FWMF with Shastinalynn

My Favorite Song of all time right now 5/8

2012-05-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Tennis is playing Club Dada this week so even though I probably can't go I've been listening to their latest album most of the week. If you haven't heard them they are similar to Best Coast and She & Him but better. This song "Robin" really stood out for me because it's so dreamy and sweet. I imagine all those hipster Disney princess meme's sit around listening to this all day.

You can also hear the song on my spotify playlist of my fave songs of the year so far (hola como esta).

It's the Geeking Weekend 5/3- 5/7

2012-05-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's Avengers weekend , it's Avengers weekend, it's Avengers weekend ( I hope you can picture me sitting at my desk dancing to this tune btw). So yea The Avengers comes out this weekend. No this isn't a local event per say but this is my milkshake and I can talk about what I want to.

I happened to get to see a sneak preview and it was amazeballs. I'm not techinically allowed to give a "review" but I will say you will enjoy it but only if you like things like: Action, Joss Whedon, Laughing, Samuel L. Jackson, guys with bows and arrows, guys who look like this

I mean with the and the and the mmmmmm sigh

or this

especially if you're a girl and you have a pulse unless of course you're not into dudes really then ummm hello Scarlett Johansson. Speaking of Scarlett Johannson she actually does a decent job of acting in this one as opposed to her completely flat performance in Iron Man 2. It was super weird seeing Colbie Smulders not playing Robin in HIMYM but props to her for making the big bucks now. My only complaint is that it was 3D and I freaking hate 3D. It's super cool feeling like I can touch the stair case or having bullets fly at my face but then a serious part with only conversation comes and you're like wait why are they in the dark oh I'm wearing effing sunglasses in a movie theater. Smooth. So try to see it not 3D. Other than that I would go see it again in the theaters at least twice if not more and I generally hate watching a movie more than once and especially rarely go to the theater.

As far as your best places to go I would go to the midnight screenings on Thursday (In FW we always go to the Rave in Ridgmar to be specific) because the real die hard nerdy fans come out at that time (sometimes in costume). Also Texas Theatre is showing it which should be a blast because that place was basically built by geeks and they have alcohol. Right before I posted this the Observer posted this article about why Texas Theatre would be showing such a mainstream movie. ( I didn't even question it ha!)

In other epic geek news it's Texas Frightmare Weekend!!! It's like comicon but all horror movie/ TV Show people. It's only 75 bucks for the whole weekend or 30 bucks a day. There are several movie screenings including Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies and a guest list which includes a ton of people I would squee over seeing. It's like a dream Dancing with the Stars cast where I would vote for everyone.

For instance:

Flipping Traci Lords
Anthony Michael Hall
Freaking Michael Biehn!!!!!
Clint Howard ( Ron Howard creepy looking brother that has been in a million moves)
Danielle Harris (ok I actually didn't know she was in any horror movies I just know her as the slutty neighbor on Roseanne which still is awesome to me)
Michael Madsen
Lisa Marie ( as in ex of Tim Burton not Presley)
A good chunk of the cast from "They Live"

including Rowdy Roddy Piper
The ass to ass guy from Requiem for a Dream ( or if you want a less disturbing reference the guy who does the voice over for the pillow/ blanket fort episode of Community. Ok now I've connected the two for you which might be more disturbing uhh sorry)
and that creepy lady with the blue eyes who played Cagney in the first two episodes of Cagney and Lacey. BTW best scene from "They Live":

A huge chunk of the cast of Carrie which is one of my all time favorite movies and I would probably flip out meeting such as

Piper Laurie (OMG I love her so much my Twitter profile is me impersonating her)
Bettie Buckley
Nancy Allen (The other popular chick in the movie that didn't eventually marry Steven Spielberg)
That chick who wears a baseball cap even at prom

The most relevant/ exciting guests are some of the cast of The Walking Dead most importantly Daryl and T-Dog ( maybe you can ask him what he did for most of the season). I would literally just pay the 30 bucks to meet Daryl because he is the best part of The Walking Dead.

Wellll that's about it- oh wait no there's more stuff to do this weekend.

Mayfest is going on all weekend in Fort Worth if you need some family friendly activities: games, face painting, several local bands, food and schtuff.

The Dallas Etsy spring bash is Saturday if you want to go buy something with a bird on it.

My peeps Tiffany Wolf and Christine Bisetto have another show at 500X this time the subject is Crushes and for the opening they encourage you to bust out your old bridesmaids dresses and sachay in.

Are you ready to partayyyy?

I love that movie so much.

As far as local music goes there are several shows as usual my picks are (Ima do some bullet point again bc hey once you get me started on bullet points I can't stop y'all)

In Fort Worth:

Thursday The Synaptic presents is back at Lola's with Driffield, The Skeeves, and Slumberbuzz
Friday Mills &Co. at the Grotto. Taylor Craig Mills (new album has received a lot of positive local press lately. )
Also on Friday at Lola's a blast from the local Texas scene past Bobgoblin is playing.

For Cinco De Mayo there is a big celebration at the Wherehouse with Cleanup, My Wooden Leg, Mobley ( who I've blabbered on about a lot if you read this blog regularly), and Telegraph Canyon
Whiskey Folk Ramblers at Chat Room

In Dallas:

Bobgoblin starts out here on Thursday at La Grange
The Knux who apparently put on a pretty entertaining show are playing House of Blues ( it's only ten bucks though)
Probably the biggest most likely to be attended by evvvverybody show is Sarah Jaffe at the Granada. Her new album came out last week and is fanfrickingtastic. It's already gained national attention. Here's the latest video. Also former Ishi member Taylor Rhea's new band Zhora is opening which should so be fab!

Finally you can get in the way back machine and see The Melvins at Trees on Monday

So yea have a good weekend y'all.

My favorite song of all time right now 4/24 New Album edition

2012-04-24T14:34:00.001-07:00

This week's song of the week post is a little different because it's from an album that just came out today and therefore I have no video to post. I can show you this super short preview clip for the album it is off of Sarah Jaffe's new album "The Body Wins." NPR streamed the album sometime last week and it is totally brill. My favorite song is "Mannequin Woman" which I added to my spotify playlist. I'm also totes in love with "Glorified High" which premiered on IFC last month. Seriously though "Mannequin Woman" even has my kids singing "Just don't just don't know no no."

So listen immediately, then go see her play at The Granada on May 5th, and you can buy the album here and here. If you are reading this right this second (4:30) she is doing an interview on KXT.

Records and Robots and Demons and Famous Ladies and Art and Puberty 4/19-4/22

2012-04-19T12:40:00.004-07:00

There are all kinds of random events this week so let's just dive in and then I'll talk about music at the end:

Well, Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer come to Dallas and suddenly the place is filled with famous people.

There are a shit ton of awesome ladies in town this week.

Judy Blume is doing a talk in Dallas for a series put on by the DMA. So all us girls should go and thank her for writing Are You There God it's Me Margaret because who didn't read that book and feel less stressed about hitting puberty. Starts at 7:30 only 10 bucks.

How rad is this old cover

Meanwhile flipping Carol Burnett is performing at Bass Hall. Actually she's not performing it's "A conversation with Carol Burnett." So two hours similar to the end of the Carol Burnett show where she would open up the floor for questions, do that Tarzan thing, explain the earlobe thing. Of course I'm presuming you were like me and obsessively watched the Carol Burnett show as a kid. Well let me tell you it was badass. She paved the way for all of your favorite sketch comedy actresses Kristen Wig , Amy Poehler, or Tina Fey. Show starts at 7:30.

Finishing out the trifecta of awesome ladies Amy Sedaris will be at Kessler Theatre but it's sold out so

Amy's brother David Sedaris talk at Mcfarlin Auditorium on Sunday is also sold out but damn can I just find out if they're eating together somewhere and eavesdrop on their convo.

Oh Also indie film darling Laura Linney is getting honored with a Dallas Star Award at the Dallas Film Festival which continues through Sunday. You have to have some kind of special pass for that ish though so you can't go to that either.

Isn't it super rad when I tell you about stuff you can't go to. Yeaaaa. Let's move on to places you can go shall we.

Well turns out Laura Linney is doing a free talk at Nasher on Saturday so woot to that.

I just posted this so I had an excuse to look up Mark Ruffalo pictures

oh whoops how did that get there- Oh heyyy Mark.

