Bonus MP3: Mom — “Skipping Stones”

Mom brings the comfort music. (Melanie Gomez) I basically pour out my heart for Denton’s electronic instrumental folk act Mom in my column in this week’s paper, praising the band for its organic, mature sound. Mother’s Day was an excuse for me to run the column on this band, who…

Costello’s New Momofuku Now Available In Disc Form

In this week’s paper, Robert Wilonsky steps up and offers his take on the new Elvis Costello and The Imposters record, Momofuku, praising both its sound (“Costello hasn’t sounded so refreshed, relaxed, engaged or enraged in years”) and the fact that Costello chose to release this disc in vinyl solely…

Observer Writer Jesse Hughey Named Clubs Editor

In case you missed his posting, Friday was Rich Lopez’s last day as the Dallas Observer’s clubs editor. Now that he is raking in the big bucks as a freelance writer and bookstore clerk, I have the formidable task of taking over for him. That means club owners, music booking…

Tomorrowpeople Reunion Upcoming; More Shows And Music To Come?

In the late ’90s, Tomorrowpeople was on top of the local music world. Comprised of former Toadies and Brutal Juice members, the band was signed to Geffen Records and even recorded the tracks for its debut major label release. But then complications arose; the band and label parted ways, and…

Like Father, Not Like Son: Jakob Dylan Skipping Dallas

Not only did rock icon Bob Dylan recently performed three sold out shows at House of Blues, but the famed songwriter seems to include Dallas as a stop on just about every tour he has. Odd then that his son Jakob would stub the metroplex for his initial solo tour…

Gang of Four’s Now Back To A Gang Of Two

One of the best shows to hit the Gypsy Tea Room prior to its demise was the reformed Gang of Four in late 2005. The legendary post-punkers were together for the first time in their original incarnation since 1982 and blitzed the audience with classics such as “At Home He’s…

Giveaway: Signed Copy Of Mogwai’s Young Team Re-Issue

Scottish post-rock act Mogwai is reissuing its 1997 debut, Young Team. The re-release, due May 26 from Chemikal Underground, will be available as a double-CD or limited-edition, quadruple vinyl box-set; new liner notes were penned by journalist/writer Keith Cameron. And, now, our sister paper in St. Louis is giving away…

Last Night: DJ Jazzy Jeff At Ghostbar

DJ Jazzy Jeff with Mad Skillz May 6, 2008 Ghostbar Better than: Watching a Will Smith concert during his Willenium phase. Victory Park is such an anomaly to me. Arriving in the area at 11 p.m., there was nary a car on the road but–damn!–if all the parking meters weren’t…

Merry and the Mood Swings to Headline This Weekend’s Mamapalooza

The 4th annual Mamapalooza concert takes place this Saturday night at Opening Bell Coffee, featuring three acts that share a common bond: motherhood. “We’re all moms this year as opposed to just females as in the past,” says event coordinator Mary Hestand, who also sings for the headliner Mary and…

Freak Dancing In Argyle No Longer An Issue?

You might remember this story from last fall? About how Argyle tried banning freak dancing from its schools? Well, we’ve got an update. With prom season in full swing, we were curious about how things were these days in the quiet town of Argyle. Was freak dancing still a concern?…

Tom Waits Announces Upcoming Tour, Plays Dallas on June 23

Word came down from the mountain this A.M. that the world’s greatest carnival barker and balladeer, Tom Waits, will grace the stage of the Palladium Ballroom on June 23, his first Dallas appearance since, oh, 1979 or so. (If you’re interested in a road trip, he’ll also be playing El…

Last Night: M.I.A. And Holy Fuck At The Palladium Ballroom

M.I.A. and Holy Fuck May 2, 2008 Palladium Ballroom Better than: Confusing the African Anteater Ritual with the latest dance craze, as seen in the 1987 classic Can’t Buy Me Love Very few people actually took the bait. M.I.A.’s set was “over” after a 50-minute performance ending with “Galang,” almost…

Rich Lopez Gracefully Bows Out From The Observer Offices

Well, the inevitable has come. It is time for me to say adios. That’s “bye” to you non-Spanish speaking folk. After some two plus years, I’m leaving the position as music listings and clubs editor to take on the world as a freelancer. I figure jumping into an abyss of…