Preston Jones' Lone Star Sounds
Four new discs well worth a listen
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
There's so much quality music coming from North Texas acts, it's hardly fair -- there aren't enough hours to soak it all up. Four fresh discs that have caught my attention and deserve yours:
Shibboleth, Experiment in Error: The music made by Shibboleth (Rich Martin, Don Cento and James Driscoll; the threesome is joined by drummer Jim White here) is a gleeful amalgam of almost every genre under the sun. Error, the Dallas-based instrumental trio's sophomore effort completed with help from local ace Stuart Sikes -- following 2003's self-titled debut -- further cements these dazzling, dexterous artists as some of the Metroplex's most exciting. Personal fave: the electro-surf-grungy Meatballs. The disc hits stores Tuesday; the band will play a CD release party at Dallas' Sons of Hermann Hall on May 17. ( www.goshibbolethgo.com)
Stumptone, Gravity Suddenly Released: Brilliant, beautiful, heartbreaking -- that's Stumptone in a nutshell. The Fort Worth foursome's follow-up to 1999's self-titled debut is a wash of ambient, visceral rock delicate enough to cushion dreams and off-kilter enough to hasten nightmares. The group (Chris Plavidal, Peter Salisbury, Mike Throneberry and Frank Cervantez) describes their approach as striving to push the boundaries of psychedelic music. I'd say they've not only succeeded, they've set the bar quite high for anyone who dares follow. ( www.stumptone.com)
Record Hop, untitled: I've been remiss in not trumpeting this heat-seeking Denton band's self-titled (and Steve Albini-assisted) sophomore disc sooner -- it's a razor-sharp, intensely focused affair that builds upon the considerable promise of 2004's Pareidolia. Ashley Cromeens (whose searing vocals are a consistent highlight), Scott Porter, Cory Ward and Tony Wann are, collectively, a force to be reckoned with. The Record Hop crew will be here Saturday to do what they do best at Lola's Saloon. ( www.recordhop.com)
Grassfight, The French Schemes EP: Another Denton foursome worth seeking out. Nathan Forster, T. New, Nathan Reed and Travis Self make a lovely, haunted brand of music informed by such disparate influences as Johnny Cash and Radiohead (I hear Editors as well). Schemes is ideal for a nighttime drive to nowhere in particular; just be sure to keep the Joy Division-y Lawful Cells on repeat. According to the band, they've also completed a full-length with producer Chris Wilder. Currently, the quartet is offering Schemes as a free download on their Web site. ( www.grassfight.com)
Bugs in Blue
Tyler-raised guitar slinger Bugs Henderson has a fresh set of tunes ready for public consumption -- Blue Music, on the heels of 2004's Stormy Love, is a powerful clutch of 14 tunes. The guitarist, along with his trusty Shuffle Kings and special guest Susan Gibson, will celebrate the disc's release Friday with a gig at McDavid Studio.
For more info: www.bugshenderson.com
Quick hits
Visit Dallas rapper Pikahsso's (one-third of the mighty PPT) MySpace page ( www.myspace.com/pik) and sample Phell in Love with Phunkalina, a track from his forthcoming American Weirdo Pixtape -- it's lounge-y, left-field fun. ... To celebrate the release of Blame It on Gravity (look for my review in Now Playing on Tuesday), local faves Old 97's will throw a listening party Tuesday at Dallas' Granada Theater, where attendees can meet the fellas and get a copy of Gravity autographed. ... Bit of a drive, but Taste Addison kicks off Friday and features a slew of worthy performers, including Black Tie Dynasty, PPT, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Gavin DeGraw and the Black Crowes. Visit www.addisontexas.net for more info.
This week's concerts
Bugs Henderson, Susan Gibson Friday. McDavid Studio, Fort Worth. $20. 817-212-4280.
Los Tres Amigos Ride Again (Little Joe y Familia, Ruben Ramos, Roberto Pulido y los Classicos) Friday. Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth. $10-$20. Ticketmaster.
The Sword, Torche, Stinking Lizaveta Friday. Lola's Saloon, Fort Worth. $12. 817-877-0666.
Blood on the Wall, Record Hop Saturday. Lola's Saloon, Fort Worth. $10. 817-877-0666.
The Lost Trailers Saturday. Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth. $12-$15. Ticketmaster.
The Quebe Sisters Band Saturday. Open Door Coffeehouse at Trinity United Methodist Church, Arlington. $15 advance, $18 day of show. 682-667-4175.
Bandemonium Tour 2008: Menudo, NLT, V-Factory, Glowb Sunday. House of Blues, Dallas. $20-$45. Ticketmaster.
Ryan Cabrera, Nancy Silva Project Sunday. The Loft at Palladium Ballroom, Dallas. $29.50. Ticketmaster.
Air Traffic, Airline, Badenders Wednesday. Cambridge Room at House of Blues, Dallas. $10.50. Ticketmaster.
Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers presents Seven Signs Thursday. Lola's Saloon, Fort Worth. $12. 817-877-0666.
Todd Snider, Tejas Brothers Thursday. Granada Theater, Dallas. $15-$20. 972-386-6565.
