Old 97's To Record New Record in January, Play Unique Sets At Upcoming Sons of Hermann Hall Residency



Caught up with Rhett Miller this morning over the phone--and overseas too, actually, as Miller's currently in the UK, out on tour as the opening act for Steve Earle. The bulk of the conversation focused largely on Miller's upcoming gig at the Grnada Theater on Saturday, November 14, as part of the annual CF Concert Series benefit show for Cystic Fibrosis research--an event we'll be giving away free passes to, starting on Monday. As for most of the conversation, well, let's save all that for next week's column space in the dead tree version of DC9.

For now, though, two nuggets worth sharing immediately: First, Miller confirmed that, when the Old 97's take up the band's late-December, four-night residency at Sons of Hermann Hall, it will be crafting unique set lists for each night, hitting all spots on its catalog, with as few repeats as possible from night to night. (When the band performed its residency in Hoboken, New Jersey, earlier this year, the only song it repeated each night was "Timebomb." Miller expects a similar scenario playing out at these upcoming shows.)

And, shortly after that residency, expect the 97's to remain in town a little bit longer. At this point, Miller says the band is planning on heading back to Salim Nourallah's Pleasantry Lane Studios in January to record its next release. Nourallah, you'll recall, recorded both the last Old 97's album and Miller's latest solo release.

Today In Music News: MGMT Says No To Jay-Z, Amazon.com Is In A Year-End Rush And Aerosmith Considers Replacing Steven Tyler


Your daily dose of national music news for Friday, November 6, 2009...

Lounge On Elm Street Gets Liquor License Back In Time For Weekend Shows

off with their heads.jpg
This show just wouldn't be the same without booze.
The Lounge on Elm Street finally--FINALLY--got back its liquor license this morning, just in time for tomorrow night's Parade of Flesh-billed Fun Fun Fun warmup HEALTH/Times New Viking show and Saturday's Sierra Bravo Productions-billed Off With Their Heads/Smalltown punk party.

"Oh yeah, it's been a long time coming," said co-owner Glenn Jackson earlier today, taking a break from cleaning up and doing some touch-up painting. Two months, to be exact, since the venue's license expired.

The club is already committed to shows for the next few weeks, including next Saturday's show with Wu affiliate Killah Priest, but Jackson hopes to throw a couple of free shows--possibly including recent Rob Viktum collaborator and tourmate Mr. Dibbs--sometime soon to help build awareness that the club is back in full force.

Correction: KXT Actually Launches at 7 a.m.; Wavves Is Not Behind WeeklyTapeDeck.

Thumbnail image for kxt917.jpg
I guess I didn't bring my 'A' game to this week's column in the print edition this week. Not the writing so much--that's still fantastic, of course. But I did make two factual errors that need correcting.

For one, KXT-91.7 FM will not launch at 6 a.m. this coming Monday morning. Rather, it's launch is an hour after that, at 7 a.m.

And, well, as for the second error: Apologies to WeeklyTapeDeck blogger Nathan Smith, who I referred to as Nathan Williams in the original printed version of the column. Nathan Williams, rather, is the frontman for Wavves and has nothing to do with WeeklyTapeDeck, except for the fact that I'm pretty sure Smith is a fan of Williams' work. Either way, a stupid mistake.

Both errors have been fixed on the online version. But, regardless: My bad, guys.

Watch: RTB2 Performs "Whistle" In The Kessler Theater



Because we can all use a palate cleanser now and then--and, also, because there's never a wrong time to listen to RTB2--check out the clip above, featuring Ryan Thomas Becker and Grady Sandlin performing their song "Whistle" in the still-under-reconstruction Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff.

And, since we're on that subject, yep, seem about time for a check-in with our old Echoes and Reverberations scribe, Jeff Liles, who'll be serving as the artistic director for the space.

"It's coming along," Liles says. "It's just kind of hard to know exactly when it'll be open for sure. We're still shooting for the week between Christmas and New Year's, but we're not a hundred percent on that yet."

Whether the venue will be open by 2010 or not, this much is sure: On December 27, the venue will be hosting a holiday party performance from Dallas native Emily Elbert, who'll be back in town on school vacation from the Berklee College of Music at the time. That event, Liles says, is happening for sure--whether it's as part of the room's grand opening week or just a one-off event used to showcased the progress made in the completely revamped room is still up in the air.

