The Lucky Thirteen (Buy One, Get One Free) Memorial Day Edition: A-Z

Last year, I asked readers for their opinion on the greatest artists of all time to emerge from the metroplex area, and I presented it as a top ten playlist. Let's face it, all time countdowns are one of the staples of holiday weekends, and it was quite fun to compile. This year, I'm following the path of another radio cliche: the A-Z list. For obvious reasons, I cannot do that thorough of a list. What I have done instead is chosen a song title that begins with each letter of the alphabet, starting at A and ending at Z. No letter, not even Q or X, has been left out.

"Abner", RTB2
I alphabetized my local music iTunes playlist, and this was the first song on the list. It seemed appropriate that I should begin the playlist with the song. Plus, you can't go wrong with RTB2. Really.
"Bridges", Sorta
I've always had a soft spot for songs that on the surface sound cheerful and update, but upon further listening the lyrics expose the darker side of the song. "Bridges" is definitely a prime example of the song. The melody seems quite laid back, and the verse starts out sweetly enough. By the chorus, however, it becomes apparent that this song is anything but a happy pop song. This is one of my favorite Sorta songs, and it can be found on their Little Bay CD, which is one of my all time favorite albums.
"Chasing Corporate", Air Review
There's a certain irony to the line in the song "This could be our only chance". Not only is this track a strong and commercially viable single, their album Landmarks is filled with plenty of tracks that are great ear candy.
"D Street", Luna Matto
Two things you should know. First, the band plays Kessler Theater this Saturday along with Sarah Renfro and Young and Brave. Second, this band is still beyond awesome. That is all.
"Echo and the Pass", Hendrick
In case you haven't heard, Hendrick is calling it quits. The band plays its farewell show June 26th at Trees, and I have no doubt that the band will play this song.
"Fat Girls", THe BAcksliders
When the band recorded You're Welcome, I was lucky enough to be the first non-band member to get a copy of the CD. That remains my favorite CD of theirs, and this track in particular got many repeat listens.
"Gravitate", Chomsky
I have nothing witty to say here. It's Chomsky. That's reason enough to put it on the list.
"Honky Tonk Angels (Don't Happen Overnight)", Eleven Hundred Springs
The list seemed to be very light on country music, and you can't get much more country than Eleven Hundred Springs.
"I Regret The Day I Tried to Steal Daniel's Ego", The Deathray Davies
If ever there's a Guitar Hero: Dallas Edition, this song would need to be on there. The intro alone is just a perfect opening riff.
"Jesus Light", Carter Albrecht
I know my friend Jayson Bales will argue that I should have selected "Jesus is Alive... and Living In London" instead. Both are fine songs indeed, but I'm slightly more partial to this song that could be taken as either a spiritual message or a song about a night light. I suspect it's the latter, but Mr. Albrecht definitely squeezed maximum mileage out of the double-entendre.
"Knock on a Nail", Mildred
Hearing this song takes me back to high school and listening to this song on KDGE (94.5, not 102.1). If you're reading this, Mark, maybe you could resurrect the Tales from the Edge series. Think about it...
"Lush Life", Baboon
