8/7/01: by Caitlynn
West Of Nowhere - Concert Review
I have seen the band West Of Nowhere several times
and each time I see them they are always amazing. The band is so high energy.
They have excellent harmonies, and the lead singer Kyle Reed has a beautiful
voice with quite a range. West Of Nowhere delivers an all around excellent
show. You can't help but feel good when you see them because you also know
how good of a time they are having. Their website is at www.westofnowhere.com
If you like country music, this is a band I would reccomend seeing. I promise
you won't be disappointed.
12/21/00: by Chris Higgins
Lee Harvey - CD Review
leeharvy's last cd Notorious was great and like
expected they are coming out with one at the beginning of next year that's
even better. They are a young and talented band that is going to explode
in 2001. They will be headlining at the Galaxy club on January 13th. Come
see them in action!!
11/15/00: by Chris Higgins
Lee Harvey - Concert Review
I saw lee harvy at trees this past weekend (11/11/00) and I think that they are a great band. I thinkt that they are going right up the charts. They had a great sound and there is a lot of talent in the band. I would love to see them get some good breaks and be at the top of the charts.
11/8/00: by Dr. Louie Hall, Professor of Music University of Maine
Entity - "Here To Stay" - CD Review
The past few decades in popular music have seen
major changes; musicians are more experienced and educated, technology
in the sound and recording industries has become mind-boggling, and the
American audience has become more selective and demanding. Listeners want
good tunes, lyrics with which they can identify, a beat they can dance
to, and individual performing quality that has style, skill, and personality.
The stage is set for ENTITY. The honesty of Country music comes though
the creative style of ENTITY in their new CD aptly name, HERE TO STAY.
Nothing speaks to the country music fan like original heart-felt songs
covering the real-life range of emotions that the heartland needs to hear.
From the mellow and touching "You and I" to the rockin' "As A Matter of
Fact", lovers of Country won't find themselves skipping bands on this CD!
All original songs by Josh Guthrie, ENTITY also includes the varied and
refined skills of Ray Emmons, Dan Matthews, and Mike Heath
create a musical unit as tight, rhythmically
clean, and accurate as any recorded group today. You'll hear refreshing
use of louds and softs so often ignored by even top artists, and vocals,
as in "My Heart is True", that are clear, balanced, and alive with style.
Rhythm, keyboard, and guitar work speak for themselves in this smoothly-assembled
musical product. There are no weak spots here. Keep an eye on ENTITY!
10/2/00: by Chris Wilmoth
Eric Folkerth - "Songs for the Time Being" - CD Review
Songs for the Time Being, the debut album from singer-songwriter Eric Folkerth, is an exciting combination of freshness, brilliant imagery, catchy melodies and wisdom. The songs range from the poignant to the joyful, the serious to the silly but never lose the wonder and enthusiasm of a first kiss.
It might seem odd that a debut album begins with a goodbye song, but Sequoyah is the perfect introduction to a collection of songs full of vivid images and pithy insights. Sequoyah finds in the autumnal Ozarks foliage a lesson about the beauty of the changes constantly confronting us and the comfort to be found in embracing the people who bring meaning to our lives.
This album is flush with natural images: the birches of Moscow, the east Texas pines, Barton Springs, blue-grey horizons outside Austin, the sun breaking through the clouds. It’s also filled with paths, the quest for purpose and peace of mind. If Folkerth has found any truth within these images, it’s the beauty of the unanswered question.
“Eric’s songs tell stories the way a good movie does,” says another Texas songwriter Bob Ackerman. Take, for example, Mom Went Bungie Jumping, which tells of a woman who finds herself on her own for the first time “with no one she needs to protect.” Central to this song is the image of the free fall coupled with the hope that the cord will ultimately keep her from hurting herself, the notion that “faith is such a thin and fragile cord.” The selected snapshots of her life reflect the sense of compassion that pervades this album.
