Record Roundup

We didn't do a show list yesterday, because we were out enjoying nature. You should try it sometime.

A thing we did do was take a handful of CDs released by local bands this year and give them another listen to see if we liked them as much as we did when they were first released.

So here is our a-little-past, midyear review of some local releases that we're enjoying. (We're sticking mainly to the rock genre and providing extremely short reviews.)

Midlake -- The Trials of Van Occupanther
5 out 5 stars
Sonically perfect and lyrically introspective without falling into cliche confessional tangents. One of the best releases from a local band since Funland's The Funland Band or Bedhead's WhatFunLifeWas.

The Theater Fire -- Everybody Has a Dark Side
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
This still holds up after several repeat listens, due to strong songwriting by way of lyrics, instrumentation and masterful dynamic control.

The Drams -- Jubilee Drive
4 out of 5 stars
Brent Best's new project finds him exploring more expansive territory than the alt.country corner he's been constantly painted in. Swelling harmonies and fuzzy guitars make this album an enjoyable ride. Only drawbacks are that some songs carry on way too long, hitting their peaks too early.

The pAper chAse -- Now You Are One of Us
4 out of 5 stars
While not treading any new ground sound-wise, this is the most accessible album of their catalogue. Sean Kirkpatrick's piano is a key ingredient to John Congleton's extremely pliable songs, helping them stay centered when needed.

Ashburne Glen -- It's All Just a Dirty Game
4 out of 5 stars
A remarkable improvement from their first album in terms of production quality and confidence in songwriting. The album's sequencing is nearly perfect, providing the listener a ride through several emotions.

Current Leaves -- Pastense
4 out of 5 stars
A great disc that captures the best California country of the 1970s.

Blackheart Society -- Believe
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Sure, it meanders a bit, but that's what keeps the album interesting. A very good first E.P. that more than hints at guitarist/vocalist Ben Fleming's strength as a quality songwriter.

The Backsliders -- The Backsliders
3 out of 5 stars
Kim Pendleton's new project is more rock and swagger than anything she's done before. While her vocals are the standard top-notch quality that she's exhibited in the past, it's guitarist/vocalist Chris Bonner's contribution to the songs that keep them from sliding into the ho-hum variety.

Stellamaris -- Stellamaris
3 out of 5 stars
Solid songwriting that appeals more to the heart than then head. A promising E.P. that captures all the weepy elements of Brit-pop.

Bobby Ewing Recommended Nighttime Activities

Gris Gris/The Strange Boys/Cartright/Prayer for Animals all at Club Dada. Cover is $7, and it's may be 21+ (we still don't understand why Dada hasn't changed their policy to 17+ like every other club in the area). This is a solid show, not only for the genius that is Gris Gris, but for a chance to hear some great up-and-coming area bands, Prayer for Animals and Cartright, along with the always popular Strange Boys.

Lese Majesty and A Childlike Fear at the Metrognome Collective in Fort Worth. Cost is $5.

Rhett and Tim from the Happy Bullets host open mic at the Fallout Lounge in Expo Park in Dallas. Cost is free.

Last Picture Show plays at Adair's Saloon in Deep Ellum. Fans of Wilco's country side will like this band.