Interview: Deastro

Some of the most interesting interesting/creative space-pop songscapes being produced today are the responsibility of one Randolph Chabot, better known as his performing moniker Deastro. As Randolph will be in town soon (Nov. 19 at the Cavern) we thought we'd send some Q's his way to help decipher what makes the man tick.

SubEx: We’ve read that you recorded your first album when you were 12. How would you describe the album’s style and do you think it still holds up?

Deastro: I would describe it as like Dan Deacon meets trance, I don't know if it still holds up, probably not.


SE: How would you say home-schooling affected your personality/influence your musical stylings?

D: There was a lot of music that I thought was really cool back then but wasn't allowed to listen to so I had to make it myself if I wanted to hear it.


SE: Your music is influenced a lot by the nineties, what were you’re A)favorite cartoon, B) toy, and C) videogames growing up?

D: My favorite cartoon was batman the animated series, Secret of Mana was my favorite game my uncle let me borrow it, my favorite toy hmm, me and my brothers were obsessed with legos.


SE: What would you be doing if you weren’t making music for a living?

D: I would be a teacher or a social worker, I plan to go back to school someday when I am older for something along those lines.


SE: One reviewer recently referred to Moondagger as “rapturous pop,” if it were up to you how would you like for your music to be perceived?

D: I write music because I am sad about the way the world is set up, but I make a lot of it upbeat because I don't want to sound apathetic. I don't do be one of those people who just pile up guilt on others thus distorting the truth and hiding their own reluctance to do good. Rapturous pop is ok I guess. I think things can get better if we learn to see them differently and don't give up, I guess I could get rapturous about that.


SE: Tell our readers a little about the Artists Revitalizing Communities project and how it has been going thus far.

D: That was something I tried to get involved with at the time I don't think it exists anymore, I think I mentioned my friends were doing this in an interview a couple years, ago it is funny that everyone still asks. I have been gone so much with Deastro I haven't had time to get involved lately, I am excited for this winter though I will be home for 3 months which is the longest extended period I have had at home in like 3 yrs.


SE: What holiday do find most enjoyable?

D: Christmas, my whole family goes to my Grandparents house up north and stays there for a few days.


SE: Another website recently posted a picture of you dressed as Where’s Waldo for Halloween as a youngster, describe your best costume growing up.

D: My worst costume is the cat in hat costume which my brother Mike is wearing in the picture, it made you sweat like crazy. My mom made me this toy soldier costume that I won a costume contest with, pretty cool.


SE: Are you/did you dress up this year?

D: I am making something I don't know yet, I am a night before lets make a polygon alien kind of a guy.


SE: What are the differences between Deastro the solo artist and Deastro the band --especially in regards to putting on a live show?

D: Well my band broke up with me because it was getting to hard financially and I couldn't pay them, so there is just me. I am putting together a new band we will see what that sounds like.


SE: Best book you’ve read lately?

D: 2666, or the Rama series it is hard to decide.


SE: I think most people know by now that your name was derived from a GI Joe character, what did you think about the ill-fated live action GI Joe movie released earlier this year?

D: Haven't seen it, I'm waiting until they sell it at wal mart.


SE: Who/what are some of your biggest lyrical influences?

D: Hmm, ee Cummings, Italo Calvino, I am not usually inspired lyrically by other songs but I haven't been listening for that long. I really like Bill Callahan, and Bradford Cox.


SE: What do you hope to accomplish by making music?

D: I don't know man, anything thing that is accomplished by it is accomplished through the people who were inspired by it, or the movement. I guess I hope to be part of a movement that well, moves.

MP3: Deastro - Tone Adventure #3

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Lost Band: 12-Years-Old, Multi-Colored, Answers to the Name Beachwood Sparks

There is new and exciting music coming out into the world every day; too much to keep up with, honestly. And because of that fact, many great artists tend to get overlooked and forgotten very easily. Anyone remember a little group from southern California called Beachwood Sparks?

I first heard of the greatness that is Beachwood Sparks from my guitar player, Andy Cox, about a year and a half ago when I was looking for new music to put on my iPod. It was crammed in the middle of a huge stack of cd’s he gave me to burn, so I just burned them all without really listening to much of any of them and went on with my life. And honestly, after that I was on a Harry Potter audiobook cycle for about a year straight while at work and didn’t bother with much music for a while… Don’t you judge me or I’ll Avada Kedavra you!

About six months after I first got their record, I was driving around Denton listening to music when Beachwood’s cover of Sade’s “By Your Side” came on the shuffle. “Hey now. This is an awesome cover of badass song,” I said to myself. But then the thought immediately left my head… being bombarded by a barrage of hippie bicyclists parading down Hickory Street or checking out some cute scenester girl sounds about right. This sort of situation happened a few times for me with Beachwood Sparks. I would hear a song now and again and think it was great and then instantly forget to see whom I was listening to, and they would fade back into the darkness of my iPod once more.

It wasn’t until about a month ago that I actually remembered and consciously listened to Beachwood Sparks’ entire second record called “Once We Were Trees”, released in late 2001. I was blown away. How come I had never heard this until now?! One reason for that would be that when this record came out, I had just graduated high-school and was listening to Dashboard Confessional and pulling “Hey, Misters!” for Bud Ice 40’s at the time… Really don’t judge me now!

The smooth, reverberating melodies of an electric 12-string and the tinny twang of a pedal steel mixed with the calming, lullaby-like tonality of guitarist Christopher Gunst’s voice reminded me of a present day version of The Byrds’ later stages. The messages portrayed through their lyrics are some of the most positive and uplifting words I have ever heard. Lines from some songs saying things like “Don’t give in to the things that take away from you” and “Though we may lose our way deep in the pines, stay so free” comfort and encourage you to love and live and be happy in this messed up world.

