Fine Line: February, 2008

Since the boy-child picked up a guitar about 5 years ago, I’ve spent many a night in all-ages clubs. Many, many, many a night. Most notably, The Door. The boys managed to land quite a few gigs at the Door, which meant that I, as their roadie, would soon call it home.

The only time I’ve been in the Door’s new location (the former Gypsy Tea Room), since the change, was for Art Conspiracy. Tonight might be my second.

I have to admit, that if someone walked up to me right now and said Asleep at the Wheel and Deadman are performing tonight in Dallas, I would have replied, “oh really? Where? Sons? Poor David’s? The Granada?” Nope, the Door. Which, by the way, is a perfect spot for this crazy-ass-Grammy-winning-Texas-Swing band to perform, cuz there’s plenty of boot-scootin’ room.

Over the course of the last 37 years, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have boldly defied the fickle lures of the mainstream — and thrived — by sticking to their noble cause of keeping that distinctly American of art forms, western swing, alive and kicking. Along the way, they’ve been awarded nine Grammys, entertained millions and won praise and admiration from the likes of Willie Nelson to Bob Dylan, George Strait to Van Morrison. Asleep at the Wheel has been called the “post-modern kings of western swing,” and given their storied history, it is a title that few would question.

Asleep at the Wheel is an American musical institution: a kinship of like-minded musicians (over 80 members to date) united under Benson’s crusade to carry the torch of big band western swing music into the 21st century. Case and point is the latest lineup, which is not only spectacularly talented but also noticeably youthful. As Ray reflects, “It is amazing to me at this point in 2006 compared to 1970 when I started the band. My whole intent was to bring the music back to my generation. We’ve done what we set out to do and it’s just grown. Now, we have a whole new generation doing it, and we have a whole new band.”

The result is the brand new CD Reinventing the Wheel, the first feature release from the band in seven years and a fitting title for the band’s return to its roots, albeit with some fresh faces. As newest member and vocalist Elizabeth McQueen suggests, “…it’s come full circle and it’s back to that original review concept of Asleep at the Wheel, with lots of different styles of music and different singers trading off, which makes it really great.” –John Wooley

Another FineLineFave, Heather Knox, was supposed to perform tonight too, but a MySpace bulletin is circulating that she’s had to cancel. Sucks for me. However, what we still have here kiddies, is a top-notch show…

Friday, February 29th
The Door
Deadman / Asleep at the Wheel
7:30 PM - $25.00

Just across the hall, over at the Prophet Bar, they are hosting a Benefit Concert honoring the late Larry Norman, who recently passed away due to a heart related problems…

One of the pioneers of Contemporary Christian music, Larry Norman has remained a stubbornly independent artist for more than three decades. Best known for such gospel-infused rock tunes as “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” and “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus,” he has recorded an impressive body of work that combines witty topical statements of faith with an expert sense of pop/rock songwriting. Beyond his own performing career, Norman has sponsored other talented Christian artists as a label owner and record producer. Despite battling serious health problems in recent years, he has continued to release CDs through his record company, Solid Rock.

Friday, February 29th
Prophet Bar
Larry Norman Tribute and Benefit Concert
8 PM - $7-$10
Tribute bands playing his songs, open mic as well. Portions of the proceeds will go to Larry’s family to help with medical bills.

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Well hallefreakinlujah! Goodwin finally crawled out of the studio and produced another damn great album! The celebration begins tonight at the Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth with an all-star line-up.

Friday, February 29th
Ridglea Theater
Goodwin CD Release w/ The Backsliders / The Me-Thinks / Sunday Drive
Doors at 8 PM - $10-$13

If you miss this one, you’ll not only hate yourself, but you’ll find yourself hating puppies and kittens too.

Saturday, March 1st at the Ridglea - Built to Spill / Meat Puppets / Helvitia

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It’s a Picnic Party tonight at Zubar! Picnic + Party = Perfect!

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Darryl Smyers and I have already been touting the talents of Crushed Stars. Add in Stumptone…and Pleasant Grove…and whaddayaget? Brilliance.

Oh, and this is 1 of 2 farewell to Marcus Striplin shows before that boy takes off for New York. Not to miss.

Saturday, March 1st
The Double-Wide
Stumptone / Pleasant Grove / Crushed Stars
9 PM

Friday, February 29th at the Double Wide - Spivey / Hello Lover / We Heart the Violence

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More Shows…

Adair’s
Saturday - Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash
Sunday - Adair’s 45th Birthday Bash with Macon Greyson (2 PM)

AllGood Cafe
Friday - Cricket Taylor / Jonathan Tyler / Jonathan Lacey
Saturday - New Bohemians

Club Dada
Saturday - New Frontiers / Gazelles / Quiet Company / Homer Hiccolm

City Tavern
Friday - Taylor Davis & Friends
Saturday - Spoiled Royals / The Murgatroyds / Shand

Bend Studio
Friday - Dan Dyer CD Release

Granada Theater
Friday - Outformation / Scott McCurry Band
Saturday - Asylum Street Spankers (Early Show at 6 PM) / Jonathon Tyler & the Northern Lights / The Campaign (Doors at 9 PM)

The Cavern
Friday Sunward / Wonderfool / The Burgundys / Collin Cable - Doors at 9 PM - $6.00
Saturday - Language Room / Feeding 5000 / Dertybird - Doors at 9 PM - $6.00
Sunday - Ricki Derek (Upstairs - 10 PM - Free)

