POLL: Your Favorite San Antonio Band
OK, I thought about getting one of those free "Put a poll on your weblog" kind of things, but those usually involve multiple-choice questions, and I don't want to limit the choices like that. So I will ask here:
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SAN ANTONIO BAND?
You can post your answer in the "Comments".
Please feel free to elaborate on your answer. Why are they your favorite band? What do you like about them? Whatever extra you'd like to say about them.
I'll go first:
I've already mentioned that Texas Radio is one of my favorites. I like to go see them because they play a lot of songs from my favorite artists. They sound good. They usually pack the place. XES (formerly known as Spent) used to be my favorite, but evidently they broke up, and if they have re-formed, I don't know about it. I liked them because Robb, the singer, was very dynamic, a lot of fun (and very nice and funny); they played a lot of songs that I liked (stuff by Tool, Bush, White Zombie, etc.); and they had some awesome originals.
OK, your turn...
Technorati Tags: San Antonio - Music - Bands - Polls
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SAN ANTONIO BAND?
You can post your answer in the "Comments".
Please feel free to elaborate on your answer. Why are they your favorite band? What do you like about them? Whatever extra you'd like to say about them.
I'll go first:
I've already mentioned that Texas Radio is one of my favorites. I like to go see them because they play a lot of songs from my favorite artists. They sound good. They usually pack the place. XES (formerly known as Spent) used to be my favorite, but evidently they broke up, and if they have re-formed, I don't know about it. I liked them because Robb, the singer, was very dynamic, a lot of fun (and very nice and funny); they played a lot of songs that I liked (stuff by Tool, Bush, White Zombie, etc.); and they had some awesome originals.
OK, your turn...
Technorati Tags: San Antonio - Music - Bands - Polls
Labels: Features
posted by Rowan at 10:57 PM
270 Comments:
FULL THROTTLE...cuz their stuff is a mix of different kinds of music
I always go see Vallejo when they play here...they are awesome!
ALTER EGO ... I love the variety of their music and they put on a great show, Very nice people too.
Saving Dawn is the best local act...
Everyone needs to check out local boys Saving Dawn. They play original music for once, this town is full of cover bands. This band has their own style but is talented as well. Great vocalist. They are the best kept secret in the region. This band will be big soon, they sound awesome and have a great following already. Make sure to check them out ASAP. They have a link on this site with their shows. Trust me, go see these guys.
-Music Guru
Hearts Fail!!! Very sincere rock with feeling.
Krybdus! The singer is hot and the bass player is big with a long goatee. They make me want to dye my hair and drink 40 ouncers.
my fav band is ....aahhh......ohh yes that one band with talent.........what do they call themselves.....I can't think of any....well I thought there was at least one band this part of Republic with some skills.....F.I.F.H nuff said
You gotta love these people who feel they have to stir things up with statements like "This town is full of cover bands" or "I thought there was at least one band in this part of the Republic with skills." Unless you're up there on stage, sweating your ass off, taking the time to get out and promote, setting up gear and teraing it down, in the garage learning songs, and generally never knowing if anyone will come out ... then may I suggest you walk a mile in a musician's shoes. See how much time and money we invest in our music, music that is being made, whether it is covers or original, to entertain YOU! To me, anyone who is making that type of commitment to entertain deserves some measure of respect, not crap from some slacker or wannabe.
FROM a Slacker and WannABE point of view I would like to say,
that there is no shame in playing covers,
if you love to please the crowd,by all means,cover it up..........for those who
are not about mainstream music and never
listen to the radio cause it makes them puke,then there has to be another alternative......when you phantom the reality of music,then you are reborn to being LAME all your life........
A.M. -- Again, this mentality makes ME want to puke...it;'s the same mentality that when an "underground" or "indie" band makes it big, they have sold out
One Of Sixx
51 Acres. Every time I see them play they are having fun playing for the crowd and with each other. I must say that it is refreshing to have a beer and enjoy a music genre that is not affiliated with metal. Blues, rock, funk, soul and a little folk mixed with America's music: JAZZ! What more can you ask for????????
The INFIDELS - i love these knuckleheads, they always deliver they usually sound great....i just cant understatnd why they dont make a little effort to get themselves out there a little more...i hope they do it soon
Humdrum kicks ass!
