The Daily Fix in The ATX


Moses and the Burning Bush: I guess the hat is useful for those desert sabbaticals too.

Set Thursday Night on Fire at Beerland with Moses and The Burning Bush

There are a lot of great shows happening this weekend, and the weekend starts today. A lot of folks will be headed to Emo's and The Mohawk, but I'd like to point out the show at Beerland that features a band I recently reviewed for INsite Magazine's Local Trax (which will be in locations all over Austin Friday): Moses and the Burning Bush. I've referred to his sound and eponymous EP as "raw and refreshing", and although I haven't heard the band live (which is sometimes simply soloist Paul Raila), according to La Snacks vocalist Robert Segovia, Moses is badass. The band plays around midnight.


The Dirty Sound @ The Carousel Lounge, circa 2006.

Headlining the show at Beerland is the country/folk/punk good time boys The Dirty Sound, who have declared themselves the "drunkest band in Austin".


The New Pills: The newest garage rock prescription.


Guitarist "Don't Kill" Bill Rhodes of The Naysays.

I was impressed with the rock'n'roll garage vibes I caught at the bluesy The New Pills and lo-fi indie pop The Naysays MySpace profiles. Have these kids been listening to KOOP's "Stronger Than Dirt"?



The Dirty Sound, Moses and the Burning Bush, The New Pills, and The Naysays
10:00 pm
Beerland
711 1/2 Red River
Austin, TX
21+/$5/6(?)

The Daily Fix in the ATX: Mr. Brown's Last Reggae Wednesday at Flamingo Cantina


Diedrich Jones of Mr. Brown

Tonight is the last night reggae band Mr. Brown will perform at Reggae Wednesdays. I hope the hump-day tradition continues with another solid band. I enjoy listening to the reggae, rock, and hip hop at Flamingo Cantina, and for 15+ years the club has proven to be my favorite club on 6th Street. (The Parish is a close second.) But don't be sad about this last performance at the Cantina. Mr. Brown will be performing around Austin in the near future, and I hope to catch one of these shows so I can ask them if their name is indeed inspired by the Bob Marley song. Just another trite interview question...Also: Dance to the afro-beat music of Rattletree. White musicians performing music inspired by traditional African music never sounded so good. Music is indeed a universal language. You can hear the universal band every Sunday at the rear entrance of Barton Springs from 4-6:00 pm.



Mr. Brown and Rattletree
live @ Flamingo Cantina
515 E 6th St.
Austin, TX
$5/Doors 8:30 pm (18+)

Rio Rita Cafe y Cantina Art Auction Benefiting Local Musician Billy Steve Korpi


Billy Steve Korpi: Guitarist for The Crack Pipes, Victims of Leisure, and The Bloody Tears.

Here's an update about the auction from sister venue Beerland:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Rio Rita Art Auction Benefiting Austin musician Billy Steve Korpi is underway.

Artists who have contributed include Win Wallace, Tim Kerr, Alfonso Rabago, Alex Cuervo, Lisa DiRocco, Michael Schliefke, Brettany Boozer, Billy Bishop, Everett Lamb, Shanti Deva, Jeff Swanson, Jerry Czyzak, and Caioneach. A wide variety of styles and media are featured.

Please stop by and bid soon as this auction is ongoing and ends the middle of this week.

Billy Steve Korpi is our dear friend and beloved guitarist of The Crack Pipes, Victims of Leisure, and Bloody Tears. He is winning his fight against leukemia but needs everyone's help to offset the enormous expense he is incurring.

Rio Rita is located at 1308 E. 6th on the eastside at Navasota.

Thanks for all your help.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Mild-mannered coffee shop by day, swanky lounge by night."


Other benefits for Billy Steve will be announced soon. There are other ways you can help too:

Mail a donation (check or money order) to the
Billy Steve Korpi Benefit Account
c/o SNB Bank of Austin
3600 Bee Cave Rd.
Austin, TX 78746

Make a donation online via PayPal @ leukorpia@hotmail.com

Donate Blood in Billy Steve's name at
Blood Center of Central Texas
4300 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX
You will receive a voucher that can be dropped off at Rio Rita and will help defray the cost of his upcoming transfusions.

Send Billy Steve a note through stillybeve@hotmail.com or solidgold@thebloodytears.com.

Our positive thoughts and prayers are with Billy Steve as he wins the battle with cancer.


Rio Rita Cafe y Cantina
1308 E 6th St. (at Navasota)
Austin, TX

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Urban/Folk Music?