Beachwood Sparks alone has strictly been on my iPod for the past month. I think the album play count is up to 116 at the moment, and my friends no longer want to ride with me in my car. I just can’t stop, and it never gets old.

There is one problem, though. What the hell happened to Beachwood Sparks? Shortly after the release of “Once We Were Trees” back in late 2001, they almost completely dropped off the music radar. After reuniting for a short period in 2002 to record the “Make The Cowboy Robots Cry EP”, Beachwood then went into hiatus, though never officially splitting. I even looked them up on Wikipedia, and it was very confusing and jumbled and I cried like I haven’t since I got lost at Disney World when I was four and Goofy ate my Mickey Mouse hat... The bastard!

The only activity Beachwood has really had since 2002 was Sub Pop’s 20th Anniversary Festival and a few shows around the time of the festival in and around Big Sur, CA in late July of 2008. They then went right back into oblivion again, but are apparently, and hopefully, “working” on a follow-up to “Make The Cowboy Robots Cry.”

It would be a shame for such a great band like Beachwood Sparks to completely be forgotten. Keeping up with new, emerging artists is always a good practice, but at the same time, we can’t forget the simple pioneers that have helped pave the road for much of the great music we have today. And f*** the Alamo! Remember Beachwood Sparks!

MP3: Beachwood Sparks - Silver Morning After

-Cory Coleman [c]

In-Store Alert: Wolfmother @ Best Buy

So maybe Warren G did bail out on tonight, really it only frees you up to check out the newly reinvented Wolfmother at House of Blues. No it's not like this show has been any big secret or anything, but I have been a little surprised (disappointed?) that openers thenewno2 have gotten very little press from what I've seen. The reason it's so shocking to me? The band features Dhani Harrison (son of Beatle George) on lead guitar and vocals. And while the band's sound differs drastically from any of his dad's former projects, anyone who has ever seen them live will tell you how evident it is he's the progeny of a legendary guitarist. Not to mention the fact that he looks and sings just like his old man.

Regardless, if you are still more interested in Andrew Stockdale and Co. you can catch an in-store performance (and get your LP's signed afterwards) at the following Best Buy location. In-store starts at 6PM.

BEST BUY
4255 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy
Midway/LBJ Shopping Ctr
Farmers Branch, TX 75244

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Shwayze Can't Wait to Get You Home -Literally

We've received a few Alan Wilkis remixes in the past and we think the kid really has something, in fact his Amanda Blank remix was one of the most popular MP3's we ever posted. From what he tells us for this newest track he was approached by Shwayze themselves to complete the task, making this the first of what is sure to be many more authorized remixes for the up-and-comer. Just take for instance the other DJ's asked to provide their takes on the track, Paul Oakenfold, The Bloody Beetroots, LMFAO; it's safe to say Wilkis had some pretty lofty expectations to live up to.

Wilkis' rapidly arpeggiated Nintendo synths and crunchy guitar stabs help make this the most catchy song we've ever heard about public restroom sex, and somehow serve to make the "Take me in the bathroom" line slightly less jarring. Throw in some keyboard parts that would make Zapp & Roger envious and you can pretty much guarantee to hear this jam at our Halloween party this year.

The song is so catchy though we're just keeping our fingers crossed it doesn't start some sort of public restroom sex trend. Come on those lines are long enough already.

MP3: Shwayze - Get U Home (Alan Wilkis Remix)

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Warren G: Cancelled

That poster pretty much says it all. No word just yet on what caused tonight's cancellation. I guess it finally dawned on him how hard it would be to keep a Granada audience entertained with just one song? Either way he won't be performing it tonight in Dallas. And I was so looking forward to regulating too. =(

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Tonight in Big (and Little) D

Now that Trees is once again a viable option for catching a worthwhile local/indie show (a million thanks to RTB2/Oso Closo/KDGE's Local Show) we have no problem putting tonight's offering at the top of our list, despite 2 pretty B.A. national shows in town.

Mark from the Local Show continues his Wednesday night bookings at Trees (heads up: they'll move to Thursdays starting in Nov.) in a quest to select the band that gets to open the next Edgefest. Tonight's show, starting at 9PM, features contestants The Roomsounds, Slider Pines, and Young & Brave, and as if that weren't enough already, we've been told there is no cover charge.

The newly reunited Islands also make a pretty compelling case as to why it would be a very good idea to head over to Rubber Gloves tonight for those up Denton way. Even more interesting is former Be Your Own Pet frontwoman Jemina Pearl who is supporting a very recently-released solo debut "Break It Up." Just as we wouldn't expect any surprise appearances from collaborators Iggy Pop or Thurston Moore, we also wouldn't expect that she'll have grown out of her terrifically bratty persona that we've come to love so.

And not to be forgotten are The Low Anthem who bring their brand of chamber folk to the Granada Theater. The group has made a ton of headway since their humble beginnings, getting to share the stage with some of their heroes, including Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, and Gilian Welch at this year's Newport Folk Festival. Head over to their site and sign up for their mailing list to receive a bonus MP3 of the group covering Bob Dylan's "Dignity".

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Album Review: Harper Simon (Self Titled)

Have you ever wondered what an Elliot Smith record would sound like if coated with watermelon Jolly Ranchers candy? Yeah. Me either. But I know now without a doubt that Harper Simon’s new self-titled record, Harper Simon, epitomizes the above question.

Firstly, I wasn’t sure what I was really in for from the first track “All to God.” “Awesome,” I thought. “Another emo-Christian boy who’s gonna cry in the key of C for 38 minutes about the girl who wouldn’t hold his hand down by the lake that night.” Nope. Honestly, just forget the first track ever happened. It’s like the beginning of someone’s award acceptance speech. Yeah. We all get it, but save that shit for the liner notes.

