After catching early shows from Sugar and Gold and the mega-funky Foot Patrol (music for those with a foot fetish), I caught Shonen Knife’s set. This all female trio from Osaka, Japan showed us what women can do with guitars and choreographed stage moves. They wowed an exuberant crowd with their poppy songs and eye-popping fluorescent dresses.

I next heard Vega, a disco rock dance that put on an exciting performance with their combination of synthesizer, bass and drums. Keep your ears out for this outfit in the future.

Then came the highlight of the day for many, including me – The Sword. Playing with purpose and enthusiasm, they blew away the audience with their combination of killer tone and incredible riffs. It got me to thinking that great riffs are one of the things that are sadly lacking from rock n roll today. Thanks to The Sword for bringing them back!

Athens, Georgia’s Dead Confederate rocked me with their reverb and delay drenched sounds. Their dynamic music was both atmospheric and driving, and the members were completely absorbed in their performance, drawing you in along with them.

The much anticipated group Death started their set as night began fall, and were mightily impressive. They were nearly unheard of before their recently discovered 1974 demo was found in an attic and released by Drag City records. Proving themselves way, way, way ahead of their time, this Detroit trio played garage rock that would have sounded progressive even if it had been written ten years later.

Day 2 of Fun Fun Fun Fest promises to deliver many more thrills. Be sure to stop by Waterloo Park and catch it if you can. My picks for the day include Street Dogs, Lucero and Mission of Burma. Look out for me at those stages Darlings, and keep an eye on the Daze website for photos, interviews and more reviews.

I then moved to the Parish and entered a completely different world. When I arrived, DJ Pretty Lights was on stage and absolutely killing it. Irresistible grooves emulated from the turntable and the luscious sound waves made it impossible to keep your body still. My guess is that at least ninety percent of the crowd was dancing. Ninety percent! It was a crazed madhouse. While I’m a girl that has always advocated live music with real instruments, this set had even me appreciating electronica.

Certainly the audience, made up mostly of people in their early 20s, was already hip to this musical format. Expressing themselves through dance, members were demonstrating their individuality in relationship to the music, which is what happens when music is done well. DJ Pretty Light’s ability to do this was undeniable on Friday. His music is available free online at www.prettylightsmusic.com .

Headlining at the Parish was Eoto, comprised solely of Michael Travis and Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident. This two-man project plays a completely improvised set every night, with Mr. Travis handling the keyboards and samplers as Mr. Hann plays live drums. What was cool about this show was that it was completely in the moment; with the artists creating the music at the same instant the crowd was absorbing it. Each of their performances are completely different, so you’ll never really know what to expect from this Drum n Bass/Trip Hop duo. Dancing to a spontaneous creation while visual artists painted onstage was a wonderful way to spend a Friday night. www.myspace.com/eotomusic

Hope to see you out and about, Darlings, and check back to our website for an interview with Eoto. Be lovely ‘til then.

The dust kicked up forcing many fans to place a bandana over their mouth (I had my pink paisley one on), but it didn’t seem to stop anybody from having fun, fun, fun.

The biggest highlight for me on Saturday was Killdozer. Even if you’ve never heard of them before, you have certainly heard them. Trace the lineage of the music that became known to us as grunge, and you will find this band listed as direct ancestors. Their set that afternoon was pulsating and electric. Singer/bassist Michael Gerald proved that one can actually play an instrument and drink beer at the exact same moment, and guitarist Bill Hobson raced up the scaffolding, climbed on top of the loudspeakers, and used the metal structure to play slide with. The trio left stage with amplifiers feeding back, and the crowd (including members of the headlining acts) screaming for more.

On Sunday I caught hardcore pioneers D.O.A. Though with only one original member, (front man Joey “Shithead” Keithley) the music seemed as urgent and passionate as it was when the band formed 25 years ago. I later caught local heroes Grupo Fantasma and the radical change from punk to Latin reminded me why I love this festival so much. Anything and anyone can be celebrated here.

The Black Angels also produced big moments for me on Sunday, as the sun was setting and the stage lights began to interact with the dust in the park and added to the tribal like rhythm and heavy bass riffs.

