Thank Heaven above for my Alison. She’s runnin’ with the right crowd; the crowd I prefer meownself. This weekend, the girl done did it all…
…Saturday night four very special events occurred, that by themselves were neat, but together spawned an energy more powerful than I’ve seen in years, if ever.
I got to hang out at Space with a TON of fun people.
I saw all the hard work that everyone involved in Town Square put in pay off. (They had music, art, fashion show, break dancers, and that’s all I caught)…Gander more.
I’m not gonna lie. I’ve had my ups and downs living in another city…away from people I love and care about…away from people I could hang out with anytime I chose to leave North-effin-Dallas and head for parts south and/or east…I miss not feeling weird about going somewhere alone, and knowing that when I walked through the doors of my destination, there would be at least a handful of folks I knew, kinda knew, wanted to know or absolutely adored hangin’ out with every damn time I could.
I’ve had moments of sobs with no real instigation. Just moments in which I have sobbed uncontrollably at unexpected times, just for a few seconds, then the tears were gone in an instant. Like…how the weather-folks say…a…um…hell, I forget…you know, those weird rain showers that come when it’s sunny outside and last just a few moments or seconds, then fade away as if it never happened…
However, while watching the above video this late Sunday afternoon, I began to simply cry…and this time I understood why. I miss Bill’s Records on Spring Valley Road in Richardson, Texas. Hell…I miss Bill hisownself. I love that man. I love the times I spent at both his former said record store and the handful of times I spent at his new joint on Lamar. I miss the people I used to stand next to while enjoying some of the best of the best of Texas (and beyond) Country (and beyond) music at Bill’s in-stores.
I guess I’ve been kind of pushing the feeling of…well…feeling a little lost in the back of my brain and the way back of my heart, since this move from my hometown.
The truth is, the past couple of years I allowed some people into my musical world that meant harm from day one. FYI and for what it’s worth…nary a one was a musician. It soured me on Dallas…or as I’ve ranted and raged…THEY soured me on Dallas. But the truth is, only I can make me feel the way I wanna feel, those few don’t give a flyin’ f*ck how I feel. So that’s where I sit….and that’s what I know…and that’s what I’m choosing to practice…from here on out.
Because I’ve harbored such bitterness and “poor me” crap, in turn, I neglected the voice inside of me that was begging for some sort of validation that…crap…I’m going to miss Dallas….well…at least some stuff.
Don’t get me wrong, I love San Antone, my neighborhood and being so close to Austin and the Texas coast…but I miss my friends, my family and….well, I just miss it all…or at least some of it.
Tomorrow truly kicks off a whole new and different life. I settled the girl-child into her new college digs this weekend. She’s safe. She’s happy. She’s uber-excited about her future, as am I.
The boy-child starts his new school year at his new school tomorrow, and he’s simply giddy with enthusiastic anticipation, as am I.
When my children are happy, safe and settled, I tend to become more creative and adventurous and excited about my possibilities too….and while I’m truly thankful for today….I absolutely cannot wait for tomorrow….
I honestly can’t recall how, where and when I first met Brooks Kendall. ‘Twas a long time ago, way back in my early DdFW music scene days. I do, however, remember that we hit it off instantly. There were many nights we spoke at length over many a cocktail and stolen smokes. I like that kid, and if I was 20-years younger…well…ya know.
Brooks and I did a lot of bookings back and forth with the various bands and/or clubs we booked for and then he jumped on the Rodney Parker bandwagon which now occupies much of his time. Great band, by the way, a FineLineLive highly recommended must-see.
“Just the Sounds” by Rodney Parker and 50 Peso Reward
A few years back Brooks handed me a copy of his brother’s, Joey Kendall, burned CD and I must say, I fell instantly in love. Still am. I still haul that burned copy around with me listening to it a lot. Funny thing is though, I don’t know the name of one single track. It was a homemade copy. I think Joey moved off to L.A. for awhile, but from what I can tell, he’s back in Denton and giggin’ hard.