Barley House
Friday - Sparklepussy Barbie / big loo
Saturday - Airline / The Fieros

White Rock Coffee
Friday - Chris Holt / Dave Little
Saturday - Blue Petal / Rahim Quazi

Love & War (Plano)
Friday - Brian Burns

Obzeet
Friday - Drop Top Rockets

Hank’s Texas Grill
Friday - Mark David Manders
Saturday - Wayne “the Train” Hancock

Dan’s Silverleaf
Friday - Billy Joe Shaver / Willie Dees

Hailey’s
Friday - Leslie & the Ly’s / MC Router / Sticky Buns
Saturday - Liquid Bounce / The Logic

Rubber Gloves
Friday -Jucifer / The Monarch / Silene
Saturday - American Werewolf Academy / Swedish Teens / Record Hop *Highly recommended

The Aardvark
Friday - Tiffany Shea / Psycles / Lovie / Patrice Pike
Saturday - Calhoun CD Release / Frontier Brothers / One Lone Car / Sean Russell

Lola’s
Friday - The Drams / Lifters / Whiskey Folk Ramblers
Saturday - Sam Anderson & the Thrift Store Troubadours / David Matsler / Kristina Morland

Scat Lounge
Friday - Reverend Organ Drum
Saturday - Mike Vax / Bobby Breaux Quintet

The Moon Bar
Friday - Catfish Whiskey w/ Electric Mudd
Friday - Hosty Duo

White Elephant
Friday - Mama Sweet
Saturday - Rodney Hayden

Woody’s Tavern
Friday - Austin Collins
Saturday - Macon Greyson / Charlie Shafter

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In-Stores

Friday, February 29th
Good Records
Free In-Store
Airline CD Release
7 PM - Free

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Radio…

Saturday
KTCU 88.7 - Radio Sputnik
Tune in at noon!

Sunday

The Local Show on KDGE 102.1 The Edge with the always hot ‘n hunky Chris Ryan - Tune in at 9:00 PM

The Front Porch on 99.5 The Wolf with the better ‘n buttah Justin Frazell - 6:00 PM

The Good Show on KTCU - 88.7 FM with my fave 3 stooges Tom U. Tony Diaz & Chris Bellomy starts at 9:00 PM.

90.1 at Night with my mentor Paul Slavens - 8-10 PM

Uncut with DJ Steve Nice - The absolute best in local Rap/Hip-hop/R&B 11 PM - K104 FM

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Artsy-Fartsy

I’m going to defer to my dear friend over at the Sub-Rosa for all your art-going needs. The chick knows her sh*t. Use her site often.

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My mailbox has had a good couple of weeks. I’ve opened’er up wide to find two incredibly splendid CDs. Both, perfect for road-trips to…oh…say…Austin and back…or anywhere else in the country for that matter. One of which I’ll tell ya about later, and one of which I’ll gush over now.

One of my favorite sites, and most definitely a daily read, is my friend Patrick’s fantastic site, This is Texas Music. I’ve had the good fortune to hang with Patrick on many an occasion, and I’ve come to think of him as a friend, as well as a great writer and lover of good music.

Over the years, Patrick has introduced me to some fantastic bands (White Ghost Shivers, Graham Weber, Black Water Gospel/The Century…just to name a few), including one Mr. Austin Collins. And it’s Austin Collins who just dropped a brand new beauty this week, Roses are Black.

If there is any one genre that makes this ol’ gal feel happy, excited and at home, it’s that little place in-between the Rootsy, Folksy, Americana, Alt.Country genres. It’s a combination of all, with a dash of rock thrown in here and there. That’s Austin Collins.

Roses are Black brings to mind such influences as Son Volt and Whiskeytown, with some slight hints of Centro-matic. No surprise on the last one, since Will Johnson produced the album, as well as performed on it. Aside from rock star band members, Dylan McDougall, Craig Bagby and Troy Wilson - Collins brought in the big guns for additional support on the album, like Scott Melott (Dead End Angels, The Groobees), Eleanor Whitmore (Slaid Cleaves, Bruce Robison, Susan Gibson, Lloyd Maines, Terri Hendrix), Will Johnson (Centro-matic, South San Gabriel), and the impossibly talented Todd Pertll (Doug Burr, Deadman, Kristy Kruger, The Monahans, Cowboys & Indians, Thrift Store Cowboys…oh hell, I could go on for days), all of whom helped round out a gritty, thoughtful, instrumentally driven album, chock full of thought-provoking lyrics and pleasing melodies.

I ain’t no critic. I ain’t no writer. But I can tell you this, if you be a fan of the Son Volts or the Macon Greysons, or pretty much all of his label-mates on Fat Caddy Records,, then you will be a fan of Roses are Black. I know this CD ain’t a’gonna leave my CD changer anytime soon.

Go see the boys live tonight!

Friday, February 29th
Woody’s Tavern
10 PM

“Roses are Black” by Austin Collins

There are a couple of DdFW venues that I pretty much never question as to whether or not it will be a worthwhile, quality show. Said venues have a proven track record, plus, I’ve done my homework.

One such venue is AllGood Cafe. Even if I’ve never heard of the artist, Mike Snider always adds links to the artist’s websites and/or MySpace pages, along with some descriptive commentary, so we can make up our own minds if it’s worth a trip to Deep Ellum. It usually is worth the trip.