The real music begins with “Wishes and Stars.” The melody has a very familiar, uplifting flow that playfully draws you in with the tinkling sound of a xylophone and smooth, layered, throaty lyrics. Following shortly afterward comes a steel guitar driven country song called “Shooting Star” that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy like the feeling of just finishing a warm piece of pecan pie next to the fireplace.

Most of the entire record is very light-heartedly heart-felt. As I mentioned before, it has playful qualities. “Ha Ha” is simply a song about laughter where background singers laugh in child-like harmonies, which is weird and awesome. The album closer, “Berkley Girl” pays a definite tribute to Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Dangling Conversation.”

There is one thing that bothers me about Harper Simon, though, from the song “Tennessee.” Though it has a very catchy, country twang to it, and it is a good song, it almost seems like Simon is trying too hard to justify his country-esque sound with the line “I was born in New York City, but my Mom’s from Tennessee.” If that’s not the case, and I’m just reading it wrong, then fine, but you should never feel the need to justify the authenticity of your music. Music is what you make it… Not what you make it for.

Ultimately, my favorite thing about this record is the lyrics. More times than not, the lyrics on a record are undermined by over-the-top melodic structures and unnecessary filler instruments, which can be very overpowering and actually weaken a record. But Simon’s words can be heard plain and clear in this self-titled effort, and they are very well versed, uplifting and generally intelligent lyrics. It really is like Elliot Smith got loaded on ecstasy and went to Nashville. This album is a very simple and refreshing listen.

MP3: Harper Simon - The Audit

-Cory Coleman [c]

Brother Ali Live From Paris, Live From Dallas

By far the highest quality and freshest concert videos being made today come from the Grandcrew folks. Coincidence of coincidences today's new Grandcrew video is Brother Ali performing last month at Glaz'Art in Paris, France, which is perfect timing as he'll be offering a similar fare tonight in our own burgh. Check out the impressive video above and then head over to the Granada tonight so experience it firsthand.

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The Guestlist w/ Danny Balis

Somewhat of a change of pace this morning, we have a new SubEx bit to introduce that we are pretty excited about. In these (hopefully) weekly posts we are calling The Guestlist, we are inviting local musicians (and the occasional national act) to come up with a clever category and then to tell us about their top 5 songs in said category, hence the clever title.

This week's Guestlist comes from King Bucks bassist and former Sorta member Danny Balis, whose solo debut, Too Much Living, is one of my favorite albums of the year.

"My Five Favorite Country Songs" by Danny Balis

5. Hank Williams - Cold Cold Heart

A song way ahead of its time regarding how we bring expectations/disappointments of past relationships and project them on our current love interests. With its heartbreaking lyrics and a hauntingly pop steel guitar work it's Senior at his best.

4. Merle Haggard - Sing Me Back Home

Without a doubt, Merle is my top artist of all time. This longing number from the perspective of a death row inmate paints a vivid picture of what prison life may have been like in the 60's --although Merle only did a small stint in San Quinten for robbing a tavern.

3. George Jones - The Grand Tour

No one in country music can make me cry like The Possum. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" seems like the obvious choice, but this tune is penned from the viewpoint of a broken man trying to sell his home following a divorce --obviously something jones had to do several times --making this song even more real and heartfelt than his aforementioned hit.

2. Jimmie Rodgers - Hobo Bill's Last Ride

Without question, it's the saddest song I have ever heard. As a young lad, the images of a lonesome hobo taking his final breath in a freezing cold boxcar struck me right through the heart. Jimmie was truly the father of country music.

1. Gram Parsons - Return of the Grievous Angel

Maybe and odd choice as my favorite considering the traditionalists mentioned already, but Gram nailed it with this one. It's the perfect confluence of piano, steel, fiddle, female harmony and vivid lyrics about truck drivers, the road, and self-destruction. Alas it's the perfect country song.

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Q: Who The Eff is Miike Snow?

A: A Swedish Electropop outfit that masterfully combines pop sensibilities with electronic appeal. Don't kid yourself, there are many bands out there that wave the indie-ElectoPop flag, but few focus on actually being good, relying more on gimmicks and white people to justify their existence. Miike Snow is certainly a cut above. A cross between Passion Pit, Lindsey Buckingham, and Phoenix, Miike Snow keeps it cool.

MP3: Miike Snow - Black and Blue
MP3: Miike Snow vs Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand a Chance
MP3: Miike Snow vs Drake - Cult Logic Forever (Hood Internet Remix)
MP3: Passion Pit - The Reeling (Miike Snow Remix)

-Morrow

Album Preview: Ryan Young - White Citrus

One of the very first things I ever wrote about back when SubEx was still in its infant stages was Austin musician Ryan Young. If I am remembering correctly, his catchy single "I Got Me A..." was my first official music submission. And now so many months later we find ourselves checking in with Mr. Young once again whose full-length "White Citrus" is in stores December 1.

The thing that stands out the most about Ryan Young's album is the high quality of musicianship throughout. No matter which style he decides to take on from track to track, his adroitness at the guitar is never compromised.

"I wanted to make a guitar album. Something that wasn't over the top in terms of technique or showmanship," Young said, "but more of a return to just really good guitar playing."

But it's not just great guitar playing that sets this album apart; wurlitzer, trumpet, and saxophone pepper the album and add a new dimension of polish and funk to Young's work --most notably on a reworked version of the aforementioned "I Got Me A...".

Ryan Young will be the first to tell you how A.D.D. his taste in music is.

"My musical tastes are all over the place, so it only seems right that my music would be as well!"

But it's this same lack of focus that is the disc's biggest detractor. Sure Young flawlessly pulls off blues, rock, folk, country, jazz, and even Latin on "Sea of Green," but it also makes it hard for the album to gain any lasting momentum. Though in the age of shuffling mp3 players this may not be as big of a problem as it once might have been.