“Unknown Track 4″ by Joey Kendall
There’s another brother too, Andrew, whom I believe is an artist. Lotta talent comin’ outta that family, more than I knew until now…
MY GRANDFATHER, CW KENDALL, IS IN A BAND. THEY HAVE A SHOW COMING UP IN LATE OCTOBER AND THEY’VE MADE A MYSPACE PAGE TO PROMOTE. IF THE HISTORY INTERESTS YOU, YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT. ADD THEM AS A FRIEND AND COME TO THE SHOW. THANKS. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BIGBEATSBAND
The Big Beats formed in 1957. In 1958 they were the first 50′s Rock & Roll Band to sign with Columbia Records and were an instant hit with their performance on Dick Clark’’s American Band Stand. In 1962 the band signed with Liberty Records and became one of the favorite artists of their time touring with many of the Super Stars – including Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Johnny Cash, Gene Vincent, Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox, Ricky Nelson, Sonny James and Bobby Darrin. The Five Piece group toured successfully for more than 20 years with various band members.
I Googled “C.W. Kendall Jr.” and it turns out he performed with Buddy Holly…a lot. All those times spent talking about our lives, our loves, our families, and Brooks never mentioned this little fact. Hell, he was even a guest host on the TexasRadio1 show Chris Gonzalez and I did and never mentioned it.
So I’m going to round up Reid and all the Kendall boys, including Grampa Kendall and The Big Beats, and we are going to do one helluva “Inside the Mind,” this time on video. Check back wit’ me later.
I’m willing to bet the house I’ve bumped into or spilled beer on or actually spoken with Bobby Rambo. We’ve certainly run in the same Texas music circles the past few years, Bobby performing with such greats as Larry Joe Taylor, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn, Bob Livingston, and Lord knows who else.
So the band is getting back together to celebrate their 50th Anniversary and you, my darlings, should be there for it. Scoopage to follow…
Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward on Tour
August 31 – Barton Springs Grill – Houston, TX
September 1 – Grace Live – Ft. Worth, TX
September 21 – The Cavern – Dallas, TX
September 22 – Dan’s Silverleaf – Denton, TX
October 5 – AutmusFest PreParty – Laredo, TX
October 6 – The Auslander – Fredericksburg, TX
October 12 – Andy’s Bar – Denton, TX – w/ Whiskey Folk Ramblers
November 10 – White Elephant Saloon – Ft. Worth, TX
November 16 – Granada Theater – Dallas, TX – w/ Charlie Robison
November 23 – Continental Club – Houston, TX – w/Jaime & the Hellcats
“Shake” by Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward
Joey Kendall on Tour
September 1st – Chat Room Pub in Fort Worth
September 6th – Andy’s Bar in Denton
September 22nd – Mt. Righteous in Lake Dallas
October 6th – TBA in San Marcos (will I be there? Hell yeah!)
Joey Kendall Performs at a New Year’s Party that was way to cool for me to be invited
Why? To expose some of DFW’s best up and coming bands and artists.
How? BY HELL OR HIGH WATER!
How much? A measley $5 for 9 hours of wonderful art and music. It is also BYOB for your (and your wallet’s) pleasure.
This event does not have any sponsers. It is not being hosted by any major profit oriented Dallas venue which normally hosts bands. Everything was set up and all the expenses came out of the pocket of a very small group of people…who really did break their budget to make this thing happen. Come out and support what supporting your local culture is really all about. You know when people say “Support local music!” or “Support local arts!”…..this is what they were talking about.
Free wine and food from 3pm to 6pm while it lasts. Free sodas while they last. Feel free to donate some food and drinks for everyone!
Lately I tend to forget to click over to the Dallas Observer on my usual Thursdays or Fridays. However, I do like to check in on Jesse Hughey, Darryl Smyers and Noah Bailey most weeks….and of course the divine Ms. Andrea Grimes.
