over to The Cavern tonight to see Austin's Quiet Company. Singer Taylor Muse has all but perfected the heart-on-your-sleeve, loud/quiet/loud formula, and it shows even more live than on their fantastic debut release, Shine Honesty. These guys have been out on the road for roughly six months, so they should be tight as all get-out and ready to deliver the goods. And if you are planning to go see Fergie at HOB tonight, don't worry; you can catch Quiet Company Friday night at The Moon Bar in FtW.
My pick's a bit lower-key (and free). Local boy Glen Farris opens for OKC's Samantha Crain at City Tavern (map) tonight. I'm a sucker for country-leaning singers in the Alela Diane/Mara Lee Miller/Karen Dalton mold, and this Crain gal is right on the money in that regard. Looks like she'll have a full band in tow as well, if that helps sway your decision. Or if you're in Denton, head to Andy's tomorrow night, where Crain and her band will play with Raleigh. -SM
D Nuts || June 6, 2007
I'd rather not talk about The Strange Boys' recent move to Austin. When some bands move down I-35, I could care less about (read: The Lord Henry, yawn), but as the former Dallas garage blues revivalists inch closer to releasing their debut full-length, and grow more fundamentally mature in the process, I can't help but feel like Dallas has really blown it this time.
But enough of my bitter prattle. Understand my sentiment with these four new songs from the group, none of which were released in the band's last limited CD-R run of new album demos a few months. It appears these new tracks won't be played in Dallas anytime soon, unless the quartet books a show on their way up to Chicago and Milwaukee in July. Guys? -SM
But enough of my bitter prattle. Understand my sentiment with these four new songs from the group, none of which were released in the band's last limited CD-R run of new album demos a few months. It appears these new tracks won't be played in Dallas anytime soon, unless the quartet books a show on their way up to Chicago and Milwaukee in July. Guys? -SM
D Nuts || June 5, 2007
What's with the area's local CBS affiliate? Last night, in its report about downtown dance spot Club Blue, only one person was given a chance to speak about the club's reopening next month under the name Le Cirque: Councilwoman Angela Hunt. What about the club's ownership? What about anyone who has a grasp on reality? Previous reports have paid mind to both sides of the issue--namely, that Club Blue's reported violence is at similar levels to other clubs downtown. But this one seemed to have come straight from Laura Miller's desk as part of the great downtown/Deep Ellum reputation crush of the past five years.
I feel like a broken record saying this, but when the usual tripe is so obviously touted by local media, it's hard not to repeat it. Laura Miller and the city of Dallas don't want to deal with the catalysts of crimes and resolve how a big-city police force can effectively control nighttime hot-spots. They just want those hot-spots closed, relocated and hidden in the outskirts of Dallas, in poorer districts where nobody will make a fuss...so that downtown and Deep Ellum can finally be transformed into developers' wet condo/retail dream. Club Blue isn't why Dallas nightlife sucks--the city's fear and idiocy about recognizing its own size and issues is. -SM
I feel like a broken record saying this, but when the usual tripe is so obviously touted by local media, it's hard not to repeat it. Laura Miller and the city of Dallas don't want to deal with the catalysts of crimes and resolve how a big-city police force can effectively control nighttime hot-spots. They just want those hot-spots closed, relocated and hidden in the outskirts of Dallas, in poorer districts where nobody will make a fuss...so that downtown and Deep Ellum can finally be transformed into developers' wet condo/retail dream. Club Blue isn't why Dallas nightlife sucks--the city's fear and idiocy about recognizing its own size and issues is. -SM
d Nuts || June 5, 2007
Local music history lesson: Lift To Experience was, before its expected, crumbling demise, the best band from North Texas to ever predict the apocalypse. The Denton trio's feedback-filled, noisy, anarchic compositions had a certain twist--a heartfelt earnestness and Biblical leaning that were equal parts attractive and unnerving. They were the cult band of the area--the very one that got England's Bella Union Records' Texas attention in the first place, no less.
But ever since LtE's 2003 break-up, the cult's killer Kool-Aid has been in short supply; though lead singer Josh Pearson has played scattered solo shows around Europe in the past year, revealing songs from his forthcoming album, details--and songs--have otherwise been scarce. But this week, a double-dose of LtE-related info helps the absence. First, this recent interview with Pearson is as illuminating as fans will get for some time, addressing such strangeness as why he still hasn't put his new songs to tape in a studio. Second, a site that bills itself as the "official" LtE site is currently selling out-of-print copies of the band's Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads record in a combo deal: get the UK version of the disc and "your choice of either a live recording of the Black Sessions in Paris or the last show ever recorded at Rubber Gloves in Denton for a mere $15.00 U.S. This includes S&H." If you're interested in this, send an e-mail to lifttoexperiencecdoffer@gmail.com.
And if you wonder what the hubbub's about, just watch the video below. -SM
But ever since LtE's 2003 break-up, the cult's killer Kool-Aid has been in short supply; though lead singer Josh Pearson has played scattered solo shows around Europe in the past year, revealing songs from his forthcoming album, details--and songs--have otherwise been scarce. But this week, a double-dose of LtE-related info helps the absence. First, this recent interview with Pearson is as illuminating as fans will get for some time, addressing such strangeness as why he still hasn't put his new songs to tape in a studio. Second, a site that bills itself as the "official" LtE site is currently selling out-of-print copies of the band's Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads record in a combo deal: get the UK version of the disc and "your choice of either a live recording of the Black Sessions in Paris or the last show ever recorded at Rubber Gloves in Denton for a mere $15.00 U.S. This includes S&H." If you're interested in this, send an e-mail to lifttoexperiencecdoffer@gmail.com.