Definitely Deja Vu! A Mix a different kinds of music that NO ONE is doing. Or would even think of doing, for that matter.
Dawn of Stereo... OW! Then, for some strange reason... THE MORIARTYS!!!
I loooooove FIN! Saw them for the first time with Adema (blah)... But openers were the best part (Locally- Forever Is Never & a Sacramento band called Shortie)
I would say there are lots of good bands in SA one of the bands I saw most recently by accident that I thought was awsome and cant wait to see again was PARADIGM SHIFT I think they are a new band cause I had not heard of them until I saw them.. but their music is awsome and they remind me of Tool or something along that note... and I love bands like that... so you should check them out.. I have no idea when they play again but they are on myspace.com I checked :)..
Check out the MOB, the Mark Odom band, great mix of music and their sax player and guitar player is awesome. Those guys play great together and are sure to do something huge. Solid bass, one of the best drummers around too. These guys are the undiscovered "jewel" in the sa music scene. Great band, and can be seen all over town and at times up in Austin. Lotta respect for these down to earth true musicians, and they support a lot of other local bands too. Great guys. Phenomenal musicians!
Check out ALTER EGO -- I saw them for the first time last weekend at the Falls and I was amazed by the variety of music they played! Their System of a Down song blew me away! The best harmony vocals I've heard in a long time. They really put everything into their music and don't just stand there looking bored like so many bands I've seen. Very humble and down to earth off stage as well.
Muncy's Nurse
Bizarre Musik Machine wacky and fun performances, great guitars and wonderful vocals...very new wave and electro dark and gothic. too much to describe a must see.... and hear.
Doom to Bloom...they are amazing!
boxcar satan
Krybdus! Great vocals!!
I love Hyperbubble
Fun...different...cute...high energy...great stage show...
KB
Lokey!
sexto sol ....nuff said
Anybody ever seen BLISS??? Every band member can sing and they are all maniacs on stage. The female singer might be the best singer in town. And nobody plays Stevie Ray Vaughn music like that guitar player.
I've seen BLISS, your right, they do kick a$$.
I saw a band this weekend at the White Rabbit called 'Thirteen Muses' 13Muses.com.
Holy shit these guys have chops! They cover a lot of ground, really heavy to really not. Check'em out.
Thirteen Muses...I've been wanting to check them out. Troy from Alienation (who I used to work with...cool guy) and Chris from Preying Mantis...sounds like they'd kick ass!
WOW! CHRIS BOSS! I saw this guy and he blew us away! They played cool stuff like the Killers and Modest Mouse and everything in between! They dont even stop between songs. They just ROCK! And they look cool. Me and my girlfriends think he is HOT!
I seen chris boss and thought that he sounds just like every other band in town. Nothing impressive. Check out Dragon Fly, E-7.
You wnat a band that plays The Killerz Perfect, check out Bliss, that chick singer rocks!!
bset original band - Lokey
Best Cover - The Sea monkeys
Lokey is really energetic, never heard of the Sea Monkeys.
Chris Boss does rock, Bliss is cool too.
THE WORX is the best classic rock band I've heard in a long time! They play great stuff that no other band in town does.
Most bands play classic, so I don't think the Works are any different than most bands that play in the smaller places.
I saw Alter Ego and thought they suck!! Too bad becuase I love local music and until then there hadn't been a band that I didn't like. Then I saw a band called Eruption or Evolution or something like that. they were pretty lame also.
I did see Chriss Boss at the Falls and thought he was pretty cool even though i didn't really like his band.
Bliss is pretty bad ass. I saw them at the Cros Eyed Sea Gull this past friday and it was standing room only.
The only reason Alter Ego is around is because the bass player runs the Edge magazine.
OK, I'm no expert on who runs what, but I believe the Edge is run by Steve Freeman. The bass player for Alter Ego is Steve Elliott.
best local band has to be lokey. Brad is a bad ass guitarist and Terry Anderson knows how to work the crowd!
Sarah -- I apologize for Alter Ego not delivering what you thought was an adequate performance. Where and when did you come see the band? I am honestly interested in negative, as well as positive feedback, so we can improve ourselves and be a better band. Please drop me a line at thebandalterego@hotmail.com. I hope you'll give us another chance!