Toadies may be my favorite local noise rock band, but "Lush Life" would have to be my favorite local noise rock song. And does anyone use the phrase "noise rock" anymore, or that just too 1996?
"My Umbrella", Tripping Daisy
I've tried to include more of what I would classify as "classic" local artists on this list, and Tripping Daisy would have to be near the front of any list of major local acts from the past twenty years. How their album Bill never became a bigger hit is still beyond me.
"Never Say Never", Salim Nourallah
Every time I hear this song, I think of my friend Anju Gill. Anju, you're still missed.
"Only a Mountain", Pleasant Grove
Mark your calendars: Pleasant Grove is not only playing August 7th at Kessler Theater, they will perform Auscultation of the Heart in its entirety, front to back.
"Possum Kingdom", Toadies
As I said earlier, I'm highlighting many local classics, and few songs by metroplex artists have been as big as this song.
"Quarterlife Crisis", Jayson Bales
I'm sure people will wonder why I didn't select "Question" by Old 97's to represent the letter Q. Here's my reasoning. First of all, while I like the song, it's definitely not what I'd call one of my favorites by the band. Second, by the time the band recorded the song, half the members weren't even residing in Dallas. Perhaps I'm being too picky, I don't know. Most importantly, I feel that Jayson Bales' music does not get the attention it deserves, and this song is clever, catchy, insightful, and simply put, everything that a song should be.
"Rulers Ruling All Things", Midlake
This list has been heavy on Big D artists, now here's a little something for all you little D fans.
"Supernatural", Rahim Quazi
I'm excited that Mr. Quazi is returning to the studio and recording his follow up to Supernatural. In the meantime, listen to the title track.
"Tender", Black Tie Dynasty
And representing the letter T is the band Joy Division. No, wait... I mean Interpol. Alright, alright, perhaps Black Tie Dynasty wasn't breaking any new ground with this song, but anyone with a soft spot for the darker side of new wave will certainly find this song very pleasing to the ears.
"Undercover", Bridges & Blinking Lights
It was a tough call between this track and Airline's "Ulysses", and B&BL won out in the end. Sadly enough, both bands recently broke up, and unless I'm mistaken, neither had a proper farewell show. Hey, maybe the two could do a joint farewell show.
"Victoria", Old 97's
You didn't think I'd let this list go by without an Old 97's tune, did you? So while I passed on "Question" earlier, I absolutely love this song, and there aren't many songs beginning with V either.
"When We Was Kool", PPT
I love Damaged Good$ and Dem Southernfolkz, but I'd have to say that during my time as "The Ghost", I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed a rap act as much as the now defunct PPT.
"X-Ray Vision", The Wurlitzer Prize
I'll bet you were wondering what I'd use for a song beginning with X. I don't think this band lasted more than about two years (2002-2004 I believe), and they released only one EP, Square One, on Sara Radle's Jeez Louise label. Although their fan base was relatively small, those who remember the band recall lead singer Del Perez's knack for sharp lyrics and straight ahead rock hooks.
"You've Got Your Heart", The O's
"Zermatt", Lucy Loves Schroeder
Forgive me, I'm out of comments, so just enjoy the last two tracks.

