Somebody’s Darling Is Having a Birthday

No, I don’t mean somebody’s sweetheart or someone’s girlfriend or anything like that. I am of course referring to the Dallas band Somebody’s Darling, one of the many great artists who took the stage last Saturday at Dada. It turns out that one year ago today, the band held its very first show ever at Green Elephant. The fact that the band is a mere one year old is pretty overwhelming to me. I know many bands that have been together for years that struggle to get a fraction of both the audience and the talent that SD already possesses.

If you want to wish them a happy birthday, go check them out at House of Blues tonight. They will open up for He Wears Black, a Johnny Cash tribute band. This will not be in the little Pontiac Garage (formerly the Cambridge Room), but in the main venue. By the way, HOB, way to go on featuring local acts on bills for two nights in a row. Let’s see more of that local action coming our way.

Tickets for the event can be purchased for as little as $12. Enjoy that price. If Somebody’s Darling keeps rising in popularity as quickly as they have in their first year, you may see them headlining at House of Blues for a whole lot more money. See them now while you can, and if you see a band members hanging around, buy them a beer and wish them a happy birthday.

Oh, and of course, tell them “The Ghost” says hi.

Weekend Update: 8/8/08

Before I give you the list of cool shows going on this weekend, let me just take a quick moment to thank Club Dada for letting me host my showcase, and also thank all the artists who played and everyone who attended. I was proud to be a part of such a wonderful show, and I cannot wait to host another show.

OK, it’s time to shift from last weekend to this weekend. We’ve got a few sweet shows coming up, so take a look and find (at least) one that appeals to you.

FRIDAY:
Black Tie Dynasty/The Burning Hotels/the cut*off/Hendrick (House of Blues)
At last week’s GOBL Anniversary Showcase, I introduced all the bands, but I feel like I did not give the cut*off the introduction they so deserved. That is a shame, because the cut*off in the period of a few years have gone from an average grunge influenced band to becoming one of the true shining stars in the local music scene. The Rorschach EP showed a strong hint of their potential, and Packaged Up for Beginners cashes in on that potential. Between smart, insightful lyrics created by lead vocalist Kyle Barnhill and top notch production values by the incomparable Salim Nourallah, their new CD is perfect for both beginners and advanced cut*off fans. On a separate note, it’s good to see House of Blues showcase a solid lineup of all local talent.
Boys Named Sue/The Hundred Inevitables (Allgood Café)
Congrats to Mike Snider and Allgood, for eight great years of food and music. The evening starts with everyone’s favorite redneck band, Boys Named Sue. Following that, the Lolli Dollies will be invading, and music will be provided by The Hundred Inevitables. Here are the two things you need to know about the band: they play killer power-pop in the vain of Big Star, and they don’t play very often. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hundred Inevitables don’t play another show this year. You have been forewarned.
Pikahsso and Tahiti/Headkrack/Genova (The Cavern)
The second P (as in Piknik) may be gone from PPT, but both Pikahsso and Tahiti can still rock the mic just fine sans Piknik, as shown by their set together at Sugar Shack for the DOMA Showcase. If you’re a hip-hop fan, I doubt there’s a better place to be.
The Theater Fire (Lee Harvey’s)
OK, how much longer until the follow-up to Everybody Has a Dark Side? Hey, at least they’re doing some shows now.

SATURDAY:
I Wanna Be A Robot: A Benefit for Shaky Amy (Club Dada)
I pity Fishing For Comets, who will be playing the outdoors stage at 5:30. That’s not gonna be pretty. Seriously though, the only flaw with the lineup is that there is TOO much good music to be packed into such a short period of time. Highlights besides FFC will include Sunward, The Felons, Lovie, and what may be one of the last Tah Dah’s shows ever. There’s too much for me to talk about, so click here for all the details.
Here, In Arms/Les Americains/Christian Brooks Band/The Istics/Erik Castillo (Prophet Bar)
I finally got the opportunity to see Here, In Arms a little over a month ago. I expected the band to be good, but what I heard was amazing. Brent Engel has found a way to produce a sound fusing the best of 60’s and 70’s rock with a certain flair that makes the music sound soulful, although not soul music per se. It’s intense, and I anxiously await the full length CD from this band. Last minute edit: I just got an email telling me that Les Americains features members of [DARYL] and Macavity. Makes the lineup even more promising.
The Theater Fire/Ralph White and Places (Dan’s Silverleaf)
I’m not sure if Places is Mr. White’s backup band or a separate act. Either way, it’s a second opportunity to see Theater Fire in one week plus what is sure to be the best show this weekend in Denton.

