Welcome to my new live review column for the Free Press’ blog in which I recap for you some fine shows in our town under the helpful guidance of Jameson and Lone Star. Larry Pirkle (aka PRKL8R) is a Houston institution and I got a total laugh when he wrote the following on Hands Up Houston: “the only thing you didn’t get a picture of was the empty floor like 10 seconds after they stopped playing at 20 til 2. did anyone notice that they didn’t play “21st century” or “stop”? that’s because they were saving them for the encore ... Read More »

Later this month year the Dave Clark Five will be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame only Mike Smith lead vocalist and keyboard player died last week. So close yet so far away. Does it matter that the DC5 challenged the beatles in their heyday, or that HAVING A WILD WEEKEND, released in the U.S. as Catch Me If You Can is the most underrated rock film of the 60s? During that time frame certainly John Boorman was the David Fincher of the 60s. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfWhP5AbPno] Read More »

There is a very exciting point in a musician’s career when, after a long time of working on their craft, they realize what they do has a value outside of their own bedroom. If you were at the Proletariat and saw Elaine Greer perform to a packed crowd last month opening for the Fiery Furnaces, you couldn’t help but feel the giddiness of a musician at that stage. Standing on stage behind her Telecaster, you could almost hear her take a deep breath before diving in. Greer’s songs drip with sweet and simple melodies that hum inside your head long ... Read More »