Local Edge Playlist: 1/2/11

"Another Year", Sunday Drive
"We'll Go Walkin'", The O's
"to the 9's", hormones
"Tunnelvisionary", The Flowers of God featuring Sarah Jaffe
"Prophet", Datahowler
"Knife Fight", Calhoun
"Stories", Heard
"Icing", Roy Robertson
"Beautiful Girl", Mr. Sleaze
"River Song", Seryn
"Killswitch", The Red 100's
"Shivonne", Menkena
"Finger Trace", Ryan Thomas Becker
"Time", Frankie 45 & Ben Martin

Local Edge Playlist: 11/14/10

"The Silent Tide", The Phantom Caste
"Turning Blue", Fergus and Geronimo
"You're No Good", Pale Horse
"Medicine", Daniel Folmer
"Seen It All", Fate Lions
"This Way", Foe Destroyer
"Knife Fight", Calhoun
"Buyer's Remorse", Les Americains
"Just Wanna Try", Luna Matto
"Quick and Clean", Ella Minnow
"Mind in Trouble", Oil Boom
"Praying Matas", Ryan Thomas Becker
"Wooden Floors", Nicholas Altobelli
"Sad Song", Smile Smile

Ten to Watch in '10

I almost gave up on publishing this list, given that the first quarter of 2010 is almost over. Some might even say that it's too late to publish such a list. Still, I feel that these ten artists are deserving of the attention and should not be denied the exposure because of my severe tardiness. Better late than never, right? As for these artists, some are well established within the local music community, while some are relative unknowns. Every single one of them is worth your time and attention.