In Fort Worth everyone and their mom will probably go to the Main Street Arts Festival. You get to see some sweet art. There's a big kid area with face painting etc. and a bunch of bands are playing. Of the "literally 100's" that are playing I've only heard of two: Beatles cover band Me and My Monkey and the Texas Gypsies.

Evil Dead: The Musical is playing in Grapevine (who knew cool stuff happens in Grapevine right?) on Friday. I tried out for this musical once a million years ago. Based on the song I learned. "All the men in my life keep getting killed by Candarian Demons", it's pretty freaking hilarious. This performance will be a marathon actually where the cast is performing repeatedly every two and half hours from 8:30 until they all pass out. Super interesting.

As part of the DIFF Texas Theatre continues being amazing by showing Robocop on Saturday. The Texas Theatre newsletter said w/appearance by Peter Weller but I can't find any other proof of that on the DIFF website or Texas Theatre's website. #mysteries

Saturday throughout the country is Record Store Day. So several bands are playing at Good Records in Dallas and Doc's in Fort Worth to celebrate. There's usually beer and food and stuff which is rad. Go and buy a record and feel all proud of yourself for keeping record stores open.

The lineup at Docs includes The Cush, Fungi Girls, Whiskey Folk Ramblers, Stooges cover band Stoogeaphelia and then some. Check out the full line- up on their facebook page here. Bands start at 1.

Lineup at Good Records is incredible including: Skeleton Coast, The Ting Tings, Taylor Rhea's (formerly of Ishi) new band Zhora, Sealion, QCNH, and Stardeath and White Dwarves. Plus a bunch of others - check out the full line-up here. Dallas kicks off at 10:30.

The Modern's newest focus exhibit opens Sunday Ged Quinn- It is super cool and kind of creepy.

Ok we don't have this piece but here's an idea of what the exhibit is like.

Seriously y'all so much to do this week yeesh. Well there's still a significant amount of good shows this week:

Thursday

Mastodon at Palladium
Stardeath and White Dwarves, New Fumes, and Hannah Barbarians at the Wherehouse. Earlier this week this weird ass video was released from New Fumes and the Flaming Lips Wayne Coyne you should check that out. (but not at work)

Friday:

The bands from the Wherehouse continue on to Denton and play at Rubber Gloves
The Reverend Horton Heat plays at Lola's in Fort Worth
Ben Kweller is playing Granada Theatre
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at Dada

Saturday- ummmm you're going to be at Record Store day all day sorry.

Sunday the most legit Edgefest in awhile is happening in Frisco: Black Keys, Garbage, Cake, Arctic Monkeys, The Ting Tings, and one of my all time favorite local bands Chomsky. (omg I love them sooo much). you could be all " omg the Black Keys sold out buhhh." or you can shut your stupid hipster face up and recognize that things are achanging on 102.1 and they are playing some pretty awesome music lately. The changes all around are probably thanks to Josh Venable of the Adventure Club being the Program Director now. I've been listening to the Adventure Club since freaking forever (since it was with Josh and that other dude) to catch the best in new music. So it all makes sense. Anyway here's an article where Josh talks about it. That is my Edgefest rant that I've been doing for the last two months and now it's all out here for posterity.

THE END (of this week)

This Week Cray- 4/12-4/17

2012-04-13T11:55:00.002-07:00

I'm completely overwhelmed by how much is going on this week. I don't even know where to start.

But I'll forge ahead somehow.

First the big stuff.

On Saturday in Fort Worth: Motha flipping Modern Til Midnight yo! So I work at the Modern in Fort Worth and this event comes along every year and is absolutely my most favorite event to work. The Modern stays open until Midnight for only 15 bucks you get to see 5 awesome bands, tour the galleries, and watch movies in the auditorium. Whoa. This year's band lineup is pretty legit: Skeleton Coast, The Angelus, Calhoun, Air Review, and School of Seven Bells. In the auditorium you can catch four short films from SXSW including Fort Worth's James Johnston's (co owner of Spiral Diner) film "Knife". Bands start at 7 movies at 8. Extra special bonus: I'm bartending out on the lawn where the bands play so you get to see me and I will give you many high fives.

School of Seven Bells:

Meanwhile down on Berry street the West Berry Block Party brings more rocking Friday and Saturday. A ton of great local acts and some from Austin play such as : The Hannah Barbarians, Whiskey Folk Ramblers, Quaker City Night Hawks, My Wooden Leg, Mills & Co. Stella Rose, Mobley, Cleanup. Basically almost all of Fort Worth is playing somewhere this weekend. Check out the full line-up in here (p.s. the site is not logophile approved ).

The Dallas Independant Film Festival started Thursday and runs through the 22nd. The festival opened with Josh Radnor's (aka Ted Mosby on HIMYM) 2nd Directorial venture "Liberal Arts" which plays again next Friday. My twitter is aflutter with people excited about the showing of "Andrew Bird: Fever Year" ( this sentence is not intended to be punny at all btw). Here's Central Track's list of top ten movies to go see at DIFF so that will give you a better idea of what to see. There are a ton of other movies playing all week so you should at least be able to catch one.

Other events of note:
Friday

Fort Worth chimes in on the free outdoor shows with Friday on the Green in Magnolia Park or whatever the hell it's called. I'm stoked about The Cush and Mon Julien playing this month. I've seen two different openers listed so I'm not sure what's up with that. Somebody is opening. This is a family friendly event as far as I know.
Dove Hunter plays in Dallas at Foundry Bar
Frankie Rose ( ex Dum Dum Girl currently awesome girl) is playing Dada
There's a Food Truck Rally in Deep Ellum so that should be rad. My Wooden Leg and Hares on the Mountain are playing.

Frankie Rose:

Saturday

Beeeeeer!!! There's a Beer Fest in Fair Park with a ton of breweries. Beer. The O's and Fish Fry Bingo are playing. Also, Beer.
The Bishop Arts Urban Street Bazaar returns. There should be more etsy like stuff there than at your typical Art bazaar so go buy cute stuff before Urban Outfitters steals the idea and triples the price. ( so the site for the event is pretty vague so here's the link to the Bishop Arts page which gives you directions etc.)

Chairlift is playing at Dada on Monday- I want to go to there so bad!!

Sleigh Bells is playing Granada Theater on Tuesday. It's sold out but I think Granada will post a contest on Twitter soon. ( I'm trying to share great ticket contests on my FB page so keep an eye on that)

There's probably more sweet stuff going on but I'm too busy selling Modern Til Midnight tickets right now.

Song of the Week: Flashback Special! 4/10 (1995!!)

2012-04-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

I lived in Japan until I was four. I've always attributed that to my affinity towards Japanese bands. So this week I wanted to get i nteh way back machine and share this Pizzicato Five video with you bc this is one of my favorite songs ever. No like forever ever not just right now forever. I remember stumbling upon this CD at Borders probably while waiting for an in store performance by Wally Pleasant when I was maybe 15. Ha! This video is ridiculous and awesome. Actually Ima post two but Happy Sad (the first video) is my favorite song of the two. Enjoy!

and they don't have Happy Sad on Spotify anymore :((((

Events I'm Stoked About This Weekend and One Creepy Corndog 4/5-4/8

2012-04-05T12:01:00.003-07:00

Ohhh this week is going to be fun guys.

Tonight in Fort Worth you should go to Lola's for The Synaptic Presents: with Vatican Press, Bits of Kids, and The Small Gods. He does these shows about once a month and at Lola's they are always only 5 bucks for over 21. The shows are usually new bands and so it's a great cheap way to see/support new local acts. You should also make a habit of checking out The Synaptic's blog.

Meanwhile in Dallas tonight there are three big events, but it's all rolled into one with the East Dallas Indie Crawl. They're starting off at AT&T Performance center where Patio Sessions are starting up again ( hoorayyy it's free outdoor concert time again) with Calhoun and Madison King. Then off to the Granada where one of my fave Dallas bands, Soviet, opens for White Denim. Close out the night (or go home and PTFO! I mean my God it's a Thursday. I drink my fair share of the alcohols and I can't even drink for that long) with A.Dd+ and DJ Sober at Beauty Bar.

Then It's FRIDAYYYY! OMG OMG HAPPY DANCE HAPPY DANCE- Freaking Quiet Company and Burning Hotels are playing TOGETHER at Club Dada in Dallas. This is how I feel when I think about how hard this show will rock.