These Rooms is both a love song to Folkerth’s little girl and an expression of wonder at the fathomless human capacity for discovering new love. The award-winning I Will Sing is the kind of song you find yourself immediately replaying so you can learn the words and sing along. The Birches of Moscow, Folkerth’s epic coup de grace, tells the story of how the myths a baby boomer grew up on melted happily into the peace of friendship and understanding. And My Brontosaurus Threw a Potluck will make you chuckle, raise your eyebrows and wonder, What was that all about?
The richness of the studio version of these songs is also a tribute to the genius of producer Clark Findley. Still, a few good listens and you can guess what Folkerth might have in his personal CD collection. You hear traces of the alternate tunings and terse imagery of David Wilcox, the narrative skill of John Gorka, Darden Smith, and Shawn Colvin, the quirkiness of Christine Lavin and Trout Fishing in America, and the vocal virtuosity of Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, and (according to my mother-in-law) Frank Sinatra. But Songs for the Time Being is no mere paean to the artists Folkerth admires. It is infused with a unique perspective and infectious melodies that will keep it in the CD changer for weeks at a time.
Chris Wilmoth is a former adjunct writing instructor at Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University and Brookhaven College. He has presented papers to the Modern Language Association and the Southeastern Medieval Association. Formerly Communications Director for an international petroleum consulting firm, he is now a student at SMU School of Law.
6/28/00: by Charles Smith
Doris Daze - "It's All Good" - CD Review
Doris Daze has come into their own. With the release
of the new CD “It’s All Good” they have melded together a sound that is
original and refreshing. It has the energy that captures you. The pounding
melodies stay in your head long after you here the music. With the lead
vocals of the talented Melissa Collins to front the band the presentation
is complete. Melissa has the power voice of Janis Joplin and the soul filled
sound of Ma Rainey from Memphis’ Bealle Street gritty blues genre of many
years ago. Her presence on this effort is surely felt deep. At once you
know that this singer is on track to become one of the next North Texas
legends. Melissa writes a lot of the songs on the CD. Her style is down-to-earth
and timely yet classic. It fits the talents of the group as an emerging
rock band. This band exudes energy to move you to the dance floor. The
classic style is very evident in the very blusey track number six “Take
Me Home”. The pop filled track one “It Must ! Be Love” is hit material.
The melody and vocals are true and convincing. Track seven “Hush Hush”
is another hook melody that stays with you long after the last note fades.
Here again the harmony that comes from this group is very captivating.
The last track on the release “It’s All Good” is a first class effort.
It is the one that has firm Texas overtones with the promise of being the
band's signature track. The sweet melody will get ya. This track should
be on the play list of stations that are into an alt-Texas
sound. The band has the feel of a very put-together
act. They are well worth the effort to see live in a Deep Ellum venue or
just to listen to while shuffling through traffic. Either way it is a good
choice for your Texas Music collection.
8/10/99: by Lily Mills
Nas - I Am... - CD Review
Nas' recent album "I Am..." is the best album
I have ever heard, in my opinion. I am an avid music collector and I look
for albums which keep me listening to the whole thing, not just the number
one single. I bought this album because I really like the song "Hate Me
Now", but now I am in love with almost every song on the album, which only
lost my attention twice (this is very good by the way). Undying Love is
definately my favourite. The only album in my collection which could come
close to my opinion of this recording is "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill".
Dead Industry & Low Gear - Concert Review
I saw Dead Industry and Low Gear together in concert
at the Galaxy Club on March 20. It was an AWESOME show! Both bands put
on a very entertaining show! They have so much energy and enthusiasim!
I'm looking forward to seeing Low Gear at the Curtain Club this Sunday
for the Local Show. I hope DI and Low Gear play together again real soon!
Grimace - Concert Review
I saw these guys at a battle of the bands at Abracadra's
... they kicked ass the won the thing...the other bands were good, but
these guys rocked...only three dudes!!!they got a wall of sound man!!
then I saw them at Sanctuary!!!! they rock!!!!
