Tex vs. Basil Marceaux dot com/weekend shows
November 5, 2010
First off, here’s what I think is good this weekend:
FRIDAY:
The Features, Tristen, Bows & Arrows @ 12th & Porter. 9pm. I swear I read somewhere that this is some kind of benefit show, but I can’t find any evidence of that now. Regardless this is an AMAZING lineup. I need not say a word about the Features- we all know they rule the universe. Tristen has gotten better and better every time I’ve seen her the past 3 years, and just when I think she couldn’t possibly be better, she is. Speaking of getting better- Bows & Arrows are now totally awesome as well. (Not that they weren’t before, but now they’re really awesome.) I saw them last Sat. night at Grand Palace in M’boro and they totally blew me away. They’ve got a batch of new songs and have been slowly chipping away at a debut full-length with Alex at GP’s recording studio.
OK Go, Those Darlins, Samuel @ Mercy Lounge. 9pm, $15. I’ve not a clue about Samuel, but I can promise you’ll hear almost all new material from Those Darlins (which I deemed fantastic while I was on tour w/ them for a week), and a fun, crowd-participatory experience from OK Go. I saw most of their set at Bonnaroo this past summer and while the last album or two hasn’t impressed me, they did put on a helluva live show.
SATURDAY:
Milktooth, XPIA, the Zut Alors, and Flashbulb Fires @ the 5 Spot. 9pm, $5.
Turbo Fruits, Big Surr, Deadbeat Beat, D. Watusi, Reid Magette @ Glen Danzig’s House, 7pm, $5.
SUNDAY:
Fang Island, Delicate Steve, Sleeper Agent, and Bad Cop @ The End. $10, 9pm.
And now here’s some footage of the one and only Tex Rambunctious interviewing the one and only Basil Marceaux dot com:
(Via Nashville Cream)
Halloween weekend rundown
October 29, 2010
Image via tenthousandknives
By now you’ve probably already pinned down your Halloween plans, but I’ll list off a few things going down this weekend just in case there’s a day that you haven’t quite figure out yet.
FRIDAY:
Freaky Friday Halloween Party at Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom. Featuring a total nostalgia-gasm of Guilty Pleasures + My So-Called Band in the Cannery and Yacht Rock Revue + Glam Hammer in Mercy Lounge. If I were going, I’d stay upstairs not because of the bands, but because we all know Guilty Pleasures + Halloween = lots of cougars dressing up as a “sexy _____” and exposing things that no cougar should ever expose. It’s 21+ and $15 gets you a wristband with access to both venues.
Clem Snide & Mountain Man are at the Basement. 21+ $8 9pm
SATURDAY:
Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom host their annual “Nightmare In Music City” party. Cannery Ballroom will be transformed into a giant dance party, Mercy will be an exclusive VIP area, and there will be a huge heated tent outside in the parking lot with more DJs and dancing. $15 GA, $50 VIP.
Mai and 12th & Porter present the 2nd annual “Haunted Valley” block party featuring DJ sets and performances by Ying Yang Twins, Chancellor Warhol, Majestico, Coach, Potamus, Brandon Wahl, Space Capone, Luna Halo, Rod Youree, Cal Ecker, Hands off Sam, and Slow Motion Centerfold. Not sure who’s playing in which venue, but GA tix are $25.
Ra Ra Riot, Villagers, and Givers are at Exit/In. 9pm $15.
There also may or may not be a secret show happening at a secret location that’s about a 40 minute drive down I-24. This secret location may or may not have a very strict capacity limit due to past events. The headlining band may or may not have been recording their debut album in this same secret location over the past few months.
SUNDAY:
Girl Talk at Mai. Outdoor party, rain or shine. Starts at 7pm!
That’s all I got. Have a good Halloween and keep it classy.
A weak weekend
October 15, 2010
There’s always plenty of things going on in this City of Music every weekend, but this particular one really doesn’t have much of anything that I personally get excited about. But, here’s my best attempt:
FRIDAY:
DJs Wick-it and Kidsmeal, along with several other DJs, have been throwing a pretty badass party called Mashville roughly once a month for three years now, and they’re throwing the biggest party yet tonight at Mercy Lounge to celebrate. It’s also the release party for Wick-it’s new mashup album. Expect some of the best scratching performances you’ll find in the southeast, along with plenty of hip hop, pop, and maybe some head-bending WOMP WOMP in the form of dubstep. The very mention of dubstep makes me cringe, but I certainly respect those guys because their skills are easily light years ahead of any other DJs in this town. Sean Maloney says I need to smoke more weed to enjoy dubstep… but even then I don’t think I could enjoy it. It just ain’t my bag. There’s a 5% chance I might go just to see Kidsmeal and Wick-it have a scratch-off, and head for the patio when the WOMPs start pulsing, but who knows. Read a much better preview by Mr. Maloney at the Nashville Cream.
