FRIDAY: The Virgin Wolves/Public Love Affair/White Elephant/The Klanks (The Boiler Room)
The Klanks are definitely one of the better young bands in the metroplex right now, and there are more than a few good young bands around right now. And then there's the Virgin Wolves, who consistently rock the house. On a separate note, is there a website for The Boiler Room? I rarely hear about events happening there. Just curious. Descender/Here Holy Spain/The West Windows (Double-Wide)
Based on this and the previously mentioned show, this seems to be a good weekend for hard rock shows. Anyways, I don't know much about The West Windows, other than the fact that this is their first show. Still, the fact that they wound up on such a solid lineup suggests good things. RTB2/The Blurries/Dim Locator (The Free Man)
If you're looking for something a little spicy and plenty flavorful, go to the Free Man. Oh yeah, the food is good too. The Monco Poncho/Ben Tapia & The Seahorse Chronicle (City Tavern)
Mr. Tapia sent me some of his new material, and I'd have to say it's his strongest work to date. Still, The Monco Poncho will likely steal the show. Camille Cortinas/Becky Middleton (Opening Bell Coffee)
Ms. Middleton takes a rest from her duties in Ishi tonight and performs her solo material, with Camille headlining the bill. Fans of female singer-songwriters will definitely want to check this show out. Summerfield/FLATWORLD/The Gets (The Crown & Harp)
What, you thought I wasn't going to plug my own show?
SATURDAY: Brent Best/Gaston Light (Nouveau 47 Theater)
This show was originally to be held at In Accord, and I must say I'm quite disappointed that the store will not get to host this. In Accord is in the midst of remodeling, and I am super excited about the changings happening there. But more on that another time. Thanks to the folks at Nouveau 47, who stepped in and provided a venue for us. Jason Corcoran, aka Gaston Light, has proven himself to be one of the more intruiging singer-songwriters in the area in recent years. As for Brent Best, well, he's Brent Best. If you don't know who that is, your life is more incomplete than you can fathom. Playtime Rabbit/Goodnight Ned/Tweed EQ (The Aardvark)
Easily the best show in Funkytown this weekend.
Dallas Does the Beatles (Opening Bell Coffee)
A lot of great names on the bill, like Emmeline, Jaimee Harris, Kyle Brooks, Temple Diver, and Karyna Michaela to name a few. I just hope they can find a few good songs to play. And yes, that was sarcasm
There are a lot of big names on the bill, but I must say that I wish there were a few more big name local acts on the lineup. Still, it does feature the now Austin based centro-matic, along with Mystery Skulls and Low Dark Hills, both of which are locally based.
It was bound to happen. I have gotten behind on the playlists. By putting my effort into writing about what your Weekend Plans should be, it left me without enough time to compile, create, and write about the playlist. The latter part is still not going to happen today. I promise, I will get back on track and catch up, but for now, let's give the playlist you were expecting yesterday.
More coming... soon. That's all I'm promising at the moment.
For those wondering, there will be a playlist posted later today, even if it's nothing more than the playlist widget. I felt it more important to update you on what local bands are playing this weekend. So here it goes...
FRIDAY: To Coda/Phoenix Hart/Velvet Guard (The Crown and Harp)
Phoenix kicks off the night at 10 PM with an acoustic set, and she has an intensely powerful set of pipes on her. Her entire album, Save Love, is quite good, and the acoustic version of the title track really showcases what a great vocalist she is. To Coda follows at 11, and as I've said about them before, the band is more talented than what might think for a teen rock group. And their lead vocalist, Heather Darwin, is also a very powerful vocalist. Velvet Guard ends the evening with their very intriguing blends of new wave (a la Joy Division) with more recent alt/indie bands (think Muse or The Killers), and in my opinion, this is the most under appreciated band in the metroplex right now. Let's change that, okay?
Holy Moly/800 Mile Monday/Parallel Play/One Red Cent
(LaGrange)
Is it or me, or does it seem that country music is figuring into the local music scene less prominently at the moment? Perhaps it's just that Boys Named Sue aren't playing around as much anymore, and Eleven Hundred Springs is laying low until their next album is released. For those craving country with a bawdy sense of humor, then you really need to check out Holy Moly. Also, Parallel Play sports quite a sense of humor, though less bawdy, and more folk-rock. Don't let that phrase fool you, as it's definitely high octane folk.
