Fine Line: February, 2007

I’m sick. Like upper respiratory/sinus infection sick. So I have to keep my seat in the upright position to breathe good. I’m sick of teevee, sick of being sick…and so I blog…

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Go read Wilonsky whaddup. Seriously, it’s like…like…some things you might wanna know about…or not…

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Holy shite! Chris at GvB just posted this little ditty…

We’ve got a pair of guest-list spots to give away for what we’re calling “the greatest bill of the year (so far)”: Midlake, along with St. Vincent and Tacks, The Boy Disaster, on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Regular readers (or even not-so-regular ones) probably know how much we love all three of these bands, and tickets for the sold-out NYC and SF dates are going for like 50 bucks each on Craigslist. But all you have to do is leave your email in the comments, and we’ll pick a name at random to be added to the list (+1) for the Dallas show.

What-a-freakin’-wicked-awesome-show! Go there now…put your name in the hat…listen to some tunes…rejoice…

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Ultra 8201 has a nice little question/answer session with my loverband Teenage Symphony in preparation for their upcoming show this weekend at The Mohawk in Austin…hm…if I’m able to breathe and not cough and hack with each breath, I may just have to attend this show…Read it.

Well, the cat’s outta the bag – that Hal – That’s right kiddies, tonight’s extravaganza shall be hosted by our future mayor Zac Crain. I hear-tell he’s gonna try out some new burlesque thing or sumthin’…

Shiny Around the Edges, the splendid Denton-based darlings, are hosting a loverly little shindig during SXSW…

In the manner we are accustomed to, we got together with some friends and decided to develop our own show during SXSW. So if y’all are in town, stop by Chain Drive and visit with us on Saturday, March 17th for Strategies of Beauty, Volume 1.5. The day will showcase some Texas bands that are exploring differing musical avenues that include drone, noise, folk, rock, jazz, and more.

Also, we plan to be down in Austin all week, so if you know of any other parties where we might be able to play a song or two, please contact us… we’d more than happy to be a part of whatever you or your friends might be arranging.

On a related SXSW Shiny note, if you dig our sax player, Mike Forbes, be sure to try and catch some of the Castanets’ shows as it looks like he will be sitting in on some of them… heck, we’ll probably be milling about as well, be sure to introduce yourself and say, “hi.”

Okay, see y’all in Austin!

This so sounds like a plan…a plan in my book fer sure…I’ll keep ya posted as things progress…

“Maybe” by Shiny Around the Edges

This is greatness. Have Matt “the Cat” Hillyer of 1100 Springs fame come croon to your sweetie on Valentines Day! Click above on the flyer for more info….

CD Baby, The largest online retailer and digital distributor of independent music, is throwing a free, open-to-the-public party at SXSW on March 16th at Headhunter’s Outdoor Amphitheater.

Portland, Oregon-based online retailer and digital distributor CD Baby, the largest online retailer of independent music, and a leader in the distribution of digital content, will be throwing a huge party at South by Southwest for their clients, customers, fans, and music lovers alike.

Empowering the independent musician, a handful of bands that were in Austin, Texas already for South by Southwest have been invited to play CD Baby’s party.

The party, happening March 16, 2007, will be free to the public and will be held at Austin’s beloved tiki bar Headhunter’s, located at 720 Red River Street. The show will start at noon and run until 6pm.

The line-up is:

12-12:30 – Jets Overhead
“Seems So Far”

12:50-1:20 – Telephone
“Sugar Coated”

1:40 – 2:10 – The Village Green
“The Way I Want to Be”

2:30 – 3:00 – Michael Dean Damron and Thee Loyal Bastards
“Little Girl Blue”

I’ve talked about the talented Mike Damron ad nauseum over the years. And for a good reason. Okay yeah, he’s my best friend’s brother – but I gotta lotta friend’s brothers who think they are all that – and they ain’t. Mike recently left his former band, I Can Lick Any SOB in the House and has now formed this new project. You can betcher sweet ass I’ll be front and center for this show!

