Halloween

Halloween is not one of my favorite days of the year. Kids all over the place, horrible costume parties--I realize I'm one of few who thinks Halloween sucks. But, I do. Really, the only redeeming quality of the day sis the myriad of "sexy" costumes a lot of women wear. That usually makes up for the lameness.

One thing I've never really understood is why every year they play "Thriller" like it's the only "spooky" song out there. Well, not "spooky" per se, but, the only song they play on Halloween. You would think that someone would at least post, or play, (Everyday Is) Halloween by Ministry, wouldn't you?! I mean, the word Halloween is in the flippin' title! Or, at least you could play "My Mind's Playin' Tricks on Me" by the Geto Boys. But, no! Every freakin' year it's "Thriller!"

If you look on any of the blog mp3 aggregators you will see a million "Thriller" posts and two related to Ministry. And it's not like I'm a huge Ministry fan, I just think "Thriller" is over-rated at this point.

I attempt to break this tradition. Enjoy.

MP3: Ministry - (Everyday is) Halloween

Kings of Leon

Apparently I did something I shouldn't have because my post I made about KoL from Wednesday is gone. Poof! But, the show was bad ass and probably the best show of theirs I've seen. I also apparently missed Nathan throwing the upside down horns at the end of the show. Ah, love my Sooner fans.

I met a bunch of great peeps there, and I can't remember their names. But, there were actually a lot of really cool people at the show. Not your typical to cool for school Dallas kids. Oh, and to Bailey the bartender--I love you!

You can read my "Last Night Review" of the show here.

Uh Huh Her "Explode"

Uh Huh Her has released a new vidie today from their phenomenal Common Reaction album. Check it.

Politcal Music

When I think of overtly political music I usually think of "Masters of War" or something along those lines, maybe even "Born in The USA." But, the Japanese have really out does anyone who thinks they know what a political song should be about.

New Christmas on Mars Tune

Christmas on Mars will be out in two weeks. Today, Stereogum debuted a new track called "Once Beyond Hopelessness" from the Lips and the movie. The song is pretty creepy, maybe even erie.

I'm not sure exactly how good the movie will be. I'm sure in it's really obsurd, weird way it will be entertaining. I'm not expecting it to be the greatest movie ever captured on film. I really kind of think it's going to turn out to be a movie generations of kids will watch while they experience their first acid trip. That would be my guess.

But, for those of you out there who absolutely, positively have to have the super-deluxe edition of Christmas on Mars, check the video below as Wayne drops knowledge on all the things you will receive.

Country Is The New Indie

So, I saw that line in something I read on The Gobbler's Knob the other day and it got me to really thinking about what he meant. Is Country music really the new indie? I mean it really had me wondering what it meant. But, then I realized there's always been indie Country music acts...it's called "Alt-Country."

So, that being said lemme hip you to a new (to me) group called Blackbird Harmony. Yep, they are a local band and you may be hearing more about them in the future from me. But, DC9 had a great post about them in relation to their new album and a free tune called "Caution & Dispatch" from their new album called Hardwood Exits. I really like this song, it reminds me of a darker "Lyin' Eyes" by The Eagles.

But, back to the Country is the new indie stuff. What could be more indie than an 80's cover song? Well, treat yourself to Blackbird Harmony's version of "Hello" by Lionel Richie.

MP3: Blackbird Harmony - Hello

Band of Horses In Studio--Soonish

It's weird that I saw this article this afternoon because I was just wondering about a new BoH album this weekend as I dominated on Madden '08. As I listened to Everything All The Time this past weekend my mind drifted away wondering when BoH would release a new record. I thought about when their last album came out, then did a little math and hoped it might come out next year (and I gave up a long pass since I wasn't paying attention to the game). Well, it looks like it might

The band will start recording material for their third album toward the end of the month Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. Roll tide! That is the studio where the Rollings Stones made some of their best music: Brown Sugar, Sticky Fingers and Wild Horses. Wilson Pickett also recorded there, Paul Simon, the great Etta James and others. I'm hoping the sessions will produce a better album that Cease To Begin. I liked the album, just not as much as Everything All The Time. (Rock Daily)

MP3: Band of Horses - The Great Salt Lake (via Subpop)

You Like Music, Right?