I would assume you know about my Burning Hotels love. If this happens to be your first time reading my blog: They are my favorite Fort Worth band. Also,The Quiet Company show I went to last month was Effing Awesome, and I'm not just saying that bc I want more Taylor Muse hugs. AND Smile, Smile is opening AND Analog Rebellion. So, if you can't tell already you will see me there.

Semi Decent pic I took at the Lola's show

Starting Friday and going through Sunday is the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. There is so much ish going down this weekend to cut down on your reading I'm just going to say ART! MUSIC! FOOD! CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE!! ( watch out for that weird corndog pic though)

On Saturday Tosh.0 is playing at Verizon Theatre at 7 and 10. His stand up isn't quite as hilarious as his show but I bet it will still be funny enough. The main reason I'm even mentioning the show though is that Kyle Kinane is opening and he's my boyfriend. (ok he doesn't know it and neither does my husband but yea) Although I'm pretty sure in real life he is way short because Conan O'Brian towered over him on his show but doesn't Conan O'Brian tower over everyone. Well I digress. He's still my favorite. Here's a clip.

Also he's not in Cake and he's wearing a bucket hat, but Hey Love is blind y'all.

On the opposite side of the societal spectrum you can get your artsy fartsy drink on on with two awesome openings.

In Dallas 500X Gallery is exploding with exhibits. The most important one to me though is Saucerful of Sorry with Tiffany Wolf and Kerry Paccillio. I was very involved in one of the pieces. I'll just say that. Also, I've been assured the opening night will be quite the experience. This is probably the biggest bang for your buck ( although it's free so it's the biggest bang for your time??) Because there are three other shows going on including a performance piece.The opening event is from 7-10. The Gallery is open every weekend for the rest of the month if you don't have time to check it out this Saturday.

In Fort Worth the popular artist Chrisopher Blay/ Thrift Art/ Frank Artsmarter/ part of the Homecoming Commitee ( he's basicallly the Kool Keith of the Fort Worth Art scene) is bringing his Thrift Art Auction to William Campbell Contemporary. This is the 12th year in a row of the event and it sounds like quite the spectacle. Oh and Dove Hunter is playing! ( well the invite says a band that rhymes with Glove Punter so) There's is an extensive write up in FWWeekly about him so check that out.

Two sweet shows in Dallas on Saturday: The always entertaining Ishi at Trees and Bravo Max! and Cleanup at Double Wide.

And I took these pics of Cleanup at the Grotto.

Phones be so magical.

I've listed so many events already that I really don't think there's room for more but I try to retweet and repost stuff on my Facebook page and on Twitter so go like my page. I'm begging!

This is how Xzibit feels about you not liking FWMF w/ Shastinalynn's facebook page yet

LOVE YOU!!

My Favorite Song of All Time Right Now 4/3

2012-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Last week I was strapped for new songs. I mostly watched a bunch of Psych episodes and didn't listen to music much. In a panic I asked Sarah for some new music suggestions and she gave me a few options and iwresteledabearonce was my fave. SO here they are-andddd They cray. I probably/ definitely am biased towards liking them because a girl is singing. Unfortunately the video I like the most is not on Spotify so I put a totally different song on Spotify but it's similar. Enjoy.

Here's my whole year of favorite songs on spotify btw (heyy)

Folkin Beer Jorts Punk Party Nick Cave? The haps 3/28- 4/1

2012-03-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hey peers. How goes it?

So this week there are a lot of cool shows and a couple of random events.

All the cool kids in Dallas will be pulling on their favorite jorts to go to Dada for the Whiskey Lion Social Club Birthday party. Soviet and Gallery cat are playing and Central Track founder Pete Freedman is Djing and it's free so hey.

Oh the things you find when you google jorts. Sweet Canadian roller Blades Mr. Fillion

Meanwhile All the cool kids in Fort Worth should probably head to the Wherehouse for a Tim Burton themed party which sounds pretty awesome. Gunga Galunga is playing as usual as well as The Roomsounds.

On Friday Junior Brown plays with rockabillyesque local band the Paychecks at Lola's.

Fast forward to Saturday when every single effing thing this week is going down. No seriously.

You can let your folk flag fly in Deep Ellum at the big Folkin' Festival. Three stages and the Prophet bar host around 30 bands including some of my faves such as Telegraph Canyon, Bravo Max!, Nicholas Altobelli, Beuxregard, Whiskey Folk Ramblers. You get the drift. All those laid back motha effer's. First 100 people to Prophet Bar between 5 and 6 get a free drink so jump on that.

At Texas Theatre they are screening a documentary about Jay Reatard called "Better than Something" and then there will be a party afterwards where DJ's are playing punk and garage rock all night. If you just want to see the movie it plays until Monday.

In Fort Worth is the Brewfest on Crockett. Several bands play from 5-10 and different beers vendors are set up for sampling. Music includes Calhoun and The Gourds on two stages as well as several other bands. The music is FREEEE! This ends early enough that you can head out to another local show down the street such as:

Skeleton Coast at the Grotto
The Good Show on the Choice is hosting a show at Lola's with Bravo Zulu, Salim Nourallah, and John Gold. In case you don't know the Good Show is a radio show on 88.7 from 9- 12 on Saturdays and they play some of the best music around. (Hence the name the Good Show) They also have live talks with local acts quite often so if you don't listen to them you should. This Saturday. Before you decide which of these awesome events to got to.
Also Holy Moly is headlining a rockabilly night at the Aardvark. Which is usually not surprising except my buddy Jennytornado will be celebrating her last night as a single gal so if you know Jenny you should go and say congrats, and if you don't and you see a gaggle of gals in Poodle Skirts well find the one named Jenny and tell her congrats.

All the single ladies Now put your hands up

On Sunday at Nasher Sculpture Center an artist named Nick Cave ( no not that Nick Cave :(. I was excited too) is presenting his works. The name pulled me in but it still sounds interesting. He makes these costumes that as the fibers move make noises adding to the experience. It's not really just a presentation as much asa modern dance show. It starts at 1:30 here are the deets. After looking at video it looks pretty trippy. Like I'm stuck in the Yellow Submarine cartoon kind of trippy if they were from Lousiana instead of Liverpool. So now I have to go.

Here is a video of him talking about the "soundsuits".

And here is a video of one of the shows-eek.

Ok homies. That's everything for now. As usual follow me on twitter if you don't already and please go like my facebook page. K thanks. Smooches. Knuckles and all that fun stuff.

My Favorite Song of All Time Right Now 3/27

2012-03-27T11:36:00.001-07:00

Ok a handful of my friends ( shout out's to Tommy , Sarah, and Nichole) have been in a french pop music kick because of a scene in Mad Men where someone sang I guess (note the mostly Mad Men oriented comments on the video). I am abouttt 4 seasons behind on Mad Men so I didn't actually see it BUT I did see the song and the video is so weird and 60's Frenchy and I'm in love. It's some Bridgette Bardotesque gal named Gillian Hills and it's called Zou Bisou Bisou. Now I have to go catch up on Mad Men so I know wth these people are talking about, or listen to French pop all day, or both at the same time though that might be confusing, or write the longest run on sentence ever, but I digress. Watch the video.

Listen to the playlist here.

Like my page on Facebook here.

All Fort Worth My Friends

2012-03-22T14:26:00.002-07:00

Hey peers, did you miss me last week. I was on staycation or recovering from 35 Denton whichever you want to call it.

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited about some of the stuff coming up this weekend. Sorry Dallas and Denton all the sweet haps are in Fort Worth this week so come on over.

To begin with tonight FWWeekly is presenting their Visionary Awards at Artspace 111. Three local young artists in Art, Theatre, or Film or any other "non- pop music discipline" will be awarded. There will be food from the Reata. Beer and wine and an acoustic set from Telegraph Canyon. Plus seeing who the up and coming talents in Fort Worth sounds interesting to me. The winners are artist Tim Harding and Devon Nowlin and Filmmaker of "St. Nick" David Lowery. This Fort Worth Weekly article shows some of their work. Devon Nowlin is part of the Homecoming Committee avid FWMF fans might remember. Tickets are only 30 for couples or 20 for a lonely person who can't find a person to go with. ( justt kidding)

Oh cool Burning Hotels portrait Devon

On Friday I will be waiting outside Lola's like that lady in the old Macy's commercial, because I can't frigging wait to see Quiet Company, Boom Boom Box and Fate Lions. If you've read my top songs of the year blog you've seen their videos but hey click here and watch em again.

