Monday, February 28, 2011

Local Edge Playlist: 2/27/11

I first came up with the idea of posting the playlists from The Local Edge because its host Mark had gotten severely behind on posting the playlists at KDGE. That's what made me decide to post them on the blog. Well, as you've probably noticed, I'm the one who's behind on posting. I'm not going to bother with the ones I've missed, as those can be obtained on the KDGE website. But I'll bet this one isn't up there yet, so enjoy.

Oh, and speaking of cool radio shows, be on the lookout for more shows from yours truly on deepellumradio.

"Marnie", Novaak
"Dog's Light", Bravo, Max!
"Citizen", El Cento
IN STUDIO: JESSIE FRYE
"Fortune Teller"
"Prepared"
"Like a Light"
"Alyson Revere", Fishboy
"Save Me", Hares on the Mountain
"Via Matilda", Spookeasy
"Mad", The Missile Men
"My Niagra Heart", Spooky Folk

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

lower case words and cool videos

yes, it's been awhile since my last post. i've missed several lucky 13 playlists, as well as recaps of mark's local edge show. the past week has had plenty of ups and downs on a personal level, and more of the latter unfortunately. the good news? things are finally on an upswing, which should alleviate a certain amount of stress and allow me a better frame of mind for writing.

but enough about that. let me answer the other question on your mind right now. why is this post done in all lower case? this is a tribute to the band called hormones. not hormones with a capital h, but a lower case h. in fact, i believe all their song titles are strictly lower case. normally, i'm not a fan of punctuation that goes against grammatical rules, but for hormones, i'll make an exception. their tune "to the 9's" is a song that with its somewhat erratic rhythm and high energy makes for an extremely interesting listen.

the video to the song, although fairly simplistic in execution, has a very cool look to it, particularly the paint scenes. the video is directed by the luu brothers, who were also responsible for cocky american's video for "romance tried to kill me". i've posted the video below, but since it's shot in hd, the full screen version cannot be fully appreciated on this site at the time. if you click here, it will take you to the band's youtube page.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Last Minute GOBL Showcase


Recently, J.R. Denson came to me and asked me to help him recruit some opening acts for his City Tavern show this Friday. I did, and in return, he allowed me the privilege of putting the Ghost of Blind Lemon name on the lineup. And while these new additions to his show may have been last minute, this is still a first rate lineup.

Opening the show is local music legend Mike Graff, formerly of Course of Empire. I got the opportunity to see him open for Menkena's CD release show, and while I figured he'd be good based on his reputation, I was not expecting songs so catchy. He'll be playing what he refers to as his "boogie rock" songs, which feels strongly reminiscent of 70's period Lou Reed/David Bowie/Rolling Stones. Fans of that period should run, not walk, over to City Tavern by 10 to catch his set.

Next on the lineup is Tweed EQ, one of last year's nominees for Best Blues Act in last year's Dallas Observer Music Awards. While blues purists may disagree with the label of blues for the band, there's no denying that there's a hefty dose of blues in their style of gritty rock music. For those who listen to The Local Edge with Mark (which if you're not, you NEED to start doing so this Sunday), you've probably heard one of their newer songs, "I Know a Thing or Two About You". I've been hearing the track for the past few weeks, and it's always one of the highlights of Mark's show. Tweed EQ should hit the stage at about 11.

That, of course, leaves Pale Horse in the headlining slot. I'm not sure what to say that I haven't already. I'll just refer you to their ReverbNation page, filled with GOBL quotes, and remind you that "You're No Good" was my favorite local music track of 2011. Also, it's worth mentioning that the band is working on their next EP, and you'll most likely hear some of the new tracks Friday when they take the spotlight around midnight.

I know this is short notice, but I hope that you can make the necessary adjustments in your schedule to attend this show. You'll be glad you did.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Weekend Plans: Superbowl Edition

What a strange week this has been. To say that the weather has been bad is definitely an understatement. This has put a damper on a number of pre-Super Bowl activities, and a few have even been cancelled. Fortunately, the weather is starting to warm up a little, which will allow you to get out to a show or two. There's plenty of big name acts here in town. But for those of you who don't have $1,000 or so to see Prince at the old Reunion Arena parking lot, there are some much cheaper options for local talent.

