Twangfest (was Re: Half Mad Moon)
Junior writes: We just want to cross our Ts, dot our Is, and let our world famous spokesmodel Mr. Mark Wyatt step up to the plate when everything's in order. Ooo, does Mark get to wear that slinky black dress when he makes the big announcement? I think it would be fabulous with those goofy stacked heel boots he's got. Jim, still smilin' Oh and btw, despite what Matt says, the Damnations are the *best* band in Austin. Is anyone else annoyed by his constant cheerleading for the Gourds or is it just me?
Re: Twangfest (was Re: Half Mad Moon)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Oh and btw, despite what Matt says, the Damnations are the *best* band in Austin. Is anyone else annoyed by his constant cheerleading for the Gourds or is it just me? Yeah, but that's just Matt. I tend to give him a lot of leeway simply because he contributes so many killer quotables... g. dan "Without [Paul Westerberg's] songs, what would we have? Not just that, without his songs, what the hell would I be like? (Matt Cook) "I know more than I am remembering." (Matt Cook) (and if Purcell or anyone still has that great Cookster "ass-kicking" quote I'd *kill* to get it from yagracias)
Half Mad Moon
Great record. You all were right. Except that guy from Usa Today who compared the Damnations TX sister-singers to the Louvin Brother singers didn't know what he was talking about. The only similarity is the fact that the two pairs are each related by blood. I don't hear the X comparisons either, at least with regard to singing. Anyhow, when I listened to it, I expected the "second voice" to be louder in the mix, and more of a vocal contrast to the lead singer, as in the Louvins. But not so. Anyhow, a good record with clever, engaging songwriting, and best of all, a nice, tangible, chunky sound. I love the bass. -- Terry Smith
Re: Half Mad Moon
Terry, Although it is indeed exaggerating to compare them to the Louvins, the X comparisons make sense to me. I think these come out more when you see them live. They have certain sounds, harmonies, etc. that have a very "X-like" effect in that context. I forget which song it is, but they sometimes cover an X number live and it sounds damn good in their version, very true to the spirit of the original, etc. Overall, however, I find their writing and sound pretty unique. They are truly not a cookie-cutter outfit and have that rare thing, a sound and style truly their own.
Re: Half Mad Moon
BARNARD wrote: Although it is indeed exaggerating to compare them to the Louvins, the X comparisons make sense to me. I think these come out more when you see them live. They have certain sounds, harmonies, etc. that have a very "X-like" effect in that context. This struck me as well, and me and JR were at the same mid-July show as I remember.Their late October KC show was a bit more subdued and more in the spirit and sound of the record. I forget which song it is, but they sometimes cover an X number live and it sounds damn good in their version, very true to the spirit of the original, etc. "We're Desperate". They didn't do it here in KC, and they sorta smiled when I shouted out for it."You musta seen us before, huh?" was the guitar/banjo player's (Rob?) comment. Overall, however, I find their writing and sound pretty unique. They are truly not a cookie-cutter outfit and have that rare thing, a sound and style truly their own. Yup. It worries me though, all the accolades and buzz about 'em here and it's just February. We'll have 'em cut down to size by summer I reckon, and by top ten time they'll be forgotten. g b.s.
Re: Half Mad Moon
Heh, like Bill I worry a bit that all this buzz could be a problem for a fine group. Obviously people should definitely hold on and seem em live this summer, when they'll be out and about. I hope they have some staying power, in any case. Excessive buzz is always a difficult thing to deal with. I do think they've got something fresh and, in my few encounters with them, they've struck me as the kind of people I like to like, if you know what I mean. Besides that, however, I'm waiting for new Derailers, dang it!! g --junior PS. And thanks Bill for the reminder: that version of "We're Desperate" was fine fine fine
Re: Half Mad Moon
In a message dated 2/18/99 12:40:54 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Obviously people should definitely hold on and seem em live this summer, when they'll be out and about. I saw them for the first time at a Waterloo instore on tuesday, and I was impressed enough to buy the CD (on sale at $9.99). I haven't given it a lot of listening time due to the deluge of stuff in the mail this week, but I could tell it was good with one complete listen. There was an obvious difference in the live and recorded performance, part of which may be due to the fact that the album was recorded well over a year ago. I imagine they are ready to move past that material, but with the national promo machine cranking up they will have to live with it for a while. The harmonies were good, but they are no Louvins. I think the comparison with x comes from the nature of the harmonies, which I am sure some music scholar can describe better than me. I hear a lot of lower harmony (minor 3rds?) as opposed to high harmony, which the Louvins did. Nevertheless, I enjoyed them, and hope to see more in the future. The banjo ruled. Slim
Re: Half Mad Moon