In their never ending quest to find out what people think of the current musical landscape; DC9 at Night has asked the musical geniuses at Mockingbird Station what they think about "Golden Age" by TV on The Radio. Why? Because they are playing the Lakewood tonight.

Not a knock on DC9, I just think it's funny they were at Mockingbird Station...cause the yuppies go there.

Totally Missed This One

As you can see, I totally missed this one--Q-TIP IS COMING TO DALLAS!  As you can tell, I'm pretty excited about this one.  Whether you want to call him Abstract, Tip, Leonardo DiCaprio's runnin' buddy or Q-Tip you can undeniably call him musical royalty.  I mean, he and Phife, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and the rest of their crew were all a huge part of Hip-Hop's "Golden Age."  

I was a huge Tribe Called Quest fan back then, and I still am.  So, mark it down on your calendar, get down there and rock it out.  

MP3:  Q-Tip - Gettin' Up

Bona Fide TV

Hey y'alls!  I just-a-wanna say thanks again to Cindy over at Life Outside The Bubble for hangin' with me on Saturday.  Or, letting me hang with her as it were.  

But, check out the clip of me interviewing Matthew and The Arrogant Sea prior to their set at Good Records.

Lance Lester Interviews Matthew & the Arrogant Sea from Cindy Chaffin on Vimeo.

Kings of Leon in OKC

Hey guys, as you may or may not know Kings of Leon are coming to town on Wednesday for a show at the Palladium Ballroom. But, last night they played a kind of "hometown" show in Oklahoma City. So, I wasn't able to go but, a reader, and my brother, did and sent us a pic of the setlist and a rundown of the show. Enjoy!

Last night started off as a first for me: my first Sunday night rock and/or roll show. Me and wifey got there early not just to see We Are Scientist, but to also get a good spot for what would be a “homecoming” for Kings of Leon.

The night started off good, for on our way back from a pre-show dinner at Tap Works in Bricktown back to the Coca-Cola Events Center who did I see? NACHO! Great dude. We talked for about five minutes and I learned that 8 Seconds is his favorite movie. You may wonder why I bring this up. If you’ve seen the movie you’ll know how Lane Frost waves to loved ones in the stands, well in an ode to Lane, Caleb gives the same wave to the crowd at the end of a show. Only on this night he would ferociously throw down with both hands the upside-down Texas Longhorns hand sign. Boomer Sooner indeed!

While I was wanting to see We Are Scientist I was far to anxious to truly enjoy the show, instead I was going to bathroom every fifteen minutes since I wasn’t wise enough to not break the seal at a proper time. But on my way to urination station you had to go by the “V.I.P.” section (in the far back?!?) and see all the Followill’s in attendance. There were about one hundred all told according to my conversation earlier with Nacho. Even if you didn’t know that was for family, you could’ve easily picked them out of the crowd as they were coming in the venue.

Finally the lights went out and the Kings were onstage to an energized crowd ready to see the somewhat hometown boys rips through songs culled from Youth and Young Manhood to the new Only By the Night.

The brothers (and cousin) Followill didn’t waste any time getting down to the nitty gritty. The set started off with “Crawl” (one of my favorite tunes from the new album). There’s just something about a super fuzzed up bass that makes me want to punch someone in the face! It might have been the fact there was a super drunk Native in front of me acting a fool.

One thing I always look for in a rock and/or roll show is not only a good set from the band itself, but a good to great crowd. This crowd was super stoked to see KoL and showed them the love the rest of the country should. The crown was singing along to every song that was laid out before them, just like anyone would do at a Sunday night worship service.

I think the best part for me was – even with all the singing along from the crowd was during “Slow Night, So Long” (which is usually reserved for the encore, but came as the last song in the set) when the crowd was at it’s singing zenith while shouting all in unison, “I’ll take you home, back to Oklahoma!” Truly a great show and powerful energy from beginning to end.

