Music Report

BAM people...here comes B*Dazzle's music report!

PASSION PIT: This group started as a little project by Michael Angelakos....he was making a Valentine's present for his girlfriend....which turned into their Chunk of Change EP. It had the catchy and dancey "Sleepyhead" tune which caught on and spread like a California wildfire. Their full length Manners is getting rave reviews, as it should. The tracks are fun and could be the beginning of pop music for people who love their tunes to be original.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart: I really didn't want to like this band...really. With a name like that and an album cover to match, I wasn't sold....until Pitchfork put their first single "Young Adult Friction" as a best new music track and added them to the P4K Fest lineup. One listen to the song was all I needed. It's happy and romantic indie music, which I'm a sucker for. Reminds me of Mates of State or The Magic Numbers.

Grizzly Bear: They've come a long way and are much more upbeat these days. The newest release has marvelous harmonies and showcases how talented these guys are....they have such wonderful voices that the instruments aren't even necessary. My favs are "Two Weeks" and "Cheerleader".

Camera Obscura: The new single "French Navy" makes me want to single along. It's very retro and catchy...I love the strings!! Their newly released album is "My Maudlin Career".

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Another one that I didn't want to like. I dig their old stuff and felt like they were selling out with the more electro-based release It's Blitz! But the more I heard "Zero" the more I liked it...and after giving the entire album a listen, here I am rec'ing it to you. Dammit YYYs....you got me! There are lots of remixes of "Zero" out there too.

Phoenix: They really can't put anything out that I don't like. They're French and their music is tres bon! The new EP (it seems like everyone is releasing EPs these days) Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Yeah, the title is pretty questionable, but the tracks most definitely are not.

Born Ruffians: They shout, they clap, they rock. Nuff said. I need to see them in concert!! If you like Clap Your Hands, you'll like these kids. The whole album is good, but my fav is "Hummingbird".

Dan Deacon: I'm saving the best for last here. The dude is ridiculously talented and his latest album is beautiful!!!! It's great for working, working out, thinking about working, distracting yourself from things that involve work.... "Of the Mountains" made me fall in love with Bromst.

Adventure Dining in the Heights

If I told you that $20 got you a Saturday night dinner from 20 of Houston's delicious restaurants including wine, beer and margaritas....would you actually believe me?

This Saturday, May 16th is the Great Taste of the Heights in one of Houston's most historic little neighborhoods. The restaurants include Shade, all of the Creeks, Bedford, The Rainbow Lodge, and Max's Wine Dive. I've never been to this event, so I can't attest to the quality and abundance of the food and bevs, but it sounds like a pretty good deal.

For more info go to: http://www.greattasteoftheheights.com/index.php

Bon appetit!!

Lost in Translation?

There's no Sophia Copolla, Scarlett Johansson karaoke scenes or Bill Murray sipping scotch here...but the Engrish definitely does not translate in the way it was intended:

http://www.etre.com/blog/2008/08/the_restaurant_called_translate_server_error/

I got GOT!!

The thought never crossed my mind that I would come back from my relaxing Easter vacation and my apartment would be unlocked and completely ransacked. But, yes, I got GOT.

The door was unlocked (I'm super OCD about locking it, so that can be discounted as a root cause) and my lights were on, but it didn't even register at first. Then I saw my brand new flat screen was gone...panic starts...my bedroom drawers are open and things are thrown all over my bed...panic, tears, fear.

After a couple of terrific friends rushed over, I calmed down a bit to notice that my Wii and all of my sentimental jewelry was gone. Unbelievable. The cops didn't seem to care much, and since it was unforced entry they kept asking if someone had my key or was mad at me. Uh...no. No fingerprinting was done...no investigation until I had an HPD friend set me up with an investigator who has yet to do anything. Who was this that completely violated my personal sanctuary and where did they take my jewelry?

Unfortunately I don't think I will ever know who they were or how I could possibly get my class ring and other keepsakes back....but I'll always wonder. All I can say is thank goodness for Renters Insurance. The crazy thing is that I have not had it in over a year because I never thought I would need it, and JUST got it two weeks before the break-in. So at least I am getting reimbursed for my losses. If you are a renter, get it. Don't question it....it's only about $100 a year, you'll probably get a discount on your car insurance, and you won't have to worry about replacing your things if something unfortunate does happen to you.

I wanted to share my learnings with everyone so that you can be better prepared than I was.

