Spot The Local Music Curmudgeon - December 6th Edition

-A weekly blog where I highlight one show I definitely expect to attend (see *) and throw in a few more that I'd like to and might see given the money and the time.-

RECAP

Last Saturday was pretty hustle bustle. Sickish Fest 2 was quite nice. John Muzak kicked things off with a short and sweet set including a lovely deconstruction of Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit. A brief trip to see the Mathletes over at Rudz was well worth the hassle as any Mathletes show is a living personification of happy. Returning to the Prolee for Vaarg - A corpse paint alter ego of Mlee Marie (Hearts of Animals) - performing what could only be described a fog filled set of pure silliness. Balaclavas (pictured) followed with an amazing an impassioned set. "Own Me" was pure fury and energy. Great stuff! Glad we're profiling them for January's issue. A Pink Cloud's set was kind of a wash and to be honest it was kind of a disaster. I've seen great shows from APC but this one was not one of them. The sound was fine but for some reason the players never seemed to connect. Oh well, everyone has an off night. No worries they'll come back in spades.

THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT
Friday, December 7
The Dimes/ ((Sunset))/ Hearts of Animals
@ Sound Exchange
(7PM; free)
Goddamn another great Sound Ex Free show! The Dimes!!! What can I say that hasn't already been said. They are simply the high energy pop gods of Houston. Did you get their Grey Ghost last week at Domy Books? If you didn't, you totally missed out! I've been playing it endlessly in my car! Austin's Sunset do some nice simple pop but honestly I can't quite give it my full attention simply because I'm diggin on Hearts of Animals' Mlee Marie's Christmas Myspace profile. I recommend downloading them all and burning them for endless play. If you got a chance to read November's profile of Hearts of Animals come out and see what all the hype is about - you won't be disappointed.



ALSO THIS WEEK

Thurday, December 6
Krampus Day Celebration, featuring Larry and his Flask, Sophia Relentless, Caleb Fraid, Charlie McAllister, & Poopy Lungstuffing
@ Super Happy Fun Land
I'm recommending this totally on two acts - Charlie McAllister and Caleb Fraid. Charlie McAllister's "All the shit I dragged in" is glorious folky garage madness that I can't stop playing over and over again! Now if someone can tell me where I can buy his stuff I'd be ecstatic! Spring's Caleb Fraid plays some very clever indie catchy pop that has some potential.

Saturday, December 8 -
Secret Saturday Show, featuring several mystery bands & DJs
@ The Shady Tavern (1206 W. 20th St.; 12-5PM, free!)
You know the score - bands, DJs, and it's free. This week though there will also be a Gear-age sale being put together by Ben Murphy and Erik Bogle.

Saturday, December 8 -
Two Star Symphony / The Invincible Czars / Golden Arm Trio
@ Rudyard's
If the $20 price tag of last week's St. Thomas gig was a bit steep for you then this might be a bit more reasonable - bonus you can get smashed! Plus, aside from the lovely work of Two Star you get the bonus of Golden Arm Trio who also do some exceptional nuanced music as well- an excellent pairing.

Saturday, December 8 -
Jack Rose/Donald Miller
@ Live Oak Friends Meeting House
(1318 W. 26th St.; 5:15PM)
For More information see Nameless Sound
(Free but donation's are suggested)
Ex-Pelt guitarist Jack Rose has been churning out some glorious acoustic guitar work that will make you dust off those old Takoma LPs you have lying around and remember why you bought them in the first place. Scheduled to coincide with sunset this should be a pretty amazing event. Bummer I have family stuff.

Sunday, December 9
Tom Carter / David Dove & Jawwaad Taylor / Eat Grapes
@ Notsuoh
(9PM; $6)
Tom Carter has been one of Houston's most respected exports and now is your chance to hear some of his amazing solo guitar work. Trombonist Dave Dove is and has been one of Houston's greatest improvisational musicians and his performances are always inspiring. Opening will be Eat Grapes which is Tyler of Balaclavas' acoustic band. I saw him at last years Noise and Smoke and immediately grabbed a few of his CDRs - choice stuff.

Thursday Afternoon Update:
(Some other shows just announced. Sorry no time for links.)

Saturday, December 8th
Sabra Laval & Basses Loaded
@ Kelvin Arms in the village
begins at 10PM (Free!!)
Damn, another free show of note. Sabra is another one of those singer song writers (yes, it's sucky short hand given what she does but I'm doing this on my lunch break what do you want?) that everyone just loves raving about and with good reason. Basses Loaded are more than just a gimmick (3 bassists and a drummer) they also rip live with great songs.

Thursday, December 6th
The Delta Block, PLF, El Desmadre, The Squishees, Cop Warmth, Santa Catacha, Jody Seabody and the Whirls
@ The White Swan
begins at 9PM (Free!!)
I don't know anything about the other bands but PLF, El Desmadre, The Squishees, and Cop Warmth are reason enough to get over to the East side of town and drink beer out of one of those funny little plastic bottles.