I think of Fun Fun Fun Fest as kind of like ACL for the punk rock kids. Those of us who grew up with music meaning as much as life itself, whose friendships were forged between the latest Replacements album and the next punk rock show to hit town. For everyone who was jealous of somebody’s Dead Kennedys shirt or who checked record stores for months before finally finding that one Fugazi record, this one’s for you.

One of my top ten albums of 2007 was Ms. Bristow’s Crazy Love. I was head over heels to learn this New Zealand born artist was moving to Austin and chatted her up after the show.

Daisy: What brings you to Austin?

Jackie Bristow: Music, my love of music. I love Austin. The very first time I came here was during SXSW, which probably happens to a lot of people. I want to be inspired and be part of the musical community here.

DR: How did you get started in music?

JB: In primary school I used to sing in the church choir, and everyone had to learn the guitar and ukulele in school. Then I started singing country music when I was about 11, performing live with my sister Katrina. We used to tour in New Zealand going to festivals, our parents would drive us around. About that time I was 13 and Katrina was 10. We sang all over New Zealand. Then I went to music school, starting singing in a band when I was 15 and never looked back. Never done anything else! (laughs)

DR: You have lived in a lot of different places, including Sydney and Los Angeles. Are the scenes different wherever you go?

JB: Yeah, very different. When I was in New Zealand, I was in cover bands. I never did my own stuff, even though I wrote my own music. I didn’t know I could be a recording artist and do my thing. Then I moved to Sydney and within the first two weeks I got asked to be in this documentary, so that kind of got me into my own songwriting. I was in Sydney for about 10 years and I had a really great record deal. I worked around for 10 years, so I got to know all the musicians, play good venues and had built my profile up there a lot more. Then I moved to LA, and I had to go back to being an absolute zero, nobody. (laughs) But I fell on my feet. I met this woman from New Zealand whose husband is a brilliant keyboard player who played with Steely Dan. She helped me put a band together, so I would up playing with primo guys from Jackson Browne’s band and Melissa Etheridge’s band. So I had a really great band. But still, it’s really, really hard to get people to come to gigs in LA. Unless you’ve got big money behind you and are on the radio, people don’t go out to see music. So, I found that really hard. Then I went back to New Zealand and Australia and got some good gigs again opening up for Jimmy Webb and Phoebe Snow. So that was nice. Now, I’m in Austin. Starting at the ground again! But I can tell already from being here it’s very supportive of music and has a musical community.

DR: You played some new songs tonight. How do you approach songwriting?

JB: Most of my stuff is from my own experience. Something will happen and trigger something in me. I’ll start playing guitar, and the line will pop out and then a song will kind of evolve from that. I do play in lots of open tunings; I love playing around in open tunings. They sound really nice and helps to bring the melody.

DR: Are there certain tunings you prefer? Do you create your own?

JB: I am really lucky. On my first album, Larry Klein taught me some Joni Mitchell tunings. One of them is D-A-F#-E-A-D (high to low). It’s a beautiful tuning and I’ve written a lot of songs in that tuning. So, thanks to our hero, Joni Mitchell paving the way for all of us songwriters.

DR: What do you plan to do now in Austin?

JB: I’d like to establish myself, build a live following, make a new album. I need to find a new label, someone to work with me to put the recording out and build my profile. Play music, live a simple life.

Take a listen to Ms. Bristow and find out when her next show is at www.myspace.com/JackieBristow

Mike McColgan: At Emo’s.

DR: I think it was here at Red 7.

MM: Was it Red? We’ve been on a lot of tours, so forgive me. It becomes like a blur sometimes. That was an excellent tour. And truth be told, when we play in Texas, Austin always goes off whether we’re playing Red 7 or Emo’s. It’s always been good to us, whether we’re doing tour support or headlining.

DR: What has the band been up to since then?

MM: Since touring with Tiger Army, we worked on a brand new record, we toured with Anti-Flag, we did the Vans Warped Tour. Did a couple shows after the Warped Tour, a union convention show in Montreal for the United Food Commercial Workers. Played at Red Rocks for the first annual Punk Rocks show with NOFX, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Bouncing Souls and Frontside Five. Now, this is the second show of the State of Grace tour. The first show was supposed to be in Houston, but because of Hurricane Ike, we rescheduled that. So last night in Dallas at the House of Blues was the first show, which was great. Tonight we played at Red 7 and it was a great show. Considering what was going on weather wise it was well attended and people went crazy. People have a lot of stamina in Austin. The deal with that heat just blows my mind. It’s a testament to how good our fans are and the people here as well.