Bobby Pizazz - Band Review
This talented songman"s own repertoire of original
compositions exceeds 1500 songs, comprised of a wide and varied range of
styles - Jazzy, Bluesy, Rocky, Country Swing crossover .. and a style that
can only be described as uniquely his own. Bobby"s performances caught
the attention of area promoter Jack Cracian, prompting the “All Blues”
concert at Cleveland Ohio's Agora Ballroom. Pizazz performed with blues
legends Robert Jr. Lockwood, Mary Martin and Jimmy Ley. Pizazz also organized,
hosted and performed at a series of concerts called “Sequi Centennial Summer
Concerts on the Lake”. He was so well received that the Sunday paper “The
Chronicle” featured him in a front page article. His own articles on songwriting
often appeared in “The Songwriter”. Pizazz is no stranger to the back stage
magic of behind-the-scenes activities. To his credit he has worked with
a variety of major recording artists.
Bobby appeared as an extra in several music
videos, ABC"s football commercial with Hank Williams Jr., and the movie
“Sweet Dreams” with Jessica Lange. Most recently, Robert Pizazz appeared
as a guest performer on TNN"s “American Magazine” at the request of producers
Don Dishal and Allen Reed. His spontaneous segments of ad-lib, emotional
delivery, and distinctive vocal style wins over even the most discerning
of audiences.
Six for Twelve - Band Review
I won't bore you with overused words like eclectic, earthy, palatable, myriad, etc. Just the facts...Six for Twelve is a boot-to-the-head, mature, real, get-ya-in-the-gut, get-ya-thinkin', find-yourself-starin' band!
I won't tell how they got together, you'll
learn about that later. I'll just say these four human beings were brought
together by Fate (like we all are) and though Fate can be a fickle bitch,
she knew what she was doing in this case. I will give you a good piece
of advice...go see this band. You'll thank me later.
Luis Villegas - CD Review
Review of the CD, Cafe Ole, by Luis Villegas and the United Nations Band, released in 1998 on Domo records.
One might think that this is just another latin
dance album but once it kicks off with Baby Elephants it is creamy and
surprisingly listenable. As it moves onto the second track, Banana Bay,
it is hard and green¾in a few years this will be terrific. Luis
and the United Nations band simply have lots of character and breeding.
They are not as intense as some but more serious than others. The next
few tracks are young and surprisingly light, richer and fruitier than most,
but with some seriousness of purpose. Getting to the fifth and sixth tracks
bring songs that are aggressive, big, and rough-hewn. Simply big and warming.
Luis shows traditional depth in his music, and he is proud to be a bit
rough. The United Nations band is obviously comfortable being what it is;
uniformly a bit biting, leathery and chewy. This album is a keeper and
will stand the test of time. Definitely worth hiding in the closet for
a few years. As I listened to the seventh track, inside, I thought of big
white rocks reflecting the intense sun. It was good, unpretentious, but
well made. It would make you warm on a cold night. The eighth track does
not have the guts of some but it is righteous. A well recommended full-bodied
album to be enjoyed with any course.
Hollow Point - Concert Review
I first saw HOLLOW POINT at the VAMPIRE LOUNGE on HOLLOWEEN with BIG IRON and they rocked so hard that one guy actually got kocked out in there pitt,they are the best band that I have ever seen and i plan to attend every HP show that I can.HOLLOW POINT is a twizted mix of HATE BREED meets COAL CHAMBER meet the BEASTIE BOYS point blank they are truely the best band that I have seen. I hope you like them as much as I do!! later P-ROCK.
9/28/98: by Anonymous
Venue Review
Deep Ellum Center for the Arts at 2808 Commerce
Street is a great place to go and see THE ARTS!!!!! Also, we rented the
space for a private function and were delighted with the facilities. Highly
recommended. Melissa Savage, the director (214-744-2787), was very helpful!
We'd do it again.
Freshwater Concert Review
On August 15, at the curtain club, a new dfw
band called Freshwater
opened up for Dahveed Garza, and I must say I was thoroughly impressed.
the band's diversity of instrumentation was exciting to watch. Drums, violinist,
bass, acou. gtr, elec. gtr, percussionist/flutist, concise and cutting
vocal harmonies. The two vocalists work very well together. The set list
was:
1.holding on.....powerful 3 part harmonies
2. miracles....needs to be a little tighter
3. above me...very cool elec. gtr delay/ U2
feel, very cool
4. fell down the mountain....brought the crowd
into the show
5. sun from my skies....excellent elec. gtr
work
6. restless...slower than others , but the
flute was cool
7. walking down brisbane...pumping..percussion
solo kicked a**
Looking very forward to seeing this band again
as they develop into a very tight sound...crowd response after each song
and whole set was overwhelming I think to the band...these guys are on
their way.
