How to Get Your Concert in the Dallas Observer

Today marks one month since I took over as your Dallas Observer Clubs Editor. Among other things, I maintain our extensive concert calendar, and I’ve learned very quickly what a big job it is. With so much amazing live music going on in this city every week, it can be…

Life in Deep Ellum Church Treats its Music More Like a Concert

Dallas is home to one of the richest religious music scenes in the country. Over the summer, we’ll be attending services, both big and small, of many denominations, as well talking to musicians , directors and pastors. Here at DC9 at Night, we’ve covered many churches this summer, but none…

My Bloody Valentine at Verizon Theatre, 8/17/13: Review

My Bloody Valentine | New Fumes Saturday, August 17, 2013 Verizon Theatre There is a universal truth about My Bloody Valentine, agreed upon by nearly everything ever written about them. They play ridiculously loud. It was at about two thirds of their way into “A New You,” a soft poppy…

The 30 Most Disturbing Songs of All Time

Artists choose to write shockingly upsetting music for a number of reasons: To express extreme emotions or to provoke a visceral response in listeners or say something about a particular issue or for the shock itself. Sometimes, they’re presented as true story warnings, as in Bushwick Bill’s “Ever So Clear.”…

Heart at Gexa Energy Pavilion, 8/15/13: Review

Growing up in the late ’70s and early ’80s, bands like Heart were the bane of my existence. As a teenager, I cringed when hits like “Magic Man” or “Barracuda” were constantly coming from the radio in my dad’s car. Sure, both Ann and Nancy Wilson were easy on the…

The Seven Best Concerts in Dallas This Week, August 15-21

This week brings us another installment of Red Bull Sound Select, one of Texas’ best country bands, a local radio milestone, and some of the most influential artists of their respective genres. Lil Wayne has had some health issues on the road this year, so here’s hoping that his time…

The Polyphonic Spree May Never Get Rich. Does It Matter?

The Polyphonic Spree’s album release show at Granada Theater starts in seven minutes, and there is no water in the refrigerator backstage. A couple members of the choir ask band manager Chris Penn where the water bottles are. Penn asks Granada backstage manager Wes McIntyre. McIntyre says he just filled…

Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival: Full Schedule

Earlier, we told you about the sudden, rapid expansion of Oliver Peck’s Elm Street festival. This year, Reverend Horton Heat is onboard and helping curate five days of music at three venues in Deep Ellum from September 11 to 15. Today, the full schedule has been announced. It’s below, with…

Jody Payne, Longtime Guitarist for Willie Nelson, Dies in Alabama

From 1973 to 2008, Jody Payne played guitar in Willie Nelson’s Family band. The Kentucky-bred musician died over the weekend in Alabama, where he lived with his wife, teaching guitar lessons. Willie has posted several tributes to his old bandmate on Facebook, starting with, “Sad to report that Jody Payne…

The Melvins with Honky, 8/10/13, at Trees: Review and Setlist

The Melvins | Honky Trees Saturday, August 10, 2013 Sometimes you’ve just got to stand right at the front, in the middle. Especially when there’s two drum kits, both slightly angled in, so if you stand in the right place they’re like terrifying speakers positioned exactly for your benefit. Only…