Party Ends

“In its own little way, my body was trying to say that you better stop drinking brandy”   

  The Streets set the other night was full of pre- planned seemingly off-the-cuff banter and improvisation (I.E. the hype man Larry the Lion would end songs by singing popular top 40 singles) but the shtick that stole the show and made my entire weekend was Mike Skinner taking advantage of the last day of his old insurance policy and before embracing the new one which prohibited him to give alcohol to Americans.  In order to stick it to the geezers he brought a full bottle of brandy out from behind and amplifier and proceeded to blow my mind. 

“Get fucked up with the boys

Calvin, Shcmalvin, I'm well within my limit, oh hang on a minute,

these mushrooms just Kicked in, think I might be finished” 

    As Original Pirate Material track “Too Much Brandy” was hyping up, Mike Skinner announced that since it is the last night of his old insurance policy, it would be the last night he would be able to give alcohol to Americans.  Before the new policy began- he wanted to go out in style.  He poured 1 shot and then kept going until a little over 2 into a 16oz plastic glass and handed it to an attractive young lady near the front row.  I know very little about insurance ins and outs, but I find it interesting that there is a clause in a policy prohibiting a skinny foreign rapper from giving out alcohol to Americans… but lets just continue the true tall tale.

“Now getting to the bar's gonna be trouble/

So the Marlons'll have to be doubles/

Then you drink doubles/

The same speed you drink singles” 

    Another lucky front row audience member was fortunate enough to take (the next logical step from 2 shots) 4 shots of brandy.  The crowd rejoiced.  After the 4 shots, I was quite excited and interesting by what was occurring on stage. … He was going to keep going.   

 6 shots in a 16-ounce plastic glass looks like a lot- even if you are a pessimist.  I thought I had been around some serious drinking in my day… but I had never seen a human being give out that many ounces of straight liquor to a stranger… of course I have never been to mardi gras or been hazed in a fraternity.

“My utility belt tells me it's to the bar Batman/

Fat cans of that lager then it's straight to the dance-floor/

For much more fancy footwork, it's adored by many amour/

Don't bore me with your little sidestep technique/

Get to the beat, loosen up, it's The Streets”    

   At the climax of the song he took a sensible step up to 7 shots.  Take a moment and visualize 7 shots of brandy going down your throat in one gulp in front of a sold out crowd of 1,200.  I would do well to chug 7 shots of beer under that pressure. 

    The crowd went nuts, including the moron who had ‘4:20’ tattooed on his forearm in front of me whose buddy had his camera-phone out the whole show repeatedly capturing nothing but horrible, blurry images.  The crowd went nuts because 7 shots were indeed consumed by the last lucky person and the song ended to much applause. 

 Thus ending the debauchery.     Oh wait- during the encore he gave out 8 more shots to someone.  Making a running total of 27 shots to 5 people.  That would almost be too much brandy as the song suggests… but you would be wrong.  This is too much Brandy:

“In its own little way, my body was trying to say that you better stop drinking brandy”

MP3: the Streets: Too Much Brandy

Have a good day!  

Posted by partyends at 09:21 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

    I am a poor judge of popularity of acts and am always excited to see what the crowd reception will be for someone like 5 foot 1 inch Lady Sovereign. It seemed like the bulk of her indie- buzz was over by SXSW and from there on out it was a matter of time before her mainstream success was given a shot due to her spitting some words in front of Jay-Z and subsequently being signing to his Def Jam label.  I was wrong.  She has improved tenfold from when I saw her last in March. She was lyrically virtuosic over her dj and bass player- whose chemistry together was as illustrious as it was uncommon.  I would love for there to be more 3 piece rap outfits in that manner- MC, DJ, and bass player.  As you can imagine the sound was as full and interesting.  But really hip hop- trust me and get onto this combo of a supporting band… it works.

    Her stand out track of the evening was ‘Public Warning’ where she was able to get the crowd the most thrilled about her crazy speed rap.  Her set (and her entire catalog for that matter) was quirky and a great alternative from the TIs and the Chamillionares of the world that get most the hip-hop credit these days for their (amazingly enjoyable yet overplayed) singles.