DR: Tell us about the making of the new State of Grace album.

MM: When we made this record, we tried to shake things up a bit, expand sonically, try a couple of things we might not have tried before and do things topically that we might not have done before. Say for instance on a song like “Guns.” That’s a different feel, a different topic, a different subject. Sonically, it’s a lot different than anything we’ve ever done before. We’re really proud of that song. Songs like “San Patricios” are different sonically. We stretch out the parameters of our singing and had guest vocalist Rudy Johnson come in and sing in Spanish. We wanted to smash the template up a little bit, but yet stay true to ourselves. I think we managed to do that and make an organic and personal record. We talk about the people in our lives that mean something to us; we talk about the world and how we see it and how things aren’t so great. (Laughter) I think everybody kind of gets that. It’s definitely an introspective record for sure, and it’s up with the times as well.

DR: Do you write the material collectively as a group?

MM: The last two efforts under Ted Hutt, Fading American Dream and State of Grace are probably the most cumulative group efforts. Everybody had a say about lyric and sounds, and everybody’s ideas were put in and considered and tried. That can be time consuming, and of course personalities clash and egos clash, things of that nature. But I think ultimately we come to find in our eleven songs that the best ideas won. We feel like we put forward eleven really good songs, and an album that has cohesion, is well sequenced and you can listen to it in its entirety.  We put it out on vinyl as well, and we feel really strongly about it. The record challenges the group too. As a singer I’ve never been more challenged by songs, they’re in a higher key, and I think everybody, from Marcus to John, Paul and Tobe were challenged on this record. These songs challenge our chops. We’re working on wrapping our heads around it.

DR: What is your personal approach to songwriting?

MM: For me, it’s all about hearing the melody in my head, and where I could be inspired by something. On my phone I’ve just been amassing lyrics and ideas. Even in the wake of releasing State of Grace I have new ideas and new lyrics. I know Marcus does the same and I know Johnny does the same. I think Nate Albert, who assisted us producing Savin Hill and Back to the World said to stay active, keep the mind moving, write things down and record things. Record a riff, record an idea. Get it into Garageband or into ProTools. Write the lyrics down. The more ideas you amass, the more you put forward, the more likely you’ll have eleven or twelve good ideas at the end of the day. That’s been our mantra, and that’s sustained and helped us out when we’ve made records. I really believe we’ve made four good records. Certainly, you want the last to be the best one, and I think it’s State of Grace.

DR: The spirit of punk rock seems very important to you. What started that with you and what does it mean to you?

MM: I think it started in Boston, Massachusetts in clubs like the Rathskeller, The Channel, TT The Bears, The Middle East. Just seeing bands like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, seeing the Bruisers, the Ducky Boys, the Unseen. Everybody was salt of the earth type people, no frills, no bullshit, no pretension. Just real shoot from the hip, look you in the eye type people. That’s sort of always been the mantra or the ethos of Boston and the Boston punk rock scene. Give everything you have, lay your cards down on the table, be accessible and be kind and humane and do the best you can. So that’s what I was brought up under. You know, be grateful, be humble and always take time out for the fans that took time and money out of their lives to come see you, which in today’s society is tougher than ever. Clearly we’re in extraordinarily difficult economic times. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (mortgage lenders) just got taken over by the government; Lehman Brothers is looking for a bailout. The jobless rate is horrible. Things are rough.

DR: Do you think those circumstances are much different for people than when the punk movement started in the 70′s, as far as the average working class kid is concerned?

MM: I think it was more organic and more in touch with the political climate, the struggles against a government that was out of touch than this music movement is in touch with what’s going on now. I think a lot of people tuned out.

DR: Tuned out of politics?

MM: Yeah, just tuned out of everything. Post 9/11, things have shifted and changed dramatically and I think it’s important for people to walk away from fear and reengage and try to get involved. Get off the bench in life and do something good and positive that can change the world, your neighborhood or help somebody out. I feel like that’s missing a lot these days. Joe Strummer always talked about the value of people and the value of the collective effort of people getting together and try to work for change or just work for a week to help people out. That was always an example for us. That gave you an inspiration.

