DC9 At Night

Fun Fun Fun Fest Day 1: Crystal Antlers, Shonen Knife, Russian Circles, Death, Neon Indian, Jesus Lizard

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:18:22 -0600

All photos by Patrick Michels

Death singer Bobby Hackney

Choosing Fun Fun Fun over the Austin City Limits festival this year was a no-brainer decision, and I have not regretted the decision to pass on Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam and Ben Harper for a nanosecond.

Sitting on the soft grass and turning away from the Orange Stage before Death's set to watch a beautiful sunset over the trees of Waterloo Park really emphasized the superiority of the venue to the mud- or dust-clogged hell that Zilker Park can be. Add to that Transmission Entertainment's no-filler lineup streamlined to two days and fall weather and there is no competition.

Here are a few quick thoughts on some of my favorite performances of the day.

Crystal Antlers
1:45 p.m.
I only caught the last song and a half from Royal Bangs, though the singer's explanation of some technical difficulty was the funniest stage banter I heard all day: "There was a ghost thing on stage and we had to re-computer some, ummmmmmmmmm [drawing out the umm for about 30 seconds] ... OK, this is our last song. We're Royal Bangs!" And with that, they launched into a gloriously sloppy blast of over-driven beats, synth buzz and red-hot guitar. But Crystal Antlers were the next best thing in the psychedelic mishmash of rock, pop and pure energy. For some reason, the heavy reverb and effects on Andrew King's Fender Jaguar reminded me of Abe Vigoda's guitar sound. Damian Edwards' bongos, often sounding like something right out of a car chase scene in some forgotten '70s crime movie, added a fun propulsion to the set, as did his enthusiastic dancing.

Good Friday: The Party, Preston Grey, James McMurtry, The Fox and The Bird, GWAR, Snoop Dogg and David Cook

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:11 -0600

After an almost year-long hiatus, The Party makes its triumphant return tonight at The Loft.

Lots happening this weekend--a surprising amount, actually--so let's cut all semantics and jump right into the shows that need to be added to your weekend calendar considerations. First, some reminders of the shows we've already mentioned in this week's coverage.

Tonight's especially packed, with the show at The Lounge on Elm Street leading the way, featuring performances from HEALTH, Times New Viking, Teenage Cool Kids and Axemen. But it's not the only stellar show of the night. Right up there in contention with The Lounge's show is a show at (of all places) The Door in Forth Worth featuring Minus the Bear and The Antlers. And, lest we forget, there's also a performance from Destroyer tonight, with opening sets from Sarah Jaffe and, I just found out, RTB2. Meanwhile dance fans will no doubt pack the main room at the House of Blues for Deadmau5's set. So, yeah, tonight's pretty damn packed.

Saturday, meanwhile, boasts quite the lineup as well: There's The Crash That Took Me's CD release show with a support performance from True Widow, among others; out in Fort Worth, Lucero will bring its newly horns-infused sound to the Longhorn Saloon in Fort Worth; at The Loft, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros will bring its impossibly happy and catchy brand of the Laurel Canyon sound to Dallas; and things could possibly get out of control, meanwhile at the punk show with Off With Their Heads and others at The Lounge on Elm Street, what with its newly renewed liquor license and all. Just don't expect to see Atlas Sound at Hailey's in Denton on Saturday night--that show's been canceled.

Sunday sees a fine dance-party bill with Fizzy Dino Pop, Ishi and Ssion at The Cavern, all there to help the crowds dance their back-to-the-work-week blues away. And, also on Sunday, The Barley House will unveil its new all-local jukebox.

Oh, and all weekend long, just a couple hours south on I-35 is the Fun Fun Fun Fest, which features, Danzig, of Montreal, Yeasayer, The Cool Kids, The Jesus Lizard, Mission of Burma and many, many others. Check back here for coverage over the weekend; we've dispatched Jesse Hughey and Patrick Michels to keep tabs on the event for us.

Lastly, while it's not technically a weekend event, there's pretty much no chance that we'll be in the office early enough on Monday to remind you that the new KERA-owned, public, all-music station at KXT-91.7 FM launches at 7 a.m., so be sure to listen to that.