Emily Elbert Tickets

Hey, there's plenty of great shows tonight, including Camille Cortinas at Barley House, THe BAcksliders at Double-Wide, and Emily Elbert with Michael Henry Tillman at the Kessler Theater. Barley House is always free, Double-Wide will charge cover, as does the Kessler. However, Jeffrey Liles was kind enough to give me a pair of tickets to give away for tonight's show.

In case you haven't seen Ms. Elbert perform live, well, it's quite a treat. I've heard fans say "she's good for her age", but I have an issue with that statement. Her level of talent as both a vocalist and guitarist surpasses that of probably 90% of all local musicians. Good for her age? Good regardless of age is more like it. Oh, and if you haven't been to the Kessler yet, it's a lovely venue and it seems to be a place where audience members actually LISTEN to music instead of talk over it. That's always a refreshing change of pace.

But back to the tickets. Here's the deal. Send me an email at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com with "Emily Elbert" as the subject line. First to do so gets the tickets. It's that simple.

The Lucky Thirteen: 5/23/10 - 5/29/10

It's been a long, long time since I've created a playlist, and I feel this is long overdue. As stated in my previous entry, blog entries may still be irregular at best, but I suspect you'll be getting a second entry from me later this week. I'll tell you about that in the playlist...

1. "Burning Pictures", The Monco Poncho
   The band is finally releasing its debut album, Miserable Man, and there's going to be a CD release show this Saturday, and this is THE show to be at. It'll take place at the Granada Theater, and will also feature Stu Dicious, Whiskey Folk Ramblers (I believe it's a CD release show for them as well), and the one and only Salim Nourallah. At some point before that show, there should be a review of Miserable Man on the website, as the band did pay to have the CD reviewed. Before you start shouting "payola", let me explain further. At this year's UltraViolet show, people could bid on works of art (among other things) and the proceeds went to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since I have no artistic talent, I opted to donate the opportunity to have an album reviewed on my site. Nick Durham (lead singer of Monco Poncho) had the winning bid at $30. Hey, it's more than Dave Hickmott (The Felons) paid last year. Now it's time for me to pay up with my review.


2. "Talk to My Heart", THe BAcksliders
   My thanks to Chris Bonner for sending me their latest song. This is easily the most pop sounding tune the band has put out, and it sounds as if the band has been absorbing the sounds of 60's pop bands. Needless to say, that's a good thing. I don't know if the rest of the new material will follow this path or stay true to the band's harder, more rocking sound. I eagerly anticipate the answer to that question.


3. "Fire in the Firmament", Chucky Sly, Bavu Blakes and Headkrack
   Chucky Sly's "Jimmy Is About to Die" was easily the best rap tune to emerge from the metroplex area last year. I must confess, my knowledge of his work is limited to "Jimmy" and the track on this week's playlist, and I hope to change that. At the least, this track shows me that Chucky Sly is no one hit wonder, and it suggests that he could and should be a powerful force in local hip-hop.


4. "Paper Girl", Katie Carroll
   The song is called "Paper Girl" and NOT "Paper Bag" as was previously written in a local music blog. Obviously some bloggers have no journalistic standards whatsoever.


5. "I Can't Decide", Lovie
   It's hard for me to decide what track from the band's Because of My Mattress EP is the best. This track, clocking in at barely over two minutes, is a brief synopsis of everything that is right with the band and its newer, more rocking sound.


6. "Will You Be There?", Pale Horse
   For those of who you missed my showcase at the Cavern with Pale Horse (as well as Cocky Americans and The Roomsounds), shame on you. At some point in the near future, I hope to give the band the full profile it so deserves. In the meantime, I'll just say that the band puts on a seriously intense performance, and that lead vocalist J.R. Denson has a powerful vocal and stage presence. The music is raw, rugged, straight from the heart, and while it's not soul music, it is definitely music with a soul.


7. "Where the Light Is", Emmeline
   I previously offered her track "The Story" as a free download, and I would still encourage you to download the song. She said I could offer up whatever I deemed to be her best song as a free download, but I made a mistake. While "The Story" is a powerful and beautiful tune, I've come to the conclusion that "Where the Light Is" is her best song. This time, you'll just have to settle for listening to it here.


8. "On a Moving Train", Pop Poppins
   Hypster recently allowed for tracks on YouTube to be added to playlists. I'm kinda OCD when it comes to accurate song titles and labels, but fortunately this track on YouTube was properly labelled and spelled. This is good, as I don't have this track on CD, and it's my favorite song of the band.


9. "Nostalgia Co.", Smiling at the Ceiling
   When Sarah Crisman talks, I listen. For those who don't know Ms. Crisman, she was the music editor for Pegasus News and made the site quite a joy to read during her time there. She emailed me recently and told me about this band, and I must give her credit for introducing me to this new band. This particular track is unusually infectious and fun. I have a feeling this will be a good year for Smiling at the Ceiling.


10. "To Whom It May Concern", The Burning Hotels
    This is the second single from the band's album Novels. Technically, can you call it a single if it's not released as a physical single? Or am I just thinking too much?


11. "Just Wanna Try", Luna Matto
    Yes, I've been ranting and raving about Ms. Matto for what seems like an eternity. Now the masses can finally catch on to her talent. Her three song EP, Happy Isn't Real, is now available on iTunes for a mere $2.97 plus tax. Any one of the tracks on the EP alone is worth that money. So take a break from the blog, and download the EP. Now. Seriously.


