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Though it is no secret I’m a fan of Austin’s The Lennings and the band’s first effort, Big Beige Car, I was nervous when they asked me to review their latest release. See, it has been my experience that many bands, at least when it comes to creating their sophomore release, suffer from an illness I like to call BiggerLouderBolder. I can only suppose this may sometimes be caused by insecurity, an over-inflated ego, or a combination of the two. Fortunately for The Lennings, it would seem they are thus far immune to this malady.

While everything about The Lennings’ Big Beige Car was beautifully produced, gorgeously orchestrated and perfectly polished, their new endeavor, Geographic Tongue, is a five song study in the band’s unflagging confidence, a paring down of the superfluous and a deliberate sandpapering of shiny edges – and it pays off.

Recorded in just six days, the EP’s five vignettes are rough hewn in all the right ways and brought to life with solid songwriting and warm vocals.

Geographic Tongue opens with ‘Section C,’ a delightfully folk poppy tune, tinged with big bright banging piano and drum marchiness that rivals Mick Avery’s best work on The Kinks’ Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire). Add to this a touch of cranky cello and guitar, and you have a song that swells into a lustrously lazy bridge before going out with a bang. It’s a big song to open an EP with, but the subsequent body of work stands up strong – delicately hopping between Americana, rock and indie folk - closing with ‘I’ll Make a Scene,’ an OK Computer-esque epic that could’ve easily gone wrong if it weren’t for the band’s ability to harness the power of subtle urgency. The full bore, contrived, arena rock build-up that painfully plagues the end of so many albums these days is absent. In its stead we are left with solid climactic craftsmanship which gives both the song and album powerful closure.

For me, Geographic Tongue  is as lovely as it is provocative and acts as a reminder of the thing I admire most about the band, both recorded and live: The Lennings, vocally and musically, continue to brilliantly manipulate an impossible thread of continuity that links folk to rock to Americana to indie pop. And it makes my ears ‘asplode with joy.

I know this review reads like a love letter, and I’m not at all ashamed of that. So there.

Listen to ‘Section C’ now:

[mus]http://www.goear.com/listen/b63235b/Section-C-The-Lennings[/mus]

If you live in the Austin area, be sure to visit Waterloo Records for a copy. Otherwise, you can buy the EP on CDBaby.com or iTunes for just five bucks. Better yet, go to a show and buy it directly from the band, so they aren’t financially assaulted by evil distro people!

You have to hand it to Texas musicians, especially in Dallas. Over the last few years I’ve either witnessed, participated in, helped organize or have played in more benefit shows than you could shake a stick at. From helping pay for a beloved musician’s or doorman’s medical bills to raising awareness for local, regional, national and international charities, so many of DFWd’s musicians are simply all heart. So it’s no surprise I’ve received word from Eastwood‘s Dave Heidle and Elkhart‘s Travis Hopper on not one, but two terrific events coming up in April – both great causes that are certain to satisfy your musical cravings and assist you karmically in the do-gooding department.

First up on April 4th:
It’s a Quickserv Johnny One Night Only Reunion Show benefiting Southwest Youth Services in memory of Vaughn Lujan.

It was almost 12 years ago today that the Dallas Observer exclaimed, “Quickserv Johnny, to paraphrase the Tom Hanks character in That Thing You Do, is the latest star in the Rainmaker Records galaxy–blasting through the same platinum-filled universe as Deep Blue Something. QJ has already been introduced to statewide radio audiences through “Larry,” the hit single from their first Rainmaker CD, Beauty Knows No Pain.” Fast forward to today and one thing’s for sure, these once wunderkind rockers may be a little, okay, a lot older, but they still know how to rock.

So what brought this reunion about? Quickserv’s Lance Lujan explains it’s all for a good cause and one very close to his heart, “The organization is Southwest Youth Services. They are a nonprofit that works on bringing soccer to the pueblos and tribes of New Mexico and Arizona. They host the Indigenous Cup every year in memory of my nephew, Vaughn.” Lance also wants everyone to know, “All proceeds from the show benefit Southwest Youth Services in memory of Vaughn Lujan and there is a minimum donation of $10.”

Though QSJ will be headlining the event at The Prophet Bar, the lineup also includes Best of Texas favorite Eastwood and opening act Whisky Pants.

Next up on April 8th:
A Lovie and Shoot Low Sheriff Happy Hour benefiting Baal Dan.