But there are actually a few more big shows worth your attention this weekend--including the reunion of one of the biggest DJ troupes this town has ever seen. Check that out, and more, after the jump.

Bonus MP3s: Fizzy Dino Pop Lets Us Sample Its New, Irresistable J-Pop Dance Sound

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:33:12 -0600

Scott Squires

Fizzy Dino Pop

For a few years now, Denton's Avery Williamson has been creating music under his Fizzy Dino Pop moniker, mostly existing in a computer-generated emo-core realm, combining eight-bit samples and sounds with angsty, often-screamed vocals for a sound that was certainly mind-boggling but also oddly tempting.

In a change of pace, though, Williamson's most recent works have a far more universal appeal--and a decidedly upped international flavor as well. Now joined by Kyoto-based vocalist Yuria Hashimoto, Fizzy Dino Pop's latest material is more J-pop in nature than anything else. And, by layering futuristic synths and electrodance beats underneath Hashimoto's soft vocals, it makes for an incredibly catchy, fun sound.

Others have noticed, among them the much-buzzing Neon Indian, which has commission a Fizzy Dino Pop remix of its blog hit "Deadbeat Summer," which should see its release in the coming weeks. Already, the duo's remix efforts have done wonders for local hip-hop act Sore Losers, whose already-catchy "Bizarre Celebrations" track was transformed by Fizzy Dino Pop into an irresistable elctro-dance track that ranks among the best local tracks we've heard in 2009. After the jump, enjoy a free download of that remix, courtesy of Williamson, plus two new tracks for download from Fizzy Dino Pop's upcoming EP release.

And be sure to catch Fizzy Dino Pop in a rare performance with Hashimoto on Sunday night at The Cavern, where the band will perform alongside Dallas' Ishi and Kansas City's Ssion.

Barley House To Unveil All-Local Jukebox Sunday

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:08:44 -0600

The Barley House has long been a hangout for local musicians. Beginning this weekend, it will be a hangout for their CDs as well.

At 8 p.m. Sunday, the SMU-area beer joint and venue will unveil the Home Grown Jukebox, which is the bar's original jukebox, except now featuring only local musicians. Even better, all proceeds from the machine will benefit the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation, which provides music scholarships and aims to help improve the education, skills and quality of life of area musicians.

Donated CDs so far include, naturally, Albrecht's solo CD, Sparrows and Sorta albums. Also featured are offerings from Deathray Davies, Deep Snapper, Baboon, Dixie Chicks, Tomorrowpeople, Polyphonic Spree, The Funland Band, Centro-matic, Danny Balis and many others. But the collection is far from exhaustive, so local musicians are encouraged to bring CDs to add to the jukebox.

Look out, Windmill Lounge--next year's Best Of Dallas Jukebox competition just got a whole lot more interesting.

Bonus MP3: The Crash That Took Me -- "Through The Pattern and Out the Other Side" (Plus: A Giveaway!)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:32:21 -0600

In this week's paper, Observer contributor Eric Grubbs takes a look at the path taken by The Crash That Took Me--one that's run through past area favorites [DARYL], Black Tie Dynasty and Macavity--to get to where it is today, a seven-piece piece on the brink of releasing its sophomore album.

In next week's paper, he'll review said actual disc, called Chlorine Colored Eyes. For now, just a short preview of his review:

In many ways, this record is a logical follow-up to the band's debut, Orchestrated Kaleidoscopes. And for the better, the now seven-piece sounds like a fully-fledged and fully-realized band.

And at the band's CD release show at Sons of Hermann Hall tomorrow night, where the band will be joined by True Widow, Stereo Is a Lie and Gaffney, fans will be given a free copy of the disc upon paying their $10 entrance fee. Not a bad deal.

But here's a better deal: The band's been kind enough to offer up two pairs of tickets to tomorrow night's gig--and with it, two free CDs--to a couple of DC9 readers. Could be you, too, if you're among the first two people to email me with "Chlorine Colored Eyes" in the subject line.