If the room opens in 2010 or not, though, it's clear, that, in some ways, the venue's remodel won't be complete until mid-February. Explains Liles: That's when the venue will be adorned with its new marquis marquee--one modeled specifically after the venue's old one, which hung from the building during its mid-'40s heyday.

Today In Music News: Kele Okereke Goes Solo, Weird Al Joins The Pixies And Carl Sagan Rocks


Your daily dose of national music news for Wednesday, April 29, 2009...

The Bright Pop Up On MTV's Mini-Show Valemont. But, Wait, There's More?



So there's this MTV mini-show called Valemont, which I think is about vampires on college campuses or something? How unlike MTV to cash in on a trend like that...

Back on topic: According to a press release that just popped up in our inboxes, DFW's own The Bright, no strangers to being placed on MTV shows, had its song "Cut Me Loose" placed on this mini-show's 10th (and most recent) episode. It's the fifth time the band's been given the greenlight for MTV placement, which may be some sort of record even? At least for area bands, I'd think. Tough to say at which point it appears in the above embed of "show," which lasts all of two minutes and 21 seconds, but, according to the band's publicist, it's in there.

Whatever: We're burying the lead here. The real story? If you watch the clip, you'll also learn that the name of the place where the maybe-vampires live is a a dorm (?) called Panthera House, which kinda sounds like Pantera House, which may or may not be a reference to Pantera. Which would pwn if it were, yeah?

"So You Think You Can Ice Cream Paint Job?"



Unless someone with some serious video editing skills doctored the crap out of some tape, well, the above clip stands as proof that, on last night episode of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance, two contestants did a little ditty to Dorrough's "Ice Cream Paint Job." Which stands as further proof, I think, that I'm not the only one obsessed with the song. Anyway, go ahead and watch the above clip--it's enjoyable enough.

The great irony here, though? The fact that "Ice Cream Paint Job" is the first big hit to come out of the Dallas hip-hop scene that isn't a dance song. So of course this is what would happen.

Pitchfork on Molina and Johnson: "Disappointing."

Thumbnail image for molinaandjohnsonghosts.jpg
Molina and Johnson, hiding in shame.
The almighty Pitchfork reviews the new collaborative record from Jason Molina and Will Johnson today, and, uh, it ain't so pretty. Writes Pitchfork scribe Stephen M. Deusner:
The 14 tracks on Molina and Johnson comprise an especially slow drive through somber countryside, windows up and speed limit carefully maintained.

It's especially disappointing from these two prolific indie lifers, who have painted such distinctive American landscapes throughout their careers.
Yeesh. Whatever, we still like it.

CANCELED: Atlas Sound And Broadcast Saturday At Hailey's In Denton

bradford cox.jpg
Atlas Sound's Bradford Cox, who will not be coming to Denton after all. His Fun Fun Fun appearance Sunday in Austin is still on, though.
Bad news for local fans of Bradford Cox's solo project Atlas Sound and the dreamy pop of U.K. electronic outfit Broadcast, as the two bands have canceled their Saturday appearance at Hailey's in Denton.

The cancellation is due to "scheduling/travel problems that are absolutely impossible to change," states a press release penned by Lance Yocom, president of Spune, which scheduled the show.

Yocom's release doesn't specify what led to the cancellation. Both bands are still scheduled to perform at Fun Fun Fun in Austin Sunday. The agency for both bands, Windish, has removed the Hailey's show from their touring schedules, but the Fun Fun Fun appearances for both bands are still listed.

I've reached out to Fun Fun Fun and Windish to confirm that the festival performances are still on; seems safe to assume they are, but I'll update if I hear otherwise.

Ticket refunds are available at point of purchase. Full text of the Spune release is after the jump.

Update: Sources at Windish and Fun Fun Fun Fest confirmed that both bands will perform Sunday in Austin as scheduled.

Today In Music News: The Hulk Wants To Slappa The Bass, Kings Of Leon Gets Clothing Line and Sublime Isn't Sublime Anymore


Your daily dose of national music news for Wednesday, November 4, 2009...

