Re: Updates and SXSW Stuff
CK sez: > Dave, who hates all things Chicago... Not true. Just very glad to be back home, that's all. > And as far as your specific examples go, you eliminated one from > the genre - even tho they are the 'corner stone band' on an > insurgent country label, and you dismiss another band (who loads of > people like) because they're not your 'bag of chips.' Kinda reduces > the number of data points, eh? Read Linda's concert list tomorrow - > there's ALOT of stuff going on. Well, in throwing out the Wacos, it's not a matter of reducing the number of data points, it's pointing out the relative weakness of a supposedly great scene when one of the "cornerstones" of the alt.country lot is, in fact, a rock band (and a good one -- I like the Wacos a lot) and three others -- Moonshine Willy, the Blacks, and Handsome Family -- suck. Most others are mediocre at best. > And are we separating press coverage from the acts themselves? > > Is there a fantastic Sioux City music scene with all great original > alt.country bands and no sucky ones and there just arent enough > music journalists to cover it? Doubt it. Do folks pay attention to > what it going on in Chicago just because its a big city? Yup. Erm...how exactly could a scene be overrated w/o some sort of attention being paid to it? I'm not saying there aren't any good alt.country bands in Chicago -- there are a handful, and I listed the ones I like. My point is that the scene isn't deserving of all the accolades and attention throw its way. The majority of the alt.country in Chicago is the kind that deserves the scorn Mark's Deep Throat pal was railing on: bands full of poorly written songs, scenesters climbing on the bandwagon, and loads of bad Yee Haw! hillbilly schtick. I'll wouldn't get so rankled about it if so much attention weren't paid to bad bands. I'm hardly a roots music purist, but watching indie rock hipsters don overalls and write bad songs about moonshine and fucking their cousins and crap like that pisses me off, when there are so many good and deserving bands who don't get the attention. Just speaking of local bands: Big In Iowa are doing just fine here, but if they were based in Chicago, they'd be huge; Prospect Hill has more chops and great original songs than most bands anywhere; and Dallas Moore does the outlaw country thing as well as anyone. Any number of the good bands on P2 are deserving of more attention than shit like Moonshine Willy. > CK going to see the over rated chicagoan Sally Timms opening for > the over rated Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra Dave, who thinks Sally Timms has a gorgeous voice but sings country music with all the soul of a wet dishrag, and who would never call Alejandro overrated in a million years...I'm seeing him four blocks from my house on Tuesday, in fact... *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
Re: Updates and SXSW Stuff
On Thu, 22 Apr 1999 20:00:01 -0500 Christopher M Knaus <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > What's on the list of "Cities with good > alt.country music scene's that get a large amount of press." Um, Austin, > erm, Chicago, maybe Nashville, maybe St. Louis - that's about it isnt it? Chapel Hill usedta be mentioned in the same breath as the above. I reckon it still should be, right? They've got pretty good basketball there too, he said begrudgingly. No quarter must ever be given to that team from Durham, tho. William Cocke Senior Writer HSC Development University of Virginia (804) 924-8432
Re: SXSW stuff
At 3:04 PM -0400 on 4/22/99, the guy who said, "You have to understand, Bob, Robbie Fulks and the Wacos *are* our music scene" wrote: >Although >Chicago scores extra negative style points for Moonshine Willy and >the Handsome Family, two of the worst alt.country bands of all >time (though, I did like a couple of HF songs Mark Wyatt played for >me, and though I'm told they're quite nice people, they're not my >bag of chips live). The Handsome Family opened for Vic Chesnutt recently. Wow. The sucking sounds are still echoing in Schuba's. The Timbuk 3 of alt country, except with less content. Nice voices, though (we were right up front and got the stage mix, which was pretty good). And to be fair, this wasn't a crowd that wanted to see anyone other than Chesnutt, and the HF knew it and handled it humorously. (Among themselves. We could hear the off-mic stuff pretty well.) Nonetheless, that isn't enough for me. Bob
Re: Updates and SXSW Stuff
Excerpts from internet.listserv.postcard2: 22-Apr-99 Updates and SXSW Stuff by Christopher M Knaus@juno > What's on the list of "Cities with good > alt.country music scene's that get a large amount of press." Um, Austin, > erm, Chicago, maybe Nashville, maybe St. Louis - that's about it isnt it? > The San Francisco Bay area doesn't do too badly, though Chicago's given me as much new music to like (Gastr Del Sol, Pinetop Seven, Freakwater, Robbie Fulks, Green, Flying Luttenbachers, Kahil El'Zabar, Handsome Family, Wacos/Mekons/Sally Timms, 8 Bold Souls, Oliver Lake, Dianogah, etc.) as any town has this decade. Carl Z.
Updates and SXSW Stuff
Hey there, Dave, who hates all things Chicago... >Yep, I've said that out here, oh, 30 or 40 times . When I was >there, if you take away Robbie Fulks, you're not left with much (the >Wacos are fun, but face it, they're a rock band). Since then, the >fabulous Kellys -- Kessler and Hogan -- have emerged, along with >Anna Fermin, so perhaps things are getting better. Although >Chicago scores extra negative style points for Moonshine Willy and >the Handsome Family, two of the worst alt.country bands of all >time (though, I did like a couple of HF songs Mark Wyatt played for >me, and though I'm told they're quite nice people, they're not my >bag of chips live). > >Bring it on, CK. Mark snipped... >As for Jerald's note about the Statesman rating Chi-town as an "overrated >music scene," be aware that they practice what I like to call "opposition >journalism" so take that into account. OK, we've got "Austin's just jealous" covered. And the rest of this is gonna be quick and not that well developed but perhaps I'll write more this weekend. Remember back when Chicago was the 'new Seattle'? Urge Overkill, Liz Phair, and The Jesus Lizard were all over the place. THAT THEN was an over rated music scene. THIS NOW is alot of people playing the same type of music. And due to a bell curve some are gonna suck and some are gonna be great. And some are gonna start out sucky and practice real hard and then get better. And because there are alot of places to play and alot of bands you're gonna hear just about all of that bell curve once or twice. And as far as your specific examples go, you eliminated one from the genre - even tho they are the 'corner stone band' on an insurgent country label, and you dismiss another band (who loads of people like) because they're not your 'bag of chips.' Kinda reduces the number of data points, eh? Read Linda's concert list tomorrow - there's ALOT of stuff going on. And are we separating press coverage from the acts themselves? Is there a fantastic Sioux City music scene with all great original alt.country bands and no sucky ones and there just arent enough music journalists to cover it? Doubt it. Do folks pay attention to what it going on in Chicago just because its a big city? Yup. What's on the list of "Cities with good alt.country music scene's that get a large amount of press." Um, Austin, erm, Chicago, maybe Nashville, maybe St. Louis - that's about it isnt it? And one more thing... >Funny...I was at a real country bar out in the county on Saturday, >and remarked to a bandmate that someone like Moonshine Willy or >SCOTS would get their asses stomped if they got on stage. Does this prove anything other than people in real country bars are mean? Later... CK going to see the over rated chicagoan Sally Timms opening for the over rated Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Re: Crappy alt-country at SXSW
And here's my own version of Anonymous's alt-country rant, posted to P2 way back in '97. Looks like I also didn't name names in this one, but those who were around back then may remember some folks that I was railin' against at the time. I believe Mr. Weisberger may also have alt-country rant or two in the archives...--don -- Forwarded message -- Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 22:22:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Yates <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: It's A Mighty Thin Line Between Love And Hate I'm beginning to wonder if the buzz about alternative country is nothing more than a plot to make the world once again safe for Poco. Not a day passes it seems without some stale folk-rock record ending up on my desk, accompanied by obnoxious press material claiming the harmless mediocrity in question is the true inheritor of the Hank Williams legacy. Shania Twain has more Hank in her than most of that impotent shit. Combine those somnolent folk-rockers (and their acoustic coffeehouse brethren) with college rockers pretending they're the salt of the earth (when they're not using country music as a weapon of ridicule against the working class), and sooner or later, it's bound to generate a backlash -- and a well-deserved one at that. The Bottle Rockets, Gillian Welch and Dale Watson are OK by me, but as for the alternative country movement, I hope it soon withers away, before the glut of mediocrity discourages talented artists from making innovative, heartfelt music on the margins of country music. Bah, humbug.--don n.p. Johnny Paycheck -- Sings Jukebox Charlie
Re: SXSW stuff
Jim Roll wrote: > There was a comment made in the (SXSW Saturday??) Statesman by the > columnest on the inside cover, that named CHicago as a highly > over-rated music scene in that he had never heard such bad singing > and fake accents,etc. I think he named Freakwater among others . . Yep, I've said that out here, oh, 30 or 40 times . When I was there, if you take away Robbie Fulks, you're not left with much (the Wacos are fun, but face it, they're a rock band). Since then, the fabulous Kellys -- Kessler and Hogan -- have emerged, along with Anna Fermin, so perhaps things are getting better. Although Chicago scores extra negative style points for Moonshine Willy and the Handsome Family, two of the worst alt.country bands of all time (though, I did like a couple of HF songs Mark Wyatt played for me, and though I'm told they're quite nice people, they're not my bag of chips live). Bring it on, CK. Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
Re: SXSW stuff
On Thu, 22 Apr 1999, James Gerard Roll wrote: > I don't really think the guy had to name names, he certainly said enough > to identify who he was talking about. Obviously not a big fan of > insurgent/punk attitude. Perhaps. But the writer also made clear that combining country and rock isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I can think of plenty of bands who do a good job of it. Then again, I can also think of plenty who don't.--don
SXSW stuff
I don't really think the guy had to name names, he certainly said enough to identify who he was talking about. Obviously not a big fan of insurgent/punk attitude. I would have to agree for the most part. ALthough there seems to be a market for this stuff . . . so some fans are diggin' it. There was a comment made in the (SXSW Saturday??) Statesman by the columnest on the inside cover, that named CHicago as a highly over-rated music scene in that he had never heard such bad singing and fake accents,etc. I think he named Freakwater among others . . . just reporting the facts here. -jim
Re: Crappy alt-country at SXSW (was Re: Updates
Yeah, Don I can agree with most of this critique in general terms, until we get to the sincerity bit. As I've said so many times, the "sincerity" argument never gets it for me. But I'm certainly all for more musicianship and less scenester 'tude --junior
Crappy alt-country at SXSW (was Re: Updates
> If you were to ask any hard working country musician the difference they > would tell you its all about the sincerity of the performer. Any 99% > percent of these bands got no heart. And this is the only part of the anonymous diatribe that I might disagree with, or at least amend. It's not *all* about the sincerity. There are also some awfully sincere alt-country bands that are just, well, awful. No doubt that white-trash minstrel show shit rubs me the wrong way, but I'm also not a fan of the painfully earnest ones who have nothin' else goin' for 'em except their sincerity. Dull as dirt is not much better than a superficial schtick. Anyway, it's too bad the person who wrote that essay spent so much time with the cartoon crowd down there -- he/she must've missed James Hand, Justin Trevino, Don Walser, Paul Burch, Dale Watson and all the other hardcore traditionalists types that played this year.--don
sxsw photos
Someone posted a URL on the list for SXSW photos and I wanted to check them out. But I of course deleted the message or something. Help? -jim
Re: SXSW finally
Dave writes: << Meat Purveying Cherilyn wrote: > c) could someone please for the love of christ send me an album > title suggestion that will beat Jo's "When Chickens Cry." Please > please please Can't be that many people who remember the Meatmen. I'd vote for "We're the Meat Purveyors and You Suck." Uhhh, Dave, wouldn't that be - "We're the Meat Purveyors, and You're Not My Cup 'O Tea? Sorry. Couldn't resist. Joe X. << Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com >>
Re: SXSW finally
At 11:14 AM 4/2/99 -0600, you wrote: >I want one of those damn 7" Meat Purv records with all the Madonna songs. >Where can I get one other than at one of your sinful shows at the Hole? > It's on Bloodshot. Waterloo? Favorite mail order source? Begging on 6th and Congress? Jeff
Re: Offlist ==>Re: SXSW finally
yup, I'm having a banner day, sorry!
Offlist ==>Re: SXSW finally
> Thanks guys... I think the winner is "More Record Titles About Chickens." > Oy. Hi Cherilyn, I thought of this last night, kind of a play on Los Lobos, "Will the Wolf Survive""Will Los Polos survive?" (polo = chicken) Does it fit the theme? Kate.
re: SXSW finally
Thanks guys... I think the winner is "More Record Titles About Chickens." Oy. --cherilyn.
