Galleywinter - Articles

Off The Cuff: Say You Wanna Rock and Roll

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

Some documentary filmmakers from New York spent some time with Rich O'Toole last year and captured the essence of a young band in the Texas Music scene. Love or hate Rich's music, this short film is a very cool testament to the drive and passion that makes Texas Music different from other scenes and genres.

Rich O'Toole - "Say You Wanna Rock and Roll" - A Documentary from Destroyer Digital

Brads Corner: Tide Turning to Church of Walt Wilkins?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

In this space, I've ranted about stuff I don't like as much as I have raved about stuff I do like. So, I'm often asked why I like or prefer Texas and Americana music over the more slick commercial and mainstream country offerings. Or why I don't like a particular band or album. I usually answer it's because of the relatability and realism of the lyrics and the rawness of the music.I mean, I've never picked a girl up in a green tractor or enjoyed bragging about my hillbilly bone. I much prefer hearing a singer/songwriter deliver some soulful slice of life.

Ten years ago that might've been Pat Green talking about a dancehall or Jack Ingram referencing tearing down the road in a beat up Ford pick-up. Nowadays it might include Wade Bowen conveying the mindset of soldiers overseas or Brandon Rhyder singing about a backroad.

But recently, when someone asked me about why I liked a certain person's songwriting it got me to pondering. Why do I dig this or that?

The stuff I dig is what I like to call authentic and original. I don't mind if it's influenced by someone else, but I cannot stand a blatant carbon copy. I also like seeing artistic growth...but too often in this scene bands become stagnated and make the same record over and over. Or, (even worse) they try to go so far in the opposite experimental direction that they fail.

Look around at the Texas music scene. Things are supposed to get better, right?

I mean, humans have evolved. Television has arrived at everything-HD. Light bulbs last longer and take up less energy. Sneakers are more advanced than the Chuck Taylors were upon their introduction. You can get your vision corrected through laser treatment, rather than be confined to coke bottle-thick glasses.

Everything around us improves in quality, use, and adaptability.

So why, in our precious little music scene, has the overall level of craftsmanship when it comes to songwriting, declined?

Does the next generation of music fan even know what a good song is, or do they just think something is good because they hear it on the radio?

Where is the taste? Where is the education? Where is the exploration?

If there ever comes a time when there are no Josh Griders left down here, no Eadys or no Chris Knight's being welcome.... then I think there is only the music fan to blame.

Texans have had a long love affair with their rightful heritage as the state that has produced some of the finest songwriters in the world. If we lose the increasingly small number of true songwriters we have left, aren't we losing a part of our heritage?

Everything has to go, but for a state that sticks to its historical background with the fever of 10,000 banshees, wouldn't you think there'd be a higher standard here?

That's what I've been wondering for the past couple years as bands I did not "get" or personally enjoy staked a claim in the musical heritage I hold so dear.

However, as Dylan said, the times they are a changin'. And for the good.

There is a strong undercurrent of strong talent beginning to gain traction. Not only are they remaining critic's darlings...but the public at large is starting to get turned on to them.

Slowly, but surely.

It seems to me that music fans will no longer hold the blame I alluded to earlier. They are starting to figure out which artists have legs for a lifetime of enjoyment and which one's will expire past this particular hell-raising Saturday night.

This pendulum shift is being forced by Ryan Bingham's national success, Band of Heathens global touring and notoriety, Jason Eady's steady climb to the top, Sean McConnell's acceptance, Randy Rogers Band's uncompromising major label charge and the continual evolution of Wade Bowen.

In other words, people are beginning to realize the church of Walt Wilkins is much more righteous than the church of Hell Yeah in the long run. There's nothing wrong with being in the latter when you're 18-24, but if you hang around that church solely after that age then you come off looking like Wooderson in Dazed and Confused.

Plus, the church of Walt Wilkins knows how to have a good time too...it's just classier.

MINOR CHORDS:

-This entry marks the 6th anniversary of this column...as my first one back in 2004 dealt with the Grammy's that year. What a long, strange trip it's been. Thanks to all the folks who've ever told me they dug my writing, sent an encouraging e-mail and even those who've left nasty comments. I deeply appreciate your responses.

-Speaking of Walt...will the jackass that stole his guitar please return it?

