Top 5 TX Albums

So, I'm working on my picks for Top 5 TX albums for the Year in Review issue of Texas Music. I've narrowed it down to 13. Any comments to help me whittle it down to 5? (They are listed in no particular order)

Old 97s - Blame It On Gravity
Brent Adair - Ostrich
Carrie Rodriguez - She Ain't Me
Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Mother Truckers - Let's All Go To Bed
Paul Minor - The Marfa Project
Sheboygan - It's OK Say Yes
Sorta - Sorta
Mario Matteoli - Golden State
Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
Nelo - Nelo
Electric Touch - Electric Touch
The Steps - The Steps

Update: Couple of late additions that will likely be on many people's Top albums:

Alejandro Escovedo - Real Animal
Future Clouds and Radar - Peoria

That brings it to 15. But, I need to be cutting, not adding, at this point!

I've seen just about all of them live this year, and what a great year it has been. Here's a few pics. Click the link to go the post about the shows:

Old 97s at ACL

Brent Adair's CD Release Party at Momo's


Carrie Rodriguez at Cactus

Mother Truckers at Waterloo

Paul Minor at Quack's

Mario Matteoli at Hole in the Wall

Sheboygan at Hole in the Wall

Hayes Carll at Stubbs

Electric Touch at ACL
The Steps at Continental Club
Alejandro Escovedo at ACL
Future Clouds and Radar at Waterloo

Future Clouds and Radar, Nov. 20

Future Clouds and Radar is introducing their new CD Peoria with lots of gigs around town. They played an instore at Waterloo, then a gig at Mohawk later that night. They sounded great at both shows. Fantastic songs, great musicians. I'm testing out my Flip MinoHD. Video is really good, but I'm not pleased with audio. I may have to capture audio separately...

James McMurtry, Bluebird Nightclub, Bloomington, IN 11/18/2008.

Guest blogger Mike Conway sent these photos of James McMurtry, bringing a little taste of the Hill Country to the Midwest.

Sticks n Stones, Cedar Street, 11/17/08

Sticks n Stones, a new Rolling Stones tribute band, is brought to you by members of Household Names and Sheboygan.


Guest Videographer Paul Minor gets up close and personal. He's not exactly as shy as I am about getting in their faces. Good camera work. This is Happy, a Keith song.


Dead Flowers, this time with Mick.

Antone's, then Hole in the Wall

So, I've been on this kick where I just can't go out to one show in a night, a little concert ADHD. Last night, I started at Antone's for Aimee Bobruk and Craig Marshall. Then over to Hole in the Wall for the Sunday night festivities, a Paul Minor Presents event. Paul and friends played a few songs throughout the night, then Mario Matteoli and later Bryce Clifford. Definitely a good time and a great way to cap off a weekend.

Aimee Bobruk




A couple by Craig Marshall


Yes, I like "Afterthought." I've got him performing it several times on this site. But Paul does have lots of great songs.

This is my favorite song that Mario plays. It really showcases his lead guitar skills, lots of fun, high energy. I first remember seeing him play it at ACL a couple years back, and he tore it up last night, just like he did then.


Bryce Clifford

Momo's, then Hole in the Wall

So, I've done my share of bar hopping this weekend. Last night, I went out to see my friend Paul Minor play at Momo's. Paul was joined by Mario Matteoli, Cory Glaeser (Sheboygan), and Perry Drake (Shelley King Band) - some of the best musicians in town.

Got lots of good video, because the stage was pretty well lit.

Then, on the way home, I stopped at the Hole in the Wall, ostensibly to see Sheboygan (Cory hustled across town to play another gig). But, on stage just before Sheboygan was Snafu Kitties. I love this band. Fronted by a female piano player (Jessie England, also one of Nakia's Fresh-up Girls), they have tints of Ben Folds piano pop, but very different lyrically and vocally (probably 'cause she's a girl). I didn't get any good video because it is too dark at the Hole in the Wall for my small camera, but definitely check them out.

Here's some Sheboygan pix. Very cool, always fun, great songs. Love them!

Botticelli, then Continental Club, Nov. 7, 2008

Was lucky to be able to park myself on one block of Congress Avenue and see three great acts. First, I started out a Botticelli and saw my neighbor, Brent Adair, playing a lovely outdoor set. It was a little chilly, but with the heaters on the porch, things were pretty comfortable. Good people, good conversation... a delightful time.





Then, I walked two doors down to the Continental Club to see Fastball. I had planned to be at their show anyway, but got an email from my friend Kelly, who is Miles' wife, asking if I could help with the merch during the show. So, this is me and the merch.



Tony's fiancee Jennifer was also there, so I got a chance to break away from the table a few times. The Steps played before Fastball. They are the Austin band that won the Sound and the Jury contest for ACL Festival. Four high school kids who absolutely rock. They've got it all, the look, the sound, the skill, and the corresponding "too cool for school" attitude (they were pissed when the club's manager caught on to their "underage" status and confiscated their cocktails).

Last, but not least, there was Fastball. Always a great show, fun to watch, great songs. Love those guys. Good luck with the tour.