Archive → October, 2011
Halloweeny
“To be or not to be”… While Hamlet would be a pretty rad costume, I doubt your friends would recognize you as the esteemed prince and not the drunken, trust fund-sanctified ‘back-to-school’ conqueror (and who cares if they did?). But hey, don’t let that deter your dreams of impressing all your buds with a costume for the ages (or more appropriately, the weekend). Wanna ensure that your costume is a smashing success this All Hallows’ Eve? Here are some outfit inspiration ideas centered on everyone’s FAVE topic around here: music.
Robert Plant
Some say he’s the greatest front man to ever grace the stage; some say he should’ve worn more clothes (or should have at least covered some of that chest hair spillage). Either way, portraying Plant circa-1970 will undoubtedly raise eyebrows amidst of a gaggle of ghouls and gals. Now don’t go busting out off-key Led Zeppelin renditions to every poor soul within earshot, but if you have the physique to pull of this character of characters, we urge you to “Ramble On”!
Particulars:
- Curly wig
- Tight blue jeans
- Necklace (think vintage)
- Retro long sleeve shirt (unbuttoned, see below)
- Chest hair (a must!)
Rick Astley
If you have ever been “Rickrolled” (which more or less includes every online user), you’re definitely familiar with the genuine ginger, Rick Astley. While his angelic sound never took off (screw you, Huey Lewis and the News), his presence lingers in our hearts and minds to this day. Part your hair and get ready to administer a little “rickrolling” yourself!
Particulars:
- Red Wig
- Blazer
- Pleated Khaki pants
- Colorful polo (horizontal stripes)
- Amplified sound
TLC (T-Boz, Left Eye or Chilli)
In the endless pursuit for a suitable mate, so many took on the “No Scrubs” mantra, made popular by 90s RnB act TLC. When these three hit the scene, we didn’t know how to respond, but hoped they would show pity on us lesser beings. With spunk, charm and wit, they taught us not to compromise and to take charge of our own lives (cue the tears!). To immortalize their ever-influential career, grab a couple of sultry shirtless fellas and rock the original girl band style (sorry Destiny’s Child)!
Particulars:
- Colorful sports bra (accentuated with sequins, glitter, etc.)
- Baggy pants (see above)
- Beauty accessories (hairspray, nail polish, etc.)
- Stilettos (Pumps. In. The. Club.)
Okay, maybe our costume ideas aren’t the BEST you’ve ever heard, but we hope this at least kickstarts your costume creativity with a little musical musing. Now, go forth and pillage your neighborhood Goodwill/Salvation Army! We’ll leave you with some sounds that are sure to put your in the Halloween spirit…
*Playlist and blog created by Richard R. the intern
New Releases of Note 10/25
This week is a whopper of a release week. There are SCADS of great albums that were let loose today. This installment of New Releases of Note is chock full ‘o radness, from prog-electro mainstays Justice to sweetly quirky She & Him and every minute genre in between. Don’t forget to watch/listen to the YouTube playlist including tracks from all of these artist’s new releases below! Read on…
(this is by no means a comprehensive list of releases)
Justice – “Audio Video Disco”, Oct. 24
They’re so proggy, those Justice guys. This newest album takes their slight prog leanings to the next level, downright conjuring 70s geniuses Yes and Queen, but with a good does of dance punk groove. Not as bombastic and catchy as their last, but intriguingly disco-infused and remarkably (and pretty pleasurably) cheesy. An interesting listen… prepare your dancin’ shoes.
She & Him – “A Very She & Him Christmas”,Oct. 24
You either love her voice, or you just don’t. It’s not traditional sounding but it’s her own and she rocks it pretty darn well. M. Ward’s addition of excellent composition and precise instrumentation, providing the aural landscape for her smooth croons, are icing on the cake. This album reworks old favorites into their own cheery yet sedate blend of indie wonder… a soon-to-be holiday staple.
Tom Waits – “Bad As Me”, Oct. 21
Tom Waits is just a genius. His gravely Grandpa voice is absolutely striking, and on this first album of studio material since 2006, he sounds especially and gleefully unhinged. The album is mainly populated with love songs, as difficult as that may be to discern from the tone of some of them. Just as many of his albums are absolutely essential, this one is just as important as anything he’s put out to date. He’s a ramshackle romantic with a deep, dark bent… and this album couldn’t be more enjoyable. A Waits standard.
The Beets – “Let The Poison Out”, Oct. 24
They tour the US in a station wagon and they draw their album covers exclusively in crayons… say hi to The Beets. They’re garage rock personified, off-kilter harmonies and clunky drums throughout. You can never really tell where they’re going with their songs, but you’re into the sound anyway. Reminiscent of another Hardly Art signing, Fergus & Geronimo, The Beets take on a Moldy Peaches-vibe, charming their ramshackle way into your indie-lovin’ hearts. A great top-down driving jam!