Oh heyyy Quiet Company. So I hear you give away free hugs?

Saturday night is Gallery Night in Fort Worth. There are actually a plethora of small galleries in Fort Worth and they all stay open until 8 or 9 for this event. Most galleries also give out free wine and beer and snackage ( swagggg). It's pretty sweet to see so many local artists too. In fact the first one I attended, Tim Harding's work (the guy I just mentioned received the visionary award) was up at Gallery 76102. . The Fort Worth Community Arts Center and Artspace 111 are usually the most popular and present the largest number of artists. Galleries such as Brand 10, Gallery 76102, TCU Contemporary Arts Gallery, and William Campbell Contemporary Art show some of the most up and coming artists in the area. The other bonus is that all the galleries are predominantly located in the Cultural Arts District and Downtown so it's not difficult to visit several. Last word on that (and like I always say). Free Wine!

That night Quaker City Night Hawks, Apache 5 and Foxtrot Uniform are playing Magnolia Motor Lounge.

At Lola's the much buzzed about ( wait is that how you say that? band with the buzz, no. buzzworthy band? AW hell you know what I mean) Nervous Curtains is opening for Pinkish Black.

So get out there peoples!!!! P.S. I'm pretty sure I forgot a bunch of stuff this week so go like my page on facebook for more updates

Song of the Week 3/20

2012-03-20T10:05:00.001-07:00

Again this song is old but it's been creeping into my psyche all week. Any fans of "Skins" ( the uk version obs) might recognize this from the final scene of the fifth season. The song relies heavily on that new saxophone craze going around music right now which is sort of annoying but I love the chant at the end "We are a mess We are Failures and We love it".

Or you can listen on Spotify woot

My 35 Denton Experience Day 1 (Friday)

2012-03-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

1 a.m. hits Hailey's and I find myself dancing onstage along with 60 other people surrounding two Dj's in front of 200 more people. I'm thinking the club is at capacity. People who's energy faded after a long day of rocking the festival suddenly revived to join the ruckus. We're all in our second wind and it's not so much a wind as a typhoon of energy, sweat and joy.

But let's back up and start at the beginning. Four o clock couldn't come soon enough as that was Sarah and my goal time to leave but after rainboot shopping and a confusing gas tank problem we didn't get out until 5:30. The Burning Hotels happened to stop at the same gas station we did so we knew we would at least get there in time to see them. ( In theory) We anxiously crawled through traffic and arrived just in time to do that festival arrival chicken with your head cut off race to get your wristband, food, a beer say hi to all of your friends and find a closeish spot for the main stage. The Mountain Goats were the one act we were excited to see on the outdoor stage and they did not disappoint. John Darnielle balanced jokes between his songs that sound like a more tongue-in-cheek stuck in a cabin instead of a boat version of the Decemberists. Sarah is a long time fan and she said they played all their usual favorites last plus an extra encore song. (Fun fact: It's quite an anomaly that I haven't heard them until recently since Sarah and I forged almost all of our taste in music together.) Check out my song of the week pick for one of the best songs.

The Mountain Goats give the jumbo screen an up close and personal view

As the main stage closed we knew we should probably pick one venue to go to and stay there since on Thursday shows were all one in one out by 10. Turns out this was an excellent theory because as we approached Hailey's there was already a line to the end of the block. We missed the entire first band as we waited in line but I did get a chance to meet 35 Denton Mascot of 2013 nominee Noodles of Swashlabs and the Neener fame.

We were barely through the door as I heard the beginning of "Beard" the Burning Hotels usual set opener. I danced and sang in the line as I waited for the poor lonely gal running the door to scan our ID's. Once inside the room was actually nicely open and good chunk of the crowd danced along as the boys played. The bands proclaimed crush, Jessie Frye, joined them onstage for a song. My usual front row trio buddies Sarah and Katie lamented that not everyone was dancing but that may have just been our pride because these were our boys from our town and Denton better enjoy it as much as we do!! In the end the set was amazing as usual. (I did miss Marley on bass) My feelings for Burning Hotels remind me of how I used to feel about Doosu way back when. No matter where or when they play I know I will love it because I love every song.

Like I said

Next up was Brooklyn band Class Actress. Hailey's was almost full by the end of Burning Hotels so I just skimmed the perimeters of the crowd as the lovely lead singer sang and played with her hair quite a bit. It was somewhat mellow but still danceable and the crowd was into it. She reminded me of Kate Bush or that one Berlin song " Metro" so I was also into it.

@theneener summarizes what we're all thinking

Then Midnight hit and the crowd at a club that was supposedly already at capacity somehow became more full. Hood Internet started up playing some M83 and a wave of glow sticks and people dancing began. (I'm still amazed when I see ravers dressed in the classic 90's style in public, but I guess any punk rocker is dressing in a style that is forty years old so ravers and glow sticks and big pants might be around forever.) My entire group of friends was now on their feet. My friend Drew ,who five minutes prior was almost asleep from a long day and work week, suddenly came to his feet. I was surprised he didn't bust out the caterpillar right there on the dance floor. At one point If you ever wanted to see two dudes Night at the Roxbury a girl to Whitney Houston you missed out. Around 12:30 I looked up from focusing on my dancing and my group of friends to see the stage filled with people. More than 30 excited concert goers were surrounding the two dudes that make up Hood Internet and more were heading up there. Of course I dragged a couple of friends onstage at several points to join the party and take part in the experience. Right at 1:30 everything stopped too soon so we dragged our tired, sweaty selves out the door but with smiles on every face.

This mashup FTW. This Indieverse article contains a video of the show so you can see the back of the stage as people celebrate the beginning of the freaking 35 Denton weekend.

Song of the Week 35 Denton special

2012-03-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ok my fave song of the week is ten years old but this was one of my favorite performances of 35 Denton. Plus last week I tried to listen to as many 35 Denton bands as possible this was the song that stuck in my head the most. I will never forget my friend Sarah looking like she might explode with excitement as they played since she is a long time Mountain Goats fan. This video gives a tiny glimpse into the comical style of John Darnielle which made their show even more enjoyable.

Here's my newly updated Spotify playlist for all of my favorite songs of the year (woop woop)

In case you missed it here are my other songs of the year (woop woop woop)

What I want to see at 35 Denton

2012-03-09T12:10:00.002-08:00

First off let me say this post would not be possible without Denton lover and inhabitant @theneener who's blog and Spotify playlist allowed me easy access to hear every band that is playing. With that I was able to make a list of what I want to see this weekend. I only of course have listened to the bands so I have no idea what their stage presence is so hopefully it will match. My motto for the weekend is No Mellow Shit so while there are several great folky mellow bands playing that's not what I want to see (except what's on the main stage and the mellowness there will suffice). With all the beer and tacos and bacon wagon treats I intend to consume I need to rock out as much as possible to work of those calories.

Last night was the first night of the festival and my twitter feed imploded with #35Denton tweets. Obviously the festival is already a success. I couldn't go last night and can't go Saturday so I'm only giving you half the suggestions because I barely had time to listen for the days I am going.

Tonight everyone and their mom is excited about the Mountain Goats because to put it quite frankly they are fucking weird but beautiful. I mean seriously the lyrics to "Damn these Vampires" are "God damn these bite marks Deep in my arteries Crawl 'til dawn On my hands and knees". Or click that link and read the beginning of their web page. So epic. They have one of the best Twitter accounts ever btw.

Once nine hits and everyone moves to the inside venues is when choices get tough. My first pick is Coves possibly because I like their cover art ( because I am shallow like that).

At the 10:15 slot I'm moving over to check out Peoplodian. They remind me of Stereolab but without all that damn frenchiness.

If you haven't seen Burning Hotels yet you must go for a major dance party at Hailey's.

11:30 I'm picking between Class Actress or The Blurries. Class Actress seems like a perfect fit with Burning Hotels.At that point if Thursday is a testament that club will be one in one out so good luck squeezing in there. The Blurries are more rock than sex wave so I'm looking forward to seeing them as well.

At 12:30 The dance party will continue at Hailey's with The Hood Internet or I can go rock out with The Boom Bang but I really want to check out the quirky Ella Minnow. I mean the album is called Red Beard I have to go.