3:20 – 3:50 – Kleveland
“Jonny is a Klepto”

4:10 – 4:40 – Jim Bianco
“Handsome Devil (Reprise)”

My long lost friend Chad “Guitar” Collins turned me on to Jim Bianco back in 2005. In fact, he was so adamant that I’d fall in love with Bianco’s music, his rough, raspy voice and his divine lyrics that he sent me a copy of Handsome Devil. Chad was indeed dead-on. I missed my opportunity to see Jim live the last couple of times he’s hit Dallas, but I shan’t make that mistake at SXSW this year. If you aren’t making the trek to Austin for SXSW, you can still catch Jim Bianco live at Bend Studio on March 18th.

5:10 – 6pm – Presidents of the United States of America
“Ca Plane Pour Moi”

Mmmmmmmm…“Peaches”…

CD Baby, known for looking out for the independent artists and making deals to help level the playing field and narrowing the gap between independent and major recording artists, decided to throw the party as a way to showcase some great bands that, while they may be under the radar (sans CD Baby favorites Presidents of the United States of America, who, despite having a multi-platinum record, were later dropped by their label, decided to go the self-release route, and are happy to call CD Baby home), they still are quite talented and rival any platinum-selling, major label artist in their genre.

About CD Baby:
CD Baby sells and distributes music online for independent artists and labels. Founder and musician Derek Sivers was selling his own CD online in 1997, and he eventually asked a few friends if they’d like to sell their CDs there, too. Friends told friends and now over
161,000 artists sell their music through CD Baby. CD Baby has sold nearly three million CDs to customers worldwide, and paid over $38 million dollars to musicians. CD Baby’s Digital Distribution program has deals with all major digital outlets such as Apple iTunes, Verizon Wireless’ V CAST MUSIC, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, and Sony Connect, making CD Baby one of the leading digital distributors.

http://cdbaby.com <--- the store

http://cdbaby.net <-- musicians' back door

http://cdbaby.org <-- news, opportunities, and more

http://cdbaby.net/banner.htm <-- graphics here

http://www.hostbaby.com <-- web hosting for musicians

http://www.cdbaby.net/dd <– all your digital distribution answers

A year ago last month, I set-up and recorded the always enjoyable Spune Back 2 School shindig at Hailey’s. I had the great fortune to experience The Black Angels for the very first time that night. Nice kids. Great performance. Below is a lil’ sumpin’ sumpin’ to whet your whistle for tonight’s show – from that wondrous night over a year ago…

The Black Angels Live at Hailey’s – Recorded by The Fine Line

The Fine Line is proud to announce our co-sponorship for:

Benefit for THE FAMILY GATEWAY CENTER
2-13-06 @ The GRANADA CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS
Doors at 7 Starts at 8PM
The Black Angels
White Ghost Shivers
Shanghai 5
The Tah-Dahs

(Film shorts will be screened in-between sets as well as a -visual performance by Hal Samples during The Black Angels’ set)

Tickets are $10 and $15 (17+)

“Bloodhounds on My Trail” by The Black Angels

Roy Ivy Live at Fallout Lounge – Recorded by The Fine Line

Shanghai 5 Live at Lee Harvey’s Recorded by The Fine Line

White Ghost Shivers Live at Sons of Hermann – By The Fine Line WARNING: Drunken videographer!

Thank you in advance for your support.

Eastwood just posted a new song – and me likey. Recorded at Salim’s fabby Pleasantry Lane Studio with the oh-so-talented Ward Williams sittin’ in on pedal steel. It’s pretty sweet…

“Right Place Wrong Time” by Eastwood

As always, Callithump is a’hookin’ you up…

2.12.07 Cartright at Hole in the Wall, Austin, w/iKiLLCaRS & Shoot for the Stars

2.13.07 NMT at Club Dada, Dallas, w/Bridges & Blinking Lights, Nouns Group, New Science Projects & Swim Swim*

2.13.07 Tah-Dahs at Granada, Dallas, w/Black Angels, White Ghost Shivers & Shanghai 5

2.16.07 Tame..Tame and Quiet at Haileys, Denton, w/Radiant & The Paper South

2.16.07 Happy Bullets & Tah-Dahs at Jackrabbit Lounge, Shreveport, w/The Peekers

2.17.07 Happy Bullets at The Parish, Austin, w/Low Line Caller, Aster & The Jinx

2.17.07 Prayer for Animals at Mohawk, Austin, w/Teenage Symphony, Eat Avery’s Bones & The Boxing Lesson

-Carlin w/Callithump

*Show produced by Callithump Presents. Other shows not produced by Callithump, but featuring Callithump artists.