And if you wonder what the hubbub's about, just watch the video below. -SM
Podcast || June 4, 2007
Nope, not REDRadio... but that's coming.
My old pal Cindy Chaffin invited me over roughly one month ago for a casual chat about local music, and the results were finally posted on her site last week. Truth be told, I wasn't able to make it to the end when listening, as my stories wind up sounding never-ending. But there's some interesting info buried in the chat that I hadn't talked about publicly until then, so if you're into that sorta thing, click away.
I'll have videos from this weekend's concerts up either later today or sometime tomorrow. -SM
My old pal Cindy Chaffin invited me over roughly one month ago for a casual chat about local music, and the results were finally posted on her site last week. Truth be told, I wasn't able to make it to the end when listening, as my stories wind up sounding never-ending. But there's some interesting info buried in the chat that I hadn't talked about publicly until then, so if you're into that sorta thing, click away.
I'll have videos from this weekend's concerts up either later today or sometime tomorrow. -SM
Three Days To Rise || June 1-3, 2007
DdCal has an ample list of the interesting/good shows around town this weekend. Since I've already gone on about the SHQ anniversary party (scroll down), here are a few notes about other shows in the area.
FRIDAY: The Wreck Room hosts a solid rock bill, and though we've said plenty about The Drams, The Demigs have received far less attention. While on vacation, I was sent a copy of their debut record Yardling, so I haven't had much time to digest it in only two days, but so far, I'm hearing the alt-rock jangle of Pavement cleaned up by the more straightforward, Brit-'90s sensibilities of Blur. This is the kind of record I'd kill to hear on 102.1 The Edge, that exciting blend of the young, the rough and the cleaned-up that doesn't break new ground but has fun anyway.
Or if you wind up at SHQ's Halo 2 gaming tournament and have a country jones, you'd be wise to meander down afterward to Rubber Gloves for the Brothers and Sisters / Current Leaves bill.
SATURDAY: Can't get to SHQ? The Pastime Tavern hosts Cali's RTX (the post-Royal Trux outfit from Jennifer Herrema), while Silk Stocking, which hasn't played nearly enough in town as of late, opens for White Drugs' CD release concert at The Double Wide (sorry, Chelsea). I'd review the new disc, but honestly, the Stooges/Sonic Youth rehash scene was already ruined by the greatness of Austin's And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead...and, sadly, White Drugs' Harlem does nothing to add to the pantheon of snarling, overdriven 2-minute rock. But you're welcome to disagree after listening to their MySpace samples.
SUNDAY: All three Sunday shows on DdCal are solid, but I'm most intrigued by Dallas longtimer and one-man-band Homer Henderson, who plays a free set at the Barley House. Though he used to be a consistent face around town, Homer hasn't poked out much lately--and certainly not since his old Barley homestead moved closer to SMU. I can't promise that his blues stylings will deliver the best show of the night, but the dude does have a song titled "Pig Hammer." Just sayin'...
Last minute find: The Sunday Good Records party wasn't on their site even one day ago, but it's worth noting: 2-5 p.m., starting with Chris Garver, ending with Bosque Brown, with Denton's Mom and Austin's Hymns in the middle. Thanks for the reminder, We Shot JR. -SM
FRIDAY: The Wreck Room hosts a solid rock bill, and though we've said plenty about The Drams, The Demigs have received far less attention. While on vacation, I was sent a copy of their debut record Yardling, so I haven't had much time to digest it in only two days, but so far, I'm hearing the alt-rock jangle of Pavement cleaned up by the more straightforward, Brit-'90s sensibilities of Blur. This is the kind of record I'd kill to hear on 102.1 The Edge, that exciting blend of the young, the rough and the cleaned-up that doesn't break new ground but has fun anyway.
Or if you wind up at SHQ's Halo 2 gaming tournament and have a country jones, you'd be wise to meander down afterward to Rubber Gloves for the Brothers and Sisters / Current Leaves bill.
SATURDAY: Can't get to SHQ? The Pastime Tavern hosts Cali's RTX (the post-Royal Trux outfit from Jennifer Herrema), while Silk Stocking, which hasn't played nearly enough in town as of late, opens for White Drugs' CD release concert at The Double Wide (sorry, Chelsea). I'd review the new disc, but honestly, the Stooges/Sonic Youth rehash scene was already ruined by the greatness of Austin's And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead...and, sadly, White Drugs' Harlem does nothing to add to the pantheon of snarling, overdriven 2-minute rock. But you're welcome to disagree after listening to their MySpace samples.
SUNDAY: All three Sunday shows on DdCal are solid, but I'm most intrigued by Dallas longtimer and one-man-band Homer Henderson, who plays a free set at the Barley House. Though he used to be a consistent face around town, Homer hasn't poked out much lately--and certainly not since his old Barley homestead moved closer to SMU. I can't promise that his blues stylings will deliver the best show of the night, but the dude does have a song titled "Pig Hammer." Just sayin'...
Last minute find: The Sunday Good Records party wasn't on their site even one day ago, but it's worth noting: 2-5 p.m., starting with Chris Garver, ending with Bosque Brown, with Denton's Mom and Austin's Hymns in the middle. Thanks for the reminder, We Shot JR. -SM