Sadly Saturday I am working ( because I need money for more bacon and beer on Sunday) which is unfortunate because I absolutely LOVE Best Coast although I've heard they are a bit lacking in the performance department. Atlas Sound recently had a very public freakout where they played My Sharona for an hour and many strange shenanigan's ensued so that could be quite the spectacle. ( not to be confused with the metal band playing later The Spectacle).

Here's the first of three clips or you can read this article all about it.

Later on 10:30 is a grab bag of awesomeness between Sealion, Soviet, and Bad Sports. Then local favorites R2B2 and Air Review. The other bands are probably great but I didn't want to get depressed about missing them so you're on your own.

Sunday can't come soon enough because I am so stoked about Dum Dum Girls and Built to Spill. I like what I've heard of to Thee Oh Sees as well who sound like and evil version of those boy bands from the sixties ( Like The Zombies and The Turtles).

Dum Dum Girls. So. Hot.

Then I'm going go rock my face off at Video. Followed by The Mannequin Men ( because umm look at this album cover) .

I'll step things down a notch ( but not that far just that Video and Mannequin Men could go to 11) The Rassle.

With the five minutes I've had to listen to the final spots I would say I like The Pass who are along the lines of MGMT Phoenix type music but I might be all rocked out and want to break my mellow rule and see The O's.

No matter where I go I know I'll have a flipping fantabulous time. See you there!!

Why aren't you going to Denton???? Ok fine there's SOME other stuff going on

2012-03-07T12:21:00.001-08:00

Ok I would assume most of my regular readers know about 35 Denton but maybe you don't so real quick here's a run down. 230 bands 4 days 13 venues. All in Denton this weekend starting Thursday and ending Sunday. Built to Spill, Best Coast, Dum Dum Girls, The Mountain Goats, to start with. I hadn't heard most of the bands until I finally made sure I was getting to go ( thanks to winning wrist bands from Indieverse woot woot thanks Indieverse). I spent this entire weekend listening to all of the bands, thanks to a spotify playlist from @theneener, and they are predominately amazing. So anyway you must go. If you want to try to win wristbands I would suggest following Indieverse on twitter as well as 35 Denton and Central Track. Of course they're are probably already done giving away passes but it's only $35 for one day or $65 for the whole weekend. Central Track and Indieverse posted articles touting the best picks for the festival.

On Wednesday you can go ahead and get your 35 Denton partying started early with a hip hop show at Rubber Gloves including Denton's famous Yeahdef and my buddy JLD who is opening for Raekwon at Prophet Bar next week. This show is only 5 bucks.

Meanwhile at the Prophet Bar Erykah Badhu is flipping DJing. How cool is that.

Friday The Heartless Bastards are playing at Lola's which if you've listened to KXT lately for more than five minutes you've heard them. The show is like ten tickets away from being sold out at this very second so go get tickets if you want to go.

On Saturday Taylor Craig Mills is at the Grotto to celebrate the release of his new album "Don't Look Back Twice". When I first met Taylor this was the album he was "trying to get recorded" so It's so awesome to see that it finally came to fruition for such and awesome, nice, talented dude. Go to the show or just go buy the album on iTunes or Amazon.

On Sunday in Dallas the newly named 406 Arts (previously Phoenix Project) is hosting a rock show and Art Exhibit called AMERICAN DREAM the collective srt of the Occupy Dallas Culture Commitee. Artists include: Goran Maric, Jim Public, Jessica Chong, Vox Nihil, David Stanley Aponte, James Whitmire. Bands performing include: Unconcscious Collective, Doggebi. Chairs, and Loic Beartrand. I can't even describe what kind of music these bands are playing. Experimental I guess. Let's just say I started to watch a video of Unconscious Collective and had to stop because there are children around me. So now you have to go right?

One of David Stanley Aponte's pieces

A few non band events.

Judy Tenuta, everyone's favorite female accordion player, is performing Friday at Hyena's in Dallas. Hells yea.

In Grapevine you can go to the chocolate and Art festival on Saturday which ends with a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ( hopefully the original and not Charlie and the Chocolate Factory eek)

Young Frankenstein (my favorite comedy of all time btw) is a musical now? and it's playing at Bass Hall next Wednesday and Thursday.

Ok peeps. You bettter go to Denton! Also please "like" my new page on Facebook for regular updates.

Songs of the Week 2012

2012-03-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

So I decided to start a new Tuesday blog about what songs I am replaying each week. Much like a teenage girl obsessively calling KISS Fm (or the rest of the free world with any Adele song) I get completely obsessed with a song and listen to it over and over for a week or two. After a week I move on to another song. It might be a bit too telling in how not with it I am to let you see what songs I'm into since for the most part they aren't new releases or anything. That's cool though. I more thought it would be interesting in a journal type aspect and that you crazy kids might find it interesting or some of you might see songs you haven't heard yet. ( OK Some of you will think "I've been listening to that song for months". Well aren't you glad we agree on something.) I originally was keeping this as one epic end of year post but now I've decided (and through the advice of my Gayle King: Sarah) I want to make this a weekly post. This post will catch you up with the year and then I'll start posting one song per week. I also made a Spotify playlist that I will update. Hope you like.

So here goes:
January-1-7 Drake featuring Lil Wayne "HYFR"
This song is totally different from everything else I list here but "They say love is in the air, so I hold my breath until my face turn purple" is probably one of the most genius lyrics in all of hip hop time (Ok at least of 2011). Also the chorus makes me laugh. (p.s. The videos available for some of these songs totally blow: like this one. They get increasingly better as I go through the list)

January 8-14 Surfer Blood "I'm Not Ready"
Some of these I don't have an explanation for. They is what they is.

January 15-21 Cults "Abducted"/"Go Outside"
Both of these songs are rad and both videos are pretty creepy.

January 22-28 The Boom Boom Box "Wooden Sword"
This local band includes former members of Baboon (one of the best local bands ever),. They released this album pretty recently and I love it. They will be playing at Lola's on March 23 .

Oh man the classic Andrew pants grab is the best.

January 29-February 4 Florence and the Machines "Shake it Out"
I didn't just discover this song or anything. I'd heard it several times at this point but thought it was aite. Something clicked this week and I was obsessed with it. Well actually I was in a terrible mood for a day or two and I kept telling myself to shake it out.

February 5-11 Crocodiles "Hearts of Love "
These guys are playing Brofest in Dallas on the 18th. btw. Brofest is jampacked with rad bands btw

February 12-18 Quiet Company "You, Me, & the Boatman"
This Austin band put out a new album in 2011 and either blew up big or just became a big obsession of mine. Either way they are headlining with The Boom Boom box at Lola's AND I CAN"T WAIT!!!!!This song will get stuck in your head for days.

Plus look at em- they're so adorable and beardy.

February 19-25 Bad Cop "Daylight"

February 26-March 3 Gotye " Somebody that I used to Know"
I think everyone was into this song at this point. I spent this week trying to learn it for karaoke. Also, this was the week it finally came to Spotify so I was able to listen to it regularly because I am a terrible person and don't spend very much money on buying music ( but I do support them by going to shows and writing about them so that balances right?)

Which bring us to THIS WEEK Woot

Chairlift "I Belong in Your Arms" These guys are also playing soon at Dada on April 16th.

So here is my spotify playlist if you want to listen to the songs that way instead of watching all of these videos. (Hey look at me)

A few more haps 3/2- 3/4

2012-03-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

What do Henry Rollins and Drake have in common? Well they're both in the music industry duh- they both will be at colleges in the DFW area this weekend. Drake is performing at UTA as well as A$AP rock this Friday. Ok it's actually sold out but maybe you can look into your UTA connections and find a ticket (or hit up craigslist obs), or you could get his name tattooed on your face that could equal free concert entry for life right?

Rollins is giving a talk at UNT about his travels all around the world. That one you can buy tickets for still and isn't limited to students. DC9 posted this short interview where Rollins talks up music in Texas which is worth a read.

The unique events continue with a massive bridge party in Dallas on Saturday.

No not that kind of bridge party

Several bands including The Burning Hotels an Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights are playing to celebrate the opening of a new bridge over the trinity. There will also be a food truck park and someone doing 3D sidewalk drawings and at the end of the night FIREWORKS woot. Sounds like quite the spectacle for sure.

Starting this weekend and going through April 8th Botanical Gardens starts it's annual Flight of the Butterflies show which sounds pretty sweet. Butterflies woot.