Sarah Jaffe/MATAS at Good Records

Yesterday I met up with the gorgeous Cindy Chaffin of Life Outside The Bubble and caught the in-store appreance of "Yeah, They Local" vet Sarah Jaffe and Matthew and The Arrogant Sea at Good Records.

First off, Sarah Jaffe is just as amazing live as she is on record.  She was accompanied on stage with fellow Denton musician Robert Gomez.  What was most impressive to me about Jaffe is how effortlessly she sings.  Like Alison Krauss, Sarah seems to belt out every note from one song to the next easily as if that's what her voice was created to do.  It was funny, she was in the middle of a song and the phone rang at the front counter, and without missing a beat Sarah added "You better get that" with a sly smile.  Amazing voice and she's a really great talent.

MP3:  Sarah Jaffe - Perfect Plan (Live)

It was a treat to see the main attraction of the afternoon (no, not the free beer), Matthew and The Arrogant Sea.  They have been compared to the Flaming Lips, and lyrically, the comparision isn't far off base.  When you sing lines like "My best friends are aliens" you run the chance of disaffecting listeners, just like the Flaming Lips.  ("She Don't Use Jelly" anyone?)  But, if you listen for just the music that's where MATAS really shine.  And when you have seven peeps in your band you're sure as hell going to make one hell of a noise.  Listening to MATAS is completely different from comparing record to live performance.  That's like comparing Crocs to Penny Loafers.  Live, MATAS are full of energy, loud and electric.  On record, the energy is there the music is more acoustic and folky.

But, all in all it was a great day to see the local kids get they show on.  Oh, and I may have a little surprise coming up for you soon regarding Matthew and The Arrogant Sea.

MP3:  Matthew and The Arrogant Sea - Mock Orgami

"Calling Mumia"

I don't want to get into a bunch of political rhetoric about the case of Mumia Abu Jamal. I'm only vaguely familiar with the case, i.e. I know what happened and what not. But, that's not really the point.

Massive Attack and Snoop Dogg have gotten together on a track titled "Calling Mumia" for a movie called In Prison My Whole Life. I'm actually really impressed with the song. I'm not sure what is making it so good for me, but, I'm thinking it's the production and not Snoopy. Although Calvin Broadus is very passionate on this track, I'm still feeling the music more than the vocals.

New Sorta

Well, tonight was the CD release show for the new Sorta CD.  I unfortunately had to miss it, I'm hoping to start catching more shows soon as soon as the work junk gets sorted out.  DC9 has a post containing a free download of the new track "Fool's Gold."

It's not a bad track per se, but, it's not great.  Trey has his usually crisp vocals, but, I'm not really diggin' the piano on it.  It doesn't really sound like a Sorta track to me.  It sounds more like a light-rock tune.  I dunno, maybe it will grow on me.  Maybe.

SSLYBY Love Deli's

I've never been to Europe, or the United Kingdom, or really anyplace outside of the US of A.  But, I'd like to think that if I were ever in Vienna I'd bust out my ol' acoustic geetar and sing "Modern Mystery." 

But, it turns out that Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin already beat me to it!  I like how the girl who walks in while their singing has a genuine "What the fuck!?" look on her face.  You can check it out here at They Shoot Music.

Moby's Revolver

I was-a-readin' an article by Jesse Hughley on DC9 about the 10th anniversary of Meltdown this Saturday at the World Famous Lizard Lounge.  Specifically about Moby headlining the event.  But, more specifically what really got me thinking about this song was the caption below the picture of Moby (that is also above this post).  It said "Let's hope Saturday is not when Moby reaches for his revolver."  Which automatically made me think of his cover of Mission To Burma's "That's When I Reach For My Revolver."  

It was one of those "Ahhhhh" moments, when you remember a song you loved, yet you'd forgotten.  I've never heard the original version, but, I'm sure it's good.  Mission To Burma are one of those bands I seemed to have missed out on.  Kinda like The Clash, Sex Pistols and those types of bands.  The only band I've "missed out on" and later really liked were The Ramones.  I really dig the Ramones.  But, I digress.  So, I found the song, put on the headphones, set the volume to stun and hit play.  Ahhhh, was it good!

