Category : Music

A Touch of Abilene at ACL

rocketboys.jpgAbilene rock band Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys won the "Sound and the Jury" contest Wednesday night at Austin's famous Antone's nightclub, scoring them a 45-minute gig at 11:45 a.m. Friday at the kick-off of Austin City Limits, a three-day music festival. Comprised of six Abilene Christian University students -- four alumni, two current -- the Rocketboys have steadily grown their fan base over the past several years, playing concerts both around town and the country.

The Rocketboys will play at 11:45 a.m. on the Dell Stage on Friday at Zilker Park. They'll also play at 9:45 p.m. Friday at the Dell Lounge After Party at The Mohawk, and again at 9:15 p.m. Saturday at Club Deville. If you're heading to ACL, be sure to stop by and show your support!

The official release party for the band's new EP, "Sing, Bird, Sing," will be 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at The GlassJar Studio, 233 Cypress, Abilene. For more information, check out the band's Myspace. com page at www.myspace.com/rocketboys.

The Wrong Stuff

98degrees.jpgIs it bad that I correctly guessed all of these boy bands? It's not like I listen to them -- or listened to them -- but when it comes to the backwash of pop culture, I apparently know my stuff.

OK, I liked a few N*SYNC songs in my youth. And a couple of Backstreet Boys tunes. I seek atonement. And friends.

On that confession, let's all remember the awesomeness of the Boys' "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" music video:



Sun, Sun, Sun, Here It Comes

052407insiderCOLOR.jpg

Looking for a way to lighten up this summer? Try popping some of this season’s brightest new releases into the CD player. Here’s a look ...

MAY
0524BeachBoys.jpg“THE WARMTH OF THE SUN”
The Beach Boys
Release date: Tuesday

What could be more appropriate for summer than a Beach Boys album? “Warmth of the Sun” follows 2004’s “Sounds of Summer” compilation, this time mixing lesser-known tracks (“Hawaii”) with proven hits (“Catch a Wave”). Compiled and sequenced by the Beach Boys themselves, “Sun” spans the band’s career, fully showing off Brian Wilson’s talent, and serves as the ideal summer driving CD. -- SC

Other May releases:

May 15
“Release the Stars,” Rufus Wainwright
"Sky Blue Sky," Wilco
“One of the Boys,” Gretchen Wilson
“Minutes to Midnight,” Linkin Park
May 22
“It Won’t Be Soon Before Long,” Maroon 5
“Black Rain,” Ozzy Osbourne
“Breakfast in Bed,” Joan Osborne
May 29
“Double Up,” R. Kelly
“D’Elles,” Celine Dion


JUNE
0524December.jpg“MY DECEMBER"
Kelly Clarkson
Release date: June 26

America’s first “Idol” has been riding the waves of 2004’s “Breakaway” and its numerous hits. “My December” takes fans in a new, less mainstream direction: Clarkson wrote or co-wrote each track, delving into her personal experiences from the past several years and serving up raw — but still poppy — tunes. -- SC

Other June releases:
June 5
“Memory Almost Full,” Paul McCartney
“Eat Me, Drink Me,” Marilyn Manson
“Big Dog Daddy,” Toby Keith
June 12
“Insomniac,” Enrique Iglesias
“Lost Highway,” Bon Jovi
"Courage," Paula Cole
June 19
“Icky Thump, Pt. 1,” The White Stripes
“Wild Hope,” Mandy Moore
"Who We Are," Lifehouse
June 26
“Easy Tiger,” Ryan Adams
"The Mix-Up," Beastie Boys


JULY
0524Pumpkins.jpg“ZEITGEIST”
The Smashing
Pumpkins
Release date: July 10

The first official album to be released under the band’s name since 2000, “Zeitgeist” marks the Pumpkins’ sixth official album release. Early buzz on the album suggests it is classic Pumpkins, with frontman Billy Corgan’s signature guitar tones as impressive as they always have been. Of course, the real question with the release of “Zeitgeist” is whether less hardcore SP fans will feel the need to buy into the band’s newest effort. -- ES