A Time to Reflect

One year ago today, I posted my first blog entry, giving birth to The Ghost of Blind Lemon so to speak. A friend of mine planted idea of starting a blog about the local music scene about a month before hand. I initially rejected the idea, but as time went on, I became more frustrated with the direction that the scene had taken. There were only two options: sit around and complain, or try to do something about it. As a result, I created this site in hopes of creating a place where people could be informed about the local music scene and find a way to take part in it by supporting both the bands and the venues.

When I decided I wanted to start the site, the first person I talked to was Cindy Chaffin of Texas Gigs and Fine Line fame. I was saddened to learn last week that she was giving up The Fine Line in order to pursue other endeavors. I have yet to get the opportunity to talk to Cindy about her decision, but I wish her the best of luck in whatever she pursues. When I started, The Fine Line was one of many major blogs about the local music scene. However, much in the way the scene has been hard on bands and venues, it has also been a rough year for the blogs. Boca Tinta went by the wayside earlier this year, and Big D Little D posts so rarely that it might as well be considered dead. Now without Fine Line, that pretty much leaves We Shot JR, Adventures in Live Music, A History of Dallas Music, and me.

I will admit that over the past few months, my output has been irregular at best and infrequent at worst. There have been many things distracting me in the past few months; some are good (like the relationship I am currently in) and some are not (financial stresses). The end of Fine Line, however, has served as something of a wake-up call. It seems that my services are needed more than ever. I am not saying this out of any sense of ego. I am by no means the best one to act as any sort of spokesperson for the Dallas music scene. I do, however, seem to be one of the last ones standing in the local music blogosphere.

This seems to bring me back to that same crossroads I was at last year. I can sit around and complain, or try to do something about it. I can either surrender to the fact that the local music scene is dead, or I can fight to give it life. I can either turn my back on promising new artists like Kristina Morland, The Felons, Binary Sunrise, Elle, The Liking Strikes, and many others, or I can try to help them find the audiences they so deserve. I can either remember the glory days of Deep Ellum, or I can go to shows at Club Dada, Prophet Bar, Sons of Hermann, and any other Deep Ellum venue that supports quality music. As far as I’m concerned, there is only one option.

Okay, okay, I’ll step down off of my soapbox now. Let’s end on a happy note, and there is not much that brings me greater pleasure than the idea of my 1 Year Anniversary show this Saturday at Dada. I have been fortunate enough to bring together eight excellent artists that show everything that is going right with the local music scene. I could easily type for several more pages about the brilliance of each of these artists and why they are so deserving of a spot on the lineup, or I can just tell you that you need to come to Dada Saturday night. I hope you will join me in this celebration of my blog, and more importantly, in the celebration of the scene.

Some Good Buys Indeed

This weekend, Kettle Art will open an exhibition called Good Buy. It will feature various band-related art that has been hanging in some Deep Ellum clubs for the past few decades. Just look below to see a sample of some of the works available for purchase.



The exhibition begins this Saturday, the same night as my anniversary show. The gallery will be open from 7-10 pm, so feel free to leave the show (momentarily of course) and see what's for sale. Oh, and if anyone feels like buying me an early birthday gift of the autographed Old 97's poster, I would not object. Really, it wouldn't bother me at all.

P.S. It seems that blogger only allows stationary photos, so click on the Kettle Art link to get a better view of all the art for sale.

Some Big and Crazy News

First, let me tell you the big news. Those of you who know me personally have probably heard me talk about the showcase I’m holding at Club Dada this Saturday in honor of the one year anniversary of GOBL. I am proud to FINALLY announce the official lineup of the show.

6:45 Kristina Morland
7:30 American Werewolf Academy
8:15 Rahim Quazi (solo)
9:00 The Felons
10:00 the cut*off
11:00 THe BAcksliders
12:00 Rose County Fair
1:00 Somebody's Darling

The cover is $10, and considering both the quantity and quality of bands, that’s simply a steal. Spread the word and tell your friends about this show.

Now comes the crazy news. Actually, it’s news about the Crazy Jeff Show. I met Jeff at THe BAcksliders CD Release show, and he’s definitely one cool guy. He’s recording a live podcast tonight with very special guest Sean Kirkpatrick. Word on the street is that Mr. Kirkpatrick is going to debut some brand spankin’ new songs on the show. Isn’t that reason enough to listen?