Singer/Songwriter Suzanna Choffel May Surprise You Tonight @ Momo's

I'm finally going to admit something that's bothered me for a long time: I find most singer/songwriters who play solo sets with just a microphone and a guitar almost as boring as that guy making music with his laptop in front of a large audience. (That boring!) But one night, over a year ago I heard singer/songwriter Suzanna Choffel perform at Writers Who Rock, a Tuesday evening showcase hosted and booked by Melissa Mullins. Choffel's voice rang out with soulful - and dare I mention this - sexy assurance, and I've been a fan of hers ever since.



Suzanna Choffel seems comfortable with so many different music genres, performing with Hip Hop collective The Word Association's Omari Kamau, flying solo with her blend of folk and urban/street influences, or jamming with a band that compliments her urban meets folk voice and musical arrangements. You can hear elements of R&B, folk, rock, and jazz in her sound that meld into a unique sound that is comfortable headlining an intimate lounge setting, or opening the show at a stadium packed with a rowdy crowd ready to rock. Tonight Ms. Choffel shudders and rings with her Tip-Top Band at Momos - 9:15, after Kacy Crowley graces the stage at 8:00. I recommend hanging out and listening for a few hours too. You can thank me later.

Momos (Above Katz's)
618 W 6th St.
Austin, TX
$5/18+

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Movies and Music @ The Alamo



Music Monday Presents: Zachariah and The Weird Weeds


Sandy Ewen of The Weird Weeds @ The Mohawk, March 2007. Photo by Danna Marrón Williams

Tonight Music Monday presents Zachariah: The Electric Western (1971), a roundabout music-filled adaptation of Herman Hesse's Siddarth, with homoerotic overtones. Besides the interesting appearance of pop music culture icons, this flick boasts a script penned by the Firesign Theatre. The world famous comedy troupe celebrated 40 years of entertainment last year. One of my very favorite bands, The Weird Weeds, performs before the movie! This could only happen in Austin... And maybe San Francisco. Visit the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema link below for more information.

Zachariah (Unrated 35 mm print, 93 min, dir. George Englund)
w/The Weird Weeds
9:45 pm
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
409 Colorado
Austin, TX
General Admission: $2

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Seven Days of Music in "The Live Music Capital of The World"



The Up and Coming Zeale32 [ zeal-ee thirty-two] (One of my first and best interviews.)

News Flash: Hip Hop is alive and kicking it in the ATX, and I found the blog to prove it.

Thanks to fellow blogger Minto Tsai's Austin Hip-Hop Scene, I discovered that live hip hop isn't just a myth. After catching a few shows with Austin's own Zeale 32, Mr. Bavu Blakes, and San Marcos, TX collective The Word Association, I was a little disappointed that more hip hop acts weren't choosing to stop in the ATX. Pardon all the the name dropping, but I did catch memorable shows with Tha Fucking Transmissions (Houston, TX) at The Mohawk and Little Brother (Durham, NorthCarolina) at Emo's. I've interviewed most of these solo artists and bands for local press, and I'm really looking for more "alternative", or underground artists to play more shows in Austin by word of mouth and blogs- like Cali Agents and The Alias Brothers (formerly known as Asamov). Thank goodness for Tsai's ear to the ground. I look forward to posting about local and touring hip hop acts.

Sunday, May 27th


El-P or El-Producto (Jaime Meline, one of the masterminds behind Definitive Jux)

El to the P at the E to the Mo: EL-P, a.k.a. El Producto, hits the stage with Hip Hop at Emo's Tonight

Brooklyn, NY native EL-P is now on the pop culture radar with his track on the free Definitive Swim album, which is currently hyped on Adult Swim. But I was really impressed with the fact that he operates his own label, Definitve Jux, which seems to have a penchant for indie hip hop that is smokin'. He's made a bold marketing move by producing the album with Williams Street, and premiering the "Flyentology" video on the Adult Swim site. It's a "f*ck you" to corporate labels, commercial radio, and MTV who don't seem to get it that hip hop isn't a trend. (And yeah, there's an explicit version.) My favorite track is "Smithereens (Stop Cryin')", which is also available on his LP-CD I'll Sleep When You're Dead. EL-P performs with a crew - DJ Mr. Dibbs & The Mighty Quin, Hangar 18 (N.Y.C.), Yak Ballz from Queens, and Slow Suicide Stimulus (New Jersey), so expect some stage antics, and not just two turntables and a microphone.

Emo's (Outside)
603 Red River
Austin, TX
All Ages/$15

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Melt-Banana, with XBXRX and Finally Punk!