MP3: Ryan Young - I Got Me A... [Official Website]

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Giveaway: Tix to Brother Ali @Granada Theater

What says hip hop genius more than a burly Islamic albino white guy from Minneapolis named Jason Newman? All kidding aside the socially contemplative MC, better known by his stage name Brother Ali, is actually quite impressive. And if you're quick you can catch him for free this coming Tuesday courtesy of our good friends at the Granada Theater.

We've got a pair each for the first 2 people who email me with the phrase "It's the inevitable return of the great white hope" in the subject line. Good luck!

Congrats to the winners.

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About Last Night: Dinosaur Jr (& Built to Spill) @ Granada Theater

The moment soundcheck started last night I knew I was in trouble. It didn't take much more than a few warm-up licks from Lou Barlow through his 4 bass cabinets for me to realize that my plugless ears were ill prepared for what was about to happen. Then the man of the hour, Dinosaur Jr guitarist J Mascis, plugged into his 3 full Marshall stacks and began to methodically annihilate fans at the Granada --one cochlea at a time.

Despite looking more like someone you'd run into at a comic book convention than a rock star, J Mascis was without a doubt one of the hardest rockers I've seen. And have I mentioned yet one of the loudest? His seamless transitions between lead and rhythm parts all while laying down his quivering vocals made it feel like I was witnessing a more intense version of Pearl Jam with Mascis simultaneously playing the roles Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder --almost without effort.

All forced and terribly misguided comparisons aside, Mascis displayed his propensity for grinding the axe throughout their set, and proved just how underrated of a player he actually is. It really is a shame that you rarely see his name mentioned in any of those 'greatest guitar player' lists that often crop up in rags like Rolling Stone.

It was somewhat of a shame for me that co-headliners Built To Spill had to follow Dinosaur Jr's sonic barrage, because on any other night I really would have dug what they were throwing down. As it were though, their plaintive nature came off much too anticlimatic (think Zeppelin opening for the Rentals).

If it's too loud you're too old, or so the old adage goes, but last night Macis showed that some things only get better with age.

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Electric Owls - Magic Show

About a year ago Andy Herod decided to stop making music. His thought at the time was that the fact he was playing with a band was responsible for the burnout he was feeling.

"...being in a band WILL ruin your life if you do it long enough," he quips looking back, "No one tells you that."

But naturally, like anyone with music flowing through their veins, Herod's planned hiatus was short-lived. Prompted by a move to North Carolina where he was able spend time with friends and family he was able to rediscover the simple beauty of music and the joy that it could create.

"I certainly had no plans to make a record," but fortunately that's just what he did over a month long period following his move.

"Magic Show," the first single available from Herod's Electric Owls project wonderfully conveys the sense of a person caught in the delicate balance of giving up on music and one just learning to really appreciate it. This struggle manifests itself in the equilibrium of "Magic Show's" simplistic beauty juxtaposed against the track's epic tonal structure. It is further materialized in the uplifting quality of the vocals contrasting against the scary nature of the backup vocals towards the end.

Electric Owls' "Ain't Too Bright" is expected to be released in early 2010. And now that the album is in the can Andy Herod can begin the slow road to his life's ruin anew --hopefully with similar results.

MP3: Electric Owls - Magic Show

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Tonight: RTB2, Oso Closo All Set to Raise Trees From The Dead

I can't believe Trees, the first club I went to shortly after turning 17, has already been open for a few months and I have yet to pay it a visit. I'm not really sure if it's just nostalgia, but the Trees of my memory was one hell of a legendary place, and was head and shoulders above anything else Deep Ellum had--or still has--to offer.

Regardless of this, however, every time I've scoured their calendar I haven't been able to find anything even remotely interesting to attend, not even as just as an excuse to check out the (from what I hear) lovely new Trees. Just how bad has it been? I literally went back and forth over whether or not I could stomach Powerman 5000 long enough to make a visit worthwhile.

But that all changes tonight as SubEx faves RTB2, Oso Closo, and Goodwin are all set to become the first relevant acts to christen the young venue. I've made no bones about my emphatic love for the RTB2 boys in the past and I couldn't be more pleased that they get to be the ones to break Trees' washed up hard rock mold. It's also no secret that the duo put on hands down the best live rock show in town. Period.

The sudden change of pace comes as part of a promotion with local radio station 102.1 KDGE's Local Show. Over the next few months the club will host weekly local indie shows which will serve as a contest, of sorts, to choose a local band to open next year's EdgeFest.

To me it really doesn't matter how it all came about, I'm just extremly happy that it did. Furthermore, I am hoping that Local Show host Mark Schectman, who is the man responsible for these local indie bookings, will get to continue booking great local shows at Trees even long after the contest is all said and done.

I think Schectman himself put it best when he said, "We have a venue now in Deep Ellum that WANTS to support this scene. Now it's our responsibility to come out and support it so it doesn't go away."

As much as everyone's been bitching over the past couple years about the city of Dallas not supporting the local scene I see this as a huge step forward, and one that we cannot--and should not--let go to waste.

MP3: RTB2 - When Hammer Hits Stone

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Fun Fun Fun Scavenger Hunt

The not-too-far-off Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin has been blogged about pretty much everywhere by now, and for good reason as after 3 great years the festival seems to only be getting bigger and better. The likes of Ratatat, James Husband, The Cool Kids, and Mission of Burma are just some of the 90 bands who will be playing the 4 stages over 2 days in the gorgeous Waterloo Park that have us pumped. We do realize how the $75-150 prices for weekend passes could be somewhat of a turnoff for you (we do after all survive on bloggers salary) which is what makes the following announcement so appealing.

