Richie Bates: Good old fashioned modern songwriting

What jumps out to me about Richie Bates is the strength of his voice.  It recalls troubadours of an era where smoothness and strength went hand in hand.  Think Lyle Lovett and John Doe from LA punk band X have a vocal baby, boom, you get Richie Bates.  Listening, I was so enthralled with the sounds, simple while broad arrangements, it took me a few times through to notice the lyrics.  Great music draws you in and then rewards you for paying attention.  Upon further inspection, a writer doing his best to make sense of a world around him,  searching for his peace reveals himself.  The comforting sounds strike a contrast to the storm brewing within the words.  Song titles like " We are the Rage" and "Seek and Destroy" would seem to imply songs left over from the angst of youth. Instead we are presented with an adult dealing with realities in a world that must be lived in, all the while acknowledging the very same world is what we make of it.  What I love about these songs is you don't have to get bogged down in or even have to think about these existential turning points to press play, repeat and enjoy Richie Bates

Richard Gilbert song writing excellence

Richard Gilbert is music and songwriting distilled down to its most no nonsense, make no bones about it, essence.  Starkly beautiful, easy and fluid songs flow one into the other.  Stories told by a man who a seen a thing or two while retaining a tender view of life.  Richard shares sonic snapshots reminding you of the last days of fall when the air is still sweet, summer long gone and the first hints of winter creep into your peripheral vision.  Best with a glass of wine or high quality brew, pick a quiet evening, sit back and savor RichardGilbert

Before they are big time, The Banter Cafe DVD

Get your time capsules ready, a moment has been captured but get an extra copy for right now because we got ourselves some good music here.  Apparent to anyone involved, Denton is primed for an explosion of music and art that will make waves outside the metroplex, the true extent of its influence of which will not be known for time to come.  Of the places where this fomentation is taking place, Banter Cafe, with its eclectic mix of music, art and cuisine takes the foreground introducing new sounds and artists to a knowledgeable clientele.  Those in the know go Thursday nights to Banter, the meeting spot for local musician looking to hone their craft and make connections with others in the pursuit of musical excellence.  Many ideas have come forth as a result of this silently agreed upon forum, one of the results is a collection of music and photography capturing a moment in time while entertaining with songs from many of Denton's up and coming talents.  The photographic slideshow, shot by Bob Ralph, captures the energy and joy of artists and audience, a regular occurrence Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Banter Cafe.  Set phasers to impressed by the variety artists including Bone Doggie, 11:40, Ashley Gatta, Richard Gilbert, Matt Grigsby and others in this one hour collection.  You'll find yourself entranced by this photo collection set to some of the best local music any city has to offer.  To learn more about Banter Cafe check out http://www.dentonbanter.com/.
Proceeds from the DVD go to support DentonRadio.com.

Rawwwwrk; The Virgin Wolves

God damn, sometimes you just got an itch for some balls out rock and F-ing roll.  The Virgin Wolves keep you scatching until you're bleeding.  Fuzz and attitude abound, you'll picking dirt from your your teeth and happy about the scapes on your elbows.   A full fledged sonic assault and battery, The Virgin Wolves knock you to the canvas making you want to get back up, so they can knock you down again.  Take off the gloves and get dirty with The Virgin Wolves

For those that want a little smart with their rock: The Demigs

You crave it, you need it, rock songs with interesting structures and smart lyrics.  You want someone to give you clever pop songs and then rip your face off with a rocker in the next breath.  You desire something to hit you below the belt and between the ears at the same time, you want The Demigs. Able to shift moods song to song with the dexterity of a spider monkey through trees, The Demigs give you a little bit of everything you want to hear.  Soundscapes that would have worked in the 60's, 90's and today, there is no need for a radio when playing a Demigs album gives you all the rock and roll vitamins and minerals you need.  Now take your vitamins and listen to The Demigs.

Hobo: Reverened Irreverrent

Ah, to make the profane sacred and the sacred profane.  The Reverend Alan Cook and his band of merry men tells you tales that in the hands of a lesser men might make your hair curl.  Hobo spins yarns of real life characters perceived through a kindly lense.  Ranging far and wide in Americana music styles with a definite south Texas flavor, Hobo will have you clinking beer mugs together in camaraderie, crying in your beer or hoisting pints of beer to the sky for joy.  A good time will be had for sure and we wouldn't have it any other way. Crack open a cold one with HOBO

Beautiful train wreck: John Grant

Have you ever been around someone so talented and wondered, "Why?" and knew the answer.  Crazy lyrical sense, melodies, catchy songs, great arrangements, all the ingredients are there with a take on life if is just a little.... I just can't even come up with an adequate turn of phrase to describe it, but it might be someone you know.   A beautiful train wreck you won't be able to take your eyes or in this case ears off of, John Grant is there to give you a earful.  Take a listen, you won't be able to avert your gaze. John Grant