A lot of people slept on the Aviador Dro appearance at Flamingo Cantina last year (shame, shame). But I'm sure that won't be the case this time with the legendary noise band from Japan. Perhaps due to the American fascination with Japanese pop culture. Melt-Banana's appearance was briefly mentioned in the Music Listings section of The Austin Chronicle:

"Melt-Banana, xbxrx, Finally Punk
Emo's, Saturday, May 26
Music for breaking things."

I made a bet if they weren't listed in the Recommended or Roadshows section, then I would buy and listen to the next Killers album. Damn. Anyway... Melt-Banana is touring the west with Oakland punk phenomenon xbxrx.


xbxrx defies the bubblegum punk trend- and gravity. Photo by Chris Woo.

One day I hope to have time to sit down with them for a nice chat and interview, because they have made punk an exciting genre again. After stopping in the DFW area last night (at Rubber Gloves in Denton, TX where Austin's experimental heavies Count Dracula's Weed Smuggling Jam Engine opened the show Friday), Melt-Banana continues the western leg of their Bambi's Dilemma U.S. Tour at Emo's. The album brings a quick-paced fury to the band's controlled chaos. Local little darlings Finally Punk open on the outside stage tonight.


Finally Punk live at The Parlor in Austin, TX (2006). Photo by Ben Aqua.


Finally Punk will be on KVRX's Local Live the following night, and have already announced a tour of the west and mid-west in June, and the release of Primary Colors (7" EP). I'm crossing my fingers that "Environmentality" and "Boyfriend Application" make the cut.


Crazy fan art: You could say I went a little bananas with this.

Emo's
603 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors: 8:00 pm
Show: 10:00
$8/All Ages




The Last of the Gang to Die: Morrissey Comes Back to Austin

We all want more Morrissey, and I hope La Snacks drummer Jamey Matte finally gets to see him live after a couple of missed opportunities. The man is legendary (there's a lot of use of that word this week, "legendary"). From his fronting The Smiths eons ago, to orchestrating a "comeback" that involved huge music festivals instead of small venues as is customary. Morrissey proves that this wasn't really a comeback feat, but a triumph of good taste. Opening is rock vocalist and pianist Kristeen Young. She's so cool, she doesn't have a MySpace profile. Or I just couldn't find it.

The Backyard
Austin, TX
Tickets Still Available

For Those Who Slept: 3 Shows We [Almost] Overlooked


Don't try this at home either.

So I reported the LP release party for Voxtrot at Emo's, and the Metal Mayhem fest happening at Red 7, but I feel like such a jerk - neglecting the other shows you shouldn't miss tonight. I'm overdosing on theatrical and DVD releases this weekend with my family and friends (more about that later), but I wish my favorite former co-worker at iTunes would hurry up with that Trans-Teleportation invention so I can attend more than one or two live music shows in one night. Yes, Austin is living up to it's reputation for bringing you the best live music. The competition is fierce tonight, but we're not supposed to call it a competition. You can't lose with these three "sleepers", no matter where you go this holiday weekend.

#1: The Mary Timony Band, LaLaLand, and Horse+donkey @ Club DeVille




Mary Timony: File under "Indie Rock Legends"

Mary Timony (of Autoclave and Helium fame) is touring the U.S. with her band and making a stop at one of my favorite places for amazing "sleeper" shows. Club DeVille is the same place where I heard Heartless Bastards for the charming third time, before they became a buzz band. Mary Timony is releasing her songs with Kill Rock Stars, a label known for having an ear for music that is avant-garde and avoids being trendy, nevertheless pleasurable. LaLaLand had me convinced it was a lackadaisical band from California. But it turns out they're indie rock slackers from right here in Austin, TX. One of my local favorites, Horse+donkey, opens the show with stunning psychedelic rock that will take you places you've never been. I just had a crazy thought. What if Horse+donkey's first album (now in progress) was released on Kill Rock Stars?

Club DeVille
900 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors: 9:00 pm
Show: 10:00 pm
21+ (?)/Cover (?)

#2: Tonight in the Emo's Lounge, Tune In and Drop Out with Cavedweller


I had an Indian Jewelry flashback with this re-designed Business Deal flyer. (Props to "Bobcat" and "Pops".)



At the moment I feel like a journalist writing about Tori Amos performing in an airport lounge way back when. I am a biased fan of Cavedweller's music. Music which could immediately be compared to Devendra Banhart. But let's give the man a chance. Performing live since the mid 1990s, Cavedweller (a.k.a. Dirk Michener) has a gift for imaginative songwriting and a voice with an octave range that will make you wonder why he never trained for the opera. Sometimes he performs with a band, sometimes he doesn't. Who cares? See him open for local indie folk rockers Cartright (more about them at a later date), and The Willowz, an amazing folk rock band from California on a limited tour that touts the newly released CHAUTAUQUA (Dim Mak). A little movie soundtrack trivia: The Willowz have a song featured in the soundtrack "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Yeah, I had to bring it back to movies. If you miss the show, check out The Willowz album and Cavedweller's psychedelic touch in his latest release, The Best Version of 'Gloria" Ever There Was (Business Deal).

