Courtenay’s Cuts: Session 15

OLD
Elton John – Someone Saved my Life Tonight (1975)

So I’ve basically been on a huge Elton John kick lately. Let’s just say I’ve listened to this track way too much in the past week. I’m just itching to sing this the next time I go out to do karaoke (a favorite pastime). Talk about a catchy refrain. This song is just one of many other things that are leading me to discover how great the 1970s really were. So expect to see a lot from this decade these next few months on Courtenay’s Cuts.

NEW
Vampire Weekend – Horchata (2010)

I loves this song from the very first line, “In December, drinking horchata.” I’d like to mention now that horchata is one of the best things to result from humankind. I’m always down for some sweet, milky horchata. So I can personally identify with this song. I’m also impressed with the rhyming of ‘horchata’ with ‘balaclava’. Nerdy indie pop at its finest. As a side note, if you’re looking for horchata in Dallas, my personal recommendation is the Fiesta at Ross and Henderson. You won’t be sorry.

BORROWED
Yo La Tengo – Little Honda (1997)

Yes, I know it seems like I write about Yo La Tengo constantly. But they’re so good! And how could I resist writing about their Beach Boys cover just two days before they will be in Dallas to play a show? Upon first listen of I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One (one of my FAVORITE Yo La Tengo albums), I didn’t even realize this was a cover. I was searching for the deep hidden metaphors in the lyrics, then I realized that it’s just a song about taking a girl out on your “motorbike”.

BLUE
Dean Martin – Little Ole Wine Drinker Me (1967)

This is one of those songs that doesn’t necessarily sound sad because of the tempo and bouncy melody. But battling a broken heart with alcohol isn’t exactly lighthearted fare. When you’re crying in the corner of a bar over a lost love, it’s time to make a change. I love country music.

where you’ll find me
1/27: The Fiery Furnaces at The Lounge on Elm Street – I’m definitely taking advantage of seeing this band play in such a small venue! I can’t wait!
1/30: Yo La Tengo at Granada Theater – one of my favorite bands ever.

Courtenay’s Cuts: Session 12

OLD
Len – Steal my Sunshine (1999)

This is why I love the 90s. They don’t make songs like this anymore! This is a pop classic. I’m currently still searching for a partner in karaoke crime to accompany me on this song one evening (hint, hint). I especially love the narrative parts; call me crazy but I miss the way people talked in the 90s. It was somehow different/better. Eleanor Morrow puts it best: “I guess the 1990s are now the 1970s. It depends on where you’re staring at them from, and how hard you’re looking.”

NEW
El Perro Del Mar – Gotta Get Smart (2009)

I’ll just say it: El Perro Del Mar’s new record is brilliant. This opening track is the clear standout to me, along with her amazing cover of Lou Reed’s “Heavenly Arms.” I saw her play live last week at House of Blues, and it was fantastic! She really connects to the audience in a way a lot of independent artists don’t, and she’s also absolutely adorable. This song was my favorite; the buildup to the second half of the song (“go on, go on, go on”) was seriously so emotional for me, tee hee. But anyway, this is easily my break up song of ’09. I was so impressed with her I had to get a picture with her after the show!

BORROWED
Solange – Stillness is the Move (2009)

Wowza! Solange covers a track off of the Dirty Projectors’ latest, Bitte Orca. The original already had a definite R&B flavor, and Solange takes it there. There have been mixed reviews of this track since it’s online only release last week, but I’m definitely Team Solange here. While it doesn’t outshine the original, it’s great in its own right. So fresh and delicious. I could easily see this as being a Top 40 single, but as of now there are no plans for official release. Enjoy!

BLUE
The Fiery Furnaces – Benton Harbor Blues (2003)

This song was born to be in this category, and not just for the title. The lyrics have that special tinge of depression that is somehow uplifting. But maybe that’s the warm Rhodes-esque keyboard part. I encourage you to give this song several listens – this is a song that needs nurturing. And the reward is well worth it.

where you’ll find me
11/19: The Mountain Goats at Granada Theater (!!!)
11/21: Eaton Lake Tonics and The Slow Burners at City Tavern
11/21: KPNI and Program Council’s very own Battle of the Bands! Check it out at the quad 3 – 6 p.m.

by Courtenay Paris
cparis@smu.edu

Arts Blogs: Dallas Offers Variety in Music

Posted by Ashley Foerster

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy the music scene in Dallas.

I must admit when I came to SMU three short years ago, I thought it would be all big hair and cowboy boots, Texas two stepping and country music. And while I’ve seen plenty of big hair and heard plenty of country music (enough for a lifetime, in fact), I am amazed at Dallas’s impressive indie music scene.