This morning, I was hipped about the show tonight at AllGood by my friend Allison V. Smith. That was enough for me to check out Ms. Amy Cook formyownself…

*Everybody knows the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas, and the celestial has always been proudly represented in Lone Star culture, be it bands (Explosions in the Sky), sports (Houston Astros) or the state nickname itself. Amy Cook also sees something unique up there, but the alt-folk singer-songwriter isn’t content simply marveling at the enormity of what lies beyond earth. On The Sky Observer’s Guide—written in a prolific four-week gush—she tells simple, bittersweet, earthbound stories, refracted through the panoramic scope of the heavens. Things like this happen when you leave the industrial clamor of L.A. for a humble, weirdly-named West Texas town like Marfa.

“I named the record at the very end after I realized, going back on all these songs, there’s a song about an eclipse [‘Coming Home’], one called ‘Bright Colored Afternoons’—it really was all about the sky, the weather, the planets, the stars,” Cook confirms.

“Marfa’s nothing but open sky and a million stars and I think that got me on those sort of analogies—thinking about the bigger picture of it all, putting yourself in the place of just being here on this planet, where you can cover the moon with the tip of your thumb like an eclipse. It doesn’t make you feel insignificant, but it changes your perspective to be somewhere with a wide-open sky.”

Although her songs popped up all over the teen drama continuum (Dawson’s Creek, Laguna Beach, Veronica Mars), Cook grew weary of the industry grind in 2005 and packed up for Austin. Along the way she took a timeout in Marfa and met Leisha Hailey of Showtime’s acclaimed original series The L Word. The actress and the songwriter made fast friends; Hailey not only got Cook her best show placement of all (“The one on The L Word is my favorite because [Leisha’s character] was doing a radio show and she said, ‘That was Amy Cook on Marfa Records,’ which was better than being background music at a party somewhere,”) but encouraged her to write The Bunkhouse Recordings (slated for re-release this year with bonus live tracks), a full-length so intimate that Cook and her acoustic are backed by chirping crickets and a restless dog. Falling in love with Marfa—a quirky convergence of Mexican-Americans, artists and musicians where Ray’s, the bar with the “best coffee in the world” is inexplicably called Lucy’s—was inevitable.

“For me, [Marfa] is one of the last places around where you can actually make small dreams come true,” says Hailey. “You feel like a pioneer: no judgment, no expectations. I was looking for someone willing to take the dive with me in this new label. When I heard Amy, it all became clear to me. I hadn’t heard someone with a voice like that unless I paid a high ticket price for it.”

Cook claims she excels in a community of collaboration and the gorgeous packaging to The Sky Observer’s Guide backs up the sentiment. Artist Amy Adler, who had previously curated Joni Mitchell’s only sanctioned art show, fashioned five 5X5 sepia renderings of Cook, in turn providing stories that inspired the deeply personal narratives.

“I think she feels a tiny bit trapped by the idea that art doesn’t have sound,” Cook notes of Adler, “so she wanted to do a project that kind of combined the two things, where the art influenced the music and the music influenced the art.
In the end we really did inform each other in so many ways. I don’t think I would’ve written the album without her, and she wouldn’t have done these pieces.

“At first she would send me stories about her life—which were really, really beautiful—and they just set something off. I toyed with writing about her, then I decided that these songs were really about me. Not that we have completely similar life experiences, but it was just certain things that she said and the way that she wrote them. She was writing a lot about her father, which got me writing about my grandmother.”

That reminiscence, “Pearl,” is beautifully typical of Cook’s oeuvre, soaked in delay, slide and strum, abetted by guitarist Brad Rice, bassist Bobby Daniel and drummer Nina Singh. From the upbeat drawl of “The Answer” to the sparse, cautiously optimistic “Sunshine,” The Sky Observer’s Guide is beset with an epic light and dark representative of its creator.

“The songs might be melancholy, but there’s always something sort of hopeful about them,” she shrugs. “Probably because it’s the way that I am.”

Quite an intriguing young woman. I found myself floating up into the swirl of Amy’s voice and finding truth and understanding in her lyrics. She’s my kind of singer-songwriter. If I can get a pass from the boy-child to go out for a bit on a school night, you’ll find me at AllGood Cafe.

Here’s the dealio:

Thursday, February 28th
AllGood Cafe
Amy Cook / Amelia White (who is durn fine as well)
9 PM - $10 Cover

* Photo of Amy Cook by Allison V. Smith

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‘Twas my long-lost-partner in crime, Andrew Hime, who insisted that I make the drive back to Dallas, from Denton, then back to Denton, to see Octopus Project at the former Good Records location on Good Latimer. For you see, I was “covering” Rock Lottery that same day, so I was in Denton by about 9 AM. However, I have infinite trust in the musical taste of Mr. Hime, so I made the drive….and I’ve thanked him everyday since.

A group of young noise-rock musicians moves into a old, ghost-filled house and sets up shop. Though the spooks are at first rattled by the blasts of guitar feedback and unhinged drummery, they soon begin to share their own beautiful, otherworldly melodies with the band and discover a musical common ground. As the group, ghosts included, fills the neighborhood with strange, electrifying sounds, curious neighbors and passers-by find themselves drawn to the rumbling, hypnotic rhythms emanating from the old dwelling. And so you find yourself here, outside the house, where a sort of Tim Burton block party is unfolding. Come on inside. The Octopus Project is just getting started..