And… some more (click each link to listen to a track):
Coldplay – “Mylo Xyloto”
Deer Tick – “Divine Providence”
Dntel – “Life is Full of Possibilities”
Jedi Mind Tricks – “Violence Begets Violence”
Russian Circles – “Batu”
The Owls – “Lights Off”
Kathleen Edwards – “Wapusk”
Spotify Playlist feat. War on Drugs, Wild Flag, Scott H. Biram, Das Racist and more
Ding ding ding! Round three of our Upcoming Shows Prevew Spotify Playlist go-round is ready for your eager ears. We’re really digging this mix of bands and sounds… we just ticket SO many rad shows. Check it out, let us know what you think and distribute amongst your music-lovin’ cohorts.
The tracks on this playlist feature artists that are performing in the coming week or two (that Front Gate Tickets is ticketing). For more information on when and where these artists are playing simply click the artist name. To listen to the playlist on Spotify, click any of the numerous links in this blog post and it will shoot you right over to the Spotify playlist. Or don’t… but then you would miss out on some kickin’ tracks that have been painstakingly placed in beautiful order for your listening pleasure.
LISTEN > SHARE > REPEAT.
The Drums – “Money”
The War on Drugs – “Brother”
The Donkeys – “Don’t Know Who We Are”
Maria Taylor – “Master Plan”
The Lemonheads – “Dawn Can’t Decide”
Manchester Orchestra – “Plain Black Eye”
Male Bonding – “Weird Feelings”
Wild Flag – “Boom”
North Mississippi Allstars – “This A’Way”
Scott H. Biram – “Still Drunk, Still Crazy, Still Blue”
We Were Promised Jetpacks -”Short Bursts”
Beats Antique – “Alto”
Das Racist – “Shut Up, Man” feat. El-P
Murs – “Silly Girl” feat. Joe Scudda
Live Music Comin’ Up – San Antonio
At Front Gate Tickets we’re all about seeing bands, going to shows and experience live music right smack dab in front of you. If you’ve been hankering to see a new band, we may have the answer… we’ve put together a few live music picks (playing in San Antonio soon!) that we think would be stellar concerts to attend. So don’t be shy, get your dancing pants on and hit up some shows!
SCOTT H. BIRAM, October 27 – Sam’s Burger Joint | BUY TICKETS
Scott H. Biram is the self-proclaimed “Dirty Man Band” and one listen to his music confirms that label. He haphazardly mashes blues, hillbilly, country and gritty punk together into one not-so-neat (and gloriously wonderful because of it) musical package. Accompanied by some crusty amps, even crustier microphones and a mess of intertwining cables he wields his voice and cavalcade of broken-down instruments with abandon. The result is an amalgamation of Southern preacher, dusty Texas cowboy and raucous break-the-rules punkster.
VOXHAUL BROADCAST, October 29 – White Rabbit | BUY TICKETS
This four piece from Orange County, California works hard. Not satisified with the formulaic ho-hum nature of the indie rock industry these days, they ventured to record and mix their debut EP “Rotten Apples” LIVE. In one day. Ambitious to be sure, but it just illustrates their passion for what they do and the experimental nature of their work. Soaring buildups, loose garage-style jams and a driving intensity all culminate to create Voxhaul Broadcast’s large lush sound. Super rockin’ show to be sure!
RA RA RIOT w/Delicate Steve & Yellow Ostrich, November 4 – Backstage Live | BUY TICKETS
Indie rock leanings, and a decidedly sweet string section lofting chamber pop flourishes with abandon, make up the easygoing sound of Syracuse-born (NYC-based) five piece. Earnest and wistful, Ra Ra Riot isn’t exactly as “riotous” as you’d expect. Their songs are pleasing though (reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens calm charm), sentimental at times but intricate in their instrumentation. Sweet AND smart… that’s Ra Ra Riot.
MELT BANANA, November 20 – Jack’s Bar | BUY TICKETS
Melt Banana is not a band for the faint of heart. They’re brutal, immensely fun and surprisingly powerful. Tiny Yasuko O.’s piercing shriek, ripping guitars and their intensely short songs have garnered them a cult following among punk fans in the U.S. and U.K. They’re frenzied and put on a mind-blowing live show. Do not miss their radness!
Live Music Comin’ Up – DFW
Feeling adventurous? Like seeing live music? We’ve put together a few live music picks (playing soon at a venue near you!) that we think will be totally rad showgoing experiences. All from the diverse and uber fun Dallas/Forth Worth, TX area, here are a few of our pics for live entertainment coming up soon. See some live music… have some fun… go out!