DR: You are both a firefighter and a veteran of the first Gulf War. On September 11, what were your thoughts?

MM: Back on September 11, 2001, I was working on a Congressional campaign to get now Congressman Stephen Lynch elected to his Congressional district in Boston, Massachusetts, and I was at a polling precinct when I saw the first plane go into the World Trade Center on TV and then the second one in real time. My first thing to do was basically call our firehouse and see what the deal was. I volunteered immediately should we have had to go down there. I wanted in on that. I think me and this guy John Dooley were the first guys to sign up on the volunteer list to go down to New York. We were FFOP at the time, so we weren’t allowed to go down there, but if I were out of my probationary period, I would have been on that pile digging. I would have been right there.  Instead, I went to a lot of funerals for firefighters. They were difficult, horrific, sad, a tough time. One thing I learned really quickly was how brilliant, how resilient and how powerful and breathtakingly amazing the people of New York are. Just from that experience of having gone to all of those funerals, the hospitality of New Yorkers, there was something in the air. The people were selfless and being kind. Something got lost after that. That got lost in the politics of fear shoved in everybody’s face, but that’s a story for another day.

DR: Let’s talk some about the new single, “Two Angry Kids.” Is that about anyone in particular?

MM: It’s about a friend who pulled me out of a tough situation. I was about to make a real bad decision and he stuck a finger in my chest, threw me up against a wall and said, “You don’t have to make that decision.” It’s a song about being in a rough place, having been through some rough things and then having somebody who knows your ilk and your kind, who is hip to the streets, sticking a finger in my chest and telling me I didn’t have to go where I was going to go. I’m forever grateful about that. I’ll just leave it right there.

DR: Ok, so we’ll move on to your Boston Red Sox. Can they catch the Rays?

MM: Yes! I think it’s going to be hotly contested all the way to the end. At the bare minimum, we’ll get the wild card. I’m going to the game September 27th at Fenway. I’ve got grandstand seats behind home plate and I can’t wait. Fenway Park is one of my favorite places on earth.

DR: Are you a Patriots fan too?

MM: Yeah, and I still think the Patriots are going to have a winning record. I think Cassel knows the system, he’s been there for four years, he’s healthy. He’s a coaches quarterback, he knows the plays. If he’s got a little mobility in the pocket and can avoid getting hit, we’ll be fine.

Chad Tracy – Honeymoon Classics: Prolific Chad Tracy puts out another fine album that covers a lot of ground. From smooth and soulful to country swing. 9 shots

Full Service – The Dig: Some good ol’ in your face rock with loud guitars. They mix some reggae feel in too. Much coolness. 8 shots.

The Grownup Noise – Self-Titled: Imagine James Taylor playing with Elvis Costello’s band. Pretty swell, huh? Mellow, poppy sound. 8.5 shots.

Bob Simpson – Self-Titled: Great vocals plus sweet songs equals one very fine album from this West Texas artist. 9 shots.

Christine Albert – Paris, Texafrance: Beautifully crafted mix of French and Texas music. You have to hear it to believe it. The lyrics in francais make it sex-ay. 8.5 shots.

Kellye Gray Three – KG3 Live at the Bugle Boy: Some jazz singers sing. Others pour out the lyrics as naturally as breathing. Ms. Gray is definitely a natural. This is the best jazz vocal album I’ve heard all year. Easy. 9.5 shots.

Shelia Harrison – Self-Titled: This pop country 19 year old has the vocal power of a seasoned veteran. Look out if the right people hear her. 8.5 shots.

Well, there’s a bit in the good news/bad news department here. This is my last column of reviewing CDs, but the good news is that I will still be doing interviews and doing some live show reviews for the Daze.

In the last two years, I have been exposed to so much great music that I would have never heard otherwise, this issue included. I have discovered a lot of great new bands like the Frontier Brothers and the Steps, as well as keeping up on the latest of bands I already knew and loved like Reckless Kelly.

I have also gotten to make a lot of new friends, and meeting all of you lovelies out there who have said hello in person has been priceless. I look forward to continue to see you as we flower the town together.