Other July releases:
July 3
“Libertad,” Velvet Revolver
“Ms. Kelly,” Kelly Rowland
“The American Dream,” Mike Jones
July 10
“Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga,” Spoon
“The Else,” They Might Be Giants
July 17
“Beauty & Crime,” Suzanne Vega
“Hits,” Faith Hill


AUGUST
0524NoneShall.jpg“NONE SHALL PASS”
Aesop Rock
Release date: Aug. 28

Born Ian Matthias Bavitz in Long Island, this New York MC’s newest full-length release features
14 tracks, with production from El-P, Blockhead and Rob Sonic. Expect appearances by El-P and Sonic, as well as Cage and Breeze Brewin on the song “Getaway Car” and John Darnielle on the closing track “Coffee.” In addition, listen for traditional instrumentation by Parchman Farm, the band of Aesop’s wife, Allyson Baker. Early word is good, though some fans have complained that Aesop’s sound is becoming a little too predictable. You be the judge. -- ES

Other August releases:
Aug. 7
“Here I Am,” Eve
“Liberation,” Mya
Aug. 14
“Kala,” M.I.A.
Aug. 21
“Challengers,” The New Pornographers
Aug. 28
“Lifelines,” Ben Harper
“Bring on the Comets,” VHS or Beta

Lily Allen embraces Robert Downey Jr.'s success scheme

lilalln.jpg U.K songstress Lily Allen has canceled the American leg of her tour because "I am tired, but more than that I don't think I have been giving my best performances recently," the singer wrote on her MySpace blog. "I have been getting really drunk because I've been so nervous about doing bad shows, and I don't want people spending money on going to see a show that isn't the best it could be."

Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a job where being drunk all the time was a reasonable excuse to not come to work? I mean, the rest of the world has to run a comb through its hair, put on a pair of sunglasses and down a bottle of Sweet Breath while coughing the word "flu" at every stupid person who thinks it's witty/appropriate to question why you aren't your usual chipper self today. BACK OFF PEOPLE! I'M NERVOUS.

Anyway. I guess it's good that Allen doesn't want to disappoint/rip off her audience, but you know what would be even better: Sober up, you drunken wench. Either that, or learn to play quality shows while you're hammered. If the Rolling Stones never performed when they were wasted, then they would have, well, NEVER performed. If Keith Richards can crawl on stage after snorting his father's ashes and falling headfirst from a palm tree, then surely Allen can grasp a mic after a few Amstel Lights.

Allen's Los Angeles and New York dates will still be honored, as will the Coachella and Bonaroo festivals. There are about 10 canceled shows that will be rescheduled.

Greatest Hits: "Sad Songs Say So Much"

Original publication date: Feb. 15

So your Valentine’s Day didn’t go as planned ... exorcise those love pangs by popping your favorite breakup tunes into the CD player (make sure everyone else can hear them, too, just in case they’re selfish enough to be happy when you’re not).

alanis-morissette5.jpgTHE VINDICTIVE BREAKUP
Planning a last-minute road trip to Florida to greet your ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend? No problem! Throw your wigs and rope into the trunk, strap on your diaper and pop Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” into the CD player — it’s sure to get you in that peppy, pepper-spraying kinda mood. (No doubt the melody will still be rattling around in your brain as you’re fingerprinted. Belt out a few notes for that special police officer in your life).

Of course, no one wants the guy who was just ditched to feel left out — fellas should indulge in Blue October’s “Breakfast After 10,” which instructs you on how to get back at your ex in the most infantile way possible (and everyone knows there’s nothing quite as fun as that). Plus, you’ll get to screech a lot as you sing it, and that can be therapeutic. Right? — Erin Steele


THE PLEASANT BREAKUP
Denton one-hit wonder Deep Blue Something gave hope to everyone who does NOT want a vindictive breakup: "Breakfast at Tiffany's," where a couple that really has no future at least can say, hey, we both kinda liked it (the film version, that is). So their time together wasn't a total loss or a complete waste of time. When you break up, you can use a dose of self-confidence. — Brien Murphy


Michael Bolton - Michael Bolton.jpgTHE EXTREME DEPRESSION BREAKUP
Binoculars? Check. Dark clothing? Check. Trusty Captain Morgan at your side? Check and check. If you’re parked across the street from your ex’s place, stalking his or her every move and wiping your tears with his or her favorite shirt you claim you don’t have, you’re a few steps beyond the Sensitive Dude or Lilith Fair Breakups (see below). Now it’s time to turn to Michael Bolton, that long-maned minx (I’m pretending he never cut his locks) whose anthem “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?” will help you through these dark times.