SATURDAY:
There is honestly not one thing happening Sat. that piques my interest enough to mention.
SUNDAY:
Matt & Kim w/ Donnis and Girls in the Eighties @ Exit/In. I saw Matt & Kim play a sold out show at this same venue along with the Cool Kids about 2 years ago, and while I don’t call myself a serious fan, they put on a pretty enjoyable show. Not that familiar with Donnis, but he drops some pretty sweet verses on “All The Girls” by Bag Raiders. And I enjoyed Girls in the Eighties’ quick and simple pop punk at their NBN show a couple weeks ago.
Have a great weekend!
New Armed Forces track/weekend stuff
October 8, 2010
It’s all about the timing, yo. If you’re in Nashville you have to know that this week was the Scene‘s annual Best of Nashville issue, in which the readers fill out polls for a few weeks voting on all kinds of local bests. The writers also compile a small list of their own favs, and our good friend Brandon Jazz was named “Best Lovable Attention Whore.” Whether it was planned or not, the timing of the release of his next single “Lose All Control” is perfect. It dropped today and was produced by Privates’ frontman Dave Paulson’s DJ-altero-ego DPAUL. The track is pure electro/disco-pop, and features a ridiculous/hilarious rap segment toward the end. Seriously, listen to this track all the way through (it’s available for free at his bandcamp)- at about 1:50 in, you’ll smile at the very least, if not have a full-blown ROFLMAO.
Now for what to do show-wise this weekend:
FRIDAY:
Tonight is a VERY rare performance of Nashville legends Jason & the Scorchers at Mercy Lounge. The band was one of the first non-country acts to emerge from Nashville, and were originally called Jason & the Nashville Scorchers. When signed to a label, they were forced to drop “Nashville” from their name because the label thought people would be too shocked to hear rock n roll from a band with Nashville in their name. Thus began the famous “Nashville Curse.” 9pm, 18+ $15 advance, $20 at the door
How I Became the Bomb is at The Basement with Cobra Cheetah Tiger Viper and My Dear Disco. 9pm, $8
SATURDAY:
This isn’t a show, but I must mention that Oktoberfest and the Germantown Street Festival are happening in the Germantown neighborhood. We’ve attended the past 2 years and it’s been a blast. There’s lots of good beer, bratwurst, and all sorts of other unhealthy items, in addition to music, vendors, and people dressed ridiculously. It’s totally free too. Though indistinguishable from one another, the two festivals claim to be separate.
Menomena is at Mercy Lounge with Suckers and Tu Fawning. 9pm
Electric Six at Exit/In was apparently canceled… lame.
The Scene is hosting Saturday’s Musician’s Corner show in Centennial Park. Lineup: Natalie Prass, Evan P. Donohue, Big Surr, Dozen Dimes, and Carter Administration. According the Cream, there might be a 6th band but it hasn’t been confirmed.
Have a great weekend!
Your chillwave name/Todd A/weekend stuff
September 24, 2010
I could sit and generate new chillwave band names all day on the Witch House//Chillwave//Name Generator. Seriously, be careful. You might not be able to stop. (Via gorilla vs. bear)
Remember waaaay back when NasvhilleZine existed and the entire Nashville indie rock scene used it as an outlet for all their secret jealousy/anger/frustration? Yeah, those were the good ole days… I got an email from Todd A, who created/killed NashvilleZine, and he’s been up to some awesome stuff out in Orange Co., California. Check out his website/band/music collaboration project the Hit On List. He writes tons and tons of songs and records video demos of them/posts them. He also makes full-on multitrack recordings, some of which you can download, remix, change, etc… all for free. It’s certainly not a new concept, but it’s one that deserves more attention than it gets. I’m glad to see it and help promote it.
Now for what’s going down show-wise in Nashville this weekend.
FRIDAY:
Tonight I recommend catching Aaron Robinson (of Imaginary Baseball League fame), with Korean Is Asian and Cassino at the Basement.
Those are all very singer/songwriter-oriented bands, so if that’s not your bag, check out the best scratch DJ in Nashville- DJ Kidsmeal, along with Creative Control, Amerigo Gazaway, and Gummy Soul at the End.
SATURDAY:
Jenny & Johnny (aka Jenny Lewis and her BF Johnny Rice) with Eternal Summers and Whispertown at Mercy Lounge. Awww how cute.
During the day you don’t want to miss Grimey’s bi-annual big ass outdoor sale. Starts at 10AM in the back parking lot and there will be tons of cheap-ass records and CD’s, as well as a killer lineup of bands playing outside including Majestico, Cy Barkley, Apache Relay, and many more.