The Manifesto/The Wake of Man/They Cried Apollo/Altered States/Caterpillars (Liquid Lounge)
The real draws of this lineup are the first two acts on the lineup. Caterpillars, featuring Christopher Robinson of Menkena, produce moody yet entrancing songs blending elements of psychedelia, new wave, and indie. Whereas Caterpillars dabble in psychedelia, Altered States immerse themselves much deeper in the style, all while incorporating elements of progressive rock in the songs.
SATURDAY:
The Ultraviolet Rock Show For Cystic Fibrosis (Dada)
I believe this is their sixth year for doing this, and the fifth year I've attended. For the first time ever, neither Lovie nor El Gato are on the lineup, although The Oxen (featuring Rebecca Dixon of Lovie and Kirk Dixon of El Gato) will perform. Also on the lineup are Fate Lions, Salim Nourallah, Ryan Thomas Becker, and Dis Posable Music. And of course there's the silent auction of art and other merchandise, with the night's profits from everything going towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Eleven Hundred Springs (Dan’s Silverleaf)
Okay, so maybe I spoke to soon about the band laying low...
The King Bucks (Adair’s)
The King Bucks play Adair's? Wow, that never happens.
I've probably forgotten something. Remind me in the comments section.
Before I present today's playlist, I'd like to give a word of thanks to Chris Mayes (Pleasant Grove, The Boom Boom Box, The Deathray Davies). He posted on Facebook that "you should give Ghost of Blind Lemon's A to Z playlist a look if you haven't." He also said it reminded him about several tracks and records that he hadn't listened to in a while that he should "dust off", so to speak. The process of compiling daily has been a beast, and in many cases I have not had the time to adequately discuss the tracks as I would like. Today is another such day. Still, I hope that this playlist brings back some memories, and even encourages you to discover some newer artists from the area.
Nine of these down, 22 left to go. If I ever get the insane idea to do this again, I'll try to write my segments before hand, because I'm just not finding enough time to do this day by day. Enough complaining for now, though. Let's finish those D's and start some E's.
Will the E's be completed tomorrow?
Will the fate of the F's hang in the balance?
Can "The Ghost" save tomorrow's playlist before it's too late?
The answer to these questions... tomorrow
Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel!
"Dahl Parts", The Theater Fire
Clever play on words in the title, even if it bears no resemblance to the similarly titled Hole song. "Dallas", Emmeline
It just wouldn't be right not to include this song, if only for its name. "Dalton the Prophet", Nicholas Altobelli
I'm saving my words on this song, because I'll probably discuss this track in greater detail in the coming months. More on that later... "Damaged Goods", Jason Bonner
Fans of THe BAcksliders are likely familiar with the band's version on Thank You, but it's the band's former bass player that wrote the song. "Dammit", Smile Smile
Fabulous cover of the Blink-182 song. "Dance of the Manatee", Fair to Midland
"Dance With Me", Old 97's
Very entertaining video starring Tricia Helfer of the newer version of Battlestar Galactica. "Dancing Shoes", Green River Ordinance
"Daredevils of the Red Guitar", Bugs Henderson
In my opinion, Bugs was one of the modern day blues greats of this city. His death has still left a void in the local blues community. "Dark", Terminal
This young band from the mid 2000's had quite the following, making their way on to one of the Buzz-Oven compilations. And then... nothing. It's quite a familiar story in these parts. "Darlin'", Here, In Arms
"Deadbeat Summer", Neon Indian
Hipsters, this one's for you. "Deaf Ears", The Hourly Radio
This band, along with Black Tie Dynasty, helped bring new wave sounds back to the area in the mid 2000's. "Deal With It", Florene
"Dear Claudia", SouthFM
This song was played continuously on 102.1 KDGE back in the day. It even made it in one episode on a Law & Order SVU. I'll bet they're still bringing in the money off of that. "Decorated Equals", Centro-matic
"Deep", N'Dambi
While Ms. Badu (heard earlier) may be Dallas' queen of soul, N'Dambi proves that Erykah's not the only game in town. "Deja Blue", Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat
"Desert City Sleeps", The Moon Festival