12. "Pastel Lights", Ishi
    Ishi played the City Tavern stage at the Homegrown Festival yesterday, and you may recall that it was quite muddy by that stage. So did this keep people on the sidelines during Ishi's performance? Nah, of course not. The band knows how to create the soundtrack for a party, and this particular track was the highlight of the set.


13. "Walls", The Rocket Summer
    I can already hear the criticisms coming my way for putting this song on the playlist. The Rocket Summer is too mainstream, it's too emo, yadda yadda yadda. Yes, Bryce Avery has done quite well this year, with a top ten selling album on iTunes and with this song being featured on commercials promoting the TV show Friday Night Lights. Don't fault Mr. Avery for his success, but instead be glad that someone from the metroplex area is having success. Plus, this song is absolutely beautiful and a surprisingly intelligent and heartfelt examination on battling depression. This just might be my favorite song of the year thus far.

Be Patient

Dear readers,

As you have undoubtedly noticed, the quantity of posts has steadily been going down this year, and it has been weeks since I've even published a playlist. Many great albums have come out this year, and I have only reviewed one so far. Many of you have emailed me about bands, shows, albums, etc. that I have not discussed on Ghost of Blind Lemon. I could go through a very long laundry list of local music gems that have not been covered on the blog. I do not have the time to mention every one of them, but needless to say I regret that I have not been able to shine the light on these deserving acts. Personal factors which I would rather not discuss here have contributed to the lack of entries which again, I regret.

Right now, I need to shift my focus onto matters other than the blog. This is not, I repeat, NOT the end of Ghost of Blind Lemon. It's just that posts will continue to be few and far between for the time being. Those who know me will undoubtedly see me around at shows; I will always first and foremost remain a local music fan. For the time being, however, I will be shifting my focus away from the blog. As the entry title suggests, I ask for your patience. This is only a temporary situation, and I look forward to being able to resume the blog with a greater sense of focus, time, and energy to devote to the many wonderful musicians in the metroplex area. Thank you for all the support you have given to me, and more importantly, to the local music community. Please continue to support local shows, go to shows, buy CDs and mp3s, and all that jazz.

Sincerely,

"The Ghost"

P.S. I leave you with a classic pop poppins track from their Delight in Disorder album. I figured if I'm asking for you to be patient, I could at least let you listen to "Be Patient". Pretty clever, huh?

The Lucky Thirteen: 4/4/10- 4/10/10

Standard 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.


Get Your Own Free Hypster.com Playlist.

1. "Undercover", Bridges & Blinking Lights
   The band is keeping busy this week, playing first Friday night at the Kessler Theater (a venue so great I felt the need to add a direct link) with Nervous Curtains and Happy Bullets. The following night, they join Cocky Americans and Manned Missiles for a show at City Tavern.


2. "I Love You", Spector 45
   I would have liked to place this song in last week's playlist in order to promote the band's set at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival Saturday night. Unfortunately, this song somehow didn't fit in among the other tracks in the previous mellow themed playlist. Spector 45, not mellow? What a shocker. Although I heard several people complain about the sound quality at the Festival, I thought it was one of the best sets I've heard from the band as of yet.


3. "Libertine", The Buck Pets
   The band reunites at Trees this Saturday night, with The Boom Boom Box and Dead Beat Poetry opening.


4. "Your Virgo", Lovie
   I hope you've taken advantage of the free download of this tasty pop nugget from Lovie. Good stuff!


5. "The Impossibility of Life in the Mind of the Dying", Les Americains
   Several months ago, Robert Efurd from Les Americains sent me this track that has yet to be released on CD. Since the band plays Friday night at Prophet Bar with Austin band The Criminal Kind for their CD release show, now seemed a good time to share the track with my readers. Oh, The Roomsounds is also on the bill, and they're most definitely worth checking out.


6. "Party Like You Mean It", Damaged Good$
   What can I say, this song just seems to keep worming its way into the Lucky Thirteen. It's just cool like that.


