Review: The Felons, At Sea

Before I review the CD, let me make this disclaimer. This past May, I offered up the opportunity to have an album reviewed on the website as part of the Ultraviolet auction to benefit Cystic Fibrosis. Winning the review guaranteed an honest album review, nothing more and nothing less. The winning bid was made by Dave Hickmott of The Felons, so here is the review of their recently released CD, At Sea.

The first thing I'm going to say is that At Sea is that is quite short. Clocking in at about 36 minutes and with a mere eight songs, this feels more like a sampler than a full length album. Perhaps it is unfair to harp upon the brief nature of the album, but I cannot help my frustration. Next time guys, let's shoot for ten or twelve songs at the least.

Having gotten that complaint out of the way, let's examine the songs that are on the album. The one thing that works by having so few songs is that there are no truly weak moments on the CD. Admittedly, "Sugar and Gas" is my least favorite track, but even it gets a solid thumbs up from me. The reason I pick on "Sugar and Gas" is that it does not match the strength of the other incredible seven tracks on the CD.

The album's opening, "Cathedral", starts out slowly and hooks you in with its opening line, "This town is like a Norman Rockwell portrait/All the train stations are full/Built for the self obsessed/The would be cool". One interesting note about the album is that for as incredibly catchy as all the songs are, there is a definite darkness to most of the lyrics. Later in "Cathedral", Mr. Hickmott sings, "I'd rather be in hell without you/Than a garden where I'm dumb and out of view". Even in his happiest sounding song, "Leave Me Out" (my personal favorite off the CD), the song sets its defiantly happy tone to a darker backdrop. "Break these blades upon your wrist/Take your sword and fall on it/Martyr yourself to your stupid cause/Like you've always threatened to do/But leave me out".

One might think by the lyrics that the sound of the album itself would be dark. Truth is, it's anything but dark sounding. "All Inside" and "Leave Me Out" have a very Muse like quality to them, with a slight hint of Tripping Daisy in the sound of the guitars. Throw in the excellent production job by Brian Nesbitt, and what you have is an album by a band that sounds ready for things bigger than just Dallas. These songs sound ready to breathe fresh life into the world of alternative music, bringing back the edginess and creativity that was once rampant within the genre.

In spite of its short length, At Sea does its job of showing off the band's strength for solid catchy songs with a certain dark bite to the lyrics. It also whets the appetite for their follow up CD, which will hopefully have more than eight songs. I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself on the last comment.

Weekend Plans: Friday-Sunday

I feel fairly certain that I'm missing some big events on my list for this weekend, but this is what I've got so far. As always, if I've forgotten an event, please post it in the comment section.


FRIDAY:

Macon Greyson/The Marfalites/Revolution Garden Party/Sucker Punch (Lakewood Bar & Grill)
The good news: The Marfalites, Noah Caveny's new band, will still be making their debut tonight, along GOBL favorite Macon Greyson. Bad news: King Bucks are no longer on the lineup, and apparently Club Dada is no longer hosting the two bands.
The Theater Fire (Lee Harvey's)
I stopped in at Lee Harvey's a few weekends ago and saw a little of Thin White Dukes there. I forgot what a neat venue this place is, and you have to love the inexpensive cover charge. And by inexpensive, I mean free. I'm not sure how the venue can pull off getting great bands like The Theater Fire without charging cover, but more power to them.
Record Hop/The Slow Burners (Barley House)
Speaking of free, there's never a cover at Barley House either. Record Hop are definitely louder than what one would typically see there, but I welcome any chance the club will take to cater to the music fan as opposed to the SMU "see and be seen" crowd. It's also worth noting that Record Hop's live shows only seem to improve over time. My only complaint with my last show of theirs was that the set was too short.
Speedtrucker (Adair's)
Have I just been under a rock, or is this show not being promoted well? You'd think that there would be a ton of promotion about this show.
Clay + Electronic Cowboys with Manya Repnikova (Cafe Rembrandt)
I don't know if Clay's shows regularly turn into dance parties, or if that's just a sign of the company I was keeping last week at my Ghost of Blind Lemon showcase. Either way, Mr. Pendergrass delivered energetic and passionate versions of songs from his East Dallas Mix Tape, Vol. 1 in styles different from the album, often times funkier and more fun. I'm not sure if Clay's going to bust out some Morning Elephant songs since Manya will be joining him. If you're curious, the only way to find out is to go see.


