Tristen: Charlatans at the Garden Gate
January 25, 2011
To those of us immersed in the Nashville local rock scene, it seems almost like a catharsis for Tristen’s debut album Charlatans at the Garden Gate to finally be released. There’s been talk around town of her album for a good two years, ever since she started working on it with Jeremy Ferguson at Battletapes. I worked with her on a promo photo shoot in October of 2009 during which one thing was very clear- she is the type of person who won’t release her art to the masses until she’s absolutely sure it’s perfect. That’s why this album took 2 years to make, but the result was well worth the wait. She and Jeremy managed to find just the right guest musicians and instrumentation to fit the songs. Good production is hard to describe, but the best I can do is say that when you hear a certain guitar part or tone, or certain keyboard sound, you just know that it’s RIGHT. You think to yourself, “that song needed to sound that way.” That’s what I think after listening to virtually every song on this record. Possibly the best example of this is the closing track “Save Raina.” The subject matter of her songs is mostly serious and sometimes rather dark, but the melodies and song structure never allow the songs to become downright depressing, just earnest. There’s always some degree of catchiness as well- these songs will stick in your head; not a single one is forgettable. Her voice is really the overwhelming factor, though. Just the right amount of cracks and warbles are left in so that she sounds incredibly human; incredibly real. This girl has got it all- the songwriting chops, the voice, the looks, and the band. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this album when it hits shelves on Feb. 1st via American Myth Recordings. She’s currently on tour in support of the album, so check her myspace to see if she’s coming to your town. You can order a copy of the album through her main website, or check your local record store.
MP3: Tristen-Baby Drugs
Photo by Rachel Briggs
POWERBRRRD probably playing our last show tonight
January 21, 2011
Tonight will probably be POWERBRRRD’s last show. We are playing with Bad Cop, Reid Magette, and the Devin Robinson Band. I say probably because you never know how things will go, but it will definitely be several months before we try to do anything again, if we do. We’ll call it an indefinite hiatus. Basically we just couldn’t keep the 4-piece lineup together due to people moving out of town, having other jobs that require them to tour this spring, etc… So we’re just gonna say “fuck it” and if a new bass player who fits us falls into our lap over the next few months, maybe we’ll play again.
Seth put up our EP “Good Job, POWERBRRRD!” on bandcamp yesterday, so if you want to, check it out. It’s totally free to download. We just wanted to get it out there.
There are lots of other good shows happening this weekend, but this morning I just don’t have the time to do my usual weekend rundown. So go check out the Cream’s listings.
Gliese 581g: the controversy
January 19, 2011
The controversy over the existence Gliese 581g, the exoplanet that made waves in the media back in September, is far from over. I’ve been watching Phil Plait’s Bad Astronomy blog for updates on this situation, as he’s one of the most level-headed and honest science bloggers out there. He spoke, so now I speak: the controversy rolls on, but hopefully there’ll be a solution soon. Basically, different teams of astronomers have used different methods and computer models to process the telescopic observations that led to the initial discovery. Some show the planet exists, some don’t, and apparently it has a lot to do with how ellipticalness (yes that’s a word) of the orbit of the other planets in the system. I encourage you to learn more of the specifics by reading the Bad Astronomy post.
In other news, I saw and photographed Wanda Jackson last night with the Third Man House Band, at Third Man Records. Please head over to the Nashville Cream if you haven’t yet, and read the write-up and check out my pics. It was truly something special- she’s a legend and this was by far the best band she’s played with in recent years.
La Paz Late Night presents: FREEZE OUT!
January 13, 2011
This Saturday marks the return of the resurrected La Paz Late Night series. Justin Katerberg (Vitalic Noise) and I have been working hard on this one, so please do at least make us part of your evening plans this Saturday night. We’ve got a very special guest DJ filling in for Potamus, who’s out of the country this month: Myrryrs. Recently signed to Discobelle and Idiot House records, they’ve been blowing up the House/Minimal world in the past few weeks. Cover is a meager $2, and we’ve got $2 jello shots, $4 margaritas, and $2.50 PBRs to help loosen your ass for the dancefloor. La Paz is on Elliston Place, just a block up from Exit/In. We are your unique break from the trend, or your pregame for sticking with the trend. We won’t dissapoint!
“Like” us on facebook, rsvp to the event page and invite your friends, and follow us on twitter.
Myrryrs EP “House Theory” on Beatport.
Burgers winter 2011 mixxxx:
If you’re a Nashvillian you no doubt know about the massive snowball fight that occurred in Centennial Park Monday night. Snow is somewhat of rarity around here, so the young (and the young at heart) never miss the chance to enjoy it. Luckily technology has advanced to the point that it’s quite easy to make gorgeous imagery, both still photography and film, even in such low-light conditions. Behold this awesome slo-mo video created by Winston Hearn. I know, I know, using a Jonsi song is so obvious for slo-mo footage of hipsters throwing snowballs… but it really hits the perfect mood and sometimes you have to throw the snark out window and enjoy something for what it is.
I must also mention the great set of photos from the event taken by Lance Conzett over on Dixie Downturn.