7. "Paper Bag", Katie Carroll
   The first time I heard this track on The Local Edge, it instantly grabbed my attention. I even tweeted host Mark to find out the name of the artist. When I found that the Dallas Observer made this a free downloadable track (click here for the article and mp3), I downloaded it, listened to the song, then listened again, and again, and... well, you get the idea. I anxiously await both live shows and CDs from Ms. Carroll.


8. "Austin's Birthday", The Burning Hotels
   
9. "Chasing Corporate", Air Review
   Both bands play Trees Friday night for a stellar night of music that also features Radiant and They Were Stars. By the way, is it Radiant or Radiant*? I can never remember.


10. "Maybellene Don't", THe BAcksliders
    The Bonners (plus Taylor Young on drums) don't play these parts near as frequently as I'd like, but this Friday the band headlines a nifty little show at City Tavern. Cricket Taylor and the Electromagentics and The Action Is open for the band.
    
11. "Barrier Reef", Old 97's
    
12. "Honky Tonk Angels (Don't Happen Overnight)", Eleven Hundred Springs
    
13. "Bleeder", True Widow
    Oh yes, music festival season is still going strong, with this weekend's big event being the MusInk Festival going on at Fair Park, starting Friday night and ending Sunday night. Go to the website for all the details on bands and world class tattoo artists, but I'll tell you know that the biggest local guns per night are Old 97's for Friday night, Eleven Hundred Springs for Saturday night, and True Widow for Sunday night.

Thinking Inside the Box: Emmeline

Yes readers, I have another free mp3 for you. And again, it's from another artist on the Ten to Watch in '10 list. This time it's the beautiful and talented Emmeline, who still remains one of the best hidden musical gems in this town. If I have anything to do about it, that secret will be out of the bag very soon.

If you'd like to see what the big deal is, go to Lakewood Bar & Grill tonight where she'll be hosting a benefit for the recent earthquakes in both Haiti and Chile. I don't have times or lineup, but here's what I can tell you: cover is $5, it's a good cause, and Emmeline alone is worth paying $5 (and then some).

Don't believe me? Fine. Download the song for yourself.

MP3: Emmeline - The Story

Oh, and if you want another free MP3 (and you will), then go to Emmeline's ReverbNation profile and sign up for her email list, and you can download "You Every Time" for free.

The Lucky Thirteen: 3/28/10 - 4/3/10

Here's my standard disclaimer which I've forgotten the past two weeks (fortunately no lawsuits have come my way): 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.

So I have one question for you, my readers? Are you ready to rock? I can't hear you, I said, are you ready to RAWK?!?!?

Sorry to disappoint you then, because I've decided to go a more mellow route with this week's playlist. The rock will resume next week, but for now enjoy this more subdued yet lovely playlist.

1. "D Street", Luna Matto
   Here's another of the tracks that I received from Luna Matto, and I've always enjoyed the sparse arrangement of this song. I'm sure she'll be performing it Saturday night at City Tavern, along with Darktown Strutters and Binary Sunrise.


2. "The Sticking Place", Most
   Art festival season is upon us, and this weekend will be the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and there are several bands worth checking out. While I still haven't seen Most's live set, I'm convinced that their set (Saturday, 5:00 pm at the Main Stage) will be quite captivating.


3. "Three", The Timeline Post
   I suppose it's kinda cheesy to place this song as number three on the list. What can I say? I'm not feeling all that original today. Sue me.
   
4. "...And Again", Hendrick
   Hendrick was originally scheduled to perform at the Arts Festival, but they're no longer on the lineup. That leaves only one show on their agenda this week, and that would be the Thursday night show at Trees. You know the show I'm talking about. This is the show that determines which band opens Edgefest. There is no online voting for the last round, so the only way to make certain your favorite band makes it to Edgefest is to attend Thursday night. I don't know the order of the lineup, but Bridges & Blinking Lights, Ishi, Andrew Tinker, and Criminal Shift round out the top five.


