The Lucky Thirteen: 2/11/13

Hello, local music fans. Remember me? Your favorite Ghost (I hope)?

Yes, it's been way too long. As someone on my Facebook said, it's as if the Ghost has become a ghost. And I did. For many reasons, my attention was shifted away from local music. Plus, promoting local music can be a grueling and often thankless task, so perhaps a temporary step back was a much needed thing. But now seems to be the right time to start slowly easing back into my job as local music advocate. I hope to start bringing you, the local music fans, more updates on a regular basis.

But for now, let's keep it simple and start with a playlist. Consider this a Cliff Notes version of what I should have been sharing with you over the past few months but haven't. Hope these sounds bring joy to your eardrums.

Standard playlist disclaimer: any artists, record labels, etc. who do not wish to be on the playlist for any reason whatsoever, email me at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com and I will gladly remove the track.

1. "Like Waking Up From the Longest Dream", Dustin Cavazos
   It's taken me more than a little while to get into Mr. Cavazos' music, but his newest effort In and Out of Sleep is a gorgeous and thought provoking album that is one of the more unique local albums in recent memory. This is also the type of album that I suspect will grow on me more with continued listens. An early contender for a Top 10 album of the year.


2. "Bonnie & Clyde", Goodnight Ned
   Played the earlier recording of this quite a bit on my Deep Ellum Radio show and liked it. But this new recording brings new life and energy into this already excellent track. Catch them Saturday at The Magnolia Motor Lounge with Foxtrot Uniform (more on that band later).


3. "Plug-N-Play", Sunward
   I haven't heard much from the band since their CD release for A Magical Display of Lights and Rays (which also brought about the awesome reunions of Chemistry Set and Tabula Rasa). It's a really catchy collection of quirky indie pop songs, and I'd welcome more performances on behalf of this band.


4. "Rocket", Home by Hovercraft
   The song sounds really good on CD, but it pales in comparison to their energetic and tight live performances. There's a similar energy to The Happy Bullets onstage, but with even better songs than the already impressive Bullets. Can't wait to see what the band can do for their CD release of Are We Chameleons? March 2nd at Dada.


5. "Drunk Love", Snow tha Product
   When I look back at last year's Dallas Observer Music Awards Showcase, the performance that will be remembered the most by me is that of Snow tha Product. Although her set of about 20 minutes was way shorter than I would have liked, in those 20 minutes she bowled me over with her excellent beats and razor sharp skills in terms of both flow and lyrics. I predict this will be a huge year for Snow, so I would encourage everyone to take note of her music, or as she would say, get "Woke Up".


6. "Arise", Sol Tax
   If my memory serves correct, I saw Sol Tax's lead singer, Sydney Wright, perform solo about six years ago at Opening Bell Coffee. As I recall, I was quite impressed by her singing ability and songwriting skills, but didn't get the opportunity to get to know her music better since she soon thereafter moved away. Now Ms. Wright is back with a new band, which will perform this Saturday at Hailey's along with GOBL favorites The Virgin Wolves.


7. "Animal", Air Review
   Probably my favorite track off the band's second full length, Low Wishes.


8. "Black Licorice", Daniel Hart
   Mark of the Local Edge ranked Mr. Hart's "O Sangeeta" as his favorite local music jam of 2012. Although I chose a different favorite track for 2012 (revealed later), I must disagree with Mark as to Mr. Hart's best track. "Black Licorice" is his strongest track as far as I'm concerned, although some of the lyrics could present a problem being played uncensored on the air.


9. "Cold Hands", Somebody's Darling
   Although I liked the bands self titled debut full length album, I missed the more bluesy influences that the band possessed earlier in their career. So I'm quite happy to say that the blues influence can be found throughout their second album, Jank City Shakedown, and particularly in the album's strong opening track, "Cold Hands". Nice work, guys.


10. "Edge of the World", Foxtrot Uniform
    This band seemed to come out of nowhere to enjoy a large amount of critical success and even airplay on KXT. Songs like "Edge of the World", with its laid back groove, clearly demonstrate the band's appeal. As mentioned earlier, they'll be at Magnolia Motor Company Saturday with Goodnight Ned. Quite a nice lineup for those needing a good Fort Worth show.


