1. The Theater Fire | White Ghost Shivers (The Wreck Room)

The Theater Fire have established themselves well here holding their own on the Good Records chart for awhile now. Expect selections from the album that got them there, "Everybody has a Dark Side", to be played with the all the love and attention a band usually gives it's hometown crowd. Unless of course, a band hates it's hometown (common around here). Then the crowd gets extra love and attention. The Theater FIre is playing the Wreck Room and I think that's really cool since this band is not exactly The Wreck Room's usual bread and butter. I would say that the average Wreck Room show is a little bit more "aggro", to use a word someone described me as this week. White Ghost Shivers are from Austin and I think they're probably one of the best live acts in Texas. They play this really Vaudeville style of music and none of their songs bear any resemblance to Rock in any way save for some risque subject material. I saw them at an art gallery and there was free root beer and everyone was really happy.

2. DJ Gorilla vs Bear (Cavern)

Gorilla vs. Bear has quickly turned into a one man blogging empire by branching out into the world of satellite radio and live DJ sets. I'm sure he'll be playing a mix of pop and electro tinged indie rock with some nineties hip-hop thrown in, which would be the highlight for me. Gorilla vs. Bear is probably the most famous currently active music entity in Dallas right now, more popular than any local band I can think of. Even if you can think of one getting more attention they're probably not going to get their own radio show anytime soon.

3. The Whigs | Red Monroe | Voot Cha Index (Gypsy Tea Room's "Tea Room)

"Fader" Magazine approved band The Whigs play the kind of dirty open chord pop rock that bands have been trying to perfect since The Replacements, who will always be associated with this style of playing. Red Monroe is different from the more straight ahead Dallas rock bands due to the desperate nature of the vocals rather than focusing on power pop harmonies. Voot Cha Index sound like they came out of the gumball machine at Good Records, complete with sugary songs and Brian Wilson references.

4. El Boxeo | Mega Church 1 | Everything Looks Better Upside Down (1919 Hemphill)

El Boxeo describe themselves as playing mostly "post rock" but I think they deserve better than that unfortunate and dated term. I was impressed by their minimal arrangements and the well placed dropping in and out of various instruments. I don't think enough bands realize how effective that is. Space and silence are just as important as full on rocking and it's refreshing to hear a band that understands that. Mega Church 1 plays what's been described as 8-bit prog or 8-bit doom metal. The song samples sound like the soundtrack to the 8-bit classic "Rygar". I don't get to say that enough when talking about bands. I can't really describe Everything Looks Better Upside down but I remember every song sounding different when I heard them.

5. The Prids (Rubber Gloves)

The Prids are actually compared to Van Gogh and Hemingway on their band bio. I really don't know how to address that but I do know that they sound very much like a somber British New Wave era act, though they hail from Portland. I liked the skeletal intros to a couple of their songs that kind of resembled Young Marble Giants. If you're into the newest wave of New New Wave then go to Rubber Gloves tonight.

6. Faceless Werewolves (The Aardvark)

There are a few other bands on this bill who are nothing like Faceless Werewolves. As in, they're KDGE aspiring types. I always get kind of suspicious when I notice a bill like this because a lot of times the band that sticks out ends up not playing. I think a the band usually realizes they're on a sub par bill at a sub par club and goes out drinking instead. Faceless Werewolves were, at one time, a beloved garage rock band from Denton with two boisterous females and one quiet guy that played guitar. They have since moved to the crowded music scene of Austin. They were a pretty entertaining live experience as I recall. So if Faceless Werewolves are actually playing at the Aardvark tonight then you should go.

Rose County Fair @ the Cavern

And the White Ghost Shivers are also in Dallas tomorrow with Dirtfoot at the Sons of Hermann Hall.

From the Wolvies Myspace:

Aug 5 2006 10:00P
Amsterdam Bar Dallas, TX

Sep 8 2006 11:00P
J&J's Pizza on the Square. Denton , TX

Sep 9 2006 6:00P
the Cavern Dallas, TX

Oct 13 2006 10:00P
LONGBRANCH INN AUSTIN, TX

Why won't my girlfriend let me have a life? I really want to know.

yes, JJs sounds like a good show.

faceless werewolves are fuckin' great!

The Prids is where it's at tonight.

Lars

Who else is at J&J's?

tonight at kharma The Night Game Cult and Jinx as well as visual art Transitions featuring Boda, Julie and more... also EAB at JJs

all for free

Denton is on

Yeah, I noticed that Faceless Werewolves thing. They would have no problem handpicking a bill in North Texas. I find it very confusing. In related news, Kelsey the Guitar Werewolf is one of the sexiest women I have ever met. Talent, Smarts, Looks, Style... She seems the rare lady that "has it all". The Werewolves show can be VERY hit and miss, but fuck it. It's only Rock and Roll!