Re: SXSW finally
I want one of those damn 7" Meat Purv records with all the Madonna songs. Where can I get one other than at one of your sinful shows at the Hole? Jerald
Re: SXSW finally
Meat Purveying Cherilyn wrote: > c) could someone please for the love of christ send me an album > title suggestion that will beat Jo's "When Chickens Cry." Please > please please Can't be that many people who remember the Meatmen. I'd vote for "We're the Meat Purveyors and You Suck." Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
Re: SXSW finally
In a message dated 4/1/99 8:50:28 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Or: "Meat the Purveyors"?>> ..or "Beat the Meat Purveyors" Anonymous
Re: SXSW finally
>Cherilyn diMond wrote: > c) could someone please for the love of christ send me an album title >suggestion that will beat Jo's "When Chickens Cry." And Joe G suggested: >"When Chickens Hurl" > > See, now THAT's perfect. And I say that even though I'd tried to get Cherilyn to take "Special Meals" or "Sticking to Our Guns" or "When Cows Cry".. months ago..but I think maybe Jo didn't go for 'em Barry
Re: SXSW finally
Joe suggests: > "Chicken Teeth On A Hardwood Floor" Now that ain't bad... Or perhaps: "(I spent two years in a hot van with her and all she can think of is) When Chickens Cry?" Or: "Meat the Purveyors"? Or simply: "Swap Meat"? Just trying to be helpful, --junior
Re: SXSW finally
Cherilyn diMond wrote: c) could someone please > for the love of christ send me an album title suggestion that will beat > Jo's "When Chickens Cry." Please please please "When Chickens Lip" "Chicken Teeth On A Hardwood Floor" "When Chickens Hurl" You can use any of those for free. -- Joe Gracey President-For-Life, Jackalope Records http://www.kimmierhodes.com
SXSW finally
Oh lord. Nobody cares about my SXSW recap now cause I took so long. I had to go and attend to some, um, business right after the event so I wasn't around to report, but now I have some things to say. Okay -- 1) Thanks to everyone for coming to the BBQ. How much does it rock to have so many great bands in my own damn yard? It was really cool meeting some of y'all that I hadn't met before. And then my pals Don, Linda, Meshel, Terie, Andre, gawd everyone. All you guys -- you make SXSW for me. It's a freakin' reunion. 2) Why have I not met Neil Weiss yet? I'm gonna kick his ass in the teeth if I ever do. 3) I saw not a single band that I didn't know the whole damn week. This is how lame I am. BUT, my world was rocked, as usual, by my main men the Wacos, by bastard cousins Split Lip Rayfield, and by the sexiest men in alt.country the Ex-Husbands. 4) Highlights included dirty dancing and planning new alt.country porno mag with Neko Case, swigging Pepto-Bismal with a beer chaser onstage (punkrock, y'know), tragically throwing myself at Joey Burns (what else is new), being a part of the Pine Valley Cosmonauts thing, having my top during our showcase stay up (the miracle of duct tape), debuting the new TMP Chad Hamilton song over and over and over, and No.1 without a doubt: Sunday night after PVC -- Kiss cover band Rip & Destroy followed by Neil Diamond cover band The Diamond Smugglers at Emos. One of the most fun nights of my recent memory. Awesome. Thanks to Stacey for putting up these fotos: >http://www.hellcountry.com/twangfluff/sxsw99.htm But, my god, am I eating Jonny's ear in our pic? Good lord. Were there any other picture sites that I missed? Um, if anyone cares in Meat Purveyors news the new record has been moved up two months, so a) it will come out the beginning of July, b) this month I have no life as it has not been started yet, and c) could someone please for the love of christ send me an album title suggestion that will beat Jo's "When Chickens Cry." Please please please Oh, last thing I swear then I will go back to lurking (I am _not_ an "ex-P2'er" as recently described, I just like to watch) -- we're touring the midwest with SLR in the Monsters (or Mutants) of Bluegrass tour June 16-27. As always, if you want info email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and I'll put you on the goofy newsletter thing. xoxo, cherilyn, meat purveyor.
SXSW photos
Hey all... I've been out of circulation still since SXSW...Sophie is out here in the woods of PA taking in some rural America and we've been recovering. Finally the photos I took during the weekend are up at http://www.hellcountry.com/twangfluff/sxsw99.htm Not many people, just musicians. Stacey Hellcountry "supporting the Boston area twang scene" http://www.hellcountry.com <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
I believe Scabs and UglyAmericans share the same band memebers and just throw in whoever happens to be in the swing of things (or just there), but don't know who those particular 'all stars' were nifty little page at www.uglyamericans.com lists members np: Ian Moore's got the Green Grass *sigh* --- Christopher M Knaus slackjawedly stated: > Hey there, > > jacy reminded me... > >Bob Schneider is concurrently leader of the Ugly > Americans, the Scabs > and >Lonelyland. Ugly Americans are more funk, Scabs > more jazz, and LL > more >acoustic hick-rock but they mostly play the > same songs... which can > be found on >the Ugly Americans CD > > The bi-line for the Scabs was '9 piece all start > goup' and since they > were after Kelly Willis I couldnt get in. So who is > in the band besides > Bob? > > Thanks. > Later... > CK staring slack jawed at my stereo playing The > Shaggs. > ___ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free > Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at > http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html > or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > _ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
Hey there, jacy reminded me... >Bob Schneider is concurrently leader of the Ugly Americans, the Scabs and >Lonelyland. Ugly Americans are more funk, Scabs more jazz, and LL more >acoustic hick-rock but they mostly play the same songs... which can be found on >the Ugly Americans CD The bi-line for the Scabs was '9 piece all start goup' and since they were after Kelly Willis I couldnt get in. So who is in the band besides Bob? Thanks. Later... CK staring slack jawed at my stereo playing The Shaggs. ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
Just got the Monte Warden and its good in a Buddy Holly, happy sunshiny listen at work kinda way Lonelyland is great, though... Bob Schneider is concurrently leader of the Ugly Americans, the Scabs and Lonelyland. Ugly Americans are more funk, Scabs more jazz, and LL more acoustic hick-rock but they mostly play the same songs... which can be found on the Ugly Americans CD This is the first CD i pull out when i'm getting ready for a great night or when i just want to wake up happy... -jacy --- Barry Mazor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > OK...just a few recommendations and bits of quiet > good news from what I saw > and heard dopwn there...People we OUGHT to get to > hera more of, I think... > > > Monte Warden. > Big return week for him, as a cxloser with buddies > the Robison bros and > Kelly Willis at thge awards, and a strong set at the > Broken Spoke Thursday > night of SXSW with James Intveld on keyboards...I'd > highly rcommend his new > CD "A Stranger to Me Now" too...which is a brnad new > 1959-60 > post-rockabilly pop album...which is to say, in the > tradition of Roy > Orbison, Phil Everly and Buddy Hollymelodic and > dramatic. Marshall > Crenshaw fans will probably go for it too. Live, he > also showed he could > hit the rockabilly twanger with some slashing guitar > dramatics--which, by > my definition, you have to be able to do to do THIS > brnad of non-rockabilly > convincingly. > > Lonelyland. > Caught these guys in the Convention Hall one > afternoon. Led by Austin guy > Bob Schneider, who'd appently has led a bunch of funk > bands before, here > comes up with a unique and engaging laid back-and > grinning by the fishin' > hole style that I certainly hope will find a > recording home...A very > modern twist on what I'd call the traditions of Hoagy > Carmichael/Phil > Harris singing...ya know, Rockin Chair's Got Me! > _ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
>waifish model type BAM! Redundant! Not allowed on P2. Not even on a Saturday afternoon np - Cowboy Romance / NM
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
>SOMEBODY from P2 told me they'd just seen Bare Jr. someplace in >Austin...They may now speak up! >Barry That may have been me, Barry. I saw Bobby Jr. hanging out in some club (I think it was Thursday night) with a waifish model type hanging on his arm. I did not see him perform in Austin. He does play here in Nashville on a fairly regular basis, though. marie
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
>On Fri, 26 Mar 1999, Barry Mazor wrote: > the former Miss >> Cowsill was surely the only one at SXSW with Top Ten Hits when she was >> five... > >You're forgettin' Bobby Bare Jr., Barry. He had a #2 country hit with his >daddy at the age of five. (And yeah, he missed his showcase, but he >played SXSW at some schmoozy Sony party.)--don This is absolutely true--and reasonably amazing that Don thought of it... (And I guess Bobby Bare should get extra points for putting that business on that record about "20 years from now he'll be sitting around stoned with his friends and he'll ant toi sue me for this!"--which, if memory serves, does not excatly have a counterpart on The Cowsills Greatest Hits! ) SOMEBODY from P2 told me they'd just seen Bare Jr. someplace in Austin...They may now speak up! Barry
Re: Extra recommendations from SXSW
On Fri, 26 Mar 1999, Barry Mazor wrote: > Continental Drifters > Saw their really strong set at the Music Hall and their appearance at the > ND/Miles of Weisses Broken Spoke event--where they finished off with an > exhuberant version of the Fairport Convention arrangement of Matty > Groves...This is maybe the most talent almost utterly unheard bunch of folk > rock pros (if I can use that term; it seems right) that ought to be stars > again I can think of. They rock and they sing. And the former Miss > Cowsill was surley the only one at SXSW with Top Tens Hits when she was > five... You're forgettin' Bobby Bare Jr., Barry. He had a #2 country hit with his daddy at the age of five. (And yeah, he missed his showcase, but he played SXSW at some schmoozy Sony party.)--don
Extra recommendations from SXSW
OK...just a few recommendations and bits of quiet good news from what I saw and heard dopwn there...People we OUGHT to get to hera more of, I think... Monte Warden. Big return week for him, as a cxloser with buddies the Robison bros and Kelly Willis at thge awards, and a strong set at the Broken Spoke Thursday night of SXSW with James Intveld on keyboards...I'd highly rcommend his new CD "A Stranger to Me Now" too...which is a brnad new 1959-60 post-rockabilly pop album...which is to say, in the tradition of Roy Orbison, Phil Everly and Buddy Hollymelodic and dramatic. Marshall Crenshaw fans will probably go for it too. Live, he also showed he could hit the rockabilly twanger with some slashing guitar dramatics--which, by my definition, you have to be able to do to do THIS brnad of non-rockabilly convincingly. Lonelyland. Caught these guys in the Convention Hall one afternoon. Led by Austin guy Bob Schneider, who'd appently has led a bunch of funk bands before, here comes up with a unique and engaging laid back-and grinning by the fishin' hole style that I certainly hope will find a recording home...A very modern twist on what I'd call the traditions of Hoagy Carmichael/Phil Harris singing...ya know, Rockin Chair's Got Me! Henhouse The all-star Austin women musical extravaganza (Rosie Flores, Marcia Ball, Cindy Cashdollar, etc.)...and boy, are they capable and roudy and ought to be a real ongoing group...Fronting Wanda Jackson--who basically sounds excatly like she did 40+ years ago at age 62, as roaring and growling as ever..they were maybe even stronger. Continental Drifters Saw their really strong set at the Music Hall and their appearance at the ND/Miles of Weisses Broken Spoke event--where they finished off with an exhuberant version of the Fairport Convention arrangement of Matty Groves...This is maybe the most talent almost utterly unheard bunch of folk rock pros (if I can use that term; it seems right) that ought to be stars again I can think of. They rock and they sing. And the former Miss Cowsill was surley the only one at SXSW with Top Tens Hits when she was five... Alvin Youngblood Hart Right up there among the very best young acoustic blue men around...he proved rather remote from the audience live--and then showed off what he coulkd do with some electricity in an absolutely rousing and rhythmically unforgettablke version of, of all things, John Fogerty's "Pagan Baby"...After it was all over, this one kept coming back into me head..anmd I hope he'll do an electric blues album now. Beaver Nelson OK..I thought he was David and Ricky's unknown little brother, The Beaver...but Corrie Weiss warned me he was really good ...and he was...really set the stage for the remarkable Mr. Cisco... I'll add my nod to the "hillbilly Idol" i a good band list...especially lie their songwriting...and to those who had nice things to say about Michael Hall and thre Brooders (best loud band I heard there, plus he looks like Lou Reed and Woody Guthrie's half brother!)...and while I only caughtn three Hank Dogs songs, I'd have to ay, on the other hand, they were very boring even briefly...Best unscheduled xtra good time was on that parking lot in South Austin where Doug Sahm and Johnny Bush joined Cornell Hurd and the Hollisters for some harder stuff in the morning...I am also now the owner of an officially endorsed Cornell Hurd Band Whoopee Cushion, and you can't have enough of those. Barry
SXSW-Austin Chronicle piece
Unable to let SXSW go, and trying in vain to remember every last detail of the blur, I visited the Austin Chronicle site and saw the Dancing About Architecture column: http://www.auschron.com/current/music.dancing.html which has some interesting stuff about the Mike Ness/Continental Club fiasco, the Stubb's rainout Thursday (oh boy), and further support for Junior's contention that wristbands are a waste of time and money. b.s.