Anthony - Actually, I'm a feature writer for the EDGE, and have been for 7 years, long before I joined Alter Ego. I have made it a point, other than a rare occasion, not to mix the EDGE and the band stuff. I don't get paid to write for the EDGE, I do it because I love music and I have been a writer for more than 22 years. Again, if there is something in our performances you find lacking, please let me know at thebandalterego@hotmail.com.
I saw Alter Ego at Billy D's last month and it was pretty dead out there. Have you guys ever seen Dragon Fly or Bliss, thier songs run one song after another like a rock concert. They seem more concerned about playing music than drinking beer. Great shows from both of them. 2 thumbs up!!
Wow, someone is up at this hour also reading the blog, well I’m from Floresville and my husband and I come into town to watch bands all the time. My husband is a band director, and he says that he needs to hear some live rock and roll so he can feed his ears.
Steve and Anthony, we have never seen you guys but I’m sorry that someone had to be so rude. There are ways to give constructive criticism. I did go to your website and there was something there that did bother me that most bands in town do also. Your website states that you are the “S.A.True #1 cover band in town”. One of our favorite bands is E7 and the bass player will at least 3 times a night say that they are the #1 band in Texas. Spin 66 says the same thing and so does Chaser (formerly the Cherry Street Pushers). I was wondering how someone becomes #1? Is there a contest, or does every just take turns? I’ve never heard Texas Radio claim such a thing. Or The Undercovers, or String Theory or Mark Chandler. Matter of fact the funniest thing I have ever heard was from Bliss (We are huge Bliss fans, they don’t know us but we tell everyone about them. My husband thinks their guitarist and bassist are the best one two punch in town. My first comment on this blog was this “Anonymous said... Anybody ever seen BLISS??? Every band member can sing and they are all maniacs on stage. The female singer might be the best singer in town. And nobody plays Stevie Ray Vaughn music like that guitar player.”) anyway the bass player from Bliss introduced the band during the second set as the “Second Best Band in Town”. He said that since every band in town claims the #1 spot, they want to “corner the market on #2”. WOW!! What funny and humble guys. Mark Chandler is also very, very humble and approachable.
Also what I love about Bliss, String Theory and Chris Boss (though this guy is very into himself and rude to the audience) is that they play the classic with the modern stuff. I saw BLISS at the Sky lounge and I was wondering who else is playing the New Foo Fighter, or the new All American Rejects. I love that stuff. I saw Chris Boss three months ago and they were already playing Fran Fernindad. That is so cool. Now Ruben V. plays old school blues, but nobody plays it like him!!!!! He is our all time favorite, but I’ll leave that for another post. Thanks Rowan for this BLOG. Great job!!!!!!!!!
I’ve never seen Alter Ego, but I would love to give you guys a chance. Hope to see you soon.
Sarah,
Thank you for the great comments! The only reason we had that statement on our website because the actually WAS a contest by the EDGE Magazine, in which we were voted by the readers for best cover group for 2004. It is something we, as a band, were proud of because we work hard at being a decent band.
I had been to a lot of other websites where bands were saying the same thing, and I guess I just got annoyed with it and posted what I did. In retrospect, it was a pretty egotistical thing to do and I have removed that statement, but I honestly have never announced from the stage that we were the best band in town. I hoe we get to meet you soon!
Randy,
Yes, it was dead out there at Billy D's at the beginning of the night. That's why we don't play there very often and prefer Tripp's and Hooligan's in that area, because the audience is more into enjoying good music.
And I agree, Bliss is a great band and are friends of ours.
We'll work on a better flow between songs, but often these little breaks are so our guitarist can switch guitars. Sorry if you thought we were just taking beer breaks!
Being in a cover band in San Antonio is VERY competitive. There's always new songs to learn, and a limited number of clubs to play at. We play weekends only, once or twice a week, and have day jobs and families, so we try to get together to learn new stuff as often as we can. It's not an excuse, but just a statement, but I agree, a cover band has to stay current or it dies off. It been a frustration to me personally that we don't have more new songs than we do now, so thank you for the reality check!