Ok there are probably some stuff I missed so make sure and follow me on Twitter @shastinalynn

Magic and Irish people? It's like Brigadoon oh wait that's Scottish. Well they are welcome as well 2/29- 3/2

2012-02-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Ok peers so there's a couple of fun thing the next couple of days and then I still have to find info for the rest of the week.

Tonight at Renfield's Corner Dallas band Smile Smile is playing for free. They gained some notoriety recently when their totes adorbs song Tempo Bledsoe played in a Valentine's Day Reese's commercial.

I mean seriously look at this video

Or in Fort Worth The Wherehouse is presenting the Marvelous Magical Leap Year Show including a dance performance, magic by Ash Adams (or as I call him that guy I run into everywhere I go), and a couple of bands including the Hannah Barbarians. You may remember that Ash was on the cover of FW Weekly recently with an article about magic in the Fort ( well if not you can read it here) . Let me just re-post the quote from the fb invite to lure you there because it is pretty awesome

"You Cannot Miss This!... Unless you enjoy missing things and feeling sad for not having chose to be somewhere great missing really very important and incredible moments in time."

So yea

Starting Friday you can go to the North Texas Irish Festival because who doesn't like getting drunk with a bunch of redheads. Ok actually I'm part Irish and don't have red hair at all but isn't everyone of European origin partially Irish which is even more reason why you should go. I'm guessing there will be kilts which you can either call a pro or con. Scots are welcome so woo hoo my title makes sense now.

OMG please tell me if this happens at the festival

Speaking of Irish you can go see you can go see Alec Baldwin at Winspear Opera House on Friday. It's only 20 bucks to see hear him tell stories about his career. BTW I wrote that speaking of thing and then thought "wait is he actually Irish or am I just assuming because of the whole Jack Donaghy thing" but turns out his daughter is named Ireland so there ya go. I win twice.

Oh young Alec Baldwin why you so hot

If I go out on Friday I'm probably staying in Fort Worth and doing the west 7th club hop to see Sunward at the Grotto or local pop punk favorite Perdition and Here Holy Spain at Lola's.

B T Dub Perdition has a new video coming out and here's the teaser

Ok people I love ya and I will find out what else is going down this weekend and send you a second edition. If you're lucky - dun dun dunnnnn

OSCAR PREDICTIONSSSS- In the nick of time

2012-02-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

I'm assuming if you read this you probably follow me on Twitter or Facebook and therefore know my love for the Academy Awards. If not let me tell you: I love the Oscars. For the last three years I have either held a party or gone to a party to watch them. It is my favorite time of the year and they usually air around my birthday and one year on my birthday even so I generally assume the entire last week of February is my week. So with that being said here are some of my predictions. I didn't get to see every nominated movie but I did see every Best Picture nominated movie and therefore most of the other categories.

Best Picture:

My Pick: Midnight in Paris. Midnight in Paris was easily one of my favorites of all the movies I've watched for this venture. Short and sweet and made you think about your life just a little bit. Plus it's about a dude who goes back in time to the Twenties and I'm probably one of a million people who if you ask what time period would you go back to would say the twenties ( or the late seventies in New York when punk started). Hugo is a close second. wonderful story told beautifully.

What will probably win: The Artist. This story told in Black and white and only with a score about the silent movie days was brilliant. Hugo might win though just because it's such a feel good story and with past winners such as The King's Speech and Slumdog Millionaire the academy likes feel good movies

Actor in a Leading Role:

My Pick: Demian Bichir. This movie shook me up for a few days. It tells the store of an immigrant from Mexico simply trying to raise his son on his own. Loved it.

What will probably win: George Clooney in the Descendants. I would be happy with this win as well. This is the the first time I have seen Clooney portray a character without the charm and confidence that has made him famous. The Academy also tends to award best actor to someone who deserves to be awarded not only for a particular role but for their career. They reward big actors who break from their norm i.e. Denzel Washington in Training Day. Brad Pitt also broke from character to play someone who isn't hot but I think the Descendants was better than Moneyball.

Actress in a Leading Role:

My Pick: Michelle Williams in My Week with Marilyn. I just love her and Marilyn Monroe. I haven't even seen this movie so I can't give you an educated opinion.

Who will probably win: Meryl Streep The Iron Lady. My God can't she swim through her awards Scrooge Mcduck style. They just should hand them to her when they say "that's a wrap" in any movie she is in.

Actor in a Supporting Role:

My Pick: Thomas Horn. Ok the kid from Extremely Loud Incredibly Close isn't even nominated but WHYYYYYYY. He was amazing. The entire movie was predominantly him ugh, Ok maybe there are some politics and parent waivers that are involved in being nominated but still. Grr

Ok Actual pick. Christopher Plummer in Beginners. Plummer plays a man who finally comes out of the closet after his wife dies. In a similar fashion to Clooney he doesn't utilize his usual debonair persona. I mainly would like for him to win because this was my favorite movie of all the movies I watched. Maybe it was my favorite because I've been in love with Ewen Mcgregor since I was 18. It was quirky and cute and I loved it.

What will probably win: Ya know this one's a total grab bag so i'm just going to guess Nick Nolte.

Actress in a Supporting Role:

My Pick: Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids or Jessica Chastain in The Help. I can't pick between the two. I've seen Bridesmaids about five times and it is usually like pulling teeth to make me watch a movie twice because I don't want to waste time when I could experience something new. So I loved McCarthy and her creativity in her role which was predominantly ad lib. Jessica Chastain was just adorable in The Help. She made the character even more loveable than in the book. Plus she needs some kind of reward for just busting out of nowhere this year and starring in five different movies including this and Tree of Life.

What will Probably win: Octavia Spencer The Help. Spencer balanced the comic aspect as well as the seriousness of her character.

Cinematography:

My Pick: Hugo. The half animation half reality aspect made me want to visit Paris even more than Midnight in Paris

What will Probably win: The Artist

Best Director:

My Pick: Woody Allen. Hey he should get an award for making a universally likeable movie and letting someone portray the character he usually plays.

What will probably win: Woody Allen. He and Streep can get together and play dress up with all of their Oscars combined. When people get more than one Oscar they should start just give them accessories like an Oscar corvette or spa that you push the button on to make bubbles.

Ok so here's the important part if you are watching tonight: The Drinking Game

For every time your pick wins take a drink.

If my pick wins take two drinks.

If my academy pick wins take a shot.

If someone gets cut off by the music take a shot.

If someone cries take a drink.

If someone tells a Mel Gibson joke finish your drink.

Ok people that's all I have time for. I have to get my house ready to watch this thing.

Top Picks for the week 2/23 through 2/28

2012-02-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hey Peers,

This week is a little more sparse as far as what I know that's is going down. Tonight randomly is full of good shows and then I only know a few through the weekend.

Tonight in Dallas two of my favorite members of the old One Ton bands ,Peter Thomas and Chad Deatley, are playing La Grange with their newest bands White Elephant and Dove Hunter. Grab tickets here.

In Fort Worth this is the last Thursday night show at 8.0's featuring The Orbans and Whiskey Folk Ramblers.

Or at Lola's you can check out Austin band The Wheeler Brothers with Bravo Max!

Fast forward to Saturday where the best place to go will be the grand opening of Doc's Records. Doc's is easily one of the best record stores in Fort Worth and they recently moved from a small location on Montgomery to a large location on Camp Bowie. There is an excellent line-up including New Fumes, RTB2, Spooky Folk, and Mind Spiders. There should also be free beer and food which is always the best, and all sales are 10% off that day. So epic!

That night Apache 5 is playing the Grotto for the Bravo Zulu CD release party.

Sunday I will obviously be watching the Oscars. If you are a fellow Academy Awards fanatic there are two top choices for places to party. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth holds a big event for free. You can see the Oscars in the auditorium as well as the lobby where a cash bar and food is available. It's fun to dress up in fancy clothes and walk the red carpet and get your picture taken by DFW.com. They also give away prizes like pretty sweet prizes too. The year I went I won a basket full of movies and video games and all types of swag.