SXSW, Tom Waits,
TEXAS COOKIN' Austin, Texas wears its self-anointed "Live Music Capital of the World" title proudly, and rest assured that pride does not stem from the likes of such buzz-worthy SXSW showcases as Built to Spill, Asian Dub Foundation, Robbie Williams or even Tom Waits. At its heart, Austin is country, Outlaw style -- and SXSW '99 was a veritable who's who of all-star Texas-centric songwriters. Full Story at: http://www.rollingstone.com/sections/news/text/newsarticle.asp?afl=mail2&NewsID=7368&ArtistID=3061&origin=news Texas Cookin' Lone Star songwriters make strong showing at SXSW showcases Austin, Texas wears its self-anointed "Live Music Capital of the World" title proudly, and rest assured that pride does not stem from the likes of such buzz-worthy SXSW showcases as Built to Spill, Asian Dub Foundation, Robbie Williams or even Tom Waits. At its heart, Austin is country, Outlaw style -- and SXSW '99 was a veritable who's who of all-star Texas-centric songwriters. Willie Nelson's much-hyped guest appearance with Leon Russell was rained out Thursday (March 18) night, but there was still no shortage of Americana talent to go around. Waits may have been the week's most talked-about show, but it was former Austin resident Lucinda Williams who delivered the keynote address, received the key to the city *and* packed the 3,000 capacity Austin Music Hall for Friday's (March 19) centerpiece show. Earlier Friday evening, an estimated 10,000 people (mostly Austinites) gathered in Waterloo Park next to the State capital to see local-pop-band-done-good Fastball open for honky-tonk rocker Joe Ely, who responded to the massive crowd with a fervid, two-hour performance befitting his reputation as the Lone Star Springsteen. Another 10,000 returned to the park Saturday for two more local roots-rock acts, the Damnations TX and the Gourds. That bill lost its Texan cred when Dayton, Ohio's indie-rock posterboys Guided By Voices closed the show, though it's a safe bet any and all Texas music fans in the crowd left early to get in line for Kelly Willis' showcase at Antone's or the Los Super Seven/Jimmie Vaughan birthday-bash at Austin Music Hall. And that's just the tip of the burrito. Other noteworthy Texan showcases throughout the week included Friday's preview of Alejandro Escovedo's latest work in progress, a musical/spoken-word/multimedia homage to early twentieth century Mexican-American men titled By the Hand of the Father. Later that evening, songwriting legend Guy Clark kicked off a Sugar Hill Records showcase that also featured a criminally short set by enigmatic Lubbock native Terry Allen (who was joined onstage by buddies Clark and David Byrne for a rousing "Gimme a Ride to Heaven," in which a hitch-hiking Jesus carjacks a would-be Samaritan.) Shaver and Jon Dee Graham turned in riveting, blues-spiked performances Thursday at the New West Records showcase, and Ray Wylie Hubbard's grizzled, poetic charm and incomparable songwriting lit up Sixth St.'s Iron Cactus Saturday night. Also of note: the strictly unplug
Re: SXSW MOVIES of interest here
<< Ms. Elizabeth Hurley >> mmm...
Re: SXSW MOVIES of interest here
Mr. McConaughey was present--and played a large part in bringing the flick to Austin--Mr. Woody Harrelson, the noticeable Ms. Elizabeth Hurley, Ms. Ellen DeGeneres and pal Ms. Anne Heche, Mr. Martin Landau, director Ron Howard and (big applause in hall here), the irreplaceable Clint Howard. (Ms. Elfman was plugging the flick in NY). Interesting fact: I had a better seat than most of these people! Barry > So Barry, what movie stahs did you see??? Was McConaughey (sp?) there >for the EdTV thing? What about Elizabeth Hurley? Jenna Elfman? Did you >invite any of them to Twangfest??? > >I need responses on this! > >dominick dan
Re: P2 Thanks and SXSW Highlights
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Re: P2 Thanks and SXSW Highlights
James Gerard Roll wrote: > > My personal highlights were > > 1.) the Billy Joe Shaver & Son show. I was a Shaver virgin and was not > expecting the amazing Charisma and lyrical power that he posessed. Every > word shook the earth as far as I could tell. That guy is a true poet and > his band was so amazing they withstood a 10 minute drum solo!! By far my > favorite set of music. > > I am sure there was more. But Shaver rules . . . let it be known. > > -jim Yeah, billy joe is the real deal. He is one of those poets who managed to slip through the commercial wall and get big cuts, but he is the farthest thing from a hack you could imagine. He is one of those cats who is so much himself that he sort of radiates his own wattage, on and offstage. My first brush with him was when he showed up to do an interview on my radio show in '73, pretty well drunk on tequila at 2pm (he has since stopped drinking) and wowed us all. Later on I noticed that he spent several days up on the roof of Kandy Kicker's house, clutching the chimney and being high on peyote or some shit like that, having himself a big ole time. BTW, I'm sorry I missed the dang barbecue and the fabulous Jim Roll set but I was unable to attend them items, to my chagrin. -- Joe e. Gracey President-For-Life, Jackalope Records http://www.kimmierhodes.com
Re: P2 Thanks and SXSW Highlights
> -.) Calexico and Calexico with Richard Buckner . . . the coolest > indie-grooves I have heard in a long time. I love that band . .. and > hearing Richard sing Tom Petty's 'The Waiting' with them was a joy . . . > > "Yeah I chased a couple women around > a-all it ever got me was down . . ." Oh man, speakin'a sticking a knife in and twisting itjust slay me why don't you. And to think I was talking to him an hour or so before that and he didn't tell me anything about that happening. Bastard...(;-)) > I am sure there was more. But Shaver rules . . . let it be known. Indeed, and tho you mentioned him, his son's name is Eddie. If I was a solo artists looking for a hot ax to grace my next record I'd go directly there. Whatta player. (and Jim I'm sorry I missed your shows down there-I promise ya I'll make up fer that...) dan shaver
Re: SXSW MOVIES of interest here
So Barry, what movie stahs did you see??? Was McConaughey (sp?) there for the EdTV thing? What about Elizabeth Hurley? Jenna Elfman? Did you invite any of them to Twangfest??? I need responses on this! dominick dan
P2 Thanks and SXSW Highlights
I just gotta say thanks to all the P2ers who came out to Liberty Lunch for our Showcase. You guys rule and I am glad people enjoyed themselves. For my part I am awfully grateful that you all took the time to check us out . . . and at the risk of being uncool, etc. I gotta say that any benefits that come from my SXSW (and there already have been a few) experience are in a large part due to this list and a whole shitload of cool and generous music fans here. Musicians who think they can do anything in this biz alone might as well shove their instruments up their asses. And twist them. uh anyways . . . I'll say it again, you people rule!! Thanks. My personal highlights were 1.) the Billy Joe Shaver & Son show. I was a Shaver virgin and was not expecting the amazing Charisma and lyrical power that he posessed. Every word shook the earth as far as I could tell. That guy is a true poet and his band was so amazing they withstood a 10 minute drum solo!! By far my favorite set of music. no more numbers needed: -.) shouting 'fuck you alex' from the Liberty Lunch stage. -.) seeing Tom House enchant a Hole in the Wall crowd despite the worst sound man I have ever seen or heard. He sang through a prison wall and made people listen. -.) Calexico and Calexico with Richard Buckner . . . the coolest indie-grooves I have heard in a long time. I love that band . .. and hearing Richard sing Tom Petty's 'The Waiting' with them was a joy . . . "Yeah I chased a couple women around a-all it ever got me was down . . ." -.) seeing all of my friends from around the country P2ers and the like. -.) seeing Gurf Morlix play a set of his own music with the Bass player playing Slide on the opening tune with a Bud bottle! -.) Smilin' Jim's chili!! -.) feeling the rain land on my forehead as I hit the last note at Cherylin's P2 BBQ (we were the last band!!) . . . it was nice of mother nature to defer until the last of 8 bands played their sets. that's a good sign. I think it was because of the Springsteen requirement!! I am sure there was more. But Shaver rules . . . let it be known. -jim
SXSW MOVIES of interest here
Yes, folks, there is also a top-level independent-oriented film festival and interactive multimedia conference at SXSW before the music even gets started, and partly overlapping itI saw some 16 or 1 new feature films before hitting the honky tonks. The one you'll want to know about was "Dill Scallion," a sometimes hilarious pseudodocumentary that does for today's country music world what "This is Spinal Tap" did for arena rock and roll. This concerns the rise aned fall of a Texas schoolbus driver who hits it big in Nashville for 15 minutes and has to go home; his instant fame and hits are partky due t the Scallion Shuffle, a dance craze he invents by breaking his leg on stage...The bass player (who claims to be Minnie Pearl's illegitimate son Bubba Pearl--well, there's a tag on his hat, anyway)--breaks Dill's leg again every day after that, to keep things moving It's knowing, funny stuff, and even delivers some good country songs so you can tell the horrible parody ones apart from 'em...Sheryl Crow of all people was involved in delivering the score. ..thoe background music, not those country songs. The hero's played by Billy Burke..and Henry Winkler does a memorable turn as a Hebraic Nashville label chieftain. Directed by Jordan Brady. Likely to be distributed soon. Othger good uns: Happy, Texas...Spent... Desert Blueand the documentary "The Life and TImes of Hank Greenburg" (I found Mr. Mark Rubin sitting next to me for that one!)The Old 97s apparently go to the movies together when friends do a score too. I was also at the EdTV premiere, with most of the cast and Howatrd family present--at the same theater I'd see Tom Waits three nights later... I won't go into the interesting near fistfights about downloading digital music at the intercative conference right now... And did anybody mention that ASCAP handed out free ear plugs? IYou do kind of leave Austin exhausted. Barry M.
Re: SXSW report (long)
>Head to panel discussion on Hank Williams. Most fascinating aspect was >contributed by Greil Marcus, who talked about a movie that fancifully >described the last show Hank played. "Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave", featuring the great Sneezy Waters, from Ottawa, as Hank. Based on the play written by Maynard Collins which toured North America from 1977 to 1993. Waters nailed the role, winning kudos from people like Minnie Pearl and Wesley Rose for his portrayal. Waters also recorded a fine album of Williams covers in 1981. *** Boot Heel Drag can be heard on CJSW 90.9 FM , Calgary,AB Tuesdays at 6:30 PM MST and on realaudio at www.cjsw.com.
Re: Tom Waits Meets Matt Cook at SXSW
Carl's no doubt right that for every one I've heard dismiss the Early Waits in this nabe (such is the East Village), there probably is somebody else out there who never got past the evolution/revolution (you call it) in the music over time. I've got a strong suspicion (and find it interesting BTW) that on P2 MOST of us would probably go for both ends of Waits'material, for the simple reason that the twang interest leads us to an interest in traditional songmaking--but the at least usually experimental openness around here leaves ears open to what's come up since. As to: " the dramatic move away from the piano as anything but an occasional (and even incidental) part of his sound"... that's part of what I was referring to, Carl, in how seeing his latest incarnation live show would tend to show the continuities in his efforts over the discontinuities...In fact, Waits performed a number of post-swordfish (guess that's the password!) songs solo at the piano now, complete with patter, in breaks from the very cool band stuff--and even "The Heart of Saturday Night" cause it was, after all, Saturday Night. I know it all added up to something excellent. Anyway..I hope lots of people get a chance to see and hear this this time--especially since so many--and not just those in their early 20s--seem never to have caught them like us lucky ones did. Barry M.
sxsw
Well, I made it back. As usual, it was a great time. But this year, I'd say it had as much to do with the people as the music. I stayed at the Austin Motel, which was basically P2 central. It was great meeting everyone and reconnecting with a few folks (like Neil Weiss, who I met last year). Big thanks to Laura Fowler for scoring my wristband and mixing a hell of a margarita. What a great crew of people all these P2ers are. And so great to finally put faces with names. I'd be more specific here, but I met so many folks I'm sure I'm gonna miss some. Big props to Meshel and CK, who drove my sorry ass around to a couple of places. Also thanks to Wynn for taking me and Steve M back from Laura's. That was very cool. Sorry I didn't have the stamina to party all night with people on Friday back at the Motel. I got started a little too early in the day for that. It's hard to keep it going when you've been drinking since one in the afternoon (not all of us are blessed with Alex's constitution). Anyway, on the music front there was some good stuff--although I think I'd have to agree with those commentators who have said that this year was a little thinner than years past. Nevertheless I saw some really good stuff. Peak experience: Dave Schramm (sp?) He only played for twenty minutes at the Checkered Past bbque, but this was easily the best thing I saw at the whole conference. I wish he could have played a full set. A couple of his solos literally brought tears to my eyes. I've been hearing about this guy for a long time from some of my NYC friends. I'm just a sucker for the territory he was mining: melodic pop songs and guitar that somehow combines elements of my favorites (Thompson, Neil, Lloyd, Verlaine, etc.). What a treat. And the band weren't bad either. Other cool stuff: * I also enjoyed the hell out of Drew,the steel dude from the Silos. He was great in everything I saw him in (Jim Roll, Silos, etc). * Built to Spill at the Copper Tank. This was a surprise unannounced show. Really good. Were I 22 instead of 35, this would probably have been a religous experience for me. As it stands, it was just a hell of a good show. This band is probably the best thing going in the alternarock arena right now. * Paul Burch: This was really good. I liked him last year at the ND party, and there was more of the same smooth old country at his showcase this year. * Meat Purveyors: Saw them at the P2 BBque. They kick it hard. And that Mando player is a monster. This band just keeps getting better. *Neko: Really first rate show, especially given that it was like the fourth show this particular line-up had played together. Really liked the Mike Ireland dude on guitar. *Mark Rubin's Klezmer band: First rate *Wayne Hancock at Under the Sun: great as always. *Joe Henry: Waterloo Records. Enjoyed this for sure. There's more I'm sure, but I'm forgetting. I was the Zen Warrior this year, just sort of going wherever the flow of the day took me. But it was fun and great to meet everyone. Hope to see you again some time. Jake Jake London
Re: Tom Waits Meets Matt Cook at SXSW
I remember when I was running a record store there was a writer in his mid-50s named Richard who used to come in once in a while. He had been out of the music scene for quite a few years and came in occasionally to pick my brain and get musical suggestions. It was around this time that Asylum was reissuing Waits' early albums, so I suggested that he pick up the reissue of "Small Change," which has long been my favorite of the Asylum-era records. So he bought it and took off. A couple of hours later I had gone downstairs to get a soda and when I came back up my assistant manager told me that Richard had called. "No foolin'? What'd he want?" "He said 'Fucking awesome' and that he was coming right back down to buy everything else we had by Tom Waits." Sure enough, he cleaned us out an hour later. Guess he really liked "Tom Traubert's Blues." Wasted and wounded... Jon Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wollaston, Massachusetts
Re: SXSW report (long)
In a message dated 3/23/99 5:34:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Head to Liberty Lunch to see Jim Roll (excellent set), >> That's who I saw at Liberty Lunch that I really liked. Thanks Jim, I saw you there too didn't I?