Back in 1991, I heard this song on 94.5 KDGE and thought it was really awesome. The teenage me would have never been able to fathom the fact that I'd know lead singer Salim Nourallah on a first name basis. Reportedly Mr. Nourallah does not look back fondly on his earlier material with his band, but I'm sure he won't mind me sharing this track with you. Right, Salim? I said right, Salim? Hello? Anyone there? "Devil's Basement", Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights
"Direct Line to the Telepathic", Flickerstick
This was always a favorite for the band to close their sets with. The way this song builds so slowly and climaxes with Brandin Lea singing "Let it rain", almost sounding half relieved and half desperate, makes for the perfect end of a set. "Dirt Track Race Car Driver", The Von Erichs
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", Hagfish
Because you needed some Hagfish covering AC/DC to help you make it through the day. This song is found on the 2 CD compilation Come on Feel the Metal, where Dallas bands cover classic hard rock/metal songs. "Disconnected", Hydroponic Sound System
"District County Court", Daniel Folmer
I have to admit, I'm a little more partial to Mr. Folmer's alter ego, Danny Rush, than his traditional solo material. This track of Danny's in particular is a really fun, rocking, country number. "Divine Sarcasm", The Deathray Davies
How does Mr. Dufilho manage to pack such strong melodic hooks and lyrical wit into 83 seconds? I wish I knew.
Tomorrow... more D's. E's too. Because that's how I roll.
Will someone remind me why I thought it was a good idea to embark on this project? Sure, it's a really cool idea, but it's also a lot of time and work. So not only am I late on posting, but I'm still without any witty commentary. Not that I'm usually that witty, but you get the idea.
So here we go again, and we're going to wrap up the C's today.
Although not every song gets its own commentary today, it's a step above the previous two days, where there was only a playlist posted. It's progress. Anywho, enjoy!
"Celestial Dub", Sub Oslo
It seemed at one time that our city embraced reggae. Embrace might be too strong of a word, but at the minimum it acknowledge that a reggae scene existed. One of the more prominent reggae acts to emerge from that scene was Sub Oslo. The band still appears to be active and performing, though the level it attention it receives has waned, much as the reggae scene has. "Cemetery Gates", Pantera
One of the most popular songs by easily the biggest metal band to ever emerge from this city. Heck, they are one of the biggest metal bands ever. Period. "Certainly", Erykah Badu
It's easy to forget that Dallas has had some true success stories on the national level, but here's a double dose of artists who have made their marks on the national scene. "Champaign, IL", Old 97's
Much to my regret, Old 97's have not shared the same level of success as the previous acts. Still, there's no need to cry for the 97's. The band has still managed a substantially successful career. The band performed this song on The Jay Leno Show in 2010. Word is that the band was originally going to perform their single, "Every Night Is Friday Night (Without You)", but at the request of Mr. Leno performed this song instead. Apparently, Jay knows his Old 97's songs. Very impressive, Jay. "Change It", Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
"Change of Mind", Tripping Daisy
Admittedly, this is one of the tracks off of Bill I listen to least. Still, the album is strong enough that even the weaker tracks are still quite good. "Charmed", The Bright
This band is definitely a favorite with WFAA, becoming a regular at the New Year's Eve live celebrations for the past few years. "Chasing Corporate", Air Review
While Air Review sang "This may be our only chance", as if the song was a final desperate plea for commercial success, the band seems to be a well oiled machine, regularly producing pop music nuggets. I still maintain that it's a matter of time until the masses catch on. "Cheerleader", St. Vincent
"Chef", Billy Goat
I always thought that this Denton band's name was one word, not two. According to Wikipedia, however, it's two separate words for their name. This song was all over the airwaves on 94.5 back in 1992. "Chelsea", Darlington
Interestingly enough, I could not find a website for this band. That seems surprising to me, since in its heyday, the band was one of the most popular pop-punk local bands. And when I say pop-punk, think less Good Charlotte and more Ramones. "Chief of Police in Chicago", Doug Burr
