Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2007 > August
August 2007
ACL Fest: And the Saturday night aftershow at Stubb’s is…
With the ACL Fest only two weeks away, the lineup is pretty much set in stone (now that Cold War Kids have replaced the boozy Amy Winehouse), including official aftershows. However, there remains one glaring hole in the ACL Night Show schedule. Saturday night at Stubb’s is still sitting there, like the 800-pound gorilla.
Who will it be? Since Sunday at the Fest is still not sold out, C3 is withholding the information on who will play at the venerable club on Red River. It’s obviously not someone playing Saturday night at Zilker, so that most likely leaves someone playing Sunday night at the Fest.
Whoever it is will have to be a band that can sell out a venue in just a few days. My sources tell me Wilco, who is already doing an ACL taping Saturday afternoon, will not be the surprise guest. Local (and Attal) fave Ghostland Observatory is scheduled to be out of town Saturday night. Bob Dylan is probably too big (but that would sell out in a heartbeat), while the Decemberists and Bloc Party (while deserving) might not be big enough. That leaves us with My Morning Jacket. And since a slew of folks will probably miss their Sunday Fest set to see Wilco, this seems like a pretty solid guess. But if it really is Dylan, can you imagine the number of ACL bands asking for comps to that one?
Who knows. Attal has people buzzing, and I imagine that is just fine with him.
Who do you think will play Saturday night at Stubb’s? (How about the Blisters?! OK)
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - The National
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Lead singer Matt Berninger of The National: Sounds like a well-dressed ape holding a margarita.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
As luck would have it, uncomfortable and sweaty is our style, so we’re good.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Yo La Tengo and Dylan.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
The Broken West - “I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On.” Well worth it.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Nicorette and my toothbrush.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Eric Bachman is the first thing that comes to mind, but I don’t think Eric lives there. Then I think of Spoon, then Pavement because they have a song called “Texas Never Whispers.”
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Allison Janney
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
Yaz - “Only You”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Buy some shoes.
The National is scheduled to perform in the AT&T Blue Room from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Web site: Americanmary.com
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Jennifer Niceley
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
I’ll simply be wearing my coolest cotton stage dress.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Björk and Bob Dylan.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Nick Lowe’s “At My Age.”
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
If only I had a tour bus/van…
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Listening to Ernest Tubb records with my grandfather in Palestine, Texas.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
No.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin” by Ernest Tubb.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Drink the perfect margarita.
Jennifer Nicely is scheduled to perform on the BMI stage from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Web site: myspace.com/jenniferniceley
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
CMA Awards- Austin Connection
A song Austin musician Bruce Robison wrote and recorded more than 10 years ago has been nominated as Single of the Year by the Country Music Association. George Strait’s version of “Wrapped,” which he took to No. 1 last year, was announced Thursday as in the running against singles by Brad Paisley, Big & Rich, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride.
Although the nomination goes to the artist and the producer, not the songwriter, Robison feels a bit of vindication to have his song honored at commercial country music’s most prestigious forum.
“These things are a little boost in showing Nashville that my songs are as accessible as anyone else’s,” Robison said Thursday morning.
The CMAs will be given out in Nashville Nov. 7, live on ABC. Strait and Paisley received the most nominations, with five each.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Keith Urban
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Carrie Underwood
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Josh Turner
Keith Urban
See full list of winners after the jump…
HORIZON AWARD
Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins
Little Big Town
Kellie Pickler
Taylor Swift
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Dixie Chicks
Emerson Drive
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
“Anyway”
Martina McBride
Produced by Martina McBride
RCA Records
“Before He Cheats”
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright
19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records
“Lost In This Moment”
Big & Rich
Produced by Big Kenny and John Rich
Warner Bros. Nashville
“Ticks”
Brad Paisley
Produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville
“Wrapped”
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
“5th Gear”
Brad Paisley
Produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville
“It Just Comes Natural”
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville
“Long Trip Alone”
Dierks Bentley
Produced by Brett Beavers
Capitol Records Nashville
“Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing”
Keith Urban
Produced by Dann Huff and Keith Urban
Capitol Records Nashville
“These Days”
Vince Gill
Produced by Vince Gill, John Hobbs and Justin Niebank
MCA Nashville
SONG OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Songwriter and Primary Publisher)
“Anyway”
Martina McBride/Brad Warren/Brett Warren
Delemmava Music/Bucky and Clyde Music
“Before He Cheats”
Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins
That Little House Music/Mighty Under Dog Music/Sony/ATV Cross Keys
“Give It Away”
Bill Anderson/Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson
Sony/ATV Tree/Mr. Bubba Music/Slow Run Music/EMI Blackwood
“Lost In This Moment”
John Rich/Keith Anderson/Rodney Clawson
Rich Texan Music/Warner-Tamerlane/Writer’s Extreme/
EMI April Music/Romeo Cowboy
“Stupid Boy”
Dave Berg/Deanna Bryant/Sarah Buxton
Song Planet/That Little House Music/Cal IV Songs/ BergBrain Music
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
(Award to each Artist)
Reba McEntire with Kelly Clarkson
“Because of You”
MCA Nashville
Tracy Lawrence featuring Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney
“Find Out Who Your Friends Are”
Rocky Comfort Records/CO5
Jimmy Buffett with George Strait and Alan Jackson
“Hey Good Lookin’” (Live)
MCA Nashville
Alison Krauss and John Waite
“Missing You”
Rounder Records
Vince Gill with Guest Vocalist Alison Krauss
“The Reason Why”
MCA Nashville
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Anyway”
Martina McBride
Directed by Robert Deaton and George J. Flanigen IV
“Before He Cheats”
Carrie Underwood
Directed by Roman White
“Moments”
Emerson Drive
Directed by Steven Goldmann
“Online”
Brad Paisley
Directed by Jason Alexander
“You Save Me”
Kenny Chesney
Directed by Shaun Silva
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Eddie Bayers, Jr. - Drums
Jerry Douglas - Dobro
Dann Huff - Guitar
Mac McAnally - Guitar
Randy Scruggs - Guitar
Permalink | |
RIP Richard Cook
This has been a rough year for British tastemakers.
First Factory Records founder/TV presenter/punk rock pioneer/all-around aesthete Tony Wilson dies at 57.
Now we’ve lost British jazz critic Richard Cook to cancer at the absurd age of 50 on Aug. 25.
Cook was one of the great jazz critics of his age and perhaps THE great British jazz writer. The doors-stopping “Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings,” of which Cook (and co-author Brian Morton) wrote and edited eight editions, was a required for anyone with an interest in the music. The day a new edition hit the shelves was a little like Christmas.
I can’t tell you the time I’ve spent pouring over that thing or how many albums Cook and Morton sent me to. The contents were updated every year, so one was always faced with the question of whether to throw out the old ones or keep them. So you usually kept them (I think I started buying them with the second edition and have retained at last the last four) and they ended up taking up an entire shelf by themselves.
He’ll be missed.
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Charlie Musselwhite
Austin Music Source: How would you describe your music?
Charlie Musselwhite: Reckless blues with rock and jazz elements played with energy and abandon. Good for partying, for dancing or listening, for all good times. Come early, stay late.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat, will it cramp your onstage style?
I grew up in the South - in Memphis - so I don’t really have much of a problem with heat. I just embrace it.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
That’s a hard question because I’m sure I’m going to not mention somebody that I meant to mention. Off the top of my head though I’d like to catch Kelly Willis, Amy LaVere, Del McCoury, Billy Joe Shaver, Clouds of Joy and all the gospel groups. I don’t remember there being any other blues bands, but I like all kinds of music. Any music that’s from the heart is what I like, and I bet I’ll be hearing a LOT of that at the festival.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
“Soul’s Chapel” by Marty Stuart.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
My iPod, a stack of books and, my last vice: chocolate.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Lightnin’ Hopkins is at the head of a long list of great Texas musicians.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Lucia Rijker.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
Aw, there’s soooo many. There’s just not one by itself. I’ll have to get back to you on that.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Maybe I can get a slice of Tres Leches at the Havana Restaurant. Of course, there’s a lot of friends I hope to see, but that Tres Leches is something else!
Charlie Musselwhite is scheduled to play on the WaMu Stage from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Web site: charliemusselwhite.com
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - The Jones Family Singers
Austin Music Source: How would you describe your music?
Bishop F. Allen Jones Sr.: Our music is traditional with a contemporary flair. It’s sure to keep you moving at a good speed.
How do you plan to cope with Austin’s summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
We are accustomed to heat and it will in no wise affect our performance onstage … and besides all this, the crowd’s excitement and enthusiam is enough to make us do what we come to do anyway.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Famous Soul Stirrers and whatever is provided for our enjoyment.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Can’t remember since I am programmer for an FM station.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Our DVDs and CDs … we live, eat and breathe music.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Willie Nelson
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
None in paticular, we love music … well maybe “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Meet as many people as possible and make as many friends as possible.
The Jones Family Singers are scheduled to perform on the WaMu stage from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Web site: thejonesfamilysingers.org
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: ACL Festival
Local record news
Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez are set to release the “Live From the Ruhr Triennale- October 2005” CD Oct. 2. Featuring Bill Frisell on guitar and steel player Greg Leisz, the material is a mix of Taylor chestnuts, such as “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning,” Chip & Carrie duets (“Laredo,” “Let’s Leave This Town”) and covers of well-known songs such as “Long Black Veil” and “Maybelline.” “That chill factor was never more in evidence than on the evenings of October 11th and 13th of October, 2005,” Taylor writes on the liner notes. “Surrounded by the magnetic sounds of Bill Frisell and the boys, Carrie and I rocked and floated in musical places we had never been.”
Mother Truckers have signed with Arizona-based Funzalo Records, which is the home of Tony Furtado, Mostly Bears and others. Teal and Josh and the gang impressed the Funzalo folks at a June 1 show at the Hut in Tucson and soon had a deal. The Truckers are headed to Seattle this weekend to play the Bumbershoot Festival.
Kevin Fowler’s “Bring It On” hits stores Sept. 25 on Clint Black’s Equity Music Group label. Produced by Blake Chancey.
Austin faves Ween will release their ninth studio album on Rounder Records. “La Cucaracha,” which includes a guest appearance from David Sanborn (?!), hits stores Oct. 23.
Permalink | |
Dixie Chicks to open for Eagles
The Austin-based Dixie Chicks are not done performing live for the year. But six shows scheduled in October don’t qualify as going out on the road. The Chicks will open for the Eagles, who are set to release their first album of new material in 28 years, for six nights at the spankin’ new Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
The Eagles double disc “Long Road Out of Eden” hits stores Oct. 30 at a list price of only $11.88. The soft-rockers’ “Greatest Hits” is the best-selling album of all time, moving more than 29 million units in the U.S.