Tracklist: The Local Hang With Playlister P, Vol. 2

Thumbnail image for thinkUcanDJ.jpg
Thanks again to all who stopped by The Libertine last night for the second installment of my monthly local music sermon called The Local Hang.

The plan was pretty simple: No repeats from last month. But, oh well, I screwed that up--like embarrassingly early on, too, actually, if you wanna compare last night's list (posted after the jump) to the list of songs played at the inaugural incarnation. But I think there was only the one repeat; for the most part, this was unique set when compared to last. Still pretty varied stylistically, but maybe a little more nostalgic.

Anyway, check the full tracklisting from last night after the jump. And I'll see you again on Monday, December 7.

Damaged Good$ Offer Free Single Download, Play Free Charity Event At Fallout Thursday

dopest flyest.jpg
Damaged Good$ performs at Fallout Lounge Thursday, November 5, with Billingham's Defense System and DJs Schwa and Genova, and you can get in free as long as you bring donations in the form of canned goods.

A single food item will get you in, but the more you bring, the better your chances of getting some booty--or so the Damaged Good$ dudes claim in this video. Theodore (the artist formerly known as Trak Bully) and Coool Dundee will then deliver everything they collect to the North Texas Food Bank.

But they're not just being generous to the needy families served by the NTFB; they're also offering fans their new single, a retro synth-pop gem called "Dopest/Flyest" featuring production by Johnny Moog, as a free download. You may remember the song from when the band stopped in for its DC9 in SPACE performance back in July.

Download the track here.

The Cut*Off Heads Back Into The Studio With a New Drummer

Thumbnail image for thecutoffbandw.jpg
Fort Worth's garage-rock combo The Cut*Off is heading back into the studio later this month to work on the band's third full-length effort. The as-yet-untitled disk is being recorded with Salim Nourallah at Pleasantry Lane Studio and three tracks are already in the can.

But it might be a somewhat different sound for the band, which recently welcomed a new drummer, Josh Berthume. Originally from Boston, Josh attended the renowned Berklee College of Music. Should be interesting to see how well an actual well-trained musician like Berthume will fit in with the enjoyable, unwashed rabble of The Cut*Off...

Fans won't have to wait long to check out Berthume's skills, though. The Cut*Off is part of a killer bill this Saturday at The Moon in Fort Worth, playing with The Orbans, The O's and Dove Hunter.

Today In Music News: Hot Chip Announces New Album, Ian Brown Gets Arrested And Weezer Now Loves Coldplay


Your daily dose of national music news for Tuesday, November 3, 2009...

Today In Music News: Lil Wayne Can't Be Stopped, Spoon Sets Release Date and Corey Taylor Wanted To Be In Velvet Revolver


Your daily dose of national music news for Monday, November, 2009...

Because Nothing Is Scarier Than A Collection Of Old Eight-Track Tapes...

eighttracktapeposter.jpg
Listen: We know this is a busy weekend. Lots to do--and only so much candy to consume in order to sugar-rush yourself through it all. 

But this still deserves your attention: At 7 p.m. tonight at the Barry Whistler Gallery (located at 2909-B Canton Street in Deep Ellum), long-time local music icon Bucks Burnett will host the opening of a new exhibit called, simply enough, Eight Track Tapes: The Bucks Burnett Collection. And included in the exhibit, which is being promoted as the first-ever such display? That should be quite obvious, given the title: Over 20 years worth of Burnett's personal collection of eight-track tapes--including rare finds like Rutles, Beatles, Elvis Presley and led Zeppelin box sets. The event will also be filmed as part of a 17-years-in-the-making documentary Burnett is creating called, quite hilariously, Spinal Tape.

But most interesting? The fact that this is just the start of Burnett's eight-track crusade. In 2010, Burnett plans on opening an entire museum dedicated to the cause of keeping alive the memory of this passed-over means of music listening. That's good news--especially since this particular  exhibit, which launched last night, is scheduled to close rather quickly. As in, tomorrow night.