Bands, you can keep sending your music into us at PO Box 40425, Austin, TX, 78704. Everything gets listened to at the Daze World Headquarters.

May I see all of you beautiful people on down the line….this is by no means Goodbye Darlings……

FLIPPING THE PIG – My Heroic Cadences

Is flipping pigs similar to the cow tipping we saw in the movie “Heathers?” Or is it something that you do when flipping the bird just isn’t enough?

Whatever the case, this quirky experimental album was written and recorded in a month (February even!), although it came out better than some albums people spend a year on. Very interesting sounds and unique vocals make this something you want to listen to several times just to discover all that is there.

Melodic and quite original, this CD recalls a bit of They Might Be Giants in the approach. As one of my musician friends likes to say, “Let’s have fun with this one.” A good time indeed.

8.5 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “Don’t throw the rock in the water, you’re going to hate the ripple”

ANTHONY SMITH’S TRUNK FULLA FUNK – “Life As We Know It”

Karl Denson’s keyboardist’s all-star funk band puts out an album that at times reminded me of – and I never thought I’d ever write this – Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. The vibe, the real life lyrics, the melodies and the organ sounds are all reminiscent of that landmark album.

Once I put it in my CD player, I found that there was a problem. My stereo wouldn’t go loud enough. Seriously. I wanted to turn it up and up. This is a pure R and B record, and if that’s your thing, this could immediately become a favorite new album. It has become that for me, fueled by the smooth, in the groove vocals of Walt Williams. If my CD changer gets stuck and I can only have a handful of albums to listen to, I hope this one is in there. Now that I have found that my stereo needs a volume push, let’s pray that doesn’t happen.

If this CD were released when I was a teenager, I would have excitedly run over to your house with to share it with you. Have I mentioned that I’m knocked out by it? Let me condense this to a two-word review to make it clear. “Hot Shit.”

9.5 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “Don’t be making assumptions, don’t be thinking you got me all figured out”

MARK AMBROSE – Put the Hammer Down

With songs covered by such Austin luminaries as Jane Bond and Toni Price, chances are that you know Mark Ambrose better than you think. If you listen to KGSR, you’ve probably heard his rhythm guitar playing on Gillian Welch singles as well.

This twelve-song collection gives clues to where one of Austin’s best-kept secrets may hide. With too many standout tracks to name in just a couple of paragraphs, Put The Hammer Down is a good reminder of how much fun great songs can be. While many songwriters are known for their use of melody or for their lyrics, Mr. Ambrose excels at both. His tunes and his words can stick in your head and bring a smile to your face hours after listening.

This album was produced by David Rawlings, features his lead guitar playing, as well as Ms. Welch on bass. If you’re looking for a new artist to discover for yourself, this album is a perfect pick.

9.5 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “Hallelujah for the morning light”

RECKLESS KELLY – Bulletproof

Reckless Kelly’s fifth album features some cool cover art of Australian bandit Ned “Reckless” Kelly. In it, they tackle some difficult topics such as the war in Iraq and victims of Hurricane Katrina, while throwing in the dusty outlaw type tunes that has endeared them to many of us.

The first few listens were a bit more Nashville than Texas to my ears, but after hearing it a few times, the songwriting started to standout through the production. The songs themselves are very well written, and some are becoming some of my personal favorites of theirs. Now when I play it I do hear a bit of an edge as well, it just took a bit for the polish to wear off for me.

Though not quite as reckless as some of their previous work, Bulletproof has plenty of fun under the hood, and might best be listened to cranked up with the windows rolled down as you feel the wind through your hair on Highway 290. Now on Yep-Roc Records, look for the Braun brothers and company to reach more fans than ever with this CD.

9 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “Just like every place you go Austin, Texas has the blues”

RUBY DEE AND THE SNAKEHANDLERS – Miles From Home

So Love, what is rock n roll to you? I adore my ZZ Top and Metallica as much as the next “For Those About To Rock” t-shirt wearer, but rock n roll in its purist form is often called rockabilly.

This group recalls plenty of the sound to fall into that category, although I wouldn’t completely limit them to it. Ruby Dee Phillippa’s vocals are reminiscent of Wanda Jackson, but the band also mixes in Bakersfield, California and Hank Williams as influences too. The songs have quite a bit of originality to them despite the retro feel, and that set them apart for me.