Elkhart mastermind Travis Hopper sends word that his co-worker, Tanya Pinto, started Baal Dana few years ago, “Baal” meaning “Child”, and “Dan” meaning “Donation”. Says Travis, “Their mission is to help street children, slum children, and orphans in India as directly and efficiently as possible, while investing in ways to provide these children with an education. They work with schools, orphanages, NGO’s and projects to help impoverished children. Baal Dan is a US-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with no religious intent or bias. Tanya has been doing this for 3 years – before Slumdog Millionaire – though it’s great that that movie has heightened awareness.”

The show will be held at Lakewood Bar & Grill and it’s an early one. The Baal Dan show will kick off at 7 p.m. and run until 9. Donations of any kind are welcome at the door. Expect girlie-rawk goodness a la The Go-Go’s from Dallas favorites Lovie and a lot of twang and swing from Shoot Low Sheriff.

Make one, make ‘em both, just do something good for your ears while you support a great cause.

Here’s a weekend round-up of shows fit for tastes ranging from twangy to experimental. There’s an amazing variety of great shows across Texas this weekend, personally, I’d love to be in San Antonio to see Loretta Lynn, but seeing as I just blew my concert bucks for the weekend buying my – excuse me while I hyperventilate for a moment- Bonnie Prince Billy tickets for the Dallas show in June, I’m broke. But, by all means, go out to a show this weekend, show your local music scene a little love, and drink a Shiner Bock – or three –  for me, too.

Enjoy and feel free to add your personal recommendations in the comments.

FRIDAY
Distant Seconds, The Midgetmen, The Deaf Ears, Sad Accordions
Emo’s (Outside) @ 9PM

Continental Graffiti, Hot Club of Cowtown
Continental Club @ 10PM

Texas Rockfest Kickoff Party featuring:
Dremnt The End, Monte Montgomery, Ember, Vinyl Dharma
Stubb’s BBQ @ 9PM

 
SATURDAY
Philip Glass
Bass Concert Hall @ 8PM

Lil Cap’n Travis, The Lennings, Blaise Fare
Club De Ville @ 10PM

Crash Gallery, Jets Under Fire
Mohawk (outside) @ 8PM
 

FRIDAY
The Rocketboys, Hendrick, Reign of Kindo, One Red Martian
Prophet Bar @ 8PM

Paul Slavens and His Texclectic Band
Palace Theatre Arts Center @ 7:30PM

Jack With One Eye, Dust Congress, All the Saints
Hailey’s @ 9PM

AA Bondy, Telegraph Canyon, Doug Burr
Lola’s Stockyards @ 9PM

 
SATURDAY
Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, PVC Street Gang
Lola’s Stockyards @ 9PM

Cocky Americans, Bianry Sunrise
The Cavern @ 9PM

100 Damned Guns
Dan’s Silverleaf @ 10PM

J.D. Whittenburg
All Good Cafe @ 8PM
 

FRIDAY
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Funeral Party, Midnight Masses
Walter’s on Washington@ 9PM

Little Brother Project, The Blue Threads, House of Orange, Woodpecker
Fitzgerald’s @ 9PM

Hilary Sloan
Hyde’s Cafe @ 6PM

 
SATURDAY
Loretta Lynn
Arena Theatre @ 7PM

Lucinda Williams, Buick 6
Warehouse Live (Ballroom) @

Danseparc Is For Covers, featuring:
Diamonds & Pearls (as Prince & The Revolution), The Caprolites (as The Jesus & Mary Chain), Chocolate Crucifix (as The Go-Go’s), and many more…
Numbers @ 9PM

Spacetaker’s 5th Annual Gala: w/ DJ Sun & Soular Grooves & Peekaboo Theory
Winter Street Studios @ 7PM
 

FRIDAY
Joe Ely & Joel Guzman
Gruene Hall @ 9PM

Pop Pistol, Ballroom Catastrophe, Young Machines, & down Stereo
Blue Bubble Ballroom @ 9PM

 
SATURDAY
Jason Kahn (Zürich-based performance and sound artist), Annette Krebs and Chris Cogburn
It’s a little complicated, go here @ 8PM

Nothing More’s CD Release show featuring:
The Last Place You Look, Meriwether, & The Vinyl Affair
Scout Bar @ 8PM

 

Spacetaker’s 5th Annual Gala: Synergy, kicks off on Saturday, Feb 21st this year. This spectacle of art, libation, food, and fun will celebrate Spacetaker’s 5-year partnership and collaboration with Houston artists.