-Someone asked me on Twitter the other day why I was hating on Taylor Swift so much after I compared her singing voice to this crappy weather we're having (dull, off-putting and relentless). My answer was that she's just an easy scapegoat for a failing industry and business model at large. The old star-making major label machine is fading faster each year as listeners get more mobile, picky and sophisticated. Then, after her dreadful performance on the Grammy's cemented the fact that she cannot sing and the Internet fallout began, I just sat back silently lack a cat that had caught the canary. The mainstream that was unaware of her prior to the Kanye incident now realized what we've been saying for three years...the girl can't sing...she may be able to write some lyrics that teenage girls connect with...but she can't sing. Add in the laughable defense of her by Scott Borchetta, the Kelly Clarkson blog in response to his defense, a growing buzz of "hey, this girl really can't sing", Pink singing live while doing a Cirque de Soleil show...and the backlash has begun.

-Going to see Miranda Lambert perform this week...if I see Blake Shelton tweeting, I will break his phone. Y'all can thank me later.

-There is a movement afoot to convince the NFL to move the Super Bowl to Saturday. Makes complete sense to me...that means they probably won't do it.

-I'm very much ready for pitchers and catchers to report, spring festival season to kick off, spring weather to arrive,

-If you're interested in contributing to our new "What I'm Diggin' " feature, let us know. And, no I'm not looking for essays from archaeologists, geologists or excavators.

-Version 4.0 of Galleywinter is closer than ever. We've got some tricks up our sleeve for it. Stay tuned. We think it will be much improved.

-Who has two thumbs and still hasn't seen Avatar and has no plans to? This guy right here.

-Someone get Shayne Hollinger back on the air.

-Next month's column may just be about how I see so many talented musicians lacking motivation...why is that? Some of the most talented people I've ever seen have no ambition to get out of their small-town fame or off their couch for that matter.

-I hear something super important is going on tomorrow in Miami. I think Will Smith is riding a colt and trying to act like a saint...bienvenido a miami.

-This month's recommended film: The Hurt Locker As someone who has had family members and friends battling in the Middle East far too often these past few years...this movie hit home.

-This month's recommended album: Ray Wylie Hubbard-A: Enlightenment B. Endarkment. Perhaps the Wylie Lama's most solid effort during his creative renaissance. A bluesy, growler of an album that showcases some of the finest wit and songwriting you'll find anywhere.

-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain

Off The Cuff: What I'm Diggin'- Brandon Rhyder

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

*This is the first in a new feature we hope to bring you a lot more of in the future and as we get closer to releasing v 4.0 of Galleywinter soon. It's called "What I'm Diggin' ". It's a showcase of whatever a certain artist is into at the moment...it could be a song, band, tv show, movie, or recipe...or all those things. You will hear it straight from the horse's mouth as they say. Brandon Rhyder is one of our featured artists this month and he kicks us off!
-Brad

Right now I'm really digging entertaining... obviously from the stage, but also from another place... mi casa. We moved the whole fam damily north of Austin during the summer of 2008.Wanted to get out in the country a bit. Raise the kids around the scorpions, tarantulas and rattlesnakes my wife tells me about every time they see one. Get a place where we could stare out the back windows and not see another house. You know every man likes to whiz off his back porch from time to time... sorry if that was too visual ;)

We also wanted a house on one level. Kids love stairs and aren't afraid to become Superman, if you know what I mean?

Since we moved in I've entertained many different people for both fun and business. I love to cook and I love to create new recipes and try them out on my guests. We have a Bud Light fridge and a wine fridge and fresh meat in the freezer so most people don't seem to mind being my lab rats. In fact they usually ask when they can come back, which usually means their belly's approve.

I have a big fire pit out back and we'll roast marshmallows and let the kids run around. Reminds me of being a kid and running to get my papaw a cold beer. It just simply relaxes me and these days I'm really thankful when we can slow things down a bit and enjoy the lighter side.

You dig?

-B Rhyder

CD Reviews: Eleven Hundred Springs-This Crazy Life

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

Nobody in Texas produces foot-tapping honky-tonk music quite like Eleven Hundred Springs. Their latest record, This Crazy Life, is a rumbling heap of sawdust and country thump positivity.The 11Hondo catalog is full of albums and songs that exude the type of music that built places like Gruene Hall and Luckenbach. Lead singer and guitarist, Matt Hilyer, has a plaintive Gram Parsons type wail and Waylon's nimbleness on the Tele. Hilyer and company manage to sound traditional without sounding dated which is a large task they accomplish seemingly effortlessly. Bouncing backbeats mingle with rolling Waylon-esque guitar-riffs throughout the album.