This very danceable disc had me consider filling the living room with hay and inviting some friends over for a swing dance party on the spot. My roommate Lily was either the voice of reason or party pooper depending on how you look at it, and suggested we go to the Broken Spoke instead. I think she just didn’t want to clean up. At least we still had a good time, though.

Word on the street says this outfit is moving to Austin near the end of the year, leaving Seattle heartbroken and perhaps leaving us the happiest town since Bop City. I personally can’t wait to see this band live.

9 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “You sing loud and I’ll sing louder, now we’re settin’ the woods on fire!”

THE STEPS – The Steps

This debut gives us a glimpse of a promising young group. Remember that band you loved in high school and you were sure they were going to be rock stars? That is the same feeling I get from these boys, and hey, that was the feeling that Van Halen’s classmates had at one time.

Merging together influences such as the Rolling Stones and the Strokes, the band comes off sounding a bit like Jet or the mid-60’s Kinks, but certainly aren’t clones. The rhythm guitars are pounding, the leads melodic, and the songwriting mature despite the fact none of the members are old enough to drink alcohol – legally at least.

This is an exceptional first appearance, and for a young group to play so well together is indeed rare. Certainly producer Frenchie Smith may have had a hand in that but like every major league baseball manager will tell you, the players have to go out and execute. Keep your eyes (and ears!) on The Steps; this is a band that could accomplish quite a bit in the next few years.

8.5 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “You see these outlaws, they try to rob you, steal your heart and your money too”

THE FRONTIER BROTHERS – Space Punk Starlet!

The Frontier Brothers are one of my favorite new bands, and their first full length CD did not disappoint.

Recorded with Stuart Sullivan (Okkervill River, Sublime, the Meat Puppets), Space Punk Starlet! has the characteristics of a group releasing their third or fourth album, as they have already crafted their own recognizable sound and feel. Combining honest to goodness fun with Bowie like musicality, the record goes from sounding big and happy to raw to downright luscious and beautiful. The added texture from the “Intergalactic Orchestra” is done tastefully and just not to say, “Hey man, we put a French horn on our album because we’re that cool.”

Their obvious enthusiasm is prevalent on the album, and the energy of their live shows comes through. I attended a recent show, shortly after their photo session with SPIN magazine, and the floor was shaking from the madness of the dancers. Quite a few people are becoming hip to this Austin trio, and my humble guess is many more will be after this release.

9.5 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric “I wish I could solve all the popular problems our day, so that you and I could waste away someplace nice”

The strength of GF has always been their live shows. This new release goes a long way into capturing the vibe of a live performance. There is no slick overproduction going on, just a basic “this is how we sound” approach. It worked perfectly for this band, a collection of musicians that excel at what they do. As co-founder Adrian Quesada proclaimed, “It’s the definitive Grupo Fantasma album, the one we’ve wanted to make since the beginning.”

This album is not only an accurate snapshot of the group, but is also accessible to many. Listeners of Latin, jazz, and pop can all make it their current favorite. It’s also a bit funky, as “Arroz Con Frijoles” reminded me a lot of the Meters. Despite that accessibility, it should also be popular with current fans.

9 Daisy Stars!

This year I only went on Saturday, mostly to see Ralph Stanley. His vocals were riveting and chilling. He only played banjo on one number, but it was enough. I saw Ralph Stanley play banjo. Mark that off my list of things to do in life. A true living legend, his 15 year old grandson (who plays mandolin in the Clinch Mountain Boys) spent about five minutes listing Mr. Stanley’s recent accomplishments. Minor things like the National Medal of Arts and the opening of the Ralph Stanley Museum in Virginia. Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJqULQpGTQ0

Also on my list to see was Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives. Now, I had a lot of respect for Mr. Stuart before the show. Afterward, he was all I could talk about for days. I was left speechless by his story of Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, and a song he penned for Mr. Cash. That marked only twice in my life that I’d been left speechless at a concert, the other time also being at Old Settlers. Featuring acapella gospel numbers, and an outstanding version of “Rock Island Line”, this was one of the best shows I’ve seen in years, and most people I talked to agreed. Here they are, featuring Marty and my fave guitar player, Kenny Vaughan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2xUYqFlZvg