SXSW report (long)
My SXSW report Wednesday: Wake up at 3:30 a.m., drive to Syracuse, catch flight to Austin. Arrive at noon, check into Hotel, get badge at Convention Center, and walk down 6th St. Immediately run into Hayseed (hes hard to miss). We had dinner (I had just interviewed him for a feature, now posted on the milesofmusic.com web site). After dinner, leave restaurant, immediately run into Don Yates, in Walser cap (not THE Walser cap, tho) and Johnny Dowd t-shirt, and Deborah Malarek. Head to Liberty Lunch to see Jim Roll (excellent set), then mosey by Austin Music Awards to catch Reckless Kelly, who are best described in two words: Country Hootie. They made guest Joe Ely seem boring, which I thought was an impossibility. (Joe sang two songs, You Aint Going Nowhere and one of his own about Honky Tonkin, but the one from Live Shots). Try to get into Jeff Becks show, get shut out, catch Rubinchiks Orchestyr, who played trad. klezmer. Head home, collapse with exhaustion. Thursday: Lucinda gives keynote address, advising persistance in the music biz. Also reveals one of her early songs appeared on a porn movie soundtrack (All American Girls in Heat, Pt II, for those keeping score), and plays several solo acoustic songs. It was interesting to hear Right In Time in that format. Head to panel discussion on Hank Williams. Most fascinating aspect was contributed by Greil Marcus, who talked about a movie that fancifully described the last show Hank played. Bill Lister also told a funny story about the making of Hank Jr.s Theres a Tear in My Beer. Then to the songwriting panel with Jim Lauderdale, Kelly Willis, Bruce Robison, and Jon Dee Graham. Pretty good, but no revelations. Realize its too late to hit Cherilyns BBQ. Bummer Thursday night, in midst of huge downpour, head to Broken Spoke to see personal fave Monte Warden, who played most of the songs from his new CD out on Asylum. He had a really good band, including guest James Intveld on keyboards. After that, Barry and I headed to Continental Club in hopes of catching Mike Ness. We stood outside in line while it rained and heard Intvelds fine set. We were almost in the door when they stopped letting people in, so we left. We found out later that the fire marshalls had cleared the club of everyone, and only let some people back in. Barry and I head to Jazz Bon Temps, where we dined to the dulcet blues of WC Clark. head upstairs to see Jon Dee Graham, then across the street to see Wanda Jackson. Barry stays in line, I head back to catch Shaver (not a bad alternative). Billy Joe looks like Nick Nolte. I stay for half his set (leaving before those drum set problems) and head back for another try at Wanda. Get in time to hear her and Henhouse do Lets Have a Party. Shes still in great voice! Head home, collapse with exhaustion. Friday: Arrive at Convention Center at noon. Am immediately shanghaighed by Stacey Taylor, who needs someone to serve on the country demo listening panel. Proceed to fill in for no-shows Dale Watson and Broken Spoke owner James White (the latter had plumbing problems at home, the former just didnt show up). Most demos were competent and fell into one of the many existing country radio formats-i.e., power ballad, rocker, etc. Stacey and I tried to say something nice about each one, even though both of us dont really like mainstream country. Head to Bloodshot party at Yard Dog, just in time to miss the Blacks (who I dont really like) and catch Neko Case (who I adore). Leave after Nekos set due to claustrophia induced by the awning over the gallerys back yard. Head to Continental Club for rumored Ronnie Dawson CD release party, which turns out to have been the previous day. Instead, buy live Ronnie Dawson CD recorded and sold only at the club. After that, it was couple more stabs at panel- going, including the Sinatra discussion (Cristgau read his obit that was published in Details last year). Later walk to Waterloo Records to see Monte Wardens instore set. Didnt realize store was so far from convention, but tired of paying cab fares to get everywhere. Price: sore feet and shoulders. Friday night: Head to Liberty Lunch to see Guy Clark, who played an excellent set. My hometown friends Donna the Buffalo was next doing their usual thing, although they were nearly tossed off the stage for not ending their set on time See some of Terry Allens set, then head out to see Kim Lenz and Lou Ann Barton, return to Liberty Lunch just in time to hear Terry Allen had Marcia Ball, David Byrne and Guy Clark join him onstage for Gimme A Ride to Heaven, Boy (which I formerly knew as Jesus Was A Hitchiker, as covered by Joe Ely) Tried to get in Lucinda show, but barred because I had a camera with me. Head back to Liberty Lunch to catch Gatemouth Browns set. After that, my feet finally gave out, causing me to miss the Pumpskully set. I was intrigued that a band would name itself after lascivious act from the X-Files. Saturday
Re: Tom Waits Meets Matt Cook at SXSW
wanted briefly to respond to a few of Barry's comments: >I seemed to be the only one I could find anywhere who'd actually seen him >perform before--on the Penn campus in Philadelphia some 25 years ago, Really? Nobody saw the Big Time tour? The Waits show was the first memorable event after I moved to Montreal 11 years ago, in my first year of university. And it was rather like an omen - seeing him at an old theatre house in Outremont, a gorgeous, transcendent, hilarious show that I can still vividly recall to this day (and there ain't that many of those, altho I suppose I drank slower in those days) - that I was in the right place. I woulda assumed a lot of people saw that tour (and the subsequent movie), since it was very large-scale by Waits standards. On a more contentious note: >I think this show also proves that it's generated some myths--the biggest >being that Waits' extraordinary music had some drastic sea change when he >shifted labels, which puts him in a sort of gravelly post-modern and hiphop >mode which makes him one OK "boomer' performer for the alt. generation. Note Barry's sarcasm here. But that aside: While I agree completely with Barry that the "Asylum Years" were full of fantastic music, much of it as interesting and creative etc. as anything he's done since, it's no myth at all that Swordfishtrombones (his first Island album) was a dramatic shift. It was presaged by some of the material on Heartattack & Vine and even on Blue Valentines, where there was a harder-edged blues and rock influence than anything on his previous work. But the dramatic move away from the piano as anything but an occasional (and even incidental) part of his sound, the abandonment of orchestral arrangements, the shift from songs that had identifiable stories to ones that tended towards much more pure imagery (this was more a shift in emphasis than in style overall, I agree), and *especially* his use of non-Western rhythms and avant-garde sounds and homemade instruments and further-out singing styles - all did add up to something truly new, a genre unto itself, as if 70s Waits had gone through Cronenberg's transporter (a la The Fly) with Captain Beefheart (and of course Harry Partch). And while that may have endeared him to younger fans who wouldn't have cottoned to the jazz-ballad/bebop stylings, it also turned off a lot of older fans. I remember when I was about 14 and Swordfishtrombones came out, I dropped by my local bookstore, run by a 36-ish Waits fan. He had the album, I didn't yet. He said he thought it was "totally devoid of Waitsian emotion." Damn, I thought, that's awful. Went out, bought it anyway - the cover art made it impossible to resist. Dropped the needle (wow, needle) and "Underground" - whose main sound is brake drum and clanging pipes - started up, and my head exploded. And that was the first time I really believed in a generation gap. (Although of course later I met many older fans who loved the new work, too, so perhaps I unbelieved it eventually.) All that said: Damn, I'm jealous of you SXSW bastards. I hope to hell Mule Variations is followed by a tour. I attended a listening party for it held by Epitaph here last week, and it sounds absolutely superb. CarlW.
Re: CSRF - SXSW
At 11:42 PM -0600 on 3/22/99, Christopher M Knaus wrote: >My one regret (other than the miserable hangover) is I didnt get to as >many new (to me) bands as I wanted to - as Alex mentioned "We might as >well be in Chicago" You didn't miss much, but the Peter Rowan/Tony Rice show Saturday night was really fine. Marred only by the MC who came on right after the encore to tell us that Hot Rize picker Charles Sawtelle was off life support. But everything before that (including Danny Barnes' opening set) was mighty good. Best part: No Deadheads, who swarm Rowan's Boston shows. One thing that surprises me was that NO ONE went to see Terry Allen, who performs a *little* more often than Tom Waits. If I'd gone, that would have been the only must-see show. But Steve will post tour plans, I know... Bob
Re: CSRF - SXSW
Excerpts from internet.listserv.postcard2: 22-Mar-99 CSRF - SXSW by Christopher M Knaus@juno > And a > bunch of folks liked the moodiness of Willard Grant Consiprancy (tho I'm > not so sure yet). Who exactly was in WGC? Did Paul Austen make the trip? Was Walter Salas-Humara on drums? What do they sound like live? Carl Z. who digs the album
Re: The Brooders (was:Re: SXSW)
Hi folks, Seems like everyone had a great time at SXSW! Really wish I could´ve been there. I haven´t been able to attend SXSW since ´93, but I hope to go next year. Are there any plans for a Brooders CD? I love all The Wild Seeds stuff and Michael Hall´s solo stuff as well. Jerker Emanuelson Sound Asleep Records Sweden np. Freakwater-Springtime (eventhough it´s snowing like hell here today!)