I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and…um…waiting for Goodwin to release Reconstruction. Just when I thought the boys were just a’kiddin’ us about a potential release, a little birdie dropped the below track in my inbox…

“Grace” by Goodwin

Now for some really good news…

There’s this crazy little shindig goin’ down at Wreck Room on March 2nd – it’s like a reunion – and it’s like a Goodwin show – and it’s got like Janice and the Good Show boys hosting – and it’s like the reason I’ll be in Fort Worth on March 2nd…

Friday, March 2nd
Wreck Room
Spot Reunion Show (Can you say Chad Rueffer? Can you say Reggie Rueffer? Can you say Earl Darling and/or Davis Bickston?)
Featuring: Goodwin / Velvet Love Box
Hosted by: The Lovely DJ Janice / Tom & Chris of The Good Show
The most fun you’ll ever have…ever

MONDAY, 2/ 12/ 2007, 6:00 PM @ Kettle Art – DART will host a meeting for interested artists who want more info on the ‘gateway replacement project’. This project is the 1.5 million they set aside to create new art due to the fact they ‘had to’ take away the Tunnel. The meeting will be at Kettle Art, 2714 Elm (next to Dada) in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas. Please do not be shy or miss this opportunity to get in on this action as local flavor would best represent who we are / what the area
is about…
Your friend / colleague,
Frank Campagna

Here’s some info off their site to better inform you of what this meeting will cover…

DART has posted its “Call for Artists for the Deep Ellum Gateway Project”. Check out the .pdf at the Green Line Stations page. Note that this isn’t a competition for the design of Deep Ellum Station itself –
that’s already been assigned to an artist named Julie Cohn, as mentioned all-too-briefly in DART’s Fall 2006 InMotion newsletter. This competition is for the bits and pieces that will provide a visual pedestrian-friendly connection between the station and the Deep Ellum neighborhood, and includes “Project Sites” at three locations:

* The newly-created intersection of Good-Latimer and Gaston (former north tunnel entrance area)
* The NE corner of Good-Latimer and Elm (former south tunnel entrance area)
* South of Main and Good-Latimer, tying in to the existing artworks and parks

Tidbits from the .pdf:

With DART light rail replacing the existing Good-Latimer Tunnel with annat-grade passenger station, the Deep Ellum Gateway project has the possibility, in the absence of the tunnel, of defining a next step in the physical, creative “atmosphere” of the district. With this next step, it is the aspiration of The Deep Ellum Gateway Project, to create a visual and physical link between the station and the core of Deep Ellum.

The successful competition entry should possess the ability to be visually strong, physically accessible, contextual in the sense of
architectural scale and sensitive in terms of human scale and interaction, constructible and maintainable. The possibilities are
limited only to the imaginations of the design teams that respond to this opportunity, and the ability to match that sense of imagination with the realities of the existing budget and future maintenance. Entrants may propose on any or all sites including strategies for linking the sites with other artistic enhancement.

Selection Criteria:

* The artistic merit, conceptual approach and constructability as demonstrated in the competition entry.

* The desire to select competition entrants that are complimentary and appropriate to the neighborhood context of Deep Ellum, the architecture and streetscape of the Deep Ellum DART Station and the overall urban design goals of the transit system.

* The evidence of enduring and low-maintenance materials.

* Implementation, as a result of the competition process will be at the
discretion of DART.

Schedule:
March 16, 2007 Preliminary proposals due
March 23, 2007 Select finalists
April 27, 2007 Hold workshop / site visit
June 29, 2007 Presentation of final proposals
July 6, 2007 Announce winner(s)
July – September, 2007 Negotiate contract with winner(s)
October, 2007 Initiate design
May, 2008 Initiate fabrication / construction
August, 2009 Construction complete

Much more info available in the .pdf.