Oh yea and there is a costume contest which you can participate in or just enjoy seeing

Also in Dallas Texas Theatre is showing the Oscars which is where I would go if I lived in D-town still. Drink specials all night at the bar and a pool for closest Oscar picks.

three 6 mafia yo

Tuesday you should definitely go to Kessler Theatre for an extraordinary event. The ex lead singer of YES (FUCKING YES GUYS!!!!!!!!!) ,one of the greatest prog rock bands of all time, Jon Anderson is playing a solo show. Tim Delaughter, of Polyphonic Spree and Tripping Daisy, is opening solo as well which sounds just unbelievably amazing because I'm pretty sure he never plays solo. The show is titled Storytellers so Anderson will most likely give some background on his songs. An intimate show with either one of these dudes should be quite interesting.

Easily my favorite Yes song

That's all I know about for the week. Hopefully at some point this weekend I can post my Oscar predictions. ZOMG I love them I'm so excited. Plus I'm only two movies away from seeing all of the Best Picture nominees. So woooot. Ok love you forever for reading. TTFN!

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

2012-02-17T12:59:00.002-08:00

When I graduated High School I hoped and dreamed of the usual: going to college, becoming a Graphic Designer or Comic Book Artist, spending my days covered in printmaking ink making posters for rock shows (ok maybe it wasn't all the usual). The dream I focused on the most though was to move to Dallas and spend all of my time going to Rock shows. At the time Dallas seemed like some kind of utopia of music and creativity and an escape.

Le sigh posters

I grew up in a small town called Cleburne. It was your stereotypical stuck in the 50's Texas town where the dress code called for tucked in shirts and belts and the best place to go on Friday was one of the two ( yea we were big time we had TWO) Dairy Queens. If you know me at all now you might guess that I did not fit in. When I turned 14 I realized the life of the popular kids was not in my cards, so I traded in my knock off Cole Hahns for some fuzzy Airwalks and my mousy brown hair for Angela Chase red. From that point I enjoyed the usual heckling in the hallways and people talking about me. You know that part in "The Craft" where Breckin Meyer screams and runs when Fairuza Balk walks by. That was my life every day.What's that? You don't have an instant recollection of every scene from "The Craft". Oh well you can picture it at least right? I also enjoyed the privilege of getting sent to the principal's office several times for dress code violations. One time I even set off a school wide search that ended with me and my best friend both kicked out of school for the day. ( Because that's such a punishment right?)

I pretty much looked like this but my friends dressed less normal than Scarlett

Ok here's an actual picture of me. I call this "when I invented Emo".

Well despite my inability to mesh with the crowd I formed a small group of miscreant friends and by 1997 I landed a cool boyfriend who was in a band (The Wounded Twinkies). One fateful weekend we were at Cd Warehouse back when CD stores still existed ( Fort Worth folks might know as the current home of Half Price Books). Dave picked up a CD from a local band called Slow Roosevelt and the dude at the counter ( who you might know as Randy Brown) told us that they were playing a show in Fort Worth soon at ,I think, the Engine Room. So we grabbed our biggest pairs of JNCO's and went out.

Slow Roosevelt!!

The specifics are a blur but there was this dude screaming into a megaphone and it was the coolest thing I had ever seen in my life. After the show Peter Thomas( the megaphone wielding maniac) was selling merch which my little sixteen year old self found particularly exciting ( I get to meet the guy IN the band No WAY!) and Dave told him he "rocked his balls off". Soon after I went to Dallas for my first shows at Trees, Man or Astro- man. My future as a music show addict was sealed when I saw Mephiskapheles and the Blue Meanies at Orbit Room. This was the first time I saw a band that I had a CD of that I knew all the lyrics to. These were both ska bands so it wasn't just the awesomeness of a live group of four. There was a whole horn section, and everyone was skanking like crazy. It was a blur of smiles and sweat and hopping around with a bunch of other Airwalk (or Doc Marten) wearing multi colored haired people and I felt like I didn't ever want to leave. I didn't ever want to lose this feeling.

This Blue Meanies video is Soooooo 90's

Soon after I started going to shows regularly. Slow Roosevelt was on a local label called One Ton that included Caulk, Doosu, Buck Jones and a couple of others. Through her obsession with Soundgarden my friend Amber had also started listening to Slow Roosevelt and since she had a car we were there every weekend if possible to see them as well as my most favorite One Ton band Doosu. Anytime Baboon played we would also head out to Dallas or Fort Worth and sometimes Denton. I remember loving the Wreck Room because the 7 eleven next door sold Jolt Cola. At some point closer to senior year I saw Cry Baby for the first time since 6th grade and then immediately met a hot Rockabilly dude in my Driver's ed class which led to my first Reverend Horton Heat show ( as well as my inability to wear my eye makeup in any way other than a black lined 50's cat eye). So, the Rev became a main staple of my travels.

I think I'm still trying to look like Wanda

Needless to say we were pretty obsessed. We also starting seeing the same faces at shows and meeting people in Dallas that were similar to us. People who like me preferred TV and listening to music to sports. People that thought the Wolverine T-Shirt I stole from said first boyfriend was awesome not weird. It seemed like everyone in Dallas, or at least that went to see bands, liked me for my quirkiness instead of despite it. Not that my friends in Cleburne didn't also love my oddness and I loved their oddness too, but our unique qualities were assets not potential sources or ridicule.

how adorable is this video of Tripping Daisy at Trees

So that's why moving to Dallas became my #1 priority. Right before my 19th birthday I did move there and instead of doing all that normal stuff that I was "supposed" to do, like going to college, I spent most of my money on shows and buying CD's. Punk, Rockabilly, Hip Hop, Grind Core: I listened to all of them and saw most of them live. Any big indie acts that traveled through I almost always saw such as : Stereolab, Cibo Matto, Sea and Cake, Boss Hog, Jon Spencer. Of course the main staple were the local rock bands. Some of my favorites once I lived in Dallas and regularly went out were Tripping Daisy, Chomsky, Captain Audio, and you will know us by the trail of the dead . .(ok some of these are from Austin but I considered them local enough) , Paper Chase, Deathray Davies, Hagfish, ok I could probably list these forever. I still went to every One Ton show. Some folks said I missed out on the real heydey of local music but there was still a huge crowd of black t-shirt wearing weirdos at Slow Roosevelt shows in 1999 screaming " Don't Eat all my CAKE" right back at Peter Thomas.

Sometimes I wonder if following through with the normal steps of life like going to school right away and getting a real job and not "wasting" my money would improve my current life. Then I usually realize well I was never normal. Why would I try to push myself into this normal path? I wouldn't have those memories and that place and time that shaped me into the unique awesome person I believe I am most of the time. So thanks local music.

Thanks for the memories. errr well what's left of them.

The Moon, A Kaleidescope, Zombies and More

2012-02-15T12:54:00.003-08:00

So many awesome events this week all over the Metroplex. So, you have no excuse not to go out and do something fun this week: unless you're sick or out of town or working a lot. Well even then you can squeeze one event in right? ok here we go

Head out to Denton for the Thin Line film festival. The showings began last week but there are still some amazing films showing Wednesday through Sunday. Two films I'm really looking forward to are both showing Friday:

"Who Took the Bomp? Le Tigre on Tour" because I never did and never will see them on tour :((( so this is the closest I can get

and Bullycam which is the story of a girl who turns the camera on her oppressors.

Also "The Other F Word" is showing Sunday ,which I discussed earlier this year, is the story of a few famous Punk Rock dudes and their new lives as Dads.

Check out the full list of movies and schedule here.

It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark

On Thursday you can head to Dallas and test out your supposed Zombie apocalypse knowledge with a city wide scavenger hunt. Hurry and put together a team today because when the shit really hits the fan you won't be able to carefully plan your group will you? I don't really see this as a fun event as much as a necessary training for the safety of our future. Unfortunately it's only for 21 and up so I can't start some early training with my kids. Agoge is only two years away for both of them so they'll be trained soon enough. The race starts at the Church check in at 5:30.

Speaking of kiddos, On Saturday peeps with childrens should head over to the Kimbell for an event called Color Your World from 1-4. The event includes art projects, films, tours and performances by the Contemporary Dance/ Fort Worth.

At night head to Dallas for the opening of the new 500X juried showcase of Texas Artists. This is a great opportunity to check out up and coming local artists. (and I've said it once and I'll say it a thousand times FREE BOOZE).