Emo's Lounge
603 Red River
Austin, TX
All Ages/$5-10 (?)

#3: Music at The Parlor with MrandMrsMays, The Dirty Hearts, and Manager's Choice


The Parlor: Family Owned Pizza, Beer, and Live Music Joint Since 2000.

I won't bore you with a lot of details about this one. I just learned that Manager's Choice is playing a short set to open the show. One hot band on the scene, The Dirty Hearts, is playing tonight - and it's a birthday performance by Misti Watkins (also of Mr. Lewis and The Funeral Five) And Sometimes I disappointment myself. I pride myself on knowing about most of the popular locally based bands with punk sensibilities. MrandMrsMays is not one of these bands. I visited their MySpace profile for the first time today, and got goosebumps. So don't sleep on the Mr. and Mrs. I'm crossing my fingers that they'll do more live shows this summer. The Secret Weapons may still be playing, so get there early - 8:30?

The Parlor
100-B E North Loop
Austin, TX
8:30 pm
All Ages/No Cover

And that's all she wrote. Have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend - no matter where you go and what you do.

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Lose Control with Metal Mayhem at Red 7 or
Start The Holiday Weekend with the Voxtrot LP Release Show


New Orleans Metal Kingpins: Crowbar

This is the official news, courtesy of INsite Magazine:

(Austin, TX US)--On May 25th and 26th METAL FREAKTRESS PRODUCTIONS AND 101X 'NO CONTROL' PRESENT: MAY
METAL MAYHEM on two stages at RED 7 in Austin, TX!

This all-star line-up of Texas metal bands and special guests, CROWBAR and VALUME
NOB, promises to be THE Memorial Day weekend party for those with a thirst for the
heavier riffs and screaming vocals.

Legendary sludge/doom metal pioneers, CROWBAR will headline Friday's show bringing
VALUME NOB along for the ride and a host of Austin's heaviest bands will be lending
local support including BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, HATCHETWORK, DISFIGURED and more.

Saturday's show kicks off at 5:30PM with a Free Barbecue, Wings, and Beer party,
compliments of fest promoters, Tammy Moore, Chuck Loesch, and PLUCKERS. Austin's
BANGLADESH and Dallas' JACKNIFE will headline the indoor and outdoor stages,
respectively, and 14 more of Texas best metal bands will be on hand for the event
including SHRAPNEL, COURSE OF RUIN, NEGATIVE 263, LOKEY, ANGERKILL, and many more.

Fest promoters are also proud to announce that SHRAPNEL's appearance will be their
first since recovering from having all their gear stolen on New Year's Eve this
year.

Fest attendees can pay $20 at the box office and receive wrist bands good for Friday
and Saturday as well as Saturday's kick off party or pay $15 Friday night and $10 on
Saturday. Red 7 is an ALL AGES venue and is located at 611 E. 7th St in Austin, TX.

May Metal Mayhem's line up:
FRIDAY, MAY 25 - DOORS 7PM

INSIDE STAGE:
CROWBAR (NEW ORLEANS) 12:30
VALUME NOB (NEW ORLEANS) 11:30
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY 10:30
HATCHETWORK 9:30
PREY FOR SLEEP 8:30

OUTSIDE STAGE:
WILL TO LIVE 12:00
INDISGUST 11:00
DISFIGURED 10:00
MANIFESTATION 9:00
CAST IN GREY (HOUSTON) 8:00

SATURDAY, MAY 26 - DOORS 5:30 - BARBECUE, WINGS, AND BEER KICK OFF PARTY!

INSIDE STAGE:
BANGLADESH 12:45
RECOMMIT (DALLAS) 12:00
SHRAPNEL 11:15
COURSE OF RUIN 10:30
LOKEY (SAN ANTONIO) 9:45
CARBIDE 9:00
LUG 8:15
SLOW THE KNIFE (BEAUMONT) 7:30

OUTSIDE STAGE:
JACKNIFE (DALLAS) 12:15
WAR WITHIN 11:30
DEAD EARTH POLITICS 10:45
NEGATIVE 263 (ABILENE) 10:00
BROTHERHOOD (SAN ANTONIO) 9:15
ANGERKILL (SAN ANTONIO) 8:30
REND 7:45
DEAD BY KNIGHT 7:00

And on the "lighter side"...