Well, this is a hard question for me to answer because I am a promoter and I get to hear and meet a ton of local bands that are awesome. I have a deep admiration for live local talent and there's plenty of it here that goes unapreciated. So, I'll give multiple answers for this one. My first, Emily's Gone MAd. The first time I saw these guys and girl I was hooked like crazy and have been to EVERY show since. Lead singer John Brown has a stage pressence full of passion that engulfs the audience. Not to forget that lead guitarist Frankie Olmedo can just wail on that guitar like non other. Drummer Kris Robbins has to be one of the most dedicated and extremely talented drummers in this town. Bassist Jane Brown is mysterious and enchanting on stage. Brandon Lynch was actually voted one of the best Keyboardist in San Antonio either by the Current or The Edge I can't recall. Then there's the latest addition Susie Asmodeous who just turned 18 and can play guitar better than most musicians twice his age. The sound is uncomprable to anything on radio it's one of those shows that you have to see live. Second, Bombs Over Berlin. Jimmie Gauge, Ben Elizondo, and Kris Robbins throw the listeners back into the days of Depeche Mode in a way all their own. They've been called "A Depeche Mode with balls" and they're so telling the truth. Jimmie is one of the best writers out there. Third, is a tie between Gastromachine and Guild. Both fun and kaos determined to make you remember the show. Connie and Will's vocals are meant for each other. The programming for Guild is insanely awesome.
Honorable mentions Bizarre Musik Machine good fun, Amalgamode who I just got to see and was completly amazed, Hessi who I saw just last week samething, and of course my So Unloved who reside in California now punk rock! Downfall Funeral I almost forgot they're upcoming show at Irish Pub is sooo going to kick ass!
Okay if it were up to me this list would be way longer all I will say is this keep your eyes peeled for former Bombs Over Berlin guitarist Jonny to debute his new band Love in the Space Age this is going to be such a great band.
If you're looking for awesome hardworking promoters come my way it's what I do!
--peas
Liz
ROCK!
Hey are we talking about covers or originals...now I am confused.
Doesn't matter ...whatever gets to you that you want to go listen when they play!
Liz?? I thought that Depeche Mode was a "Depeche Mode with balls"!! Listen to their music deeper and you will most likey not compare them to no on else. You're a promoter???? Nice......
Ok, I read these evey night but never write anything till today. I live in Live Oak and I love Billy D's. I bought a bull blaster at Hooligans and they charged me $9.50. Now don't get me wrong, I have my own business but I'm not going to pay 10 dollars for a drink. And Tripps is a dive. Have you guys ever sen the Sea Monkeys at Billy D's?? They ALWAYS pack the room. I am a biker, but even when i go by myself the parking lot is full. You peolpe check these guys out. they are great. They play originals and covers.
Hey Steve, I’m not going to tell you who I am but I used to play in some great bands, Firefox, the Klocks, and the Max. And yeah sequences aside we still had show where everything is live. Trust me, your guitarist does not have to switch guitars in the middle of a set. That’s where you as a band leader decides how the set list will flow. Have you ever seen Dieter from Hair club play. Or Florin Sanchez, I don’t know what band he plays in but nevertheless these guys will use the same guitar though out the whole night. If your guitarist needs to switch guitars then put these songs at the end of the set or DROP the songs. Good Luck.
Florin Sanchez is the guitarist from Bliss adn also of the Sea Monkey... and I agree he is great!! So is Ruben V.!!!!
Damn, there's a lot of traffic here at night. Nice going Rowan!!!!!
Ok, who the hell is this band Bliss? I looked on the Bar Star list and they are not even on the top 100 best band in San Antonio. I would have to think that number 101 must really suck! Plus they didn't even play this past weekend because I check the Current and the Weekender! So whoever is trying to hype them up, stop it! It is obvious they don't really play in San Antonio!!!
They do play, but only maybe twice a month. And they are a pretty popular cover band here. I get at least a couple people a week here searching for info on them. But they don't have a web site as far as I can find. I've also gotten e-mails asking me about them and when/where they're playing.
Aye Carumba....Open my mouth and I seem to stick my foot in it!
T-Bone: I really like Billy D's as well, but what I was trying to say is we rarely get booked there ... only three times in the past two years. I guees I just got annoyed at the comment that we were "more interested in drinking beer than playing music."