RE: SXSW
ahhh the quinessential justification -Original Message- From: Melissa A. Garland [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, March 22, 1999 10:06 AM To: passenger side Subject: Re: SXSW >>Best P2 moment: Melissa Garland proudly showing me her Zippy the Pinhead tatoo at the BBQ<< As a lurker, I am happy to have finally contributed something useful to the list. Now I feel the hangover was worth it. melissa
CSRF - SXSW
Hey there, Lessee... I'll try and contribute some new info here. Fluff included. Tue: Yes, tuesday. Started off with another cool chili party at Smiling Jim's with Jim Roll, Anna Egge, and Beaver Nelson. All three of which did fine acoustic sets. Anna apparently has a new CD out (or coming out) which I'm looking forward to hearing. Left during Slim's set in order to get to... Swollen Circus. Bit size chunks of bands playing SXSW at the aptly named Hole in the Wall. Jim Roll backed by The Silos sounded _great_ (digging Jim with a full band (no accordion tho - sniff)) and The Silos their own damn selves. The Brooders, as mentioned, sounded fine fine fine. And a bunch of folks liked the moodiness of Willard Grant Consiprancy (tho I'm not so sure yet). Also started running into p2ers galore Barry! Linda! Jim Cox! etc. etc. etc. I'll never be a weasel moment number one: opening the mens room door I'm face to face Jon Langford. I yell and point, "Hey! Jon Landford!" right at him. There are not enough o's in smth. Wed: The all important from the parents place to The Austin Motel occurs. Heh. Decided to go non-twang for the early part of the evening. Caught a waycool indian-persian type band (1001 Nights?) that sounded great and then Mr. Rubin's Rubinchyk's Orchestra (which I know I'm spelling wrong) who ROCKED in an acoustic Kelzmer kind of way. Kudos to Mark for this effort. Back to the Hole in the Wall for Tom House. Erm. Really like Tom electric with a band (like at NEA) alone and acoustic, not so much. Much needed and educational stop at Whattaburger followed. Thu: Cherylin's BBQ. Wooo hooo! The partying begins in earnest. Great BBQ. Foamy Pearl. And loads of p2-ers. Saw The Ex-Husbands and The Meat Purveyors and Jim Roll and Jon Landforad and Kelly Hogan again, all of whom were as good as usual. The first band (The Fence Cutters?) were a very pleasant bluegrassy surprise and the swamp-rocky band that drowned out the jets passing overhead were pretty cool too. A bit too much Brooce all day for my taste tho I was involved in the cloudburst that Bill mentioned. Phooey. But managed to make The Backsliders show that night THANKYOUVERYMUCH. And lived through Joe Henry. Ehh. Fri: Bloodshot BBQ. Wo Hoo. I heart Nan. And the rest of 'em. Free Beer. Beatle Bob. Free Beer. Sunny Day. Free Beer. Cool People. Great sets from The Meat Purveyors, The Blacks, The Wacos (especially with Lonesome Bob joining them) and a surprise set from The Ex-Husbands who may be one of the finest bar bands around. Chatted a bit with Hayseed who is not only a kick ass singer but also a hell of a nice guy. Schmooze schmooze. Drink Drink. Not enough dinner and then hightailed it to The Broken Spoke to see Hillbilly IDOL who played a fine, tight set to a small crowd. Quick, back to the Twangmobile to catch The Hicks! From Nashville! WHO SUCK. Luckily they were followed by Slobberbone (who Jamie and Kari kinda like). Last time I saw them they were kinda 'eh - but a fine set was played tonight (no acoustic stuff tho). And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... PUMPSKULLY Lynryd Skynryd meets Lynryd Skynryd. Kick ass swamp rock that even Jeff Wall would love. (doing the devil horn heavy metal handshake) They'll be huge - you heard it here first. Well, you heard it from Tracy first, but you heard it here second. The hotel party then began and I wisely decided to pass out before everyone showed up and The BROX, Slobberbone and Splitlip Rayfield started jamming in the parking lot. I'm such a drunk dork. Grr... I was overserved. Sat: Um, I kinda missed Saturday. Spent most of the day in bed bargaining with God. Rallied to see Kelly Willis - which we couldnt get in. Rallied to see The BROX and Robbie Fulks and The Meat Puppets - which we couldn't get in. Rallied to see The Bloodshot Showcase - which we made. Yeah. You all know the Bloodshot Bands and they were all great. Crossed the street to see the The Sadies. Man do they exude coolness. Fantastic stuff surfy rocky twangy bluegrassy and Neko Case jumping on stage. The best band in Canada Sun: Breakfast. Sunny Day. Neal Weiss will only come to Twangfest if he gets a badge. Really crowded airport. Back to Chicago. My one regret (other than the miserable hangover) is I didnt get to as many new (to me) bands as I wanted to - as Alex mentioned "We might as well be in Chicago" but if my biggest problem is deciding which of 3 great bands I want to see - I'll deal with it. Once again, everyone on P2 is cool. Even Don. And somewhere in Austin there is a rental car with a Miles of Music and an Ex-Husbands bumper sticker on it. Heh. Later... CK ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
SXSW
it was so great to meet so many in Austin this year. I asked around and I still never got to hook up with Jr though. Definite highlights for me included The Checkered Past party/show with The Old Joe Clarks and The FlatIrons playing. Radney Foster, Fred Eaglesmith, Jack Ingram, Bruce & Charley Robison, and both Billy Block and the No Depression party. Cisco rocked!! Now next year you guys are all going to have to tie in the KHYI radio show on Sunday in Dallas to your SXSW trip. Tiffany
Re: Danlee2's SXSW '99
In a message dated 3/22/99 6:44:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << while I'm gabbing away not paying attention, someone tells me to shut up and actually watch what's going on stage; Lucinda Williams just strolling up and singing a song with >> That would be Hayseed
Re: The Brooders (was:Re: SXSW)
> > >Michael Hall and Randy Franklin > > what band were they in previously? Austin's The Wild Seeds, which also had Kris McKay, and Fastball drummer Joey Shuffield. I love Mud, Lies, and Shame, their only release to make it on CD. > > meshel > n'vegas > > -- Jim Fagan| AIX Build Architecture and Integration | [EMAIL PROTECTED] Internal T/L 678-2458 | External (512) 838-2458 | Austin, Texas| fagan@austin
Thanks ==> Re: SXSW (L-O-N-G)
Hi all, Continued thanks for all those P2ers sharing SXSW stories with "the less fortunate." Sounds like a great time was had by all. The Tom Waits' clips have also been much appreciated. He's been one of my favorites for over 20yrs. Sounds like he's gotten even better with age. During the Oscars, I was surprised to hear that Tom and his wife, Kathleen, worked on the music for "Bunny," an animated feature. Yet another reason to spend more money! Kate
Tom Waits Meets Matt Cook at SXSW
Thought that title would get your attention.. Yes--I saw Tom Waits, as did Matt Cook, Slim Chance Kelly (as he's told ya), Jim Catalano and Tony Renner..there may have been more P2ers in there some place...Mr. Roy Kasten. making a completely unexpected appearance at SXSW, offered me 40 bucks and a Bob Dylan cigarette lighter for the Waits ticket, but I don't have any Bob Dylan cigarettes, so it was no go... Rather than repeat the well-desreved raves posted..I'll offer up .some impressions and thoughts on the Waits show..which sure did become the topic of the week. The man has proven to have a tremendous cross-generational pull! I seemed to be the only one I could find anywhere who'd actually seen him perform before--on the Penn campus in Philadelphia some 25 years ago, opening for Maria Muldaur and the Benny Carter big band...and he was singing Ol' 55 and Shiver Me Timbers, with just the first two still semi-obscure albums out...Wait's self-imposed concert exile at 8 years minus a charity appearance or two is in fact now as long as Dylan's '66-'74 stretch--so I know well what it's like for fans who've come along without any chance to see him. I think this show also proves that it's generated some myths--the biggest being that Waits' extraordinary music had some drastic sea change when he shifted labels, which puts him in a sort of gravelly post-modern and hiphop mode which makes him one OK "boomer' performer for the alt. generation. Only thing is--this performance was extraordinarily LIKE what he's always done--mopey to bizarre to heartrending songs, broken up by deadpan beatnik comedy raps, and all terribly endearing and unique and rhythmic. Those who dismiss the "Asylum Years" work oughta listen again--cause it strikes me more than ever now as one continuing, growing body of work that's often brilliant. What did evolve over the years--partly cause he uses a swell band rather than sticking with the pure piano/lounge singer approach (he still did that too Saturday night)--is pay a whole lot more attention to the snippets of sounds in a line and the sound of the words rather than their conventional, literal meaning... Now he bends half way down to the floor, punches the rhythm with his lil fist till they get in the groove, and starts to go--the words are often incantations, not narratives Did I mention that in the audience I spotted The Gourds (Matt Cook, who apparently likes the Gourds somewhat, ihad just come back with them from shooting video of their appearance in the Park)..The Silos, and Alejandro Escovedo were on hand too. I'm sure there are other performers there, but it's interesting to see..isn't it... that THESE folks see something vital to attend in this Waits show..I just bet that Beck gets this guy too. I'd suggests that somebody like Smilin' Jim (known not to love those Gourds but asking what it IS with them to a fan like me) would find a way into their often amazing music--as shown on their very good new disc-- by considering that Tom Waits connection...the sounds of the words matter, as Lucinda might say, the rhythm and the blues of 'em, the bits and pieces constructed for emotional meaning and body thumping meaning--something far removed, of course, from lyrics in a good twang song. It's something else. As I was saying, I heard and saw an amazing continuity in Tom Waits show, laughs, smiles and tears...and if that goes all the way back to his first hits, as delivered by those very un-alt Eagles and Bette Midler fergodsake, so be it. ...I hope he'll take up the audience's challenge to get the heck back on tour so you can see and hear this too. Even if there's no twang content! So whooa,, that's more than enough now...more on SXSW in general when I get the chance and see what others report wiothout my help! (including being stuck outside the door of the Continental, watching James Inteveld in the downpour..just before then police showed up to break up the fire law busting crowd waiting to see Social Distortion's Mike Ness perform rockabillyI saw an electrifying Wanda Jackson with Rosie Flores, Marcia Ball and more instead, avoding the 2-hour Ness wait!) Thans to all the P2ers there for being so nice...as always. Barry M.
Re: SXSW
Hey everyone-- Well, I hate weaseldom as much as the next person (nearly had to kill some businessy-looking chick who elbowed her way in front of me at a show and, by way of explanation or excuse, flashed a goddamn BADGE at me). But oh my god, what a great time. Dan Bentele said it best--if you show up at stuff early, you'll have little or no trouble getting in to see what you want, and you'll have a blast. It is WORTH IT, ten times over. Let me see if I can remember what I did. Difficult, since I left my Master Schedule in Kari's car... Wednesday: 1. Jim Roll, backed by the Silos. Freaking incredible, great songs. 2. Brief and kinda boring time standing around in the Austin Music hall--saw a few songs by David Garza (very Lenny Kravitz, imo), Kelly Willis, Bruce Robison, Monte Warden. 3. Ted Roddy. Wow, extremely cool. And the Broken Spoke is definitely the scene of scenes. Bill S. wanted to stay for Cornell Hurd, but others in the party (including myself) were nearly unconscious from tiredness, and we went back to the Austin Motel for some Z's. Thursday: 1. Cherilyn's BBQ. Whole lot of fun. Saw a bunch of great bands, including the Meat Purveyors, the Ex-Husbands, Langford with Kelly Hogan, the Fencecutters, Jim Roll, the list goes on. Lots of dogs in attendance. Kickass blackberry cobbler made by Jo Walston. 2. Robbie Fulks at Cheapo Records. What an outstanding performance, and Robbie played all my requests! Every time I see him, I think he's outdone himself, but it gets better and better. 3. Kim Richey. As usual, I hate the instrumentation on her songs (get that damn synthesizer outta here!), but I really think she's a songwriting genius. And her voice is s good live. 4. Abortive attempt to get in to see Wanda Jackson. Yeah right, "badges only" by that late in the evening. This turned out to be serendipity, because instead we saw... 5. The Tigerlilies. Everything Purcell has said is true. They're excellent, a truly stunning guitar-pop band. They're also some of the nicest guys I've had the privilege of meeting. I really wish more people had been there to witness their set. Friday: 1. Bloodshot BBQ. Saw Devil In A Woodpile, The Blacks (wow, love 'em!!!), and my goddess Neko Case. 2. Left BBQ temporarily to see Hillbilly Idol at Cheapo. Definitely the right decision. I love these guys, and the vibe was terrific. 3. Returned to Bloodshot BBQ just as the Meat Purveyors were striking their first note. Whew, made it! They ruled. Also pogoed a little to the Waco Brothers--sheer chaos in the tent. 4. Heard a little of Dale Watson as I shopped in Under the Sun. Bought a waycool new-old-stock cowboy hat which allowed folks to spot me from afar for the remainder of SxSW. 5. Hung out at Maggie Mae's the rest of the night and caught Split Lip Rayfield (who seemed startled, yet really jazzed, to be playing to a completely PACKED house), the Hicks (UGH! horrible!), Slobberbone (you know how I adore them) and Pumpskully (). 6. Had a bigass party outside our motel room, featuring a really fun late-night bluegrass jam by members of Split Lip Rayfield, Slobberbone and Hillbilly Idol. Remarkably, nobody in the motel complained. Lots of reckless behavior, hope the photos come out well. Got to bed at 6 am. Ouch. Saturday: 1. Wandered in and out of the Checkered Past BBQ most of the day. Sunshine, ahhh! Caught *great* sets by Lonesome Bob, the Old Joe Clarks, Hadacol, my hero Paul Burch, Dave Schramm + friends (damn, what a guitarist he is...a new fave of mine), and the Silos. Also saw Souled American and the Flatirons but was not really that impressed with either. 2. Caught a couple of songs by Wayne Hancock before heading to... 3. The Bloodshot showcase! More great music from the Meat Purveyors, the Blacks, Neko Case, and the Waco Bros. Didn't think much of Trailer Bride (hmmm, seems like that woman was picking up a new instrument for each tune, and upon closer examination, they were all tuned open to different keys so she could just lay bars on them and "music" would play). Missed the Grievous Angels because a bunch of us went across the street to see the Sadies. I like both, so it was six of one, half dozen of the other. 4. Fell into coma. To all of you who I saw there, it was GREAT to hang out with you. A special hello to Dan Bentele, whom I'd been wanting to meet for some time; to Cherry Lou and the Meat Pervs for the excellent party; to Smilin' Jim, our wristband enabler (I owe you a batch of cookies or something, my friend); to the Hockeysticks, whom I miss terribly since they moved away; and to my awesome roommates (did everyone see Marie's Most Excellent Cowboy Shirt?). Love you all, must wrap this up now. xx Jamie S. [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.wavetech.net/~swedberg http://www.usinternet.com/users/ndteegarden/bheaters
