Rock Candy: March 2009 Archives

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 16:39:00

The 45 turns 60

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the 45 rpm record. RCA/Victor put out the first one, Eddy Arnold's "Texarkana Baby" (She's my Texarkana baby/ Do I love here? Lawdy, lawd / Her pappy came from Texas / and her mom from Arkansas) with "Bouquet of Roses" on the B-side, on March 31, 1949.

As far as tangible media goes, it's still the cheapest, best way to amass a large and awesome music collection. Particularly if you're lucky enough to have a jukebox*.

You'll find 45s, often a bit scuffed and scratched, anywhere old things are sold, but if you're looking for more pristine and specific releases, go see Bill Eginton at Arkansas CD and Record Exchange. He's got the best collection in the state. Some 100,000.

I got my prized 7 inch, the Goodees "Condition Red," there.

*Still hunting a jukebox repair man. Suggestions?

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Louis Jordan in space

Just stumbled across this: Last Saturday morning, on the last of a 13-day mission, the crew of the Shuttle Discovery woke up to Louis Jordan's "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens."

That's a long way from Brinkley.

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Tuesday: Mark Jungers, We Follow the Moon and more

Mark Jungers.

For those looking for something to do that'll keep them up until after midnight, when they can play April Fools pranks on the unsuspecting, White Water hosts Austin, Texas singer/songwriter Mark Jungers and Gordee Tentrees, from Canada. Both sound rootsy, 9 p.m., donations.

Revolution has the Militia Group's We Shot the Moon. They sound like earnest indie-rockers, 8 p.m., $12.

And Juanita's, alt-rockers One Less Reason share the bill with Sore Eyes, 9 p.m., $10.

At Afterthought, Carl Mouton hosts a jam session, 8 p.m., free.

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

The best show on TV survives

Sweet. Thanks to a cost-sharing plan with DirecTV, the critically acclaimed and criminally under-viewed NBC show "Friday Night Lights" has been renewed for two seasons. It'll pick back up on DTV next fall for 13 episodes and January for idiots like me who cancelled their DirecTV for terrible, terrible UVerse.

[Via Vulture via EW]

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments [2]

Monday, March 30, 2009 - 11:30:26

Saturday: Designer's Choice Preview

All photos by Brian Chilson.

This year’s Designer’s Choice Preview, at the Metroplex, proved to be a strong follow-up to last year’s hit inaugural event. Fashion-lovers crowded around the white-silk draped catwalk eagerly awaiting a favored designer. Though the show started late, hosts Kortu Momolu and Jerrell Scott, were worth waiting for, as they provided the crowd with witty jabs toward one another, insight on each designer and plenty of shout-outs to Little Rock.

The hosts’ collections, which book-ended the event (Momolu designs were a surprise showing), were the obvious standouts. With no introduction, Scott’s models stomped down the runway to upbeat world music. The mix of urban and tribal looks included lots of color with an emphasis on a lime green and grey stripe and black-and-white kaleidoscopic print. Though heavy-handed with the trim and embellishments, Scott’s collection was an energetic jump-start to the evening.

The show continued with collections from eight other designers, each showing a handful of looks that included something for everyone. There was a party-ready white-tiered dress with a high neckline and short hemline, from Nicole McGee, a classic black trench with blouson sleeves from Linda Thomas and breast-plate jewelry displayed on energetic models by Star Akel.

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments [1]

Monday To-Do: Yonder Mountain String Band

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND
8:30 p.m., Revolution. $20.

Talk about pickin' and grinnin'. These progressive, country- bluegrass jammers seem to be simply buddies who like to make music together. The band's history stretches back to when banjoist Dave Johnston and mandolinist Jeff Austin were still in college. Having met in Urbana, Ill., Johnston asked Austin to join and sing in his band the Bluegrassholes. Austin, who played no instrument, revealed to Johnston that he owned a mandolin, which prompted Johnston to tell him to come on down and “play anything, just play fast and loud.” Austin is also known to break into freeform scats during songs. With nine albums behind them, five of which are volumes of live recordings, this all-ages, taper-friendly show could stretch for a while.

—Paul Peterson

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Rock Candy 500 give-away extended

We've extended our give-away for the Rock Candy 500. Register now, at the Times office, and get a free pinewood derby kit (while supplies last). The entry fee is $8 in advance. All proceeds benefit a Boy Scout troop associated with Easter Seals.

The race is just around the corner. Thursday, April 9.

Everything you need to know is here.

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments [0]