    Like MIA before her-SOV uses up-tempo beats with tinges of grime and casiotone to make for an innovative sound that we crazy NASCAR and basketball loving Americans go ape for.  Makes us feel all worldly and shit.  Speaking of basketball- this Dwayne Wade character from Miami has to be stopped. 
 

    So, I can’t find a good recording of my fav song she played (Public Warning) but I understand that it will be on the upcoming Def Jam album of the same name.  Here are some of the better SOV remix tracks that I can share with you…   
 

Mp3: A Little Bit Of Shhh (Smallstars Remix By Adrock)

Mp3- Chi Ching (XXXchangeRemix)

    I am going to have to save the Mike Skinner copious amounts of alcohol story for another day.  It’s a doozy.  Stay tuned to Party Ends!   

Posted by partyends at 03:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

   So, I work at a store, who's identity shall remain nameless, suffice to say, it specializes in women's clothes. And when you walk in, there is an element of this company that does not immediately present itself; it merely boils beneath the surface, hidden from the untrained, eye and ear. Unbeknownst to the common shopper, this multinational corporation is aligned with the unholy Satan himself in the form of Muzak(tm).

+=

    That's right, folks. Only Satan himself could create such venomous, terrifying sonic debaucheries as are presented every month on a single Muzak CD. Encoded in some insufferable format, these CD's hold some 90 minutes of looping terror, and they distribute the most trite, stomach churningly awful songs you will ever hear. Not only do these CD's give a public outlet for the these awful musicians, but they are the only way that these people could possibly make money doing this! We are talking, baaaad euro-techno-girl-power pop, Madonna B-sides from 1985 if they were remade on a Wal-Mart Casio, Native American themed love songs, and tracks form the latest Sheryl Crow album.

   As I start to write about these songs, despite having had ample time to analyze, dissect, and criticize them, note by note; I still cannot seem to express just how bad these songs are. So I will present to you now, some of the absolute worst of the bunch. Listen if you are brave, for the production value is fine, and the musicians professional; you might want to refrain from eating for up to six hours before listening:

Finley Quaye - Beautiful Nature -

Tasmine Archer - Sleeping Satellite -

Duran Duran - (Reach Up for the) Sunshine

Though, I must admit, very occasionally there is a good song in there, like a standby Gorillaz tune, and even more occasionally I am surprised by something new and exciting, like this new hit by Rihanna mixed exclusively over Tainted Love.

Rihanna - SOS (Rescue Me)

Posted by partyends at 03:21 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

    June 8^th at the Parish- Belaire played their last show for a while so that the members of the band who are also in Voxtrot can devote more time to that currently more popular project.  Sure – there are other reasons the band is taking a break for a while but tell that to the dude in the audience who in-between songs screamed “FUCK Voxtrot!!”

    Nonetheless- I am thrilled that Belaire is moving forward with the recording and eventual release of a full length.

    Former tour-mates Loxsly graced Belaire with a heartwarming cover/homage and throughout their set spoke kindly of the band.  It was sort of like that living wake in that Nic Cage movie the Weatherman  for one of Austin’s most beloved dance pop groups.  Sappy slideshow and everything… 

For the rest of perfect night’s photos- please click here.  

Posted by partyends at 03:25 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

    The first title seemed a little misleading. Yes, Valhalla did play at the phenomenal Dallas club the Cavern last night. And, yes, I was there, but not at the same time. As great as the club is, like most clubs, it doesn't have any parking. So, by the time our car stopped five blocks away in someone's front yard, and we schlepped ourselves through the zig-zag party that is Greenville Avenue on a Saturday night, we walked in just as they were leaving the stage.

Calhoun

    There were other bands: Fort Worth's Calhoun put on a pretty good show (though seemed entirely out of place in the lineup), and Chicago's Them Vs. Them were really, well, not baaaad. . . I guess. But, yeah, they pushed us upstairs where the real party was.

    The Cavern keeps an eclectic crowd. With it's Beatles theme (the Cavern in England being where they broke) and it's central location, it's draws as many regulars and wanderers  as it does showgoers, what with the upstairs being free to those who don't want the live music. Between the spacious couch lounge, the ample, well tended bar, and the hoppin' dance floor, a good time wound up being had by all, despite our late arrival. The 80's music was blaring and peoples faces were blurring. I would suggest the Cavern to anyone looking for a good show, or just a good time. If your from DFW, or just passing through, check it out, I think you'll like what you find. 