SXSW (L-O-N-G)
What a wild six days. I don't think I have ever had so much fun crammed into one week in my life. My feet hurt, my back aches, I am sleep deprived, but so full of great memories that it was worth every busy minute. Smilin' Jim's party kicked it off in style, and I have to agree with the host that Beaver Nelson ruled. He writes some killer songs, and his delivery was awesome. I also though Anna Egge was a real good guitar player, even if her tunes are a little folkie for my taste. It was great to meet a bunch of P2ers, and who would have known that by Sunday we would all have spent so much time together? Sick minds think alike, huh? Wednesday started at the Continental with the Hot Club of Cowtown, who are so damn good now I can't believe it. Then down to Threadgill's for Dale Watson, who had James Intveld do a great set. I got to meet and hang with a childhood hero, Sir Doug Sahm. We was hilarious, and when we found out we were both rasslin' fans he invited me to go to San Antonio with him and Augie Meyers to see some Mexican rasslin' sometime. A run to the Broken Spoke found James Hand doing some hard core honky tonk, and then Charlie Burton doing a great set. Thursday started with the P2 party at Cherlyn's, which was a blast. Highlights included the Meat Purveyors, the ExHusbands, and Jim Roll with the Silos. That night was rainy, so I settled at the Spoke and saw Monte Warden, who was really good, and Charlie Robison, who I enjoyed a lot. Friday was the Bloodshot party, where the ExHusbands did a great set, the Grievous Angels and the Meat Purveyors were also on the money. That evening I went to see Gwil Owen, and he was more rocking than I expected, but good nevertheless. Then I stayed at The Checkered Past showcase for the night, and saw 8 good acts! Highlights were the Old Joe Clarks, Paul Burch, and Lonesome Bob. Saturday totally ruled. I got a ticket for Tom Waits then spent the early part of the afternoon at the Texicali Grill where Cornell Hurd played. Featured guests included the above-mentioned Doug Sahm, and a 40 minute set by the incredible Johnny Bush. Then to the No Depression party, where I was impressed with the Continental Drifters, Hayseed (who had Lucinda sing a duet with him!), and Cisco. Saturday evening was the 1st Donald Linley benefit, featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Kimmie Rhodes, Guy Clark, Hal Ketchum, and Robbie Fulks for one song. Rumors of the Flatlanders reunion and Willie Nelson were abound, but I had to leave to go see TOM WAITS!!! Waits was the hot ticket of the fest, and he delivered an amazing career retrospective. He was in rare form, with hilarious banter between songs, and a fine band. It was worth the hassle to get the ticket, and one of those shows I will never forget. Sunday I almost cancelled to stay home and recuperate. I was exhausted, but went to Michael Ullman's partry out near the lake, and had a pleasant restful afternoon. Sunday night was the Pine Valley Cosmonauts' tribute to Bob Wills, featuring many of the artists on the record. Kelly Hogan did 3 songs and in spite of the flu she was fantastic. The show closed with Alejandro Escovedo's orchestra, which was the best show I have ever seen him do. At one point there were 15 musicians on the stage, including a 6 piece string section. Stunning. These are my musical highlights, but I have to say that the most exciting part was meeting so many P2 folks (and others). Our cybervillage is full of great folks, and it was great to put faces with names. Thanks to all the people who were so friendly, and I am not even gonna start naming y'all because I will leave somebody out. I stayed home from work today, and now i'm bored. Let's do it again starting tomorrow!!! Slim - np: the new Big Sandy EP
Re: Danlee2's SXSW '99
-- On Mon, 22 Mar 1999 18:44:25 Danlee2 wrote: >Serious cool stuff; while I'm gabbing away not paying >attention, someone tells me to shut up and actually >watch what's going on stage; Lucinda Williams just >strolling up and singing a song withContinental >Drifters? I can't remember. I was stunned. It was actually Hayseed that Lucinda jumped up to sing with, presumably because just before he launched into the tune he said that he was kind of hoarse and might need some help to hit the high notes. After Doug Sahm got the gold record you mentioned, I was walking back to my pickup and passed Doug trying to stuff the thing (all wrapped in a plastic bag) into the trunk of his car! Stephen Lee Canner Austin, Texas -== Sent via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==- http://www.dejanews.com/ Easy access to 50,000+ discussion forums
Re: Tom Waits at SXSW
>For anybody jealous of the P2 SXSW types, this was the event of the event, >and I didn't hear about any of us getting in for it. Step up and testify if >you did... Barry Mazor and Slim both had tickets, I believe. I'm sure they'll testify as soon as they recover. Didn't John Reide catch some of the Waits show as well? marie
Danlee2's SXSW '99
Holy shit, I got mentioned in a Marie Arsenault post...my life is over! Man...whatta time. Despite all concerns voiced hereabouts (and internally-I hadn't been back to SXSW since '91), it was very worth the trip. Warning; this is a long, sickeningly self-indulgent post. I just hope it's kind of something folks who didn't get to go would want to read. To help in the deletion/skimming decision , a quick run down of the contents w/in; Thursday nite: Eaglesmith-Buckner/ Jon Dee Graham-Billy Joe Shaver. Friday; Bloodshot Party (Waco Brothers)/ Those Bastard Souls-Grandaddy-Mercury Rev-Sparklehorse-Flaming Lips/ P2 after party. Saturday; ND-Miles of Music Broken Spoke Party/ Gourds & Guided By Voices@Waterloo Park/ Bloodshot Showcase w/ Trailer Bride-The Blacks-Neko Case-Grievous Angels-Waco Brothers also; funny quotes throughout, food reviews (very short ), adjective "cool" typed many times, no charge, etc. etc. etc..(;-)) Thursday; Got in Friday 7:30ish. Black sheets of rain. Got lost in Austin several times, even tho I've been there many times years before. Tried to go to Eaglesmith-Buckner first @ Caucus Club and then run over to see Shaver at Jazz Bon Temps. As a wristband holder and non-bizzer, Eaglesmith- Buckner was the only show all week I could not get into, even tho badge holders were starting to joust for position-an uneasy beginning what with some of the "stay away if you're not in the industry warnings" I'd heard. No problem tho; I desperately wanted to see Billy Joe Shaver who I never had before, so I just headed to Jazz Bon Temps on 6th St. straightaway. Smart decision. Very cool and spacious club, no problem getting in, Jon Dee Graham was solid as an opener for Shaver, even tho I'd never heard his stuff. Funny quote was "Buy my new CD so I can stop painting houses!". excellent set. Shaver took stage 1ish and for the first 30 minutes anyway, I'll swear he just picked up the Good Book of hard tonk and wrote several new chapters, I mean I was just standing there with a huge grin the whole time. Called up 2 of Johnny Cash's kids, John Carter Cash and one of the daughters (not Roseanne) to sing "Georgia on A Fast Train", I think it was. Set eventually fell apart a bit due to a drum solo (?) and sound problems, but still ended strongly with "You Can't Beat Jesus Christ", I think. And man oh man, Eddie Shaver is a guitar gawd. I'd heard he was good but I meantotellya...he was damn good. Kind of combines best of SRV's throaty strat sound with a dirty slide, with a bit of metal and Cali country sound as well. Great quotes from Billie Joe during a tuning break; "We tune up just to prove we're country" (which was riotous). Also said he had lost a '29 Martin (I think?) to Dickey Betts, which Billie Joe said he "could not return because his uncle has cancer".(;-)). Sounds kinda cheesy but the thing that kept running through my mind was "man, if Billie Joe Shaver ain't Texas I don't know what is". I was a very a happy man. SXSW got off to a very solid start. Friday; Bloodshot Party, 3-6ish. Wandered in, didn't know anyone right away, started talking to a really cool chick from the aolND folder, Karen B. and we luckily started to figger out who some of the ND folks were (if anyone knows Karen's email addy please lemme know, you aol folk). Met Linda Ray and Jamie and her friend Kari, very cool. Couldn't believe this party was set up as cool as I'd heard it always was; just in back of a folk-art gallery, beer everywhere (even tho I was too scared to start drinking that early ), etc. etc. Missed Neko Case's set, very pissed at self. Other Bloodshot acts sounded good, but nothing really starts til Wacos take stage. Langford et. al. joke around for a bit, demand alcohol, joke some more...then All hell breaks loose. Wacos are a band I'd always heard of but never seen. Riotous. I mean I thought the Bottlerockets were the best bar band in America, and I probably still dobut I'd have to say it's up for grabs, even tho I think the 'rockets have better songs overall. Great time tho. Best quote; Wacos get Beatle Bob up on stage, Langford shouts "Sing a song you idiot!!!" Fantastic. And Bill is right, the Lonesome Bob-Waco collaboration on "Do You Think About Me?" was searing... more Friday; Despite many competing shows (Lucinda-REK vs. Walser & Watson), I was a bit worried about getting twanged out over the long weekend so I opted for the V2 records indie-alt.rock showcase at La Zona Rosa, with a number of interesting bands I'd really never seen before and very much wanted to. I went very early about 8:45ish which turned out to be the *whole* key t
Tom Waits at SXSW
For anybody jealous of the P2 SXSW types, this was the event of the event, and I didn't hear about any of us getting in for it. Step up and testify if you did... >Tom Waits Previews New > Album In Rare Show > > Troubadour's concert was hottest ticket at South by > Southwest. > > Senior Writer Gil Kaufman reports: > > AUSTIN, Texas -- "Where you been, Tom?" a woman yelled > near the end of Tom Waits' two-hour show at the Paramount > Theater in the early morning hours Sunday. > > The grizzled singer tilted his head and croaked, "I been in > traffic school. I had a lot of tickets. It adds up, believe me." > > Waits then joked about getting a degree in parallel parking and got back to work, bowing his > head down by his knees and smacking his hands together to count off one of his newer tunes, > "Hold On." > > Every year the South by Southwest Music Conference, an annual confab of music business > professionals and young bands, produces a bona-fide must-see show. Last year, it was a rare > club gig by guitar terrorists Sonic Youth; this year, troubadour Waits upped the ante with one > of his only live performances of this decade. > > Dressed in a dark denim jacket and pants, a white undershirt and crumpled > brown fedora, the raspy-voiced singer was his quintessential, nonchalant self > during the show, during which he dipped into his catalog of gut-bucket blues > and Tin Pin Alley-like ballads and previewed three songs from his upcoming > Epitaph Records debut, Mule Variations (due April 27). > > Hundreds of fans, some of whom you might have heard of, lined up outside > the ornate old theater on Congress Avenue as early as 4:30 a.m. Saturday > hoping to score one of South by Southwest's hottest tickets. > > At the front of the line was 28-year-old Shane Carbonneau, of Austin, who > said he had to literally beg, borrow and lie to get in. "I had to borrow my > friend's [festival] badge, sneak into the convention center and tell a really > elaborate story to get this ticket," Carbonneau said. > > Waiting behind Carbonneau on the cold concrete was Mark Linkous, frontman of the > experimental Virginia rock band Sparklehorse. "I'm a huge fan of Tom," Linkous said. "I'm > really looking forward to this." > > Linkous did, it should be noted, have more than the usual fan interest in the show. He said he > was anxious to meet up with Waits later, hoping to determine that the troubadour had > completed recording his part for a song on Sparklehorse's next album. > > Waits took the stage just after midnight, waltzing to the microphone as if he'd always been > there. He kicked his left leg like a mule and gripped the microphone stand with both hands as > if trying to choke it. > > Accompanied by a four-piece band that included Beck guitarist Smokey Hormel, Waits > charmed the rapt audience with such chestnuts as the clattering "16 Shells From a > Thirty-Ought Six" (RealAudio excerpt) (from 1983's Swordfishtrombones) and the tender > ballad "(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night" (from 1974's The Heart of Saturday Night). > > Although the show was packed with such whoop-inducing Waits staples as "Downtown > Train," "Temptation" and "Heart Attack and Vine," the centerpiece of the show was the new > "Filipino Box Spring Hog," a foot-stomping number from Mule Variations. > > Waits started the song by squeezing out a ragged, a cappella howl; Hormel slowly weaved his > way in with a subtle wah-wah guitar accompaniment. On Waits' order, drummer Stephen > Hodges leapt into the mix with a booming, hip-hop-like backbeat, giving the ragged number > the feel of a gritty front-porch blues jam. > > Grinding out his vocals in his trademark throaty
The Brooders (was:Re: SXSW)
>Michael Hall and Randy Franklin what band were they in previously? meshel n'vegas
Re: SXSW
>>Best P2 moment: Melissa Garland proudly showing me her Zippy the Pinhead tatoo at >the BBQ<< As a lurker, I am happy to have finally contributed something useful to the list. Now I feel the hangover was worth it. melissa
Re: SXSW
What I remember, by Wynn Harris What, where, who??? Don who? Only kidding. Hanging out with a bunch of P2ers for the first time, really, and having a blast. For a bunch of twang geeks, we sure know how to have a good freakin' time! Oh and then there was the music. Hadacol, Jim Roll, Continental Drifters, Chip Robinson solo, Paul Burch, Silos, jesus, there was so much and so little time... CISCO, Cisco, Cisco, Beaver Nelson, Hazledine - boy that ND party rocked, Alejandro at the Taco Express, the Yard Dog rules! Ted Roddy at the Broken Spoke, the Doolittle party with Say ZUZU and Todd Thibaud, the Blueground Undergrass show at Maggie Mae's. dissapointments: Freakwater, bad room and Reckless Kelly at the AMA -was Steve Earle there? I don't think so. However, my all time favorite gig was the Brooders. They rule It's good to see Randy and Michael back on stage. BTW, smilin' Jim, you rock too and throw a GREAT party! You'll never be able to get out of it now.
