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)
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:
NYE plans and some good 2011 lists
December 31, 2010
I’m not going to attempt to rundown all the party possibilities for tonight in Nashville. Just head over to the Nashville Cream and check out their NYE flow chart. There’s really nothing better for determining your course of action for tonight. Whatever you do, be safe and if you plan on drinking, arrange for a DD or a cab or Zingo or SOMETHING.
Instead of creating or linking to any “best of” lists about 2010, I thought I’d round up a couple of articles about what to expect in the science world in 2011.
Discovery News: The Biggest, Boldest, and Baddest Space Missions of 2011
Live Science: The Top Science Breakthroughs That 2011 May Bring
That’s it. I’m out. See you in 2011.
White Christmas possible in TN this year
December 22, 2010
I’ve been holding off on blogging about this, but since I’m heading out of town tomorrow, I feel I must mention it today. There’s actually a decent chance of some measurable snowfall on Christmas day this year not only in Nashville, but in most of TN, and even some states south of TN. Here are the official statistics on a white Christmas in Nashville, from the National Weather Service:
THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY NINE CHRISTMASES WITH MEASURABLE AMOUNTS OF SNOW SINCE SNOWFALL RECORD KEEPING BEGAN IN NASHVILLE BACK IN THE WINTER OF 1884 AND 1885. THE LAST TIME MEASURABLE SNOW FELL ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN NASHVILLE WAS IN 1993 WHEN THREE TENTHS OF AN INCH WAS MEASURED. TRACE AMOUNTS OF SNOW FELL ON CHRISTMAS IN 2002. STATISTICALLY THERE IS ONLY A 7 PERCENT CHANCE OF MEASURABLE SNOW ON ANY GIVEN CHRISTMAS. THE MOST SNOW EVER TO FALL ON CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLE IS 2.7 INCHES IN 1969.
The storm system that has been contributing to the unusual rainfall in southern California will be sliding across the southwestern states today and tomorrow, and joining with an upper level disturbance from the north. The upper level disturbance will be providing the cold, while the low pressure system to the south will be providing the moisture. As the two combine, moisture will be spread north of the low pressure system over the gulf coast on southerly winds, which will bring enough warm air to change the precip to rain on Christmas eve day, but that night the cold air from the upper disturbance will take over and switch it back to snow, which should continue into at least Christmas morning. From what I’ve read, the models are in fair agreement on the timing of the whole thing, but not on the amount of moisture (read: depth of snow) involved. So we’ll have to wait until probably this time tomorrow, or even tomorrow night to really get a good grip on snow amounts. Even then, models can only go so far. I wouldn’t get my hopes up for any “deep” snow though, I’d be very surprised if Nashville got more than 2 inches. I will be with my family in northeast TN, so this will all happen about 6 hours later than Nashville, but naturally there will probably be a little more snow there, and I have every intention of taking a trip to the mountains where there’ll be a lot more snow. Maybe even go skiing.
I may find something to blog about over the weekend, but this will probably be my last post until next week. So Happy Holidays!
steve cross loves music and science 