This collection kicks off with the title track. A plucky acoustic guitar slides around electric guitars, steel guitar and a tinge of fiddle. The lyrics are a comment on the musician's vagabond lifestyle and how the protagonist would like to have a traditional lifestyle...when he's older. But, as for now he's going to happily lead the crazy life of the road. "Great American Trainwreck" is somewhat of a follow-up to the opening title track. It details the seedier side of life on the road with the type of music backing it that make you realize had this band been around in the 70's they'd be huge.

The album's first single, "Show Me The Money (Or I'll Show You the Door)", is the type of playful Buck Owens Bakersfield throwback tune that BR-549 and The Derailers used to excel at, but we haven't heard enough of lately. "The OG Blues" is actually a strong waltz that laments the way things used to be. It is refreshing to see Hilyer croon and play outside the lines favored by modern country music. "High on the Town" has a guitar riff that would make Jerry Reed proud and a thumping stand-up bass stomping throughout the entire 4 minutes plus the song lasts. The influence of Bob Wills appears on "Some Things Don't Go Together" rounding out an album's worth of Hilyer putting his own spin on the style of his heroes.

This album rocks without cranking up the snare in the mix, and it even features the aforementioned mandolin-driven waltz. I've heard very few country records over the past couple years that cover so many facets of the broad-based genre so well. I for one hope that Eleven Hundred Springs continue living this crazy life and producing music this fine.

Announcement: Who is Tore Up?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

This guy right here. :)

Hogleg!

What's Going On: 52nd Annual Grammy's Live Thread

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

Here at Galleywinter, it's a tradition to keep a running tab of the goings on of award shows...with the Grammy's being the most ridiculed and revered. As in years past, we'll have an ongoing thread with everyone and anyone chipping in with their comments.

The fun starts at 7PM Central on Sunday night. Join us!

Grammy Live Thread...click to read through 4+ hours of commentary!

What's Going On: Justin Frazell Returns

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

After being off the air full-time for far too long, our old friend Justin Frazell has recently returned full force to the morning airwaves of Dallas-Ft. Worth courtesy of 95.9 The Ranch. Stream his show online , follow him on Twitter (@JFrazellShow), or drop him an e-mail howdy.

On a personal note, I've been lucky enough to see Justin work his magic in the studio and it's refreshing to have someone who truly loves the music back on the air and in the trenches with us. Justin's ear for new talent is superior and he's been a springboard to up and comers for a decade. With the loss of Mandatory FM and Shayne Hollinger from our airwaves, anytime we can get one of the good guys back on the radio fighting the good fight is a victory for lovers of Texas music everywhere!
-Brad

Announcement: February/March 2010 Featured Artists

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

Two scene stalwarts, Brandon Rhyder and Reckless Kelly, have new albums dropping in February. Each of these acts proudly represent the best facets of what this music scene is and can be through their heartworn lyrics and dynamic music. Rhyder made his name by employing a booming voice to relate his self-penned slice of life tunes and Reckless Kelly's roots rock country have led them to become one of the most emulated bands found anywhere. For these reasons and many, many others we are proud to announce these 2 bands as our latest Featured Artists. Be on the lookout for some new Galleywinter features showcasing these 2 bands!

Order Brandon Rhyder's new album here

Order Reckless Kelly's new album here

What's Going On: 22nd Annual LJTs Texas Music Fest Camping/Tickets

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

LJT's Texas Music Fest returns in April. Ticket and Camping packages are now available. Get yours today by calling: (254) 968-8505.

The festival begins in...

What's Going On: Clubhouse Concerts Benefit Show

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

One of the finest acoustic venues in the country, Clubhouse Concerts, is having it's annual benefit fundraiser on Sunday January 31. The fundraiser keeps the Clubhouse doors open year round and provides the sound system needed. Clubhouse has fostered the careers of a variety of successful singer/songwriters including Ryan Bingham, Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue, Mike Eli and Wade Bowen among others.

There will be cool auction items and one of a kind music all day starting at 3PM. The schedule is posted below.DOORS OPEN AT 3PM

Donovan Dodd - Master of Ceremonies

4pm-5pm Susan Gibson, Jana Pochop & Ali Holder

5:15pm - 6:15pm Tommy Alverson & John Arthur Martinez

6:30pm-7pm Joey Corpening

DINNER (included in cover charge)

7:15pm-8:15pm Autumn & Brian Langlinais (with Walt backing them up on guitar)

GUITAR AUCTION

8:45pm-9:45pm Bobby Duncan & Brad Hines

10:00pm-11:00pm Walt Wilkins, Josh Grider

11:00 All Star Jam Session to finish out the night!