Transmission Entertainment and FYF are holding a scavenger hunt this weekend to win weekend passes. Ya it may be in Austin, but who really needs an excuse to make the short trek down I-35? Full press-release with details and full weekend band lineup below.

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WHAT: Fun Fun Fun Fest Scavenger Hunt, brought to you by TE & FYF
Compete to win tickets to Fun Fun Fun Fest, VIP Upgrade and the chance to be made legendary and famous.

WHERE: Kick off at Red 7 (611 7th Street, next to Beauty Bar)
Ending location at Waterloo Park parking lot (12th and Red River)

DATE: Saturday, October 24

TIME: Sign up begins at 3:00P.M. and the hunt begins at 4:00P.M. sharp.

FEE: No fee. Five cans of food per person to benefit Caritas of Austin is the recommended donation. Items on the hunt will be donated to Caritas of Austin as well.

THE RULES:

· Teams will be made up of 2 - 5 people.
· Each team MUST have a name.
· The Scavenger Hunt list will include 50 items, announced at kick off location.
· Each item is worth a specific amount of points.
· The team with the most points wins the grand prize and points will be totaled at end of the game.
· All teams will be encouraged to dress in costumes. This is worth 25 extra points (team portraits will be taken inside of Red 7). Examples: Gangs from The Warriors, favorite band (ie Turbonegro, Run DMC, Devo, etc)...you get the point.
· MUST bring a digital camera of some sort, cellphone camera are OK as well.
· This is all ages and open to the public.

PRIZES:
· The winning team will receive FFF Fest weekend passes for the entire team. IF the teammates already have fun fun fun passes, your tickets will be upgraded to PIPs.
· Over $500 in prizes and gift certificates to a number of our FFF vendors, such as: free haircuts from Birds Barbershop, gift card to Prototype Vintage, free food at Boomerang's Pies, free funnel cakes and more from Snowie onsite at fest, free gift certificates for food at Frank, free popcorn from Cornucopia, gift certificates to Woodland restaurant and Jamie's Spanish Village, free gift cards to Tiff's Treats cookie shop, Kebabaliscious awesomeness, bags and cell phone covers from Incase, Alamo Draft house passes and much, much more!
· FREE tickets to these TEN (!!!) upcoming Transmission Entertainment shows:


1) Islands @ Mohawk (10/27)
2) Jello Biafra (dead kennedys) @ Red 7 (10/28)
3) Black Angels @ Mohawk (10/30)
4) Municipal Waste @ Red 7 (11/12)
5) Thao and the Get Down Stay Down @ Mohawk (11/ 12)
6) Revival Tour w/ Chuck Ragan and more @ Red 7 (11/13)
7) Friendly Fires, The XX @ Mohawk (11/19)
8) Eyedea and Abilities w/ Themselves @ The Highball (11/19)
9) J. Tillman (of Fleet Foxes) @ Mohawk (11/27)
10) Cursive @ Mohawk (11/27)
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And FINALLY, the most amazing wizard statue in the universe (as seen @ funfunfunfest.com)

*The FFF Scavenger Hunt is brought to you by Transmission Entertainment and FYF

ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST
Now in its fourth year, Fun Fun Fun Fest has made a significant impact on the country's winter calendar, successfully combining the vast worlds of indie, punk, hip hop, electronica and comedy while showcasing some of the city's most unique local businesses. It is the most relaxed, laid back and (yet) progressive festival in the market place today, a true urban event in the middle of downtown Austin. Most importantly it's a fest we in the music community want to go to, without all of the filler that shows up at corporate music carnivals around the world. Fun Fun Fun Fest: the fest before the fest ... where you go to see what's about to happen as opposed to what's already been done. www.funfunfunfest.com

FUN FUN FUN FEST COMPLETE SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY, NOV. 7

Orange Stage:

Ratatat 8:30-9:45
Les Savy Fav 7:35-8:25
Yeasayer 6:45-7:30
DEATH 6-6:40
No Age 5:10-5:55
Red Sparrowes 4:20-5:05
Shonen Knife 3:30-4:15
Times New Viking 2:40-3:25
Crystal Antlers 1:45-2:15
Royal Bangs 1:10-1:40
The Laughing 12:35-1:05

Black Stage:

The Jesus Lizard 8:35-9:45
Face To Face 7:45-8:30
F***** Up 6:55-7:40
7 Seconds 6:05-6:50
Melt Banana 5:15-6
The Sword 4:25-5:10
Russian Circles 3:35-4:20
Nightmarchers 2:50-3:30
Young Widows 2:15-2:45
All Leather 1:40-2:10
Coliseum 1:05-1:35
Rat King 12:30-1

Blue Stage:

The Pharcyde 8:50-9:45
The Cool Kids 7:30-8:40
Neon Indian 6:35-7:20
SSION 5:35-6:20
MC Chris 4:35-5:20
VEGA 3:35-4:20
Foot Patrol 2:35-3:20
Sugar & Gold 1:50-2:20
LAX 1:05-1:35
Beta Player 12:20-12:50

Yellow Stage:

Destroyer 8:45-9:45
Shearwater 7:45-8:30
Todd Barry 6:45-7:30
Nick Thune 6:15-6:45
Dead Confederate 5:15-6
James Husband 4:15-5
Hannibal Burress 3:15-4
Altercation comedy hour 2:15-3:15
Onion Famewhore contest winner 2-2:15
Low Line Caller 1:15-1:45
Moonlight Towers 12:30-1

SUNDAY, NOV. 8

Orange Stage:

Of Montreal 8:30-9:45
Crystal Castles 7:30-8:25
Mission of Burma 6:35-7:25
Lucero 5:40-6:30
Broadcast 4:45-5:35
WHY? 3:50-4:45
Atlas Sound 3-3:45
F*** Buttons 2:15-2:55
This Will Destroy You 1:40-2:10
Black And White Years 1:05-1:35
Growing 12:30-1