Oh, and the bottom line? $1.5 million for the whole project (all three
areas).

Artwork by Broose Dickinson

Links:
Adair’s Saloon
Friday – Speedtrucker
Saturday – Speedtrucker

Darkside Lounge
Friday – Kansas City Faggots / Lazer / The Delcos / Muther

The Double Wide
Friday – The Von Ehrics / 500 Miles to Memphis / The Denton County Revelators

Sons of Hermann
Friday – Max Stalling / blacktopGYPSY
Sunday – Hayes Carll / Todd Snider

Gypsy Tea Room
Friday – Sound Team / Gulf of Mexico / Here, in Arms

Kettle Art
Saturday – Ansen Seale Exhibit

The Cavern
Saturday – Druggist / Tame…Tame & Quiet / Sean Kirkpatrick

Barley House
Saturday – Chevy Van
Sunday – The Hourly Radio

Hard Rock Cafe
Sunday – Grammy Pre/Post Party with Strange Fruit Project / Red Monroe / P.P.T.

Secret Headquarters
Friday – Sarah Reddington / Teenage Symphony
Saturday – Raised by Tigers / The Grass Fight

Hailey’s
Friday – Octopus Project / Kingfish / The Bracelets
Saturday – Pink Nasty / The Black / Toppie Haynes

J&J’s Pizza
Saturday – Stanton Meadowdale / Current Leaves

The Moon Bar
Saturday – Thief / Rose County Fair

Wreck Room
Saturday – Method Entertainment Presents: J Price / Hendrick / Red Monroe / Happy Bullets

#1 Pick
Granada Theater
Friday – Mara Lee Miller solo / Doug Burr / The Theater Fire / Baptist Generals

Today I was reminded of a conversation my girl-child relayed to me a few weeks back. It seemed that a couple of her friends had attended a show at Opening Bell (then Standard and Pours) and came back with phrases such as, “wow, what a cool place for music, it must have just opened” and “we found this paper that is so cool and knows all the great shows to see, it’s called the Dallas Observer or something…it must be brand new.”

I was reminded of this re-hash today because I literally drove a 5 mile radius around my ‘hood and could not find one damn copy. The closest thing I found was an empty Observer stand on the back side of Einstein’s on Coit and Arapaho. Don’t even bother with what you are about to say. I know it’s neither cool, nor hip to live out in North hell…er….Dallas, but it’s for the kiddies and ex-husbands and crap like that. But come on! I guess I’ll just have to stick to my online version – it’s just that sometimes I like to look at the pictures and see who is advertising.

This week, Jonanna Widner spills all kinds of whaddups like Granada Theater, Hourly Radio, shows-to-go, Old 97′s scoopage. Click and read.

Robert “Fingers of Fury” Wilonsky has much to say on the pending closure of yet another Deep Ellum venue. Click.

Darryl Smyers had an…um…well…charming conversation with The Lemonheads’ front-man, Evan Dando…

…Dando doesn’t want to mention any band by name, but adds, “All these guys talk in interviews like they’re fucking important.”

Don’t we all Evan, don’t we all. Read.

PS: The Lemonheads will perform at The Palladium on Saturday, February 10th with VietNam.

Jonanna’s review of last week’s show at the Granada (Black Tie Dynasty, Faux Fox, Smile Smile, The Crash that Took Me) has endeared her to me even more. I gotta toss back a few with that broad sometime soon. Read.

Last, but certainly most important, is this week’s Girl on Top. For you see, my darling, precious Andrea Grimes actually ventured across the line from hip and trendy, to a place where the Observer don’t roam freely – and wrote about it in this issue….