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Railroad Earth
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Railroad Earth mandolin player John Skehan: It’s a rock band made up of bluegrass/acoustic instruments — acoustic guitar, upright bass, violin, mandolin, drums and Andy on either banjo, Dobro, guitar, mandolin, flute, pennywhistle or sax. We play original music, most of it written by our lead singer, Todd Sheaffer, as well as some traditional American music — fiddle tunes, gospel songs, etc. In some songs, there is a good bit collective improvisation, allowing the band to stretch out and explore new territory from night to night.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Well, heat and humidity can wreak havoc on acoustic instruments, but that’s just part of the summer festival fun. Sometimes, a really disgustingly hot day can bring out some extra intensity. It can turn the performance into a battle, where you’re blinded by the sweat and sunblock in your eyes, and your strings start to rust as they cut deep into your bathtub-soft fingers while you play.
What bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Although I did see him once with the Grateful Dead, I’ve never seen Bob Dylan on his own — so I think that would be a good place to start. I’ve been hearing great things about Grace Potter, too, so I hope to catch her show.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
The last CD I paid full price for was an import copy of The Pogues album “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.” The CD cost about $20, but the amount of Guinness I went through while listening to the record over and over again cost quite a bit more.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Oxygen.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Immediately, that would be Robert Earl Keen. We’ve been playing a wonderful song of his called “I Did it All for Love” on our last few tours. We first learned it when we were playing a private function where they had originally hoped to book Robert Earl Keen. When he couldn’t do the gig, we thought it would be fun to learn one of his tunes to honor our host.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
I’m sorry, I’m saving that information for my interview with People magazine next week.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
That would be “Peaches and Regalia” from Frank Zappa’s masterpiece album “Hot Rats.” I’ve often thought about arranging it for our instrumentation — the good thing being that Andy [Goessling] could handle the flute parts in the middle, and then play both his saxophones at once for the big horn section toward the end of the tune.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Make a prank phone call to each member of the Austin Lounge Lizards.
Railroad Earth is scheduled to play on the WaMu stage from 3:15 to 4:05 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Web site: railroadearth.com
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - BeauSoleil
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
BeauSoleil fiddler/vocalist Michael Doucet: We’re from Louisiana and when you’re hot you’re hot!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
I think I just want to wander around, listen and let my ears be surprised.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Buena Vista Social Club, 1997.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
GPS.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Johnny Gimble.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Cindy Cashdollar’s cat, “Steel.”
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“The Monster Mash.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Taste the barbecue.
BeauSoleil is scheduled to play on the WaMu stage from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Web site: rosebudus.com/beausoleil
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: ACL Festival
Former Austinite makes Billboard’s 30 Under 30 list
Congrats to Spoon manager Ben Dickey for making Billboard magazine’s “30 Under 30” list this week.
Austinites might recall Dickey, 26(!), from his band Western Keys and record label Post-Parlo. These days, Dickey’s Los Angeles-based outfit Constant Artists oversees bands including the aforementioned Spoon, Explosions in the Sky, Okkervil River and Mates of State. Check them out here.
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Blue October
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin’s summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Blue October: Lots of water. A big fan on stage. Doesn’t cramp my style too much, other than I am soaked with sweat after outdoor shows in Texas. No problem, though. Part of the experience.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
There are so many. The Arctic Monkeys, White Stripes, the Killers, Pete Yorn, Muse, Arcade Fire, Lucinda Williams, the Decemberists, just to name a few. Oh yeah, and Queens of the Stone Age.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Stone Temple Pilots … The first one. Can’t remember the title.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Traveling BBQ pit.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Austin, Texas.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
No, not really. Is that a trick question?
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Blue Eyes Cryin’ In The Rain” by Willie Nelson.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Pet my dogs and kiss my beautiful wife.
Blue October plays the AMD stage from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Web site: blueoctoberfan.com
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Ocote Soul Sounds
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Ocote Soul Sounds (Martín Perna): I would describe our music as Spanglish folk funk.
How do you plan to cope with Austin’s summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Lots of water and a pre-show swim in Barton Springs.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
I’m looking forward to MIA, Andy Palacio and the Garifuna Collective, and Gotan Project. I’m also curious to see Björk and Bob Dylan, but I have a feeling those shows will be packed and I’m not crazy about enormous crowds.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
A compilation of funky gospel songs by various groups from the ’60s-’70s on the Numero label. I got it at Waterloo.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Water.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
It’s a tie between the Geto Boys and Willie Nelson.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Not if I want to hold on to the good lady I already have.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Masters of War” by Bob Dylan.
What’s the one thing everyone should do before leaving Austin?
Give Rick Perry a piece of their mind!
Ocote Soul Sounds plays on the WaMu stage from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Web site: myspace.com/ocotesoulsounds
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Weekend review: the Jimmy Reed Highway
Hey, Clifford: I wish you could have seen this one. Because this was a night that really brought honor to the blues, and old friends, and the club that bears your name. The Jimmy Reed Highway — the new blues revue featuring Jimmie Vaughan, Omar Dykes, Kim Wilson, Lou Ann Barton, Derek O’Brien and Gary Clark Jr. — was a smashing success on stage. It was a show of the highest order.
I swear, Clifford, the energy in the air on Friday was almost sensual. Not blues like a hurricane, or blues as a string of blazing solos. Rather, it was blues like a long, slow, smoky burn. You see, the idea was to play it straight to the spirit of Mississippi blues legend Jimmy Reed. And just as much, to the spirit of his longtime guitarist: your hero, “the greatest there ever was,” Eddie Taylor.
The show really worked as a revue, with Ronnie James on stand-up bass, O’Brien on a hollow-body Gibson, Jimmie on a caramel-colored Telecaster. Omar and Lou Ann shared vocals on “Caress Me Baby”; Jimmie tipped his hat to Eddie Taylor on “Bad Boy”; and Clark rocked the house on “Shame Shame Shame.” The band did a rousing version of “High and Lonesome” that was so good I can’t believe they left the song off the CD.
But the best moment of all came in the middle of “You Upset My Mind.” Kim Wilson rips into a killer harmonica solo, and here comes Jimmie, sliding over from the opposite side of the stage, hunched low, caramel guitar against a lime green vintage shirt, almost hiding behind Lou Ann and Omar at center stage. Then Jimmie starts playing these brilliant, tasty, understated lead lines under Kim’s solo. It was a sublime moment, two estranged friends together once again, one reaching out to the other, honoring the other, understanding the other, through the language of the blues.
You would have loved it, Clifford. I wish you could have seen it.
— Brad Buchholz
(More on the Jimmy Reed Highway tribute here.)
Permalink | |
Out tomorrow
A selection of albums in stores tomorrow:
Aesop Rock “None Shall Pass” (Definitive Jux)
Atreyu “Lead Sails Paper Anchor” (Hollywood)
Circus Devils “Sgt. Disco” (Ipecac)
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals “Lifeline” (Virgin)
Hell Rell “For the Hell of It” (Diplomat/Koch)
Terri Hendrix “The Spiritual Kind” (Wilory)
Liars “Liars” (Mute)
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band “It’s Not Big It’s Large” (Lost Highway)
Northern State “Can I Keep This Pen?” (Ipecac)
Permalink | |
Weekend review: Perry Farrell’s Satellite Party
Saturday evening at Emo’s, Perry Farrell and his new band Satellite Party slayed their fans in attendance with a spot-on live show, proving that they are more than just a vanity project for Farrell.
Ironically, it’s easy to argue that there wouldn’t even be an Emo’s music venue without the “alternative music” counter-culture that Farrell had a direct hand in birthing, molding and packaging as frontman for his now-classic rock band, Jane’s Addiction, as well as with his 1990s creation, the Lollapalooza Festival. With that in mind, it was somehow fitting that Farrell would bring his new band to Emo’s for their first non-South by Southwest Austin performance.
Satellite Party was solid, despite a recent line-up change (in July guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and drummer Kevin Figueiredo both quit). Etty Lau Farrell’s (Perry’s wife) constant go-go dancing provided tantalizing eye candy as bassist Carl Restivo - and new members guitarist Nick Perri and drummer Jordan Plosky - rocked the band’s original songs, which held up to the accelerated renditions from Farrell’s extensive Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros back catalog.
The audience - showing slight signs of aging right along with Farrell - appeared ecstatic to see a living rock legend up close and personal; the crowd was nowhere close to a sell-out, hovering somewhere near 450 people.
Polite applause followed the new Satellite Party songs, but when Farrell and band raced through Jane’s Addiction classics like “Mountain Song,” “Been Caught Stealing,” “Stop,” and “Jane Says,” the audience exploded into shouts and wide-smile sing-a-longs.
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Austin Music Source: Generally, how would you describe your music?
Grace Potter: Rock ‘n’ roll.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
We travel with stage air conditioners so we’re not worried at all. They’re great for the environment.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Lucinda Williams, Spoon, Queens of the Stone Age.The list goes on and on so I’m going to stop now so I don’t get my Q and A chopped up.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
I went to Pure Pop, my favorite record shop in Vermont, and got Josh Ritter’s new record, Ravi Shankar live at Monterey, Dick Dale and the Del Tones, and some early Alice In Chains.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Music and fresh air.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
The Bush family and the fact that Austin is the capital.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Christina Ricci after watching the movie ‘Black Snake Moan.’
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
Townes Van Zandt’s “Where I Lead Me.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Visit that kick ass area on Congress Street with all the thrift shops and sweet places to eat.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals play the WaMu Stage from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Web site: gracepotter.com
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Trent Summar and the New Row Mob
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Trent Summar: I’m from Tennessee. Its always hot!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Dash Rip Rock.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Full cd price, hmmm.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
I never know what’s in the van.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
I have a crush on that Jack Russell in the movie “My Dog Skip.”
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Freebird.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Get high.
Trent Summar & the New Row Mob play on the BMI Stage from 4:40 to 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, September 15.
Web site: myspace.com/trentsummar
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL announces Winehouse replacement
The Cold War Kids have replaced Amy Winehouse at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, ACL fest reps said Thursday. Winehouse has canceled her North American autumn tour as a result of her ongoing health problems. The band will play Sept. 15 at 3:30 pm on the AT&T blue room stage, and Andrew Bird will fill Winehouse’s spot at 5:30 pm on the AT&T blue room stage.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Adam Hood
Austin Music Source: How would you describe your music?
Adam Hood: I don’t like to pigeonhole my music. I really consider myself a songwriter more than anything. That said, I don’t place any parameters around my music so it ends up combining lots of different styles and sounds. One writer described my music as “early Bob Dylan with dashes of the Band and Al Green”— now that’s pretty cool!