If you think the answer to that question is “no”, then seek immediate psychiatric help. That is reason enough to listen to the show, but I still have one more reason for you to tune in. Jeff interviewed me earlier today, and that interview will be part of the podcast. We’ll be talking about my showcase on Saturday among other topics. The live broadcast begins at 9:00. What else are you going to do tonight, watch repeats of Without a Trace? This is so much cooler.

Sample This!!!

I met Jason and Jennifer Manriquez several years ago at the old Barley House during a Deathray Davies show. We very quickly bonded over our love of both Deathray Davies as well as the local music scene. They ran a little fanzine called Sample Press. This was back before I had regular internet access, and it was the first time I had seen a publication that showed such a true passion for the local music scene.

As time went by, Sample Press quit making new issues. Well, in recent months, not only has the Sample Press website been resurrected, but they have published their first issue in about two years. The zine has some expanded their focus, including poetry, short fiction, art, theater, and reviews of other zines, but the devotion to the local music scene is still in full tact. If you want your own copy of Sample Press (and after all, why wouldn't you?), then go to the Sample Press website, send a donation (it is a non-profit zine after all), and the July 2008 issue can be all yours. Oh, and it's worth noting that my review of Rahim Quazi's Supernatural CD was reprinted in the issue. Sure, you've probably read it on this site, but let that show the love I have for Sample Press. Only Sample Press has gotten permission to reprint my articles.

Forgive Me If I Rant, But It Has Been Awhile

I got an email last week from Chris Bonner (THe BAcksliders). It was a pretty simple email saying “Hope everything is going well for you. Miss your blogs.” I must admit that as the summer has come, I have become exceptionally bad about writing on a regular basis. It’s ironic, as I have far more free time over the summer to write than during the rest of the year. Unfortunately, this summer has not been kind to my bank account, and stress over finances among other things has distracted me from making regular blog entries.

A lot has happened during this past month that has come and gone without me giving the events the attention they deserve. One such event is the demise of Red Blood Club. My experience with the club is extremely limited. Most of the music performed there is much heavier than what I personally prefer to listen to. But while Red Blood Club did not cater to my personal music tastes, I still find its closing to be very troubling. Our city is at a point where the selection for live music venues is becoming more and more limited. And for those whose music taste leaned more towards punk, metal, and other forms of hardcore music, the loss of Red Blood leaves a chasm in the local music scene. Even worse, I am not sure that there is a club equipped to “fill the shoes” of Red Blood, so to speak. And like I said, while I did not particularly care for the music played there, I do care about Dallas music, and the local music scene is not a vacuum. Anytime that one part of the local music scene has a loss, its effect will reverberate through the rest of the scene.

Our scene is also experiencing certain musical losses too. In the past month, I have learned of the end of two great bands: PPT and The Tah Dah’s. I only had the privilege of seeing PPT perform on less than a handful of occasions, but the collective skill of all the members behind the mic never ceased to amaze me. Fortunately, while the band itself is gone, I have no doubt that the remaining members will manage to put forth some mind-blowing solo releases. Still, it’s a shame. As for the Tah Dah’s, while the band is still together, this will not be the case for long. My understanding is that Roy is leaving Dallas, and that the group will likely play its last show in August. In a MySpace bulletin posted by lead vocalist Roy Ivy, he goes on about how the local music scene is dead, and how it has been dead for a long time.

With all due respect to Mr. Ivy, I must strongly disagree with his position. I’m not going to lie and say that everything is sunshine and roses here in the metroplex. The music scene is hurting for many reasons. One of the most obvious problems facing the scene is the lack of venues here. In the past few years, we have lost Trees, Club Clearview, Red Blood Club, and Gypsy Tea Room, and that’s just for starters. The state of the national economy is also playing a part in the problems facing our scene. In times of economic crisis, people cut back on the nonessentials, and to most people, seeing local bands would be classified as a nonessential.

Yes, the local music scene has seen far better times than now. Still, it is way too premature to say that the scene is dead. You see, Dallas and its neighboring cities still have one weapon in their music arsenals: the musicians. Yes, the number of venues is down. Yes, there are far fewer record labels to promote bands than there were even five years ago. But the quality music is still here, begging to be listened to. In the past month, I have been blown away by performances by my first listens to Elle, Here, In Arms, Binary Sunrise, and Kristina Morland. And so far this year, CD’s by Rahim Quazi, Airline, Inner City All-Stars, Ms. Morland, and THe BAcksliders have all proven that there is first rate talent here in our metroplex. The question is, is anybody listening?