SATURDAY:

Rock The Block! (Primo's)
Outdoors shows in Dallas this time of year are uncomfortable at best. Brutal would be a more appropriate word. Having said that, this is a show that benefits two good causes (Kidd's Kids and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) and hosts some good bands. The Felons will be taking the stage early in the day with their rock sound that is begging to be heard in concert halls and arenas. I'm not certain of the caliber of bands in the middle of the day, but the last three acts (King Bucks, The O's, Here In Arms) are all worth the $10 admission.
Speedtrucker (Adair's)
Just in case you needed more than one night.


SUNDAY:
Can't Stop the Serenity Music Showcase (Poor David's Pub)
I'm not going to restate my previous article on this event. Instead, I'm taking the lazy man's way out and offering you the opportunity to click here to read all about it.
Dove Hunter (Barley House)
If you're as broke as I am, you'll welcome as many free shows as you can get your hands on. You might wanna start coming up with excuses for why you'll be late to work on Monday.

Danny Balis: On His Own

For the past eight or so years, I have had the pleasure of seeing Danny Balis play back up in many of Dallas' finest bands: Sorta, Sparrows, King Bucks to name a few. While the Bucks have allowed Mr. Balis a few opportunities to step up to the mic, Danny finally gets his own turn in the spotlight. On September 1st, Balis' first ever solo CD, Too Much Living, will be released in stores as well as on itunes.

For those who saw Mr. Balis' solo set at the Carter Albrecht CD release show, that set should give you a good idea of what the disc will sound like. Danny's press release calls it a "straight up, old school, country and western record", and I cannot find a better way to describe it myself. This is not alt-country or Americana, and it most certainly is not the pop country that Nashville churns out on a regular basis. This is what would have come out of Nashville about thirty (or probably more like forty) years ago. This is music that will undoubtedly be savored and reloshed by country music purists.

I have yet to listen to the new album, and I intend to get my hands on a copy pronto. In the meantime, his first single, "Tethered", will be released to Texas country music stations. I would strongly recommend a telephone and e-mail campaign to 95.3 The Range, and although I'm skeptical about it actually happening, I would love to hear something so authentically country on KSCS or 99.5 The Wolf.

And yes, there will be a CD release party for Too Much Living at the Granada Theater. Mr. Balis will open for Slobberbone on the 21st, and I have no doubt there will be plenty of CDs available for purchase.

You STILL Can't Stop the Serenity

It doesn't even feel like a year since the last Can't Stop the Serenity music showcase. Oh yeah, it was last May. That's why it feels so recent. Anyways, this Sunday sees another great evening of music at Poor David's Pub, all to benefit Equality Now, a non-profit organization that helps promote equal rights for women worldwide. Cover is $12, and the proceeds to the aforementioned charity Equality Now.

Doors open at 4, and the first scheduled performer is GOBL favorite Iris Leu, who will take the stage at about 5:00 pm. Blue Petal takes the stage at 5:45, and for those who haven't seen the band in awhile, they have grown leaps and bounds musically, and their live show is among one of the best in town. Their latest CD, Golden Storybook, is pretty impressive as well. Inner Frequency takes the stage at 6:45, and Austin powerhouse Patrice Pike takes the stage at 8:00 pm, and will have a nice, long two hour set.

Oh, and for all you sci-fi fans, there will be a screening of both the movie Serenity, as well as the internet sensation Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog the day before at Studio Movie Grill in Addison.

MySpace Playlist: 7/5/09

1. "The Royal Me", Les Americains


2. "Leaves and Sticks", Romp Almighty


3. "People Change", Tonite Tonite but After Tonite You're on Your Own

Les Americains will headline Thursday's LBG show, with Tonite Tonite opening and Romp Almighty sandwiched nicely in the middle.