We've done a regular second Friday gig at Tripp's for the past three years and now play twice a month at both Hooligan's locations. We get a good turnout at Billy D's, but there are just so many Fridays and Saturdays in a month we can get booked on, and they have been filling up fast lately. Tripp's might not be the fanciest place in the world, but the people are great, the owner takes good care of us, and the staff is very cool. That's why we love the place!
Little Ole Me: We have been doing just that, putting those songs at the end of sets. He has some dropped-D tuning on some songs, I guess. Hey, I'm a bassist, so I keep the same guitar on all night! Believe me, I have been trying very hard to get the song flow going in a smoother manner, but I run into some stubborness! I do value your advice, because that's a pretty damn impressive resume you have there! As "bandleader" I have to be the hardass and the schmuck occasionally, but it's worth it when the band starts to get some success.
And really, I am NOT trying to slag off other bands!!! Anyone who knows me, knows I am not at all like that. I am friends with a LOT of musicians in town in both original and cover bands, and I try to get out and support other bands when we're not playing. Between family, job, the band, writing for the EDGE, etc., there ain't a lot of time left!
I've seen Bliss play a bunch of times and they are amazing. I know the lead singer also sings for like two other bands as well, and she is one of my favorite lady singers in the city. Their drummer is one of the best I've ever seen, and Florin and Rikk are a great complement to each other on guitar and bass. Haven't gotten to see the Sea Monkeys yet, but I plan on it!
I think the important thing here ... which we may have lost sight of ... is the importance of supporting the San Antonio music scene. Without people actually going to the clubs, buying drinks, staying for the music, etc., going back again ...we don't have a scene.
I have only lived in San Antonio since 1998, so I don't know a lot of history of some of the clubs in town. But in that time, we have all seen a LOT of clubs come and go, for different reasons. Bottom line is, you have to have customers to have a business, and these bar owners run a business, not a talent show. We've gone into some venues and had a great show, but due to a light audience, we didn't get asked back! It happens, so you try and find the venues that will bring in a good crowd, and that your crowd likes to go to. And there have been clubs we have played at, that we just never felt a good vibe at, that we choose not to play at again. Every band has to make those decisions, in order to grow. Any band, no matter where or when they play, never knows what kind of turnout they are going to get from night to night.
I think we ALL owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people like Rowan, who puts a LOT of time, blood, sweat, tears and love into making this a great site, where we all have the freedom to express our thoughts and opinions. The folks at the San Antonio Music Business Expo (www.sambe.org), the SA Music Scene, SA After Dark, TMC, The EDGE, Action Magazine, and all the others that work so hard to help the musicians and the music scene ... support them as they support San Antonio music!
Hey, Rowan, Bliss actually plays around 12 times a month. The manager Rick told me that they are rarely in the paper because he books most of his own shows so it is his responsibilty to place his band in the paper, but he's so busy he rarely remembers to do so. I do know that they are at Boozehounds this friday and Sam's Boat in Austin this Saturday.
P.s. I love this site Rowan, so many bands!!!! Rick told the audience at Hooligans about this site and gave out the address to everyone.
Oops! Sorry Steve, I should have started a new paragraph, because when I said, "have you guys seen Dragonfly" I meant the bloggers not you. I was just trying to give those two bands a compliment, I wasn't trying to put yours down. I was starting a different thought.
Honestly I don't remember too much about your show except that the bass player wasn't loud enough, too bad because he sounded really good.
Thanks for the info Sarah. I thought they didn't play much because I only find listings on them now and then. I wish I could get their schedule ahead of time so I could plan to get out to see this band I keep hearing so much about!
And Steve...you said it. It's all about supporting the scene. How are we gonna keep good bands in this city if we don't support them and the people who let us know about them? One thing I kinda hate seeing on here that I see a lot is "I saw this band so-and-so once and they were awesome!" Glad you thought they were awesome, but why then have you only seen them once?! If you think they're awesome, go out and see them again! Take your friends!
I've read a lot of very good and insightful comments on this thread...way to go rock fans. I wanted to put in my two cents on the whole "we're the best band thing".
Basically, I take it all with a grain of salt, or tongue in cheek?