Air Review
In 2009, bands like Hendrick, The Farstar, and Dovetail reminded local music fans that it is possible to blend together the best parts of indie rock and commercial alternative music. Air Review has followed that model and then taken it to another level with a sound that combines all the best qualities of British bands like Muse and Radiohead without ever coming off as imitators. Their song, "Chasing Corporate" is not only an incredibly catchy tune, but it is a surprisingly intelligent song about trying to catch a break in the music business. And while the band repeats the line "This could be our only chance" throughout the song, their album Landmarks is filled with many other great songs ("Exodus", "All Because You're Mine", and "Cartography" for starters) that will give the band multiple chances to win over fans.
Emmeline
When 2009 began, I had no idea who Iris Leu was. All it took was one listen, however, and I was instantly hooked by her gorgeously memorable voice and great songs. By the end of the year, her talent earned her a substantial following. Throughout the year, she joined both Morning Elephant and Chameleon Chamber Group, and she even won Best New Artist at the Quick Awards Show. I think Emmeline, another talented young singer songwriter with tremendous skill on the piano, has the potential to pull a similar feat this year.
Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights
Sure, JT&NL have pretty much conquered the metroplex area, bringing droves of adoring fans to each and every show. There is no doubt that they are stars in our metroplex. So why are they spotlighted in this list? Now that their major label debut, Pardon Me, will be released this April, the band has the potential to duplicate that success on a national level. Now is the part where I get on my soapbox. It has been too long since our city has had the chance of such a major success story as JT&NL. So please, if you're a fan of their 60's influenced southern soul (as you should be), do your part. Buy the album. Go to shows. Call your radio stations. Go to more shows. Tell your friends. Maybe then you can say, "yeah, I knew them way back when".
Lovie
My love of Lovie isn't exactly new. Their debut album Harshmellow was a very enjoyable collection of catchy tunes sure to put a smile on even the biggest grouch's face. So why are GOBL faves Lovie on this list? Well, if the track "Your Virgo" (from their upcoming EP Because of My Mattress) is any indication, the band is taking things to another level. Don't get me wrong, the songs still have that pop sensibility to them. The difference now is that their sound is slightly more aggressive and a lot more energetic, sort of like a local version of Sleater-Kinney. Perhaps this is due to newer additions Leanna Bates on drums and Kristen DeRocha on bass. Either way, Lovie, this new sound looks good on you. Yes, I know I'm mixing metaphors.
Luna Matto
Polyphonic Spree side projects are nothing new. St. Vincent, Andrew Tinker, the list could go on and on. So Luna Matto is just another name to add to the list, right? Wrong! From the first time I saw this band play live at Lakewood Bar and Grill, I knew instantly that this is a band that needed to be heard by the masses. Ms. Matto's voice is distinctive and quite lovely, and I have yet to hear a song by her that hasn't amazed me. Her style is in a definite Cat Power/Sia type of vein, and she's every bit as good as those artists, if not better. By this time next year, she should be selling out the Granada Theater and other venues of that size not only in Dallas but across this nation. I once said on the blog that if Luna Matto doesn't "explode" this year, that I "just might lose my faith in the Dallas music fan." I still stand behind that statement. There are few artists I'd go that far out on a limb with, and Luna Matto is one of them.
Menkena
So much has been done with music that it seems difficult to do something truly unique. Yet I feel that Jimmy Menkena has managed to do that with his blend of acoustic and shoegaze sounds. He and his band has blended together the beautiful sonic stylings of shoegaze with the captivating lyrics of what is normally only found in the singer-songwriter world. Yes, their music is quiet by nature, and if you're looking for the soundtrack to a party, then Menkena will not work. If, however, you want to dive into a gorgeous sonic landscape and get lost in a masterfully told story, then you will not find a better act in Dallas than Menkena. Oh,I almost forgot, they'll be releasing their first full length CD soon. I predict it'll be one of my most listened to CD's of the year.
The Monco Poncho
First of all, let me say I'm thrilled that the band has found such an enthusiastic fan base for their live shows. If you have not seen them live yet, it is a fun experiences filled with western dress and lots of cap guns. Still, I sometimes worry that it distracts from the fine songs written by lead singer Nick Durham and the rest of the gang. When they release their debut CD next month, be sure to pick it up and listen carefully. The shows may be fun, but the songs can definitely stand alone on their merit.
Ryan Thomas Becker
I'm not going to specify whether to watch his solo career, RTB2, Slow Burners, Eaton Lake Tonics, or whatever other project he may be a part of this week. Here's what you need to know: if it involves Mr. Becker, it's a big deal. That's all you need to know.
Sarah Jaffe
When I compiled the list, I knew that Ms. Jaffe was going to release her first full length, Suburban Nature, on Kirtland Records. I even knew she was opening for Midlake on their European tour, no doubt a nice opportunity for some exposure. Never would I have predicted that she'd be getting to open for Norah Jones. That's right, she's the main support for Ms. Jones on several dates, including her Dallas performance May 4th at the Fair Park Music Hall. And yes, her voice is still powerful enough to send chills down your back. Some things never change.
Tonite Tonite, but After Tonite You're on Your Own
It's been a long road for the band, almost breaking up several times and coming close to releasing their album but never getting it out yet. I think 2010 will finally break the spell for this band, and their debut (produced by none other than Salim Nourallah) will finally see the light of day. Like Menkena, this is a quiet band, but one whose beautiful melodies are well worth the attention. And as for the band's name, yes, it's a little long. Some would say that a name so long will hurt the band, yet ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead managed to do just fine.

Good Tuesday Shows... No, That's Not an Oxymoron

Traditionally, Tuesdays are the worst day of the week for shows. You haven't even made it to "hump day", yet you've made it past both the weekend and Monday. Many clubs do not even book bands on Tuesday, and those that do book bands do not bring out their top talent on Tuesdays. To have one intriguing show on a Tuesday is rarity; two good shows is practically unheard of. Yet tonight finds two shows that are worth the time and money.

Today marks the release of Ryan Thomas Becker's solo CD, Neighborhoof. If you're not familiar with Mr. Becker's work, then you're probably not well acquainted with local music. Between The Slow Burners, Eaton Lake Tonics, and RTB2, Ryan has been responsible for more than his share of great songs. While the opening track of the CD, "Seek Fire, Anime Kids", sounds like it would fit in perfectly on an RTB2 album, much of the rest of the album finds Mr. Becker in a more introspective state of mind. Tracks like "Premaries" and "Where Your Father Didn't Go" have a simple beauty to them that may surprise those only familiar with Mr. Becker's work with RTB2. I'm sure you can find Mr. Becker performing all the aforementioned tracks plus many others when he plays tonight at J&J's Pizza in Denton.