4. "Maureen's House", The Marfalites

Club Dada had a rough last week to say the least, but the good is supposed to open back up this Monday. That's good, because I'm really looking forward to the debut show of Noah Caveny's new band, The Marfalites. Oh yeah, Macon Greyson and King Bucks are both on the bill, and they're pretty damn good too.

5. "Cathedral", The Felons

I, "The Ghost", do hereby solemny swear that by the end of the business week, there shall be a review of At Sea posted.

6. "Done", Deep Blue Something

The KDGE reunion show was fun, even though DBS skipped most of my favorite songs. This is one of the ones they skipped.

7. "End Film", Little Black Dress

Just in case one song sung by Toby Pipes isn't enough for you, here's an offering from his latest project, Little Black Dress.

8. "Yer Fool's Suite (Part II)", RTB2


9. "Five Minutes", Binary Sunrise

The DOMA's are quickly approaching, and I'd encourage you to cast your votes. If one of those votes is for me at Best Music Advocate, all the better. There are a lot of great nominees, and some categories are really painful for me to decide. I do, however, want to offer up a couple of quick endorsements. I opted for RTB2 over Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights, simply because I feel there's a greater blues sound in the music of RTB2. As for Binary Sunrise, they are probably the best electronica based band I've heard in awhile.

10. "Echo and the Pass", Hendrick

I just received Hendrick's upcoming CD, Exhale. I'm a little reluctant to say too much here, since I've had the songs for such a short time. In spite of said reluctance, I'm going to say this: "Echo and the Pass" is hands down the best song I've heard thus far this year. Yes, the song is long, clocking in at nearly eight minutes. Yet never for a second does the song fail to demand and command your attention. From its slow, gorgeous intro, to its intense climax, "Echo and the Pass" is a captivating gem of a song that needs to be heard by all.

4th of July Weekend Shows

I'm not gonna lie, I'm shocked by the slim number of choice shows I'm finding for this weekend. Am I overlooking something? If so, PLEASE send me a comment and let me know. A number of shows I'm recommending are acts I haven't even seen yet. In those cases, I will put an asterik by the name of acts I've liked what I've heard of, but have not caught a live set. With that in mind, let's start the list:


FRIDAY

94.5 Reunion (Lakewood Theater)
My first Deep Ellum show was Old 97's at Trees back in '96, so I missed out on the glory days of Deep Ellum. Yet through George Gimarc, I was well educated on some of Dallas' best offerings, thanks to his Tales from the Edge series of CD's, as well as the fact that 94.5 KDGE kept a number of local bands in regular rotation. Tonight, Mr. Gimarc is holding a party in honor of the beginnings of that station, and it features many of the premier Dallas bands of that time period, including pop poppins, The Bat Mastersons, and Deep Blue Something. I've heard conflicting stories as to whether Decadent Dub Team or Cottonmouth, TX is playing, but either way, Jeff Liles will be on stage. Oh, and John Easdale of Dramarama will be playing. Also, word has it that all of the original DJ's will be on hand for the event. This event is not just for those wanting to relive the heyday of alternative radio or Deep Ellum, but an opportunity for a new generation to see what they missed out on.
Matthew Gray/Iris Leu/Jason Remier/St. Philistine (The Cavern)
The Cavern's website says Iris goes on last, and Ms. Leu says she goes on at 11:30, with Matthew Gray (of Matthew & The Arrogant Sea) headlining. Either way, get there early enough to ensure you don't miss Iris' set. Trust me on this one.
The Drams/The Slow Burners (Dan's Silverleaf)
Hands down, winner of the "best show in little d" award for the Independence day weekend.
The Dirty Birds*

