Saturday, November 27, 2010

Lessons Learned

Last night I fell in love. I failed to cover the goings on at the Continental Club, which sits cosily on the corner of Main and Holden a few storefronts away from The Mink. This was an EPIC oversight on my behalf, and for that, I apologize.

I'll start by saying that I began my evening at The Mink for the underground hip-hop sounds of B L A C K I E and Fat Tony- a highly anticipated show. I hustled over to the backroom and promptly ordered a drink so that I could prepared myself for Nirvana, because surely the musical stylings of these young artists are bound to enlighten. Five vodka sodas and forty-five minutes later, I began to question what was going on. There was house music playing, white kids were jumping up and down so hard I could see the floor move, and there was a smoke machine. I did not sign up for that. Awash in douchebag conversations, I made my way out of The Mink and over to The Continental Club. Although the show got off to a rough start, it was all-in-all a success, mostly because of this fact: White Kids Love Hip Hop.

The Continental Club is one of those places that kind of makes you feel like you've stepped into a 1950's greaser pool hall a la James Dean. I paid my 10 door fee and walked inside totally unprepared for what was to come. Vagabond Swing, from Lafayette, Louisiana was the band on stage when I arrived, and chalk it up to serendipity, I was completely blown away by their set. This 7-man band incorporates elements of swing, delta blues, jazz, and rockabilly in such a way that one might ask themselves, how was I not listening to this before? Words can only do so much to describe incredible sound, but feel free to conjure images of the word "vagabond". The energy coming from the stage, aided by a strong percussion section, really got the crowd going in a way that only heavily sexualized gypsy jazz can do, it was a giant orgy for ears. Following this act is a daunting task but leave it to local favorites Sideshow Tramps to segue with such ease. Mandolins, ukuleles, guitars, and even a saw give this Houstonian rockabilly act a truly unique sound. If you love you some good ol' rockabilly or post neo-swing then do yourself a favor and check them out on facebook or myspace. Seriously. Go. Now.  

That's all for now, folks. I'm off to hit the nightlife and tell you about it in the morning.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday

Happy Black Friday to you all! I can't begin to even fathom going to any store today, fuck all that mess.

Anyway, down to the nitty gritty. Playing tonight at Numbers Night Club is Nitzer Ebb, to all those who are familiar with him, kudos, other wise, strap on some headphones and prepare yourself for some industrial sounds sure to get you riled up and confused for no reason. Like Texans like fried everything, industrial rockers love Nitzer Ebb- and how fitting of a venue for them to chose. For many people, going to Numbers is like traveling through time, although if you aren't careful, you're likely to contract scabies along your trip. If you're looking for a good time with some good music and a crowd that are all high on something, then I'd highly recommend making the trip out tonight. Just be aware: Nitzer Ebb is not for the vanilla sex crowd.
Where: Numbers Night Club (300 Westhimer)
Time: Doors @ 8- Show @ 9
Cost: $20 Advance- $24 Door
Age: All Ages 

Now if industrial rock isn't your cup of tea then head on over to The Mink for Houston rapper Fat Tony's Album Release party. RABDARGAB, the first LP from the prominent hip hop artist is sure to be filled with highly stylize lyrics and creative beats to match. Don't be surprised to find this highly anticipated album in the CD player of every run-of-the-mill-white-boy-who-loves-hip-hop, an anthem is sure to emerge. Accompanying Fat Tony are underground hip hop up-and-comer B L A C K I E, who have consistently delivered at every show they've played this year. Your ears should only be so lucky. Go, get drunk, support the underground hip hop movement, and let the sick styling of these artists change you on a molecular level. 

Where: The Mink (3718 Main)
 Time: 9pm
Cost: $6*
Age: All Ages (21+ free)

Strike out with the first two entries? Looking for a little Indie inspired Texas grown pop to lighten the evening and gently sway you into a drunken stupor? Strap on your over priced Urban Outfitters version of Keds and drive over to Warehouse Live for Eisley w/  Ives the Band, and Christie Dupree. Fresh off their old label and better for it, Eisley's dream-pop infused sound paired with a three part harmony from the Dupree sisters makes for a really beautiful show. Highly imaginative lyrics and catchy cords keep the show interesting and takes your brain on a surreal adventure. If you're a single dude, you're bound to be surrounded by a bunch of chicks who take fashion tips from J.R.R. Tolken novels and spend way too much money on clever t-shirts from Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, etc. hitting on anyone of these ladies is a win-win situation. Do not be stunned when out of nowhere, appears a unicorn, its been known to happen at a number of their shows.

Where: Warehouse Live (813 St. Emanuel)
Time: Doors@ 8
Cost: $15
Age: All Ages

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Inaugural Blog: Thanksgiving and Other Trivialities

In the beginning there was code.

Fast forward a few decades and make your way past all the contrived malarkey floating around on the internet and come to a rest here. More interesting than internet porn, all the guilty pleasure you will ever need. 

Houston needs a new voice. Can't say I'm the answer, but fuck it, I'll give it a try. I've stood by and watched Houston change in an astonishing way, this last decade especially. This isn't a political blog, sorry to disappoint. I'm just sick and tired of reading shit articles in bullshit publications talking about my city in the way that only those dressed in Ugg boots and Affliction t-shirts would care to understand. Indie Zines are a niche format, a good one is hard to come by. Lord knows if anyone will read this but, if you stay tuned you're in for a treat and I'm half way there.

Music

Art

Food

Drink

That's it. Want more, then ask someone who cares. This is all you get from me.

No exclusive interviews, no tips on whats hot and whats not, just local goings on.

Soon to come:

- Darwin's Finches: New E.P.
-House of Blues: Bartender's Persective
-Somethings In The Water: The emergence of the "nouveau douche"