…Most kids there were having an emo blast, except for the various groups of girls who crouched below the comfortable waist-high ledge I was using to hide the view of my incredibly uncool boot-cut jeans. Apparently I’d taken up residence in the corner of text-message sorrow. Below me, girls with side-swept bangs would crouch, whip out their cell phones and let their thumbs fly across the keys, lighting into the boys who’d done ‘em wrong…

One of about 2 times in the history of my son’s “gigs” I had to do a drop and roll due to other family obligations that very night Andrea stood amongst the kiddies. Otherwise I’d have offered-up a toot from my always carefully concealed flask. Hey, it’s screamo dammit, you gotta do something to get through it. Read it.

…All the rest…

Like Daughter, like Shin….

DAUGHTER ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS THE SHINS

The Shins are pleased to announce upcoming dates in March. A limited number
of tickets have been held for The Shins fans and will be available through a
special presale. By buying tickets through our presale, you’ll be able to
get your tickets before anyone else AND save some money on service charges.
Presale tickets on sale this Saturday, February 10th at 1:00 PM local time..

To BUY TICKETS : CLICK HERE

Mar 05: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
Mar 06: Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater
Mar 07: Austin, TX @ The Backyard

To hear about the latest Shins news and updates: Click Here

The Shins latest release ‘Wincing The Night Away’ is in stores Now!

To see other shows available through Daughter Entertainment: CLICK HERE

The Fine Line is proud to announce our co-sponorship for:

Benefit for THE FAMILY GATEWAY CENTER
2-13-06 @ The GRANADA CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS
Doors at 7 Starts at 8PM
The Black Angels
White Ghost Shivers
Shanghai 5
The Tah-Dahs

(Film shorts will be screened in-between sets as well as a -visual performance by Hal Samples during The Black Angels’ set)

Tickets are $10 and $15 (17+)

Thank you in advance for your support.

Let’s chat a little more about tonight’s show at The Granada, shall we? Yes. Let’s.

Dougie shared a secret with me yesterday. A glorious secret. He pointed me to where all the tracks for his forthcoming album were hidden. He says, “do what you will Cindy. I know you will anyway.” He knows I can’t be trusted. Doug enlisted some of my other very, very, very, very favorite artists to perform on On Promenade including Amanda Shires (Thrift Store Cowboys), Todd Pertll (Amanda Leggett, Deadman), Glen Squibb (Current Leaves), Eric Neal (every band in Dallas) and Greg Vanderpool (Milton Mapes), so as you can see, we have quality out the wazoo.

Here are a couple of tunes for your listening pleasure…

“Promenade” by Doug Burr

“Travel Light” by Doug Burr

A really long time ago, I used to be the booking person for Doug Burr and The Lonelies. I remember it was way back in the early days that Doug mentioned he really wanted to get on the same bill as another band he really dug, The Theater Fire. I hadn’t heard of them, so I went in search, and lo and behold, I found more greatness.

Check out Dd for some really crazy great news about The Theater Fire and a lovely young lady, Jessica Peters, who is putting together an amazing documentary on Elliott Smith. This film (Future Butterflies) will include a rendition of Smith’s “Say Yes” performed by Theater Fire . You can take a listen over at Sam’s crib.

Bosque Brown aka Mara Lee Miller is a shining gem in a sea of gems. I remember a couple of years back hearing a mild rumbling about the amazingly talented singer/songwriter, then a nod from…who else…Sam Machkovech and I quickly opened my ears. What splendid things came forth from this delightful young artist.

“Fine Lines” by Bosque Brown

I have a thing for Chris Flemmons. He’s unintentionally really cool. When I’ve worked with him at the annual Rock Lottery, I always find myself gazing at him with awe and adoration…then he catches me and tells me to quit it. Never! So it’s like Christmas tonight at The Granada with The Baptist Generals also sharing the bill. Whatever I did to deserve this show, I’ll do it again and again.

“Raw” by The Baptist Generals

I’ll see you there tonight – I’ll be the one squealing with delight.