Need a more current tune to put on repeat when you can’t get out of bed the next day? JamesBlunt’s “Goodbye My Lover” should keep you un-showered and unloved for weeks. Maybe months. — Sarah Carlson

Continue reading "Greatest Hits: "Sad Songs Say So Much"" »

The Molestobot 3000

Imagine the scariest thing ever. Then imagine being stuck in the desert with a gigantic Michael Jackson robot. That's totally worse, right!

jackson.jpg Yes, it's true. In his continuing quest for the title of world's craziest, uh, thing, the rotting mound of flesh that calls itself Michael Jackson wants to erect a 50-foot robotic replica of himself in Las Vegas, meaning Tokyo will no longer boast the world's most terrifying robotic monster. I think it's time for a death match between Godzilla and Godcomplexzilla. But I highly suggest that Godzilla leave his children at home during the battle. You know, just in case.

If Las Vegas has any love for its tourists, it will abort. ABORT, I say! Can you imagine flying to Vegas, and the first thing you see as you look out the window is a giant robot shooting lasers at you? Forget for a minute that it's a Michael Jackson robot ... even if it was a Mark Wahlbot, I would say, "No good, friends. Let's rethink this." Plus, from where, exactly, will the lasers shoot? That wasn't mentioned, and I think it's something we should contemplate before unsuspecting gamblers get a laser beam to the head courtesy of the Molestobot's less savory parts. I'm just saying.

Release Round-Up

Here's a look at some of today's new releases:

DVDs
ChildrenMen.jpgChildren of Men
My favorite film of 2006 that was unfairly overlooked come awards season, "Men" provides a chilling dystopia set in near-future London. In a world where women are infertile and the world's youngest person has just died at age 18, what's worth living for? When a jaded former activist (Clive Owen) finds himself in charge of leading a miraculously pregnant girl to safety, we see what it really means to have hope in humanity, no matter what.

HappyFeet.jpgHappy Feet
The animated penguins sing, dance, crack jokes and preach enough environmental talking points and anti-zoo spiels to make The Goreacle proud. If you'd rather not see "An Inconvenient Truth" meets "March of the Penguins" meets "Shrek," skip this bizarre karaoke night and stick with a Pixar or Disney classic.

Happyness.jpgThe Pursuit of Happyness
I avoided this one, but sources tell me you'll bawl your eyes out. Will Smith will emotionally manipulate you as he plays the broke father out to save his son at all costs, and there's nothing you can do about it. And really, there aren't enough movies with characters whose sole goal in life -- and the ultimate way they can attain happiness -- is to achieve wealth.

Other DVD releases: "Curse of the Golden Flower," "Full House: The Complete Sixth Season" (DJ goes to the prom!), "The Shield: The Complete Fifth Season"


CDs
Kaiser.jpgKaiser Chiefs, "Yours Truly, Angry Mob"
I'm a sucker for British pop rock, as you can see by my CD selections here, and the Kaiser Chiefs have won over U.K audiences more than once with their pop hooks. Critics are calling "Mob" more mature than the band's debut, "Employment," thanks to a slightly different sound and touches of social commentary, but the gist of the band's dedication to bringing back New Wave is still there.

mika2.jpgMika, "Life in Cartoon Motion"
Falsetto-voiced, Freddie-Mercury-reincarnation Mika has already inundated MTV promos with his infectious "Love Today." Whether his electronic eccentricities will win over the U.S. carts as they did those in the U.K. doesn't matter -- "Love" and his other single, "Grace Kelly," are delightful, even if not completely original, pieces of pop.

Other CD releases: "Let it Go," Tim McGraw; "Now, Vol. 24," Various Artists; "Good Morning Revival," Good Charlotte; "Crystal Visions -- The Very Best of Stevie Nicks," Stevie Nicks

Continue reading "Release Round-Up" »

It's over ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

MicahPHinsonWEB.JPGThe SXSW film and music festival drew to a close on Sunday, which meant one very important thing: I could finally sleep.