"Chloroform the One You Love", artist
Who said Flickerstick doesn't know how to write a love song? "Choreographer of Fate", Shaolin Death Squad
It's hard to take a metal band too seriously when the verses of this song sound like they could have been lifted from a Kate Bush song. Of course, that's kind of the point of SDS. The band is as much a comedy act as a metal band, coming on stage dressed like monks with silver face paint, pretending to stab themselves with the microphone. Their live show is bound to entertain even the biggest metal haters. "Chupa Cabra", Spoonfed Tribe
"Cigarette Psalm", THe BAcksliders
From the opening line, "I quit all my cryin' when I hit rock bottom", you know you're in for a real heartbreaker of a song. And while Kim Bonner gets most of the vocal credit in the band, it's worth noting that Chris manages to give a very powerful performance with minimal backing vocals from Kim. "Cinco de Mayo", Reverend Horton Heat
It seems a shame that this song doesn't get to be played until the day after the holiday. Oh well. "Circle", Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
Countless songs have been written about the end of a relationship, but rarely is the dissolution of a friendship ever discussed in song. It seems a shame, because I can say that it can be almost as painful, and in certain cases even more so. This song does a wonderful job of capturing the feeling of sadness and loss over a friend who is clearly no longer a friend. "Citizen", El Cento
Dear Google: When I do a search on El Cento, I do not mean the community college El Centro. I mean the band fronted by Don Cento (Chomsky, Shibboleth, etc.). Please learn the difference. Sincerely, "The Ghost" "City Bus", The Boom Boom Box
"City Lights", Hendrick
This song shows a very different side of the band, lacking much of the melancholy found in the other tracks. Even the melody and much sharper and less depressing than the rest of their material. "City of Hate", Toadies
I remember debating on whether or not to include this song in my top 40 of 2010 countdown. My concern was not over the quality of the song, but rather if it truly should be considered of that year. The song's history dates back to the late 1990's, when the band was supposed to release its follow up to Rubberneck. That album, Feeler, was never released by Interscope. Unfortunately, the label also owned the rights to the album, and refused to release. The solution? The band rerecorded many of the songs for the Kirtland Records version of Feeler. Since it was recorded more recently, I allowed the song in the countdown, where it charted at #23. "City of Wet Streets", Funland
"The City Sleeps", MC 900 Ft Jesus
When I think of MC 900 Foot Jesus, I first think of his sense of humor, displayed in such songs as "Truth Is Out of Style" and "If I Only Had a Brain". Yet it's this darker tale of pyromania that has become his best known song. "Clara", Paul Slavens
Best known nowadays for his show Sunday evenings on KXT, Mr. Slavens has been a fixture in the local music scene for decades, going back to his work with Ten Hands. More recently, he released Alphabet Girls Volume I, where each song is named after a woman. I'm still waiting for Volume II. Paul, you still have O-Z to go. "Clementine", Sarah Jaffe
True story: I heard this song playing at a CVS store a few weeks ago. I would expect to hear far more mainstream fare on their in store station, not Ms. Jaffe. I must say, it was a pleasant surprise. "Clever Found a Name", The Deathray Davies "Clock in Now", The Deathray Davies
Next to the Old 97's, no other band has done more to turn me into a local music fan than The Deathray Davies. Back in 2000, the band played so frequently that I was going to a show of theirs almost every weekend. Through that, I discovered a multitude of other great local acts. It only seems appropriate then to have a double serving of DRD songs here. "Close Your Good Eye", Gaston Light
Be on the lookout for a show announcement regarding this band soon. Very soon...
That's it for today. Tune in tomorrow as we wrap up the C's.
Again, time is not my friend, so today's playlist lacks any links, commentary, etc. Still, I hope you are continuing to enjoy the musical insanity that is the A to Z playlists. Tomorrow the more full edition playlists will (hopefully) resume. In the meantime, give these 31 songs a listen.