Even if you miss out on that freebie, though, this one's open to everyone. After the jump, check out the exclusive, temporary download the band has offered of the album's third track, "Through The Pattern and Out the Other Side."

Watch: Tim Miller -- "Who I Am"

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:46 -0600

Really can't say I'm the biggest fan of this rather bland singer-songwriter fare from local performer Tim Miller, but, man, if the above clip ain't slick. Posted to Youtube a couple months back and uploaded to Vimeo earlier today, the video for "Who I Am," which is apparently a hidden track on Miller's latest release, Adelaide, was co-directed by Josiah Williams and the man who contributed the animation to the cause, Chris Silvestre. Well done, fellas.

Giveaway: A Pair Of Tickets To See Lucero Tomorrow Night at the Longhorn Saloon

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:02:43 -0600

Tomorrow night at the Longhorn Saloon in Fort Worth, Memphis alt-country favorites Lucero stop on in for a performance as part of its tour in support of the recently released album, 1372 Overton Park. To a degree, the new release is a change of pace from the bar-rock fare the band's release in the past. For one, it's the band's major label debut, this release coming by way of Universal ~~Motown~~ Republic. And, maybe, in a way, that label's history's been an inspiration for the act, as 1372 Overton Park is certainly a more soul-driven affair, complete with horn sections and all.

Not sure how, if at all, that will affect the band's usual, drunken live performances, but I guess we'll find out tomorrow night. And one lucky reader can find out how for free, actually--thanks to the folks at Spune Productions who've kindly passed along a pair of tickets to tomorrow night's show. They're yours if you're the first person to shoot me an email with the words "Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers" in the subject line. Good luck!

Update: Contest is over. Congrats to our winner.

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

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:49:10 -0600

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.

Giveaway: A Pair Of Tickets To Tonight's Lounge on Elm Street Show with Health, Times New Viking, Axemen and Teenage Cool Kids

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:45:03 -0600

Tonight's show at The Lounge on Elm Street (which now has its liquor license back, by the way) has the potential to be among the best of the year--or so Daniel Rodrigue said in this week's paper when previewing tonight's show:

In what's likely to be remembered as one of the best Dallas shows of '09, Los Angeles' Health and Ohio's Times New Viking will share a bill in town before heading off to Austin for Fun Fun Fun Fest. And, for each of these acts, 2009 has already been a good year.
For Times New Viking, 2009 has seen the band release its second post-Stiltbreeze Records album on Matador. Health, meanwhile, released Get Color as a follow-up to the band's brilliant 2007 self-titled debut. And since both bands' records have garnered enough positive reviews that they seem destined to pop up on many a best-albums-of-the-year list, it's fitting that the show would also feature a local act of the same caliber.
To help open the show, show promoter Parade of Flesh has booked Denton's Teenage Cool Kids, which has just returned to the region after a three-month international tour in support of Foreign Lands--the band's best work to date and a clear front-runner for best local release of 2009.
All three acts are known for their unforgettable, kinetic live shows, so the bill's already an explosive powder keg of a night even without adding Kiwi-pop/punk act Axemen.

Tough to argue with him on any of those fronts. Hell, we already named Foreign Lands out favorite local record of the year in our Best Of issue. And, as for Health? Well, check the above video, first and foremost. And, having seen this band live at the Monolith Festival earlier this year, I can comfortably say that Health's live show is every bit as visceral an experience as you'd expect. This is a show not to be missed, folks.

Which is why we send many thanks to the show's promoter, Parade of Flesh, for hooking one lucky ready up with a free pair of tickets to tonight's show. Could be you, too--if you're the first person to send me an email, starting right now, with the words "Health Care" in the subject line. Good luck!

Update: Contest is over. Congrats to our winner!

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

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:57:59 -0600

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

Even Jay-Z isn't cool enough for indie bands: MGMT said thanks, but no-thanks to a collaboration. At least he still has 30-something white dudes to lean on.
Even though it's not even December yet, Amazon.com has named Neko Case's Middle Cyclone as the best album of '09. Premature evaluator, much? I think there's a pill for that.
What the what?!?! Aerosmith is thinking about replacing Steven Tyler?