Black Stage:

Danzig 8:30-9:45
Gorilla Biscuits 7:40-8:25
D.R.I. 6:55-7:35
Torche 6:15-6:55
Riverboat Gamblers 5:35-6:10
Coalesce 4:50-5:30
Street Dogs 4:10-4:45
Youth Brigade 3:30-4:05
Mika Miko 2:55-3:25
Underground Railroad To Candyland 2:20-2:50
Off With Their Heads 1:45-2:15
Reign Supreme 1:10-1:40
Pack of Wolves 12:35-1:05
The Roller 12-12:30

Blue Stage:

Kid Sister 9-9:45
GZA/Genius 8-8:50
Buraka Som Sistema 7:05-7:50
HEALTH 6:05-6:50
DJ Nu-mark 5-5:55
Car Stereo Wars 4-4:50
Alaska In Winter 3:05-3:50
Astronautalis 2:25-2:55
The DJ Melee 1:30-2:20
Peligrosa DJs 12:15-1:30

Yellow Stage:

Whitest Kids U'Know 8:45-9:45
Brian Posehn 8-8:45
Josh Fadem 7:30-8
Chelsea Peretti 7:10-7:30
King Khan and BBQ 6:15-7
The Strange Boys 5:20-6
Brendan Walsh 4:40-5:05
Harlem 4-4:30
The comedy metal of METALLAGHER 3-3:40
Cedric Burnside & Lightning Malcolm 2-2:40
Bankrupt and the Borrowers 1-1:45
New Movement Comedy Troupe 12:30-1

This or That?

In today's post we ask you what do you prefer, this or that? First up are SubEx faves The Dead Weather. Not long ago we told you about the Jack White produced and starring video for "I Cut Like A Buffalo". There wasn't a lot to it aside from White dancing around in scenes that as gorgeously shot as they are find White flirting as closely with selling out than ever before in his career. So when we heard over the weekend that there was going to be an alternate take of the video we found ourselves once again feeling hopeful. The so-called "alternate take" appears to our untrained eyes as just the uncut shot of White dancing that (pun intended) that was spliced into the original version. In our humble opinion the only real saving grace of the alt-take was the fact that it was paired with the news that The Dead Weather's sophomore album was "half done". If the "Jawbreaker" track we heard at the House of Blues a couple weeks ago is any indication be very excited because White and Co. are going to be coming harder and faster the second time around. So which do you prefer, the original video or the alternate take?

For round 2 how about some Animal Collective? Though The Music Slut debuted Dappled Cities' "My Girls" cover about a month ago we have only recently been turned onto it. Sure it doesn't necessarily shake our belief system but we definitely don't feel as strongly as one TMS commenter who boasted that "...I now have absolutely no desire to find out if I could learn to like anything Dappled Cities has ever recorded". Personally we're still of the belief that Taken By Trees is responsible for the best cover of this so far, so much so that it may in fact outshine the original (if that's even possible). This or that, who is responsible for the best version of "My Girls"?

MP3: Animal Collective - My Girls
MP3: Taken By Trees - My Boys
MP3: Dappled Cities - My Girls
MP3: Ruby Isle - My Girls

=w=

The Paper Chase Play Lola's

Spoiler alert, when SubEx puts out its best albums of 2009 list next month you can most certainly expect Paper Chase's tour de force Someday This Could All Be Yours, Vol. 1 to be holding down a spot in the top 5; and not just of local releases either, John Congleton and Co. have seriously advanced our sonic pallates exponentially. Furthermore, Congleton's solo acoustic performance at Dan's Silverleaf a few months ago was perhaps the most solid and moving performances we've seen in years. The way he seemingly slips into a demon-possesed alter ego while performing would be worth catching even without such an impressive album to support.

The Paper Chase performs at Lola's in Ft Worth tonight before venturing overseas for the next few months so it could be the last chance to catch em live and local for some time.

MP3: The Paper Chase - What Should We Do With Your Body (The Lightning)

=w=

Too Many Remixes Thursday

Once again it's that time when I'm starting to accumulate a too many remixes on my desktop to really do anything productive with them. Hence the Licorce Pizza-style remix posting. At the very least you can make yourself a thirsty Thursday dance mix. Enjoy.

Roy G and the Biv
Electro-pop / Funk / Indie
From: Denton
Band MySpace
MP3: Runnin' (Miadis Remix)

Don Diablo
Electro / Dance / Mashup
From: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Band MySpace
MP3: Cassius - Youth, Speed, Trouble, Cigarettes (Don Diablo Remix)
MP3: Phoenix vs Jay-Z - 99 Fences

The Very Best
Tropical / Tribal / Dance
From: Malawi / France / Sweden
Band MySpace
MP3: Warm Heart of Africa (Violens Remix)

Alan Wilkis
Electronic
From: Brooklyn
Band MySpace
MP3: The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Alan Wilkis Remix)

Ra Ra Riot
Chamber Pop
From: Syracuse, NY
Band MySpace
MP3: Each Year (Team Goldie Remix)

The Hood Internet
Mashup Artists
From: Chicago
Band MySpace
MP3: Mando Diao - Dance With Somebody (Hood Internet RMX feat. GZA and Cadence Weapon)

Dave Wrangler
Electronic / Indie / Mashups / Remixes
From: Houston
Band MySpace
MP3: N.A.S.A. (w/ David Byrne & Chuck D) vs YACHT - Money

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Shazam and Abracadabra: Wimple Winch

Though Shazam may be one of the least frequently appearing "regular" posts, they are still among my favorites to do. In this most recent edition we have yet another example of technology helping me to discover a band that classic rock radio has long forgotten.