5. "The Moon", Elkhart
   How could I do a mellow playlist without adding an Elkhart song? Their CD, The Moon, is nothing less than a classic in terms of dreamy ethereal alt-country pop. It's also a rare CD that never compels me to press the skip button, and that's a true rarity in this day and age.


6. "Somebody Else", Smile Smile
   Here's yet another good track from Truth on Tape. They'll be performing Wednesday at City Tavern as part of the Home Sessions series. If you're not familiar with the Home Sessions series, the way it works is that artists perform stripped down, and then many of the tracks will later be available to stream or even download for free. Pretty cool, isn't it?


7. "The Regulator", Nicholas Altobelli
   Mr. Altobelli will be performing next Sunday at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and I'm sure he'll be playing several songs from his next album, which shares its name with the posted song.


8. "Red in the Morning", Menkena
   Yo Jimmy, when we gonna meet up so you can give me the new CD? Okay, so my Brooklyn accent doesn't even come close to that of Mr. Menkena. Still, Jimmy's promised me a mastered copy of the new CD, and I'm seriously ready to listen to it.


9. "Acts of Man", Midlake
   This is an obvious choice for this mellow thirteen.


10. "Fly", GaydenLee
    I received the duo's CD, Songs for Thursday, this past week and I must say that there is a definite charm to the six songs. There's something in the songs that reminds me of the Once soundtrack, not so much because of their writing style but in spirit. When I first saw that film, I was struck by the simple sincerity of the performances and the obvious love the two felt for the music. I sense a certain amount of that admittedly intangible quality with GaydenLee. If this has you curious, check them out next Sunday at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. They play at 3:00 at the ArtLoveMagic Artist Alley.


11. "Rivers into Rum", Carter Albrecht
    I think this is the first time I've posted a track from Mr. Albrecht's solo album on a playlist. Admittedly, I couldn't do that with the MySpace playlists, but I should have addressed this problem much sooner. Still, better late than never, and this song fits in to the playlist perfectly.


12. "Together", The O's
    I'm sure than John Pedigo and Taylor Young are just having a blast over in Europe, but I'll be glad when they return and do some shows closer to Paris, Texas than Paris, France.


13. "After All Is Done", Iris Leu
    This is one of my favorites from Hushaboo that I've only seen Ms. Leu perform one time, and that was at the CD release show. I doubt she'll change that trend this Saturday when she performs at the Kessler Theater. For the record, if you haven't been there yet, change that... like, now.

The Lucky Thirteen: 3/21/10 -3/27/10

1. "Just Wanna Try", Luna Matto
   This is a status update posted from my personal Facebook account: "I've just received several mastered mp3's from Luna Matto and they are freakin' amazing. Opening my email was like Christmas morning!" Not only are the songs wonderful (as I would have expected), but Jimi Bowman's production job leaves no room for complaints or even suggestions. Expect to see lots of Luna's music on my playlists for the next few weeks. Actually, expect to see lots of her music throughout the year.


2. "Will You Be There", Pale Horse
   Pale Horse is keeping their calendar full, but keep an eye out for a really special show in the near future. I'll tell you more as the date come closer.


3. "Nothing Ever Goes Right", Salim Nourallah
   Oak Cliff has slowly been transforming itself into a cool bohemian type neighborhood. Jeffrey Liles' opening of the Kessler Theater will no doubt make the area even more interesting. He has several good shows planned there, including this Friday's show featuring Nicholas Altobelli, Rahim Quazi, Chris Holt, and Mr. Nourallah.


4. "Honky Tonk Angels (Don't Happen Overnight)", Eleven Hundred Springs
   So, you live in Plano and are frustrated because you have to drive to Downtown Dallas to hear good bands live? Saturday will be a nice reprieve for you then, as Eleven Hundred Springs takes the stage at Love & War.


5. "Bragging Type", Trey Johnson
   Ever since I saw Mr. Johnson perform at Poor David's Pub the previous weekend, Mount Pelee is in heavy rotation again. This track in particular has been going through my head a lot lately. There are worse things than that.