I know I mentioned that the pAper chAse was goin’ on a whirl-wind tour awhile back. And I’m pretty certain I mentioned that the brilliant John Congleton was helping bring us the new Explosions in the Sky album to our greedy little CD players – but I don’t think I mentioned that the 2 bands are touring together…*bam*…oh…sorry ’bout that, I just swooned and I hit my head on the desk…

* = Shows with Paper Chase & Explosions…

3/11 hattiesburg MS @ the thirsty hippo
3/13 atlanta GA @ lennys bar *
3/14 ashville NC @ grey eagle *
3/15 carrboro NC @ cats cradle *
3/16 charlottesville VA @ starr hill music hall *
3/17 washington DC @ 9:30 club *
3/18 phillidelpia PA @ starlite ball room *
3/19 hoboken NJ @ maxwells
3/20 new york NY @ webster hall/ bowery ball room *
3/21 boston MA @ the middle east (downstairs) *
3/23 montreal QUE @ ukrainian federation *
3/24 toronto ON @ opera house *
3/25 grand rapids MI @ the intersection
3/26 detriot MI @ st andrews hall *
3/27 north manchester IN @ the firehouse
3/28 chicago IL @ metro *
3/29 minneapolis MN @ first avenue *
3/30 omaha NE @ sokol underground*
3/31 lawerence KS @ the bottleneck *
4/02 dallas tx @ the granada *

“Day 4.mp3 from The Rescue

“We Know Where You Sleep” by The Paper Chase

A new feature film, STREET CRED is going to be filming Apr 2007. We need actors, actresses, models, rappers, and extras (party people) for nightclub & music recording studio scenes.

Please RSVP to this event

Casting call: Saturday FEB 10 & Saturday FEB 17 @ Club NV located at 7460 Callaghan Rd San Antonio, TX 78230 At 2pm both days. Please help us spread the word. We want the hottest girls & guys to represent 210 to the world. Out of town can email photo & info to casting@digitalmediaranch.com.

We need your help making the first Hip Hop movie with a little South West flava. STREET CRED is going to show the world what Hip Hop in 210 is all about. So if you’re an actor, actress, hip hop music artist, we want to know you. This movie is an action-comedy…think Miss Congeniality, Bad Boys, Beverly Hills Cop. Now think of what George Lopez would have done with it given a chance. Now mix-in a lot of hip hop, spittin, booty shaking, pimped-out cars, shoot-outs, nightlife, mixed martial arts, Latino flava and jacked-up comedic situations. We can’t give away all the secrets or tell you how we’re putting it together but you get an idea of where we’re going, right? We’re hook’n up with San Antonio’s exclusive club for VIPs…CLUB NV over on 7460 Callaghan Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230. CLUB NV’s VIP room is the new headquarters for STREET CRED. And ASHCRAFTS Mixed Martial Arts Gym at Crossroads Mall is helping us prepare for the fight scenes.

If you think you got the acting skillz, the hip hop look, the clothes, the sexy body, the right attitude, or maybe you got a tricked out Chevy Cobalt SS we’re looking to feature in the movie…then you need to get in touch with our us. Oh, we also have a few more positions for production crew and volunteer promo street teams. So get in touch. Quick! CHARACTER LIST Manny Heron – 25-32 yr old male Hispanic 5..s time zone. Carries vinyl break dance album and old refrigerator cardboard for impromptu break dance session. Recording Studio Party Rapper #1 Recording Studio Party Rapper #2 Hip Hop Group Background Dancer #1 Hip Hop Group Background Dancer #2 Pole Dancer #1 Black. Female. Heavy set. Pole Dancer #2 Female. Any race. Slim. Hip Hop Contest MC.

The love affair between QuickDFW and local lover-boys P.P.T. reaches an all new level as Valentine’s Day approaches. Check the cover of Quick today for the hip-hop darlings and then go here to check out their Heart-day gift to woman-kind. Props to Alex Kanakis for another durn fine music video…

…don’t forget to read the rest of Quick.

More ’bout this tomorrow, gotta pop some air-popped corn and get ready for Phyllis’ wedding on The Office….

Kirtland Records announced:

The Toadies will be playing 3 Texas dates:

MARCH 13 – AUSTIN, TX @ Stubbs
MARCH 14 – HOUSTON, TX @ Verizon Theatre
MARCH 17 – DALLAS, TX @ St. Patricks Day Parade (Greenville Ave.)

“Hell Below (me) Stars Above” by The Toadies