I sing with John in E7, and when he mentions being the best band it's really kind of a humorous thing. You know, some people just like to act a little silly on stage, so I wouldn't take all of those comments as a serious declaration. Besides, anyone who has walked this earth for a day knows that who 'Jessica' thinks is the best band is not who 'Todd' or 'Alice' thinks is the best band.
It is nice though to have so many options for cover bands in this city.
I used to like the old E& like from 7 to 8 years ago. I used to see them at the Lab all the time. It's good to know that they are still playing.
Somebody metioned Ruben V.? I think he is bas ass. Covers and originals.
Yes please somebody mention some other band than Bliss. I get it...they are a good band.
Don't hate now bro'. This is what this blog is for, "What is your favorite". I've never seen Bliss, but if people like them then so be it. Dragonfly been mention her alot but you didn't hate on them.
peace,
Q
Okay... can anyone please mention somebody else besides Bliss AND Dragonfly.
Anonymous, what band do you play in? Tell me and I'll mention it the next time I post something.
As Quincy said, you don't get it. This post it a place where peeps can talk about their favorite band. If a majority of the people like Dragon Fly (like I do) then they should feel free to write about them. I don't see too many multiple posts. They are coming in from different people.
I've NEVER heard of this band Bliss, but someone did mention that they are going to play Friday night at Boozehoundz. So I'm going to attend just to see for myself.
By the way, what are you doing on the computer at 7:00 pm. Shouldn't you be getting ready for a gig..........
I used to love Alienation. What ever happen to them?
The singer Sean Nations from Alienations now has a nother band called The Killing Inside....they are really good!
Troy is in Thirteen Muses
Electric Crush is by far the best local original band that I've seen. Every song kicked ass.
The Blend is a good original band. I have seen them at Rebar and they usually make it a party. Totally sloppy but thats what makes them work. Their covers are totally their own too, which are the kind of covers i like.
definitely delores haze! they're pretty new but are amazing!
For a more of a classic metal sound of South Texas...Ancient Cross does a great job with original material as well as covers from mainstream and underground 80's-90's metal bands. Rumor has it that vocalist Michael Lance will also be the new frontman for Reverend (the late David Wayne's local Project)His tone and style have an dark resemblence to David and if this turns out to be true, should prove to be an interesting lineup to say the least. Not to take away from the other guys in Ancient Cross. The dual guitar attack slays with some of the hookiest riffs today. When your in the mood to rock old school style, I highly recommend the cross.
~Matthew~
Favorite original ?????
Favorite party band - BLISS
Favorite rock band - Texas Radio
I love Ruben V., Chris taylor, and anybody else who can play the blues. i like Bliss, but only when they let Florin & Rick and the drummer rip on some blues.
Anthill society is pretty cool after a few beers.
Krybdus is good. Very dark
~ Matt~
Well I judge a band on how intricate their music is and how original their music is, which is weird to say because new music isn't original, but the way you perform it is.
So song writing is so important to me. That’s why I went out this past three weeks to see band that were popular on this blog.
First let me say that I’m a manager at a very popular bank in town so I kind of make my own hours so I get the chance to go out and call in “sick” the next morning. These are the band I went out and saw:
I saw 3 legged horse at THE FALLS and I really liked their originals. It was an acoustic flavor, which I love, unfortunately my friends and me were in the mood to dance BUT we did like their stuff.
I also saw Papa Wood and Alter Ego, but neither band played originals so we where disappointment. Now I realize the purpose of a cover band so I did like the music they played. I didn’t like the singer from Papa Wood but they had good songs. Alter Ego seemed to be a fun band, but I’ve heard every song they played from every other band.
Then I saw Chris Boss. They played covers great but their originals were pretty weak. It sounded like a watered down version of any cheesy 80’s band.
We also saw The Absolutes. Great song!! Nice Emo sounding songs. Considering that only real Emo comes from D.C., they did a great job of covering it.
We then saw Bliss, they played a bunch of covers and we liked it, but I was ready to leave until they played an original it was great. It was call Mouth and it sounded like a green Day sound. I told the bass player that I like the song and he said cool we’ll play another for you that we never practiced. So before they went on for their next set, they huddled and played a great blues number. I highly recommend this band because of their audience participation.