6. "Undercover", Bridges & Blinking Lights
   I'm going to make a confession here. It's taken me a long time to get B&BL. Even the first few times I heard this track, I thought it was good but not great. Fortunately, KXT and Mark from The Local Edge have insisted on playing it repeatedly, and with each listen I grew more fond of the song. Mission accomplished: I get it now.


7. "Woman/Free", Calhoun
   Last May, Calhoun played a show at Aardvark that they said would be their last for awhile. That usually translates to "final show" and "breakup of the band". Imagine how surprised I was then to discover that the band is recording new material and planning for a new album to be released this summer. The band also posted three free downloads on their bandcamp site of tracks that will not be on the album. If these are the tracks that didn't make the cut, this bodes very well for the quality of their next release.


8. "Pretty Boys", Sara Radle
   Tonight Ms. Radle returns to Dallas with her new band, Walking Sleep. They will play at Barley House along with Happy Bullets.


9. "Knock on a Nail", Mildred
   This is one of my favorite local tracks from the early 90's, also featured on Tales from the Edge Volume 2.


10. "Sandman", Bonedome
    Speaking of the Tales from the Edge series, I previously said that George Gimarc would have put this track on one of the CDs in a heartbeat. While it's unfair of me to put words in Mr. Gimarc's mouth, the song definitely captures the early 90's alternative rock sound extremely well, and would have fit so comfortably along side such classic local bands as The Spin, Pop Poppins, Moon Festival, Bat Mastersons, and so forth. Bonedome will undoubtedly perform this song Friday night at LaGrange for the CD release show of Thinktankubator.


11. "We Will All Be Changed", Seryn
    Plano isn't the only suburb getting a local music treat. At the Flower Mound Toms shoe store, Seryn will be performing Saturday afternoon, along with possibly my favorite Austin musician, Jaimee Harris. Oso Closo was on the bill, and I'm not sure if Oso Closo offshoot Foe Destroyer will take their place or what will happen. All I know is that you have the opportunity to buy new shoes, hear good music, and help those in need all at the same time. By the way, if you don't know the story behind Toms, click on the link above.


12. "Party Like You Mean It", Damaged Good$
    I enjoyed this song from last week's playlist so much that I decided to keep the party going strong.


13. "Truth on Tape", Smile Smile
    Sometimes you play a song several times before really hearing it. This past week I finally heard "Truth on Tape" for the first time, and it is an amazing song that perfectly balances heartbreak with great soaring catchy melodies. This is easily the best song the band has recorded to date, and the rest of the album is very good as well.

Weekend Shows: SXSW Edition

Without fail, the weekend of SXSW turns local music venues into something of ghost towns. Not only do the fans disappear, but each year, it seems to get harder and harder to find good shows on SXSW weekend. This post is for those who are not in Austin right now. Want to see a good show in the metroplex area? Lucky for you, there are several options.


FRIDAY
Land Mammals/THe BAcksliders/Dizastra (Dan's Silverleaf)
Denton band Land Mammals may be headlining with their fun quirky low-fi indie pop, but THe BAcksliders will end up stealing the show. Just my opinion though.
Cas Haley/The Slack (Granada Theater)
Here's another show where I think the opener will upstage the headliner. I've given many listens to The Deep End, and this is one strong collection of songs. It doesn't hurt that Slack leader Chris Holt is a pretty good musician. Yeah, Mr. Holt's a pretty good musician, kind of like how a Rolls Royce is a pretty nice car.
Charming Gardeners (Dallas Museum of Art)
I've yet to see or even hear this band, so let me tell you what I know. The band was recently signed to Idol Records, and that label has a fabulous track record of signing quality bands. I know that the band features Marc Solomon (previous from great bands like Clumsy and Solly) who is now best known for running the Zounds Sounds School of Rock. I know Amy Curnow (Shanghai 5) is also in the band, and that her vocals at Trey Johnson's Poor David's Pub show were spot on. I also know Wade Cofer (Rose County Fair, Homespun Remedies, The Kul) plays bass in the band. I don't know anything about their drummer, Gerald Iragorri, but I'm trusting that if he can hang with those three fine musicians, he must be pretty special. Besides, where else can you go this weekend to hear rock music AND patron the arts?
Manning-Dickson/The Marfalites (LaGrange)
It's a CD release show for Fort Worth band Manning-Dickson, and opening band The Marfalites are reason enough to see the showy.