It’s all in the details:

Thursday, February 28th
Lola’s
Octopus Project / Mount Righteous
Doors at 9 PM - $12 Cover

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More notable nuggets:

Double-Wide - Prince William Benefit w/The Party / Faux Fox / Hawatha Hurd and several others

Absinthe Lounge - Big J (Clever Monkeys) does that spin thang

City Tavern - Chris Holt

House of Blues - State Radio / Citizen Cope

The Cavern - Scarily Terrible (The Freekout) / Klickitat

Granada Theater - Chris Duarte / Tracy Conover

Dan’s Silverleaf - Gordie Tentrees / Indio Saravanja

Hailey’s - 80’s Night with DJ G

Rubber Gloves - 1-800-Zombie / Zechs Marquise / Icarus Crane

Scat Lounge - The Paul Unger Trio

White Elephant - Blake & Fallon

First thing I read this morning, after my second Sugar-Free Red Bull, was this week’s Dallas Observer Music section. To be precise, Pete Freedman’s article on last weekend’s Melodica Fest…*nervous laughter ensued*…

I’ve written, re-written and re-written again, my thoughts on both sides of his article. Frankly, I wasn’t there for any of it, rather I was at parent’s weekend in Austin with the girl-child. I don’t know Wanz Dover, nor who is behind the anonymous WeShotJR, both of whom were involved in bringing Melodica to fruition. However, I think, across the board, that everyone (including Pete) is in agreement that the Melodica lineup, and the idea as a whole, was interesting, exciting and quite excellent.

The commenters are crawling out of every nook and cranny…

“Good job on failing to report about the MUSIC at a MUSIC festival. Not one mention on any bands that played melodica. Oh well another opportunity the observer squandered.”

“what a wasted opportunity for the dallas observer you could have turned the tide by actually writing about local music”

“Go fuck yourself dude.”

I’d also like to add that the Dallas Observer, Pete Freedman, Rich Lopez, Chelsea Ide and the rest done covered and promoted and blogged and interviewed and reminded everyone throughout the days and weeks leading up to Melodica, ad nauseum. They also did the same throughout the festival, as well as after the whole shebang was over and done with.

Just about every musical extravaganza that’s gone on here in our fair city got/gets its fair share of praise and/or bashing. Some of the bashing coming straight from the mouths (or fingers) of the same folks bashing Pete’s article. Take it and dish it out? Guess not.

I’m not really sayin’, one way or another. Like I said, I wasn’t even in town for it and I have no personal attachment to the players. I’ve been doing this music thang for nearly 8 years, blogging for nearly 6 of those years. In some ways, I’ve seen and read it all. In case you haven’t noticed already, the Observer has it’s way of doing things, take it or leave it. But ferchrissakes, quit acting so surprised.

You can get WeShotJR’s take on Pete’s article here.

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Photo by Allison V. Smith

That over-paid-professional-journalist (heh - private joke), Darryl Smyers got to do the sit-n-chat with the great Todd Gautreau, the brilliance behind Crushed Stars…

Gossamer Days, though, features a rather prominent cast of locals, including Pleasant Grove’s Jeff Ryan, Taylor Reed from Cordelane and a trumpet player Gautreau claims to have found on Craigslist.

“I’m not even sure I spelled his name right on the insert,” Gautreau says, laughing.

It was with Ryan, however, that Gautreau found more than a session player. Playing drums, bells and keyboards, Ryan helped bring focus to Gautreau’s shapeless muse, adding definition to help rein in the frontman’s tendency to ramble.

“With Jeff, it was the first time I worked with someone who really contributed creatively,” Gautreau says. “It wasn’t just another guy playing the parts that I showed him.”

Much of the new effort was mastered by Stuart Saikes (Sikes) (who has worked with the likes of Cat Power, The White Stripes and Modest Mouse). That pairing further increased the shared process that has historically not been part of Gautreau’s modus operandi. Reflecting like-minded influences such as The Clientele and Red House Painters, Crushed Stars exists primarily as a studio creation that, much to Gautreau’s irritation, must occasionally perform in clubs…Read it all.

You can listen to a track from Gossamer Days, (”Spies”), on Todd’s MySpace page. Or better yet, go getcher own damn copy of the album. Or better still, go to that damn Double Wide so you can catch those damn Crushed Stars live on Saturday, March 1st, along with that damn Pleasant Grove and that damn Stumptone. Damn good!

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Daaaaayuuuum…oh come on, you knew I’d say it.

That Darryl Smyers also reminds us of a durn fine show a’comin’ to Bend Studio tomorrow night, Friday, February 29th…

…It’s one thing to claim soul as an influence and quite another to actually put the classic authority of Al Green and Sly Stone to proper use. Dan Dyer sings with an instinctive urgency that incorporates elements of country, blues and soul, tying things together with what’s universal in the best of each genre: intensity.

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Further proof that I need to get out more. Why the hell can’t I end up at shows as splendidly dramatic as this one Jesse Hughey witnessed…

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There’s more. All you gotta do is click.