Tripping Daisy CD Review
Tripping Daisy's latest full length release "Jesus Hits Like The Atom Bomb" isn't what you expect from a band who gave us great pop hits in the past such as "Blown Away" and "I Gotta Girl."
This album is at first hard to listen to, but after a few listens, you find yourself drawn into the music as vocalist Tim De Laughter sings about love on the ballad "Sonic Bloom" and you get to reminisce a bit with the ultra great pop tunes "Mechanical Breakdown" and "New Plains Medicine."
The addition of an extra guitarist/trumpet player, Phil Karnats, opens up doors not previously know to the one time 4 piece band. New comer Ben Curtis picks up the sticks to pound out some great beats on this record as well.
This album should be, and could be, a big time
record in terms of sales and radio play. The first single titled "Waited
A Light Year" is a six minute epic that is pure greatness.
It can almost make you believe there is no justice in the world when someone as talented Trish Murphy is not signed to a major label and isn't being played on the radio in the rock and roll capital of the world. At least Wilbert's had the good ears and good sense to bring Murphy into town.
Murphy and the impressive three-piece band she fronts offered a two-set show last Friday that was simply wonderful. The Austin-based singer-guitarist is a real entertainer, not one of those showbiz acts who think they're entertaining and aren't. This woman is obviously completely into what she is doing. Great songs got great delivery. She was fun and not phony.
When Murphy performs, she's passionate and genuine. This gal's guitar faces (you know, those grimaces, grins and lip-biting facial expressions that guitarists make as they play) are legit, not choreographed like the game faces of Joan Jett or Chrissie Hynde. Also genuine was her between-song banter. You just can't script an endorsement for the club's chef and his talents in the salad department.
Murphy has a deep appeal. What her voice lacks in textbook perfection, it more than makes up for with expressiveness and emotion. It's not easy to describe, either. She really doesn't have a rasp, and her voice isn't really crystal clear. It's not smoky nor torchy. Whatever you call it, it's a grabber. The easy way out would be to compare her to Sheryl Crow, though Murphy's delivery isn't as forced.
Stylistically, it's obvious that she owes as much to Tom Petty and Neil Young as she does to Crow. The guitar lineshad those same Southern accents. It's not a country sound; it's that undefinable lower-U.S. sound.
With opening act Slaid Cleves a no-show, Murphy was asked to do a split set with a break. Her first set opened withfour as-yet-unrecorded tunes that were powerful enough to make you think that she had better high-tail it into the studio and lay them down A.S.A.P. Of those, "Runaway Freight Train" and "Me Behind The Wheel" were the standouts.
With a couple of exceptions, everything else came from her critically acclaimed CROOKED MILE disc. "ScorpioTequila," the first inclusion from the disc and a song inspired by Murphy's more outgoing sister, was loaded with sass and some great guitar work by Mac McNabb. This guy can put a Stratocaster through its paces, making it sing and cry without being a showboater. Great slide work, too.
Murphy has a new rhythm section that cooks. Bass player Scott Garber was solid. Behind the drum kit was Nina Singh, formerly of the Borrowers, who can whack the skins with the best of them. She's got a nice combination of power and finesse, and she knows when to employ both.
Also from CROOKED MILE was "Running Out Of Tomorrows," a laid-back rocker with a mid-tempo pace that nicely showcased the expressiveness and range of Murphy's voice. The first set was capped with an outstanding cover of Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring You Down."
The second set started with Murphy solo and acoustic, rendering a sobering and thought-provoking version of "Boiling Water." She's more than talented enough to play alone, but had she done more than the three it would have been just too much.
Murphy's pacing was good. She followed the forlorn, slow and swaying "Wrong Side Of Town" with the energetic "Date With An Angel," a stepping-out-on-my-own tale of a young woman trekking to the bright lights of L.A. Murphy never let the mood get too far in either direction.
