The Lucky Thirteen: 10/31/11

Ever since I started doing my radio show, I've really backed off of the Lucky Thirteen playlists. And while the radio show meets the vast majority of my needs for sharing music, there are rare exceptions where a playlist works better. This is one of those exceptions.

As you may know, I've made a Halloween tradition out of doing a playlist consisting exclusively of cover tunes. Cover songs may not seem obviously connected to Halloween, and yet there is a connection. The cover song allows the musician to do a sonic dress up of sorts, putting on their favorite song by another artist. So for those who love a good cover as much as I do, then this playlist will be right up your alley.

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. "Hello Susie", THe BAcksliders
   When I first received this single from THe BAcksliders, I just assumed it was a new tune of theirs. When I looked at the songwriting credits, I came to realize the track was not theirs originally. Instead, a British bands from the 1960's called The Move were the original performers. So, now you know. And no, I wasn't going for a BAcksliders reference with that, but I'll keep it anyways.


2. "Shut It Down", Sarah Jaffe
   Much like how people often dress up as Halloween characters that are unlike his or her normal personality, covers can often showcase aspects of an artist's taste that would seem unlikely. This cover of Ms. Jaffe's of the Drake song would definitely qualify as unlikely. The amazing thing is how her haunting voice so brilliantly transforms the song into sultry, moody, and gorgeous. I shouldn't be surprised though. This is, after all, Sarah Jaffe.


3. "To Love Somebody", Slobberbone
   Slobberbone does a fine job of capturing the heartache of this Bee Gees classic.


4. "Dangerous", Nicholas Altobelli
   Mr. Altobelli is full of surprises. Those who know him would likely expect a cover of a Ryan Adams song, or maybe something of Sam Cooke (he has a real weakness for classic soul music). But Nicholas singing Roxette? Roxette??? Still, it's a quite interesting listen.


5. "All The Pretty Girls", Lovie
   I think this song has made it on each covers edition of my playlist that I've done. Just thought I'd share that.


6. "Driver 8", Old 97's
   Out of all the covers in the list, this one seems to sound the closest to the original. The biggest difference? Rhett Miller's voice is much less nasal than that of Michael Stipe.


7. "Folsom Prison Blues", Frankie 45 & Ben Martin
   Frankie, you're still missed.


8. "Don't Worry Baby", Little Black Dress
   LBD's cover of The Beach Boys is a perfect blend of staying true to the original while adding enough new sonic elements to keep this cover sounding fresh. The band's shoegaze style is a perfect fit for the song.


9. "Beauty School Dropout", Toadies
   Sometime back in the 1990's, someone got the idea to release Sandy Does Dallas. The concept was to have local artists cover the soundtrack to Grease. It's sad that while in many ways it has become easier for bands to record, nobody is pushing the idea of cool compilations and tribute CDs like this anymore. Heck, I'm still waiting for that Toadies tribute CD that Kirtland talked about years ago.


10. "Revolution", Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights
    This is a live recording from New Year's Eve 2009 at Granada Theater. Technically, this song was really recorded on New Year's Day. I was there for the show, and all I can say is it was the perfect choice for ringing in the new year.


11. "Never Let Me Down Again", Kristy Kruger
    Before I met or listened to Kristy Kruger, my strongest memory of her was that she won a Depeche Mode box set from the Dallas Observer. Having been such a big fan of the band back in my high school days, I envied her for winning it. So it's only fitting that I put her Depeche Mode cover on the playlist.


12. "You May Be Right", Holy Moly
    The band's new CD, Grasshopper Cowpunk, is easily the best effort ever put out by the band. But for today, I go back to Drinkin' Druggin' and Lovin' (the CD, that is) for this fun Billy Joel cover.


13. "Lithium", The Polyphonic Spree
    When Kurt Cobain sang the song, he sounded like a man in desperate need of Lithium. In the Polyphonic Spree cover, the band sounds as if they have overdosed on it.

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.