Voxtrot LP Release Party @ Emo's - Yay!

If you haven't been living under a rock for the past year, then you know this is going to be a big show, and for a Voxtrot CD - a self-titled LP out Tuesday, May 22nd. And it's already receiving critical kudos.The opening bands are quite stellar too, including one of my very favorites, Zykos. Read the interview in The Austin Chronicle, buy your ticket, and enjoy. Oh, and check out the documentary about the making of the first LP by Elizabeth Skadden, member of Finally Punk.

Emo's
603 Red River
Austin, TX
Show: 10:00
$10/All Ages

Bring it on, bring it on.

A Musical Fundraiser for Senator Barack Obama


Wait a minute... It's not a dirty campaign trick or Photoshop magic, it's Sen. Obama with former President Bill Clinton.

Obama for President: It Could Happen!

While browsing The Austin Chronicle I stumbled upon this event: A benefit for the Presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama, featuring Brother James, Shotgun Party, Mostly Dead, and two other bands TBA. I half-joked to a friend that I hope there's no assassination attempt on our future leader based on the names of the last two bands mentioned. I'm that hopeful about him.

Texans for Obama, hosted by Councilman Mike Martinez
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX
$10 Suggested Donation

KEXP at The Mohawk Presents: White Denim and The Cocker Spaniels


White Denim Workout. Photo by Aubrey Edwards


The Cocker Spaniels - Sean "Rock Star" Padilla @ SxSW '06. Photo by Bri Draffen

As a fan of these two Austin-based bands, I'm excited about the buzz surrounding both, and the release of White Denim's EP, "Let's Talk About It". And it only took a radio station in Seattle to put this show together at The Mohawk. I first heard White Denim at The Carousel last summer, then again at Emo's lounge, and I must express an urge to experience the crunk, controlled chaos again soon. I could go on and on about the brilliance of the lyrical storyteller that is The Cocker Spaniels, and about how brilliant his forthcoming LP will be, but I'll just end this with the fact that the cover is only $2 ($4 if you're under 21), and you'll want to be there to say you were there before the big buzz.

KEXP Presents/A Hot Freaks! Event w/White Denim and The Cocker Spaniels
The Mohawk Residency
912 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors 8:00 pm
Show: 9:00 pm

Tuesday, May 22nd


The Seas

Beerland Presents: The Seas and The Snafu Kitties

Your attendance is also suggested at Beerland for live music. The Seas (members of the former band The Shim Shams) take the stage early at 10:00 with melodic and trippy rock, followed by the eclectic pop jazz of The Snafu Kitties, which features members of Manager's Choice and The Simple Pleasures. This is my first time hearing of the band, and I like what I hear so far.

The Seas and The Snafu Kitties
Beerland
711.5 Red River
Austin, TX
Minimal Cover
10:00 pm

Get Your Daily Music Fix in The ATX


The Soul of John Black: The Dark Side

Black on A Blue Monday: The Soul of John Black at Flamingo Cantina, and Karaoke w/Nathan Black at Beerland

According to The Austin Chronicle, "former Fishbone guitarist John Bingham gets low-down as The Soul of John Black, gutting out the Good Girl Blues that even bad girls love". That's so nasty, and so nice. I missed Fishbone on tour recently, but I was thrilled with the fact that musical life goes on with Bingham. You'll probably get a kick out of the old school hip hop sound of L.A. Symphony, and the more classic take on R&B by the Bruce James Quartet. I'm not recommending dissing Antone's this week, but I must give props to Flamingo Cantina for bringing a cure for the common blues.

I wanted to mention this last week, but I think this week is a good time to mention that Austin has a Rock and Roll Karaoke Night at Beerland, hosted by Nathan Black, and featuring more than a 1000 songs- some of them indie rock classics. (I'm already practicing The Pixies "Where Is My Mind" in the shower.) There's no cover, and Beerland boasts a good bar, pool, and arcade games if you don't want to embarrass - I mean entertain - a crowd with a few of your inebriated friends. You can prove you're good enough for American Idol in the taxi ride home.

The Soul of John Black
Flamingo Cantina
515 E 6th St
Austin, TX
Doors: 8:30
Minimal Cover

Rock & Roll Karaoke
Beerland
711 1/2 Red River
Austin, TX
10:00 pm
No Cover

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Seven Days of Music in "The Live Music Capital" (May 20-26)


The latest joint from Cali Agents.