Not gonna go into detail right now, but in addition to the Next BIG Nashville festivities next week, the notorious Tex Rambunctious has put together a couple days of bands that didn’t quite make the NBN cut and it’s called “Tex Big Nashville.” It’s monday & tuesday of next week, so more on that in monday’s blog.
Have a great weekend!
(Via Kelliente)
Weekend shows/Ben Franklin beer quote
August 6, 2010
You’ve probably heard the Ben Franklin quote, “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Sadly, I did a little research today and found out that quote is actually not accurate. It’s a derivation of a quote from a letter Franklin wrote to Andre Morellet in 1779. The real quote is:
Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.
As a beer lover, it was kind of saddening to learn this, but oh well. (Via this about.com article)
Now for some shows to catch this weekend.
Before we get to the individual days, I’ll mention that Little Hamilton is throwing YES FEST all weekend. There’s a shit ton of bands, and you can also get special weekend passes. There’s too much for me to mention here, so if you want to know more about YES FEST, check out Nashville’s Dead.
FRIDAY:
The Protomen, Makeup & Vanity Set, and Magic Hammer @ 12th & Porter. 9pm
Andrew Combs CD release show with Caitlin Rose, Rayland Baxter, and Giving Tree @ The Basement. 9pm
SATURDAY:
Unknown Hinson @ Exit/In. 9pm
Powerload (AC/DC tribute) w/ Magnet School, Alcohol Stuntband, and Dirtbot @ FooBar. 9pm
Black 13 Tattoo parlor’s 2-year bday party w/ Autovaughn, Hillbilly Casino, Madi Diaz, and Plumb.
Megan and I will also be at the Arcade Fire show at the Ryman on Monday. (I’m taking pics for the Scene.)
Have a great weekend!
National blow-shit-up weekend stuff/more WTF
July 2, 2010
The official national “blow shit up” holiday weekend is about to commence, and I’m sure you’ve already made plans of how/when/where you’re going to blow shit up. So here’s a list of good shows to attend when you’re not blowing shit up this weekend:
TONIGHT- I’ll be at the Comfies EP release show at the End, which also features Tristen and probably another band, but that band hasn’t been listed anywhere that I can find. Regardless, this will be a good show.
Also if you’re in Murfreesboro tonight, Chris Freeman is back in town for the summer and is playing a show at Liquid Smoke, while just down the block Henry Daggs is playing at Wallstreet. You could probably dash back & forth if you really wanted to…
SATURDAY- Break out your old flannel and ripped jeans from high school and wear them to My So-Called Band: the Ultimate 90’s Experience at Mercy Lounge. Or check out Henry Rollins at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Or check out Dave Cloud, Diet Blood, Marj!, Square People, and Deluxin’ at Open Lot.
For the 4th, there’s really no excuse to not be at Mercy Lounge for the Nashville Cream/Vienna Beef sponsored “National Hot Dog Month Kickoff Party.” I’ll be doing a photobooth, you can watch the always-awesome downtown fireworks from Mercy’s kickass balcony, AND be treated to the sounds of Ghostfinger, Heartbeater, Alcohol Stuntband, and the Armed Forces, all MC-ed by Chris Crofton. And one more thing- everyone gets a free hot dog. All this for the patriotic price of $5. ($8 if you’re 18-20.) Doors open at 7pm so be sure to get there early, because everyone will be elbowing for a good spot to watch the fireworks from on the patio, and the fireworks generally start around 9 or 930pm. The bands will start immediately after the fireworks.
Last but not least, I must mention this “WTF” moment… since I posted a bunch “WTFs” yesterday. Here’s a video from Beck’s Record Club, featuring Beck, Thurston Moore, and Tortoise covering Yanni. YES, YANNI. Yanni’s Live at the Acropolis to be exact. I’m speechless. (Via You Ain’t No Picasso)
JR/SR kicks off tonight/Bonnaroo Schedule revealed
May 21, 2010
Those Darlins at Bonnaroo 2009
In case you haven’t paid any attention to the interwebs the past day or two, the Bonnaroo schedule is now up. Check it out and make your own customized schedule. The Road to Bonnaroo winners are mostly on the Troo Music Lounge stage (where they were last year) except for How I Became the Bomb, who are playing at Cafe Where?. I’m unfamiliar with this… venue… as I never went there in my past 2 years of covering Bonnaroo. It’s a little lame that HIBTB, Non Comms, and Space Capone are all 3 on Sunday, while Caitlin Rose is on Thursday, but whatevs.