The Lucky Thirteen: 3/14/10 - 3/20/10

NX35 wraps up tonight, leaving you a brief breather before that OTHER major music festival in Texas. I must say, I'm disappointed by how little of the metroplex area is represented in the official SXSW showcases. Frankly, I think that as a whole, the bands playing the unofficial shows are better than most of the locals playing the official shows. Still, I'm letting you have a taste of both sides of the fence. You'll get several official bands that you'll need to pay lots of money to see, as well as many playing free unofficial showcases.

1. "Austin's Birthday", The Burning Hotels
   The official show happens Wednesday night at Jaime's at about one in the morning. What's even cooler, however, is the fact that they're playing at the Fort Worth Grab Bag show Thursday at Dominican Joe's free of charge. Their set starts at 6:30 on the outdoor stage. Other bands playing the showcase include Fate Lions, Whiskey Folk Ramblers, and Goodwin just to name a few. This is easily the king of unofficial showcases.


2. "Dawn", Nicholas Altobelli
   Here's some more unofficial fun: Nicholas Altobelli performs Saturday at Thunderbird Coffee around 7:00, where I'm sure he'll be performing songs from his upcoming release, The Regulator. (NOTE: the Thunderbirds show is cancelled)


3. "Tell It in My Ear", Fergus and Geromino
   This Teenage Cool Kids side project has gotten plenty of buzz around these parts, and they'll be trying to spread the buzz at SXSW. This is an official show starting at about 9:00 pm Saturday night at Red 7.


4. "Minor It Down", True Widow
   They'll be performing Friday night at Encore around midnight, and yes, this is an official showcase. If you haven't seen the band play live yet, then this is a must see show for you.


5. "Acts of Man", Midlake
   Here's yet another official show, this one happening Thursday night (about 1:00 AM) at Buffalo Billiards.


6. "TNT Family", Holy Moly
   I don't have a start time for their set at Darwin's Pub; all I can tell you is that it's an unofficial show Friday night.


7. "When Hammer Hits Stone", RTB2
   RTB2 is another one of the acts performing Thursday at the previously mentioned Fort Worth Grab Bag showcase. Need more RTB2? They'll also be playing Friday afternoon at Momo's club around 5:20 or so.


8. "Party Like You Mean It", Damaged Good$
   If any local artist could claim to party like they mean it, it would be Damaged Good$. Attend the party, I mean official show, Friday night (10:00 pmish) at The Independent.


9. "Robin", Little Black Dress
   For those who will arrive in Austin Wednesday night, don't miss LBD's official show at The Hideout. The set starts around 1:00 AM.


10. "Even Born Again", Sarah Jaffe
    Ms. Jaffe's set starts at 8:00 pm Thursday night at St. David's Historic Sanctuary, a quite unlikely place for a SXSW show.


11. "Have You Ever Been Down?", THe BAcksliders
    Were the folks at SXSW intimated by the wild performances and energetic rock stylings of THe BAcksliders? This band deserves all the buzz it can get. SXSW may have been intimidated, but fortunately the Electra Beauty Lounge isn't as easily scared. That's where they perform Saturday afternoon around 3 pm.


12. "Shake Your Fist", Telegraph Canyon
    It's no surprised that Telegraph Canyon, one of the most critically acclaimed bands around here as of late, is performing an official show Saturday night at The Ale House. The set time is 8:00 pm.


13. "She's from the Other Side", Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights
    It used to be that each year their would be that "breakout" artist at SXSW. Norah Jones was a "breakout" artist, and perhaps our metroplex can score another breakout with JT&NL. Not only does our music community need a success story, but this band has the talent to pull it off. Check out both of their official shows: Thursday at midnight at Maggie May's and Saturday at Galaxy Room Backyard (9:00 pm). Can't afford the real shows? No worries, because they'll be performing Friday afternoon at Antone's (not sure of the set time).

And if there are any other good local acts I've forgotten to list (especially good unofficial shows), feel free to post them in the comments section.