And sleep I did, quite comfortably I might add, for most of yesterday, and with my renewed vitality, I can finally remember exactly what occurred during the last nine days in Austin. Sorta.

Actually, let's just start with Thursday, since you already know about most of the movies I saw prior to that day (though I will be adding a list of the best films that SXSW showcased later this week).

The music festival kicked into high gear on Thursday, with many of the day parties taking center stage. In-store performances (which were free and open to the public) abounded, and some of the best took place at Waterloo Records on North Lamar. Sparklehorse played a set, as well as popular newcomer Lily Allen, whose album "Alright, Still ..." is a knockout. The English-bred songstress played a few of her own songs, as well as some covers (by fellow UK group The Kooks, as well as "Heart of Glass" by Blondie) because "most of my songs don't work well with acoustic," she said.

On Friday at Habana, John Doe (of X) and Robyn Hitchcock both played for excited audiences at the Yep Roc Records 10th anniversary party, where free barbecue was provided for attendees at the outdoor stage. Down on South Congress, music lovers trolled the many eclectic shops for in-store performances, with the Waco Brothers rocking Yard Dogs' outdoor tent, playing an hour-and-a-half-long set for those in attendance.

Of course, if you really want an insider's look at the festivities, check out Abilene Reporter-News photographer Victor Cristales' shots of some of the biggest concerts of SXSW, including Abilene's own Micah P. Hinson (pictured above), the acclaimed Alejandro Escovedo, Cold War Kids and many others.

Ooh, that smell ...

This week in Austin has been a homecoming of sorts for me. I spent four years in the so-called Music Capital of the World (close your ears, New York. You too, Los Angeles) as an undergrad at the University of Texas, where I struggled with the fact that I didn’t wear hipster glasses like the rest of the English majors and couldn’t really convince myself that tofu was an OK thing to eat. It was a trying time.

But by the end of my studies here, I fell in love with the city; it was like a boyfriend who was way too smart and cool and good-looking for me, but I didn’t really have the heart to question it.

Now, I see things a little differently. The beer goggles have lifted, and while I still love my metropolitan boyfriend, I realize that maybe he should shave and get a job and shower occasionally, if only to wash off the odor of pretension that constantly clings to him. It’s cool to be laid back, less cool to be in a perpetual slacker coma. Grow up, guy.

What used to seem cute about Austin is now cloying ... when did it become OK to pay so much money to look so poor? The only thing that distinguishes the festivalgoers from the panhandlers is the SXSW badge draped around their necks. The fact that this parade of hobo chicness takes place against the backdrop of high-end retail stores -- each one replacing the small, eclectic shops that once dotted downtown -- is especially disconcerting. Has Austin gone from keeping it real to keeping it real estate?

Certainly, that can be said of campus, where all of the once-enchanting stores have been chased away by the behemoth known as University Co-op. When I first arrived in the Texas capital, the Co-op faced a healthy amount of competition from Texas Textbooks, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores in and around campus. Those stores have now been replaced by the Co-op Annex, Co-op women’s store, Co-op dollar store, Co-op whatever else it can slap its name on. The flavor is gone; all that’s left is a bland aftertaste, reminiscent of tofu. Too bad.

Is this to say that I hate Austin and what it has become? Absolutely not. The city still offers a vibrant arts scene, a refuge for film and music buffs, that rivals any city in Texas and perhaps the nation. It’s still a haven for struggling artists, a mecca for up-and-coming business professionals and a melding of old and young who flock to Austin for all it has to offer, both recreationally and professionally.

But the truth is, over the years my idealism has faded, and in many ways, so has the laid-back charm of the city, which isn’t so much laid-back as dressed down. I guess it’s true that you can’t go home again. But you can go to the Co-op.

SXSW: Let's Get This Party Started

Oh, there are so many movies and musicians slated for the South by Southwest film and music festival (or as I prefer to call it, Destination Spring Break), which kicks off in Austin on Friday.

But we have a short attention span and decided to give you a list of the highlights. Of course, we didn't want to do all the work. Oh, no, faithful readers, we want you to tell us which movies and bands you most want us to cover.

If there's something you're hankering to hear about that isn't on the list below, go to the SXSW Web site to view the full film and music lineups and tell us what you're excited about.