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
I have been touring throughout the South nonstop for five years — if it’s not unbearably hot and humid, I don’t feel at home. It adds a bit of the “swamp funk” to every performance!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
There are so many great artists playing. Among the ones I’m most looking forward to are Bob Dylan, Wilco, Joss Stone, Steve Earle, and Lucinda Williams.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
I just bought two new CDs: Delbert McClinton’s “Nothing Personal” and Terry Allen’s “Lubbock (On Everything).”
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Satellite radio. We do a lot of traveling and satellite radio keeps us rolling!
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
The thing I love most about Texas music is the fact that there are no boundaries. Texas is a true melting pot, and it’s reflected in the music. All styles come together — blues, country, rock, Latin, Cajun — and meld seamlessly into one big musical stew. And, man, that’s pretty tasty stuff!
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
To tell you the truth, Hollywood doesn’t really fascinate me.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
I have been doing a lot of touring with Leon Russell. His song “Stranger In A Strange Land” is just beautiful. But it’s a piano song in a weird key for guitar, so I figured I’m better off leaving it to Leon!
What’s the one thing everyone should do before leaving Austin?
Eat at Threadgill’s.
Adam Hood plays on the BMI stage on Friday, Sept. 14 from 12:40 to 1:20 p.m.
Web site: myspace.com/adamhood
(photo by Katherine Slingluff)
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Brandon Rhyder
- SoundCheck360: Listen to Brandon Rhyder
Austin Music Source: Generally, how would you describe your music?
Brandon Rhyder: Country music.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
“Cope” is the right word in Texas, but we’re used to it. Playing shows outdoors seems to be all we do during the festival season. Bring it on.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Dylan, Kelly Willis, and REK
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
I downloaded Keith Urban’s new CD online at full cost with liner notes. $8.99
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Cell phone. the lifeline to the business and personal world.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
A scene that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the U.S.A. It’s a wonderful place to hone your craft and create art.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
I love Allison Krauss
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Trouble” by Elvis.
What’s the one thing everyone should do before leaving Austin?
Check out downtown.
Brandon Rhyder plays on the Brandon Rhyder BMI stage from 12:40 to 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Web site: myspace.com/brandonrhyder
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Austin’s The Steps
- SoundCheck360: Listen to The Steps
Austin Music Source: How do you generally describe your music?
The Steps: Rock ‘n’ roll.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
No it wont, were used to it.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
White Stripes, Wilco, Bob Dylan, Kevin McKinney…
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
IV Thieves.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Pretty girls.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Barbeque.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Oprah Winfrey
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Love Shack” - B52’s.
What’s the one thing everyone should do before leaving Austin?
Try the bacon migas at Casa Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
The Steps play on the BMI stage from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Web site: myspace.com/thesteps
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Jambo
Austin Music Source: How would you describe your music?
Jambo: Fun, rootsy, funky music for the whole family. Not-just-for-kids music!
How do you plan to cope with the Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
We are used to playing in hot weather. Lots of water helps.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Bob Dylan, Joss Stone, Lucinda Williams, Guy Forsyth
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Alison Krauss & Union Station
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Gas.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Freddie King and great Texas blues guitar slingers
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Melinda McGraw
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Gone Fishin’ ” (Taj Mahal)
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Pick Up a new T-Shirt at Antone’s (Mine’s all worn out)
Jambo plays on the Austin Kiddie Limits stage from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. Sept. 14 and 12:30 to 12:50 p.m. Sept. 15.
Web site: myspace.com/jamboham
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Amy Winehouse cancels September tour dates
After opting out of her August performances last week due to (ahem) “severe exhaustion,” the British songstress has now scrapped her entire North American tour. This includes her ACL Fest appearance on Saturday, Sept. 15, according to promoter Charles Attal. He said there are a few acts in line to replace Winehouse on the schedule and “we will likely have an announcement on that in the next few days.” More details here.
Permalink | Comments (12) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - LCD Soundsystem
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your style onstage?
James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem: It will definitely cramp my style. I can’t wear my panda suit.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
All the good ones. I love the good bands. They’re so good!
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
People BUY those?
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Espresso machine and “punishment” machine (U.S. patent pending).
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
“Rio Grande Mud.”
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
David Niven.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“3:44.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Pack my bag and double-check the hotel room.
LCD Soundsystem is scheduled to play in the AT&T blue room Friday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Web site: lcdsoundsystem.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Mario Matteoli
- SoundCheck360: Listen to Mario Matteoli
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Mario Matteoli: Country- and folk-influenced rock ‘n’ roll.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your style onstage?
The heat is always a problem. It will most likely force me to hang backstage in the shade and drink free beer.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, the White Stipes, Wilco.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
The Kinks’ “Arthur.”
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Air conditioning.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Doug Sahm needs a statue on Town Lake!
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
No.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“So Ronery” by Kim Jong Il from “Team America.”
What’s the one thing everyone should do before leaving Austin?
Go to the Continental Club.
Mario Matteoli is scheduled to perform on the BMI stage on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 12:40 to 1:20 p.m.
Web site: mariomatteoli.com
- SoundCheck360: Listen to Mario Matteoli
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: ACL Festival
Toni Price back tonight at Continental Club
It’s a command performance for the former Hippie Hour regular who recently moved to California. Details here.
Out today.
Some highlights from today’s new releases:
Brand Nubian “Time’s Running Ou” (Traffic Entertainment/Sound of Dissent)
Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmie Vaughan “On the Jimmy Reed Highway” (Ruf)
Galactic “From the Corner to the Block” (Anti-/Epitaph)
Kinski “Down Below It’s Chaos” (Sub Pop)
Talib Kweli “Ear Drum” (Blacksmith/Warner)
Mekons “Natural” (Quarterstick)
M.I.A. “Kala” (Interscope)
Minus the Bear “Planet of Ice” (Suicide Squeeze)
THe New Pornographers “Challengers” (Matador)
Dax Riggs “We Sing Only of Blood or Love” (Fat Possum)
Rilo Kiley “Under the Blacklight” (Brute/Beaute/Warner)
Swizz Beatz “One Man Band” (Universal Motown)
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Back Door Slam
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin’s summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Back Door Slam (bassist Adam Jones): Well, we were in Austin around March time and it was scorching then! Coming from the Isle of Man where the temperature in the summertime is around 30 degrees Celsius (not sure what that is in Fahrenheit), we probably won’t cope too well!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Bob Dylan, the White Stripes and Damien Rice would all be great acts to see, but we’re not sure if we’ll get the time unfortunately.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
White Stripes “Icky Thump.” Great album.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
A TV! Easily. It can get so boring on the road, so we’re really grateful to have a TV on ours to watch countless movies.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Stevie Ray Vaughan! He’s one of our biggest influences and we’ve grown up listening to him.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Ha! No, afraid not. My girlfriend would kill me.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
To be honest, every song we’ve ever wanted to cover we have in some shape or form. We recently recorded a version of “Volcano” by Damien Rice, so I’d say our goal of recording covers is somewhat complete.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
See Stevie Ray’s statue again.
Back Door Slam plays on the Austin Ventures stage on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 1:50 to 2:30 p.m.
Web site: myspace.com/backdoorslam
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Loretta Williams Gurnell
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin’s summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Loretta Williams Gurnell: My plans are to dress cool and go with the flow. I’m certain it won’t cramp my style since I’m use to singing in all climates, but I will have lots of water around.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
It’s been too long to remember.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Room-temperature water and peanut M&Ms, along with a comfortable pair of shoes, fluffy pillow and a cozy blanket.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Many artists and cool music of all genres with a Southern twist.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
None at this time.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“I’m Every Woman.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Have a great time, connect with as many people in the audience as I possibly can and connect with other music promoters/artists with similar goals and aspirations.
Loretta Williams Gurnell plays on the WaMu stage on Friday, Sept. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Web site: lorettawilliamsgurnell.org
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Austin City Limits Music Fest releases more three-day passes.
They are $145 a pop.
Check it out here.
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Fact: Prince will separate you from dead presidents.
So the wife and child and I went to Le Garage Sale Sunday afternoon at the lovely downtown Palmer Events Center.
Whoever decided to play ’80s Prince over the PA system deserves some sort of raise. If there’s music that’s gonna prompt you to spend money on nice clothes, it’s Prince. Leather and lace. High-end funk for high-end fabrics. U got the look, indeed.
Killer selections as well: a mess of songs from “Sign O’ the Times,” including the title track (lyrics still a little silly, groove still amazing) and the weirdly slept-on “Starfish and Coffee”; ditto for “Purple Rain,” including that title track and “Let’s Go Crazy”; and a whole mess more.
Nearly walked out of there with a heavily discounted seersucker sports jacket from the fine people at Capra and Cavelli, if for no other reason that it was cut so well that it shaved off about 10 pounds. Sadly, I couldn’t swing it (I have no idea how to wear a seersucker sports jacket).
But I ended up doing something I have literally never done any other time in my life: Looked a woman’s dress, turned to my wife and said, “That would look great on [relative who might read this blog], don’t you think?”
She said, “Yeah, it’s gorgeous.”
Then I bought it.
Now, I’m an almost astoundingly bad giver of gifts. I never know what people want or need and that goes triple for clothes. I don’t know what came over me.
Oh, wait, yes, I do: Prince.
Thanks, Prince!
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Jeffrey Steele
Austin Music Source: How do you generally describe your music?
Jeffrey Steele: Springsteen meets Johnny Cash in an alley, and they beat up Tom Petty and steal his (expletive). Tom calls Bono and cries, and Jeff writes it all down while listening to the Beatles! That kinda sums it up. P.S., Elvis just sits there taking it all in.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Well, Nashville has been in the 100s the last month, so I’ve been in training. Also it’s good to sweat profusely on stage. Delbert McClinton once told me, “I don’t trust a man who sings and don’t sweat.” Ha, ha.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Bjork, Whites, Dylan.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Bright Eyes.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Cigars and whiskey.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Well, Delbert, SRV, Ray Benson, Willie, Waylon, Bob Wills, Jerry Jeff, they all come to my mind at once.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Lori Dhue.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
It was “Angel Flyin’ Too Close To The Ground,” but I just covered it for a new CD.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Ride with Lance for a while, ha, ha.
Jeffrey Steele plays on the BMI stage on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 6:40 to 7:20 p.m.