Before I get all local up in your grill, I wanted to take a moment to address the sad news in the world of music today. As you've probably heard by now, Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys, known as MCA to his fans, lost his battle to cancer. MCA, along with the rest of the band, was constantly pushing musical boundaries and bridging the gap between rap and rock fans. My condolences to his family and friends.
Now let's get to some local music. After all, we've got to fight for our right to party. It's what MCA would have wanted
FRIDAY: THe BAcksliders/The Gypsy Bravado/The Hot Sleep (The Crown and Harp)
BAcksliders shows used to be frequent occurrences around here. The band has been laying far too low for my level of liking. What is to my liking, however, is the band decided to perform an all too rare show at The Crown and Harp (disclosure time: in case you haven't been paying attention, I book The Crown and Harp). It's a smaller venue than normal for the band, but that may work in their favor. A tightly packed BAcksliders show with an energized and dancing crowd just might be what the doctor ordered. Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs/The Farstar/The Chloes/Velvet Guard/Always The Alibi (Curtain Club)
Tonight is the CD release show for Farstar's God Be With You, Heaven Knows the Devil Is. This album is the band's work to date, with much darker, sharper, and insightful lyrics than before. And the melodies are catchy as to be expected. Curtain Club's lineup also features GOBL faves The Chloes and Velvet Guard, as well as Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs, who rocked the house two weekends ago at the same club. Taylor of Secret of Boris/Dead Beat Poetry/Dyerwood/Arielle (Liquid Lounge)
Meanwhile, next door at Liquid Lounge, Justin Dyer of Dyerwood will be celebrating his birthday, as well as performing earlier in the evening. Arielle, one of my favorite female singers in town, opens, and the heavy blues stylings of Dead Beat Poetry are replacing Altered States in the lineup.
Bobgoblin/The Von Ehrics/Sawed Off Sick (Lola’s)
Hot off their show at LaGrange last night, Bobgoblin brings their "angular rock" to Cowtown. I put that phrase in quotes because I never realized rock songs had angles. I can say, however, that the band released an excellent album on MCA Records in the mid 1990's, The Twelve Point Master Plan, which never got the attention it deserved nationwide. Over fifteen years later, the band has released its follow up CD, Love Lost for Blood Lust Part I. Expect to hear new songs from the CD as well as some 90's classics tonight at Lola's.
D. Anson Brody/Dustin Prinz/What Lies Ahead (Opening Bell Coffee)
While I have yet to see Mr. Brody perform live, everyone I know who has seen him regards him as one of the best guitar players in the local acoustic scene. Based on what I've heard off of his EP, Elephants and Entropy, I'd have a hard time disagreeing with those who rave about his talent.
SATURDAY:
Sarah Jaffe/Zhora/John Singer Sergeant (Granada Theater)
Undoubtedly the biggest local show this weekend, Ms. Jaffe's popularity is only growing bigger and bigger since the release of The Body Wins. While it lacks the haunting quality of her earlier work, the melodies are the strongest she has written to date. In fact, "Glorified High" is so catchy, it practically begs for airplay on Top 40 radio. I mean that in the best way possible. John Singer Sergeant, aka John Dufilho, opens the show. No word on how many guest vocalists from his album will show up live. I've heard Salim Nourallah may be playing, and I would imagine Marcus Striplin of Pleasant Grove will show up so he can duet with Ms. Jaffe on "Married to the Sea".
Because you need some Simon & Garfunkel covers in your life.
The Brushlanders/Family Crude/Reinventing Jude/Paco Estrada
(City Tavern)
While I was not a South FM fan, I just recently checked out his solo work, and was impressed with the beauty and lyrics of his work. In fact, I have to give strong props to all the acts on this lineup. If you're a fan of acoustic music, alt-country, Americana, or anything in between, this is probably where you want to be Saturday night.
It's Cinco de Mayo, so what more appropriate band to see than Mad Mexicans? And while this may not the right indie hipster thing to say, their shows are a whole lot of fun. It's Rude King, however, that I think will steal the show with what may be the best ska that our city has ever seen.
I think that covers it all. But if I'm wrong and I forgot an important show, let me know in the comments.