SATURDAY:
Michael Miller/Menkena (Allgood Cafe)
The guys from Menkena have been raving about Mr. Miller's music, but yet again, I find myself more drawn to the opener than the headliner. I'm not going to rehash thoughts on Menkena; my post on the Ten to Watch in '10 says all that needs to be said.
Shane Alexander/Camille Cortinas/Garrett Owen
I finally saw Mr. Owen for the first time, and the guy not only writes good songs, he's better in the singing department than your typical singer-songwriter. He does not have a CD out yet, and I'm hoping that will change soon, as he has the potential to really shine within the local music community. Ms. Cortinas will also be playing, spreading smiles to anyone willing to listen.
American Aquarium/Andrew Delaney & The Horse You Rode In On (LaGrange)
Gregory Pierce (Hendrick, Iris Leu) has been raving about Mr. Delaney for quite some time, and I'm starting to see the appeal in Delaney's music. My favorite, "Ramblin' Jack", owes a definite debt of gratitude to Tom Waits. Whether channel Tom Waits or alt-country ("Wine and Roses"), this is good music.
Hello Lover/Missile/Descender (Bryan Street Tavern)
There are two reasons I recommend this show. The first, and most important, is that Hello Lover brings a strong energy to their self proclaimed "sex rock". I've only seen the band twice, which is how many times the band has severely impressed me. The other reason I'm recommending the show? I love the opportunity to type the phrase "sex rock". Hey, at least I'm honest.


SUNDAY
Joe Pug/PALEFACE/Nicholas Altobelli (Green Elephant)
This is an earlier show for Mr. Altobelli, who goes on around 6 pm. Word on the street is that he'll have copies of his new CD, The Regulator, available for purchase. If you go, bring enough extra $$$ to pick it up, as this just might be Mr. Altobelli's best work to date.
Johnny Lloyd Rollins/The Fieros/Israel Nash Gripka/They Were Stars (LaGrange)
This is unfair. The best local show of the weekend takes plays on a Sunday night. Some of us have to work the next day. So if you want the all too rare opportunity to see The Fieros (formerly The Valentines) return to Dallas, start preparing your excuse for why you're late to work. Johnny Lloyd Rollins and They Were Stars help add to the appeal of this bill as well.
Happy Bullets/The Walking Sleep (Barley House)
Sunday seems to be "return to Dallas" day. Over at Barley House, Sara Radle brings her band, The Walking Sleep, to the metroplex. I haven't heard their music yet, but I've yet to be disappointed by Ms. Radle.

Thinking Inside the Box: Lovie

Ever since I started the website, I've wanted a good place to host mp3s so I can share them with you, my faithful readers. I recently discovered box.net and will be using that site to upload mp3's, and then offer a link for downloading. I was hoping that the mp3 could be uploaded directly on my site, but apparently that would require me paying a monthly fee. Sorry, readers, but that's not happening at this point.

Still, it offers me the opportunity to share songs with you, like this song from Lovie. This new tune exemplifies why I named them one of the Ten to Watch in '10, and after you listen, you should feel the same. The band will be performing tonight at the House of Blues Voodoo Lounge, and tickets are only $5. Also, the ladies in the band will be pinching those not wearing green, so if you don't want to get pinched, wear green. Of course if you like being pinched by pretty rocker ladies, then hey, don't wear green. It's all good.

And speaking of good severe awesomeness, click on the link directly below.
MP3: Lovie - "Your Virgo"