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Check out this video: “Sultan”

Man, I luvs me some What Made Milwaukee Famous. Every time I get to venture to Austin, I’m always hopin’ they’ll be on stage somewhere. Course, these days, unless I can make it to Emo’s on March 7th for the album release party for, What Doesn’t Kill Us (Barsuk), then I’m pretty much screwed for awhile, cuz those kids are a’tourin’ fools…

2/18 - Los Angeles, CA @ Spaceland
2/28 - Los Angeles, CA @ Silverlake Lounge
2/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Cid
3/01 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe du Nord
3/07 - Austin, TX @ Emo’s Record Release Party
3/10 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft at Center Stage
3/12 - Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar
3/14 - New York, NY @ The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
3/15 - Washington, DC @ Rock N Roll Hotel
3/16 - Albany, NY @ Jack Rabbit Slim’s
3/18 - Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
3/19 - Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
3/21 - Columbus, OH @ The Basement
3/22 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
3/23 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
3/25 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
3/26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Sound (formerly Bricks)
3/29 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey (formerly Breakroom)
3/30 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
4/03 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
4/04 - Los Angeles, CA @ Avalon
4/05 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Brickhouse Theater

It was about 4 years ago when the guys were performing in Dallas…or was it Denton…anyhoo, ’twas a happy day that they slid me a copy of their debut CD, Trying to Never Catch Up (then self-released - later re-released in 2006 on Barsuk) and it’s been in the ol’ player ever since. I ain’t heard the new one yet, but Texas Monthly has…

Guitar muscle, ferocious drumming, commanding vocals, and hook-laden tunes: no sophomore slump here. Austin’s What Made Milwaukee Famous took its time with the follow-up to its 2004 debut, and it was a wise move. The hardworking foursome has sculpted its sound on the road. What Doesn’t Kill Us (Barsuk) demands your attention from the outset—the first two songs are as strong as any on the album—and while the focus drifts, power punches keep coming to reel you back in. WMMF is not distinctly original, but it plays its crunchy indie rock with the swagger of a band harboring a closetful of gold records. Much credit goes to vocalist Michael Kingcaid: His croon suits both the quiet and loud moments, and while, particularly in falsetto, he betrays his admiration for Radiohead’s Thom Yorke (not that there’s anything wrong with that), a band couldn’t hope for a better singer. He elevates the group’s more pedestrian turns, and at their best—on tracks like “Self-Destruct,” “Prevailing Wind,” and “Resistance St.”—he and his bandmates make absolute magic.

The new album drops on March 4th, but you can pre-order your precious copy here.

Enjoy the above video “Sultan,” a track straight from What Doesn’t Kill Us.

Photo by Jayme Nourallah

I happen to believe that Dave Little is one of the funniest dudes on earth. He makes me laugh with just a look. So tonight I’m going to do something I’ve never done before. Tonight, I’m going to a comedy club. How could I not? Dave Little is performing, with Don Cento in tow.

Here’s what you need to know:

Wednesday, February 27th
The Improv in Addison
Dave Little w/Don Cento
8 PM
Purchase Tickets
Check back here later. If you absolutely, positively cannot make the show in person, there’s a good chance we’ll be streaming it live (video).

Club Dada - DJ Pendergrass

Opening Bell - Andrew Delaney / Mike Mathis

Poor David’s Pub - Chris Matthews Benefit Concert w/The Lost Immigrants, Travis Hopper, and Michael Hatley join Jimmy Baldwin and his band (Clay Pendergrass, Scooter Heath, Dave Burris and Earl Darling) Music starts around 7pm.

House of Blues - Maceo Parker with Grand Pianoramax featuring Celena Glenn

The Cavern - Earth & Space / The Couture

Love & War in Texas (Plano) - Ed Burleson

Hailey’s - The Radio Clash w/The Flashlight Party

Rubber Gloves - Joe Lally / Edie Sedgwick / Tre Orsi

Lola’s - The Redwells / Black Tie Dynasty / Odis / The Chameleon Chamber Group

Scat Lounge - Shelley Carrol

Photo by Kate Mackley

Even if the boys in Red Monroe didn’t create and perform some of the best music in the world, I’d still love each and every one of them. They are good people. The music is a plus…

Friends,

Recently I was struggling a little with why we, as a band, continue to do what we do. It’s hard sometimes, having such passion for something but feeling like that thing might never be recognized or even heard by most people, and might not be understood or liked by others. I was talking to my wife about this, and she said something that I think hit the mark: People who create art sincerely, with a desire to put something true and good out into the world, love to create it. But they also have an overwhelming desire to share it, to give it to others. I think she’s right.

Red Monroe creates songs for ourselves. We love our songs. They move us. They challenge our own tastes, and creating and performing them challenges our talents. Our material comes from a sincere place. But coupled with that is the desire to share that music with as many people who will listen.

I included you on this email because, over the past three-and-a-half years, you have supported us in our goal of “getting the music out.” You’ve either been to all of our shows, handed our cds out to your friends, or written about us on your blog - good or bad. I want to thank you on behalf of all the guys, and I want to ask for your continued support.

Today, the band leaves for our first trip to New York City. We’ve been invited by several folks to play a handful of shows. I’m attaching the schedule of the shows and I’m asking you to consider sending the information to any friends, families, crazy uncles…anyone who may be interested in watching 5 fun-loving guys throw beer on each other on stage in a big city…all the while rocking faces off with really great “music.” I’m also attaching a song we demo’d recently that I can’t get out of my head.

We are excited about the future of our little rag-tag group. We hope it can continue as long as there are folks who want to hear our music, because we sure love creating it. Thank you for your support.

Oh…and please don’t reply-all to this email…it would be weird. Trust me. Oh…enjoy the song!

