Carter
Posted by Cindy on September 3rd, 2007
Sam called me today. I knew the moment I listened to his message that something was terribly wrong. It is terrible and wrong.
There’s some shitty Dallas Morning News blurb. I won’t link to it because, for one, I don’t know enough about what happened, for two, they don’t know enough about what happened….shit…Carter, I love you…
FUCK!
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Jesus.
Honestly, I’m not sure it’s an overstatement when I say two words almost always come to my mind when I consider the phrase “Dallas music”: Carter Albrecht. He was everything Dallas music could and should aspire to…unpretentious, mind-bogglingly talented – both as a musician and a songwriter – and by all accounts a really good guy.
I never had the pleasure to meet Carter, but lord knows I saw him play a zillion times. The world of Sorta/Sparrows (for the short time that both coexisted) was always really fascinating to me because the amount of talent in those bands was so staggering. But more important than that, talent ALWAYS took a backseat to the music…the songs. I’ve always thought Ward Williams is the best guitar player in Dallas, but he gets recognized most for his steel/slide playing. Same with Carter. Everybody knew he could play the shit out of any instrument you put in front of him. He wasn’t adequate or good…he was brilliant. Yet, personally, I always thought his most underrated talent was his voice. His lead vocals on the Sparrows album…I honestly remember my jaw dropping when I heard him sing “Rock and Roll Days” for the first time. And I always got goosebumps when hearing it thereafter…
Tragic. I’m speechless.
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Cindy,
First of all, a big hug. You need it, we at TGS need it, our whole little music loving subculture needs it.
You summed it up perfectly with, “FUCK!” I couldn’t agree more.
We’ve taken our website dark out of respect and affection for Carter, and we’d love to see every local music blog do the same. Carter more than deserved as much. If you have the editorial control to do that, please consider it. If you have that but don’t have the technical chops actually to do it as we have, email me and I’ll help you out.
Life is so precious and short. Anything we can do for you, Cindy, let us know. And no shuffling off this mortal coil without knowing how appreciated you are. Because, well, you are.
-c
September 4th, 2007 at 12:54 am
We’re all terribly saddened by the news about Carter!
We attended an impromptu gathering at Barley House tonight. Many friends, bandmates, and admirers were in attendance. The amount of love, grief, and stories were overwhelming.
I didn’t know Carter as well as I should have, but really admired his witty sense of humor, and amazing musicianship.
It’s important to respect the memory of Carter, his family, and friends. Broadcast news and papers have already sensationalized the story, but right now it’s time to remember Carter and the great contributions he’s made.
You will be missed…
September 4th, 2007 at 7:38 am
Well said Reid and Danny, I think of the words of Ecclesiastes, made famous in song:
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
now is a time to mourn
blessings and peace my friends
September 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Can’t believe it. Carter pics on my blog. Can’t believe those will be are there are…. and all the ones in my mind won’t ever be taken.