MP3: Moby - That's When I Reach For My Revolver

About Last Night

You can check out my "Last Night Review" for the Uh Huh Her show here.

GNR "Chinese Democracy"

So, we all know now that Chinese Democracy is finally coming out, right?  But, what are you more excited about: new GNR or free Dr. Pepper?

I know, I know, you are still curious about what the album is going to sound like.  Well, BFD is here to soothe your savage heart.  Click here for a stream of the title track.  I kept hearing that Axl had gone Industrial, and there are some similar stylings on this track.  But, it's really more of a crunchy guitar that reminds me of Grunge.  Either way, it's actually a pretty stunning track.

Yeah, They Local

When it comes down to comparisons between John Dufiho's two bands, I Love Math are only slightly different than their counterpart Deathray Davies.  While Deathray Davies meanders the landscape of excellent indie rock, I Love Math roams the countryside of acoustic, alt-country leaning pop.  

The group is comprised of stand-out local musicians and are somewhat of a local supergroup: John Dufiho of Deathray Davies, Phillip Peeples of Old 97's, Jason Garner of The Paper Chase and Andy Lester of Slider Pines.  I Love Math has release two albums to their credit so far; their eponymous 2002 debut and this summer's wonderful Getting To The Point Is Beside It which contains the hauntingly beautiful "Only Clowns Are Scary."  It's a song that has very little to do with the fear of clowns and more to do with the great things in life you don't ever want to forget.

I Love Math definitely isn't a group whose album you put in to rock out to.  Instead, they are a band who you put their album in to enjoy a beautiful day with friends or without.  They are mellow without being candy-coated.

Their next show in town is with Salim Nourallah at Club Dada on November 15.

MP3:  I Love Math - Only Clowns Are Scary from Getting To The Point Is Beside It

MP3:  I Love Math - Volcanic Ash from Getting To The Point Is Beside It

Uh Huh Her Tonight

Tonight I will get to see Uh Huh Her, then really late tonight after the show I'll be writing the "Last Night Review" for DC9 at Night.

I'm not sure why I'm only now posting the video for their song "Not A Love Song." I mean, it has fn unicorns in it! I'm pretty excited about the show. It will be interesting to see how their brand of electronica infused pop/rock will come off live. Plus, I can't wait to check out Camila Grey and Leisha Haily in person. Oh, and The Fashion is opening up for them.

Flaming Lips News

It may be a little late to tell you about the second annual March of 1000 Flaming Skeletons being promoted again by The Oklahoma City Gazette. If you are in or around OKC on October 25 you can get a skeleton suit and have Wayne Coyne direct you as what to do. If you missed it last year, it looked something like this.

There are some things you need to know: 1) only standard and large size costumes. 2) You can only buy two costumes. 3) NO REFUNDS!

Oh, on a side note, indier-than-though Pitchfork has a stream of The Lips new songs "Space Bible With Volume Bumps" off the "Christmas on Mars" soundtrack. Well, it sounds like a Flaming Lips Chrismas song. Or as Wayne puts it "bleepy Sci-Fi lounge music." So, it may be good chill out music after peaking at your next Flaming Lips show.

Fieros Come Home

The Fieros are playing a couple of shows back in their local home town area.  They are playing a show tomorrow night at Hailey's in Denton and then one on Wednesday at 8.0 in Ft. Worth.  I wish I could make either one of these shows, The Fieros are such a great fn band live!  But, tomorrow I will be at the Uh Huh Her show at The Loft.  And, I'm not driving to Ft. Worth to see a show since I have to get up at 6a every morning.  So, that kind of sucks.  

MP3:  The Fieros - Songbird

The New Frontiers Breaking Up?!

Dude, what the french, toast?! My CD of you isn't fully worn out yet and you are going to break up on me? I know, it's not me, it's you!