Because I'm in a bad mood, this whole post really pissed me off. Can it really be that your entire self-worth is predicated on The Gourds and what others think of them? That's pathetic. This is the Damnations shot. How petulant and prissy of you to stomp your feet and hold your breath because the Gourds don't get mentioned everytime somebody praises the Damnations! Lots of people consider the Damnations superior to the Gourds. Though this may never be comprehensible within your sad little worldview, it remains a fact. To sooth yourself in the face of this grave injustice is quite natural. It's just reprehensible to do so by minimizing a great band and grudgingly acknowledging contributions of Deb and Amy as some sort of footnote to the contributions of the men that surround them. It's disgusting and I hope a bunch of female musicians corner your ass someday soon. "We're Desperate" Rob and Debra sing it. Just to add alittle: I don't think Rob and Keith are getting quite enough credit. A lot of that 'uniqueness' comes from their end of the deal. Rob is the most effective and emotional guitar player I've ever seen in my life, and I've never heard anyone say he's less than their favorite. And Keith, damn, I just point to the difference he's made in The Gourds. It's pretty damn astounding. And I honestly believe even more of it comes from Jimmy and Kev (Gourds). Jim wrote "Take It on Down the Line", used to be their drummer before Keith was (he had to quit when The Gourds 'took off')--the Jimmy in "Black Widow" is guess who? And, of course, there would be nothing without Big Daddy Russell. The first gigs D-Nation ever played outside of Austin was opening for the Gourds on a Texas swing Oct. before last (Keith played with The Gourds and decided to join). I have one of those shows on video, believe it or not. Everyone has influences. The Gourds wouldn't be like they are without The Bad Livers, etc. And Amy's songs are great songs, nothing wrong with them at all. And she's an excellent bass player. And they sing beautifully. I guess, all I'm trying to say is buy GHOST OF HALLELUJAH. You can hear more of that 'uniqueness' from everyone else involved except Amy and Deborah. I'm just freightened that The Gourds are gonna be left out of this equation when The D-Nation hits it big. It's time for them to drag The Gourds along (instead of the reverse). And don't forget Mike Nicolai, too. Everyone (including the girls) is all over his stuff. --Matt Cook
Re: Half Mad Moon
I have figured it out: The Damnations TX are a country version of Cheri Knight. It's good stuff. Slim np - duh
Re: Half Mad Moon
Slim quips: I have figured it out: The Damnations TX are a country version of Cheri Knight. Ooooh!! Mrowl! gGood one, Slim. Like I said this morning, don't let the buzz fool ya, they're a fine fine band!!! Nuff said for now, --junior
Re: Half Mad Moon
Yup. It worries me though, all the accolades and buzz about 'em here and it's just February. We'll have 'em cut down to size by summer I reckon, and by top ten time they'll be forgotten. g b.s. So which night at Twangfest are The Damnations TX gonna headline? I think it's obvious they're gonna be there. Anybody wanna bet? -- Terry Smith, who has no inside knowledge (about anything)
Re: Half Mad Moon
Actually, Terry, funny you should ask. There are, in fact, several significant developments about Twangfest lately Including headliners, and so on. We're going to get ourselves organized for an announcement of several of these developments in just a very few days. Not trying to be a tease, REALLY! We just want to cross our Ts, dot our Is, and let our world famous spokesmodel Mr. Mark Wyatt step up to the plate when everything's in order. News a-comin' soon, --junior, for the TwangGang Inc.
Re: Half Mad Moon
Terry A. Smith wrote: So which night at Twangfest are The Damnations TX gonna headline? I think it's obvious they're gonna be there. Anybody wanna bet? -- Terry Smith, who has no inside knowledge (about anything) That's hard to say Terry, since Thursday will be the Blood Oranges and Jayhawks reunion double bill, Friday will be the Green On Red and Blasters reunion double bill, and Saturday will be the Uncle Tupelo reunion show. Don't think there'll be room for a bunch of Gourds wannabees. g b.s.
Re: Half Mad Moon
You're exactly right. I am a sad case. Except, I think, you're confusing me with someone with any kind of self worth. Sure, I feel happy when someone praises one of my favorite bands' music, but it has absolutely nothing to do with me. I'm not on those records. I just wish my bud's in Austin could be appreciated the way they should be. I was just trying (poorly, I guess) pointing out that Rob and Keith where getting almost no credit at all. And I tried to tack on an ad for GHOSTS at the end (shouldn't have done that, I guess). I certainly wasn't trying to put down The Damnations. After all, the Damnations are the second best band in Austin. --Matt Cook P.S.-Sorry if I pissed you off. I pissed myself off when I reread my post, it does sound a little like I was putting the girls down a bit. JP Riedie wrote: Because I'm in a bad mood, this whole post really pissed me off. Can it really be that your entire self-worth is predicated on The Gourds and what others think of them? That's pathetic. This is the Damnations shot. How petulant and prissy of you to stomp your feet and hold your breath because the Gourds don't get mentioned everytime somebody praises the Damnations! Lots of people consider the Damnations superior to the Gourds. Though this may never be comprehensible within your sad little worldview, it remains a fact. To sooth yourself in the face of this grave injustice is quite natural. It's just reprehensible to do so by minimizing a great band and grudgingly acknowledging contributions of Deb and Amy as some sort of footnote to the contributions of the men that surround them. It's disgusting and I hope a bunch of female musicians corner your ass someday soon.
Re: Half Mad Moon
In a message dated 2/18/99 5:49:29 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have figured it out: The Damnations TX are a country version of Cheri Knight. Ooooh!! Mrowl! gGood one, Slim. Like I said this morning, don't let the buzz fool ya, they're a fine fine band!!! Oh, I like them a lot! And Cheri Knight. It was a compliment. Slim