NOTE: Shows are being cancelled as we speak due to weather. I'd encourage you to check with the venue before heading out tonight.

FRIDAY:
Seryn/Monahans/Sam Robertson (Dan’s Silverleaf)
I've only gotten to see an acoustic Seryn performance, but that itself was one of the most remarkable shows I saw last year. The band will celebrate the release of This Is Where We Are, a collection of songs filled with soaring melodies and near perfect harmonies. Dan's Silverleaf is the perfect venue for a more quiet and introspective band such as Seryn.
Ishi/Cocky Americans/DJ Redsean (The Cavern)
Expect to see fewer and fewer shows at The Cavern, as the venue is shifting is focus away from live music. But tonight's show will be a big one. The only question is how the venue will be able to handle a band as popular as Ishi.
Binary Sunrise/George Quartz/Sir Name (Double-Wide)

This show has just been cancelled (I didn't want to strike thru the portion below. The show is off, but my opinion of Binary Sunrise remains the same).
While I do like Ishi, Binary Sunrise has always been my favorite dance band in Dallas. Their style leans more towards new wave, but think less Depeche Mode and New Order and more Gary Numan and even Kraftwerk.
Rahim Quazi & The Supernaturals (Jack’s Backyard)
If you missed Mr. Quazi's performance at my Dada showcase, here's your chance to redeem yourself. This time, he'll be backed by a full band.
The show has unfortunately been cancelled, although Jack's itself will be open tonight.
Sayonara/Another Year Colder/The Demigods/The Crazy Ivans (Liquid Lounge)
Ducado VeGA turned me on to the music of The Demigods, and I was quite impressed, and The Crazy Ivans definitely put on an energetic set. This is one of the better Liquid Lounge lineups that the venue has had in quite awhile.


SATURDAY:
Seryn/Monahans/The Cush (Club Dada)
Same info as the Dan's Silverleaf show, except in place of Seryn, local shoegaze group The Cush replace Sam Robertson. It's been a few years since I've seen The Cush, but fans of shoegaze will definitely want to get to Dada early to catch them.
Summer Ames/David Ramirez (Opening Bell Coffee)
Summer seems to be quite the appropriate name for this young lady, as her songs seem to glow like rays of sunshine. Even more melancholy tunes like "Capture" have such a beauty that it lifts the mood of the listener. Her joy is so infectious that Kirtland Records has signed her. Also on the bill is Dallas turned Austin singer-songwriter David Ramirez, one of my big favorites from Austin.
Goodnight Ned (The Cavern)
Here's another Cavern show, featuring GOBL showcase alumni Goodnight Ned. Fans of Bravo, Max! will definitely want to check this band out.

And of course, if I've forgotten any LOCAL shows worth mentioning, post them in the comments section. And no, Prince and Black Eyed Peas do NOT count as local.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Snow Days

So, is anyone else getting cabin fever here? I certainly am. I haven't left the house in three days, and I'm not digging this. As a result, I have not recorded another radio show with deepellumradio as of yet. Rest assured, there will be another episode. When it is done, I will let everyone know.

In the meantime, I have a few songs for you to get you through this wintery weather. And believe it or not, they both share the same name: "Snow Day". What are the odds of two local songs sharing that name? The first of the two Snow Days comes from Calhoun's upcoming release, Heavy Sugar. I've said this before, I'll say it again: this is Calhoun's best work to date. Go ahead and take a listen to the song below:



The second Snow Day comes from a Denton singer-songwriter by the name of Karyna Cruz. Her songs are more piano based and in a similar vain to that of Emmeline (but not as depressing of lyrics). In fact, I believe I discovered her music through Emmeline. Karyna will be performing tonight at Opening Bell Coffee, and I have no doubt she'll play this song. If you like the song, I believe it's still available as a free download thru her website. Here's a video of her performing that song last October at Cafe de Lux in Denton.



Hope these songs help put you in a better mood and better able to combat the cabin fever.

UPDATE: Karyna's Opening Bell show is NOT happening tonight. You'll just have to enjoy the video tonight instead.