The gala will feature a lavish rooftop geisha lounge where you can ooh and ahh over the view of downtown Houston, dig the vibes of DJ Sun & Soular Grooves, feast on a fashion show like no other, and mix with hundreds of Houston artists and arts lovers inside the main drag of Winter Street Studios- one of the most exciting workspaces for Houston’s creative community.

This event will also feature performances by Travesty Dance Group, Divergence Vocal Theater, Audio Telepathy, Bootown, Opera Vista, Sahira, Leslie Scates and Peekaboo Theory, and I must say on a personal note, Peekaboo Theory is not to be missed! Though the band is oft described as influenced by Radiohead, Mars Volta and Rage Against the Machine, these guys, with their punch to the head combo of chanting, turntablism, electronica, beats and emphatic, lyrical storytelling have damn near created a genre all of their own.

Visuals at the gala will feature Death Head, Monica Guerra, Give Up and Aerosol Warfare. Again, I know I’m playing favorites, but Aerosol Warfare is an art collective I have a particular fondness for. While some simpleminded jerks might just refer to the group as a bunch of glorified graffiti artists, Aerosol Warfare has truly helped to make strides in graffiti’s quest to be recognized for the important art form it is. They’re also heavily involved in bringing art to inner-city kids through their community outreach programs, have shown nationally and internationally, and have established a Houston Wall of Fame.

Fashionistas, be aware that the gala will also feature the looks of Aerosol Warfare, M2M, Blue Mambo Hair Salon and The Tipping Point.

Another can’t miss of the evening will be the silent auction where you can bid on artworks by renowned Houston artists such as Virgil Grotfeldt, Sheperd Fairy, Emilie Duval, Justin Garcia, Michael Meazell, Patrick Medrano/Katy Anderson and others. The Mod Pod, Design Within Reach, and handbags by Isabella Fiore are also among the coveted treasures for the Silent Auction.

SYNERGY: Spacetaker’s 5th Annual Gala
Winter Street Studios
Houston, Texas
Saturday, February 21st
7-11PM

For more information, please visit Spacetaker.org and you can find the full schedule of events below:

Main stage
7:00 Sun/Soular Grooves
7:20-7:40 Opera Vista (with DJ Ash)
7:40-8:00 Sun/Soular Grooves
8:00-8:20 Leslie Scates
8:20-8:40 Sun/Soular Grooves
8:40-9:00 Opera Vista (with DJ Ash)
9:00-9:20 Sun/Soular Grooves
9:20 Announcements
9:00-9:50 Fashion Show: M2M/Jeans Couture
9:50-10:00 Fashion Show: Travesty Dance Group/Aerosol Warfare/The Tipping Point
10:00-11:00 Sun/Soular Grooves

Rooftop Geisha Lounge
7:00 Audio Telepathy
8:00-8:20 Sahira
8:20-9:00 Audio Telepathy
9:00-9:20 Sahira
9:20-10:00 Audio Telepathy
10:00-11:00 Peekaboo Theory

VIP Lounge
Divergence Vocal Theater

The Cove

Had to make a quick run to San Antonio over the weekend and my wife and I used the jaunt as an excuse to visit a place she saw on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show, Diners, Drive-In’s & Dives. After getting lost for about 30 minutes, we forgot that the place is actually a car wash, we finally found The Cove.

The place was busy for a late Saturday afternoon lunch, but once we placed our order, we were able to snag a picnic table on the patio to enjoy the nice weather. It was fun to sit elbow to elbow with locals, ask them about their orders along with places we might visit that would be off the beaten path, and we learned that The Cove also supports local music on a regular basis – from jazz and big band to rock and alt-country, they offer live, local music on almost every night of the week.

And since were on the topic of local, all of The Cove’s offerings fall primarily under the categories of locally grown, organic and hormone and antibiotic-free, and if it moos, baas or bock-bocks it is grain and grass fed, but don’t let that make you think there’s nothing but wheat grass and cardboard to eat. The menu was a little daunting at first, but in a good way. So much looked great, so we decided to splurge a bit and order several items.