Poster Of The Week: Half Handed Cloud with Little Birds and Younger Sons at Dan's Silverleaf Tonight

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:08:12 -0600

As far as sheer design deliciousness goes, this poster is truly above and beyond...

Beautifully designed by "the menchildren" Conor and Matt of Magnificent Beard, this poster begs to be framed and hung in any jet-setting rocket-scientist's den.

The extra tall orientation provides the vast expanse that a heavenly cross-section can hang in display. It's a great visual element juxtaposition, too, using the wood grain as the flesh of a lonely planet. And it's good to see that our solemn satellite remains intact, faithfully orbiting above, as well. Meanwhile, the phenomenal type handling of a retroactive serif font respectfully labels the piece without being a nuisance.

I really love this one folks. A poster like this done with such mastery and care ought to indicate the same sensibility in the performers it heralds.

And to be fair, I know the above link to the mysterious Magnificent Beard leads to something of a dead-end disappointment (in that, uh, there's just a splash page there and nothing more), but I was able to find this Flickr set of beardly magnificence, complete with a set of other gig posters.

Great stuff all around.

But that's not all this week. After the jump, some other honorable mentions...

Bonus MP3: Rachel Bazooka -- "My Mirror"

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:42:38 -0600

It was way back in 2007 when the above video of Taylor Young, he of THe BAcksliders and The O's, made its way to Youtube, posted as the visual accompaniment to the song "Chrissie Hynde" from Bucks Burnett's long-in-the-making Rachel Bazooka outfit.

Turns out the project, which, at its core, is just a duo featuring Burnett and Hubertus Winnubst, had plenty more on the way--about 93 more minutes to be exact. Earlier this week, Burnett dropped off Rachel Bazooka's debut release, Colorbl nd. It's a mommoth of a debut if ever there was one, clocking in at 97 minutes over the span of two discs.

Far as Burnett knows--and he'd know plenty, given his long history an area musician, producer, record store owner and, most recently, eight-track museum proprietor--it's the first ever double-disc debut from a Dallas band. Hell, by his recollection (and who are we to argue otherwise), it's only the fourth double-disc debut in history, behind debuts from Frank Zappa, Chicago and George Harrison--or so Bucks explains in an essay over on Unfair Park, where Robert's also posted a stream of the first disc's closing number "Carry Me Down." There, he goes on to say more about the disc, and it makes for a good read, actually. But Bucks doesn't offer up this pretty pertinent info about the other artists who say in and joined Rachel Bazooka in the studio, recording this monumental release, among them Young, Salim Nourallah and Paul Averitt.

After the jump, a stream and a free download of another of the Disc One's tracks, this one called "My Mirror."

Giveaway: Five Pairs of Tickets To Tomorrow Night's Destroyer Show at the Granada

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:29:32 -0600

Dan Bejar

Despite his efforts in other, broader outfits like The New Pornographers and Swan Lake, Dan Bejar's Destroyer project comes in a decidedly more toned-down flavor.

Under Destroyer, the name of the game is bare, Dylan-inspired folk-pop. And, as the longest-running of his works, it also may be the most affecting. At tomorrow night's Granada Theater show, expect a largely intimate affair, and an emotive one too.

Which makes the addition of local opener Sarah Jaffe all the more appropriate a complement to this bill. Still riding high of the release of her phenomenal 2008 EP debut, Even Born Again, Jaffe is currently working on her next release, this one a full-length.

Indeed, tomorow night's show should be quite the treat--which is why we're quite thankful that the folks at the Granada Theater have offered up five paris of tickets to tomorrow night's show for us to hand out to DC9 readers. Want in? Go for it: Shoot me an email right now with "Destroy Me, Please" in the subject line and, if you're among the first five to do so, you and a friend will see this show for free. Good luck!

Update: Contest is over. Congrats to our winners!

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

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:17 -0600

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.

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:40:32 -0600

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.