Red Monroe is heading up to the Big Apple and I’m quite sure will knock the socks off that freezing cold city. It’s a sure thang. So take note of upcoming dates:

29 Feb 2008 - Knitting Factory - w/Akudama, Holy Trinity River New York, New York

29 Feb 2008 - Galapagos Art Space - w/Sigmund Droid Brooklyn, New York - House Party - w/The Gay Blades, Holy Trinity River, Leslie Dinicola Brooklyn, New York

1 Mar 2008 - Pianos (Jezebel Music Show) - w/Cheyenne, Wynn Walent New York, New York

6 Mar 2008 - The Profit Bar - w/Louis XIV - Dallas, Texas

14 Mar 2008 - Double Wide - w/Birdmonster Dallas, Texas

15 Mar 2008 - RedGorilla - Chuggin Monkey Austin, Texas

4 Apr 2008 - Lola’s Saloon- w/Calhoun Ft. Worth, Texas

Red Monroe live at Good Records - Recorded by The Fine Line -8/19/06

First in line, Andre Lopez, finally gets to meet Erykah Badu

Last night was quite a night. I arrived around 7:20 PM to set up the equipment for the live video stream. A couple of kids were there shortly after me to get their spots in line. First and second in line, I might add. I have to thank them (and a few more pals who showed up early) for giving my camera (and online viewers) something to look at while they waited for Ms. Badu.

Why was it okay that after 5 straight hours of streaming live video, only to be poo-pooed by Badu’s record label to turn off the cameras a mere 10-minutes (or less) following her arrival? I’ll tell you why:

1) I got to hang out with Muffy, Reid, Bill, Jeffrey, Becky, Tania, Hal, Andre, some drunk girls and one Ms. Erykah Badu.
2) I got to meet Pete Freedman and try to get him liquored-up on one mini-bottle of bad white wine in hopes of him revealing deep, dark Observer secrets.

The crowd was fun too, lots of energy and excitement.

I was sort of strapped to a laptop and a camera, however Pete worked the room like he owned it and tells all here.

Hal Samples took the really good pictures…but of course…

Photo by Hal Samples

I’ve spent like a bazillion hours bellied-up to the bar at Adair’s Saloon, chugging cold beer, burgers and watching some of the best bands in Texas. (Macon Greyson, Opie Hendrix, Trainwreck, Chris Miller Band, Speedtrucker, Eleven Hundred Springs, Houston Marchman, Ronny Spears, Colin Boyd, Owen Temple, Mo Robson…and a gazillion more)

Anyone who has been in Dallas for any length of time, knows that the staying power for restaurants, much less live music venues, is usually short-lived. Not the case for Adair’s…

Lois McKinzie Adair, owner of Adair’s Saloon began her life in Tyler and moved to Dallas in the late 1950’s. She met and married R.L. Adair and the rest is history. Adair’s, as it is known around Texas, has had a loyal following since it’s beginning. The beer joint was opened by S.L. and Ann Adair in February 1963 on Cedar Springs. Their clientèle consisted mostly of college students from nearby schools, among them SMU, TCU, NTSU and others. The now famous burgers got started because Ann would make the 1/2 lb. cheeseburgers to satisfy S.L.’s large appetite. The kids decided the burgers looked good and began to request them. Another Adair’s trademark, the graffiti on the walls, began as kids would leave their “mark”.

Lois and R.L. worked for Ann and S.L. from January 1, 1967 until December 31, 1969. In 1977 they bought the business when Ann and S.L. retired. When S.L. decided to sell the building in August of 1982, Lois and R.L. had a farewell party at the Cedar Springs location and reopened Adair’s on Commerce Street in January of 1983. At the grand opening party, Lois handed out black markers and the old traditions began anew. Not much has changed since the early days. The attitude around Adair’s has always been, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Since R.L.’s death in 1987, Lois has been alone in managing the business. She has adopted a more progressive attitude and has made some changes which have enhanced the Adair’s tradition. The classics are still in place on the jukebox, along with some carefully selected additions. Adair’s has become home to live music and can boast that musicians such as Jack Ingram, Deryl Dodd and members of The Dixie Chicks have graced their stage. Hit song writer Tony Lane was once an Adair’s regular performer. A few artists have come to record LIVE CDs and a couple of groups have had their cover photography done at Adair’s. Adair’s has been shown in print ads in several magazines and has been the setting for everything from beer commercials to a Don Henley music video. While there have been imitators, not one of them has been able to duplicate the success of the original. Maybe there’s something to R.L.’s saying, “Dance with the one who brung ya or no damn dancin’.”

Just another little FYI for you kiddies who ain’t been paying attention, The Fine Line, this li’l blog, is named after a Macon Greyson song. There’s a story behind it, but that’s for another day.

“Fine Line” by Macon Greyson

To do:

Sunday, March 2nd
Adair’s
45-Year Anniversary Celebration
Crawfish Boil at 2 PM
Macon Greyson at 5 PM
(PS- Do youselves a favor and plan to attend the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash show the night before)

“Beams” by Macon Grayson

The above is video streaming via the Interweb from last night, so it’s…ya know…a tad choppy. What can I say, we were doing a live stream. However, you can catch Ms. Badu’s entrance, the swarm of adoring fans, Hal Samples doin’ his thang, Scotty the Crazy Picture Guy doin’ his thang…and me and Reid trying to negotiate a longer feed with a Universal Records rep….no dice…check in with The Dallas Observer - Pete was there….

There’s plenty to do while you wait for the Badu Bash to begin. I know I’ll take a stroll over to Opening Bell for the Songwriter Series. I can get me a sammich, a glass of wine and enjoy Rahim Quazi, Becky Middleton, Bettysoo & Taylor Davis.