11. "Oh, Warden", The Hanna Barbarians
    Speaking of good FW shows, The Hanna Barbarians open for Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights Friday night at the Live Oak.


12. "With Love", Ronnie Fauss
    My congratulations go out to Mr. Fauss. He's finally getting some well deserved attention since being singed to New West Records imprint Normaltown Records. His debut for the label, I Am the Man You Know I'm Not, shows off his songwriting skill, and this track here, the album's closer, is a gorgeous heartbreaker. Check him out live Friday at Sundown at Granada.


13. "The Road", Dovetail
    The song starts slow yet lovely and captivating, and by the end turns into an almost epic style conclusion. Throw in some lyrics that appeal equally to the head and heart ("Lend me a moment/Something that pain cannot erase"), and a gorgeous blend of southern rock with modern elements, what does that leave you with? The best local song of 2012, hands down. That's what.

The Lucky Thirteen: 6/25/12

As the halfway mark of this year comes close, many music critics seem to be doing their list of favorite albums of 2012 thus far.  I suppose I should jump on this bandwagon, but I'm not one to usually do lengthy album reviews.  Plus, EP's and singles are now making up a bigger portion of the local music output, especially since producing an album can be cost prohibitive.

Instead of a list of this year's best albums so far, I'm opting to dedicate this week's Lucky Thirteen to a number of the finest songs I've heard this year.  This is by no means a fully comprehensive list of the area's best contributions, but rather a small sampling of some of the best well known acts, as well as some deserving of more attention.

And since ordering this list is a bigger headache than I want, I've simply arranged the tracks in alphabetical order by artist.

1. "Knockout Rose", Bad Design
2. "White Chocolate", The Boom Boom Box
3. "The Road", Dovetail
4. "When Your Hope Dies at Your Feet", The Farstar
5. "Married to the Sea", John Singer Sergeant (performed by Marcus Striplin & Sarah Jaffe)
6. "One Loaded Gun", Lara Parker
7. "After the Politics", Low Dark Hills
8. "Something We Need", Quincy Forte
9. "Break My Spirit", The Roomsounds
10. "Unstoppable", Salim Nourallah
11. "Glorified High", Sarah Jaffe
12. "Save Me", Siren Sea
13. "Take It Back", To Coda

Weekend Plans: 6/22/12

I plan on getting to the Deep Ellum Food Truck Rally early, which doesn't allow for much writing time.  That's ok, as I feel these shows speak for themselves.  Find a show or two (or more) to go see.


FRIDAY

• Deep Ellum Food Truck Rally with The Roomsounds/Ducado Vega/Home by Hovercraft
• Whiskey Folk Ramblers/Sealion/RTB2 (LaGrange)
• Dovetail/East Cameron Folklore/Parallel Play/Playtime Rabbit (The Prophet Bar)
• The Cush/Menkena (Lola's Saloon)
• Telegraph Canyon/Calhoun (The Live Oak)
• The Monco Poncho/Aristoscat/The P-Town Skanks (Double-Wide)
• The Vliets/Early Morning Creatures/O Conqueror (Dada)
• Agent Ribbons/My Kickdrum Heart (The Crown and Harp)

SATURDAY

• John Lefler EP Release/Salim & The Treefort 5/Dovetail/Doug O' Rourke (Sons of Hermann Hall)
• The Demigs/The Boom Bang/The Birds of Night/La Panther Happens (Andy's Bar)
• Art of Mistrust/Signals & Alibis/Sink or Swim (The Cellar)

I'm sure I missed something.  Be sure to post it in the comments section and chide me for my error.

The Lucky Thirteen: The Big Folkin' Edition

I'm not saying that the Big Folkin' Festival is the only show happening this weekend. But let's be honest: one look at the lineup and it's evident that this is more than a show. This is an out and out event. Or, as Parallel Play's Jeremy Drake (founder of the festival) would say, a hootenanny. Whatever you call it, it's a big deal. Tickets can be purchased in advance (click here to do so), and admission gets you the ability to see five different stages of music. You probably knew about the first four: The Prophet Bar, The Door (main and side stages), and the outdoor stage. Don't forget, however, that In Accord has its own stage. If you're like me, you're already super excited for the festival. But just to get you even more pumped, I've compiled a playlist of artists from the five different stages, and listed the start times as well. So take a listen and get your folk on.
Standard playlist disclaimer: any artists, record labels, etc. who do not wish to be on the playlist for any reason whatsoever, email me at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com and I will gladly remove the track. And if you'd actually like to be on the playlist, you can use the same email address to email me your mp3's. If I like the song, then odds are it'll wind up on a playlist.

1. "One Loaded Gun", Lara Parker
   A few months ago, I went to see Emmeline's open mic that she hosts every Wednesday at The Crown and Harp. During the show, I heard one young lady sing whose voice had a very haunting yet captivating quality to it. It was the kind of voice that makes a person take notice. That voice belongs to Lara Parker, and after hearing her, I knew that I wanted to do whatever I could to help Ms. Parker get the exposure she so richly deserves. She'll be kicking off the In Accord stage at 5:30 pm. I have no doubt she'll be playing this track, which possibly provides the darkest twist to the lyrics of "You Are My Sunshine" that you'll ever hear.


2. "Shame on Me", Chris J. Norwood
   I've been digging his EP The Moth and the Flame ever since its release late last summer. I have not as of yet been able to catch one of his live shows. Since I can't seem to get myself to a show of his, I decided instead to bring his show to me. He'll perform at In Accord at 6:30 pm.


3. "Julie", Dovetail
   When I first heard Dovetail was performing the Big Folkin' Festival, I felt a little surprised. The Dovetail I knew was closer sonically to Radiant* and Air Review rather than anything that remotely resembled folk. After hearing the new album, Mount Karma, I see that the band has steered away from the Coldplay/Radiohead vibe of the last album. That sound has been replaced with a southern rock sound with strong hints of 60's pop and psychedelia. And if their CD release show at Granada Theater this past Saturday was any hint, their set on the main stage at the Door (start time 7 pm) will be a real crowd pleaser.


4. "All the Reasons Why", Emmeline
   So I booked the In Accord lineup, and I put Emmeline on it. Yeah, who would have guessed that I'd want her on the lineup? Actually, anyone who even barely knows me must be aware of what a fan I am. She'll go on at 7 pm at In Accord.


5. "Someone Else's Blues", Greg Schroeder
   Mr. Schroeder has previously performed at In Accord, and the crowd was dead silent, hanging on every word of every song and story. He won't be performing at In Accord this time around, but he will be playing the outdoor stage at 7:30 pm.


6. "Love to Hear", Hannah Wilshire
   This song got more than its share of spins on my Deep Ellum Radio show in the fall of last year. Give it a listen here and you'll understand why. Or better yet, listen to this song live when she plays at In Accord at 7:45 pm.


7. "Dog's Light", Bravo, Max!
   This will be a long day for Johnny Beauford. Not only will Bravo, Max! be performing in the Prophet Bar at 8:15 pm, but he'll do a solo set at 9:15 pm.


8. "Your Kiss", Parallel Play
   Since the concept of the Big Folkin' Festival was courtesy of Parallel Play's Jeremy Drake, it only seemed fitting to include one of the band's songs on the playlist. Their set starts at 9 pm at The Door's main stage.


9. "Gambling Preacher and His Daughter", Whiskey Folk Ramblers
   Over the past few years, WFR has gathered a very loyal and empathic fan base. Count on them to show up in large numbers for their set at The Door starting at 10 pm.


10. "She Falls", Rahim Quazi
    Patience is a virtue, right? I'm trying to patiently wait for Mr. Quazi's follow up to Supernatural, which he says will come out this year. It's been almost four years since his last CD, which is no small wait, especially in the world of local music. Count on Mr. Quazi to perform a large number of tunes from the upcoming album when he takes the In Accord stage at 10 pm.