The set closed with "Paralyzed," a new song inspired by Murphy being at a loss for words atthe wrong time, followed by CROOKED MILE's jewel, "Concession Stand Song," a catchy collectionof one-liners strung together.
In its recorded version, it has all the makings of a world-class chart-topper, but on this nightMurphy and company took it one step cooler, tucking in a couple lines from Al Green's "Take Me ToThe River" right after the line in the chorus that goes, Tell your babies what you know/Drop 'em in the river and watch 'em go. It was just enough to draw a roomful of grins and applause.
For a critic, it was more than suitably impressive. For a music enthusiast, it must have madenew fans for Murphy. The advice is that if you see Trish Murphy and her band slated to playanywhere near you, go and catch them at once. You're likely to walk out a fan at the end of her set.
Lee Barrish
Buck Jones and Fixture play in the Wreck Room
WHAT??!! Did you say something??!! I said "Youth is overrated"..."Duluth finally got raided??". HUH? Ah....the typical conversation at a heavy metal club.
I dropped by the Wreck Room to see Fixture and Buck Jones Friday (6/19) and unless you already know EXACTLY where the Wreck Room is located on West 7th Street in Fort Worth...then I suggest you bring along a designated watch-out to ride shotgun so they can scream "There it is!!" There it is!" and point madly at the unassuming little black building situated amongst wealthy suburbia, downtown & lock-yer-doorville. Parking is scarce judging by the many "No parking or get towed" signs around the building - so get creative in finding a parking spot. If it weren't for the clubs' name, the heavy metal bands they book, or the Texas location - the Wreck Room is very reminiscent of a northeastern-type neighborhood bar. I kept looking out the window to see if it was snowing yet.
The club itself is basically divided into three sections. The first half is the cozy/homey bar which is separated by a regulation size pool table (which may not be level anymore after a hyper employee kept jumping on it to adjust a stage light every few minutes). The larger middle section is the stage section & the smaller back area has another pool table in it.
Good beer selection (bottle & draft) - which is sometimes unusual for a smaller club. Nice staff & service....which reminds me....it's not everyday one see's a cocktail waitress sporting a dog collar & leopard skin apron.
The dark burgundy walls of the
bar section give an air of coziness & along with the dim (mood) lighting,
the glow of the draw poker machine & the TV tuned to the Discovery
channel - they could easily change the name to something
like "Gus's Place" & still do just fine. Many patrons seemed
liked regulars to the bar too. A lot of "everyone knows
everyone" kind of place. The walls
display many great original works of art &
many people paused to admire the artwork despite the fact a
band was playing in the background. Reject chairs & well-worn
(but darn comfy) couches straight from Good Will line the clubs'
walls which only adds to the charm of
the place. Speaking of walls, those
leading into the bathrooms are a tribute to
graffiti.....lots of humorous "for a good time call" stuff.
Doesn't sound like a heavy metal club right? That's the visual impression you get though.
For a heavy metal club I was quite surprised at the overall crowd. A tiny handful of obvious heavy rocker types, but the majority were college types. The Gap is doing well in clothing sales this season it would seem. Even the music selection on the CD jukebox was quite diverse. Most tunes played before the bands came on were heavy rock...but the jukebox had everything from classic rock to mellower alternative tunes. I get theimpression that maybe, just maybe, the Wreck Room is not fully committed to being a total heavy metal club forever & are keeping their options open - just in case.
I would suggest that the Wreck Room invest in a few more smoke-eater machines - the cloud of smoke was obviously thick and choking by the time the club filled in with patrons - most of which smoke. If you are a non-smoker or an ex-smoker trying to stay clean of smoke - this is not the place for you.