Sunday, May 20th

Austin Spies Hip Hop: Cali Agents Headline A Night of Beats and Rhyme at Flamingo Cantina

I may be hip someday. I'm finally mentioning a hip hop band performing in Austin that isn't The Roots or De La Soul. But to my post-modern local street cred, I did interview Zeale 32 for INsite, as well as Little Brother and The Word Association two years ago for Whoopsy! Magazine. You could say I was ahead of the game. Word. Cali Agents are the 21st century's answer to The Pharcyde (yeah, I had to go there), bringing the def beats and irreverent yet intelligent rhymes that you may have missed on the radio.


Monday, May 21st


The Soul of John Black: The Dark Side

Black on A Blue Monday: Karaoke w/Nathan Black at Beerland, and The Soul of John Black at Flamingo Cantina

I wanted to mention this last week, but I think this week is a good time to mention that Austin has a Rock and Roll Karaoke Night at Beerland, hosted by Nathan Black, and featuring more than a 1000 songs- some of them indie rock classics. (I'm already practicing The Pixies "Where Is My Mind" in the shower.) There's no cover, and Beerland boasts a good bar, pool, and arcade games if you don't want to embarrass - I mean entertain - a crowd with a few of your inebriated friends. You can prove you're good enough for American Idol in the taxi ride home.

According to The Austin Chronicle, "former Fishbone guitarist John Bingham gets low-down as The Soul of John Black, gutting out the Good Girl Blues that even bad girls love". That's so nasty, and so nice. I missed Fishbone on tour recently, but I was thrilled with the fact that musical life goes on with Bingham. You'll probably get a kick out of the old school hip hop sound of L.A. Symphony, and the more classic take on R&B by the Bruce James Quartet. I'm not recommending dissing Antone's this week, but I must give props to Flamingo Cantina for bringing a cure for the common blues.

Rock & Roll Karaoke
Beerland
711 1/2 Red River
Austin, TX
10:00 pm
No Cover

The Soul of John Black
Flamingo Cantina
515 E 6th St
Austin, TX
Doors: 8:30
Minimal Cover


Tuesday, May 22nd

KEXP at The Mohawk Presents White Denim and The Cocker Spaniels


White Denim Workout. Photo by Aubrey Edwards


The Cocker Spaniels - Sean "Rock Star" Padilla @ SxSW '06. Photo by Bri Draffen

As a fan of these two Austin-based bands, I'm excited about the buzz surrounding both, and the release of White Denim's EP, "Let's Talk About It". And it only took a radio station in Seattle to put this show together at The Mohawk. I first heard White Denim at The Carousel last summer, then again at Emo's lounge, and I must express an urge to experience the crunk, controlled chaos again soon. I could go on and on about the brilliance of the lyrical storyteller that is The Cocker Spaniels, and about how brilliant his forthcoming LP will be, but I'll just end this with the fact that the cover is only $2 ($4 if you're under 21), and you'll want to be there to say you were there before the big buzz.

KEXP Presents/A Hot Freaks! Event
w/White Denim and The Cocker Spaniels
The Mohawk Residency
912 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors 8:00 pm
Show: 9:00 pm

Tuesday, May 22nd


The Seas

Beerland Presents: The Seas and The Snafu Kitties

Your attendance is also suggested at Beerland for live music. The Seas (members of the former band The Shim Shams) take the stage early at 10:00 with melodic and trippy rock, followed by the eclectic pop jazz of The Snafu Kitties, which features members of Manager's Choice and The Simple Pleasures. This is my first time hearing of the band, and I like what I hear so far.

The Seas and The Snafu Kitties
Beerland
711.5 Red River
Austin, TX
Minimal Cover
10:00 pm


Wednesday, May 23rd


Wait a minute...

Barack Obama for President: It Could Happen!

While browsing The Austin Chronicle I stumbled upon this event: A benefit for the Presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama, featuring Brother James, Shotgun Party, Mostly Dead, and two other bands TBA. I half-joked to a friend that I hope there's no assassination attempt on our future leader based on the names of the last two bands mentioned. I'm that hopeful about him.

Texans for Obama, hosted by Councilman Mike Martinez
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX
$10 Suggested Donation


Thursday, May 24th



The Legendary Pinetop Perkins "Born in the Honey" Release Party at Antone's

The CD release show of the legendary blues man, with biopic DVD, "Born In The Honey: The Pinetop Perkins Story". Mr. Perkins' performance will include Hubert Sumlin. They'll share the stage with Gary Clark, Chris Layton, Scott Nelson, and Riley Osbourn, and legendary slide guitarist Buddy Flett.

The show is also a part of Clifford Antone Week, celebrating the birthday of the club's founder who passed away last year. Mr. Antone happens to be from my neck of the woods, and there is an Antone's in Beaumont, TX.