Monday, February 25th
Opening Bell
Rahim Quazi / Becky Middleton / Taylor Davis / Bettysoo
7:30 PM - $5 Suggested Donation (keep these kids fed)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Three durn-fine bands are playing at Barley House tonight. That Joe Tucker. Oh, that Joe Tucker. We luvs us some Joe Tucker. Tonite Tonite are a new favorite ’round FineLineLiveHeadquarters, and Romp Almighty has been on our radar for-like-ever.

“If Only In a Dream” by Joe Tucker

Monday, February 25th
Barley House
Tonite Tonite / Romp Almighty / Joe Tucker
9 PM - Free

More creamy goodness:

Absinthe Lounge - Tommy Hill (Blues, Jazz)

House of Blues - L.A. Guns / Max Cady / The Valentine Failures

The Cavern - Schwa, Fugita 5, Hot Flash, Big J

Dan’s Silverleaf - Paul Slavens

Hailey’s - Chillout Mondays w/DJ Ash, DJ Aqui, & Beatboxer Zen

Tonight, there is a splendid event goin’ down at Bill’s Records. In support of independent record stores, like Bill’s Records, Erykah Badu, along with filmmaker Jeff Liles, are throwin’ an old school record release and listening party.

Not only will you have the chance to pick up a copy of both Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War and the LRS DVD, you’ll also have the chance to meet Erykah and Jeff in person. Nifty eh!?! Erykah will be signing beginning at midnight. The first 50 folks through the door get a free copy of The Last Record Store.

If you draft Erykah’s MySpace into your top 8 friends, print it out and show it at the door tonight, the first 100 peeps will getcherselves free tickets to her listening party at Ghostbar on Tuesday, February 26th.

Come on out and join us. Support Bill’s Records, as he’s supported the local music community for decades. If your babysitter is booked or you just can’t make it tonight, not to worry love, The Fine Line will be there webcasting (video streaming) the entire thing live.

Bill’s Records is a legendary independent record store in Erykah Badu’s hometown of Dallas, Texas.

Located in the South Side Lamar district of South Dallas, this amazing record store has been in business for almost thirty years. Bill’s Records has always been ahead of the curve aesthetically, as evidenced by instore appearances by the legendary Eazy E, Geto Boys and Beastie Boys. The walls are covered with astonishing works of rural folk art, and the rare grooves are stacked to the ceiling.

Even as retail trends shifted and transition to new business models, Bill’s Records has managed to survive and remain an intregal part of the Dallas music community. The store still features live instore performances every Saturday afternoon, with free beer for adults and free ice cream for kids.

Owner Bill Wisener is the subject of “The Last Record Store”, a 2007 independent documentary film by writer Jeffrey Liles (aka spoken word artist Cottonmouth, Texas).

TONIGHT! Monday, February 25th
Bill’s Records
Control FreaQ Records and MySpace.com Presents - Erykah Badu In-Store
Lovely Listening - Autographs - General Adoring - FerRealFun
Copies of The Last Record Store will be up for the taking, too.
10 PM Sharp
Live Video Stream on The Fine Line

Below is a flashback from about a year ago, when Reid and I got to pick at the brain of Jeff Liles in the back of the old Bill’s Records’ location…also below is more scoopage about tonight’s festivities.

Reid and I met over at Bill’s Records on Sunday to go Inside the Mind of the one—-the only—Jeff Liles.

We sat amongst the moving boxes and cassette tapes, a store in which Jeff spent many happy hours, as did we - very apropo joint to chat.

Jeff booked and managed such places at the Theatre Gallery, Trees, Longhorn Ballroom, Club Dada and more back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. An artist, musician, director, writer and producer - the man is divine.

About Cottonmouth, Texas
Cottonmouth, Texas is a music-driven spoken word project. Three CD/album releases so far: “white trash receptacle” (One Ton Records), “anti-social butterfly” (Virgin Records) and “the right to remain silent” (Heiress-aesthetic). Did the Lollapalooza Tour 1997 and EndFest/Seattle 1998. First spoken word performance was at Vidiots in Santa Monica as part of the “Man in the Moon Poetry Circus” with DJ Liza Richardson, Smokey Hormel (Beck’s guitarist) and Viggo Mortensen. Since then cm, tex has performed almost everywhere. House of Blues (LA), Fenix Underground (Seattle), Viper Room and Troubador (LA), Trees and Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas), Nell’s, Knitting Factory and Brownie’s (NYC) and First Ave (Minneapolis) were all great. Just finished a documentary film called “The Last Record Store” about Bill’s Records in Dallas. Decadent Dub Team had a song called “Six Gun” that was on the soundtrack to the 1988 LA gang movie “Colors”, remixed for the album by Dr. Dre of NWA. Since then DDT has kind of mutated into a revolving-door collective of Dallas-based musicians who have created the music for cm, tex. Currently bassist Dave Monsey is touring with Fiona Apple, drummer Mike Jerome is playing with John Cale, guitarist Kenny Withrow is playing with Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, and keyboardist Zac Baird is playing with Korn.