We split three entrees among the two of us. We started off with the organic vegetarian sampler which included falafel, cumin hummus, which the wife adored, roasted red pepper hummus, and the strange but oddly tasty Moroccan sweet potato salad, all of which were served with naan and crackers. Next up was the famous lamb burger, which was served with cotija cheese, spiced with a bit of Latin flavor and paired with sweet potato fries. Finally, though at this point I’d unbuttoned the top button of my jeans, we then dove into were the best fish taco’s we’ve had in a long time, they were a perfect mix of grilled tilapia and slaw jazzed up with cilantro, we had to order the spicy-hot poblano sauce on the side though, my fair lady has delicate taste buds.

Sadly, there was no room left for the organic jalapeno carrot cake or the Innocent Dark Chocolate for dessert.

Though we had to scramble out of San Antonio to head back home, we’ll definitely start making The Cove as a pit stop on our frequent journeys down to the Corpus coast – though I’m pretty sure we’ll have to allot some time for the subsequent food coma.

Visit The Cove online, check out the menu, and pay them a visit in person!

So though there are just a few of us, we’ve dutifully scoured the state of Texas to find stuff for you to do this weekend. You’re welcome…

Austin

FRIDAY
B scene: Gods and Goddesses Art Party
Blanton Museum of Art / 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Blanton wants to turn your attention to the world of Gods and Goddesses. Docent tours will showcase the museum’s works that are associated with Grecian and Roman myths. Golden Bear, an indie music fave in both Austin and Dallas, will play at 9 with DJ Jennifer spinning tunes to peruse by. There will be free cocktail snacks and a cash bar. Noms, tunes, booze and art – you can’t go wrong! It’s a steal with the cover being $5 for members and $10 non-members

SATURDAY
Porterdavis
Saxon Pub / 8:00PM – 10:00PM
For a duo who started their music careers busking in the Porter Square and Davis Square subway stations of Boston, Porterdavis has come a long way. When slide electric and acoustic guitarist Dan Barrett and Mike Meadows, a percussionist with a matchless collection of percussion instruments, moved to Austin in 2004, the duo became a trio with the addition of heartthrob Englishman Simon Wallace, who can do more with a harmonica than you will ever be able to reasonably fathom. The boys will be playing a belated birthday show for bandmate Mike at The Saxon Pub in Austin this Saturday from 8-10p.m. If you’ve not yet to have the Porterdavis experience, I highly recommend getting thee to the Saxon Pub. If you do go, request Read more

Barley House

The Barley house has been a Dallas bar staple since 1992. First at its original location at Henderson and 75 where you would see a young Old 97’s plying its song craft, now Barley House can be found at it’s newish location at 5612 Yale blvd.

The Barley has been at this new location for about three years now but since my companion last Friday was unaware of its relocation, I’ll have to assume it’s location still new to most. It becomes quite apparent when you approach the new Barley House it won’t be quite as you remember it if you’d frequented the original location.

There is a good size patio out front and the inside is more open than compared to the original with a bar partitioned down the middle to keep the chatty drinkers and the musicians and music loving regulars, separate for the most part. Though it looks different, it still feels quite the same. Read more

Hooray!

I thought this day would never come. But fortunately, Dave Heidle’s Wine Down Wednesdays are back! What’s a Wine Down Wednesday? Well, let me tell you…

Waaaay back in July of 2008, Dave Heidle, member of arguably the world’s tallest band, sneakily started a wine infused music night called, appropriately, Wine Down Wednesday. If you haven’t heard of the event, its probably because Dave isn’t exactly known for bragging on himself. But I on the other hand have absolutely no problem bragging on Dave, so I will.

The backstory: Heidle says that a good friend of his, Matt Thompson, was asked to be a part of a charity event back in June and several people were putting together a happy-hour style event at Times Ten Cellars in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas. The benefit was held every Wednesday in June. Fortunately for them, it became a huge success. Read more

Okay kids, so this week we’ve got ourselves TWO Peek of the Weeks in Austin…one from Bobby and one from our New Guy in Austin, Mark…

I’ll let Bobby go first:

Zuzu Handmade Mexican Food was a wonderful experience for me.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by all the bright colors and festive feel of the restaurant. As I glanced over the menu, I was amazed at all that this restaurant had to offer. From Pork Verde Chili to chimichangas, to chicken and chipotle Mexican pizza, to shrimp tacos, their variety was quite impressive.

I opted for the enchiladas with mole sauce and I loved it. The flavor of the mole sauce was incredible. They use only the freshest ingredients and it shows. When I placed my order with Rishi, the manager, I was welcomed by a smile that could only be described as Read more