Also, on Saturday you could lose your hipster license if you don't go to Texas Theatre to see the restoration of "A Trip to The Moon" with an original score by Air. The screening includes "An Extraordinary Journey" a film documenting the restoration and including interviews with directors such as: Costa Gavras, Michel Gondry, Michel Hazanavicius, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. So basically go see the movie and then learn why you needed to see it. Showings start Saturday and end Tuesday so check it out while you can.

As far as music goes this week boasts a lot of the biggest names in DFW.

Thursday Polyphonic Spree plays at Sons of Herman Hall. If you haven't seen Polyphonic please do yourself a favor and go to this show. I've seen them perform about fifteen times and it's always an uplifting and magical experience. Unless of course you don't like happiness. You probably hate rainbows and kick kittens don't you? For really reals though the Dallas scene is somewhat split on Polyphonic love but I'm a fan.
Friday at Lola's in Fort Worth go see Brenna Manzare & Proper Husbands as well as Air Review and Telegraph Canyon. I keep hearing about the awesomeness of Brenna Manzare and Air Review and Telegraph always put on a great show.
Go ahead and camp out at Lola's because Saturday everybody and their mom will want to see Mon Julien, Ishi, and Burning Hotels.

Sunday The Supersuckers are playing Trees.
Tuesday the 21st Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks are at Granada Theater in Dallas

Or go check out Nervous Curtains at City Tavern

P.S. Check out The Synaptic on Twitter to win tickets to Polyphonic or The Burning Hotels.

Phew, what a week right??? If you recover from this week check back next Wednesday where I will hopefully regularly be posting the haps. SMOOCHES!!! Thanks for reading!

It's tha mother flippin weekend yo- or something- February 10-12

2012-02-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hey peers what's up.

So last week I totally slacked and didn't post but I'm sure you somehow managed to go on with your life (just barely though right?). The main thing I wanted to mention was that Dallas Contemporary hosted a series of Shepard Fairey murals throughout Dallas. Here is the map etc. of the layout. So check em out.

This weekend the exhibit at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth opens and I LOOVVVVE it. It's called Glenn Ligon: America and I think it may be my most favorite exhibit we've had since I started working here.
Of course I don't know why I always feel the need to label things as my favorite all of the time. I almost feel childish when I do that as if I have to prove I took enough interest to have a favorite, but I digress.

Also at the Modern this weekend, all the Oscar nominated shorts are playing (animated and live action but not documentary). They usually only play here or the Magnolia in Dallas so come check em out. I'm pretty sure all of the animated ones are kid friendly if you baby having peoples want to come ( baby as in you had a baby at one time who is now a child, not if your baby is still a baby because bringing babies to movies is kind of odd IMHO). Check the showtimes here. I am most excited about this one.

If you follow me on twitter or facebook you might know I'm seriously obsessed with the Oscars and I'm trying To see every nominated movie before the awards. I decided to stop torturing my twitter followers with constant getglue and four square updates so I will post an entry later about what I've seen and my Oscar predictions. So, stay tuned for that.

This week as far as shows is pretty rad.

Tonight Dove Hunter is playing at Lola's. Dove Hunter doesn't play super often so definitely come check them out.

Doesn't this picture make you want to rush to the show

Or check out My Wooden Leg and Igneous Grimm at the Cellar. If you haven't seen My Wooden Leg they are like Fort Worth's Gogol Bordello.

In Dallas frigging Thurston Moore is playing a Texas Theatre. Like, whoa! There will be a pre party in the lobby before (hence the term pre party).

On Saturday in Fort Worth you should check out the show at The Wherehouse: Doom Ghost, Fungi Girls, Mike Haskins Experience, and Stoogeaphilia. I totally dig Fungi Girls, They actually sort of sound like the Stooges so it's funny that they are opening for a Stooges cover band.

The biggest thing going on this weekend is the Central Track launch party at Granada Theatre followed by an after party at Sundown. At Granada Mystery Skulls followed by Wild Moccasins and the awesomeness of The Octopus Project and then at Sundown DJ Fisher Pryce and A.Dd+ If you don't know what Central Track is then check this out.

Check out this sweet The Octopus Project video

Speaking of new websites if you want to find out about shows going down in Fort Worth you should also check out fortlive.com where all the venues in Fort Worth and who is playing there are listed.

ok see yous soon. Here's a parting gift.

Pearl Jam 20- some thoughts ( aka ima get serious for a minute)

2012-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I wrote this a few month ago when Pearl Jam 20 initially came out and never ended up posting it. Well now Eddie Veddar is coming to town so it's relevant again right? Right? Well either way I'm going to lay off my usual snarky tone and tell you a serious story for once.

So I watched the new Cameron Crowe documentary on Pearl Jam "20", and I felt this was a platform I could use to tell this story and talk about the film.

When my children were young I decided I needed to take them to a church that emulated my beliefs in religion, which are (in short) that all religions are basically driving at the same point and we should all love each other etc. I also craved a place to find some direction spiritually especially since at the time I was a stay at home mom and honestly pretty lonely so finding people with similar beliefs seemed like the direction I needed. I'm not about to get all religious on you (ok maybe a little). This is ultimately just a story about music don't fret. I decided to try out Unity Church of Fort Worth. I loved it pretty much right off the bat. There were two amazing people playing the music portions Melinda Wood Allen and David Tipps. Melinda mostly sang and David played guitar and sang. I don't remember what they played the first few times, but I know that at some point within the first month they had Rock N Roll Sunday and I was sold. This church is predominately people in their late 40's and 50's so there's a lot of classic rock but I loved hearing that. It encompass the music I grew up listening to with my mother and that eventually led to my heavy interest in music. With the whole congregation standing around dancing to whatever song it was Janis Joplin or The Grateful Dead or something I knew that I could connect with this place and these people. All music speaks to you on a different level than any sermon or religious text can. There's just more power there and when I'm listening to music and other people are listening to it with you and we are all dancing or singing it doesn't matter if it's my church or Lola's there an energy there that is moving. That moves you closer to pure joy. This was a place where I could take the energy I get at shows and give it context with religious text and meditation. So I know for sure that Melinda and David were a main reason that I came and they were a driving force in my spiritual journey.

Here's one of the first songs I heard at the church that gave me nostalgic warm fuzzy's:

So a few months ago David Tipps died from complications involving several anuerisms. It totally sucked! I really was upset about it more than when some of my relatives have died. Three weeks after his death the annual Rock N Roll Sunday came up again. I ,and I assume some other congregation members, thought "how are we going to do this without him?" That Rock N Roll Sunday music program ended up turning it into a memorial for David.Jerko Dabelic (to give you some reference to my normal blog material he plays for the Fate Lions and Sunward) had joined the music program prior to David's death and so he stepped up smoothly. Also David's daughter performed and turned out to be as talented as David. She and Melinda sang this Pearl Jam song

Her voice wavered some but she managed to get the words out. The moment and the song choice were perfectly cathartic for me and I'm sure the entire church present that day. A song I previously considered run of the mill and borderline cheesy suddenly found a special meaning for me. In that moment I liked Pearl Jam more than I ever had before.

When Pearl Jam first came out I never liked them that much. They were ok. I owned "Vitalogy". Now they're older and I'm older. Really terrible bands are around that are worse than Pearl Jam's worst song. And now they had a new song that held special meaning for me. With that in mind and hope for some heavy duty Seattle nostalgia I decided to watch "Pearl Jam 20". Cameron Crowe happens to be one of my favorite director's so I was pumped for that alone.

Please note I'm a little obsessed with all things Cameron Crowe so this is biased for sure.

This is my favorite band of all time ( Nancy Wilson is Crowe's ex )

This is my favorite Romantic movie

This is my favorite movie of all time

My renewed interest in them after David died carried me to the movie, so I thought it was ironic that the band formed from this place of grief after Andy Wood died and one of their first hits was Eddie Vedder working through grief from his father's death. Like any documentary about a band ( like all the Behind the Music's -except Green Day's- proved) this movie makes you like them a little more. I found particular interest in As a teenage I considered them somewhat generic. So, Eddie Veddar's struggle with that and finding a way to separate from the fame and delve into the art of the band interested me especially. The other interesting aspect of the band was the lack of a struggle amongst the band members than in other documentaries about bands where they all end up bickering about who's in charge and break up. I even appreciated the Neil Young collaboration and I HATE Neil Young.

The movie humanizes Pearl Jam a bit. So it helped me to accept them as people who are trying to figure all this life business out. Which I guess leads back to why I went to church in the first place. To figure life out.