SXSW
Here's my report or most of what I remember: Best sets: Jim Roll backed by the Silos on Wedneday, Fred Eaglesmith Saturday afternoon at the Continental, the Schramms at Yarddog, Beaver Nelson in my living room Tuesday MVP: Walter Salas-Humara (who stole the award from Jonboy) for playing with at least four bands Best P2 moment: Melissa Garland proudly showing me her Zippy the Pinhead tatoo at the BBQ Good conversations with the Weiss Brothers, separately of course The Alt.country panel was a waste of time. No substance, too much whining, Matt Eskey for President The Meat Purveyors on stage with the Pine Valley Cosmonauts Hillbilly Idol on the radio. Great guys, too. The Flatirons vocalist was a sultry delight. Too much beer, not enough bourbon, The Fastball show was a celebration, the Gourds still suck though. (sorry Laura). Wynn Harris ROCKS! Jacknife's SXSW For Dummies. The one truly amazing thing is how many of you folks I saw on a regular basis. Great minds think alike (as Rebecca said). Thanks y'all for comin by. See ya at Twangfest and remember if you're now thinking of moving to Austin, be sure to visit in August first. Jim, still smilin' still yawnin'
Re: SXSW
>It was great to see Neko Case for the first time, >though the sound problems were disappointing. When did Mike Lemon start >playing with her and is it a "permanent" thing? this was their fourth gig together, and he's really excited about it. It's permanent as much as any gig in this crazy world is... meshel (Mike's formerly Mike Ireland's excellent guitarist, now pursuing other things)
SXSW
I went to SXSW for the first time this past week. It was every bit as exciting, challenging and exasperating as I'd always read it was, but I'm looking forward to a repeat appearance. Rather than give my entire weekend's review, (which is why there's a fluff list) just thought I'd mention some highlights and not-so-highlights: HIGHLIGHTS -Jim Roll with the Silos Wednesday night- first show I saw, and what a good start. Jim's already got great songs, but it was a treat to hear those songs with that group of musicians. That lap steel player blew me away. -Cherilyn's P2 BBQ- Great afternoon of music and socializing. I met some folks from the list who I didn't know well, or at all, and that was cool. Just wish we'd run into each other again. Cherilyn is a force of nature. -Kim Richey at Wateloo Brewing Company- a very welcome tonic after the evening's earlier disappointments. Hope a new record hits the streets this year. -The Bloodshot party- Lotsa great music, but the Meat Purveyors and Waco Brothers stole the show. It was great to see Neko Case for the first time, though the sound problems were disappointing. When did Mike Lemon start playing with her and is it a "permanent" thing? -Hillbilly Idol- did a great in-store at Cheapo Records Friday afternoon. I love these guys and hope they find the audience they deserve. -Dale Watson- at Under The Sun Friday afternoon. My first time seeing him and it won't be the last. I particularly liked his pedal steel player's work. -Heather Myles/Rosie Flores at the Continental Club- seeing Heather Myles was a priority for me and she didn't disappoint- great band and near-perfect renditions of the songs- almost all of HIGHWAYS, though she changed the set list and added "The Other Side Of Town". Terrific. Rosie Flores was great of course, and she was joined onstage by Radney Foster for a song, then by Wanda Jackson! Great stuff. -I got to Under The Sun too late to see but 3 songs of the Hollisters set, but loved those three. Came back at 7 to see Wayne the Train Hancock, who I'd also never seen before. He was joined by Biller and Wakefield, though I expect his fine band would have sounded plenty good on their own. Dynamite set. -Neko got a sound system that found her voice Saturday night, and she was super. I heard more unreserved female admiration for her than anybody else all weekend. The Wacos didn't sound quite as good as they had at Friday's party, IMO. WHO CARES?! They tore the fucking roof off the sucker! The floor was vibrating as though electrified. The speakers were swaying. It was wonderful. DISAPPOINTMENTS- -Thursday night we arrived at Stubb's just in time to see Wayne The Train finish his set, which had started at 7 rather than the advertised 8PM. Then it started raining, hard. We got pretty drenched trying to get indoors, where it was packed. We tried to wait out the storm, to no avail. I heard music start back up outdoors and saw a nice show from Radney Foster, though I got soaked again in the process. Went back inside and finally got some dinner, 2 hours after we'd put in a reservation. Great company, drag drag drag scene. -"Wristbands go to the back of the line and wait. BADGES? DO WE HAVE ANY MORE BADGES NEEDING ADMITTANCE?" (15 minutes later after 30 or 40 badges have entered the already packed venue the music starts and they still won't let you in.) Ah well. Reckon that's enough for now. It was a great time, and I need to go back to sleep now. b.s. "The truth ain't always what we need, sometimes we need to hear a beautiful lie." -Bill Lloyd
CMR Thursday 18th March: An A-Z of the SXSW '99
Bob Paterson's The Singer Songwriter Show: An A-Z of the SXSW '99 Country Music Radio for Europe Thursday 18th March 1999 Bad Livers - I'm Convicted ["Industry and Thrift", Sugar Hill 1998] segue Cindy Lee Berryhill - Jane and John ["Straight Outta Marysville", Demon Records 1996] Calexico - The Ride (Pt.2) [CD Single, City Slang 1999] segue Neko Case & Her Boyfriends - Honky Tonk Hiccups ["The Virginian", Bloodshot Records 1998] Devil In A Woodpile - Steel Guitar Rag ["Devil In A Woodpile", Bloodshot Records 1998] Stacey Earle - Simple Gearle ["Simple Gearle", Gearle Records 1998] segue Ana Egge - Dakota ["River Under The Road", Lazy S.O.B. Recordings 1997] segue Rosie Flores - Who's Gonna Fix It Now ["Dance Hall Dreams", Rounder Records 1999] Jon Dee Graham - Faithless ["Escape From Monster Island", Glitterhouse Records 1998] Patty Griffin - Goodbye ["Flaming Red", A&M Records 1998] Hank Dogs - Quality Time ["Bareback", Hannibal Records 1998] Honey Well - Go Where You Want [Demo, Tongue & Groove Productions 1998] The Cornell Hurd Band - 7 Cups Of Coffee 14 Cigarettes ["Jukebox Cowboy", Vinyl Junkie Records 1997] segue Robert Earl Keen - Down That Dusty Trail [CD Single, Arista 1998] The Kennedys - The Fire & The Rose ["Angel Fire", Philo 1998] segue Jim Lauderdale - You're Tempting Me ["Whisper", BNA 1998] Lynn Miles - Anywhere ["Night In A Strange Town", Philo 1998] segue Kim Richey - The Lonesome Side Of Town ["Bitter Sweet", Mercury Records 1997] Jim Roll - The Fall ["Ready To Hang", One Man Clapping Records 1998] Darden Smith - Levée Song ["Little Victories", Columbia 1993] segue Those Magnificent Men - What Kind Of Country Is This? ["What Kind Of Country Is This?", Way Out West 1998] Greg Trooper - Lightning Bug ["Popular Demons", Koch Records 1998] Lucinda Williams - Crescent City ["Lucinda Williams", Koch International Re-Issue 1998] -- Bob Paterson 59 Miranda Road London N19 3RA http://www.ursasoft.com/bob Current projects: CMR DJ (Thursday nights 10-12) Bob Harris Show on Radio 2 (Researcher) Promoter at The Spitz Venue, London
SXSW (was re: shaver etc.)
Slim wrote> Wooohooo Ok, just for that, smart guy - please do post extensive descriptions. The Waits show & the Flatlanders hook-up I'd really like to hear details on. merci, Carl, bereft in Toronto
Re: Shaver (and SXSW)
My highlight so far has to be Doug Sahm and Johnny Bush performing in the Texicali Grill parking lot today with Cornell Hurd's band. Great stuff. Cisco was really good, although a bit of a poser. His songs were worth waiting for, and even though the folks at the Broke Spoke cut the power, he delivered a tight short set. The highlight may change tonight as I am off to see the Donald Lindley benefit show with the reunited Flatlanders, Guy Clark, Kimmie Rhodes, and some fellow named Willie Nelson. Then after that it's off to the Paramount to see TOM WAITS Wooohooo Slim - overstimulated
re: Shaver (and SXSW)
Just had to agree that the Shaver show has been my highlight of SXSW, as well. (The Lonesome Bob show at Scholz Garden, with the Wacos jumping on stage to help out, is a close second.) Did I mention Freakwater at the Green Mesquite? Sublime. Looking forward to Robbie Fulks and the Bottle Rockets tonight... Joyce Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Re: eerie quiet called SXSW
In a message dated 3/20/99 10:24:50 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Unbelievable what difference a bunch of P2ers at SXSW can make. Mike Hays >> Yeah, but in a way, it's kinda nice. Sort of like sittin' on the back porch with your guitar and a bottle of Southern Comfort. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
eerie quiet called SXSW
Unbelievable what difference a bunch of P2ers at SXSW can make. Mike Hayshttp://www.TwangCast.com TM RealCountry 24 X 7 Please Visit Then let us know what you think! Mike Hays www.MikeHays.RealCountry.netFor the best country artist web hosting, www.RealCountry.net
Re: ** Thanks For the SXSW Updates! **
In a message dated 3/20/99 8:09:44 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Any word on Cisco yet?? He had to have been great! >> cisco is playing this afternoon at the No Depression/Miles of Music party cohosted our own Weiss brothers. Hayseed is also on the bill. Before that Cornell Hurd is hosting a big bash at Texicali Grill, with the Hollisters, Ruthie, Hank Thompson and Johnny Bush. Simultaneously there are shows at Yard Dog - Checkered Past records party, and the Green Mesquite - lots of Chicago artists. Tickets are being distibuted at 10:45AM for Tom Waits' first performance in 8 years. I am outa here. Choices. ACK!!! Slim - a study in sleep deprivation PS: I LOVE Australian women!
** Thanks For the SXSW Updates! **
BIG thanks to all who have been providing SXSW reports "from the field." Have been enjoying all of them. Keep 'em comin!! Any word on Cisco yet?? He had to have been great! Kate
Re: SXSW
Howdy. what fun! I will do a fairly comprehensive rundown later, but a couple of tidbits: Stubb's lineup of Wayne Hancock, Jeff Black, Radney foster, BR5-49, Leon Russell (with Willie Nelson) and Doug Sahm was rained out after Hancock's short performance. Also, the Fire Dept. raided the Continental Club last nigght, cleared a packed house and made everyone line up to get back in with a strict head count. Other than that, it's been a blast! Slim
Re: SXSW Report
I just saw Devil in a Woodpile half an hour ago at the conference site. They didn't suck. Lots of soon-to-be out of work industry hacks wandering around in a confused daze. Quite a lovely sight really. All for now. Gotta go get the Maraichi band ready for the Bad Liver showcase tonight. Toodles! ___ Mark Rubin POB 49227, Austin TX 78765 http://markrubin.com
Thanks ==> Re: SXSW Report
Jerald, Much appreciated!! Kate. [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Ok here's a few things I saw yesterday: > > Cherilyn's P2 BBQ - The rain held out through the afternoon so the bands > played. I saw Cherilyn's roomie Scott play (Bruce Springsteen cover of I'm > On Fire), The Meat Purveyors (Bruce cover of You Can Look But You Better Not > Touch) and the Ex Husbands (Bruce cover of Cadillac Ranch with special > "Cher-i-lyn's Ranch" lyrics at the end). The Meat Purveyors also did their > great new song about Chad Hamilton called "I'm More Man Than you'll ever be, > and More Woman than you'll ever get" about Chad and Cherry Lou's... uh > relationship. I am hoping it will make it on the next TMP cd. The brisket > and tater salad was good and the Pearl was foamy, the airplanes made regular > passes over the house (they will be gone next year after the airport moves). > I met a few P2ers that I knew by rep only like Meshel, Amy H. and CK. Saw > Yates and Deborah, Slim, Chad H., Matt Cook, Bill Silvers, Jamie S., Jayne, > and quite a few others I am forgetting right now. > > Went to a Sony party at Stubbs and saw a little of Old Pike, Bare Jr. I had > only seen Bare Jr. do acoustic in stores before so they were a little louder > and rocked the house. Went across the street to the Doolittle party to find > that the Bottle Rockets weren't going to make the party but ate and watched > Todd Thibaud for three good pop songs. Back to Stubbs to catch Houndog, the > David Hidalgo side project. Good greasy, bluesy sounds. Wayne Hancock > started his showcase outside an hour early so we got to see about thirty > minutes of that. > > Next to Cheapo Discs as the rain starts to see Robbie Fulks. Despite sound > problems Robbie was in good form, "Burn Together, Tears only Run one > way",God Isn't Real", a new song that he said he just recorded with Kelly > Willis called "Parallel Bars" where he sang both parts of the duet. He also > brought up a songwriting friend, Dallas Wayne? to do a couple of songs. > > Well I better get to work, more later.