City Tavern finds itself hosting a great show for an unfortunate reason. Recently, local musician Greg Schroeder's musical gear was stolen. It is my understanding that the proceeds of this show will help Mr. Schroeder replace the stolen gear. Greg will be performing at the show, as well as Here In Arms, Madison King, Cousin Wes, and Grant Jones & The Pistol Lassos. Here's hoping that plenty of money is raised to help Greg.

Pretty good shows, especially for a Tuesday night, don't you think?

MySpace Playlist: 11/29/09

1. "Christmas (Doesn't Have to Be So Bad)", THe BAcksliders
   One of my life rules is to never play Christmas songs before Thanksgiving. So even though THe BAcksliders have had this track up for several weeks, I didn't want to post it until Thanksgiving had past. Now that it's over, I'm thrilled to share this song with you.


2. "The Fine Art of Bleeding", The Slack
   The Slack's new album, The Deep End, won't be available for purchase until early next year. Fortunately, Chris Holt and the gang have felt generous enough to share some tracks from the upcoming CD on their MySpace. As usual, Mr. Holt's songs are stellar and his musical skill is otherworldly.


3. "Celtic", Shallow Reign
   If Deep Ellum nostalgia is what you're craving, then The Prophet Bar is the place you should be Saturday. The lineup reads like a who's who of late 80's/early 90's local bands. Shallow Reign are on the lineup, as are Locos Gringos, Decadent Dub Team, Bat Mastersons, Buena Vistas, and too many more to mention.


4. "Every Now and Then", They Were Stars
   I know many people have been quite critical of the reopening of Trees. Admittedly, not all of the music is my personal taste, but the return of this venue is something that Deep Ellum desperately needed. I saw Dovetail there in September, and I must say I think the place looks great and the sound system is good. I may make a return visit this Saturday, as They Were Stars opens up a fabulous lineup including Pale Horse (featuring members of GOBL favorite Greater Good), Air Review, and Radiant.


5. "Awakening", Summer Ames
   Pascale (from Opening Bell Coffee) started chatting yesterday about favorite local acts, and she mentioned Summer Ames as one of her personal favorites. I saw her perform earlier this year, and I must admit that she's got a great voice and some solid tunes. And is it just me, or does this song seem tailor made for an ipod commercial?


6. "Finger Trace", Ryan Thomas Becker
   I've really been digging "Seek Fire, Anime Kids" from Mr. Becker's new solo CD, Neighborhoof. That track, however, almost sounds like what you'd expect from RTB2. I opted for this track, as it showcases a very different musical side of Ryan.


7. "Release the Squid (Box 6)", The Deathray Davies
   I'm surprised I've heard such little fanfare in regards to this band's show at Double-Wide Saturday night. I still suspect that DW will be very packed for the band's show. Few bands are as consistently good live as this band.


8. "Friendly Fire", Jet City Rotation
   I love it when good bands find and befriend me on MySpace. That's how I discovered Jet City Rotation. The band seems to have a definite Strokes influence, as well as a hint of new wave influence. Everything I've heard from this band shows great potential, and I have a suspicion that this band could put on an amazing live set. I'd love to test that hypothesis soon.


9. "Henry the Skunk", The Boom Boom Box
   I have nothing new to say about this song. I've said before that it rocks, and it continues to rock. What more can be said?


10. "Afraid of the Dark", Sorta
    I recently discovered that Sorta had uploaded its self titled CD on MySpace, as well as their previous effort, Sad and Strange But True. This closing track of their farewell eponymous CD ranks as one of my favorite songs ever by the band. This song never fails to yank at my heartstrings, particularly towards the end as the band continues to sing "oh, it's over." I miss this band, and more to the point, Carter, you are still (and always will be) missed.