Tonight boasts a pretty good offering of good shows in Nashville. There’s the all-ages Nobunny/Pujol show at Third Man Records, but get there early- shit starts at 6pm. Then there’s Tristen/The Goldroom/Hammertorch/Hands Down Eugene at The End. The thing I’m most looking forward to 
tonight, however, is the new monthly (I think) party called JR/SR at the multi-purpose/art space Open Lot. It’s being organized by some of the same folks who brought you the La Paz dance parties a few months back. After the La Paz owners were assholes to said people, I suggested Open Lot as a possible venue for future parties/shows/etc… after reading about it in The Rabbit. Looks like it worked out, as tonight’s party boasts a killer lineup of DJs- Justin Kase, Potamus, and Secret Name, as well as full sets from Majestico and Fly Golden Eagle. Check out the facebook event page for more details.
Saturday’s show offerings look good as well- the biggest being the Those Darlins/Natural Child/Pujol/So Jazzy show at Mercy Lounge. Nikki Darlin recently took a spill and broke her arm after a show due to a dangerous combination of booze, cowboy boots, and a grassy field. Being a traveling musician/performer, she of course has no health insurance and thus faces overwhelming medical expenses, thus this show will feature some notable other local musicians filling in for her on banjolele. I’m assuming she’ll still be able to sing. The money from the show will go towards her medical expenses. Then there’s the Kelly Kerr & the Distractions album release show at FooBar… I wrote up a little review of his album last week.
The party doesn’t stop there, as local publicity stunt-whiz Brandon Jazz of the Armed Forces will be following the Westboro Baptist Church assholes around on their mini-tour of Nashville churches sunday morning, playing his song “Radical Luv” over and over in hopes of drowning them out. If I can force myself out of bed early enough Sunday morning I’ll be with them taking some pics. Read more about it at Nashville Cream.
I also find it hilarious that every music blog has been all “OMG!!! 20 SECONDS OF THE NEW ARCADE FIRE ALBUM!!! AAAHHHEEEEE!!!”
Have a great weekend!
Weekend shows & weather
April 23, 2010
This weekend is actually pretty good in terms of live music in Nashville. Here’s what’s on my radar:
The biggest story tonight and tomorrow is probably Rites of Spring at Vanderbilt, featuring the awesome one-two punch of Phoenix and Passion Pit. The full lineup is at the RoS website, but the only bands I’m even remotely interested in seeing are those two, and maybe Two Door Cinema Club. I will be there taking pics for the Scene as usual.
Friday: If outdoors festivals aren’t your thing, Chicken Ranch Records out of Austin, TX is doing a badass showcase at the Basement featuring The Clutters, We Were The States, Tiger Tiger, and Jimmy Duke & the Riot.
Saturday: If outdoor festivals aren’t your thing and afterparties are, you’ll want to head to 12th & Porter where the weekly Y2K DJs Coach and Hands off Sam will be joined by none other than members of Passion Pit, who will have (or not, depending on the weather) played Rites of Spring earlier that evening. DJ Potamus is also on the bill. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Passion Pit’s DJ sets- they did at least a few of them at SXSW this year.
Sunday: Peelander-Z w/ Tim Chad and Sherry & The Man Power at Exit/In. I saw Peelander-Z there a couple years ago and it was a blast. The bass player was literally hanging upside-down from the balcony. Just be prepared for some major crowd participation if you go.
Another big story this weekend is the weather. As you can see from the NWS severe weather outlook to the right, we’re in the “moderate risk” category for severe storms on saturday. The current thinking is that some storms will beigin to roll in very late tonight, sometime between 11pm and 3am, and hopefully not drenching tonight’s Rites of Spring festivities. Then the real action will start up saturday morning and basically be a threat all day long, into the evening. This is not just a few storms with a little hail and some wind, there is also a good possibility of tornadoes, and that’s why I have a strong feeling much of saturday’s Rites activities will end up getting canceled altogether. I can only hope for their sake that the threat passes by the evening AND that no damage is done to the stage/equipment so that the headliners can at least still play.
Important weather things to remember for saturday: The Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma issues severe weather watches. A watch is for a large area of land and means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur, but it is not an immediate threat. Our local National Weather Service office issues severe weather warnings. A warning is usually for a county or even just a city area and means that severe weather is actually occurring and will hit your area soon, so take cover. There’s always confusion on Vanderbilt’s campus regarding the on-campus vs. the downtown Nashville tornado sirens as well. Here’s how it works: the downtown Nashville siren goes off if there is a tornado warning issued for anywhere in Davidson County. The Vandy campus siren only goes off if a tornado warning is issued that specifically includes downtown Nashville. Thus, sometimes the downtown siren will go off and the Vandy campus one won’t (example: a warning issued for SE Davidson Co./LaVergne), and frankly it confuses the hell out of people on the Vandy campus. But that’s how it works.
Please be safe and heed all warnings this weekend!
steve cross loves music and science 