Fun Fact!schlepped is in the spell check! Score one for the Jews!

Posted by partyends at 03:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

               

    Call me old fashioned, but I find it hard to go wrong with a suit made out of babies. Stylish. Commonsensical. Welcoming.

    It's everything I could ever want.

Here are some excellent songs for you to jam to in your baby suit:

Strong Suit - Cex

Be my Baby- We Are Scientists

The Big ol' Bug is the New Baby now - the Flaming Lips

Posted by partyends at 03:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

   At a young age- Texas native John Congleton was diagnosed with having panic attacks.  He was prescribed medication but ultimately neglected to take it and instead opted to get his unnerving flusters of panic out creatively through music.  The result has been the band the Paper Chase , and one reason why I am proud to be a Texan.

    The paranoia, anxiety, tension and stress of the Paper Chase has already brought us three full lengths and a handful of ep’s and splits. But with this album, Now You Are One of Us, a double edged sword of experimentalism and likeability is unsheathed with the angular guitar and far away screaming vocals of previous works and a greater, more experienced grasp of melody.  God Bless Your Black Heart had songs that were- dare I say -pop?

    Let me clarify: chaos-pop, the bastard cousin of bubblegum-pop.  This album like the last,  is on Kill Rock Stars records where the band has clearly grown and evolved from the early days.  They sound tighter than ever and are able to change direction of a song in the time it takes a zombie to eat your brains and turn you into “one of them.”  The development of the group’s use of the samples has been steadily growing over the years.  Here we hear an operatic female voice as a main sample, which is simultaneously creepy and beautiful.  Whereas the last album left the listener cheerless (while at the same time humming all the songs), Now You Are One of Us leaves the listener energized and thinking.  Thinking about the metaphors and analogies presented... then second guessing them.   
 

    This album has all the dark lyrics we have come to know and love from the Paper Chase but less personal glimpses into the character’s domestic life and more of an overall concept of science fiction or horror. The same bizarre noises can be found on this album… the knocking, the squeaking, the cries for help.   The rhythm section seems more reserved than past albums leaving the stage to be even more set for Congelton’s vocals and guitar wackiness. This is not to say that they are not talented musicians in all spectrums.  Because they are. The controlled chaos of the Paper Chase is still here. 

    Unlike past records that seemed to flow in movements, this one has stand alone songs.  Albeit they are all tied together as a sort of musical version of a George Romero movie.  

Producer/ guitarist/ singer John Congleton knows what he is doing.  Listen to this record and try to tell me he is not a genius.  Listen to this record and try not to want to play the whole thing.  Listen to this record and try not to think that you could use some anti-depressants yourself and maybe a chainsaw attached to your hand in case one of “them” comes for you. This is biggest sounding and most interesting album I have heard in a long time.  (It should be noted though- you probably could have found me two years ago saying the same thing about God Bless Your Black Heart.)

    All images taken at an acoustic in studio performance at KVRX in 2004 by John Gross.

Please, support the hell out of the Paper Chase.

We Know Where you Sleep

You're One of Them Aren't You?

Posted by partyends at 03:28 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

  So it seems a brief golden-age for music videos at the moment. I am, by no means, an MTV watcher; but I love a good music video (the added depth that a strong visual association imparts is priceless), and lately I have seen some fantastic videos.

    The new Streets video is newly released and, I must say, it is sweet. I have liked all of his previous, from the tude-dripping Lets Push Things Forward to the downtrodden Dry Your Eyes, and I've been as much a fan of his visual style as his cheeky downtown sound.

    Check out the video for When You Wasn't Famous, along with some other killer artists (including Lady Sov and Atmosphere) here. And you can vote on your favorite video, so that's fun too.

    Also, the streets will be on tour soon, check out the dates here.

Posted by partyends at 03:29 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

    Remember in 2005 when Bloc Party came to your house and mowed your yard and didn’t really even charge that much?  Remember when the critically acclaimed band took apart your sink for you and unclogged that thing of hair that had been building up?  Remember when Bloc Party saved you from that big accident on your space mission?  Well, they did so much good last year it was almost easy to get burnt out on them.  Lately, my favorite way to enjoy the group has been at Car Stereo (Wars) at Plush on Friday nights in Austin Texas where they play a sick mash up between the blokes from overseas and Mr. Wood grain from the deerrty south: Bun B. Draped up and dripped out.  Know what I’m talking about? 

