I know, I know, it’s several Tuesdays since I published the Ten for Your Attention segment. Time constraints have made it harder for me to publish in general as of late. Plus, I have to say that many Dallas/Fort Worth artists have been keeping a low profile as of late. I mean, a REALLY low profile… as in hardly releasing anything. Still, I have several good recommendations for new tunes in the metroplex area, as well as a few throughout the rest of this fine state.
As always, I list the acts in alphabetical order, so first off is Dallas act Acid Carousel. It’s a groovy bit of 1960’s style pop, ya dig?
The Ghost normally doesn’t get into heavy rock, but there’s something about Creepeth that makes me want to make an exception. Perhaps it’s the punk tendencies found in tracks like “Dig Your Nails”. Whatever it is, this is a song worth playing at volumes that will tick off your neighbors.
I recently received an email from San Antonio native Douglas Miles Clarke, and he shared his recent album, Oh California, with me. A number of the tracks were engineered by the one and only John Dufilho, and it’s always a promising sign when an act gets to name drop Mr. Dufilho in any way, shape, or form. Ironically, my favorite track off the album had no input from Mr. Dufilho. “Into the Sun” is a multi-part, gorgeous, 1960’s influenced track that is worth every second of the 7+ minutes you’ll spend listening to the song.
Next up? Indie surf rock act Origami Obituary, with “Bunny and the Fox”. Lots of 1960’s vibe on this track as well. Seems to be the rage in San Antonio, which is home to Origami Obituary in addition to the aforementioned Douglas Miles Clarke.
Let’s keep the new music going with Paper Saints. Here’s a brand new demo of theirs called “Own Alone”.
There are certain labels that have a good enough reputation that when they release music, it’s worth noting. Idol Records fits that category, as does Hand Drawn Records. But I’d also have to add Dreamy Life Records to that list. Their latest release is from Prof.Fuzz 63, a group that has had some rather interesting comparisons. Fans have described them as everything from the “love child of Tom Waits and the Supersuckers” to “1991 Mudhoney with fuzzed out guitars and British Invasion organ.” My favorite comparison? The person who said they sound “like the Velvet Underground, but not as cool as Lou Reed because, who is?” Can’t argue with that logic. Speaking of cool, you’ve gotta love an act that would name a song “Minnie Pearl Watch Over Me”.
Reagan James has been doing quite well for herself since her appearance on The Voice. She managed to chart at #8 on Central Track’s best local tracks of 2015, and she’ll be releasing an album January 29th. If the track “7” is any indication, this album will be a very intriguing, sultry batch of songs.
Dallas based act Shapes and Faces first came to my attention in 2014 with their Skylines album, and they’re back with their latest effort, Via Satellite. This is my favorite track from the album.
If you can’t decide on whether you want to listen to some dreamy pop or mellow psychedelia, then Austin band Tiger Waves (shown above) may just be what you need. I haven’t spent as much time as I need to with their album Tippy Beach, but everything I’m hearing leaves me craving more from this band. I selected “In Your Head” to share with you, but really, you could just put the CD on random and you’d land on something that sounds good.
Last, and certainly not least, is Dallas songstress Vanessa Peters. Her latest album, The Burden of Unshakeable Proof, comes out March 1st. While only four songs from the album are available for purchase at the moment, this looks like typical Vanessa Peters fare. Translation: her vocals are strong and emotive, and her lyrics will hit you in the heart and in every one of your “206 Bones”.