Lastly, I was introduced to the very entertaining Todd Snider. A modern day Bob Dylan in that he profoudly captures observations of everyday life in humorous everday speech. His songs are more like one-sided conversations that you actually enjoy. He here is spinning yarns about the 60s band the Kingsman, with our very own South Austin Jug Band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bne02xIBFA

Thanks to Old Settlers Fest, I have been exposed to many legends of bluegrass that I would have never seen otherwise. Del McCoury, John Hartford and Ralph Stanley are all artists I might have never seen. This festival has given our community what no other has in that way, and we are very fortunate to have it in our own backyard. See ya at Old Settlers 2009, darling!

In a world where our government taps phone lines and searches our airline luggage, thank Venus we have a party that encourages us to be ourselves without worry of consequences. Why does it take a Brazillian tradition for us to embrace the freedom of expression this country was founded on?

—-Okay, gentlemen, please help me down from my soapbox. Thank you.—–

Carnaval 2008 was mucho fabulous! I samba-danced the night away in my bikini and heels, with a bright orange feather boa and plenty of mardi gras beads draped around my neck. My friend Lily and I both had Georgia O’Keefe-inspired flowers painted on our bellies, and wore white orchids in our hair. What did you wear, Darling? Whether you had an elaborate costume or just wore jeans and a t-shirt, I hope that you connected with the spirit of the event.

Award winning Beleza Brazil, formerly Grupo Saveiro. had us under their spell with pulsating drums and enchanting vocalist Kenia. There was also a performance by Academicos da Opera, an Austin samba school, that featured a drum circle, costumed dancers and oversized mascots. My only question was, “how can I get a scholarship to samba school?”

Everybody loves a costume party, and Carnaval is the party of this and every year. Unlike Halloween, it is not about demons and devils. It is about celebration and acceptance, allowing you to freely express yourself, and join thousands of other revelers in doing so. Viva Carnaval!

I have a wild week planned as a lot of good music is coming our way.

So you think you’re cool? See how you rate tonight, Tuesday Jan 15, as Gallows takes over Emo’s. Frontman Frank Carter was voted “coolest man in rock n roll” by New Music Express, the top music mag in the UK. He even beat out Keith Richards. Now, I might be cool, but I am not as cool as Keith. Check out Gallows pure punk sound at http://www.myspace.com/gallows .

Thursday brings The Frontier Brothers to Emo’s. I am eager to see if they can sound as good live as they do on their EP, Solar Power Struggle! which is getting quite a good buzz. Check them out for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/thefrontierbrothers .

Next Tuesday, January 22 at the Beauty Bar (can you hear the echo on my voice?) our hometown boys Brownout will kick off their tour in support of their upcoming Freestyle Records release, Homenaje. I hear all of you out there saying, “I already have a copy!” Now it’s being released internationally, which means see them now my dear before we have to share them with the rest of the world. Check out our interview with them at http://austindaze.com/?p=307 and groove to them online at http://www.myspace.com/brownoutmusic .

I hope to see all of you lovelies at these shows. Until then, cha-cha!

My day started with the Saints, who absolutely killed it as a trio. I was really looking forward to their performance and was not disappointed. They ripped through their classics such as “(I’m) Stranded” and songs from their new album, “Imperious Delirium,” which held up just as well. Look for an insightful interview with them in the next issue of the Daze.

I had heard a lot about Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, but never had a chance to check them out until Sunday. It was love at first listen as I was blown away by what I considered to be the best set I saw by anyone this weekend. The band had an incredible energy, and played cut loose rock n roll the way it was meant to be played.

Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues closed the weekend for me. Ms. Power was very eccentric, often stopping her singing to complain about the sound. She also stopped to declare that there was a medical emergency in the crowd, although no one could seem to figure out what she was talking about. Near the end of the set, she lamented that her label people only come out to see her when she’s having a bad night. Could you imagine what a Cat Power tour with Ryan Adams would be like?

My opinion of the Fun Fun Fun Fest concurred with many of the people I spoke with. It was very well done, at the perfect time of the year, and without many of the hassles of Austin’s bigger festivals. I am very much looking forward to Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008! 

Meanwhile, look for some photos of the festival to be posted on the Austin Daze web site.