Well, that is the worst news I've heard all day. The wonderful Dallas band and "Yeah, They Local" alums The New Frontiers are calling it quitsies and broke the news tonight via a Myspace post:

It's never​ fun to tell peopl​e news they don'​t want to hear so I'll get right​ to it: The New Front​iers are quitt​ing.​

It's sucks when such a good band breaks up and shitty one's like Hinder stay around for a long time, ya know. So, I guess I'll end the sad news with an MP3. Oh, New Frontiers why must you go?

*EDIT* I added their superb cover of "Look at Miss Ohio" below.

MP3: The New Frontiers - Black Lung

MP3: The New Frontiers - Look at Miss Ohio (Gillian Welch Cover)

Those Crazy Butthole Surfers!

A few weeks ago I told you guys about the totally rad story Jeff Liles recounted about working with Screamin' Jay Hawkins and his days in early Deep Ellum. Well, this week edition of Echoes and Reverberations Jeff tells the story of a Butthole Surfers show he saw at the old Theater Gallery around '86 or '87-ish. Now, I'm going to be honest and let you know I never really got into the Surfers. The only exposure I have ever had to them was the song "Pepper" and Gibby being featured on Fearless Freaks saying a Flaming Lips show is pretty much a Butthole Surfers show. I guess I missed the boat on the greatness of Gibby Haynes.

But, Jeff's story is such a great story about what one guy thinks was the beginning of the Deep Ellum revival. I honestly can't wait until his next story comes out because he seems to have been there, done that when it comes to the Dallas music scene. The Butthole Surfers will be playing the Granada Theater next Wednesday, October 22.

Plus, you should read the article to find out whey this happened:

“After he was done screaming at me until he was blue in the face, Gibby literally went upstairs to the loft space above the dressing room and took a shit on the floor--right in front of the room where the TG lighting guy lived,” Castell says.

Felix Da Housecat and Diddy "Jack U"

Diddy's at it again, he's doin' vocals on a house track. Three or four years ago he came out with one of the most bangin' house tracks I had ever heard called "Let's Get Ill." I was really more partial to the Deep Dish remix of it, it was a sexier, deep house remix of that track that blew my fuckin' mind. This joint he did with legendary producer and DJ Felix Da Housecat comes pretty close to the greatness of "Let's Get Ill," but, it doesn't surpass it.

It has almost an Acid House feel, it's definitely a peak hour track fa sho. I've tried several times to get this thing uploaded, but, it ain't working for some reason. But, you can get it at Voules Random. So, get the song, set your speakers to stun and push play on this bitch.

Band of Horses Playing The Bridge School Benefit

Band of Horses will be performing at the Bridge School Benefit show.  While it's true the show is in San Francisco and no where near The D.  But, I'm an obsessive bootleg collector and I'm sure there will be one surfacing of this show soon-ish after the show.  So, that being said--as soon as I find it I'll hip you to it as well.  

In the mean time, enjoy...

MP3:  Band of Horses - The Great Salt Lake from Everything All The Time

MP3:  Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost from Cease To Begin

Centro-Matic "Rat Patrol and DJs" Video

Yep, it's a day for videos here at BFD.  I posted about this vidie over at DC9, but, I wanted to bring it to the fine people who read BFD everyday.  (I know who you are, and I love the Baptist Covention.)  But, I really, really dig this video.  I think it's great how Will and the boys did their hometown of Denton up right and featured Dan's Silverleaf in it.  And, I do think visually it's a great video.  I dig the colors, I dig the animation, I dig the fact that Will Johnson isn't actually singing along with the song--in short it's a great video.  Subterranean should do it justice and get it on the next episode toot sweet.

Live South San Gabriel

I've never been able to see South San Gabriel.  But, I've seen Centro-Matic and then Will Johnson open up for My Morning Jacket on a couple of occasions--and it's kinda the same thing, right?  I was so smitten with Centro-matic that I went and picked up their album halfway through their set.  So, that should tell you something, right?

Anyway, thanks to the magic of the interweb and Flat Response you can download a bootleg of South San Gabriel's opening set from Denver's Hi-Dive from way back in September of this year.