I’m sitting here in an Austin hotel room with nothin’ to do for a couple of hours, so I did one of my other weekly routines and clicked over to We Shot JR. I like that blog. Mostly cuz they are kinda assholey in the way I prefer assholes to be…like intelligent/intellectual-ee types. Plus, I learn about music and stuff that I’m just too old and tired to go seek out on my own. Most of all, though, I love the commentors on WSJR. Not like them, love them. There’s really no other more entertaining place to lurk than in the comment rooms over at JR’s.
So anyway, long story long, I was over there today reading comments blasting a post penned by “Jonanna Widener,” which I’m pretty sure isn’t Jonanna Widner, cuz I’m quite certain the girl knows how to spell her own name. This reminded me to go check out this week’s Dallas Observer music section in hopes that something of interest might have found its way in there this week, and lo and behold, it did.
…Erv Karwelis, owner of Dallas-based Idol Records, says his overall sales have increased every year since he started the label. Idol is home to national acts that include The Fags and Sponge, as well as locals including Black Tie Dynasty, [DARYL] and Flickerstick.
Karwelis is a veteran of the music industry, with experience on both sides of the major/indie divide. He started Idol as a hobby label while he worked in artist development, marketing and sales for Sony Music.
“My situation’s way different than them, fortunately, but that can end any time,” Karwelis says.
Karwelis will be the first to tell you that CD sales are declining. Idol’s growth is mostly due to the label’s expansion; more artists means more sales, even if individual artists aren’t selling as well as they might have years ago. Owning the back catalog of steady sellers such as Centro-matic and Old 97′s helps too.
Karwelis has long recognized the importance of revenue other than CD sales, such as licensing songs for television. In fact, he says, “record” sales—”record” meaning vinyl or CD—make up the smallest source of revenue for his label…Read it.
More mentions about more folks I’m particuarly proud and fond of also made this same article by Jesse Hughey…
…”You go on these blogs, and everyone’s got a real fun fucking opinion of what Denton, Texas, is that has nothing to do with what’s going on,” Porter says. “That was one of the things that started it, was we were looking at what Bella Union was doing, and they’re getting all this international press, and it’s like, ‘What, you guys have been here twice? And once was seven years ago?’…I think there’s a lot more going on than what they see, and I think a lot of it is superior quality.”
Other than providing a foil to Bella Union, the guys’ ambitions don’t extend much beyond putting out good music from a tight-knit collective of friends. They don’t expect to get rich or even quit the day jobs that provide the frustrations they channel into their music. Particularly telling of this laid-back approach was an anecdote Porter told about Secret Headquarters, the DIY venue he, Cody Robinson and Rob Black operate from the former Art Prostitute location. Someone once asked why he wasn’t applying for a liquor license. “Then we’d have to sell beer,” he responded.
Like a team of superheroes, everyone in the TXMF camp contributes a special skill or two; as we spoke over beers at Dan’s Silverleaf, J.C. worked at a laptop on a flier for an upcoming show…READ.
Driving to Austin this morning, I picked up KGSR 107.1 just in time to hear a tune by….*swooooooon*…Bob Schneider, “Come with me Tonight” in anticipation of a really cool free concert series the station hosts on Lake Travis. So once I helped the girl-child get semi-settled and after she nonchalantly demanded I leave her to her friends, I logged on to find out more about the Sunday show.
Being that Monday is the first day of the boy-child’s new school, I dunno if I’ll make the trek back to Austin for this Sunday shindig, but lemme tell ya kids, if youse in Austin or near Austin or wanna come to Austin, this Sunday’s show is a not-to-miss.
Not only is my future baby’s daddy Bob Schneider performing, but so is another one of my top 5 favorite bands, Deadman. WhaddaWonderfulWay to spend a Sunday, eh?