Oh yeah the bands. Lest I forget. Fixture opened
up around 10:30 PM. A clean-cut, all-American looking band out of
Oklahoma City played a set without obvious mistakes but the feedback problem
got annoying quickly. The emphasis for this band was heavy on the
amp & volume but very light on style. They reminded me
of every other heavy band
that has played in countless garages
across America - one who's overall "sound" is lacking
in originality & whose sound isn't distinctive enough to make them
stand out for long - let alone warrant seeing them again. The
lackluster (and all but absent) applause from the crowd only added to that
theory. No one stood to watch the band play either... most
mulled about trying to carry on their conversations despite the band.
The club got more crowded as the night went on, but many didn't seem to be there to hear the bands play. In fact, ANY band could have played and that would have been fine by them too - how do I know this...I asked some people.
Buck Jones started their set around midnight & had a few fans sporting their T-shirts in the crowd. Maybe 30-40 people stood at the stage to watch, but again the crowd was reserved. A few people (myself included) tapped a foot or grooved a bit to the beat of the bass drum - but that seems to happen as a reflexive movement - almost like blinking. The appeal of Buck Jones has to be the female bassist/vocalist. I contemplated using the word vocalist as the lyrics were inaudible and quite drowned out by the guitar & drums. Why bother writing lyrics then? Buck Jones seems to have a small following but not enough to fill a club - maybe over in Dallas but definitely not in Fort Worth - at least not this time, which having only seen them once - that's all I can go by.
Buck Jones had a more distinctive sound than Fixture but yet they still sounded like everyone else in their league. I am beginning to think this style of music has too many limitations. There is no room to break out of the crowd without sounding more mainstream or being accused of "giving in to da man". Creativity is based on how loud you can get the speakers & amps. Same old, same old heavy amp sound.
Overall, the crowd was unresponsive to
the genre of music being played. Ouch - not a good thing for
a music style that thrives on head-banging & enthusiasm.
The Wreck Room club itself has a neighborhood bar appeal
to it & I hope to see it move in that direction to
be quite honest. Fixture neither pumped up the crowd nor has the musical
(& name) appeal to draw patrons into a club. Buck Jones had a solid
set but again the music was generic heavy metal & I sure didn't see
a local following that's strong enough to bring in a crowd consistently.
Either way, I wish both bands luck in their endeavors.
TOOMuchTV x Two Venues
Two venues, same band, yet apples & oranges in differences. This past week I caught just two live shows by Dallas-based band TOOMuchTV. First, at Fort Worth's Caravan of Dreams (6/11) and again at Dallas' (Deep Ellum) Club Clearview (6/13).
This review is more about the live shows
& less a CD critique (Too Much is Never Enough - Carpe Diem
Records, 1997) as that is a whole 'nother review in itself. However,
a standard-issue introduction of the band seems a good idea.
TOOMuchTV is fronted by local-favorite & talented lead-vocalist/guitarist/songwriter
Broose Dickinson (also
of PopPoppins fame). Equally deserving in
credit & recognition is the rest of the band: MaxwellHartman
- guitar, Owen Kinser - bass, John Scully - drums, & (supposedly,
but who has seen him recently?)
Brad McLemor - guitar.
Thursday night (6/11), TMTV performed
a free show at Fort Worth's Caravan ofDreams venue. Other than a
very limited beer selection on the theater level & outdoor
grotto bar - can that place get any better? Along with a
great location in hip Sundance Square, C of D has an eclectic mix
of performers, open-aired grotto bar, 200+ seat theater, intimate
yet spacious concert hall/dance floor, ample (and clean) bathrooms, good
food & great staff. Whew! Anyway, TMTV performed live in the 2nd
level theater room at Caravan (unlike the usual concert hall
downstairs which was already booked with another band that same
night), and they put on one heck of a fun show. Emphasis on fun cannot
be expressed enough!
Most folks in the audience came over after the free Mayfield/Specials show held in the Chisholm Trail lot across the street. Some folks came upstairs after the band playingdownstairs in the main concert hall was done. Band family members (parents, grandparents ??) & TMTV fans in general were all in attendance. Mostly a late 20's, 30-something age crowd.