Antone's
213 W. 5th St.
Doors: 7:00 pm
Show: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $12 General Admission
$30 Seated

Friday, May 25th


New Orleans Metal Kingpins: Crowbar

Lose Control with Metal Mayhem at Red 7

This is the official news, courtesy of INsite Magazine:

(Austin, TX US)--On May 25th and 26th METAL FREAKTRESS PRODUCTIONS AND 101X 'NO CONTROL' PRESENT: MAY
METAL MAYHEM on two stages at RED 7 in Austin, TX!

This all-star line-up of Texas metal bands and special guests, CROWBAR and VALUME
NOB, promises to be THE Memorial Day weekend party for those with a thirst for the
heavier riffs and screaming vocals.

Legendary sludge/doom metal pioneers, CROWBAR will headline Friday's show bringing
VALUME NOB along for the ride and a host of Austin's heaviest bands will be lending
local support including BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, HATCHETWORK, DISFIGURED and more.

Saturday's show kicks off at 5:30PM with a Free Barbecue, Wings, and Beer party,
compliments of fest promoters, Tammy Moore, Chuck Loesch, and PLUCKERS. Austin's
BANGLADESH and Dallas' JACKNIFE will headline the indoor and outdoor stages,
respectively, and 14 more of Texas best metal bands will be on hand for the event
including SHRAPNEL, COURSE OF RUIN, NEGATIVE 263, LOKEY, ANGERKILL, and many more.

Fest promoters are also proud to announce that SHRAPNEL's appearance will be their
first since recovering from having all their gear stolen on New Year's Eve this
year.

Fest attendees can pay $20 at the box office and receive wrist bands good for Friday
and Saturday as well as Saturday's kick off party or pay $15 Friday night and $10 on
Saturday. Red 7 is an ALL AGES venue and is located at 611 E. 7th St in Austin, TX.

May Metal Mayhem's line up:
FRIDAY, MAY 25 - DOORS 7PM

INSIDE STAGE:
CROWBAR (NEW ORLEANS) 12:30
VALUME NOB (NEW ORLEANS) 11:30
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY 10:30
HATCHETWORK 9:30
PREY FOR SLEEP 8:30

OUTSIDE STAGE:
WILL TO LIVE 12:00
INDISGUST 11:00
DISFIGURED 10:00
MANIFESTATION 9:00
CAST IN GREY (HOUSTON) 8:00

SATURDAY, MAY 26 - DOORS 5:30 - BARBECUE, WINGS, AND BEER KICK OFF PARTY!

INSIDE STAGE:
BANGLADESH 12:45
RECOMMIT (DALLAS) 12:00
SHRAPNEL 11:15
COURSE OF RUIN 10:30
LOKEY (SAN ANTONIO) 9:45
CARBIDE 9:00
LUG 8:15
SLOW THE KNIFE (BEAUMONT) 7:30

OUTSIDE STAGE:
JACKNIFE (DALLAS) 12:15
WAR WITHIN 11:30
DEAD EARTH POLITICS 10:45
NEGATIVE 263 (ABILENE) 10:00
BROTHERHOOD (SAN ANTONIO) 9:15
ANGERKILL (SAN ANTONIO) 8:30
REND 7:45
DEAD BY KNIGHT 7:00

And on the lighter side...



Voxtrot LP Release Party @ Emo's - Yay!

If you haven't been living under a rock for the past year, then you know this is going to be a big show, and for a Voxtrot CD - a self-titled LP out Tuesday, May 22nd. And it's already receiving critical kudos.The opening bands are quite stellar too, including one of my very favorites, Zykos. Read the interview in The Austin Chronicle, buy your ticket, and enjoy. Oh, and check out the documentary about the making of the first LP by Elizabeth Skadden, member of Finally Punk.

Emo's
603 Red River
Austin, TX
Show: 10:00
$10/All Ages

Bring it on, bring it on.

Saturday, May 26th



Emo's Presents Melt-Banana, with XBXRX and Finally Punk!

This is another case of being torn between suggesting the attendance of only one of three shows - metal, punk, and Morrissey. Just another great weekend of music in the live music capital...

A lot of people slept on the Aviador Dro appearance at Flamingo Cantina last year (shame, shame). But I'm sure this won't be the case this time with the legendary noise band from Japan. I'll even make a bet that Melt-Banana's appearance will be mentioned in the next edition of The Austin Chronicle. If they aren't listed in the Recommended or Roadshows section, then I will buy and listen to The Killers album. (My fingers are crossed.) Melt-Banana is already in San Diego with XBXRX. After stopping at Rubber Gloves (Denton, TX), where Count Dracula's Weed Smuggling Jam Engine will open on Friday, Melt-Banana continues the western leg of their "Bambi's Dilemma" U.S. Tour at Emo's. Local little darlings Finally Punk open on the outside stage.