11. "Shake Your Fist", Telegraph Canyon
    At 11 pm, all roads lead to The Door's main stage. During that time slot, all the other stages are empty, leaving everyone free to assemble to hear Telegraph Canyon.


12. "Schoolboy", Kirby Brown
    One of my favorite tracks of last year, and I'm sure he'll be playing this when he takes The Door's main stage at 12:30 am.


13. "Break My Spirit", The Roomsounds
    The Roomsounds will wrap up the show in their usual raucous fashion, no doubt. Gather around inside The Prophet Bar, get a last drink in before last call, get a new CD from the band, and get some rock.

My Big Folkin’ Announcement

You may have heard about The Big Folkin’ Festival. If not, let me tell you a little about it. Jeremy Drake of the band Parallel Play has assembled what I can only describe as an all star cast of local players in folk. Actually, Mr. Drake has stretched the limits of what is commonly thought of as folk, by incorporating country, alt-country, blues, roots-rock, and even rockabilly under the umbrella of folk. Acts playing the festival include Telegraph Canyon, Whiskey Folk Ramblers, The O’s, Kirby Brown, Nicholas Altobelli, Dovetail, Goodnight Ned, The Roomsounds, and… well, I’m getting tired of listing all the acts, but there’s many others that will be playing The Prophet Bar and The Door on March 31st.

The party, however, is not limited to those two clubs. I am excited to announce that I have booked an excellent afternoon/evening of talent at In Accord. Some of you may be familiar with the store, which serves several purposes. The store sells fair trade merchandise from local artisans, artists display and sell their works in the gallery area, and In Accord is also home to Deep Ellum Radio. In Accord also has allowed me to host acoustic showcases every 2nd Saturday of the Month, featuring established acts like Phoenix Hart, Greg Schroeder, Rahim Quazi, and Chris Holt (among others).

But I’m digressing here. Back to the show. By purchasing your ticket or wristband at The Prophet Bar, you automatically gain entry to my showcase at In Accord. But who’s playing, you’re wondering. I’m so glad you asked…

 5:30  Lara Parker
 6:00  Kyle Brooks
 6:30  Chris J Norwood
 7:00  Emmeline
 7:45  Hannah Wilshire
 8:30  Garrett Owen
 9:15  Jaimee Harris
10:00  Rahim Quazi

So please, don’t delay. Get your tickets ASAP, and come hang with me at In Accord March 31st.

The Lucky Thirteen: 3/19/12

First off, thanks to those who have commented on the piece I wrote about Adam Carter. It's a story that has taken me this full year to get my words together. In writing about Adam, it brought a lot of painful memories to the forefront. Yet in the end, I found it a healing experience, and I hope that discussing the issue helps bring some healing to those who knew him.

Now, on to happier subjects... like local music. 35 Denton and SXSW may be over, but it seems that this week has brought a sudden wave of CD release shows. So in this week's Lucky Thirteen, I'd like to mention some CD releases I'd recommend, along with some shows that don't feature a CD release. And just for good measure, I'll throw in some other songs just because, well, just because.

Standard playlist disclaimer: any artists, record labels, etc. who do not wish to be on the playlist for any reason whatsoever, email me at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com and I will gladly remove the track. And if you'd actually like to be on the playlist, you can use the same email address to email me your mp3's. If I like the song, then odds are it'll wind up on a playlist.

1. "Space Blanket", Darstar
   


2. "Counting the Holes in My Heart", Gray, the New Black
   So you think just because I book at The Crown and Harp it means I'm going to use every opportunity I have to shamelessly promote the shows I book? Well... of course I will. Of course when you can book bands as good as Darstar and Gray the New Black, wouldn't you be wanting to share that news with everyone? So here's the deal: this Friday at Crown and Harp, doors open at 9, Velvet Guard goes on at 10, Darstar follows at 11, and Gray the New Black wraps up the night at midnight. Cover is only $5.