MP3:  South San Gabriel - Trust To Lose (via The Flat Response)

At Home With Wayne

Wayne has really come a long way since the halcyon days of kickin' it at the Peach Pit with Brenda and Brandon singin' "She Don't Use Jelly." Nowadays they put on kick-ass New Year's Eve shows in their home town and get top billing at festivals. Now Wayne can add being featured in the New York Times "Home & Garden" section.

They did a nice little write up about the wonderfully weird house that belongs to Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Coyne. I can't believe she's been with him since he worked at Long John Silver's! That's love people. But, they also have some pictures of the house and it actually looks really cool. It's looks like Wayne merged his kookiness with modern home styling. I actually wish I could live in that house.

But, I still think the coolest thing is that Wayne still reps the OKC. He lives in a shitty neighborhood and doesn't want to move out of it. Sure, he has to worry about crack dealers and prostitutes, but it's home for the Coynes.

I'm Not Sure Where It Started

I'm not sure where my fondness for singer-songwriter, folk, Americana came from. Maybe it's just a product of me getting older and not wanting to listen to shit like Fall Out Boy or A Bird A Sparrow. But, I do still like to rock, just not as much as I use to. It's weird when you use to think I loved to listen to Rage Against The Machine and Ice Cube as loud as it could possibly be and now I'd like to just sit back and drink some beer and listen to My Morning Jacket.

What's the point you ask? Yesteday on the way home my friend turned me onto a band I had read about, but had not listened to until yesterday--Great Lake Swimmers. They really appeal to my Americana and Folky side that I've come to embrace. Tony Dekkers voice reminds me of Mat Brook from Grand Archives or Jim James, just a great, great voice. Oh, and the music is great too.

MP3: Great Lake Swimmers - Moving Shaking from Great Lake Swimmers

Recession Ender

So it seems that Guns N' Roses long awaited Chinese Democracy will finally see the light of day according to Billboard. The record is coming out on November 23, which is a Sunday, and will be available at Best Buy--only at Best Buy.

With it taking 15 years for this album to come out I would imagine there are enough people who were fans of them, and enough people who have discovered them and become fans to go out and buy this album and single handedly bring our country out of it's financial crisis. But, then Dr. Pepper will go out of business because they have to give every American a free can of DP. So, there's that.

I am excited to hear what the new record sounds like. I've been a fan since I was a young rebellious youth and it should be good. But, what happens if it sucks? That alone should set enough people of to riot and loot.

Interview With The Weepies

Through the magic of email I recently had the opportunity to chat with Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, known collectively as The Weepies. I've been captivated by them ever since I received their album Hideaway in the mail. From the beginning I was blown away by the warm folk-pop sounds that spewed from my speakers.

So, like I said, I got to speak with them a little bit, so I hope you enjoy.

You can check out the interview and mp3 after the jump.

MP3: The Weepies - Hideaway from Hideaway

Since you have a youngster is touring not something you guys are

interested in?

Of course we’re interested! I t’s just more complex now that there’s an under-one year old in the mix – it’s a matter of making it work financially, family-wise and schedule-wise.

Has it been hard to be able to practice, record or rehearse with the baby around? I would imagine it would be hard to do anything musical when it's his nap time.

What we’re going through must be similar to what many new parents go through. After the first few all-consuming months where you get nothing done except caring for the baby, you wind up doing things a slightly different way. Now that Theo sleeps through the night it’s easier.

"Antarctica" is my favorite track on the album. Ever since I first heard it I've been trying to figure out what it's about. It seems like it could be about a fresh start or actually about Antarctica. So, what's it about?

Thanks! Respectfully, we’d rather leave it up to the listener. We’ve heard authors and songwriters try to explain their work before - it’s a mistake.

Is it hard being in a band where your musical partner is your partner in life?

No. It’s awesome. Seriously.

I got a call from my brother the other night really excited about "Can't Go Back Now" being used in a new Barack Obama ad. How did that come about? Are you guys supporters of his?

We haven’t seen that ad yet! Through Nettwerk we told the Obama campaign that as far as we were concerned they could use whatever they wanted. We’re happy to be of help. Yes, we whole heartedly support Obama.

Now for my totally lame question: What inspires you to make music?

We’re obsessive compulsive writers. We write all the time. We don’t know why. We feel very uncomfortable when we’re not writing.

What do you listen to when you're out on the road?

When it was just the two of us in a car on the last really long tour, we couldn’t agree on ANY music – we finally compromised on Books On Tape (The Lord of the Rings was a big hit).

I found your record immediately infectious, do you guys hear that a lot about your music--that people can't really get enough of it?

Thank you! One of the things about not being able to tour behind the new record is there’s very little feedback. It’s great to get.

You guys have such an amazing story of how you got together. Do you feel that working together and living together has made your music better?

We hope so! Looking back, it seems sort of inevitable.

If you weren't making music what do you think you would be doing?

Deb would be driving a backhoe. As for Steve, you know those guys in the flower print shirts drunk in bars in places like Manila? That would have been a distinct possibility.

Do you think you will be doing any touring soon? I hope so, 'cause I'd love to see you here in Dallas.

We will let you know!! Thanks for taking the time for us.

Free Minus The Bear Download

That's right, a free download of Minus The Bear's "Guns and Ammo" from their upcoming EP Acoustic. If you go over to Spin's website, there you can get the song for this week only. I've been listening to it all morning and they bring the goodness on this one.

New Fleet Foxes "Silver City"

If you know anything about the Fleet Foxes you know by now they are full of sunny, laid back harmonies reminiscent of bands like Crosby, Stills and Nash. They are sticking to that formula and they certainly don’t disappoint with this new track “Silver City” recorded live at El Rey Theater. If you’re expecting a reimagining of Ghostland Observatory’s “Silver City” then you are going to be greatly disappointed.

The sound quality leaves a little to be desired, like as in good quality, it sounds like a recording done in the crowd…covered by a pillow. Well, actually, it’s not that bad. But, it’s enough to give you a taste of the song. Enjoy!

MP3: Fleet Foxes - Silver City (Live at The El Rey Theater)

Reggie Noble & Johnny Blaze Come To The D

It has definitely been a very Wu-Tang Clan kind of year for The D. First the RZA came to The D and killed it, then GZA, now Method Man (and Redman). Sure, Red isn't part of the Wu, he's more like and adjunct member.

The two infamous stoners are coming to the House of Snooze on November 16 in a show that is sure to kill. I can forgive them for making that stupid How High movie and even forgive the shitty TV show they had. But, they better bring a bangin' show to The D or I'll have had it with them. I know the two are working on a new Black Out album, so, maybe we'll get to hear some new stuff from it as well as classic Black Out cuts and I'm sure solo joints.

Tour dates:
10/10/08 Providence, RI @ Lupo’s
10/12/08 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
10/13/08 Worcester, MA @ Palladium
10/14/08 New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
10/15/08 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
10/17/08 New York, NY @ Nokia Theater
10/18/08 Richmond, VA @ Toad’s Place
10/19/08 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
10/21/08 Bloomington, IN @ Bluebird
10/22/08 Cincinnati, OH @ Mad Hatter
10/23/08 Detroit, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
10/24/08 Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
10/27/08 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/29/08 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
10/30/08 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Tavern
10/31/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ Murray Theatre
11/2/08 Bellingham, WA @ Western Washington University
11/4/08 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre
11/5/08 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
11/6/08 Arcata, CA @ Humboldt State University
11/7/08 San Francisco, CA @ Grand Ballroom
11/8/08 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
11/9/08 Petaluma, CA @ Phoenix Theater
11/11/08 West Hollywood, CA @ House Of Blues
11/13/08 San Diego, CA @ Cane’s
11/14/08 Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theater
11/15/08 Albuquerque, NM @ Albuquerque Convention Center
11/16/08 Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
11/18/08 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
11/19/08 Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
11/21/08 Athens, GA @ Georgia Theater
11/22/08 Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
11/23/08 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/25/08 Norfolk, VA @ NorVa Theatre
11/26/08 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/28/08 Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
11/29/08 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

Bluegrass Loves 'Em Some Obama

The endorsement of Barack Obama by legendary picker, singer/songerwriter Ralph Stanley kind of came out of the blue for me. You would think that he would be a McCain man. But, it's nice to see that an older generation that you would think wouldn't vote for him because he's Black is getting behind him. I think that dude from Big & Rich and Ricky Skaggs could learn a thing or two from Mr. Stanley.

BTW, I actually got to see Stanley when he played the "Down From The Mountain" tour several years ago. It was cool to see a real pioneer in a music genre get up on stage and sing like a young man.

MP3: Ralph Stanley & Dwight Yokum - Miner's Prayer

Live Beck Y'all!

It amazes me how many amazing shows Heather Browne over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends gets her little hands on.  The truly amazing thing is they are always good quality bootlegs, not a lot of crowd noise and such.  

That being said, she has another choice boot up on her blog: Beck - Union Chapel London 2003.  It's extremely high quality and sounds like it came straight off the sound board.  This is from the Sea Change tour--the one with Oklahoma City's own Flaming Lips serving as his back up band.  But, I think that was on the American part of the tour, so I don't know if they are backing him up on this one.  I'm listening to it as I type this and "The Golden Age" is amazing.  But, since was from the Sea Change tour, it's prolly going to be a little more low key than your typical Beck Hanson tour.  This will make a nice little boot to listen to out on the back porch, fire crackling in the fire bowl and me sippin' on some ol' cold beer--excellent Fall music.

I was actually suppose to see him and the Lips at Will Rogers Auditorium in Ft. Worth.  I had just moved to Dallas and my buddy, his friends and my brother were coming down to see the show and they had my ticket.  The show was starting and they were no where in sight.  I kept trying to reach my buddy on his cellular phone device and couldn't reach him.  So, I was pissed because I didn't know if they were inside or just ditched me--so I left.  Yep, acted like a douche, I know.  

So, I can act like I got to see him on that tour and make up pictures in my head.  Or, you can go here and get it and love it yourself.

MP3:  Beck - One Foot In The Grave  (Union Chapel 2003)

The Good Ol' Days

If you head on over to DC9 at Night you'll can read the Jeff Liles article about his days as a booking agent for the old Prophet Bar in Deep Ellum. You know, back when Deep Ellum was still thriving? The article centers around his inteactions working with Screamin' Jay Hawkins of "I Put a Spell On You" fame.

One of the best parts is when he booked The Reverend Horton Heat to open and Hawkins got pissed because he thought the good Rev was trying to upstage him. Little did he know, the Rev always puts on a great show.

Like I said, it's a very interesting read.

Minus The Bear Acoustics

Not only will you get to see Minus The Bear rock The D, but, you'll also be able to hear some of their songs acoustic stylie! The band has recorded new acoustic versions of fan favorites on a new EP titled Acoustics. But, that's not all--the EP features the new track "Guns & Ammo." So, it should appeal to all the you gun lovers out there.

Track listing:
1. Guns & Ammo (new track)
2. We Are Not a Football Team from Highly Refined Pirates
3. Burying Luck from Planet of Ice
4. Knights from Planet of Ice
5. Pachuca Sunrise from Menos El Oso
6. Throwin' Shapes from Planet of Ice
7. Ice Monster from Planet of Ice

Girl In A Coma "Say" Video

I'm pretty amped about Girl In A Coma coming to Dallas.  I'm sure that it will be a great show and a great excuse to go to Sue Ellen's.  So, to get myself, and you, even more pumped check out their vidie for "Say" off of Both Before I'm Gone.  

Today, I Weep!

Today is a truly sad day in my world--I just found out that CD World has shuttered their doors! I can't tell you the untold hundreds of dollars I spent at that place. They had one of the best, most knowledgable staff in town. I love me some Good Records, but, it was nice to be able to go into CD World and get a CD for $8, ya know? And, I also found a lot of old Pearl Jam bootlegs there which I bought in spades.

I even loved the smell of the Nag Chompa that would be stuck in my nose for an hour after I left there. And I hate Nag Chompa! It's just a sad day. But, ownder Mike Schoder still brings the good times to the Granada. But, I'll miss the ol' CD World my friends.