SATURDAY:
Les Americains/Slider Pines (Double-Wide)
You'd think that Saturday would be the night with the most shows this weekend, but the reverse is true. The only thing I can figure is that people are going to stay at home and party there over the weekend, and save some money in this rough economy. Obviously, someone didn't tell Chelsea Callahan this, as she has booked one heck of a party at Double-Wide. Both bands on the lineup blend a not so delicate balance of great hooks with energetic rock and roll spirit. By the way, this is supposed to be a pool party, so you might wanna bring your swimwear in your car just in case. Either way, this show will be loads of fun.
Western Giants*/Touching Tongues*/Manned Missiles/Violent Still Life (The Cavern)

Update on Dada, Plus My Show Tonight

I wish I had some new news to offer my readers about the situation at Club Dada. The DC9 at Night blog has done an excellent job in covering the story, and I'd recommend you check it out for the latest info. I will tell you that if you were planning tonight to check out Zound Sound's head honcho, Marc Solomon, that the show has been moved from Dada to Sons of Hermann Hall. Friday night's show at Dada, however, is scheduled to go off as planned. I hope that this is a mere road bump in the history of Club Dada, arguably the most significant club in the history of Deep Ellum (certainly the club with the longest reign). Also, there are a couple of really cool shows happening there in the near future. Next friday, King Bucks and Macon Greyson play, along with the debut of Noah Caveny's new band, The Marfalites. And then of course, there's my anniversary show bash Friday, July 31st.

As for tonight, I invite you all to hang out with me at Lakewood Bar and Grill for a fabulous night of music. The poster tells you all you need to know, other than to be at the club at 9:00 for the entertainment.

Major Concert Announcement - July 31st at Club Dada

It was almost two years ago that I began blogging. Last year, I had a nice little shindig at Dada featuring Somebody's Darling, Rose County Fair, and THe BAcksliders, just to name a few. This year, for the 2nd anniversary of Ghost of Blind Lemon, I'm holding another major show at Club Dada on Friday, July 31st. I'm still finalizing details on the lineup, but let me share with you the artists I have so far, going in alphabetical order by first name:

Elkhart - I liked Travis Hopper well enough as a solo artist, but his work with Elkhart is just amazing. It's slow, dreamy, with a slight country vibe. For those who still feel the void of being without Pleasant Grove, then run, don't walk, to see Elkhart.

Inner City All Stars - Some bands need to be seen live, and this is one of them. Setting hip-hop lyrics to a New Orleans jazz sound, this is a fresh and exciting band sure to get even the squarest cat on his or her feet.

Iris Leu - There's a reason she won Quick's Big Thing award. Dallas has been sore lacking in the piano based songwriter field, and Ms. Leu's music is rich and gorgeous, taking a certain amount of classical influence, while meshing it with more contemporary influences (Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos). Her album, Hushaboo, is one of this year's must have CD's.

Menkena - I think Menkena may hold the title of band I've seen most this year. Between Jimmy Menkena's knack for lyrics and his band's ability to create beautifully dreamy melodies, they are a band that needs to happen in a big way.

The O's - I almost got The O's to perform at last year's anniversary show, but they weren't quite ready at that point. Since then, the band has taken Dallas by storm, playing countless shows, winning a Quick award for Big Song ("You've Got Your Heart), and earning more Dallas Observer Music Award nominations than any other act. I'd say the band is more than ready at this point.

Spencer Garland - One thing I love to do as a blogger is give a new and upcoming artist an opportunity to reach a larger crowd. This acoustic singer-songwriter shows a lot of promise, so be sure to catch his yet.

As I said before, this is NOT a complete lineup, and I'm still working on the schedule. I can tell you that cover will be $10, and doors will open at 6, with the first act going on at about 6:15 or so. Start saving your pennies, because this will hopefully be an even bigger party than last year.

The Cut Off Vs. Schoolhouse Rock

The cut*off recently posted a video on Facebook that grabbed my attention. They took a new, as of yet unreleased song called "When You're Dead", and then set the music to an old Schoolhouse Rock clip. It's no surprise that the video is highly entertaining. What I don't want to get lost with this really cool clip is how good the actual song is. I would even dare to say it is the cut*off's most ambitious song to date, relying heavily on piano parts as opposed to their more traditional alt-country meets grunge guitar heavy sound. Yes, it's ambitious, and dark by even cut*off standards, but most importantly, the song works. It's eerie, yet in its own way, fun. My curiousity level for the next album is skyrocketing.