3. "Break My Spirit", The Roomsounds
   I've been raving about this band since the Fall of 2009. And through those years, I kept bugging the members, asking when they were going to release an album. About two and a half years later, the band will finally release its eponymous debut album. The CD release show happens Friday night at The Prophet Bar, with Madison King and Goodnight Ned opening for the band. If you buy a $12 ticket to the event, or pay $12 at the door, you get your very own copy of the CD. Speaking of Roomsounds and Prophet Bar, they'll be playing the Big Folkin' Festival on March 31st at Prophet Bar. Another venue that will be participating in the event is In Accord, and I'll be booking the lineup there. Curious? I'll be sharing more details on that very soon.


4. "When Your Hope Dies at Your Feet", The Farstar
   Speaking of CD release shows, May 4th will be The Farstar's CD release at Curtain Club. Here's a little music to help tide you over until then.


5. "Stupid Little Circles", Sara Radle
   Ms. Radle may now call Los Angeles home, but from about 2000 until the summer of 2005, she called Dallas home. And this Thursday, she'll make her way back to our fine city, as she performs at LaGrange with I Love Math and True Achiever (it's their CD release show). LaGrange seems the appropriate venue, considering that owner Rob Schumacher used to play drums for her in Lucy Loves Schroeder.


6. "Nine Stories", Signals & Alibis
   When one thinks of local shoegaze, the first three bands to come to mind are usually True Widow, Menkena, and Little Black Dress. I think it's time that Signals and Alibis gets added to the short list of quality local shoegaze acts. But don't just take my word on the matter; check them out Saturday night at Liquid Lounge.


7. "Save Me", Siren Sea
   Mix part sensual vocals, part dreamy melodies, with a dash of pop (not to be confused with Top 40), and you have the fine musical gourmet treat known as Siren Sea.


8. "Julie", Dovetail
   Whereas previously the band seemed to fall more within a Coldplayesque vibe, this new song finds the bands melding together elements of 60's psychedelia along with a bit of southern rock style. The result is the best sounding Dovetail song I have heard to date. While I haven't finished listening to the new album, Mount Karma, I suspect I'll be raving about them a lot this year. If you want to see them, they'll be having their CD release Saturday night at Granada Theater, with Salim Nourallah, RTB2, and Menkena rounding out the bill. It's hosted by The Local Edge with Mark, which only makes it awesomer.


9. "Talk to My Heart", THe BAcksliders
   The wait is almost over: Friday marks the first BAcksliders shows since August. Word is the band will be debuting a large amount of new material during their set at Double-Wide. Also on the bill are Dallas-turned-Austin band The Red 100's and Fort Worth blues rockers Quaker City Nighthawks.


10. "Little Heart", Clint Niosi
    The intro to this song is a little quite and almost sleepy, yet once the percussion begins, the tune becomes hypnotically fascinating, with Mr. Niosi's lyrics taking center stage. If the word gets out about Clint's music, he could be one of the true sleeper success stories of the year.


11. "Coke (Live)", Flickerstick
    For some reason, I've found myself going through a real Flickerstick kick as of late, having listened to the majority of their two studio albums in the last week. Of course, Flickerstick was always best experienced live. Brandin Lea, if you're reading this, what do you say to doing a reunion show?


12. "San Francisco", Dead Beat Poetry
    Another CD I've found growing on me this past week is Dead Beat Poetry's self titled EP. The band's music cannot be labelled easily. On one hand, that makes it harder to promote a band and to find the appropriate fan base. At the same time, the blend of blues, hard rock, and even a little indie only makes it a more interesting listen. Check them out Saturday at 2826 Arnetic.


13. "Winds of Antarctica", Mark Brandt
    Folk can be a hard sell in Dallas. There's not much I can think of that's a harder sell than someone singing over nothing but an acoustic guitar. Actually, I can think of one harder sell: someone playing acoustic guitar without ANY vocals. It's a difficult road that Mark Brandt has decided to travel. Fortunately, he is a talented enough guitar player to make the journey an interesting travel. Mr. Brandt will hold his CD release show Friday, with Temple Diver and Arielle opening.

The Lucky Thirteen: 1/31/10 - 2/6/10

Standard playlist disclaimer: any artists, record labels, etc. who do not wish to be on the playlist for any reason whatsoever, email me at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com and I will gladly remove the track. And if you'd actually like to be on the playlist, you can use the same email addy to email me mp3's, and if I like the song then odds are it'll wind up on a playlist.