The Fun Fun Fun Fest is rocking my fishnet stockings off. My welcome was Okkervil River’s Will Sheff asking the crowd, “Are you having fun, fun, fun, yet?” It didn’t take long to see the answer was clearly affirmitive, as much of the front of the audience looked like a collection of vintage bobbin head dolls as they were grooving to the group’s bouncy feel.

Seeing the Angry Somoans brought me back to my teenage years, as I got to rock out live to songs I once listened to on a third generation cassette tape through a Sony Walkman cranked up as loud as it could go. Stage diving was prevelent as they rushed through about 25 songs in 35 minutes, playing many of their well known songs, and covering Black Flag’s “Wasted.”

The group that really put the fun into the fest for me was The New Pornographers. I needed a few moments to gather myself afterward. I almost have to start dancing again just thinking about it. Kathryn Calder, you are my hero. A.C. Newman and Neko Case both referred to our fave coffee hang Spiderhouse during the show, and were rewarded with handfuls of requested Rice Krispie Bars from their booth.

Neurosis ended my night with their forceful rawk, as heavy as an oil rig in Midland. At times Sabbath-like, but also venturing into the dark land of Goth, they put together an experience as their music combined with black and white images of a nuclear holocaust and solar elcipses projected a a big screen behind them. Not for the timid.

Tomorrow promises to be absolutely killer, with the Saints, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Cat Power, Youth Brigade and dozens more to leave you worn out for work on Monday morning, but knowing that it was all worth it. Viva la weekend!

No doubt this is what to do this weekend. Don’t miss out and regret it!

My heart pounded when I found out she would be at the showing of The Cake Eaters, which she directed. It is the story of a terminally ill 15-year-old girl named Georgia, who wants to explore her sexuality with a boy that works in her school cafeteria. His name is Beagle. What a dog this boy is…. just kidding. He is actually too nice of a boy really.

So did I mention that I absolutely love Mary Stuart Masterson? It was all I could do during the Q & A session to not ask her where she got those fabulous shoes!

Oh, yes the movie…. Georgia is stricken with FA (http://www.mdausa.org/disease/fa.html), a disease that limits her ability to walk. The story moved a little slow for me, but the characterization was excellent and the acting was incredible with Bruce Dern anchoring the cast.

Which brings me back to girl crushes, because I have to admit I have also had one on Laura Dern for as long as I can remember. If I could invite four people to dinner, it would be Mary Stuart Masterson, Laura Dern, Jessica Lange and Ann-Margaret. Girl crush Heaven.

Tracy Orbison is a naïve young man who writes poetry, is addicted to food, has no self-esteem and thereby allows himself to be completely manipulated by pretty much everyone he comes into contact with. My reaction was that those people were a drag, but unfortunately, that is probably how this scenario would play out in real life. We live in a world where sincerity and trust often receive harsh punishments, so we all have to be careful. Apparently Mr. Orbison missed that day of class.

His need for approval is enhanced by his weight problem, and winds up getting him falsely accused of sex crimes and fired from his job. Not a good day. Still, the movie ends with you feeling hopeful for him, the charges are dropped, and you hope he finds a meeting of Codependent’s Anonymous.

William Baldwin plays a real slime bag, and does a wonderful job of it. Insert your own joke here.

Austin International Film Festival

Are we blessed or are we blessed? The Austin Film Festival brings us some of the best in independent cinema every fall. I only wish I could take the whole week off and see everything that I would like to.

The first AIFF film I saw this year was The Living Wake, a dark comedy that follows the eccentric K. Roth Binew in his last 24 hours before he dies of a disease that has yet to be named. One might expect a heavy look into life and death, with some profound message attached. This is no sob story, however, it turns out to be quite charming and witty.

Binew’s character has plenty of quirks, and you follow him stealing a goat, trying to get his homemade books donated to the library, and cruising in his rickshaw, pedaled by his equally peculiar sidekick, Joquin Mills. There were several outbursts of laughter by the audience, as everything became an adventure.

Completely unpredictable and brilliant, it cracked me up, entertained me and left me remembering that all our life is indeed the stage, and each of us have our own leading role, able to write the story in unique way.

Daisy’s favorite line: “Collect all the stamps you can. If you have all the postage, no one can send you threatening letters.”