    It would seem that Bloc Party rode the debut album Silent Alarm thru 2005 to the hearts of most everyone in the underground music world and managed to break the skin on the mainstream a bit too.  (Perhaps if your music videos were not so crappy TRL would have caught on boys…..) 

    Well, the band is currently recording their second album (which is due for release in September 2006) but in the mean time a slew of remixes ( a whole album worth and more!) are around to keep interested parties on the edge of their seats.

MP3 Bloc Party - Banquet (Junior Sanchez Remix)

MP3 Bloc Party - Positive Tension (Go! Team Remix)  
 

Neither of those tracks are on the official release but you can pick up the remix album here.

Here is a really great cover of by sometime Arcade Fire contributor Final Fantasy

MP3: Final Fantasy- This Modern Love - Bloc Party Cover

Posted by partyends at 03:33 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

  Last night seemed, to me, a landmark night for Dallas. Tucked away on the road less traveled, just off the strip in Deep Ellum, opened the new location of the Art Prostitute storefront, and it is everything that it should be.

    AP, as far as I can ascertain, is a national art publisher/promotions/ magazine/everything company (collective?), blessing our little D-town with it's only store. Having moved just from it's old location in Denton, the new location is wildly stylish, outlandishly hip, and shockingly tasteful. Consisting of not only a top notch art space, and an uber-cool shop front (containing everything from one-off artist handbags to graphic-novels I have only dreamed of getting anywhere within 500 miles), but also secretly housing a behind-the scenes workspace. The night was ideal, with a rotating full house, a stellar DJ set by :Sob3er: (peering down from over the 25' back wall), and free Ketel One and Redbull flowing; the full range of the Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton crowd was in force. Ironic Mustaches stole the evening for me, but other highlights included both ends of the eves-dropping-art-critique spectrum (complete idiot to people who make me feel like a complete idiot), and a one man dance-dance revolution (pictured below).

    The Dave Kinsey art was remarkable (I've been a fan for a while), and the evening seemed to usher to the ten-o-clock finish line much too fast; if not for the drinks, we might have even found the after party, which sounded rad. I see last night as a good step for Dallas, and for the declining Deep Ellum. I still hold DE close to my heart, and I will hold Art Prostitute even closer if they can somehow save it. I liked AP when they repped some of my favorite artists, and when they had one of the illest booths at Flatstock, and when I wore their free pins that I got somewhere, but now I can safely say that I think they are a potential crowning glory to our scene, and I very much look forward to their next step.

*Check out the photo series here!*

Posted by partyends at 03:34 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

    Belaire - easily one of my favorite bands in the last 5 years, is bidding a fond farewell to performing live for a while.   On June 8^th come and say goodbye to the Synthesizer loving, dance floor-ripping kids at the Parish in Austin TX. The farewell show promises to be a marvelous blast with Zom Zoms, Loxsly, and Magic Surprise all on board. 
 

    The exciting twin sister fronted pop rock band is still moving forward with the release of their full length album- but due to their rhythm section being shared by the amazing and progressively more successful Austin band Voxtrot - the skillet of Belaire awesomeness is going to have to be put on the back burner for a bit while the Voxtrot pan takes all the hotness.

    If the above-mentioned full length is anything like the self-released ep or the Indierect Records 7 inch I think we will all have pleasantly satisfied stomachs/ears.    
 

    Voxtrot is obviously more of a well known Austin institution across the USA right now and therefore my hope is that the swarms of disposable income earning hipsters will be into the idea of checking out (read: monetarily supporting) a Voxtrot endorsed side project of sorts by buying their fantastic products and in the process keeping the Belaire machine up and running instead of letting it get lost in the continually rising accomplishment of Voxtrot.  
 

    Click here to purchase the Belaire 7 inch.  
 

    Best of luck and salutations to both bands as they are out and about making a Texan like myself feel all soft and warm inside with their significance   
 

MP3- Belaire- Ces Mots

MP3- Belaire- Dadada

Posted by partyends at 03:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)