• GET RENTER'S INSURANCE!!
• Document the serial number of all of your electronics and keep inventory, pictures, booklets, etc....in a safe place.
• Hide your jewelry
• If you can, set up an intrusion alarm. Even if it's not monitored, it could still deter burglars
• Make friends with your neighbors
• Don't live somewhere with closed hallways, check the surveillance camera situation
• Ask about the break-in history before moving into a complex

Turns out that there were multiple break-ins in my area that were identical to mine and some suspects were caught, but the wonderful HPD has not kept me informed on if they were tied to my case or not.

If a chair would be sent down from Heaven...

....I have a feeling that it would look something like this....

During our family trip to the beach for Easter my parents brought some new beach chairs. Mom was super excited about it since there was a cooler and could be carried like a backpack. I was intrigued and after beach-testing it, noticed many more key features of this superior seating situation.

- Backpack...you can bring other stuff and/or ride a bike with it without any problems.

- Cup Holder....sure, for some of us two would be ideal....or if one was a koozie...but this works well.

- Built-in Cooler....it holds enough cans to get ya started.

-Storage space...big enough for a blanket, snacks, books...

-Cell phone holder...self explanatory, but it keeps your gadgets separate and easy to find after you've broken into the goodies from the cooler.

- Four different settings....you can sit up and be attentive, lay it back to catch some rays, even more to relax, or if you're crazy, all the way back to the last notch to take a siesta.

This little invention is going to make us the most comfortable jazz festers out there. Can't wait to put it to use.

You can find this amaaaaazing chair at Sam's....it might even be worth getting a membership.

Houston has a certified organic restaurant...really!

Nope, it's not April Fool's Day....the city filled with big trucks, hummers, and cowboy hats actually has some green to it. Ruggles' newest restaurant is Ruggles Green, the city's first certified organic restaurant and I dined there for the first time last night.

It's a meal you can feel good about...well unless you succumb to the temptation of the decadent desserts staring at you through their glass encasement. Although they looked so delicious (and Ruggles is known for their amazing desserts!!) that you probably wouldn't suffer from PDCD, post-dessert consumption depression.

The parking situation is not-so-hot (I had to walk from Whole Foods) and the layout didn't feel very comfy while eating. Mainly because everything was so close together and the music was rather loud. I do love Jack Johnson, but with every table seated so close together, the mixture of convos and laid-back jams made it hard for me to talk to my dining buddy....but that's the extent of the rants.

I want to go here all the time so I can try everything on the menu!! It all sounded so delicious, but I was in a chicken curry salad kind of mood. It was delicious...a perfect mixture of sweet and spicy. The dried mangoes were really what put it over the top for me!

My dining companion chose the fish tacos and raved over how delicious they were!! The plate was piled high with cabbage and fish...one can never go wrong with that!

Wine by-the-glass selection and prices were reasonable, they also have an espresso bar, and an extensive assortment of condiments for dressing up your eco-conscious meal. Everything was healthy and organic....truly a feat for Houston, which Ruggles has successfully accomplished.

I felt like I was reducing my carbon footprint with every bite I took. Can't wait to go back and try the sweet potato gnocchi!!

Indie Shirts for a Good Cause

I recently came across this website, http://www.yellowbirdproject.com/, for the Yellow Bird Project. According to the site, it's a Montreal-based non-profit group who allow musicians to design a shirt and pick a charity for the proceeds to go to.

Some of my favs:

ACL Ticket Update

Still wondering why I had not yet received an email mentioning the ticket sales for ACL 2009, I went on to the site before 10am for my advanced purchase. The prices were higher than last year, even for the early birds....and the first tier had already sold out. What was left? $160 weekend pass....that's more than twice what I paid for a weekend at Pitchfork. I was still in contemplation mode until 10:48am, an entire 48 minutes after the tickets went on sale, I received an email from ACL saying, "TICKETS ON SALE NOW!" Seriously?? C'mon ACL, at least give your loyal festivallers a heads up!!

At 10:49am, I decided that I will not be in attendance at Zilker Park this year. My hard earned cash will go to Jazz, P4K, and Voodoo Fests!!

ACL Fest Tickets On Sale Tomorrow!

For all of you loyal ACL festivallers who have been wondering, "When the HECK is ACL going to put the passes on sale???" Well fine folks, your question has finally been answered. With extremely little notice, the tickets will go on sale TOMORROW! This is for the early bird pricing...although I'm not exactly what that even entails. I suppose they wanted the early birds to also be the www.aclfestival.com site stalkers since no emails were sent out to those of us on the dist list.

Jazz Hands for Jazz Fest!!