Speaking of my beloved Deadman, it looks as though I’ve missed some changes as of late. I’ve left word with Steven to update me on what’s-what in Deadman land, but from what I’ve learned thus far Todd Pertll is still joining the band on-stage (yay!): Pedal Steel Guitar, Backing Guitar John Michael Schoepf: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocal, Bass Pedals Josh Garner: Drums, sometimes: Brandon “Chief” Rosas: Basses, Backing Vocal and Pete Coatney: still on Drums. My only question is, where the hell is Sherilyn?
The skinny…
Friday, August 24th The Aardvark in Fort Worth
Bob Schneider / Calhoun (we luvs us some Calhoun too)
In an hour or so I’m hittin’ the road with the girl-child to settle her into her new college digs. The whole world feels very surreal about now. There’s some sort of luau for the kids and us old folks tonight, then I’ll be sent on my way so’s the girl-child can begin her new life. I’m hoping for a Phil Lee sighting since our young’un’s are attending the same school. We’ll see.
“Moon June Spoon” by Spot
I went ahead and booked a hotel room in Austin, so if I’m not too tear-stain ridden, I might hit a show. Just a few ideas…
Salim Nourallah is one of my favorite humans on earth. His music has touched me, and actually often helps me, to the very core of my soul.
I also adore the man as a friend and always feel warm and happy even being in his presence. So I spend a lot of time over at his blog, adoring his every entry. Like the one below. How cool to have Salim as a dad and Gavin as a kid….
gavin has a new obsession
ex-pulp leader
jarvis cocker
for starters
he calls him “charmis”
i can’t go 3 minutes in the car
without a request from the backseat
to play charmis
“don’t let him waste your time is my favorite song dadda!”
if i try and listen to something else
gavin will keep repeating
“charmis – dadda – charmis – play charmis please dadda”
i would have to be heartless to not give in
to his pleas
“play it LOUD dadda”
so then we have listen to
“don’t let him…”
“black magic”
and “heavy weather”
in succession
over and over again
no skipping
LOUD
he’s recently made the keen observation
that charmis and i share the same taste
in eyewear
so he politely asks me for my glasses
so that he can stand like charmis does
on the front cover
i’ve included a pic
for your amusement
last night i was thrilled to see
that later with jools holland
was having jarvis on as a guest
i couldn’t wait to see how G would react
to seeing his new musical hero
come to life on the big screen
this morning i told him
i had a “special treat” for him
the “special treat” is usually some sort of candy
so he was very confused when i revealed charmis
on TV as the “treat”
but he instantly got down to a serious thumb suck
as he watched charmis lay down his moves
and grooves
including a marvelous spanking of his own bottom
which gavin fully appreciated
as he is also currently very interested in
well…
butts
The Star of the Night, Gavin Nourallah Performs with Jayson Bales – Live at Jovita’s – Man I love that kiddo…
Every year, for like a lotta years, my pal Chris “Muellah” throws his own dang birthday bash at Barley House, bringing some of his (and mine) favorite bands to the Barley stage. This annual event goes down again this weekend, and it’s just as brilliant as years past…
Friday, August 24th Granada Theater
Radiant / Salim Nourallah (CD Release) / The Slack (CD Release) / Johnny Lloyd Rollins / Rahim Quazi (solo set)
Okay, so Chris sort of hijacked this show and is callin’ it his own, but wouldn’t you do the same? Dang I wish I could be here.
Saturday, August 25th Barley House
The Chemistry Set / the cut*off / Rahim Quazi (solo set)
Again, DAMMIT! I wish I could be here!
If you are like me and you need mo’ Ross, mo’ Ross, mo’ Richard Ross, then wander over to The Sub-Rosa and gander the interview Ms. Alison put forth…now, if you please.
This morning a caller…um…called in to the show praising MC Router, and in turn the cast played a snippet of one of her tunes. ‘Twas a nice moment for me.