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Kevin Devine
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Kevin Devine: Sung and often played with various instruments. Almost always guitars involved. Sometimes screamy and sometimes whispery, indie rock, folk rock country-ish stuff.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Ha - hopefully not too strongly. I’m a pretty pale pasty bog-dwelling Irishman somewhere up the line, and so it won’t be ideal. But this current tour I’m on has gone through the dead gut of the South in August and has been redonkeylips hot so I think I’ll be well-rehearsed by then.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Everyone. Just saw Dylan and My Morning Jackets at Red Rocks, excited to see them again. I’ve never seen Bjork or White Stripes, so I’m really looking forward to seeing both of them, too. Spoon and Wilco are always great. Curious to see the Decemberists live. I love Nicole Atkins and Manchester Orchestra, and they’re friends so I’m definitely eager to see them. I’ve never seen Lucinda Williams despite really liking her stuff, and I think Arcade Fire are the best live band working today, so both of them as well.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
The National, “Boxer,” and it’s proving to have been well worth it. The opening song, “Fake Empire,” is particularly excellent.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
I like having the tape deck converter for the iPod. I also like having water to drink and empty bottles to pee in when emergency strikes.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
For me, it’s SXSW. Just such a totally amazing experience for a 22- or 23-year-old kid to come and be inundated with all this music and all these vultures looking to pick at the fresh meat. Street scene is insane. Lots of fun.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
It’s boring as hell. I love Scarlett Johannsen. But now she’s kinda bogus. I dunno. I’d still love to meet her. I’m totally fascinated with Joanna Newsom, but she’s out of my league and also spoken for. Same for Miranda July, I think. Chan Marshall is obvious, too. I mean, come on.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Long Gone Lonesome Blues” by Hank Williams or “Hyper Enough” by Superchunk. This answer is as arbitrary as the question and changes every day.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Breakfast at Juan in a Million. My friend turned me on to it last time through on tour and I’m well hooked.
Kevin Devine plays in the AT&T blue room on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
(Photo by Sam Throne myspace.com/kevindevine.)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
More bands confirmed for Fun Fun Fun fest
Fun Fun Fun/Transmissions principal Graham Williams confirmed a few more bands Friday for his Nov. 3 and 4 gathering.
Look for sets from:
Cat Power and the Dirty Delta Blues Band
Cave Singers
Celebration
the Cribs
Brothes and Sisters
Clap! Clap!
Witchcraft
Saviours
Iron Age
Viva Hate
Car Stereo Wars
Ocelot
Small Sin
In the immortal words of Public Enemy, consider yourself… warned!
Show recommendations for Aug. 17
Tonight, check out Jennifer Gentle at 5 p.m. at Waterloo Records beofre that band’s show at Emo’s with indie pop lifers Ladybug Transistor, Papercuts and the Dodos.
If, after the Jennifer Gnetle in-store, you’re in the mood for something heavier and more leather-clad, check out the Turbonegro cover band Apocalypse Dudes in-store performance at 6 p.m. at Cheapo Records.
On the metal and punk tip, the Extreme Texas Metal fest hosts a pre-party at Room 710 with Panzram, Self Induced Pain, Dogmahollow, Vows in Ashes, and more. Down the street at Red 7 you can find a rebooted version of New York/New Jersey punk band Reagan Youth with Mouth Sewn Shut, Doomsday Hour, Here Comes Trouble and more.
On the psychedelic rock tip, San Francisco guitar explorers Rahdunes (who have a new 12” out of Austin label Emperor Jones) join Megazilla, Tia Carrera and Strange Attractors at Beerland.
You want soul? The Waxploitation DJs start spinning the vintage soul and funk at Victory Grill starting at 9:30 p.m.
Permalink | |
Sensational Soul in September
The Continental Club has put it all together for their Sept. 1 show starring soul greats Archie Bell (“Tighten Up”), Barbara Lynn (“You’ll Lose A Good Thing”), Roy Head (“Treat Her Right”), and Barbara Mason (“Yes, I’m Ready”). These performers are not only legends, but they still have it. The cover is a ridiculously low $20.
The only downside is that tix are not available in advance, so be prepared to wait in a long line. And that “one in, one out” thing ain’t gonna fly because once someone gets in, honey, they’re not coming out until Archie does “Tighten Up” for the third time.
Dianne Scott of the Continental does such a great job with her weekly newsletter that is informative, yet chatty and fun. Here’s what she has to say about this upcoming soul revue: “This particular group carried me through my early-to-late teens. The only thing better than hearing these songs live from the original artists is sharing in the joy that Archie Bell, Barbara Lynn, Roy Head and Barbara Mason exude in performing them. Please don’t think of this as simply an oldies revue! These are certainly musicians with a history of delivering spine-tingling, soul-stirring hits, but they also present a fabulous contemporary show.”
Indeed, this’ll be as good as it gets.
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Butch Walker
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Post-hyphenated-sub-genre.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Well, of course it will. Sweating is the new standing there looking bored. But I sweat like Whitney Houston onstage, so I guess it won’t be out of the norm.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
The Stripes, Spoon (are they playing?), Cary Ann Hearst, and pretty much everyone except me..
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Yesterday. The 1990’s (the band … not the decade).
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
I can’t live without a bus in my van. Febreze. Very, very important in keeping your band together.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Luckenbach, Tx, with Waylon and Willie and the boys. I grew up with my dad loving outlaw country. I remember lots of beer …
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Well, I really feel weird when I see Amanda Bynes … why is that?
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Tempted” by Squeeze.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Stop for Advil.
Butch Walker plays Saturday, Sept. 15, on the Austin Ventures stage from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily
Austin Music Source: How would you generally describe your music?
Bela Fleck: Our music is a combination of many things. It has some parts that are jazz, but there are also elements from bluegrass and roots music, not to mention classical and world music influences. It is hard to describe!
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat, will it cramp your onstage style?
Nah, we are tough. I hope the drumitar doesn’t melt though!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Björk is a big one for me.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Saxophonist Micheal Brecker’s latest and final CD. He died just afterwards from cancer.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Water.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Stevie Ray.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Shrek makes me hot.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Fool on the Hill”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Have a great show.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones play on the AMD stage on Friday, Sept. 14, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (photo courtesy of belafleck.com)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Odds and ends
The Red Stick Ramblers are holding a record release party two nights at the Continental Club on Sept. 14 and 15, which, yes, puts them in the middle of the Austin City Limits Music Festival … The Eagles today released “How Long,” their first single from the upcoming studio album “Long Road Out of Eden.” In other news, the four horseman of the Apocalypse were seen riding down Congress. We await a plague of frogs … Norah Jones guitarist Adam Levy plays Hole in the Wall on Sept. 24, Flipnotic’s Sept. 25 and an in-store at Cheapo’s at 6 p.m. Sept. 25 … Texas State University-San Marcos Afro-Cuban band Salsa del Rio was best recording of the year for the blues, pop and rock category in Downbeat Magazine. It won for “Lloraras y lloraras”…
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Cary Ann Hearst
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat, will it cramp your onstage style?
Cary Ann Hearst: Charlestonions are conditioned for the heat. We live in one of the stickiest, hottest, slowest-moving places in the South. Its an instant pre-warmup, and a great excuse to wear sunglasses on stage. We like it hot!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
The White Stripes, Wilco, Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, Spoon, Luc. Williams, Devotchka, Winehouse, Specktor, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Butch Walker. … that’s just my short list. I am staying for the whole thing. We are gonna see everything!
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
White Stripes “Icky Thump.” “Cassadega” by Bright Eyes before that. I bought the actual CD, not on iTunes but in a store. I wanted the art. I love the convenience of iTunes, but i still like the tangible product, and I love little record shops. Getting about half of my music online averages out those extra few bucks you pay in a great indie store. Those few extra bucks are worth the service for sure, or even just good information about local music.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Comedy. Sometimes we run outta things to say, or can’t agree to listen to the same music. Nobody argues with a little Mitch Hedburg on the speakers. It even gets Ash out of his headphones.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
I think of everything from Bob Wills, Willie Nelson and Tejano. These days, I think of screwed up and slowed down hip-hop, and bands like Calexico and Neko Case (not because they are from Texas, but it sounds like the modern Wild West). Not to mention Rosie Flores!
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
I have a huge crush on the lead singer from the Films.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Rip this Joint” by the Rolling Stones.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Get my first tattoo, maybe of the Lone Star State.
Cary Ann Hearst & the Gun Street Girls play on the BMI Stage on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 2:40 to 3:20 p.m.
(Photo courtesy of myspace.com/caryannhearst)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Rose Hill Drive
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: Generally, how would you describe your music?
Rose Hill Drive: A kick in the pants. And in the face. Then a warm washcloth to wash off your face and love you. Then a punch in the genitals.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat; will it cramp your onstage style?
Singing can definitely be hard in the heat because the vocal chords rely on steady hydration. Usually, if we drink enough water onstage and have Gatorade or something beforehand, we are okay. Super cold is way worse.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
I just looked on the Web site, and all of the headliners look amazing. … I want to see every one of them if I can. I am a huge White Stripes and Queens Of The Stone Age fan, so their sets will be priority.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Is iTunes full price? I just bought Sonic Youth’s “Goo,” which is amazing.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
GPS. We used to look at maps and get lost all the time. We did that for a few years, so it was time for something a little bit easier as far as navigation. She tells us where to go, and we listen.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Regis and Kathy Lee. Both of them.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Birthday” by The Beatles
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Eat some barbecue, some Tex-Mex and go see my friend Syra. And go to Austin City Limits to play music and watch music.
Rose Hill Drive plays on the Austin Ventures stage on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
(Photo by Candise Kola myspace.com/rosehilldrive)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Kingz underground no longer
Houston hip-hop legends UGK’s new album “Underground Kingz” debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen Soundscan chart this week. The duo of Bun B and Pimp C moved more than 160,000 copies of their new double CD.
Speaking of up from the underground, Florida rapper Plies’ debut “Real Testament” came in at No. 2 with 96,000 sold. The “Now 25” pop compilation held steady at no. 3; it has sold more than 580,000 copies in a month.
The tweeners owned the middle of the chart. The “Hannah Montana 2” soundtrack dropped a mere 8 percent, came in at No. 4 and has sold more than 1 million copies in less than two months. The Disney-driven “Jonas Brothers” debuted at No. 5 with nearly 70,000 sold and the “Hairspray” soundtrack is right behind with more than 68,000 copies.
Common’s “Finding Forever” dropped the now-traditional 63 percent to come in at No. 7 with 57,000 sold. Fergie’s “Dutchess” seems unkillable, coming in at No. 8; the album has sold more than 2.4 million in 47 weeks.
T.I.’s “T.I. vs TIP” closes in on platinum with more than 902,000 sold in six weeks; it’s in at no. 9. Korn’s untitled album moves 44,000 this week for the No. 10 bow.
Permalink | |
Emo’s revision
An astute reader pointed out that the 18,048 square feet is the size of all of Emo’s, so the $4.5 million figure that Emo’s owner Frank Hendrix mentioned as his asking price for Emo’s Lounge is far more than $265 per square foot for that building alone.
