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.

The Lucky Thirteen: 3/5/12

Well, it's that time of year again. Time for the NX35 35 Conferette 35 Denton Festival. The event certainly seems to have a hard time sticking with a name, coming up with a new one almost every year. Hopefully this time they've gotten the name right.

Either way, the festival seems to consistently get things right on the music end. This year is no different. The mere opportunity to see The Jesus & Mary Chain perform in the metroplex for the first time in over a decade is reason enough to spend the money on the wristband. Other out of towners on the lineup include The Hood Internet, Best Coast, The Raincoats, Peaking Lights, Built to Spill, and Designer Drugs (just to name a few).

But you didn't come here to read about the out of towners, right? You know that The Ghost is almost exclusively fixated on local musics. So here's a look at thirteen of the finest local acts playing this year's 35 Denton Festival. In fact, consider this a potential schedule, as all these acts are at different times. Note that lineup times provided may change, but as of this moment, the set times are accurate.

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. "The Man with the Golden Snack", Old Snack
   Performing at 9:30 PM Thursday night at The Labb.


2. "Wither", True Widow
   Performing at 11:30 PM Thursday night at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios.


3. "Gambling Preacher and His Daughter", Whiskey Folk Ramblers
   Performing at 6:00 PM Friday evening at Main Stage #1.


4. "Knockout Rose", Bad Design
   Performing at 10:15 PM Friday night at J&J's Pizza.


5. "I Got This Fever/O Ye Devastator", Doug Burr
   Performing at 11:30 Friday night at Dan's Silverleaf.


6. "Buy You", Spookeasy
   Performing at 9:30 PM Saturday night at Banter.


7. "Forever Today", Soviet
   Performing at 10:30 PM Saturday night at Denton Square Donuts.


8. "America's Son", Air Review
   Performing at 12:45 AM Saturday night at Dan's Silverleaf.


9. "Sexy Weekend", Leg Sweeper
   Performing at 3:30 PM Sunday afternoon at Main Stage #2.


10. "Cut the Lights", Manned Missiles
    Performing at 9:30 PM Sunday night at Mellow Mushroom.


11. "Red Palomino", The Demigs
    Performing at 10:30 PM Sunday night at Denton Square Donuts.


12. "Like a Charm", Here Holy Spain
    Performing at 11:30 PM Sunday night at Abbey Underground.


13. "Remember You", The O's
    Performing at 12:30 AM Sunday night at Sweetwater.

And that's just a small sampling of the quality local music featured at 35 Denton. My apologies to A.M. Ramblers, Backwater Opera, The Blurries, The Burning Hotels, Damaged Good$, Fox and the Bird, The Hope Trust, The House Harkonnen, Jessie Frye, Museum Creatures, The Phuss, RTB2, Sealion, Shaolin Death Squad, Shiny Around the Edges, Sore Losers, and all the many other fine acts that I could not fit into the playlist.

The Lucky Thirteen: 2/6/12

When I began my shows on Deep Ellum Radio, I felt that doing a weekly playlist on top of my show would be redundant. Since I have not been able to record as many shows as usual, I'm thinking that a return of the Lucky Thirteen may be in order. So without further ado, here is this week's Lucky Thirteen. Also, forgive my briefer than usual commentary today. My brain is having a bad case of the Mondays.

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. "Gambling Preacher and His Daughter", Whiskey Folk Ramblers
   Not only is this the strongest song I've heard from the band, the video for the song is quite impressive and intriguing. Don't just take my word on it. Pause the playlist and give it a watch right below.
   
   
   


2. "Your Kiss", Parallel Play
   Time for a shameless Crown and Harp plug: check out Parallel Play, along with The Black Frames and Police cover band Regatta de Faux, this Friday night. A mere $5 cover gets you thru the door for this fine night of music. OK, my sales pitch is done... for now.


3. "My Niagra Heart", Spooky Folk
   I did a little search for Spooky Folk in the Grooveshark catalog, and to my surprise, there were a number of their songs available. After hearing this song repeatedly on The Local Edge with Mark, it inevitably grew on me. By the way, if you're not listening to his show, you're really missing out.


4. "City Bus", The Boom Boom Box
   The Boom Boom Box released their first full length CD, Until Your Eyes Get Used to the Darkness, last month. It's full of everything you expect: thundering guitars, fierce percussion, and Andrew Huffstetler's trademark scream. And yes, this is meant to be played very loud.


5. "I'm Goin' Nowhere", The Chloes
   This weekend breaks the cycle of three consecutive weekends watching The Chloes play. I'm not a stalker. Honest.


6. "sEVEN", Ducado VeGA
   Congratulations to Mr. Vega. This past Saturday, he and Zenya (keyboardist for his band, Bloodrich) got married.