Yeah, so I woke up in a bad mood again…where the hell do you get those chill-pills anyway? I think it’s residual fury over Cas coming in second last night on America’s Got Talent. WTF? Add to that, the puppet dude who won kept saying, ad nauseum, how “he wants to be the one to bring ventriloquism to America.” Dude, ever heard of Jeff Dunham? He’s also from Dallas. He’s also a ventriloquist. He’s already been featured on HBO, TNN, Good Morning America, Ellen, the Tonight Show, David Letterman and has an upcoming special on Comedy Central.. HE already “brought ventriloquism to America.” Bah. I’m bitter. Cas shoulda won.
I’m also head-bitch today cuz I get crazed when I venture over to my friend’s blog, only to find that he is in the position of possibly having to move and having to close up shop on his project because he’s yet to be paid for one helluva lot of work, time and his money spent. WTF? PAY THE MAN!
Did I mention Cas got screwed?
…harrumph…I’m gonna go soak my head and come back with nicer things to report…
Geezallooza…I just almost forgetted that today is J.D.’s boithday! I wish I could put into words how much I adore this man, first as a longtime friend, first as a tremendous talent and second as…hmmmm…I only have firsts….
Happy birthday J.D., I hope it’s the bestest yet, with more better ‘un’s to come…I love you kiddo!
“Secrets That You Keep” by J.D. Whittenburg (one of my particular faves)
While I’m still completely baffled as to where to begin to understand the Alamo City music scene, my knowledge of the St. Louis music scene continues to expand.
The first thing one notices about Jumbling Towers is singer-keyboardist Joe DeBoer’s voice — which sounds like that of a pilled-up British dandy, a cross between Syd Barrett’s manic observations and Robyn Hitchcock’s slightly devilish whispers. It’s an act, to be sure, but no more of an act than Jarvis Cocker’s preening affectations. On the band’s self-titled debut album, there are plenty of moments when it’s easy to think that Jumbling Towers is the next young, well-coiffed British group, rather than four Midwesterners. And in a way, that’s the charm of this band — DeBoer is living proof that not every rock singer in St. Louis has Jay Farrar’s drowsy drawl. Some actually emote!…read it all.
Even though I’ve been called a cheerleader and I tend to keep negative crap semi-off this site (and my former site), it’s still relatively rare that I really like an album upon the first 45-seconds or so of a listen. Jumbling Towers’ self-titled album is a rarity then. It took hold of me right outta the chute.
Just as Christian writes, if I hadn’ta known these kids were from St. Louis, I’d have figured I was getting music from across the pond. This CD is funky, but not funk, experimentalish, quirky, fun, interesting and just the right amount of eccentricity throughout.
The other St. Louie CD that found its way into my mailbox is another gem by the band The Hibernauts. It seems, after doin’ a little searchin’ around, that all 3 bands GAH, Jumbling Towers and The Hibernauts are, not only good pals, but work together from time to time.
…Now, a solid combination of humor and intelligence doesn’t automatically make a band good. But for the Hibernauts, booming personalities go hand-in-hand with a dynamic live show and inventive songwriting — and an ever-increasing positive buzz around town. The new Periodic Fable should only help matters: It’s one of the best local releases of the year to date. Fable is difficult to pigeonhole, although echoes of classic well-constructed Britpop, Sloan’s lush power-pop, the droning dourness of the Walkmen and the jagged quirks of Modest Mouse are all present.
More important, each of the disc’s seven songs feel like driving down a winding road, a path full of so many twists and turns you’re not sure what’s around the next corner. “Into the Storm/Out to the Sea,” for instance, starts with an insidiously catchy keyboard melody that winds around kicky, danceable rhythms; the middle section features sharper, strident harmonies and prominently plucked guitar notes; and the end evolves into an atmospheric mood piece with ambience reminiscent of Flaming Lips. (The dreamy, wistful vocals especially conjure Wayne Coyne.)…read it all.
Annie pretty much sums it up. This is another fun album that’ll find and keep its place in my CD player for a long long time. I’m kinda bankin’ that all 3 bands will hit town sooner rather than later…
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