In other news, local indie rock/punk staple club The End has finally joined the 21st century and gotten a website. You can also pre-order tickets to some select shows. As much as we Nashville rock promoters/musicians love owner Bruce Fitzpatrick, the guy is very old-school. The venue has been around for 30 some years, and as far as I know, he’s been the owner the whole time. (Someone correct me if I’m wrong about that.) I’m just happy that it’s now relatively easy to see who’s playing there and when. (Via the Cream)
Nashville’s Dead became a bonafide record label a few months ago, and their first two releases are now up on the webstore. They are both 7″ singles, one by Useless Eaters and the other by The Paperhead (formerly known as The Looking Glass). (Via Nashville’s Dead)
Milestone in the search for earth-like exoplanets: Kepler-10b
January 11, 2011
A major milestone has been achieved by the Kepler Spacecraft- the smallest exoplanet found thus far. Kepler-10b is a small, dense, rocky world only 1.4 times the size of earth. It’s not earth-like, but it is earth-sized. This planet orbits its parent star very close- even closer than Mercury is to our sun, and it’s tidally-locked- meaning the same side always faces its star. It’s so hot that most of its surface is probably molten, and the star’s point-blank radiation would have long since “blown” away any atmosphere it might’ve had, so there’s no way it could support life. Still, this is a major milestone simply because it’s such a small planet. Detecting planets using the transit method is very difficult to begin with and the smaller they are, the harder they are to see. I’ve said this many times before, but it is literally only a matter of time, possibly only months, until Kepler uncovers a true earth-twin. That will create a fundamental shift in the mindset of the entire astronomy community from “are we alone?” toward the direction of “what are they like?”
(Via Universe Today, Bad Astronomy, and NASA)
My thoughts on the tragedy in Arizona
January 10, 2011
What I’m saying here has been said many times already since the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, but it bears repeating as many times as possible: stop pointing fingers and end the bitter and hateful climate of politics that’s taken hold of this country. The most important thing is to refrain from automatically associating this shooting with the famous graphic on Sarah Palin’s website and/or the violent rhetoric that’s been tweeted and otherwise shared by prominent right-wing figures. The authorities still don’t know exactly what motivated Jared Loughner to do what he did. The only thing that seems to be certain is that he was mentally ill in some regard. In times like these, rampant emotion and kneejerk reactions are just the kind of things that can snowball and lead to even more violence. Logic and reason are absolutely critical. Until there is factual evidence that Loughner was incited to this violence by the right-wing rhetoric, we cannot make that claim. We must also refrain from blaming Sarah Palin or any other political figure. The only answer to this problem is reconciliation and compromise between the major political parties of this country. Both parties must open their minds and listen to each other, make some compromises, and work together to extinguish the flames of hatred rather than fan them.
This weekend: what to do
January 7, 2011
Sorry posting has been scarce this week. I’ve been busy at both work and at home. Here’s a quick rundown of shows I recommend seeing in Nashville this weekend.
FRIDAY:
Hands Down Eugene, Shoot the Mountain, and The Sleep-Ins @ the Basement. STM has a new drummer: Patrick Rodgers (Scene writer and drummer of And The Relatives). All-around solid lineup. 9pm, $5, 21+
John Carter Cash, the Early Evening, Shane Ownby @ the Rutledge. 8:30pm, 18+, I can’t seem to find a price anywhere…
SATURDAY:
If you’re in Nashville:
The Clutters 10-year anniversary show w/ Cheap Time @ the Basement. It’s hard to believe they’ve been bangin’ out garage-punk for 10 years now but it’s true. 9pm, $5, 21+
Ryan Truso & Family benefit show ft. Brandon Jazz & His Armed Forces, The Worsties, Cheer Up Charlie Daniels, Jesse Coppenbarger (of Colour Revolt) & more @ Mercy Lounge. 9pm, $7 min. donation. Mr. Truso is an excellent producer, recently shaping the sounds of Brandon Jazz, Dozen Dimes, and many more. He’s also an awesome dude in general. He recently became the victim of the housing crisis and applied for a fraudulent assistance program for middle-class homeowners called HAMP. Now they need $8,000 by Jan. 20th or Ryan and his wife & son will be forced out of their home.
If you’re in Murfreesboro:
Children of Spy, Powerbrrrd, Animal City, and Seth Moore @ the Boro. $3, 21+. I have to shamelessly self-promote for a moment… this show is the first time Powerbrrrd has played in Murfreesboro, and Children of Spy is Nick Naoti’s (of Zombie Bazooka Patrol) new band, who are getting back from a short tour. I know there are a few friends left down there, so please come out of the cracks and make your way to the Boro to see what Seth & I have been up to with this new(ish) band.
Have a great weekend!
BURGERS presents: Winter 2011 Mixxxx
January 4, 2011
Surprise! My new mix is here and it’s ready for your consumption. Like the fall mix, this one is short and to the point. I’m releasing this now as a taste of what’s to come at the next La Paz Late Night presents. This one is next Sat. Jan. 15th and it’s called FREEZE OUT! It’ll be me, Vitalic Noise, and Myrryrs (formerly known as Justin Kase) spinning the same disco/house/electro you grooved to last month at the the tacky sweater party. “Like” us and check out some pics from that party on our Facebook page. Also, you can follow us on twitter: @lapazlatenight.
Tracklisting:
Michael Jackson-Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough (Gigamesh RMX)
Mark Ronson & The Business INTL- Bang Bang Bang (Russ Chimes RMX)
Miami Horror-Holidays (DCUP RMX)
Black Strobe-Me & Madonna (Twelves RMX)
Supermen Lovers-Starlight
Silver Convention- Get Up & Boogie (GoGo Bizkitt RMX)
Radio INK-Physical (GLOVES RMX)
Kraak & Smaak-Dynamite (Boogie Funk Version)
Download/stream below:
steve cross loves music and science 