With several venues like The Palladium Ballroom and The Granada, it’s easy (and affordable) to see at least one good show a week.

On Halloween, the band Ghostland Observatory rocked a packed Palladium Ballroom with a ridiculous laser light show. Just last week Pretty Lights played at The Granada. And Rooney is scheduled to perform there in December and The Avett Brothers in January.

So stop complaining about the economy and go see a cheap (and, of course, good) show!

Courtenay’s Cuts: Session 6

OLD
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – One Rainy Wish (1968)

The beauty of this song is how it perfectly evokes the imagery of the lyrics. As if Jimi’s lilting voice weren’t gorgeous enough, the guitar melodies just make everything even more lovely. If only the colors of all my dreams would sound like this.

NEW
Moby – Shot in the Back of the Head (2009) ? free download!

I love listening to instrumental music that makes my life suddenly seem more glamorous and meaningful. This is definitely one of those songs. If the guitar riff didn’t make this song cool enough, the video was directed by David Lynch! This whole album, titled Wait for Me, is really some of Moby’s best work since 1999’s Play. Maybe I’m just a Mobyhead, but I dig it.

BORROWED
Pattern is Movement – How Does it Feel? (2009)

These guys are one of my favorite bands right now. If you’ve never witnessed Chris Ward freak out on the drums and Andrew Thiboldeaux massage your ears with his crooning and keyboarding, your life is not yet complete. And they certainly do D’Angelo justice with this awesome cover. I’ll be honest; I’ve been crazy obsessed with this rendition lately. Checking this one out will not result in disappointment, pinky promise.

BLUE
Eels - Climbing to the Moon (1998)

The album this track comes from, Electro-shock Blues, was written as a response to the deaths of lead singer Mark Oliver Everett’s sister and mother. For what could be a pretty depressing album, I feel surprisingly uplifted by it. I especially love this song – although we may not all have been in mental institutions before, I’m sure most can relate to some aspect of this song.

WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME
09/30: The Get Up Kids at Granada Theater
10/01: Eaton Lake Tonics and RTB2 at Dan’s Silver Leaf (Denton)
10/04: Moby at the Palladium

FREE download of the week!
Soren Anders does a cover of “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” by The Smiths

by Courtenay Paris

Night Life Blog: Who’s on at the Granada

Posted by Shelley Smith

Make sure you keep your nights free! A whole week of awesome bands at the Granada awaits.

Monday, Nov. 3- Soulfly 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 5- Savory Brown 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 6- Perpetual Groove 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m)
Friday, Nov. 7- Deerhoof 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)

Check out their website to learn more about the bands and get your tickets!

Night Life Blog: Music at Granada this week…

Posted by Shelley Smith

Listen up– Here’s the lineup for the Granada this week…keep checking each week for future lineups.

Butthole Surfers- Wednesday, 10/22 8 p.m.

Cas Haley- Thursday, 10/23 8 p.m.

Ian Moore- Saturday, 10/25 7 p.m.

Sarah Bettens- Sunday, 10/26 8 p.m.

Best $15 I’ve spent in a long time

Posted by Caitlin Myers

Despite the new ban on Thursday night parties, I had a great time last night. SAE hosted a performance by the Eli Young Band at The Granada, and it was the best $15 I’ve spent in a long time (I got my ticket early. Those not-in-the-know had to pay $20 at the door.)

The last concert I went to was Snoop Dogg and 311 this summer– a hard act to follow considering my deep love for both.

However, last night’s concert was nothing short of amazing. The band sang the perfect mix of fan favorites like “When It Rains” and “Small Town Kid,” along with songs off their new album Jet Black & Jealous.

What made it truly great, though, was the small crowd. I got there probably 20 minutes before the band went on, yet I was still able to stand right up against the stage. Granted, I did have to push my way through some drunk sorority girls, but it was well worth the battle.

Speaking of sorority girls, the night quickly turned into a contest to see which sorority could get the most buttons emblazoned with their letters onto one of the band members. Girls wildly waved the multi-colored buttons in the air, begging lead singer Mike Eli to pin himself with their Greek letters. A little annoying, yes, but I guess it’s better than throwing bras and panties on stage, right sorority advisors?

Buttons aside (and I admit I did feel pretty victorious to see quite a few Chi O ones up there), I had a very successful night. For those who missed out, don’t fret. The band has shows scheduled for Oct. 10 at the American Airlines Center and Oct. 31 at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth.