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« September 2006 | Main | November 2006 »
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 - 00:45:00
A Drive-By review
Occasional free-lancer Stewart Deere checked out the Drive-By Truckers' show in Memphis this weekend:
From the opening guitar crunch of “Lookout Mountain” to the whiskey drenched encore, the Drive-By Truckers delivered the southern rock goods at Memphis’s New Daisy Theater, and proved themselves worthy heirs to the mantle of
Lynyrd Skynyrd. I’ll go a step further. I believe the Truckers are better than Skynyrd ever was.
Sure Skynyrd’s triple guitar attack on the finale of “Freebird,” is something that still thrills me, but the Truckers’ songs tackle the realities of life in the South with a lyrical depth that Flannery O’Connor could dig. It might even drive her to try to crowd surf. “Try” being the key word since one zealous would be crowd surfer was stopped by a member of the theater’s security.
A song like “Puttin’ People on the Moon” is a brilliant first person account of Alabama poverty and unemployment and a government that seems
more concerned about sending people to the moon a few towns over. Although it is set during the Reagan years, the song’s themes transcend any time
period, as illustrated by Patterson Hood’s substituting “goddamned Reagan” with “goddamned Bush” at this performance.
The Truckers had their fair share of good time rock n roll moments though, despite the somewhat darker subject matter of some of their songs. “Let
There Be Rock” is a crowd pleasing account of being young and dumb and
growing up with rock n roll in your soul. Blue Oyster Cult, Ozzy Osbourne, and yes, Lynyrd Skynyrd are all name dropped.
The band’s encore was the highlight of the show. As they took swigs out of a bottle of Jack, the band played “Outfit” a meloncholly song of southern and family pride that guaranteed a sing along from audiences. They followed that with “Buttholeville,” a greasy and sleazy piece of fist pumping boogie from their first album “Gangstabilly.” They even brought out opening band the Drams (who had just finished their set when we arrived) to play along for the final song of the encore. This put the guitars onstage count up to 5 (beat that Skynyrd) but I sadly didn’t recognize the song and neither did my Drive-By Truckers concert vet friend.
The Truckers put on one of the best concerts you can hope to see at this moment in rock music. Do not pass up a chance to see them.
Monday, October 30, 2006 - 10:32:58
The tailgating experience
I'd like to tell you all about the War Memorial Stadium golf course tailgating experience from Saturday, but we did something different this year: We tailgated at a house on Monroe Street, just a short walk to the stadium, and pretty much left the golf course to the crazies (we did the crazy thing, and then some, last year for Mississippi State). We did wander through about 45 minutes before game time near the 17th green, the reserved tailgating spots, and the one thing we noticed were how clustered and close, more than ever before, all the tailgaters were. It was daunting.
Anyway, here's a Little Rock fan's view of the WMS experience.
The Mind of Matt: KISS, new movies
Matt Smith checks in Monday with the things he loves: rock (in this case, KISS) and movies ("Flags of our Fathers").:
We went to check out KISS On the Big Screen. This event was sponsored by MAGIC 105.1 FM and THE EDGE 100.3 FM. KISS has released a new DVD box, KISSOLOGY. To commemorate the release concert footage was exhibited across America at movie theatres. About 200 of the KISS faithful turned out in Little Rock. A large number of audience members wore KISS concert T’s and I saw a bit of makeup here and there in the crowd. The screen presentation ran about 90 minutes.
We talked with Sharpe Dunaway and Lindsey from 105.1 and 100.3’s Matt Cruise after the presentation. Everyone seems to agree that this DVD is mostly for the hardcore KISS fans. The six-hour running time is split over two DVD’s in the set. Four full concerts are presented with a total of 70 different individual performances by the band. The sound is 5.1 digital and other special features include video from the personal collections of the band members. The public has never seen the items from the personal vaults before now. A&E has a silly reality TV show called "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." Although Kissology is just for the hardcore KISS ARMY type fan, the reality show has appeal for the general public.
On to movies. "Flags of our Fathers" is the Clint Eastwood-directed Oscar race film for this fall. Eastwood directs another epic. The battle scenes remind me of "Saving Private Ryan." These scenes are on the same level in technical presentation and graphic violence. They are just as difficult to watch.
Some films portray death in a campy manner; "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is a prime example. They are gruesome and over the top, and the stupidity makes them easy to watch. WW 2 battle scenes are true facts. This makes the violence terrible and heavy on your mind, but it has to be there to tell the story.
The actors do a fine job in this film, especially Adam Beach. His portrayal of the trials and tribulations of the Native American member of the squad is superb. It is difficult to imagine people treating others that way in the 1940s. It had to be hard enough to fight in a war without being called such names as “Redman,” “Chief,” and “Scout” every five minutes. Name-calling has always been the venue of the idiotic and simple-minded.
Now, something else: One of the new features of this blog will be mentioning something on My Space. Over 120 million Americans use this service. It has become very important for music. With that in mind, check out www.myspace.com/arkansasrocks this is a clearing house of information for local bands in Central Arkansas. They seem to have an especially high presence in the Hot Springs area.
I will be in the VIP backstage area at the Def Leppard concert Monday Night, hope to see you there! -- Matt Smith
Friday, October 27, 2006 - 16:52:07
V Lounge's phone working, restaurant cranking
We thought it odd today of the report in the Democrat-Gazette's Weekend section that the phone for the V Lounge at Lulav was disconnected and to "stay tuned" for any update. We'll give you one now: The phone was disconnected for a couple of days earlier this week, but 374-5100 will ring right to the restaurant now and they'll be happy to take your reservation or tell you what's on the menu at the trendy, Mediterranean-Californian fusion eatery.
The reason we thought it odd was because the V Lounge at Lulav is our featured restaurant of the week in our Dining Section in yesterday's issue. Now, we can tell you of one time that we planned on running a review of a restaurant and darn if it didn't shut down the very week the review was running (that was Louis Petit's attempt at a bistro in Argenta), and another time when the featured restaurant known for its great lunches had decided that very week to discontinue its new (and brief) dinner service, the dinner being the subject of the review. As for Lulav, the reviewer had spoken with one of the proprietors late last week, and nary a word was mentioned that V Lounge might be closing doors, which to us is the hint of writing that a phone's been disconnected.
Anyway, the V Lounge is alive and kicking. We figure an update indeed will be coming in the Democrat-Gazette next Friday saying as much.
To do Friday: Al Green, the Village opens, B Side at the Peabody
Lots of music choices and get-out-on-the-town choices tonight, starting with Al Green in concert at the Riverfest Amphitheater, with Green scheduled to go on about 9 p.m. Prelim music is supposed to start at 6 p.m., but we're guessing it will be a little later. Camden native Michael Burks is scheduled to have his blues guitar rarin' to go as one of the openers. There are plenty of $10 tickets available for the grass. Bring a blanket or two.
The Village opens, and we're not talking about M. Night Shyamalan's film. No, rather it's the newest thing on the club scene in Little Rock, a venue holding up to 1,000 folks and designed in line with such venues as the famed Norva in Norfolk, Va., taking care of that need in Little Rock for a facility between 600 and 2,000 capacity. The old Cinema 150, which sat vacant for almost three years, has been renovated into a night club. Kicking off the Village's life is Memphis alt-country-rock band Lucero, with Little Rock's Ben Nichols on vocals and guitar. Opening acts start at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.
The Peabody Hotel brings back its RiverTop Party for one fall night to celebrate the Razorback game scheduled for Little Rock on Saturday at the stadium. Tonight, Fayetteville-s popular jam-funk band B Side will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Admission is $5. It should work out where Al Green wraps up about 10:15 p.m., and you can just walk up the street a few short blocks and party wituh B Side.
The Mind of Matt: On DLR at the fair
Wow, they only come out at night, or whenever Matt Smith blogs now. Here's Matt on David Lee Roth's show last Friday at the state fair (you can also catch a review by DLR/Van Halen fan Mark Frazier in this week's issue of the Times; though I'll also say other folks from around here said Diamond Dave acted a little showtune-y or loungy with his whole stage act, whatever that means, and how about that hair? Eddie Van Halen's not going to go for that if DLR thinks he's going to do a reunion tour):
I have never been to a State Fair. They are just not for me. But, I made an exception this year. I went to see David Lee Roth. I had already seen Diamond Dave this year in Chicago. I didn’t plan on going. So why did I attend? Jeff Allen and The Point 94.1 FM. Jeff said, “Come on out! It will be a good time; Dave’s doing his classic Van Halen songs.” It worked out perfectly. The Point 94.1 and Jeff got me a parking place in the production area right down from DLR’s bus. We also received front-row, center-stage seats. This just couldn’t be beat.
Dave opened with “Hot For Teacher.” My friend Mark the Magician was down in the front going crazy. He thinks Roth is tremendous. Mark had to be one of the biggest fans at the show. Hit him up sometime at www.myspace.com/mthemagician. He is a real rock 'n' roll fan. “California Girls” was up next, and David Lee constantly clowned for the crowd. He danced, he jumped, and really seemed to be trying to take this show over the top. “Paradise” and “Runnin’ With the Devil” were quick and included a bit of posing for the crowd down front shooting photos.