In A Piece Written For Paste, Lou Barlow Equates Good Records To A Church

loubarlowcover.jpg
In case there was any doubt that Nic Hernandez was spot on about Lou Barlow's in-store performance at Good Records last week, Barlow himself confirmed as much today. While out on the road right now with Dinosaur Jr. and Built to Spill, Barlow, who is playing at least two sets a day on this tour (one with Dino and a second with a set own solo material opening each show), is keeping a diary of his experiences for Paste's Web site.

And, just as Nic had quoted Barlow as saying in his review, Barlow indeed equates playing record stores to "like playing in a church." Check out Barlow's top highlight from his swing through Dallas, Houston, Austin and Oklahoma City:
#1. Playing an in store [sic] in Dallas at Good Records, I use my ukulele and Tom accompanies on electric guitar. The store is fairly empty, with a high ceiling. My voice rounds the corners and comes back in a nice way. In-stores are like playing in a church for me. I love it for that reason and say as much. This will be the first duo in-store for Tom and I. He's the bomb. Tom the bomb. I get the new White Denim CD.
So there you go. White Denim, meanwhile, plays a free Halloween show with Neon Indian at the Granada Theater tomorrow night. RSVP by sending an email to halloween@granadatheater.com.

Analog Rebellion (formerly PlayRadioPlay!) Wishes You A Happy Halloween, Shares A New Track From His Upcoming Release



Earlier this week, the artist formerly known as PlayRadioPlay! and now known as Analog Rebellion, Aledo's Daniel Hunter, released the above clip, which offers fans yet another glimpse at the direction of his upcoming record. Specifically, the above song, which is set in the video to a clip of Hunter and a friend carving jack-o-lanterns, is a re-working of an earlier PlayRadioPlay! track called "Texas." Now titled "An Onest Thank You," the track is less an ode to Texas and more of a head-scratcher about what's happening around here, music-wise. Listen to the lyrics and see what I mean.

As for me, well, although this new version boasts a certain charm as a social commentary, I still dig the orginal "Texas"--so much so that, odds are, I'll be closing the night with the song again when I head back to the Libertine on Monday night for Vol. 2 of The Local Hang with Playlister P. See you there?

Today In Music News: Taylor Mitchell Dies A Horrible Death, Chuck Biscuits May Be Dead And There May Be Jacko Autopsy Photo Floating Around...

Hipster Runoff Checks In With Neon Indian's CMJ Debut, Mocks The Indie Bro Obsession With St. Vincent

stvincenthipsterrunoff.jpg
Even if you're not a regular reader of its dripping-with-sarcasm content, visiting the oh-so-self-aware Hipster Runoff today is a must for any local music fan, as famed HR webmaster Carles has taken two local products, St. Vincent and Neon Indian, and, more specifically, their fanbases, to task today.

First, in the site's round-up of CMJ '09, Carles tackles the question of "What's Next 4 Chillwave Artists?" and describes Alan Palomo and Co. as "very cross-over-able," while maintaining surprise that the group actually manages to "look like a band." Which is something, I guess.

But it's the second Dallas-related post of the day that's the true gem: In a post called "Indie Bro Obsession & the Objectification of Female Indie Alt Celeb Musicians," Carles focuses specifically on lonely male indie rock fans' obsessions with St. Vincent, while posting two Youtube clips that prove his point, the first of which finds a man going a bit too far in professing his love for Dallas native Annie Clark, and the second of which finds the same person (I think) dancing around naked to Neon Indian's "Terminally Chill." They're pretty over-the-top and unbelievable. And yet they're pretty spot-on at the same time. Either way: Well worth the reads and views, if only so you can see how I spend my Saturday nights how embarrassing some people's lives are.

Update: Speaking of being obsessed with St. Vincent, we'd be remiss not to remind you that her shared (with tourmate Andrew Bird) Austin City Limits episode airs at 10 p.m. tonight on KERA.

Another Punk Icon Visits The Richard Hunter Show, Preps For Prophet Bar Gig

Jello+Biafra.jpg
Jello Biafra
Two weeks ago, it was Marky Ramone who visited with Richard Hunter on Hunter's afternoon radio show on KMNY-1360 AM. Today's it's punk icon Jello Biafra who graces our area airwaves at 4:30 this afternoon, spewing forth his seemingly endless (but still funny) diatribes against corporate America.

Biafra, the former Dead Kennedys frontman, is in town to perform with his new band Jello Biafra & the Guantanamo School of Medicine at the Prophet Bar tonight.