Emo's
603 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors: 8:00 pm
Show: 10:00 pm
$8/All Ages



The Last of the Gang to Die: Morrissey Comes Back to Austin

We all want more Morrissey, and I hope La Snacks drummer Jamey Matte finally gets to see him live after a couple of missed opportunities. The man is legendary (there's a lot of use of that word this week, "legendary"). From his fronting The Smiths eons ago, to orchestrating a "comeback" that involved huge music festivals instead of small venues as is customary. Morrissey proves that this wasn't really a comeback feat, but a triumph of good taste. Opening is rock vocalist and pianist Kristeen Young. She's so cool, she doesn't have a MySpace profile.

The Backyard
Austin, TX
Tickets Still Available

Fin.

Saturday Night Beatdown: Manager's Choice Opens for Rescue Mission and Cassette, May 19th @ Emo's

I mentioned Chaos In Tejas earlier this week in the Daily Fix for the ATX, but if you're in Austin this weekend and in the mood to master the robot while you rock, I highly recommend catching this show at Emo's Lounge this Saturday. Manager's Choice is Austin's own New Wave 'n' Reggae band that will have you moving and spazzing out - just a little bit. I won't bore you with wordy comparisons to The B-52's, Talking Heads, The English Beat, etc... But I will state this: Manager's Choice is my choice for a party. And when I listen carefully I hear something amusing, intelligent and subversive all at once. My kind of party - with a "Galactic Suckerpunch".



Rescue Mission appears to be quite proficient in channeling the best of the 80s. I will dare to compare them to Simple Minds. No, it's not an insult, but a compliment. It's that song that I enjoy hearing so much on their MySpace page - "Among The Trials" - that reminds me of The Breakfast Club "theme song". You know the one... (Hey, at least I didn't compare them to Blue October). I want to dress in black and wear eyeliner just to hear them.



Now about Cassette... I wonder why they don't have thousands of adoring fans. Maybe it's the name that puts the young hipsters off. Although I wasn't immediately impressed by my first listen (you can download four tracks for free on MySpace), by my second listen, I was hoping that by the time the LP drops, I won't be the toothless soothsayer. Until then, the kids are alright with me. Check them out Saturday. I'm not sure about the cover charge, but it should be less than the cost of parking downtown.

Emo's (Lounge)
10:00 pm
All Ages/Cover $?
603 Red River
Austin, TX

Forget Girls Gone Wild - The Lovely Ladies of Girls Gone Funny + Live Music from The Nematoads = A Helluva Good Weekend



I'd like to introduce you to some of the funniest women in Austin, TX: Host Phyllis Masters is one of the funny members of the Austin comedy troupe It's Just Wrong, formerly The Austin Live Show. Emcee Suzanne Brown appeared at The Cap City Comedy Club's 22nd Annual Funniest Person in Austin and performs at various venues throughout Austin. I haven't seen or heard Allie Robison, but if she's performing at Girls Gone Funny, I suspect she's going to bring it on. Hairy Melon, a.k.a. Mary Helen McCarthy, is an hilarious comedy writer, stand-up comedian, and one of the founding member of It's Just Wrong. She also hosts a show called Radio Comedy for the Soul on Talk Radio 1370 AM. Kat Williams (not to be confused with Katt) is an Austin, TX comedian with a day job. I was going to guess exotic dancing, but I think it's actually "fire dancing". Hot. And lets not forget the music... The Nematoads are a Third Coast surf rock band from Austin, TX. Their new album out on Deep Eddy Records, "Five Guns West", could be described as a Spaghetti Western scored with a Texas twang and surf-punk twist. Sounds like a party to me.

Girls Gone Funny
w/The Nematoads
Saturday, May 19th
Woody's South
321 Ben White Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

Tonight, Tonight, Tonight at The Parlor: Transmography, La Snacks, and BASIC

Good pizza, good beer, and good music on a Friday night? What a concept. Instead of a normal preview where I describe each band and what to expect, I will explain what not to expect at The Parlor, with the assistance of photos that have nothing to do with each point:


BASIC's debut album, Favorite Movie. My favorite song.

Don't expect to be bored. It's live rock 'n' roll.


La Snacks - Not quite normal.

Don't expect to pay a cover. But tipping the bands would be lovely.


If you're late, you might be expected to lick that same Transmography arm. Ewww - gross!

And don't expect a really late show. It starts at 9:00.

B A S I C opens the show!
The Parlor
100-B E North Loop
Austin, TX