Now, on with the playlist:

1. "Same Old, Same Old", Hello Lover
   The Hello Lover CD release party was an absolute blast. And as to Pete Freedman's comments that the shows can be hit or miss, the two shows I've attended have squarely fallen into the category of "hit".


2. "Winter Dies", Midlake
   Pitchfork reviewed The Courage of Others and pretty much trashed the CD. I'm not going to comment about the CD as a whole, as my knowledge of the album is still limited to "Acts of Man", "Rulers Ruling All Things", and this now track. I will say that I think all three tracks are beautiful, albeit terribly melancholy. And while having a full album of such songs may prevent it from getting played at your next party, that does not make it a bad album. An album that you can't listen to every day? Perhaps. Still, I suspect this is the type of album that will grow with each listen, so I'm wondering if some of the criticisms may be premature.


3. "Love Is War", Dovetail


4. "What Turns Inside", Dove Hunter
   This Saturday brings a double serving of doves to the metroplex area. Dovetail plays that night at City Tavern, while over in Fort Worth, Dove Hunter rocks The Moon. Now all that's needed is a Prince cover band playing "When Doves Cry".


5. "Robot at the Square Dance", American Werewolf Academy
   Shame on me. I have neglected my duties of letting my readers know that AWA is back in business. I made a brief mention of their Bryan Street Tavern show, but this band is so good at what they do, they deserved to have the red carpet extended for their return to Dallas. The band will take their show to Funkytown this weekend, opening for Reverse Cuomo (yes, it's a Weezer tribute band) Friday night at The Moon.


6. "Everything Dies", Nicholas Altobelli
   I just discovered that this Thursday is Mr. Altobelli's birthday, and he'll be celebrating that evening at Dunn Bros Coffee in Addison, performing with Amber Farris (Somebody's Darling).


7. "Slideshows", Rose County Fair
   This Friday at LaGrange is the second installment of the JC Experience. Here's the Cliff Notes version of The JC Experience: John Pedigo (The O's, Boys Named Sue, Rose County Fair) and Chad Stockslagger (The King Bucks) play music, and there will be interviews, performances, and whatnot by other special guests. It should be an interesting time.


8. "We Will All Be Changed", Seryn
   I'm probably supposed to say that it was love at first listen for me with Seryn. To be honest, it wasn't. So if this track doesn't immediately grab you, it's okay. But please, give it more than one listen, because if you're like me, the song will worm its way into your head and your heart. I'm sure they'll perform this song Friday at Hailey's, along with performances by Western Giants and Baruch the Scribe.


9. "The Great Escape", Damaged Good$
   Damaged Good$ has been steadily releasing a flow of free tracks to download (click here for the link). The most recent is "WeHateDamagedGood$Too", but I have to say that the best track released so far is "The Great Escape".


10. "Duelist", True Widow
    I thought I'd heard that the Chat Room Pub had closed down, but apparently I'm wrong, because True Widow will be playing there Saturday night with The Great Tyrant and Darktown Strutters.


11. "She Hides Golden Apples", Leaving Denton
    I posted this song a few weeks ago, and I can't stop thinking about this song. Between the nice harmonies, great vocals, and the breezily catchy melody, this song is like a breath of fresh air. My only complaint of the band: play some shows!!!


12. "Give Me Back My Fleetwood Mac", The Tah-Dah's
    What do you do when you have the strange urge to post Fleetwood Mac music on your local music blog? Option 1: convince the members of Fleetwood Mac to move to the metroplex. Option 2: insert this song into the playlist, which not only invokes the name of the band, but sort of sounds like "Second Hand News" on steroids.


13. "Your Life", Smile Smile
    This is a big, big week for Smile Smile. The band is celebrating the release of Truth on Tape with two shows on Saturday. First, there's a free show at Good Records kicking off at about 4 p.m. Later that night, Smile Smile headlines at double with Giggle Party and The O's opening. I would have posted a track from the new CD, but I don't have a copy yet, so I leave you with my favorite cut from Blue Roses.