My ears perked up right away when I heard their ominous guitar riff over the PA at the House of Blues while waiting for The Dead Weather to set up. I immediately pegged the Munsters theme sounding jam as a 60's tune, but it had just enough of that gritty lo-fi quality that is seeing a resurgence lately (i.e. the Girls) that I just couldn't be sure.

Turns out the Wimple Winch boys origins were Liverpool, England at roughly around the same time The Beatles were getting big there. Initially seen as just one of dozens of the Fab Four's coattail-riders they never really got that big, much less got any attention stateside. According to the All Music Guide if it weren't for a British invasion compilation album released in the 1980's they may have very will drifted completely into obscurity.

Despite their relative obscurity they are credited with creating the Freak Beat sound, a hybrid of the Beatles' successful Merseybeat style with their more aggressive, forward-thinking spin.

Recommended further listening: Tales From the Sinking Ship which includes songs that span their entire career as well as rare photographs and stories. And because you won't hear em on the radio it may just be the only way to get your Wimple Winch fix.

MP3: Wimple Winch - Save My Soul

=w=

9:29 P.M., On A Saturday, Denton, TX

The Hydrant… Just off the little square of Denton, TX. After having an uncharacteristically good conversation with the barista about latte design competitions on The Food Network, I hear a sorrowfully seductive piano melody coming from upstairs. I climb them to find an acquaintance of mine from Andy’s Bar around the corner, sitting quietly at this old, upright piano in the virtually silent room and gently playing this melody. I was surprised, because I didn’t even know he was musically inclined. So, I join a girl named Emma and begin to fall gently in these sorrowful sounds as I pull out my laptop and start to write. I then come to think of something that I almost forget at times. It is that the beauty of music is astounding in new ways every day. It is an endless journey of discovery and mystery and feeling.

Just a guy sitting around a coffee shop; piddling around on the old, decorative piano. He gets a little nervous about his playing, as the table Emma chose was close by and the low lit upstairs was rather empty. So I say to him, at his nervous laugh, “No, man. Keep playing. It sounded wonderful from downstairs.” He smiles awkwardly and continues for a bit and transitions to a something like a Russian lullaby. After a few minutes, he stops and walks back to his corner and sits down. I find myself genuinely disappointed inside that he did so, because it sounded really good. But at the same time, it inspired me to write about this. So as I do, I find myself secretly surprised to see him come back again. He sits down low to the keys with his face in shadow. The scene has a dingy picturesque vibe. He plays a melody of semi-staccato notes in a minor key. It just came out of his fingertips almost of its own accord. I was not let down by the moment, which frequently I am in these kinds of stories.

He plays for a few more minutes and then walks downstairs and outside to smoke a cigarette. Then about 15 minutes later, comes back for a third time. I believe, as I think about what just happened, that it was just some little melody that swirled inside of him that had to get out and become audibly born and then resoundingly suffocate to death on its own waves; never to be heard the same way again. But for the moment, it was beautiful, because it was ours.

It blows my mind at how much music hides inside all of us. It is an amazing ability as human beings to create such a wonder, and we, as human beings, should never forget that music is a beautiful suicide of sound. And it surrounds us constantly.

-Cory Coleman [c]

Album Preview: Elvis Perkins In Dearland - The Doomsday EP

The new record from Elvis Perkins In Dearland (their 2nd of '09) rambles over many regions of sound and has stuffed them all together in a hobo pack called The Doomsday EP. This soon to be released ep carries the grainy vocal tones like that of the great Leon Redbone mixed with such elements as mariachi/Balkan folk to old, negro spirituals to American rock & roll.

The horns on the opening “Doomsday” coax you into this record slowly at first, but really pick up and drive this almost-Balkan-folk dance tune with the arrival of the upright bass. A great beginning to the record, but then all energy comes crashing back down on “Gypsy Davy”, a minor-keyed ballad with a melody progression not unlike an old Irish jig. I didn’t really like this song at first, but it has continually drawn me in. It’s actually one of the best songs on The Doomsday EP.

“Stay Zombie Stay” has a vocal melody not unlike the classic “Deep In The Heart of Texas”, and has such a mellow guitar groove that I can’t help hitting repeat. Plus, anything about zombies is totes awes! The upbeat “Stop Drop Rock And Roll” is straight up classic rock & roll music with the slight echo of the vocals, the tinny crunch of the guitar tone and the trade-off bass solos. This song really lives up to its name… Hmmm… I wonder if Peggy Ann would wanna go to the malt shop after the dance and get a pop… With two straws? Oh boy!

Another cool element of this record is that there are two versions of the title track. The album ends with “Slow Doomsday”, which is pretty much the same as track 1, but obviously slower and more dramatic with subtle word changes for effect.

There is no reason to try and make this review up big, honestly. This is a very simple ep. There are no tricks or epic, mind-blowing choruses. It’s just a plain, soulful, folk rock record with damn good songs. Pick it up. It’s worth every penny.

The Doomsday EP hits stores 10/20/09. After gracing Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble on 10/31, Elvis Perkins In Dearland heads out on a US tour of the south and East Coast (including a Nov. 14 stop at the House of Blues here in town). Go see this band!

MP3: Elvis Perkins - Slow Doomsday

-Cory Coleman [c]

Over the Weekend: Liam Finn @The Palladium

I think it's safe to say most of the 4,000 people packed into the Palladium Ballroom on Friday night were there to see (or to be seen at) Wilco, but I for one was rather interested to see how the neo-singer/songwriter stylings of Liam Finn would sound in the cavernous venue. When I got there was both surprised and impressed to find the Aussie heartthrob wasn't relying on a backing band to fill out his live sound. Instead he opted to pull off a feat I've never before witnessed; he was able to rely almost exclusively on a loop pedal to create his heavily layered soundscapes without once coming off as a doucher.

