MySpace Playlist: 8/16/09 (A Day Late)

The original intent was to say a few quick words yesterday, and then move into the playlist. As I started to type, I realized I had way too much to say, and that the playlist needed to be a separate article in and of itself. So for the first time in weeks, I present you a new MySpace playlist.

1. "Eyes for You", Old 97's
   There are so many things I can say about this band: how great they are, how they are the reason I started my journey in the local music scene, and so forth. I'll try not to gush too much about the 97's. I must say, though, that I'm impressed to see them play such a fancy-schmancy venue as Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth this Friday (Telegraph Canyon opens this show). The band has come a long, long ways. I somehow doubt they'll pull out this song at the show, but who knows?


2. "Fanzini", Luna Matto
   I've lost track trying to count the number of Polyphonic Spree side projects. Annie Clark's side project, St. Vincent, is obviously the most visible of these side projects. Luna Matto is another Spree member hoping to make a name for herself. With her dreamy vocals and melodies that seem to borrow elements from Sia, Neko Case, and Cat Power, Ms. Matto might find herself the recipient of critical acclaim and a respectable sized fan base.


3. "Tethered", Danny Balis
   One can't help but hope for good things from Mr. Balis' debut CD, Too Much Living. With the contributions he's made in such bands as Sorta and King Bucks, the man has definitely made his mark in the local music scene. His CD does not deliver good things. To call this CD merely "good" is an insult. Danny's music is a living, breathing tribute to all that was once great in country music. This is real deal, "tear in your beer" country music. Not Americana or alt-country or pop-country, but country. Every one of the ten tracks on Too Much Living is a perfect piece of beautiful heartbreaking truth. If you want to see him perform these songs live, and you should, then get to Granada Theater early Friday night. Mr. Balis will open the show, with Macon Greyson playing and the reunited Slobberbone headlining.


4. "Just the Way She Runs", Matthew Bridgman
   I was looking forward to finally seeing David Ramirez play Saturday at Bill's Records. Alas, his van broke down in Lubbock, forcing him to cancel his set. Fortunately, there were plenty of other great performers, including Louisiana punk band Mission vs. Madness and Waco/Austin native Jaimee Harris. Also on the bill was former Hendrick member Matthew Bridgman, who is quite an impressive songwriter. He'll be playing Thursday at The Gap in Stonebriar Mall (unlikely venue to say the least) alongside GOBL fave Iris Leu. Good music in Plano: a fluke, or a sign that the end of the world is coming?


5. "Echo and the Pass", Hendrick
   Speaking of Hendrick, I still can't get over this song. I know many of you still haven't listened. Please, my readers, I do not make these playlists for my entertainment. These are tools to help you discover new music, and I haven't found a song this year more worthy of discovery than "Echo and the Pass".


6. "Impossible", Pleasant Grove
   I've been on something of a Pleasant Grove kick lately. The song selections on MySpace are rather limited. Personally, I would've preferred to post "Commander Whatever", "Cone Equation", or "We Made Our Way". Alas, since this was the only option off of The Art of Leaving, this had to do.


7. "Sunday Driver", True Widow
   When I first saw True Widow at the Dallas Observer Music Awards showcase, the plan was to catch a little of True Widow's set at The Cavern, and a little of Doug Burr's set at Billiard Bar. I liked what I had heard on the band's MySpace page, and had heard lots of killer word of mouth. I was not prepared for what I walked in on. True Widow put on one of the most amazing shows I've seen in forever. I ended up staying for all of True Widow's set. It's not so much that I didn't want to leave, but it's almost more accurate to say that I couldn't leave The Cavern. The music of True Widow was too captivating and entracing for me to be able to walk away. Moral of the story: if you get a chance to see the band, then you must do it.


8. "So Slow", Taylor Davis
   It seems I've seen more of Taylor Davis in the past two months than any other musician. I most likely will not make it to his set this Thursday at Lakewood Bar & Grill, where he'll be joined by Tim Miller, who I haven't seen play in eons. Besides, I probably should skip a Taylor Davis show so he doesn't think I'm stalking him.
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10. "The Candle Song", Sara Donaldson
    Sara Donaldson fans, take heart. Her long overdue follow up to her debut CD will be released on iTunes in about a month it appears. Here's a little taste of what you have to look forward to when you can purchase her new CD, Leaving Winter.


11. "Homesick", Menkena
    Thanks again to Menkena, as well as all the other acts, who played the Ghost of Blind Lemon 2 year anniversary show at City Tavern. I got the opportunity to hear some of their new songs that will be on the upcoming full length, which only has me more excited for the release of this CD. Since I don't have any new tracks to offer, I give you this oldie but goodie from Menkena. Enjoy!