MySpace Playlist: 6/28/09

Again, technically it's posted on the 29th, but close enough, right? So let's get to it...

1. "T-Docks (Summertime)", Clay & Electronic Cowboys
   I'm continuing my Lakewood Bar & Grill bookings through most of July, and Clay will have the headlining slot for the evening, around 11:30. Normally I start my playlists with the opener, but this is such a deliciously fun song that it seemed the perfect way to start the playlist.


2. "Supernatural", Rahim Quazi
   Mr. Quazi fills the middle slot for the night. This song was neglected in both the Quick Big Thing Awards, as well as the DOMA's. That, my friends, is nothing less than criminal.


3. "So Slow", Taylor Davis
   A double set of thank you's for Mr. Davis: not only is he opening up this Thursday's LBG show in style, but he filled in last minute and opened the CD release show Friday for The Felons. I rarely get to see Taylor play, so two shows in a week's time will be a treat.


4. "Better Off Dead", the cut*off
   My apologies to my readers (as well as cut*off fans) for any confusion over last Thursday. To the guys in the band: I hope to book you in the very near future. You'll always hold a special spot in Fast Eddie's heart.


5. "Endlessly", Green River Ordinance
   It's time for a deep confession: at my core, I'm a hopeless romantic. Is this song a bit sappy? Probably so. At the same time, it's incredibly catchy, and yes, sweet as well.


6. "Gypsy Woman", Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights
   The band has been busy touring with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock, and that tour makes a stop this Wednesday at the Superpages.com center (but I still call it Starplex, damnit). Not content to doing one show that night, JT&NL will play a show at Dada, along with We Are Villains and RTB2. Admission is only $5, or free to anyone with a ticket stub to the Skynyrd/Kid Rock show.


7. "Cheeky Girl", The Kul
   I got an email from The Kul (pronounced like "The Cool") encouraging me to vote for the band in this year's Dallas Observer Music Awards (nominated for Best Funk/R&B). I gave it a listen, and was quite pleasantly surprised, particularly by this track. For those who haven't voted yet in the DOMA's, I would encourage you to cast a vote for The Kul.


8. "Secular Trends", Grassfight
   For those who missed this band when they played Lakewood Bar & Grill, you really missed out. Everyone who was there was talking about the band, pleasantly shocked by their performance. One of the reasons I love to blog is to get the word out on bands that have not gotten the attention they deserve. Grassfight is most definitely such a band, and if there's any musical justice, they will get the opportunity to climb high on the local music ladder of success.


9. "Hollowville", Iris Leu
   Hushaboo is one of those albums where my favorite track changes from day to day. This particular track has spent many a days as my favorite. I'm sure Ms. Leu will perform this song Friday at The Cavern.


10. "I Like Love", pop poppins
    I just discovered today that there will be a 20th year anniversary party at Lakewood Theater for 94.5 KDGE. When I was in high school, my life was almost completely centered around that station and the music they played. Whether it be alternative superstars (U2, The Cure, etc.), lesser known acts (Material Issue, Inspiral Carpets, etc.) or local acts like pop poppins and Moon Festival, this was the music that shaped my teenage years. Friday's Lakewood show will feature pop poppins, The Bat Mastersons, and John Easedale of Dramarama among others. Tickets are only $9.45 (how clever) plus service charges. Merch will be sold at the show, including old 94.5 KDGE bumper stickers, t-shirts, and Tales From The Edge CD's. Man, just talking about it is making flash back to high school.

Finally, I leave you with a video of Emily Elbert covering "Thriller". Many of you I'm sure have seen Jeff Liles post the video as a bulletin on one of his various MySpace accounts. But just in case you missed it, give it a listen. Rest in peace, gloved one.