Back in the day, Biafra performed with Hunter's band Killbilly, as well as campaigning on Hunter's behalf when he ran for mayor of Fort Worth in the mid '90s. Few can forget the time when Biafra himself ran for mayor of his native San Francisco with a platform that included banning all cars from downtown and insisting that business people wear clown outfits to work.

On today's show, expect Hunter to ask Biafra about his punk rock legacy, as well as Biafra's extensive involvement with the Green Political Party. Should be another fascinating conversation that ought to be heard by a lot more people...

Early Gig Alert: Third Annual Dia de los Muertos Music Festival on Monday, November 2

kristykrugerumbrella.jpg
Erica Fellicella
You can stand under Kruger's umbrella... ella... ella... ey.
One of my favorite local singer/songwriters, Kristy Kruger, just send along an email detailing a cool event happening this coming Monday at Opening Bell Coffee: The Third Annual Dia de Los Muertos Music Festival. Since his death in Iraq, Kristy Kruger has thrown this event in honor of her brother, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Kruger.

And this year's event looks to feature a stellar line up of local talent. So far, Salim Nourallah, The Beaten Sea and Robert Gomez are all confirmed to play Of course, Kruger will perform as well--and, from the rough demos I've been lucky enough to hear, some of Kristy's new songs are her best ever. Those familiar with her work will know that such is high praise.

There will be no cover charge, but there is a suggested donation of $10 at the door, as well as a silent art auction with all proceeds going to the Fisher House, a charity which cares for wounded Veterans.

Eric Kruger's death occurred on November 2, 2006 on the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muetos, a holiday where folks celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. Being the trooper that she is, Kristy set up this show in 2007 and has made her way back in town from endless touring to make certain the show happens each year.

It's a good cause, and features some great musicians. There is absolutely nothing that will keep me from honoring Kristy's brother come Monday evening...

Today In Music News: Nick Jonas Steps Out, Mark Ronson Gets His Gucci On and Gaga Gives Her Hair Away


Your daily dose of national music news for Thursday, October 29, 2009...

Meet Abacus, Ourselves and Melting Season, The Three Most Recent of Mom's Offspring

sleepwhalesunset.jpg
Gavin Guthrie
Sleep Whale, at dusk.
No DC9 in SPACE filming tonight--and, because of some technical errors on our part, no DC9 in SPACE episode to share before the end of the day today either (although, once it's ready in a few hours, we'll have last week's episode up on the blog for your viewing pleasure).

Our missing out on tonight's taping, though? Well, that's a hell of a shame--especially since tonight's episode had the potential to be a real good one.

In fact, the plan was actually to film two episodes this evening: One with Sleep Whale, the much-loved instrumental band formerly known as Mom, which is gearing up for the release of its new record (with vocals!), Houseboat; and a second set, this one from Sunnybrook, the project from Sleep Whale member Paul North, younger brother of Sleep Whale founder Joel North.

Unfortunately, both bands had to back out of tonight's taping at the last minute, and we weren't able to find a suitable replacement in time (although, between you and me, we were on the verge of somehow scoring quite the replacement coup at the last minute...but that's neither here nor there.) Either way, we're sorry--for your sake and for ours--that we won't be able to film these bands tonight. Especially because, really, there's something kinda crazy special about what's going on with Sleep Whale at the moment--all four of its members, actually.

See, all four current members of Sleep Whale--Paul North, Joel North, Bruce Blay and Spencer Stephenson--are all also currently working on own solo projects. And here's the crazy part: All four of the solo projects are pretty good--maybe good enough to put the ol' "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" idiom to rest...

Starting Tomorrow, "Poster of the Week" Gets Re-Worked A Bit.

hang_in_there_kitty.jpg
For a year-and-a-half now, our clubs editor, Jesse Hughey, has dutifully handled that task of selecting the winners and writing the accompanying blurbs for our Poster of the Week items. (Check the archives--there are some real gems in there.)

Starting tomorrow, though, Jesse's stepping aside from that post. And stepping in to take over the poster-judging gig? The Observer's esteemed, award-winning art director, Alex Flores.