Well, are you?

Last.fm Playlist: 6/15/08

I'm doing an all female vocalist playlist this week in honor of the Can't Stop The Serenity musical showcase happening this Saturday from 5-8 pm at Barley House. The show will feature performances by Inner Frequency, Lovie, Camille Cortinas of Fishing For Comets, and Kristina Morland. Cover is $10, and the profits go to the charity Equality Now.

By the way, I forewarned for people to upload their music to last.fm, and since no one seemed to heed my warning, I not only followed through on the Jessica Simpson threat, but I added some LeAnn Rimes and Kelly Clarkson for good (or bad) measure. Next time, heed my advice more seriously.

1. "Dream I Call You", Annie Benjamin


2. "Pass on All Your Fears", THe BAcksliders


3. "Move Along", Blue Petal


4. "Peaches and Cream", Domestic Science Club


5. "Good Vs. Evil", Eden Automatic


6. "Circle", Edie Brickell and New Bohemians


7. "Telescope Eyes", Eisley - By the way, I debated on whether to permit this song, since I don't usually regard Tyler as part of the D/FW Metroplex area. However, since most people seem to look at Eisley as a "Dallas" band, I let it slide. Besides, I was kinda desperate, and it beats a double dose of Ms. Simpson.
   
8. "Garden of the Sun", Emily Elbert


9. "On & On", Erykah Badu


10. "Captured in This Frame", Fishing For Comets


11. "Lies", Fishing For Comets - Since Camille is one of the artists playing, I figured I'd do a double dose of her music.


12. "I Think I'm in Love with You", Jessica Simpson- Why John Mellencamp gave her permission to do this to "Jack and Diane" is beyond me.


13. "Since U Been Gone", Kelly Clarkson - Yeah, yeah, yeah, act all pretentious and stuff and sneer at me for putting this on. You know you like it.


14. "How Do I Live", LeAnn Rimes- This concludes the Top 40 segement of the playlist.


15. "It's All Gone Wrong", Pennywhistle Park


16. "The Quitter in Me", PiNKSTON


17. "Poprox", Record Hop


18. "Cigarette", Sara Radle


19. "This Is a Test (Radio Edit)", Shock Of Pleasure


20. "Sleep", Tree Wave

Oh, and I promise my readers to get more material out this week, and I also promise a major concert announcement coming soon.

Here's Your Show Recommendation, and You're Welcome

Is this the only show happening tonight? Of course not. I will say, however, that this show eclipses all other shows happening tonight. You know I love THe BAcksliders, and you know I love their new CD, You're Welcome. Needless to say, I will be right by the Double-Wide stage, enjoying the rock spectacle that is THe BAcksliders. If that isn't enough excitement for you, it's a double CD Release Party, as Dragna release their new CD tonight (sorry, I couldn't find a name for the disc). Binary Sunrise opens up the show, and I've been wanting to check this band out for quite some time. I hope to see a lot of familiar faces at the DW tonight. Feel free to come join me, buy yourself a CD, and while you're at it, feel free to buy me a drink as well!

Ladies and Gentlemen, May I Have Your Attention?

Yes, I have a special request for some of the female vocalists in Dallas. I am trying to create a last.fm playlist centered exclusively around female vocalists. The playlist will hopefully debut on June 15th. Why am I doing an all female playlist? It is in honor of the Can't Stop the Serenity benefit concert taking place on June 21st at Barley House. All profits from the evening go to Equality Now, an organization devoted to helping end discrimination and acts of violence towards women all over the world. The concert will include performances from Kristina Morland, Camille Cortinas (lead vocalist of Fishing for Comets), Lovie, and Inner Frequency. Of the four acts listed, only Fishing For Comet's music in part of the last.fm music catalog. I would STRONGLY encourage the other acts to upload their music to last.fm so that I can feature it on this and future playlists.

In addition, I'd like to list a few other acts, both female soloists and female fronted bands, whose music I would like to see on the website:

• Becky Middleton


• Kristin Leigh


• Kristy Kruger


• Lauren Gifford


• The Liking Strikes


• Romp Almighty


• Sara Donaldson


• Sarah Jaffe


• Shiny Around the Edges


• Somebody's Darling

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather a small sampling of some of the great female talent in Dallas. So please, if you're on this list, upload your music to last.fm. The picking are a little slim, and if they don't get better, I may be reduced to putting Jessica Simpson on the playlist. You don't want that, do you?