Formerly a recording studio, the converted theater at Caravan is not the best venue for standing up or breaking out into dance due to the typical theater seating - closelyspaced & tiered (but yet quite plush & comfy), but that didn't stop the band or the crowd from having a great night out. Actually, the tiered seating gave everyone a good view of the whole band & I thought the acoustics were great. I could clearly make out the lyrics & the crowd was actually listening to the band & singing along unlike some venues wherethe band seems to be just an earsore as patrons gab amongst themselves - all but oblivious that a band is even playing.
Broose told the song name before starting most tunes, which is great if you are unfamiliar with the actual song titles but are wanting to know the name to your newfavorite song. He also explained that the band had been given a longer than usual set to play - 1 1/2 hours - which was just fine with all of us. Keep on playing!
Having finished their set early at Caravan, the band took to improvisation & requests from the crowd. Gotta love a band that acknowledges the audience! Guitarist Max Hartman wowed not only the Caravan crowd but fellow band members when he cut loose on a Nirvana tune semi-requested by some guy wanting to hear "grunge". Watch out for those innocent looking band members eh! The band chatted a bit about where they all went to high school at & joked around with the audience members about silly stuff - something you just don't see or hear much at most venues where bands seem/act so detached from the audience.
With a hint of we-learned-years-ago-to-do-this,
the band tossed in a few obligatorycover songs which by no
means discounts the originality & strong presence of TMTV's
own music more than it fills some time & lets the band
(and audience) have some fun in the process. In fact,
dressed in matching pin-striped suits a`la early Beatles, the
bands'
covering of "You're Gonna Loose that Girl"
seemed only fitting.
Both the band and the venue were a great match that night. The crowd had a fun time, the band was relaxed & friendly, the sound was great, the playlist was perfect & thevenue was (as always) one of the best places to see a great band up close and personal. Bravo to both Caravan and TMTV!
Now, on to the oranges having talked about apples. Club Clearview (6/13) was very disappointing to say the least. Last word I got was TMTV would go on around 11pm but instead didn't get on stage until well after 1 am. In the meantime every littleband available took to the stage. The average age of the audience was roughly early-midtwenties. Did I actually overhear someone there was named Buffy? Say it ain't so.
Club Clearview is part of a larger group of clubs housed in the same cramped, gloomy, un-air/conditioned building (HELLO! We are in Texas. It is summertime & HOT!). I swore the last time I was there I would never go back for a multitude of reasons. Where to start. Hmmm. The tiny, unkempt bathrooms are a microbiologists dream come true. My friend Jim said the mens-room had a good inch deep layer of standing water (he hoped it was water at least) to wade through - so guys....don't wear sandals! The ladies-room was dark, reeked, & anyone trying to get in would invariable clock someone else with the door, so lots of apologizing goes on in that little room. Atleast half the women leaving the bathroom were unaware that they were dragging a piece of toilet paper from their shoes - that's always attractive.
The lack of a/c was more than many could stand so despite having paid $6 to get in - the outside Texas heat was actually cooler so they left early even though many had come to specifically watch TMTV. That's a shame. Also, women, skip putting on makeup & styling your hair because you will be in for a rude awakening. Within a matter ofminutes upon entering the club/sweltering sauna - most makeup was smearing down faces & hair styles were all but non-existent. And yet...they stay. Why? Is it the $6 they paid? The guys stay because the women's clothes are now plastered to them from the heat sothey get eye-candy views. Anyway, I was standing relatively still & like many in the crowd, we were uncomfortable & drenched in sweat - pity the bands having to endure standing under hot stage lights & having to move about & play. I endured for the sake of seeing TMTV again - but should they play again at Clearview - I'll pass.
Finally, a little after 1 am, TMTV took to the stage. Only after two songs the guitarist was checking his watch. Hmmm. The club closes at 2 so they were hustling to cram in the usual songs it seemed to us. Unlike the show at Caravan - the band was only there to play & play quickly. Had I not seen TMTV at another venue before seeing them at Clearview, then I would not have liked the band much....and I think this a great band!
The sound was poor - loud - but poor. In fact....the Clearview house sound guy charged at a band member that played just prior to TMTV over the lousy sound & they about got into a minor scuffle of sorts. There's some professionalism for you. Anyway, it was quite hard to make out the lyrics clearly unless you knew the words already. I noticedthat hardly anyone was singing along at Clearview like they did at Caravan too. The band seemed rushed, obviously uncomfortable with the heat, barely chatted freely with the audience, never quite content with the sound, and lacked the charm they had at Caravan. It is amazing how a venue can make all the difference.