I lat stop was to hear Chris Taylor. GREAT stuff, very bluesy but with an arternative sound. He needs more reconnection.
Thanks,
Ally
Awesome that my site prompted you to go check out these local bands!
Note that the singer you saw isn't the usual singer for Papa Wood. He's actually their new bass player, filling in for Nathan Alvarado over the holidays. So, you should go check them out with Nathan sometime, too.
Hey Ally, I agree, I didn't like Chriss Boss stuff, but the Absoltes do sound good.
Rowan, I think I've heard Nathan before and at best he was average. Remember with a town with Alex from DRAGONFLY, Chrissy from BLISS, MArk from POP A TOP, and Jason from THE SEA MONKEYS, the singer competition is fierce!
Speaking of cover bands playing originals, anybody remember Xes, they had some bad a$$ originals. Reminds me of the velvet Revoler stuff. And of Chriss Boss, hey I like his stuff, then again I was always into that 80's sound. I went to school with Chris so I know that he graduated in 1984 so forgive his sound. And yes, everyone in town knows that Bliss has great originals. I like the one that they are playing on the radio right now.
Armand
Yes!! I loved XES (before that they were Spent). Still have one of their shirts. I mention them from time to time on here hoping that someone can tell me what became of the members of XES. Last I heard some of them were forming a band called Bad Magick, but as far as I can tell, nothing ever came of that...
Just so everyone is clear on Papa Wood's singer...that's me, Nathan. I've been singing with them since April, but have missed a few gigs the past couple months, so it may not have been me, Carlos, that you saw. But hey, if someone thinks I'm average, that's great, that means there is plenty of room for improvement. Catch you at ALL the Papa Wood shows next year.
Oh, and I've always considered Dragonfly to be my favorite cover band.
So it sounds like Ally the bank manager did'nt really like any of the bands she saw. Typical San Antonio fan. Jaded and bitter. Maybe we should call this section the vent your frustrations blog. Since all everyone seems to be doing is hating on bands! It's bad enough that these "artist" barely make enough to keep doing what they love. But then you have people like Ally posting stuff like "we did'nt stay to watch the band cause we wanted to dance." Or "they sounded Like a cheesy 80's band". It sounds like you are the one that's cheesy. If can't say something productive find a way to fix something. Think all these bands don't meet your criteria? Quit your job and start your own band so everyone that works a lame dead end day job can log on and hate on you!
I've seen the Sea MonKeys often and they are one of the more consistent bands out there. No pretense just good times. They play the same songs over and over again though so if you have heard them once you have heard them a thousand times.
I will say this: The Sea MonKeys are not a "listen to us while you talk and have a beer" band. Yes they play the same songs, but man their performance demands you to watch everytime you see them. This actually makes the fact that you have heard the song before matter very little. They cover "Sober" and I tell you what, I think the singer actually poops himself everytime he sings that song. He is that carried away. After the song is over he says "I needed that," and then shakes hands with people and sits down to share a drink with the patrons. Bars love these guys cause they pay attention to what matters the most in the cover scene,(and no it's not the music. I don't care what you say the music doesn't matter because you can go to the store and buy a better version of a cover song by the original artist)they pay attention to the customers, the people. They come off the stage into the crowd and due what it takes to engage the them. It's like in Almost Famous, they find the one person in the audience who isn't getting off and they make him get off. Sometimes the win, sometimes they lose but you can always have a drink and try again. So although they are not the best, the coolest or the hardest ROck Cover band in SANAN Land I think this group of guys will be Almost Famous.
Oh yeah they have this weird tendency to write songs live. If you see them play I dare you to shout "write a song". They will probably do it-it's happened before.
Anonymous, I think you're the typical San Antonio fan. First of all Ally gave compliments, Chris Taylor, Bliss etc. Second you sound pretty jaded and bitter. People don't have to worship you just because you are on a stage. I've notice that the only musicians that don't bitch about the S.A. music scene are those in sucessful bands. Ive never heard Pitbull Daycare or Ruben V. complain. I don't know much about cover musci but I never see Chriss Boss or Bliss complain on this site.