It's Jazz Fest Time!!

The cubes are out and its time to start your planning! Well that is if you're anything like me, you've already been to the website and started daydreaming about which day is your favorite ....the taste of that first bite of cochon-de-lait po-boy....the anticipation of how the Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka is going to enhance the dance party during Big Sam's Funky Nation...and the sensation of the sweat/dust film that you adorn for the day. All of which I crave until I cross the gates for the first time!! I wonder if anyone watches me as I hand over my ticket to get scanned....I'm in my element....huge grin as I glance at the grandstands which quickly turns to a serious scan over the highlighted cubes that I've brought for the day. What are these cubes?? They're the schedule, your map for the entire days festivities. Who ya gonna see? Where are they playing? How do all of these play into your food selections??? It can be overwhelming....but no need to fear, I'm going to provide my sacred list of tricks for you to employ so that you have a Fest-astic time out there while you're groovin' on the grounds.

After my first glance, both of the Saturdays look to be tops for my musical taste. Keep in mind though, that Jazz fest isn't technically all that jazz....it's a mix of music for all ages and music preferences...so you shouldn't leave any cube uncovered, there are a lot of 'em!

First things first, PARKING. This is a royal pain in the Fairgrounds neighborhood, mainly because there is no parking other than on the street. So unless you know someone who lives in the hood, here's whatcha do. If you're staying in a hotel downtown, some have shuttles to the fest. If you're a local or driving down there, this has never failed for me. Drive on over to the Bulldog on Canal Street and there are Jazz Fest buses parked in front. I believe its a buck or two each way, but WELL WELL worth it. Grab a daiquiri on your way to the Bulldog, hop on the bus, and follow everyone as they drift towards the gate. This works in your favor on the way home...sobering walk to the bus stop, sobering ride to the Bulldog, then you can enjoy either a sobering meal or carry on some more with delicious beers at the pub.

Here are the rest of my tricks of the trade:

• Bring a hat and sunscreen...if you want to survive.
• Wear something that you don't care if it gets wet/dirty
• Can Grenade - How else are ya gonna clap for your favorite bands and keep the beers cold at the same time?
• Crawfish bread, cochon de lait po-boy, crawfish sack/oyster patty/crawfish beignet platter....like having a lil jazz fest in your mouth
• The iced-tea tastes delicious with rum...and so do the snoballs.
• How do you get the rum in? Pour it in an inconspicious bottle, put the lid back on, superglue it. Water bottles = rum/vodka/and the like, Nestea = Sweet Tea Vodka, Coke = Jack Daniels/Captain Morgan Tattoo....make sure to bring cans of the mixers.
• Check the cubes and work out your game plan before you go
• The white chocolate bread pudding is divine....
• For the Cheapskate with a disregard for the law: The Fairgrounds has A LOT of jumpable perimeter fence by the stables, or places where you can sneak beers over the fence to a buddy!
• Try a kids ticket ($5), they look the same, but beep differently when scanned (some ticket takers don't care)
• DON'T put your booze in your collapsible chair bag! They always check those: just put it in your pocket in your pants, they NEVER check there
• You can bring in one bottle of water (not including the secret one in your pocket), but DON'T break the seal or security may make you throw it out
• Try to get near a flag to make a good landmark for friends to meet up, or bring your own!
• Go to the far side from the thoroughfare at the big stages(Acura and Gentilly) when looking for a spot - less traffic means lighter crowd.
• When in doubt for a showtime slot, check out the Fais-do-do stage: always a good time and close to the food!
• If rain is possible, ladies, think about wearing rain booties. They're fun, fashionable, and remember horses do their business (shit) all over this place, so it'll save you when crossing a poop puddle!
• Make nice with your neighbors, they will be ones watching your space if you bugger off!
• Bike it there! The Fairgrounds is notorious for poor parking (it's in the middle of neighborhoods (some not so appealing at night).

The party doesn't have to stop once the last band is finished their set on the Acura Stage, the rest of the city plays host to a plethora of concerts at night. These are usually pretty big bands who either perform at the fest or just want to be in the city to enjoy the party. Check out Pollstar.com to see what's going on. My picks are Ghostland Observatory at the House of Blues April 30th and any of the Superfly at Jazzfest shows. With artists such as the Black Keys, Deathcab for Cutie, Galactic, Matt Costa and Ra Ra Riot...you'd be crazy not to go. Tickets are available on the website...shows are at the Contemporary Arts Center and are very well organized.

This is all I've got for ya folks...see ya out at the fest!!!!