Meaning what, exactly? For one, more detailed critiques of each week's winning design's themes and whatnot.

But, beyond that, well, it means he needs your help. Jesse and I will continue passing along any posters we come across to Alex for weekly judging. But seeing that Alex doesn't specifically cover local music for the Observer, he could use a little help in seeing as many of the area's flier creations as possible. Which is why he's set up a new email address for people to submit their nominees for our Poster of the Week honors: gigposters@dallasobserver.com.

So far, Alex has already received a few submissions--but he could always stand to look at more. So, please, whether you're a poster's designer, one of the band's being promoted, the show promoter who commissioned it, or just a fan of the event being promoted or the art being utilized, be sure to pass along your suggestions each week for his perusal. Thanks!

Remembering Bruce Springsteen's 1978 Dallas Convention Center Performance...

brucebookcover.jpg
Am I crazy, or does Bruce look a little like Carter Albrecht here?
Last week, a gem of a book arrived in the office--well, a gem for any Bruce fans in the building, which, I'm pretty sure is everyone? In my clouded perspective, at least, yeah.

Anyway, here's why it's interesting: The Light In Darkness, as it's called, features on Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's 1978 tour for Darkness on the Edge of Town, the band's fourth album--and, more specifically, on each of the band's stops while touring to support it.

And, of course, included in the book--which features 100 memoirs/essays and 200 original photographs taken from the tour--is the band's July 12, 1978 show at the Convention Centre in Dallas.

Writes the El Paso Times' Doug Pullen:
As Bruce and the E Streeters tore through new songs like "Badlands" and "Adam Raised a Cain," mixing them up with the Born to Run stuff, toppped off in part by the famous "Detroit Medley" (and a timely seasonal treat of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" earlier in the set) you couldn't help but walk away believing in the transformative magic tha is rock 'n' roll. It's the kind of stuff rock 'n' roll dreams are made of.
Oh, to be there...

The Light in Darkness is available for purchase right here.

KXT Announces In-Studio Performance Schedule, Adds New Names.

Thumbnail image for kxt917.jpg
On Monday, in addition to the news of the new hosts at the upstart NPR music station coming to town on Nov. 9, we passed along the info of the early names booked to play in-studio performances at the station. Well, today, that list grows a bit--and, with those adds, KXT has announced the on-air dates for all the studio performances.

New to the list? Marcy Playground, Joshua James, Little Black Dress, Rhett Miller and Guy Clark. Check KXT's new Web site for info on air-times.

Today In Music News: Ron Wood, Sexagenarian Fashionista; Lightspeed Champion Comes Back; and Liam Gallagher Can't Hack It Solo


Your daily dose of national music news for Wednesday, October 28, 2009...

Midlake Sets Release Date, Moves Forward With New Album. Which May Explain Why Jason Lee Is In Town.

midlakecouragecover.jpg
Looks like ritual day at the Midlake house...
Big news today from Midlake camp, as the band's publicity team has sent out a press release announcing the date (February 2, 2010) and cover art (see right) of the band's first release in three years (The Courage of Others)--not to mention the somewhat unsurprising, but still comforting, news that the record will once again be release under the Bella Union label.

After the jump, check the full press release, which includes a tracklisting and short tour schedule set to kick off just after New Year's (no DFW yet, although I'm guessing you can expect that to change in the near future).

In the meantime, expect the band to remain in Denton, further prepping its release. How so? Well, by creating a short film paired with a few of its new tracks, for one.

And helping Midlake with that cause? Noted celebrity Midlake fan, actor Jason Lee, who already directed the band's video for the song "Balloon Maker" off its 2004 release Bamnan and Silvercork. Lee's in town, go figure, helping Midlake create a new short film with which a couple of the new tracks will be paired--or so Midlake's Eric Pulido told our Danny Fulgencio last night when Fulgencio popped on by Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton after hearing rumors that Lee was spinning records at the venue. He was, turns out, and taking requests, even--but left just before Fulgencio got there.

Oh well: Pulido told Fulgencio that My Name is Earl fans might find Lee hanging out at Dan's Silverleaf tomorrow night--after a long day of filming, no doubt.


  • Weekly
  • Music
  • Promotions
  • Dining
  • Events
  • Dallas After Dark