THE FILMS


0308knockedup.jpg

KNOCKED UP

Directed by: Judd Apatow
Starring: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl
The story: From the writer/director of
“The 40-Year-Old Virigin,” “Knocked Up” tells the story of Allison Scott (Heigl), an E! reporter whose one-night stand with Ben (Rogen) leaves her, well, knocked up. Despite their differences, the two try to make it work for their baby’s sake.
Playing: 6:45 p.m. March 12 at the Paramount in Austin
Release date: June 1

0308disturbia.jpg

DISTURBIA

DIRECTED BY: D.J. Caruso
STARRING: Shia LaBeouf, David Morse
THE STORY: Kale (LeBeouf) finds himself placed under house arrest after a run-in with the law. He begins to spy on his neighbors from his home, one of which (Morse) Kale begins to suspect is a serial killer. But is it all just in his imagination?
PLAYING: 7 p.m. March 9, Alamo Downtown
RELEASE DATE: April 13

0308lookout.jpg

THE LOOKOUT

DIRECTED BY: Scott Frank
STARRING: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Isla Fisher
THE STORY: Chris (Gordon-Levitt), once a promising athlete, finds his life turned upside down after a tragic accident. He takes a job as a bank janitor only to find himself caught up in a planned heist.
PLAYING: 9 p.m. March 9, Paramount in Austin
RELEASE DATE: March 30

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American Idols: How the candidates measure up

Considering more people vote for "American Idol" contenders than presidential candidates, we decided that perhaps the best way to get out the vote is to put this whole election charade into perspective: Really, there's very little difference between our favorite singers and our picks for politicians. Except, you know, singers just make CDs, while presidents run the country. Aside from that, though, they're really very similar. We'll prove it.

Here's a look at a few of the candidates who have placed their hats in the ring for the 2008 presidential election and their "American Idol" counterparts. Or doppelgangers, if you will. That's a fun word, don't you think?

THE DEMOCRATS

Hillary Clinton & Clay Aiken

hillary.jpg ClayAiken3-1.jpg

Just like Aiken, Hillary has staunch supporters (though maybe not as crazy as the Claymates) and equally emphatic detractors ... but hopefully no scandalous text messages about secret hookups in North Carolina hotel rooms, if you get my drift (that’s more Bill’s speed, anyway). And though Aiken was the clear favorite in season two of “Idol,” he eventually lost the contest to Ruben Studdard; will Hillary face the same fate thanks to Obama? - ES

Barack Obama & Kelly Clarkson

obama.jpg clarkson.jpg

Obamania appears unstoppable. Like Clarkson, he's America's sweetheart. Clarkson was the first of her kind -- the first American Idol -- and charmed every crowd member with her likability and talent. After her win and first album, she continued to gain more fans by ultimately being true to herself (pretend "From Justin to Kelly" never happened). Sound familiar?

Obama captured Democrats' attentions at the '04 Democratic Convention (forget about his unsuccessful run for the House in 2000), gained a strong following and track record, gained even more fans by being the only potential nominee that opposed the Iraq War in the first place, and is the first black candidate to actually have a prayer at getting the nomination.
He's not perfect -- you wouldn't pick him or Clarkson out of a crowd as someone with star power -- but he's just so likable. And really, who would want to see Clay Aiken in concert when they could see Kelly Clarkson instead? - SC


John Edwards & Fantasia Barrino

edwards.jpg fantasia.jpg

The Carolinas sure do produce rags-to-riches stories. Edwards is the offspring of a textile mill worker and postal employee in South Carolina. At 17, Fantasia was an unwed mother and high school dropout in North Carolina.

With the help of a lucky break (well, Edwards went to college and law school and worked his way up from there), they climbed their way to the top -- all the while reminding the public of their humble beginnings. Sympathy votes from their fellow "common man"? Or actual talent? It's hard to tell, but at least Fantasia won her battle. Edwards teamed up with another candidate living in his past, and their campaign platform sunk faster than a swift boat. Fantasia's first album was a hit, but her second flopped. Now that Edwards has ditched his "Small Town" theme song, can he pull off another comeback? -SC


Continue reading "American Idols: How the candidates measure up" »