A few groupie girls swooned down in front viving for Broose's attention & a few patron's danced. Mostly that kind of dancing folks try to do whilst holding a sloshing beer, it reinforces that the laws of gravity are still accurate & applicable. But hey...it's almost 2 am, got some groovy music going on & who is gonna remember this anyway?
Overall, Club Clearview is not the venue of choice for truly appreciating a band. The acoustics are poor, the seating is sparse, the dance floor is teeny tiny, the ambiance is all but non-existent. But yet, the place is always hopping & good bands continue to book shows there. Someone clue me in on how this place remains so popular?
In regards to TOOMuchTV...they
are a band to see! Great vocals, lyrics
and melodies that will send you
out searching for their CD at record stores & scanning the concert
date calendars to see them again. Do check out their new CD
& beat feet to see them live - preferably at Caravan of Dreams
to really hear them & get a better sense of
their style. Not trying to completely trash Club
Clearview - but truly that venue does no justice for
TMTV in my opinion. Thanks John, Owen, Broose and Max for your creativity
and talents!
The
Plebeians: Self Titled
- Formerly know as the Plebeian Monarchs, the Plebeians of Austin, Texas,
have not only simplified their name, but have also redirected their sound,
now reaching for the roots of the music they love best—rock, country and
gospel. Indeed, The Plebeians music is American (read that as Texas all
the way). Produced by ex-Bodean Michael Ramos, and aided and abetted by
some of the finest players (from Austin and elsewhere), this outfit has
clearly learned the fine art of understatement when it comes to arranging
and performing. The result is music that’s uplifting and beautifully textured.
Suggested Songs: “Mother Mary,” “Strange Tango,” “Half Of It”
Concealed in "downtown" Arlington, J. Gilligan's
has been featuring live music for almost two decades. During the day, Gilligan's
is a popular lunch spot for many of the local business and city employees.
At night, Gilligan's opens the Draft House, featuring thirty different
bottled beers and thirty-five more on tap. The front restaurant becomes
a stage for a wide variety of local cover and original bands. Every thursday,
check out Andrew & Alan Unplugged. Though they play acoustic guitars,
this is not a folk, lounge or even a quiet show. Always willing to play
any request (tips usually required and often given) Andrew & Alan cover
seemingly every musical base. I've heard Pantera, NIN, Johnny Cash, Beatles,
and bands I've never even heard of along with all the current tunes. You
have to hear the "midnight" song (not for the conservative). Friday &
Saturday, check Gilligan's entertainment line, 795-LIVE for scheduled acts.
On Sunday, Gilligan's has a band that can't make up its mind on a name.
4 Dudes with Guitars, The inflatable Party Sheep, The Julia Sumner Millers,
are names that have all been given for the same band. A good band, schizophrenic
names. J. Gilligan's is at 400 E. Abram, between Collins and Cooper.
No Mapsco? Call 274-8561 and ask for directions.
Be sure to mention you read
this on Musicstew.com
I caught Terry Allan Hall's latest performance at Charlie's Cafe in Grapevine,TX.,where he appears once or twice a month.(I had first heard of him at the MayFest last spring,and then re-discovered him on another part of MusicStew's site.) While I usually prefer my music a lot louder,I'm pretty impressed by the way he takes one voice,one acoustic guitar,and a few harmonicas, and creates his own "space". He's a little bit country,a little classic rock,and a bunch "unplugged",and he writes some very compelling songs of his own.My girlfreind even made me buy a copy of his tape "Singer/Songsmith",several songs off of which he sang that night. (The recording, by the way,has a rock rhythm section that allows Hall to display his condiderable (sometimes electonically-flavored) acoustic lead guitar and mandolin skills much more than his solo performances do. "Shadow Soldier" particularily blew me away.) I would highly recommend Terry Allan Hall to anyone who enjoys excellent "folky" music.