Jcross: There are two anonymous I wrote the stuff about the sea monkeys not the stuff concerning Ally. I thought this was about your favorite cover band not a "I will point why your favorite cover band is not good, and then complain alot." I just want to make it clear I am not the same person who wrote the Ally comments about typical sa fans blah blah. I am really all about the good times.
So is this blog about your favorite local band...or is it about bitch about the local bands?
No, I think its about paying advertising dollars and then getting a really good write up. The rich keep getting richer.......
Average Joe, if that's what you think, then you haven't been paying attention. Since I started this blog, I've spent close to $2,000 dollars on it. I've made less than $300. Right now my credit card is over the limit from it. The only reason that I've even asked for help with funds is so that I can afford to continue supporting local music. I quit my paying job so that I could keep up with this because I found I didn't have time to do both and I made the decision that this is important to me. I am far from rich, trust me. The advertising I offer is less for one year than local music magazines charge per month, and it's half-price for bands because I know they don't make a lot of money doing what they do. I tell the truth in my reviews. I do try to emphasize the good over the bad because my intent is to support local music, not slam bands. But if I see a band that I think has no talent, I will say so. So far I haven't.
The only thing a band gets for sponsoring is the ad. There is no guarantee that if I go to see them I will give them praise. I won't sell my integrity. I have even lost a sponsorship because I wouldn't offer more than the ad. A local club wanted to know what they got out of it, and when I made it clear that all they got out of it was the ad and not rave reviews of all their shows, they lost interest. I could have offered them that, but that would be against what I'm trying to do here. I'm not here to sell anybody over anybody else or make a fortune. I love music and my aim is to help support the local music scene because I think it needs more support than it's getting now. So you can take your negative attitude elsewhere. I don't need your kind around here.
Oh, and there's one typo in there on my response...just to make sure I keep it honest...it should say I've made less that $500, not $300. Yep, boy am I rich! $500 in just 8 months! Woo-hoo!
Hey Rowan, I think you read that comment by average Joe wrong. He meant that a good band like Chriss Boss can pay for advertising, then good out and get a free review. I don't think anyone in their right mind would think a blog would make any money. Besinds, is this a censored blog? Isn't he/she allowed to have a negative attitude? or just your attitude. i don't like what he won't but I don't think you need to get mad and throw him out either.
But getting back to what this is all about my favorite bands, well I don't go out and see much local music, but my favorite cover bands... well I won't mention Bliss since they are all over this blog, but they are one of my favorites.
I love Mingo Fishtrap, they have a great live act.
I alos loved Full Tilt, but I don't see them around much, anybody know where they went?
I agree with Anita, that's the way i read it also, though I don't agree with it. I do agree with her comments on Mingo Fishtrap and Bliss.
Hey Joe Anonyous full of shit...
Nobody on this project writes reviews, announcements, gig schedules (you getting this yet?) for money.
Ya ungrateful shit you.
Kelly
Nice, use of the english language Kelly, remind me not to read any of your articles. And Rowan, calm down.......... you do a GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!! BUt I agree with the others on that trite comment that avreage joe won't. He was talking about a band giving money to a publish peice of work, then seeing a formidable article written on them. And there's nothing wrong with that, its called payoly in the old days. Now everyone, I think we should drop the subject, because all we need to happen is that the leader of that band will write something in this blog to either defend or apoligize (which they don't have to) and they get more free advertisement. Remember any publicity is new publicity.
My bass player reads this blog everyday and he's pissed that only the big bands get mentioned, Chriss Boss, Alter Ego, Bliss, Dragonfly, the Sea Monkeys etc., and why not us. I told him lets pay our dues and we will get there.
Rowan, I went to your "become a sponsor" section and your prices are great, so as soon we can collect the money we are hoping to join the big boys too. Keep up the good work.
No, it's not a censored blog. People can say whatever they want. But "its about paying advertising dollars and then getting a really good write up"...isn't that accusing me of being bribed for a good write-up?
Sorry, but that really pissed me off. I made it clear in that review that I didn't expect to like Chris Boss based on what I'd read in these comments. I was prepared to give my first bad review and piss off one of the few people who have been kind enough to help me out. Luckily I didn't have to because the band was good and that's the truth.
Ok, if "the rich keep getting richer" doesn't refer to me, who is he referring to? Bands?! Yep, cuz we all know that local musicians make a ki