BEARFOOT, October 14 – Poor David’s Pub | BUY TICKETS
Bearfoot started one fateful day at summer camp where they all met while wrangling wily out-of-schoolers. A mere two years later the group won the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Band Champions, joining ranks with the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Nickel Creek. Like most successful musical groups these days, they mesh many genre influences into their own distinct sound. A little Appalachian Mountain interlude, a sprinkle of American jazz sass and a sparse, yet rich, cool northern air blow through each of their songs, creating rhythmic, sophisticated bluegrass for modern times.
BIG D and the KIDS TABLE, October 14 – Prophet Bar | BUY TICKETS
All brass and hoopla, Big D and the Kids Table are the medicine for your ska fever! Their upbeat multi-instrumental leanings are a direct product of their punk ska influences, like the Voodoo Glow Skulls, Mustard Plug, Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag and more. They’ve done the Warp Tour and opened for the biggest punk and ska masters of our time since 1995. They will descend upon Prophet Bar with their Boston attitudes and funky stylee… don’t miss them!
THE WAR ON DRUGS w/Purling Hiss, October 17 – Bryan St. Tavern | BUY TICKETS
The War on Drugs, once helmed by Kurt Vile, hail from Philadelphia, PA. They’ve gone through many roster changes, but their aesthetic remains the same: sweeping atmospheric breakdowns, meandering melodies, spacey drowsiness and a spot-on Americana backbone. Conjuring opposites Bob Dylan and My Bloody Valentine in shockingly equal amounts, The War On Drugs are an ideal accompaniment to rainy gray drives and crafty nights in. They exude a sprawling vintage vibe, modern-seeming yet rooted in something so dusty and old. Lo-fi Psych Philly natives Purling Hiss start the night off right.
A.A. Bondy, November 12 – Prophet Bar | BUY TICKETS
A.A. Bondy (Auguste Arthur Bondy) used to front grunge darlings Verbena, but after several years of musical rethinking and some songwriting/recording in an old barn outside his house in upstate New York, A.A. Bondy was born. His signature is less aggressive, and WAY more relaxed these days, most closely labeled as indie folk (but so much more, really). On his new release, “Believers”, you hear the stripped-down and weary sound he encompasses. Sometimes ethereal and wistful, often earthy and bittersweet, A.A. Bondy’s words are a shot straight to the soul.
Live Music Comin’ Up – Austin
Sure, we can all go check show lists and concert listings online… but maybe there are some bands or artists you’ve never heard of. Just MAYBE you want to try out someone new. Take a peeksy at a few rad bands you may have never heard of below. All from the raucous Austin, TX area, here are a few of our pics for live entertainment coming up soon. Mark your calendars, and go see some live music!
FRIENDLY FIRES w/Theophilus London, October 11 – La Zona Rosa | BUY TICKETS
Friendly Fires have been together since the wee age of 14, when they started a post-hardcore band called First Day Back. Fast forward to 2011… they’ve released their second full-length (entitled “Pala”) of inspired dance-punk. Their sound encompasses classic pop songwriting but is laden with a hint of freewheeling glitz and glee-filled vocal melodies. Preceded by Theophilus London, Brooklyn based electro-hip hop artist, this show will be full of jumping energy and smart, smart beats.
ASTRONAUTALIS w/ Playdough, October 20 – Mohawk | BUY TICKETS
One part indie/experimental hip hop and one part lush shoegazer indie rock, Astronautalis, is one talented musician. He’s a award-winning rapper (kicking ass at Scribble Jam for one) and witty free-styling genius, his gravelly voice propelling the grittiness of his craft. He’s got a quick tongue and an ear for fabulous production. Premier emcee Playdough, a Deepspace5 Collective mainstay, opens the show.
SHONEN KNIFE w/ Shannon and the Clams, October 29 – Red 7 | BUY TICKETS
Shonen Knife, translated into Japanese meaning “Boy Knife”, are an all-female Japanese power punk trio who thrive on machine-gun snare snaps and quick flicking guitars. A melding of 60s girl groups, complete with a breezy attitude not usually associated with punk rock, and punchy punksters like The Ramones and Sonic Youth serve as their main influences. Over their lengthy career they’ve assimilated quite the collection of cult fans and continue to gain strength. Their pop effervescence and big girl attitudes are hard to resists! Beach rock revivalists Shannon and the Clams open.
WALE, November 12 – La Zona Rosa | BUY TICKETS
Wale, birth name Olubowale Victor Akintimehin Folarin, has only been on the hip hope scene for a few years, but is making mega music waves. A rapper and producer from the DC area, Wale has incredible musical dexterity, lyrically and production-wise. His influences and inspirations vary widely, yet he seems to be able to play a proverbial musical chameleon, mashing the far-slung genres into one smooth hip hop effort. Catchy and easy, Wale’s own brand of hip hop is super accessible, and SUPER intelligent.