About “The Last Record Store”
Jeff Liles is the writer/Director of “The Last Record Store”, a documentary film about the legendary Dallas indie record store Bill’s Records. The project focuses on the life of store owner Bill Wisener and his ongoing struggle to stay open after 26 years in the business. Includes live instore acoustic performances by Daniel Johnston, 1100 Springs and James Hall, music by Hydroponic Sound System, The Spores, Maimou, Decadent Dub Team, Chomsky, Halls of the Machine, Centro-matic, Test Shot Starfish and others, as well as interviews with a number of customers, DJs, employees and weirdos. Liles’ history: Booked and DJ’d a number of live music venues in Dallas, Texas. Formed a rap group called Decadent Dub Team and contributed the song “Six Gun” (remixed by Dr. Dre) to the soundtrack of the Dennis Hopper-directed film “Colors”. Released three spoken word albums/short films under the name “cottonmouth, texas”. Now working at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles and for MarsGolf in Colombus, Ohio.

The interview includes tracks from Decadent Dub Team (”Makin’ Funky Money”) and Cottonmouth, Texas (”Life Support”)

Inside the Mind - Jeff Liles

Trailer for The Last Record Store

Erykah Badu - “Honey”

If there is one artist, from DdFW, who turned her fame and fortune right back around to do good for her ‘hood, her neighbors and her fans, it’s Erykah Badu. Revitalizing the Black Forest Theater, to her formation of B.L.I.N.D. (Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-profit Development), to coming home to share with us her new album, Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War, along with her single “Honey.”. If you ask me, this divine woman deserves a damn key to the city.

So it’s no surprise that, with all the hub-bub surrounding her new album, Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War, that Badu insisted on an in-store appearance and record release party at our hometown, Bill’s Records. She. So. Cool. Once again showing her never-ending integrity and support for her hometown, as well as the independent “mom-and-pop” record stores.

Let’s all get out our No. 2 Pencils and take notes:

Monday, February 25th
Bill’s Records
Control FreaQ Records and MySpace.com Presents - Erykah Badu In-Store
Lovely Listening - Autographs - General Adoring - FerRealFun
Copies of The Last Record Store will be up for the taking, too.
10 PM Sharp
Live Video Stream on The Fine Line

Tuesday, February 26th
House of Blues
Control FreaQ Records presents the Official Erykah Badu Record Release
Special Guest Appearances by: ?uestlove / Bilal / Jay Electronica / 9th Wonder / Karriem Riggins / Sa-Ra (Taz, Om’Mas, ShafiQ) / Pharoahe Monch / James Poyser / N’Dambi / Madlib / Doyle Bramhall II / Bun B. / Nayrok / The Strange Fruit Project and more!
Doors at 8 PM for Listening Party
Purchase Tickets - QUICK!

Wednesday, February 27th
The Ghostbar
Paul Levatino / Control FreaQ Records / N9NE Group Presents: Erykah Badu with special guests DJ Q-Tip / 9th Wonder
Fundraiser for B.L.I.N.D.

Me-Muffy will be ‘ticipating in this fun-fest tomorrow, Sunday, February 24th. Looks to be a really fun time. Click on the poster above for specifics.

It took me about 2 hours 45 minutes to reach North Austin from Dallas yesterday. It took me 1 hour 13 minutes to get from North Austin to South Austin…sigh.

Pretty much the moment I hit town last night, the girl-child was calling about our dinner plans. I took the girl to Jovita’s, one of my favorite Austin hangs. It proved to be an interesting evening. There was this adorable tiny-little-just-turned-84-years-old lady there celebrating her day of birth. Celebrating with the most unusually quirky little crowd. Well…not exactly little…they were about 15 long and 5 deep. There were all these crazy, fancy professional cameras set up everywhere and the moment Sumner Erickson & The Texcentrics took the stage, this lil’ birthday gal hit the dance floor and was immediately surrounded by her motley crew, to form sort of a Woodstockesque dance-a-thon…they held hands, formed a circle and just sort of swayed slowly. Overheard conversations throughout the evening were priceless.

As I predicted in an earlier post, the girl-child was pretty much ready to dump me by 8 PM. That’s okay, she wanted (and did go) to go to the Obama rally, so for that, I can forgive being a dumpee.

I’m still sitting here awaiting for the girl-child to rise from her slumber. However, I think I’ll get out and see what the hell is happ’nin’ in Austin. There are several really great shows tonight, I’m still mulling over which one to attend…since I’ve already been informed that I can expect another big dump tonight….oh shutup, you know what I mean.

The Austin Chronicle has a pull-out of a partial list of showcasing acts for this years SXSW. This year I’m going badge and wristband free. I usually end up at non-official shows anyway, and my real draw to the festival is attending shows all day, then calling it a day before 10 PM. What can I say, I’m old.

I watched “A Nation of Laws? (1968-71)” last night on KLRU-PBS…

“A Nation of Laws? (1968-71)” examines the Black Panthers’ rise in Chicago in 1968; and the Attica State Prison uprising in ‘71. Included: comments by journalist Tom Wicker and former Panther Elaine Brown.

It was extremely powerful, tragic and educating, and I highly recommend watching it yourselves.

What to do tonight…what to do…

Almost There Records is throwin’ a Hoot Night tonight at the Continental Club with Honeypot, The Archibalds, Ripe, Ron Flynt, The Midgetmen, Matt Divine and a bunch more.

Moonlight Towers, Magnet School and Dead Twins are at Hole in the Wall. The Black Lips, The Strange Boys and White Denim are at Emo’s.

Other notables - Darryl Lee Rush is at Riley’s. Brave Combo at Jovita’s. South Austin Jug Band at Saxon Pub.

Like I said…what to do…