Local H is in Houston tonight (5.7.04) at Fat Cat’s, along with Detachment Kit and locals By The End Of Tonight. It’s going to be a great show. See you there.
Be sure to read the interviews with various band members that I have posted over the past couple of weeks (that means keep scrolling after you read the rest of this).
CHECK IT OUT! Read a preview of the Local H show from Houston Press.
Below are some of Houston Calling‘s picks for nominations for this year’s Houston Press Music Awards. I know I have left some people off and believe me, it’s just because my memory’s hazy. I have seen a lot of talented musicians in the past year or so and remembering each one is too much a task for me. You’ll have to forgive me if I slack at times.
Please cast your vote by clicking here.
BEST NEW ACT
Wow, this is a tough one. There are so many good local acts to choose from–I have seen a lot of great new bands this past year. Is Drop Trio new? I’m not sure. I think I want to go with either Tody & The Falcon or The Methods, but it’s definitely a tough call. I say The Methods. Their sound is tough to beat–spacey, Radiohead-y guitars. Good to hear in Houston. Excellent stuff.
BEST METAL
Vote Mr. Plow, that is the name. That name again is Mr.Plow.
BEST PUNK
Again, so many good ones here. I love The Hates. Maybe The Contingency? But I think I am going with a band I recently found out about–my pick is Gun Crazy. Good stuff.
BEST FOLK/ACOUSTIC
Cameron Dezen. I think she qualifies in this category. What about Annie Lin? She has very good stuff as well.
BEST ROCK/POP
Too close to call here. Arthur Yoria is doing his best to break out around the world. Tody & The Falcon are awesome as well. And Modulator is putting out an album on a label out of NJ (I think) this summer. All good choices.
BEST C&W
Greg Wood
BEST RAP/HIP-HOP
My pick is Work. Yours should be as well.
BEST FUNK/R&B/SOUL
Since they typically fall into this category instead of rock, my pick is Fondue Monks.
BEST ROOTS ROCK/ROCKABILLY
Flip a coin. Either Luxurious Panthers or Southern Backtones. Ah, just vote for the Lux Panthers–“Pomade and Hand Grenades” is always a good listen.
BEST JAZZ
Vote for Drop Trio, no questions asked.
BEST INDIE ROCK
I assume they’re going for genre here, not an actual independent artist (aren’t they all?). For the indie band thing, my pick is either The John Sparrow or By The End Of Tonight. Although Mansion also deserve consideration. I’ll reserve my choice for now.
BEST LOUNGE DJ
I’ll go with DJ Sun, but I am sure there are equally talented DJs out there I have no clue about. Also, there’s a good article in this week’s Houston Press about DJs. Although when I saw Johnny Hooks DJ at Seven Lounge one fine Sunday, it was a great time. Gotta love “The Killing Moon” to set the tone.
BEST COVER BAND
Molly & The Ringwalds, Us & Them, or Beetle? Your guess is as good as mine. If I have to choose, I say vote for Us & Them. Anyone taking the care and dedication to their craft like this band is deserves the award.
BEST PRODUCER
Dan Workman from Sugarhill Studios has a great rep and had produced a lot of local acts.
LOCAL MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
My vote is for Arthur Yoria, simply because he seems to be doing a lot for himself both inside and outside of Houston. All musicians should work this hard. Of course, that’s easy for me to say.
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Again, Cameron Dezen.
BEST MALE VOCALIST
Tough call here. I think Tody Castillo gets my vote. Check him out on Monday nights at Onion Creek in the Heights (just down the street from Fitz’s).
BEST GUITARIST
I like Steve Olson from Fondue Monks for this. He’s a great guy, humble about his talent, and he wails with the best of them. The guitarist from duneTX’s, Chris Sacco, also deserves a nod though. Brian Bell from lemonenemy is great too.
BEST BASSIST
Rozz Zamorano of Fondue Monks fame–and also for his solo performances. See the Zam Records website for more information on his solo work.
BEST DRUMMER
Matt Kanzler, the drummer from Stride, is awesome. Want proof? Watch this. James Edwards from Moses Guest is great too. But don’t dismiss Ronnie Zamorano from Fondue Monks–anyone who’s seen him put down the sticks and play with his hands can attest to the fact he is one of the best in the city.
BEST KEYBOARDIST
Ian Varley of Drop Trio. Is there a doubt?
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (LOCAL), AND ARTIST
Big Dipper from Drop Trio. C’mon, it was my local pick of the year for 2003.
SONG OF THE YEAR, AND SONGWRITER
“I’ll Pretend” by Arthur Yoria ruled cyberspace via Garageband.com for more than a month straight. It’s a great song, no doubt, but I think I want to vote for his “Pemanent” instead. Or “Drinks at the Bar” by Tody Castillo. But it’s a tough choice.
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Arthur Yoria, perhaps? Maybe Tody for this as well? Graham Guest? There are literally dozens of great songwriters in this city. Too hard to choose.
BEST LOCAL LABEL
I’ll go with 12 Records. A former Houston Rocket helping out the local music scene? What could be better?
So there you have my picks for Houston Press Music Awards nominations. Please cast your vote soon by clicking here.
Local music this weekend:
Sound Theory will play at Rudyard’s this Saturday night with 61 Cygni and Flowers to Hide.
Fondue Monks will play out at Al’s Sports Bar II around 10 p.m. This is past West Oaks Mall at Hwy. 6 & Westheimer. Al’s is located at 16203 Westheimer.
Other shows:
Saturday
The Needles @ The Axiom
The Mechanical Boy w/ The Kidnap Soundtrack & The Tie That Binds @ Fitzgerald’s
Cerberus Shoal @ Super Happy Fun Land
Iced Earth, Children Of Bodom, and Evergrey @ The Engine Room
The Blazers w/ Patricia Vonne @ The Continental Club
Phil Pritchett w/ Green River Ordinance @ Fitzdown
Satin Hooks, 9-Volt, and The Medicine Show @ Rhythm Room
Judge Jules @ M Bar
Mickey & the Motorcars w/ Glen Eliott @ Walter’s on Washington
Spoonfed Tribe w/ Psycodillos @ Fat Cat’s
Sunday
Tiger Army, The Business, Roger Miret and the Disasters, and 12 Step Rebels @ The Meridian
Verbal Abuse, Fang, Oppressed Logic, Mercury Legion, and Race Against Time @ Fat Cat’s
Chris Neri w/ From Bubblegum To Sky @ Walter’s on Washington
Fluff @ Last Concert Cafe
Enjoy the weekend.
Now Playing in My iPOD: Doves — Lost Souls
