Used Strings Make Good Things

In an interesting twist on supporting local music and the Carter Albrect Music Foundation, Eye On The Sparrow Design's has come up with an interesting way to help you look good and help out a good cause.

Eye On The Sparrow Designs takes used bass and guitar strings from local musicians and turns them into bracelets and earrings. 25% of all sales go to the Carter Albrect Music Foundation. So, if you're a musician, please donate to the cause (you don't need old strings anyway, right?). Or, just go to the website and check out the pieces and purchase something.

Trey Johnson Mount Pelee

As I popped in Mount Pelee I had already decided I was not going to like this album. I once met Trey Johnson at The Barley House and made the mistake of going up to talk to him. Needless to say, it was one of those moments fans of a band fear most... members of the band are dicks. And that night, is exactly what Johnson was, it soured me on Sorta for a long time.

However, in my steadfast belief that I would not like this album, I like it from the first note of "Old Reactions."

After the death of bandmate I expected Mount Pelee to be a collection of somber, introspective songs lamenting the death of a friend and reflections of life. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the pop-rock that runs throughout the record. "Bottle of Rum" channels a mainland version of Jimmy Buffett so much that you can almost hear waves crashing in the background. The closest song coming to what I was expecting is "Struggle To Find," it's the introspective ballad I was expecting and it's not disappointing. Touching on the things in life that are worth living for, it makes sense that it was included on this album.

Honestly, from beginning to end this is a fantastic record and I feel fine saying it.

MP3: Trey Johnson - Unforgettable Ways

[purchase album]

Danny Balis

I've always been curious to hear what a Danny Balis song would sound like, now I know. He wasn't shittin' us when he said it would have a Don Williams sound to it. You can check it out at DC9 @ Night here.

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.

Sorta CD Release

I told you last week that Sorta plans on having a CD release party to celebrate their new self-titled album. Well, it will be October 21 at The Pontiac Garage (formerly Cambridge Room) inside the House of Snooze.

It's odd they would venture away from the Granada though. Their party for Strange and Sad But True was a huge turn out for the Granada. So, I'm not sure TPG will be able to hold all the peeps wanting to attend. I'm sure it will be a sold out event. But, it should be a great show. The PG is a great intimate venue and the band should be able to put on another great show there.

New Sorta

One of my absolute favorite local bands, Sorta, will finally release their new album on October 21. They plan to have release show/parties in Austin, Dallas and maybe Denton and Ft. Worth. There will also be a preview of the upcoming album in September issues of D Magazine and Pop Matters.

Until then, enjoy the best song about a girl being thrown off of an overpass by her boyfriend.

MP3: Sorta - 85 Feet and Falling

New Sorta

The fellas in Sorta have been keeping busy since the tragic death of band member Carter Albrecht. The Dallas band just added two new tunes to their Myspace page for your and my enjoyment.

"Grown Man" is the soft, bar tinged alt-country ballad-y type of song. I like "Bjorn Yesterday" as much for the title as the music itself. The keyboard work is phenomenal on this one. It's a nice accent without being to distracting. But, I love the sound of a good organ in the rock and/or roll music.

And, by the looks of their schedule they will be playing a CD release party in Austin on September 30.