SXSW Report/Houndog/blues fiddle
Jerald reported from SXSW: > Back to Stubbs to catch Houndog, the David Hidalgo side project. Good > greasy, bluesy sounds. > I'm listening to this CD as I eat lunch, and I've got to say, it's really cool. Very bluesy, as mentioned, and very primal. And getting back to the blues fiddle thread that popped up last week, David Hidalgo plays a lot of fiddle on this record, as well as all the other instruments. All (gritty, anguished, gutbucket) vocals by Mike Halby, formerly of Canned Heat and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. More info at http://www.mindspring.com/~krazyfish/loslobos/dog.htm Of the various Los Lobos related side projects to come out in recent months (Los Super Seven, Cesar Rosas solo album, Latin Playboys) this one is rapidly emerging as my favorite.
Re: SXSW Report
Ok here's a few things I saw yesterday: Cherilyn's P2 BBQ - The rain held out through the afternoon so the bands played. I saw Cherilyn's roomie Scott play (Bruce Springsteen cover of I'm On Fire), The Meat Purveyors (Bruce cover of You Can Look But You Better Not Touch) and the Ex Husbands (Bruce cover of Cadillac Ranch with special "Cher-i-lyn's Ranch" lyrics at the end). The Meat Purveyors also did their great new song about Chad Hamilton called "I'm More Man Than you'll ever be, and More Woman than you'll ever get" about Chad and Cherry Lou's... uh relationship. I am hoping it will make it on the next TMP cd. The brisket and tater salad was good and the Pearl was foamy, the airplanes made regular passes over the house (they will be gone next year after the airport moves). I met a few P2ers that I knew by rep only like Meshel, Amy H. and CK. Saw Yates and Deborah, Slim, Chad H., Matt Cook, Bill Silvers, Jamie S., Jayne, and quite a few others I am forgetting right now. Went to a Sony party at Stubbs and saw a little of Old Pike, Bare Jr. I had only seen Bare Jr. do acoustic in stores before so they were a little louder and rocked the house. Went across the street to the Doolittle party to find that the Bottle Rockets weren't going to make the party but ate and watched Todd Thibaud for three good pop songs. Back to Stubbs to catch Houndog, the David Hidalgo side project. Good greasy, bluesy sounds. Wayne Hancock started his showcase outside an hour early so we got to see about thirty minutes of that. Next to Cheapo Discs as the rain starts to see Robbie Fulks. Despite sound problems Robbie was in good form, "Burn Together, Tears only Run one way",God Isn't Real", a new song that he said he just recorded with Kelly Willis called "Parallel Bars" where he sang both parts of the duet. He also brought up a songwriting friend, Dallas Wayne? to do a couple of songs. Well I better get to work, more later. Jerald
Re: SXSW Report
OK folks, How about some details for the SXSW deprived? Play nice, sharing is "a good thing." K. In a message dated 3/19/1999 9:22:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I'll second that. For those of us who are complete suckers for Teenage > Fanclub (I'm raising my hand high and proud) remember this name: The Ice > Cream Hands. > > Lordy. > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >We are having fun. Lots of fun. > > > >More later. > > > >Slim - sleep deprived
Re: SXSW Report
I'll second that. For those of us who are complete suckers for Teenage Fanclub (I'm raising my hand high and proud) remember this name: The Ice Cream Hands. Lordy. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: passenger side <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 9:09 AM Subject: SXSW Report >We are having fun. Lots of fun. > >More later. > >Slim - sleep deprived >
SXSW Report
We are having fun. Lots of fun. More later. Slim - sleep deprived
RE: Clip: Another view of SXSW from San Francisco
> > This year, however, a certain sobriety threatens to dampen the > > festivities, which begin today and run through Sunday. Seagram's > > recent purchase of Polygram has resulted in the dilution of some > > of the industry's most highly regarded labels -- A&M, Geffen, > > Island. At least a few hundred bands and as many as 3,000 > > employees have received pink slips in recent weeks. > > I keep reading this, and still haven't seen many names, aside from > the Decca, I think, group of Dolly Parton, Chris Knight, etc. Anyone > heard any other names? John Anderson, Rodney Carrington and Jenny Simpson were dropped from Mercury, and I believe Keith Harling was, too (note that he did not appear at the CRS New Faces show, though he'd been previously scheduled). Jon Weisberger Kenton County, KY [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.fuse.net/jonweisberger/
Re: Clip: Another view of SXSW from San Francisco
Brad "Blah Blah" Bechtel forwarded: > This year, however, a certain sobriety threatens to dampen the > festivities, which begin today and run through Sunday. Seagram's > recent purchase of Polygram has resulted in the dilution of some > of the industry's most highly regarded labels -- A&M, Geffen, > Island. At least a few hundred bands and as many as 3,000 > employees have received pink slips in recent weeks. I keep reading this, and still haven't seen many names, aside from the Decca, I think, group of Dolly Parton, Chris Knight, etc. Anyone heard any other names? Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
*** Request for SXSW Updates ***
Hi folks! Being a P2 newcomer, I don't know what the protocol is for requesting updates, so here goes: Anyone in attendance at this year's SXSW finding him/herself in a particularly compassionate mood to share the vibe on-line...please, pass along highlights of the morning, noon or evening as needed. All updates will be appreciated. Of special interest...Cisco, The Hollisters, Lucinda's keynote address, Vince Bell, James Intveld, Hayseed, and Joe Ely. As well as any "had-to-be-there" situations. Parties, in-stores, on-the-street encounters, etc... distracted in Boston, Kate
Re: Clip: Another view of SXSW from San Francisco
In a message dated 3/18/99 10:48:09 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << This year, however, a certain sobriety threatens to dampen the festivities, which begin today and run through Sunday. Seagram's recent purchase of Polygram has resulted in the dilution of some of the industry's most highly regarded labels -- A&M, Geffen, Island. At least a few hundred bands and as many as 3,000 employees have received pink slips in recent weeks. >> Jon De Graham was quoted this morning for saying the subtitle of this years conference should be "Job Fair '99" Slim - having way too much fun already
Clip: Another view of SXSW from San Francisco
Music-Industry Merger Casts Shadow on South by Southwest James Sullivan, Chronicle Staff Writer Wednesday, March 17, 1999 ©1999 San Francisco Chronicle URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1999/03/17/DD31646.DTL&type=music Live music, free-flowing beer and smoking grills as far as the eye can see: The annual South by Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas, is the record industry's version of March Madness. This year, however, a certain sobriety threatens to dampen the festivities, which begin today and run through Sunday. Seagram's recent purchase of Polygram has resulted in the dilution of some of the industry's most highly regarded labels -- A&M, Geffen, Island. At least a few hundred bands and as many as 3,000 employees have received pink slips in recent weeks. While nearly 30 Bay Area bands are heading to Austin for the conference, including Imperial Teen, the Hi-Fives, Los Mocosos, Jackpot, the Mother Hips and Neurosis, few of them expect to bring back much more than hangovers. ``I think there's a general feeling of disillusionment in the music industry,'' says Hans Dobbratz, lead singer of Dura-Delinquent. Having missed the deadline to apply for a spot in the official showcases, the bratty San Francisco band plans to perform around Austin on a rented flatbed truck. The group's kamikaze appearances will be a kind of protest, Dobbratz says. ``All we really want to do is have fun and play rock 'n' roll. We want to give it to the people pure and free and unadulterated -- no middleman or business weirdness.'' Weirdness has been the first order of business this year in the industry. In addition to the merger, record companies are fretting over the new MP3 technology, a way of downloading music from the Internet that promises to radically alter the distribution of recorded music. But doomsday predictions are wildly premature, says Bonnie Simmons, Cake's manager and a founder of the music convention SFO in recent years. ``I've never seen the record industry get to this point, but I've certainly lived through three or four major purges. They seem to happen every five years or so.'' Simmons goes to South by Southwest (SXSW) every year with a coterie of San Franciscans, including staffers from Slim's and the Great American Music Hall. This year she's escorting her latest client, the highly touted (and unsigned) songwriter Etienne DeRocher. She says the industry's uneasiness won't keep her from enjoying herself. ``I don't feel like I'm going to a wake,'' she laughs. Actually, the shakeup might be just the thing for the big-money gathering, says Adam Cohen, former front man of the Geffen signee the Mommyheads. In recent years, SXSW began moving away from its original function as a showcase for unsigned bands, as record labels lobbied for appearances by established acts plugging their new records. ``Maybe this will bring them back to square one,'' says Cohen. With the majors unwilling to spend as lavishly as they have in recent years, unsigned acts might find better venues to play than ``an ice cream parlor five miles out of town.'' With the Mommyheads broken up after being dropped by Geffen, Cohen's new band Adam Elk -- featuring members of the Kinetics and Mumblin Jim, two other groups affected by the industry turmoil -- has been enjoying an early surge of local interest. He's not going to SXSW, concentrating instead on promoting his band's forthcoming independent release, ``Labello,'' here in town; there's a record-release party March 25 at Slim's. In hindsight, he says, this might have been as good a year as any to go to SXSW. ``I might've missed my one year, when the integrity's back,'' he says. Simmons points out that getting signed is just one of many productive connections people make at SXSW. When Cake was in its infancy, the band played Austin and attracted the attention of talent buyers from clubs around the country, laying the groundwork for Cake's first successful tours outside California. ``I think we sometimes give people the idea that these conventions are a peculiar, rigid star search,'' she says. Record company representatives ``don't just stumble into a nightclub, accidentally see a band and take a contract out of their pocket.'' Whatever the industry climate, she says, Austin's relaxed attitude will take the edge off. ``It's the only convention where I don't feel people are shaking my hand and looking over my shoulder for the next person to accost,'' Simmons says. ``It's just comfortable.''
Re: SXSW rain?
Miss Cherry Lou don't need no stinkin' badges... > Really? Crap. Anyone planning on being at the BBQ -- if it's raining on > Thursday at noon, call the house (number is in email invite thingy) -- I > might have to move it to Saturday. Well hey, I'll *be* there by then, so I wouldn't mind. I'm *not* wishing for rain, don't get me wrong, but I would like to break my perfect record of having to miss that dang BBQ --junior
Re: SXSW rain?
Cherilyn diMond wrote: > >Yeah, we'll be there. Bring your raincoats, folks. Forcast is showers. > > Really? Crap. Anyone planning on being at the BBQ -- if it's raining on > Thursday at noon, call the house (number is in email invite thingy) -- I > might have to move it to Saturday. > > kill me, > cherry lou. Yup, if the Weather Channel website is to be believed, showers and a high of 70 degrees are predicted for Thursday.Friday mostly cloudy, still 70. Saturday partly cloudy, still 70. Cherilyn, don't make us choose between your bash and the Saturday ND/Miles of Music thang, please? b.s.
SXSW rain?
>Yeah, we'll be there. Bring your raincoats, folks. Forcast is showers. Really? Crap. Anyone planning on being at the BBQ -- if it's raining on Thursday at noon, call the house (number is in email invite thingy) -- I might have to move it to Saturday. kill me, cherry lou.
Re: SXSW update: final
Deb Sommer is staying at the La Quinta Capitol is anyone cares. She will also be attending as many parties as possible -- non-badge this year but may also be found at the Flagpole and ATHfest booth in the convention center (if they make me) promoting her book "Hot Wax and Dusty Tracks: A Guide to Music Landmarks in the South" (Volume 1) They'll have flyers there. I don't think they need me -- I'd rather have fun and party Deb Sommer
Re: SXSW and me
In a message dated 3/16/99 9:40:29 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << > maybe his dog ate his party schedule? Na, his printer didn't work. But he'll have it by tomorrow, really!! >> Matt, were just funnin' with you. hope to see you at some of the parties. Introduce yourself. HEY! I have a great idea! Why don't the poor unwashed without badges wear those blue "HELLO my name is..." tags? Slim - hopefully washed
RE: SXSW and me
> maybe his dog ate his party schedule? Na, his printer didn't work. But he'll have it by tomorrow, really!! --junior
RE: SXSW and me
maybe his dog ate his party schedule? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 1999 9:15 AM To: passenger side Subject: Re: SXSW and me In a message dated 3/16/99 1:05:03 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I'll be in Austin for SXSW. I'd like to go to the parties, etc. But I don't have a clue where they are. I'd like to meet all you guys (again, probably). Someone help me out. >> Does this remind anyone of the kid who waits until the last minute to do his school science project? You have only had a year to plan this. Slim