I hit the beer tent as the band played “Eruption” and Diamond Dave took time to introduce the band. I ran into Sharpe Dunaway and Lindsey from
Magic 105.1FM. Well, that meant drinks all around! I owed them a few! It
is always a blast to see the regular suspects at a rock concert. I returned down front as “Beautiful Girls” kicked off. Roth really chatted up the ladies for this one! Mandi was taking photos all night. At one point during the show he asked for her camera. Dave put the camera down the front of his pants and ran around during the song. We have bought a new camera! That one has been retired. I may just drop it off at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame when I visit in February!“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” burned with a nice intro from the guitar, but it was still cold out there. The stage is just too high in the front. I know it’s like that for the crowd in the back, but it is uncomfortable when you have to look almost straight up during the entire show. I would think that with the size of the fair grounds, there would be a better place to put the stage.
“Jamies Cryin” was about half way thru when I visited the tent for drinks again. Matt Cruz and Blake from The Edge 100.3 FM were holding it down “near the beer.’ Drinks all around! These guys also took a TON of photos, and you can find them at the radio station web site.
“Cradle Will Rock,” “Just A Gigalo,” and “Panama” all flowed with a continuation of the banter with the audience. DLR talked about fairs, Arkansas, old songs, just about anything to show that he was in a good mood. “Dance the Night Away,” “Ice Cream Man,” “Everybody Wants Some,” “Ain’t Talkin’ About Love” were also featured. The show did a great job of covering classic Van Halen, David Lee’s solo music and “newer” Van Halen. The encore was “Jump”.
There really wasn’t a lot of backstage access at this show. People say that David Lee Roth has a “ROCKSTAR” attitude. I don’t know first hand. I know he didn’t want people backstage. No one from the radio, or production, and didn’t seem to want any women stopping by the bus either.
I didn’t see any autographs being signed after the show. IF he has that attitude, I don’t see why. It has been a LONG tuff time since 1985. There haven’t been many hit songs for Dave in the past couple decades. Who knows what he is thinking? Dude, you are playing the State Fair! Hello! Wake Up!
Yes, those rumors of a David Lee Roth return to the Van Halen lineup continue to circulate. They will until it happens or someone dies. That is just the way it is. People always dream of a reunion tour with the classic, original line up. Hope springs eternal for music fans.
ROTH vs. HAGAR debate? I must weigh in on this one! I have seen Sammy Hagar with Van Halen. I have been on a cruise with Sammy Hagar. I have been on the stage with Sammy. I have seen Sammy in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. I have been on the Sammy Hagar tour. I’ve been to the Cabo Wabo Cantina Birthday Bash … SAMMY HAGAR KILLS THIS GUY! Period.
Sammy has a current tour and album. Sammy is GREAT with his fans. Sammy still ROCKS! There, I said it.
“INSANE” -- Matt Smith
Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 13:27:24
J.R. and Henry's Thursday Column: The new Hogs
J.R. and Henry: A new beginning
It’s the beginning of a new season. What, you say? There’s a little bit of truth to that if you compare the Razorback team that kicks off on Saturday with the team that played Southern California many moons ago. The Razorbacks, after a 50-14 whipping in Fayetteville to start the year, have rolled off six straight victories under the leadership of freshman quarterback Mitch Mustain and the play of sophomore tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
But the Razorback’s schedule, with the exception of USC and Auburn, was filled with cupcakes: Southeast Missouri State, Utah State, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. Alabama has yet to decide what kind of team it wants to be – the team that plays Tennessee and Arkansas down to the final minutes or the team that barely beats Ole Miss.
This is not a knock on the Razorbacks – at No. 13 in the Bowl Championship Series standings, this team is good. And they have a chance, for the first time since the invention of the BCS, to make a real mess of the national championship picture.
J.R. and Henry's Sports Column: Just in time for Game 3
Razorback tickets for Alltel go on sale Nov. 6
Alejandro Escovedo performs in Conway on Saturday
Big weekend for new movies locally
J.R. and Henry's Sports Column: Saturday is Hogs' proving day
The Mind of Matt: A visit to the 'Brickyard'
Here's a show I'd like to see at Alltel Arena
Hogs' first LR game set for 6 p.m.
J.R. and Henry's Sports Column: BCS a mess
The Mind of Matt; Some new movies, and more from Indy
To do this weekend: Fair, Fair, Fair
The Mind of Matt: Football out of state
Have you seen the new Chris Henry vid?
J.R. and Henry's Sports Column: Good times for Hogs
To do Thursday: The Galways headline Symphony's "The Masters" show
The Mind of Matt: In Indy, and 'The Departed' is one great movie
Evanescence hits No. 1 on Billboard
Tennessean's view: Dracula easier to kill off than Houston Nutt
To do Tuesday: Cryptic show
J.R. and Henry's Sports Column: Being an SEC coach
The Mind of Matt: Wrapping up Detroit, some newer movies and food
J.R. and Henry's Sports Column: Auburn in a blowout, and other UA problems
From NWA: Simple T-shirts spark philosophical debate
Review: Raitt and Keb' Mo' were sensational
The Mind of Matt: Slaughtering Detroit
To do Tuesday: Bonnie and Keb' Mo'
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