Stay tuned for more music news and views completely unrelated to real estate later in the day.
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - My Morning Jacket
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your style onstage?
My Morning Jacket lead singer Jim James: We will swim directly before we play. We will wear soft colors, soft summer fabrics and light tones. This will mature our skins.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
The Decemberists, Robert Dylan, Björk — but the band I most want to see is the Soul Stirrers. Their body of work is one of the most important in music history. I listen to their era with Sam Cooke more than anything else right now. I’d love to see their current lineup. I hope my plane gets in on time.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
“Finding Forever” by Common, “Show Your Bones” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and “The Reminder” by Feist.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Pastiels.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Barbecue.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” by the Dramatics.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Barbecue.
My Morning Jacket plays on the AT&T Stage on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
(Photo by Danny Clinch)
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Aterciopelados
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: Generally, how would you describe your music?
Aterciopelados: Our music is a search for identity. It is, as ourselves, a mixture of influences: Folkloric influences plus rock plus pop plus electronica get together and find a sound in a subtle personal unique way. We were born in Colombia, and as Latin Americans we have indigenous, Spanish and African roots plus other more contemporary colors. Our music is the reflection of who we are (or in the path of discovering it) and what we care about — genre preoccupations, ecological worries and consuming society find a voice. What we look for is ritual music, peace and love through healing music.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your style onstage?
We have played, over these 15 years, in a couple of extreme weather conditions. Let’s hope it is not that bad.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Lots. Here in Bogota, we don’t have the chance to see many bands like these, but it depends on our arrival date … Björk, LCD Soundsystem, M.I.A., the White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Andrea Echeverri, lead singer: Jack Johnson (Three of them. I just discovered and am in love with him).
Héctor Buitrago, bass guitarist: Some flamenco records in Spain.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Windows.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Andrea: Willie Nelson.
Héctor: ZZ Top.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Andrea: Jack Johnson, sonic crush.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
Héctor:“Spirit of Radio” by Rush.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Eat at Veggie Heaven.
Aterciopelados plays on the WaMu stage from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
(photo courtesy of aterciopelados.com)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Sara Hickman
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
- Photos:Singer-songwriter Sara Hickman
- SoundCheck: Listen to Sara Hickman
Austin Music Source: How would you describe your music?
Sara Hickman: Hmm. Texas-ecletic folk-pop-rock with a twist of rhymin’.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your style onstage?
I plan to stand barefoot on giant ice cubes and think cool thoughts. Hopefully, I will not be cramping.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Björk and the Decemberists, because they think cool thoughts, too
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Music always appears on my doorstep in a magical box, so I don’t ever buy any … seriously.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Chalk. If you want to know why, listen to KUT.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Mr. Peppermint, Blind Lemon, and Spoon. They all make me hungry! Mmm, Texas food-music!
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Ellen Degeneres, Wayne Coyne, Joe McDermott and Jack Black. Oh, and I’ve always loved David Letterman. Gosh, he makes me beyond happy!
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
John Lennon’s “Woman is the N* * * * * of the World,” because it is true. Women are degraded, tortured and oppressed all over the world, and people need to be outraged by it and MAKE IT STOP.
What’s the one thing everyone should do before leaving Austin?
Visit Momoko (on 24th), eat at Taco Express and ride the Zilker train. Then sing their favorite song in the center of the Capitol, looking up at the star in the ceiling while getting their picture taken with Charlie Sexton.
Sara Hickman plays the Austin Kiddie Limits Stage at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 14 and the Austin Ventures stage at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
(photo by Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Emo’s on the block? Not so, says owner.
The Austinist blog reported yesterday that ‘the property at Sixth and Red River concurrently known as Emo’s Lounge was up for sale. Fire often being where smoke is smelled, this prompted rumors of Emo’s-the-club being on the block, something the Austinist story denied.
This is true, but not news, according to Emo’s owner Frank Hendrix.
“That corner building has been for sale since we bought it two years ago,” Hendrix said Tuesday. “There have been signs on the building for a very long time saying as much. The Realtor recently put the listing on Craigslist and indicated all of Emo’s was for sale. This is not true. The corner building is and has been for sale for about $4.5 million.”
(Actually, the math comes out to about $4.78 million, according to 18,048 square feet at $265 per square foot from the Austinist piece.)
The last time Austin Music Source was at Emo’s Lounge, we saw a mighty sold out Bishop Allen show. AMS wanted to go to the Lounge last Saturday, but Best Fwends had canceled and we moved on. How was Pataphysics’ set?
Permalink | |
Antone’s record store turns 20
A special in-store show starring Omar Dykes, Derek O’Brien, Mike Buck, Eve Monsees and more will mark the 20th anniversary of Antone’s record story this Sunday. Specializing in vintage vinyl, the shop at 2928 Guadalupe St. was opened by Clifford Antone in August 1987 directly across the street from the nightclub’s then location.
The music starts at 4 p.m. Call 322-0660 for more info.
Permalink | |
ACL Fest: Meet the bands - The Decemberists
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. Here are the first few responses. We’ll be adding more daily.
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Chris Funk, guitarist (pictured above right): Wow, thanks for reminding me. We’ve played the festival before and the heat was insane — I think we played at the hottest part of the day too. I wanted to go see so many bands, and I remember just retreating to our bus. I’ll probably just get loaded and try to run down to the river naked if I have time to shave my back first.
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
My Morning Jacket, Midlake, Lucinda Williams — she’s a bad-ass on stage. Bob Dylan, of course, who I think plays right after us. We’ll only be there for one day, the last day.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
So I guess you meant went to a record store and bought, like, a real CD. I don’t download music unless it’s obscure out-of-print stuff. So I think it was Black Moth Super Rainbow’s last record, which is this amazing band that uses a vocoder like crazy. Great songs. And a CD by a sort of bluegrass supergroup called Three Ring Circle featuring Rob Ickes, who is my second-favorite dobro player in the world (I’m sure all of you rockers bought this one).
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Farm Pride Ready Eggs which is “a pasteurized special blend of egg white, polyunsaturated vegetable oil, skim milk powder, emulsifier and natural colour.” You can heat them up in a coffee mug and make breakfast sandwiches out of them. Can’t wait.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Willie Nelson. I guess that’s lame, as I know so many great other new rock bands from Texas, but you asked. Same goes for Portland where we live, people always bring up Elliot Smith, but you know, he left us and moved to NYC and then L.A. Willie stayed true to his people … just a joke, take it easy, Portland bloggers.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
Is Meg White a celebrity? I think she’s rad because she doesn’t like to do interviews.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
Anything by Steve Miller.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Swim in that river thing, shave back.
The Decemberists play on the Dell stage from 7:45-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 15.
(Photo by Bret Gerbe FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the Bands - Ben Kweller
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
- Photos: Ben Kweller at ACL Fest 2006
Austin Music Source: How would you describe your music?
Ben Kweller: Describe it as: ROCK.
How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Stay hydrated! (Mainly so my nose doesn’t bleed.)
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Dylan.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
“The Highwaymen #2.”
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
My fishing rod.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
(In order of what comes to mind) 1. Willie Nelson, 2. Waylon, 3. The Toadies, 4. Buddy Holly, 5. Stevie Ray.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
I don’t dig celebrities so much.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
“Sugar Pie Honeybunch.”
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Record my next album. I start recording in Austin the day after ACL!
Ben Kweller plays on the AT&T stage from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 15.
(Photo by Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
ACL Fest: Meet the bands - Ziggy Marley
One hundred thirty bands are preparing to descend on Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival next month. We’ve put out a call to bands asking for their take on the festival, Austin and music in general. We’ll be adding new responses daily.
Austin Music Source: How do you plan to cope with Austin summer heat? Will it cramp your onstage style?
Ziggy Marley: Drink a lot of water. We love the sunshine, so it’s alright!
What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
All of the bands — no one band in particular.
What’s the last CD you paid full price for?
Ella Fitzgerald.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without on your tour bus/van?
Water.
When you think of Texas music, who or what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Country music — Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson.
Do you have a celebrity crush you’re willing to reveal?
No one.
What’s the one song you’ve always wanted to cover but never have?
A Beatles song.
What’s the one thing you want to make sure to do before leaving Austin?
Play some good music!
Ziggy Marley plays on the WaMu stage from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 15.
(Photo by Maja Suslin ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Eisley tonight at the Parish
Read our review of their latest CD here (as well as reviews of UGK and the Quebe Sisters Band), before heading to the Parish, 214 E. 6th St., for the sure-to-be-capacity show, which is a special seated affair. The show is at 8 p.m., tickets are $15.
Permalink | |
Fun Fun Fun Fest tickets go on sale Sept. 1
Tickets to the punk/indie oriented Fun Fun Fun Fest go on sale Sept. 1 from the Fun Fun Web site and TicketWeb.
Here are some Fest line-ups organized by stage, but not yet by day; they also promise more bands will be added:
STAGE ONE
Explosions in the Sky
New Pornographers
Of Montreal
Okkervil River
Final Fantasy
White Denim
Battles
Mates of State
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness
Headlights
Emma Pollock of the Delgados
MGMT
STAGE TWO:
Neurosis
Murder City Devils
The Sword
Against Me!
Lifetime
Poison Idea
CH3
The Saints
Riverboat Gamblers
Youth Brigade
Complete Control
Sick of It All
Madball
Angry Samoans
Sun Trash
STAGE THREE
Girl Talk
Cadence Weapon
Busdriver
Grand Buffet
Diplo
Brownout!
DJ Jester
Prince Klassen
Weaned off Ween
Well, you can scratch my name from the ranks of the Weenies. There was a time (circa 1995) when I was a Ween fanatic, even driving three hours at times to see them. My appreciation peaked with their infamous 1996 show at Liberty Lunch, when Gene, Dean and cohorts toured in support of “12 Golden Country Greats.” Unlike that pretty dreadful record, the show was sensational, the best concert I’ve ever walked out on (it was four hours and counting).
On Friday night at Stubb’s, a return to the site of one of Ween’s best live albums, I walked out of their show again, only this time it had less to do with fatigue than with boredom. Friday was the second night of a sold-out, two-night stand, where the band from New Hope, Penn. didn’t repeat a single song. I guess they used up most of the best material with Thursday’s 31-song onslaught. Well, that’s not really true, as Friday’s crowd got “Take Me Away,” “Help Me Scrape the Mucus Off My Brain,” “Mister Would You Please Ride My Pony,” “Buckingham Green” and my own fave Ween tune “Mutilated Lips.” But the band, with the most obsessed cult in the music field, isn’t out to entertain as much as challenge. They’re the Grateful Dead for nerds, going wherever their quirky thoughts took them, while the crowd cheered on their every zig-zag.
Forget building momentum. For the first encore, the band pulled out a winner, “Don’t Get 2 Close (2 My Fantasy),” but ruined it with the most tedious, ponderous drum solo ever played at Stubb’s. It was almost as if Ween was testing the devotion of their fans. That was about the time I decided Ween doesn’t speak to me anymore.
Thursday, August 9
- Intro
- hiv song
- golden eel
- baby bitch
- spinal meningitis
- even if you dont
- transdermal celebration
- touch my tooter
- slowdown boy
- wavin my d** in the wind
- voodoo lady
- zoloft
- exactly where i’m at
- push the little daisies
- pi** up a rope
- final alarm
- she’s your baby
- frank
- the mullusk
- johnny on the spot
- stroker ace
- puerto rican power
- ocean man
- a tear for eddie
- the party
- she f*s me
- chant
- i can’t put my finger on it
- fiesta
- sketches of winkle
- sorry charlie
- booze me up
- someday
Friday, August 10
- she wanted to leave
- marble tulip juicy tree (tweaked w/1 verse of “up on the hill”)
- now i’m freakin out
- bananas & blow
- take me away
- mr. richard smoker
- the grobe
- mister, would you please help my pony?
- i got to put the hammer down
- roses are free
- buckingham green
- happy colored marbles
- pork roll egg and cheese
- nan
- gabrielle
- dr. rock
- pandy fackler
- chocolate town*
- birthday boy*
- mutilated lips*
- joppa road*
- help me scrape the mucus off my brain*
- i don’t want it*
- flies on my d*** (w/dickie moist)
- tick
- you f*d up
- fat lenny
encore:
- springtheme
- don’t get 2 close 2 my fantasy
- never squeal (long drum solo)
- fluffy
* acoustic
Party Garbage, Under Pressure, Screaming Females at the Parlor
In the immortal words of the A-Team’s Hannibal Smith, “I love it when a plan comes together.” I mean, who doesn’t?
But I love it more when a plan fails spectacularly and something luminous is salvaged in the process. On paper a week or so ago, Sunday’s gig at the Parlor looked like an excellent little punk show: headliners Under Pressure from Canada, locals Signal Lost, Bastard Sons of Apocalypse from McAllen and Screaming Females, an up-and-coming punk trio from New Brunswick, N.J. Under Pressure was to play later at Room 710.
Except B.S.A. canceled, as did Signal Lost, who play their final show (before an indefinite hiatus) on Aug. 19. This was not a good sign.
So Ben Snakepit - whose excellent, autobiographical comic strip “Snakepit” was just anthologized for the second time in the book “My Life in a Jugular Vein” - came to the proverbial rescue, tacking his band Party Garbage to the bill.
But almost all of this ended up being moot, as Screaming Females took the “stage” (a corner of the Parlor’s East North Loop location) and floored everyone.
A power trio of Rutgers students past and present, Screaming Females features an excellent male rhythm section (bassist - Rickenbacker bass, Wookie-sized, wore overalls and seemingly nothing else; drummer - skinny, wearing glasses, hitting hard).
But the ringer is guitarist Marissa Paternoster, a tiny woman who managed to embody a couple of generations of guitar hero all at once. She and her G&L S-500 grooved on deceptively simple, art-punk riffs like the Wipers’ Greg Sage, wailed on noisy breakdowns like Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and (most surprisingly) shredded and solo’ed like a miniature J. Mascis.
(Oh, and her scream is vintage Riot Grrl, reminicent of the from-the-uterus howl of Heavens To Betsy’s Corin Tucker before she calmed down in Sleater-Kinney.)
I’ve never seen anything quite like it and never seen a small, ad hoc audience so outta-nowhere floored at a set. Every other guitarist there seemed vaguely embarrassed to see her chops blend so well with a strong punk songwriting sense.
Afterward, Ben grabbed a bucket and told the crowd he was going to shake down each of them for gas money for the touring bands on the bill. We gladly coughed it up and ended up buying 2 LPs and a seven-inch single from the Females.
Under Pressure played loud, explosive two-guitar hardcore, their shirtless Canadian singer looking sounding like Dane Cook playing Henry Rollins in “The Black Flag Story, episode four: The long-hair years.” Party Garbage were Party Garbage: loose, funny, simple, solid.
But Screaming Females….expect their name on hipster lips everywhere around South by Southwest. Guitar heroism this smart and fearless can’t stay too far underground for long.
Permalink | |
Factory Records founder Tony Wilson dies.
He founded one of the great British record labels, and never quit his day job doing it. (Wilson was a TV presenter.)
He discovered and signed Joy Division, oversaw their transition as New Order and saw them become of the biggest, most ground-breaking and most influential bands in the world.
As the owner of the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester, he was key to the “Madchester” movement, which blended independent rock with dance music. (See also the Happy Mondays.)
He was also a fixture at South By Southwest and founded the “In the City” festival in its image.
His life was immortalized in the movie “Twenty-Four Hour Party People,” a movie I can watch over and over again.
As an executive, heck, as a person, Wilson was sui generis. We will not see his like again.
Frankly, I’m a little weirded out at how sad I am at this news.
Permalink | |
All Ween all the time
Fans of Ween and Ween-related endeavors — see Ween drummer Claude Coleman Jr. play an acoustic set with his side band Amandla at 5 tonight at Cheapo Records, 10th Street and Lamar Boulevard.
Then it’s rumored he’ll head over to Club DeVille for a meet-and-greet starting around 6:30 p.m.
This is all before Ween takes the stage at Stubb’s for a sold-out show.
Permalink | |
Amy Winehouse vs. her liver
The British tabloid the Sun is reporting that Winehouse went on quite the bender before heading off to rehab.
If she’s so fond of African American music, she would do well to stay away from that which has completely annihilated America’s inner cities and destroyed a generation of urban poor.
Thanks, Amy! We appreciate your patronage.
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Pearl Jam vs. AT&T
Here’s what we know so far:
Pearl Jam is contending anti-Bush comments were censored during the Webcast of its Lollaplaooza set.
Webcast carriers AT&T contend it was a mistake.
A can of worms regarding net neutrality officially opened.
Permalink | |
Johns, Demme at Escovedo helm
Legendary producer Glyn Johns (the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Clash) will produce Alejandro Escovedo’s next album at Hollywood’s Sunset Sound studio, his record label announced Thursday. Escovedo is expected to enter the studio in late September; the album is slated for spring 2008 release.
As previously noted here, Escovedo will be the subject of a concert documentary helmed by Academy Award winner Jonathan Demme, who plans to shoot the film at Las Manitas, right before the building is razed to make room for a Marriott Hotel. Escovedo says plans are for the doc to be filmed over a couple of days in January.
Escovedo said he’s also contemplating a move to Santa Rosa, Calif. “I miss surfing,” says Escovedo, who has lived in Wimberley for the past few years.
Permalink | |
‘Austin City Limits’ September tapings
With the 33rd season of “Austin City Limits,” the second-longest running live music TV show (“Boston Pops” is tops), in full swing, a host of September tapings have been confirmed. ACL Festers Crowded House will tape on the 13th, with Arcade Fire on the 14th, Wilco on the 15th, Bloc Party and Regina Spektor on the 17th and Lucinda Williams on the 18th. Call 475-9077 (the ACL hotline) for info on ticket drops.
(Regina Spektor performs earlier this year at the Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tenn./AP photo)
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: ACL Festival
Spoon keeps on keepin’ on; Jim Eno is a good drummer
Spoon continues to impress with strong sales, moving about 90,000 copies of “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” in the album’s first month, according to Neilsen Soundscan. Their performance at Lollapalooza was pretty excellent as well…
In other Spoon-related news, Jim Eno was recently named the 31st best drummer of all time in Stylus magazine’s “50 Greatest Rock Drummers Poll”.
Permalink | |
Zappa, unleashed
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. for “Zappa Plays Zappa,” in which an eight-piece band under the direction of Frank Zappa’s son Dweezil plays some of Frank’s more classically-inspired compositions. The performance also includes a passage during which the band plays along with vintage concert footage of Frank. And yes, according to published reviews, there is a section in which Dweezil seems to trade solos with his dad. Kind of like that duet Natalie Cole did with her father.
While we are in favor of the continued employment of anyone named “Dweezil,” especially a Dweezil which such spectacular hair (which I really hope he still has), we can’t really can’t be shaken from our position that Frank Zappa’s music, with its pointless potty humor, casual misogyny, sneering contempt for musics it found lesser and jaw-dropping self-importance was really bad for the art and soul of rock, “Trout Mask Replica” or no “Trout Mask Replica.”
Which makes me think that treating his music as modern classical, which everyone probably should have been doing in the first place, is a very, very good idea.
That said, That first Mothers of Invention album is not bad and people keep telling me I’d really like “Hot Rats.”
Tickets, which are $49.50, may be purchased at the Frank Erwin Center, Central Market stores, most H-E-B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at www.utpac.org, or by calling (512) 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.
Permalink | |
Amy Winehouse in hospital
The beehived beauty, who played Lollapallooza last weekend and is scheduled to play Sept. 15 at ACL Fest, has been hospitalized with exhaustion, causing several show cancellations. Read the full story at eonline.com.
(Amy Winehouse at Lollapalooza in Chicago on Sunday/AP photo.)
Permalink | | Categories: ACL Festival
Ask Björk - before noon Thursday!
Björk’s publicist has asked us to submit questions for the Icelandic chanteuse to answer in an e-mail interview to run a few days before her Sept. 14 headlining slot at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. What do you want to know? (No swan dress questions please.) Post your questions in the comments section and a selected few will be passed on to Björk.
We have until noon Thursday (Aug. 9) to gather questions.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: ACL Festival
Improbable roots of ‘Austin City Limits’
University of Texas journalism student Talor Schaddelee has written a pretty thorough piece on the creation of “Austin City Limits” — the TV show, not the festival — 33 years ago.
Something I didn’t know: Jan Reid’s book “The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock” was the impetus for the show, which made it’s Willie Nelson pilot with $7,000 from PBS.
It is a day that will be long remembered
After months upon months of delays, the UGK album “Underground Kingz” is finally in stores today.
I’m going to buy my copy at lunch and I’m looking forward to it going as far as it possibly can to redeem a fairly lousy year for hip-hop. (Yes, including the T.I. album.)
Well, except for that Lil Wayne mixtape “Da Drought 3” Of all of the albums that arrived this year, pop, country, punk, whatever, that one actually lived up to all of its pre-release hype and subsequent critical kudos. Dude is just amazing.
But today is UGK’s day.
Permalink | |
Boys get Weary
Continental Club owner/ booker Steve Wertheimer’s job just got a little bit harder. Those bluegrass butchers, the Weary Boys, who seem to play the CC two or three weekends a month, are calling it quits after six years of relentless gigging. The group had played on for a few months after the exit of chief songwriter Mario Matteoli, but the end comes Aug. 25. Playing with the Wearies on their final show are Matteoli, Black Joe Lewis and Texas Sapphires.
Permalink | |
Lollapalooza Day Three: Pop, Pearl and gems.
Even if you never felt any particular affection for a band, it’s part and parcel of the way popular music works that certain songs embody certain time periods. Everyone knows this. It’s practically encoded into our DNA as citizens at the dawn of the 21st century.
It’s also a sign of the natural mellowing that old age brings that songs that you once thought were unlistenable tripe, formal exhaustions or simply on the radio too dang much will come back to haunt you. This, too, we know in our bones.
But it never fails to catch us off guard.
Nobody was more surprised than I to get a small chill when Pearl Jam, a band to which I’ve never felt all that close, kicked into the opening chords of their touchstone “Alive,” the hit that made them one of the biggest bands of the 1990s.
It wasn’t that it took one back to hearing “Ten” for the first time, but the realization that 16 long years had passed since.
Sixteen years. Yes, you’re that old.
Which is why of thousands upon thousanbds of fans hung around for the whole thing. This was the music of their youth up there, the band’s presence a tangible call back to the second Lollapalooza in 1992.
Pearl Jam’s closing set was, save for a warm-up gig Aug. 2, their sole U.S. date. The band sounded fairly solid, if vaguely under-rehearsed, as if they really did in fact need that warm up gig, that it wasn’t a formality or a favor to fans.
]Vedder’s voice and earnestness were still in full swing, Mike McCready’s guitar solos still betraying a love for FM’s 70s golden age.
There was even an utterly non-ironic drum solo set to fireworks. No kidding.
Ben Harper joined for an acoustic anti-war tune, then a rip through Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Fun, but not really a surprise.
The third day of a festival is always a risk. Everyone is more tired than they realize, both fans and bands. But there were moments of surprising energy and transcendence, in spite of blazing heat followed a morning rainstorm. As as rsult, Grant Park felt like Houston.
A few highlights:
Sitting behind the stage for TV on the Radio, resulting in the best mix I’ve ever heard for that band.
The Black Angels’ gloriously noisy space-roar still owes much to 80’s shoegazers such as Spacemen Three, early Pink Floyd and, of course, the Velvet Underground. But they’ve honed in beautifully on their own take on the guitar-as-jet-engine.
Yo La Tengo playing their “rock” set and leaning on such gems of college radio past as “Sugarcube,” “Big Day Coming” and “Autumn Sweater.”
The most dramatic moment came from Iggy and the Stooges. Austinites might recall Iggy’s galvanizing performance at this year’s South by Southwest. This one opened the same way: “Hello, [expletive]! We are the [expletive] Stooges!” before unleashing an hour of some of the most powerful rock music ever written.
Still putting frontmen a third of his age to shame, Pop hurled himself around the stage, careening into all the Stooges classics: “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” “T.V. Eye” and “Dirt.” Chaotic playing redeemed even the mediocre material from last year’s “The Weirdness”. And that was even before about 150 fans joined the band on stage for the day’s most unscripted moment. The microphone flew from fan to fan, random voices coming from the stage.
Iggy seemed a little vexed as got how to get everyone off the stage, resorting to a a “Thank you, Lollapalooza singers!”
Another riveting set came from Chicago DJ duo Flosstradamous, who mixed chunky, thumpy mixes of classic hip-hop (House of Pain, Beastie Boys, Salt ‘n’ Pepa) (“Intergalactic”) with techno thud. Dangerously hip at points, but a blast nonetheless.
Was there a benediction for the whole thing? Well, Eddie Vedder talked about stopping the war and passing up gas at BP in order to save Lake Michigan, but that felt as inevitable as the wind. I’d go with something Iggy said in a rather improvisational passage from “L.A. Blues:””I am you/ I am you/I am you.”
Which could mean one of two things, both of which work well in context.
Pop could be declaring that his music is the foundation of everything that Lollapalooza is built upon, the root intrger of punk, which gave rise to alternative rock. It happens that he is completely correct.
He also might be saying that he was once where you, the fan, are now.
Which means go start your own band.
Today.
Permalink | |
Lollapalooza Day Two: Meet the new song, same as the old song
There was a strange moment during the final sets of Lollapalooza’s second day when the competing sounds of modern rock fused into one large chord.
If you stood in the dead center of Grant Park, you could hear Interpol at one end and Muse at the other.
Muse represents a mainstream that is largely ignored by critics. Th band plays British trio rock pitched somewhere between the wide-screen earnestness of Coldplay and the hard-working, vaguely middle-class pretensions of Rush, both of which are clear influences on the band. Muse like big issues (the opened with a sample of a JFK speech) big computer graphics (their faces on the Jumbotron were relentlessly messed with) and big sounds. They’re hugely popular and in no way on most critics’ radars.
Interpol were hipper than thou scenesters who seemed to rule their New York milieu with a revived New Wave. They worried about their hair, their clothes and sounding like they could have come from England around 1981. They made two successful albums for the vaunted indie label Matador and have just released their major label debut.
And if you closed your eyes in the middle of that park, there were moments when the two acts sounds exactly the same. Muse’s more electronic moments could have been from Interpol’s new album. Interpol’s more rock moments weren’t too far afield from Muse’s arena-isms. Apparently, everything that rises really must converge, at least on the pop charts.
Mainstream and alternative rock seemed to take turns impressing and depressing the crowd throughout the cloudy, rainy day. The embarrassing High Class Elite seemed to see no irony whatsoever in their dated, glammy hard rock, (gotta love that white leather jack worn without a shirt) while Sherwood and Pete Yorn held it down for the middlebrow.
Australian grunge-era vets Silverchair were a huge draw, the assembled consisting mostly of folks who knew remembered the band from the mid-90s, back when front man Daniel Johns was too young to vote.
But that was a good 10 years ago, and his long hair and fresh face have been replaced by a mug that’s followed every unfortunate fashion trend of the past ten years - short hair, headband, moustache and dual nipple rings. Once, he was everygrunger. Now, he resembles every scuzzy-looking Brooklyn-bound hipster.
Far more thrilling were the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who followed Silverchair three hours later on the AT&T stage.
Last year, the band was plagued by breakup rumors and with an underperforming album, the 2006 collection “Show Your Bones.” This year, the YYYs seem to have shaken off the cobwebs and decided to, as they say in political campaigns, energize the base.
Fueled by the fabulous buzz coming off their (admittedly excellent) new EP, “Is Is,” this was a band that actually seemed like it had something to prove, a rare thing in these days of diminished expectations for rock bands.
Singer Karen O’s underrated scream is pure id, a belt of girly frustration that amplifies in the visual spectacle of her stark costumes (That black vinyl outfit! That silver mask thing! Those bondage stockings!) Guitarist Nick Zinner hurled himself around the stage, noisy riffs careening into the crowd on “Down Boy” and “Kiss Kiss.”
On the semi-underground tip, Tapes ‘n’ Tapes and the Hold Steady both delivered strong sets, especially the latter. The Hold Steady also announced they’re opening for the Rolling Stones in Dublin later in the year, which, frankly, isn’t underground in the least.
In spite of rain which was at its heaviest during Spoon’s performance, the Austin/Portland quartet played a typically excellent mix of the raw and the cooked in front of a huge gathering. Frontman Britt Daniel alternating between crisp renditions of classics such as “Small Stakes” and “Fitted Shirt” and longer jams that drew on the band’s underknown fondness for ’70s Krautrock. (After all, Spoon is also the name of the record label founded by Krautrock pioneers Can.) He even threw some shine on a band who played the day before. “Did you see LCD Soundsystem here last night?” he asked the crowd. “Amazing.” It sure was.
A few hours earlier, Roky Erickson and the Explosives played a solid set that drew a largely older crowd, most of whom wore expression on their faces that screamed, “Holy cow, that’s Roky Erickson!” They looked pleased with sturdy if somewhat pro forma renditions of workhorses such as “Starry Eyes,” “Creature with the Atom Brain” and “Bermuda.” Roky’s voice is still a thing of beauty. His guitar playing’s not bad either, peeling off slightly stiff if interesting solos on the ’80s-era blues “The Beast.”
The beast will reign,” as Roky sang. That’s not a bad motto for Lollapalooza, for good and ill.
Permalink | |
Walking into walls of sound at Lollapalooza Day One
This just in: Chicago can be mercilessly hot in the summer. Like, Austin-hot. Like Austin City Limits Music Festival in September hot. The temperature at the first day of Lollapalooza, held in Chicago’s gorgeous Grant Park, was well into the 90s by 2 p.m. Just like home.
Maybe it’s Charles Attal’s fault. The Austin-based live music impresario/C3 Presents principal is the talent buyer for both ACL and Lollapalooza. Attal and his partners brought the latter fest back from the dead two years ago, turning the touring alt-rock icon into a destination festival. For three days, it’s like alt-rock culture never left the building. From an inspirational yet brief set from Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (Leo managed to cut his hand during the first song, hurling himself around the stage) to anthemic punk from Against Me. the crowd partied like it was 1991.
This also just in: Grant Park is really, really big. It’s about three-quarters of a mile between the two main stages at Lollapalooza. Walking back and forth, let alone between all of the smaller stages, will give you quite the workout.
While Charlie Musslewhite played the most authentic blues anyone was going to hear within the park’s friendly confines, all 8 million or so members of the Polyphonic Spree started their set. The stage bleed was brutal from the Bud Light stage, where the Dallas-based Spree was playing, so Musselwhite’s possibly compelling set was invaded by the Spree’s triumphalist choral music. The Spree’s idea of band-audience solidarity trades on the band’s rush of up-with-people good vibes. At least, that’s the idea. There’s always been something a little odd, a little cultish, about the giant band and its giant sound. This has been mitigated a bit by the band’s changing their uniform from white robes to vaguely military garb. (How sad is it that I’m less creeped out by secular-yet-spiritual music in army clothes than the same stuff in choir robes?) They did, however, return in their robes for a small encore of Nirvana’s “Lithium,” betraying both Spree leader Tim DeLaughter’s roots in ’90s grunge. (He led the band Tripping Daisy.)
The New York indie rock vets Blonde Redhead delivered one of the festival’s most compelling performances. Their 2007 album “23” felt a little too Radiohead by half (for my ears, anyway). But that same swelling miasma of guitar and ovoid, Krautrockish rhythms worked absolutely brilliantly live. Singer Kazu Makino’s sometimes-ethereal, sometimes-melodic voice was just another layer in the swirling mix, augmented by guitarist Amedeo Pace’s blasts of noise. It was the sort of performance that’s going to send me back to the album to see what I missed. (Seriously, if you’re a really big Radiohead fan and are tired of waiting for that band’s next album, you need to pick up “23” today. Just sayin’.)
Other than Blonde Redhead, the days biggest aesthetic victories came from the fusion of electronic dance music and punk-rock delivery. LCD Soundsystem, led by charismatically regular-guyish producer James Murphy, translated their excellent 2007 album “Sound of Silver” into a raucous, modernist dance-rock. I’m even more convinced that their set at ACL fest is a must-see.
For all I know, the French dance duo Daft Punk, with their robot helmets, “Close Encounters” intro music and utterly stunning light show, were transmitting from Paris rather than the AT&T stage. Not that anybody would have cared if they were. It seemed as if the entire crowd gathered for the Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter’s techno blip-thunder. The massive stage set looked as if it would take off for Mars right after the show. God bless French sci-fi disco. The same goes for Lollapalooza’s bookers. Daft Punk was a huge “get.” Now, how do we get them to Austin?
Over at the other side of the park, Ben Harper was joined by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. Pearl Jam headlines Sunday night. Hmmmm… . Pearl Jam headlining Lollapalooza has a certain a priori roundness about it, like “water is wet.”
Stay tuned for more reports from the fest …
Permalink | |
Lollapalooza Day One
This just in: Chicago can be mercilessly hot in the summer. Like, Austin-hot. Like Austin City Limits Music Festival in September hot. The temperature at the first day of Lollapalooza, held in Chicago’s gorgeous Grant Park, was well into the 90s by 2 p.m. Just like home.
Maybe it’s Charles Attal’s fault. The Austin-based live music impresario/C3 Presents principal is the talent buyer for both ACL and Lollapalooza. Attal and his partners brought the latter fest back from the dead two years ago, turning the touring alt-rock icon into a destination festival. For three days, it’s like alt-rock culture never left the building. From an inspirational yet brief set from Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (Leo managed to cut his hand during the first song, hurling himself around the stage) to anthemic punk from Against Me. the crowd partied like it was 1991.
Stay tuned for more reports from the fest …
(Above — the scene at Chicago’s Grant Park; below — Austin’s Ghostland Observatory plays Lollapalooza Day One/AP photos)
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: ACL Festival
Local record sales
(Week ending July 29)
Waterloo
1. Spoon, ‘Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga’ (Merge)
2. Raul Malo, ‘After Hours’ (New Door)
3. Kelly Willis, ‘Translated From Love’ (Rykodisc)
4. Ryan Adams, ‘Easy Tiger’ (Lost Highway)
5. Amy Winehouse, ‘Back to Black’ (Republic)
6. Interpol, ‘Our Love to Admire’ (Capitol)
7. ‘Once’ Original Soundtrack (Columbia)
8. David Grissom, ‘Loud Music’ (Wide Lode)
9. White Stripes, ‘Icky Thump’ (Warner Bros.)
10. Gourds, ‘Nobel Creatures’ (Yep Roc)
(Waterloo Records, 600 N. Lamar Blvd. 474-2500)
Encore
1. Behemoth, ‘The Apostasy’ (Century Media)
2. Immolation, ‘Shadows in the Light’ (Century Media)
3. White Stripes, ‘Icky Thump’ (Warner Bros.)
4. Dream Theater, ‘Systematic Chaos’ (Roadrunner)
5. Prince, ‘Planet Earth’ (NPG/Columbia)
6. Chemical Brothers, ‘We Are the Night’ (Astralwerks)
7. Clutch, ‘From Beale Street to Oblivion’ (DRT)
8. Kamelot, ‘Ghost Opera’ (Steamhammer/SPV)
9. Malevolent Creation, ‘Doomsday X’ (Nuclear Blast)
10. Raul Malo, ‘After Hours’ (New Door)
(Encore, 1745 W. Anderson Lane. 451-8111)
Musicmania
1. Lil’ O, ‘Greatest Hits’ (Bar None Entertainment)
2. T.I., ‘T.I. vs TIP’ (Grand Hustle/Atlantic)
3. T-Pain, ‘Epiphany’ (Jive)
4. R. Kelly, ‘Double Up’ (Jive)
5. Prince, ‘Planet Earth” (NPG Records)
6. Hawk, ‘Endangered Species Chopped and Screwed’ (Ghetto Dreams)
7. Fabolous, ‘From Nothin’ To Somethin’ (Def Jam)
8. Yung Berg, ‘Almost Famous’ (Epic/Koch)
9. Young Jeezy & U.S.D.A., ‘Young Jeezy Presents U.S.D.A.’ (Def Jam)
10. Freekey Zekey, ‘Book of Ezekiel’ (Asylum)
(Musicmania, 3909-D N. Interstate 35, No. 1, 451-3361)
Permalink | |
Rolling Stone zings Ghostland Observatory
As a small aside, the magazine paraphrased 360 blog The M.O., as it mentions the fact that the lines created by Ghostland at its recent ACL taping were the longest since Phish appeared on the venerable show. Read the full review of that taping here.
(Image to the right comes from page 32 of the August 9, 2007 issues of Rolling Stone.)
Cheapo announces weekday in-stores
Cheapo Records, at 10th and Lamar, is now having weekday in-stores, starting at 6 p.m. unless there is a special guest. Stacy Miller plays at 6 tonight, and Chief Burning Hands on Friday.
Amandla is one of those special guests, playing at 5 p.m. Aug. 10. Amandla, who is Ween drummer Claude Coleman Jr., will play an acoustic set and may bring along even more special guests. For the rest of the calendar or to suggest a band, go to the Cheapo MySpace page.
Permalink | |
Storm the Tower calls it a day
After seven years, a decent demo, a couple of 7-inch singles and a thus-far unreleased album, Austin punk stalwarts Storm the Tower are calling it quits. Singer/guitarist Chris Pfeffer plays drums in a number of bands and isn’t exactly hurting for work. Bassist Jug Costanzo runs Sound on Sound Records.
The band plays its final show Aug. 19 at Sound on Sound with Signal Lost, who are also going on a hiatus of sorts as guitarist/prime mover Stan Wright is moving out of Austin.
So, heck, maybe Pfeffer does have some time on his hands.
Permalink | |
Review: Bill Frisell at the Continental Club
We might one day develop sufficiently as a species to come up with a vocabulary adequate to talk about the music of Bill Frisell, whose work is so purely expressive and emotive that any discussion of it is almost violently reductive.
But there was the guitarist at the Continental Club on Wednesday, the second of two nights, with drummer Joey Baron and bassist Tony Scherr, basically inventing on the fly whatever comes after jazz by dipping into the American songbook and making the material seem born anew. Halting, poignant and very funny — often all at once — Frisell’s music is “not the sound of jazz but its trailing echo, the sound of jazz in a dying fall,” as Tom Junod memorably put it about 10 years ago in GQ magazine. The thing is, he embraces the fall; he’ll break your heart and laugh while he does it. That happened Wednesday during the band’s definitive take on Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” which started out characteristically tentative and turned into (for Frisell) a bit of a shredder, with our man Bill messing with his roughly 300 stomp boxes in the middle of a chunk of solo space, tweaking a tone that no matter what he does sounds utterly unlike anyone but him.
Again and again, he and the band made the packed house of fans rethink songs that have been the soundtrack of our lives, for good or ill. “Surfer Girl” wasn’t just about teenage longing, it came bearing minor-key notes of something darker and less pure, maybe even menacing, while “A Change is Gonna Come” was wholly redemptive — a headlong embrace of the fall and a triumph over it. By the time “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” rolled around, it was plain that Frisell could make a heartbreaking song uplifting, and vice versa. All of it without one scintilla of irony.
Permalink | |
Uncle John memorial at Threadgill’s
Besides tonight’s benefit concert at Antone’s starring his old boss Johnny Winter, drummer Uncle John Turner will be remembered at a service Sunday at Threadgill’s World Headquarters (301 W. Riverside Drive). The public is invited to attend the 6 p.m. memorial.
Unlike tonight’s musical blowout, Sunday’s event will be a quieter affair encouraging friends and fans to share remembrances of the beloved Port Arthur musician, who died recently because of complications from hepatitis C.
Permalink | |
Jeremy Blake, 1971-2007
The art and underground rock worlds continue to mourn the revelation that artist Jeremy Blake committed suicide a week after his girlfriend, artist Theresa Duncan, committed suicide in their East Village apartment.
That said, there sure are a lot of strange elements to this story.
I didn’t know Blake’s art all that well, but I recall him as a lively presence in the D.C. punk rock scene. He became known for his introductions to live shows by the wildly-influential punk band Nation of Ulysses. If the band name is unfamiliar to you, know that there’s a tremendous amount of musical evidence that they changed At The Drive-In’s collective life, along with dozens of other bands.
This also seems a good time to mention that artists and musicians do not often get all of the medical care they need, especially mental health care. This is what the S.I.M.S. Foundation is for. If you’re a musician going through a rough patch, don’t hesitate to call the SIMS confidential line at (512) 494-1007.
Let’s close with the poem that Blake reads to introduce “N-Sub Ulysses,” the opening track on the completely excellent “Plays Pretty For Baby” album, which I always thought summed up nicely punk’s vision of fearlessness:
“To you, the bold and foolish lambs to you who are intoxicated with riddles, Let’s go. Who take pleasure in twilight, Whose souls are lured by noise through every treacherous abyss. For you do not feel for a rope like cowards and where you can guess, you hate to calculate and where others would poison, you dismember.”
Permalink | |
Snake Eyes Vinyl looking for a new nest
Snake Eyes Vinyl, the scrappy record store known for its punk, metal and in-store performances dedicated to both, will close its current location at 1211 E. Seventh St.
Owner Rebecca Hubinsky says she is actively looking for a new location, preferably somewhere that isn’t in the throes of high-dollar redevelopment.
“I need a bigger and better spot,” Hubinsky said Wednesday, “but I also have to get off the East Side. The street I’m currently on is not really a retail street and everywhere on the East Side I’ve been looking, building owners have been telling me, ‘Yeah, I can do a one year lease but not more than that because the area is developing so fast.’ I want a little more stability than that.”
Hubinsky says she’s leaning towards South Austin or farther north, on Burnet perhaps, but she’d like to stay as central as possible. Look for the store to reopen in September or October, though she adds that she will still be buying, selling and trading merchandise on-line during the transition.
The last in-store at the old location is Aug. 14 with Italian band La Piovra, the Teeners, Total Abuse, Rex 84 and more.
Permalink | |