7. "The Story", Emmeline
   Emmeline is one of the contenders for the Hard Rock Rising 2012 contest. The winner gets to perform at the Hard Rock Cafe in London. There are a lot of great acts competing, including Ducado Vega, Gypsy Bravado, Jessie Frye, Quincy Forte Johnson, and, well, too many more to mention. Click here to vote for your choice. And when you vote, you get to download a free track from the artist (in Emmeline's case, it's "The Story). How cool is that?


8. "The Man with the Golden Snack", Old Snack
   This is the only way that an Old Snack can be tasty.


9. "Sound City", The Burning Hotels
   I have to confess that "Beard", the lead off single from the band's self titled CD, didn't grab me as much as I expected it to. This track, on the other hand, is a much more appealing foray into new wave. This song helps prove "Allison" was no fluke.


10. "Schoolboy", Kirby Brown
    Mr. Brown will be playing what's called The Valentine Blues Ball at LaGrange this Saturday, along with Quaker City Night Hawks and Dead Mockingbirds. Looks like this should be a good alternative for those needing an Anti-Valentine's Day celebration.


11. "I'm Not to Spare (Live)", Tweed EQ
    Siren Sea are playing at The Crown and Harp on Friday, February 17th for their CD release show. I don't have the new album yet, therefore I cannot share any material. Instead, I offer you a live Tweed EQ track, since they're sharing a bill with Siren Sea.


12. "The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower", The Deathray Davies
    Mr. Dufilho will be releasing his second solo CD in a matter of months. It's an ambitious project to say the least, with guest vocals from many of Dallas' finest (Sarah Jaffe, Salim Nourallah, Will Johnson, and Ben Kweller are just a few names). Reportedly, he'll also release the 6th DRD release this year. Here's hoping that happens.


13. "I Only Have Eyes for You", Emily Riddle
    This is a song I've been wanting to share with my Deep Ellum Radio listeners, but have not had the proper opportunity to do so. It's a little more pop than what I usually listen to, and yet between Ms. Riddle's lovely voice and the intriguing melody, this track has set up a permanent residence in my head. See if it has the same effect on you.

The Lucky Thirteen: 11/15/10

Thanks to all who participated in this week's all request playlist. You really made my job easier. I'll take it. Also, let me know if you have any issues hearing songs on the Grooveshark playlist. I've had difficulties recently, and want to know if it was a fluke or an ongoing problem.

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. "Barn Burner", The Roomsounds
   Chelsea Callahan requested this tune, and since her birthday was yesterday, I felt it only appropriate to start with this song. For the record, this may be my new favorite song of theirs.


2. "Buyer's Remorse", Les Americains
   Jason Roach requested some Les Americains for the Lucky Thirteen, but did not specify a track. I felt that after two weeks of "Calistoga Blues", a change was needed.


3. "Clara", Paul Slavens
   A quote from Clay Pendergrass, who requested the song: "In my imagination, this is what it would sound like if Theloneus Monk and Leonard Cohen met in a smoke-filled cafe stocked with absinthe and found a piano in the corner." Couldn't have said it better myself.


4. "German Chocolate Cake", Bravo, Max!
   Nicholas Altobelli had a long list of requests. Since he requested this band and I already had the track, I opted for this song.


5. "Someone Like You", David Crandall
   This song was a request from Emmeline, an amazing artist in her own right. Keep your eye on the blog for more Emmeline related articles as her CD release show approaches.


6. "Moanin' Rag", Whiskey Folk Ramblers
   Scott Riegel recommended this particular track, and it's a fine choice I might add.


7. "A Cosmic Joke", Chris Holt
   The individual who requested to hear Mr. Holt wished to remain anonymous, choosing the pseudonym "The Cat of Blind Lemon." As an admitted cat lover (I have four myself), I definitely liked the fake name, as well as the track. If you haven't checked out the video for this song, you need to click here and watch.


8. "Absalom", Spot
   Allan Hayslip of the band Bonedome requested to hear some Spot, and also gave me quite the history lesson on the band. It's a shame that this band didn't make it further; listen to their songs and you'll hear a band that, as Brando would've said, "coulda been a contender."


9. "Last Night", Sparrows
   Here's a request from THe BAcksliders


10. "The Sun Shines On My Face", THe BAcksliders
    And here's a request for a particular song by THe BAcksliders (recommended by the lovely and amazing Angela Donnelly).


11. "I Love You", Spector 45
    This request came from Amy Verycrusse, who actually lives in the Austin area and not the metroplex. And while the music covered here is almost exclusively local in nature, I do welcome readers from all over the globe.


12. "When Hammer Hits Stone", RTB2
    Here's a fine choice from Brett Michael Strawn of Cocky Americans.


13. "Epic Outro", Sore Losers
    I've seen the name Sore Losers around a lot, but when Nic Hernandez requested to have one of their songs on the playlist, I sat down at gave their songs a listen. I am now adding their name along with Damaged Good$ and Dem Southernfolkz as one of DFW's finest hip-hop acts. And with a song name like "Epic Outro", it seemed the perfect way to wrap up this Lucky Thirteen.