Everytime I'd make a mental note to remember to describe his blend of soulful vocals and lyricism with his audacious guitar stylings as that of a modern day Cat Stevens he would do something to quell any of my misguided comparisons altogher. Whether it would be jumping around wildly, ripping out a quick and wild guitar solo, or hopping over to the drumkit to bang out a rauccous beat he was consistantly impressive.

And as it turned out I was not the only one in the building who thought so; Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche eagerly joined Finn for a song early in the set. When Finn returned the favor later on during Wilco's first encore set, playing guitar on "You Never Know," Tweedy made sure to tell the kid that he's the real deal. Of course for all of us who had seen his performance earlier in the night it was no big revelation.

Liam Finn was a gentle, good-looking, charasmatic, engaging performer who actually writes some pretty impressive songs. I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience seeing him live, and for the first time in nearly a year I was not ready for an opening act to leave the stage when their set was over.

MP3: Liam Finn - Plane Crash

=w=

Interview: The Crystal Method

A few months ago Morrow reviewed the latest Crystal Method album Divided By The Night and now he's been able to follow that up with a Q&A with TCM's Ken Jordan. Read on to see if Morrow was able to get him to reveal his secrets.


SubEx: Do you find more satisfaction performing live, or during the actual process of creating a new track?

Ken Jordan: There is definitely more long term satisfaction in creating the music – it lasts forever. We put a lot of work into it but nothing beats the thrill of playing live and seeing that immediate satisfaction in the audience.


SE: What makes your partnership so successful? Popular musicians can't possibly get along with each other –especially not long enough to sustain a successful career as long as you have managed to.

KJ: Well it does take work and this is the longest relationship either one of us has ever been in outside of immediate family. We’ve just gotten better at it.


SE: How did creating your own full-fledged recording studio help in the creative process of your new album, Divided By Night?

KJ: The main thing is that having a new studio that we designed ourselves eliminates a lot of the day to day problems that we had at our old place. Having a designated machine room, overdub room and b room gives us so much flexibility and the ability to bring in other artists for collaborations. At the old studio, we were more reluctant to invite people over but now we can’t wait to have people over.


SE: What's the latest act you’re working with on your label, Tiny e?

KJ: I’m not sure if you’ve heard of them – they are a newer band called The Crystal Method.


SE: One piece of older gear you can never seem to let go, regardless of the advances in technology?

KJ: Definitely the Roland’s Jupiter 6.


SE: When working with a vocalist, how much direction do you give, is the track nearly complete when given to them, or is done in a more bare-bones traditional route?

KJ: We normally develop a track first and then we try to find a vocalist that fits that track. We like to give the vocalist as much freedom as possible to do what they want but then we offer our input and direction after they have provided the first vocal ideas for it.


SE: In the past TCM has worked with Scott Weiland and Tom Morello among others, what sparks the idea to work with a certain artist? There is a wide chasm between Divided By Night collabs of Matisyahu and LMFAO.

KJ: With Scott and Tom, we had heard that they might be interested in working with us so that was the genesis of us reaching out to them but with Matis and LMFAO, we went after them. We’ve always been into rap and hiphop as well as rock music so it wasn’t a big jump for us.


SE: What’s your guilty pleasure song?

KJ: Christina Aquilera’s "Beautiful"


SE: Outside of stalker fans from Cleveland, what is your favorite city to play in?

KJ: Right now I would say Budapest – the fans there were just incredible!


SE: To me, this biggest difference between TCM and its contemporaries is the quality of sound and attention to detail to the sonic aesthetics of every instrument and whippet hit. At which stage in the creation process does that become important, from sample selection, mixing stage, mastering stage? And how much influence do you have over the finished product once it does hit that final mastering stage?

KJ: I think it’s important all along the way and we’re in complete control of the sound from the beginning to the end. We record and mix everything and we’re present at all of our mastering sessions.


SE: Are there any up and coming electronic artists that you find yourself impressed with?

KJ: LA RIOTS and Yuksek


SE: What’s the longest you've gone without sleep?

KJ: You don’t want to know the answer to that haha.


SE: TCM's music can pretty much be found everywhere, from movie trailers to car commercials, has there ever been any situation where something came up that you decided you didn’t want your music to be associated with?

KJ: Let’s see .. none that I can think of but the Republican National Party better try not to use our stuff.


SE: Often overlooked, but very important, with careers in music, loud music at that, what steps do you take to ensure the protection of your hearing, both on stage and in the studio?

KJ: Nothing in the studio because we are always in control of the volume levels there. I use in-ears onstage and they greatly cut down volume onstage. Also, I have custom made earplugs for DJ dates. I did have a bad experience in Seoul, South Korea last year where I had to be rushed to the hospital because the club’s PA was too close to us and that required us to turn up the monitors so loud that I really damaged my ear.


SE: What is your favorite restaurant?

KJ: Madelin’s bistro in Tarzana I love their red beet tartare.


SE: Jeff K with the Dallas Stars tells us you guys are big hockey fans, who's your team and who's going to win the cup this year?

KJ: Yes! I am a big hockey fan and I play ice hockey. I’ve been following Sidney Crosby since he was in the Juniors and the Penguins have been my team since they draftes him. I’m hoping to see them twice this year – 11/ 3 in Anaheim and 11/ 5 Los Angeles.


SE: There are a lot of good electronica producers starting to crop up in our town, do you have any advice for fledgling electronica producers?

KJ: Develop your own sound. Get really good at the gear you have - don’t worry so much about what you don’t have. Take time and make sure what you have is good before releasing it. Lastly, perform in public a lot – play lots of shows and get practice!

Click to purchase The Crystal Method's Divided By The Night

-Morrow from SubEx