THE NEW RAMON – PREVIEWING THE WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2008

What are you looking at? You knew Ramon wasn’t going to be here. But don’t worry, I am. And I’m going to tell you exactly what to do for the next few days.

To start off, here’s the big ticket item for this weekend. Friday the 23^rd sees the release of Wild Moccasins’ highly anticipated Microscopic Metronomes at Walter’s on Washington. For a mere $7 you get a free CD and free pizza and cupcakes (while they last) and to top it off, if you’re one of the first 50 people through the door you will get a hand screened poster commemorating the event. And if that’s not enough, bring in a t-shirt and get it screened with a design available only at this show. Even without all these enticements, this show would be can’t miss. Rounded out by the sublime country folk of Buxton, the KERSMASH! power pop of Teenage Kicks, and DJ service provided by ADR of The Skyline Network, you should have worked out your Friday night plans by the end of this sentence.

I also suggest going out to Notsuoh Saturday night for the Future Blondes, Venison Whirled (ATX), and A Thousand Cranes show if for no other reasons than to knock your eardrums down a couple of notches after all that mollycoddling on Friday.

And here’s the rest…

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21, 2009

Giant Battle Monster, The Delta Block, The Nightmare Affair, Campfire Stories at The White Swan – If you’re into the jazzy-spazzy stuff, some rough and ready politi-punk or some instrumental sadcore, you might be down for this.

Whiskey Bolt, The Dragliners, Sideshow Tragedy at The Continental Club – If you’re looking to get a mid-week alt-country fix go down to Main Street, hit up Tacos a Go-Go and go to this show.

THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2009

I suggest watching the Lost that you DVR’d the night before. Feel free to leave any other suggestions in the comments.

FRIDAY JANUARY 23, 2009

KRS-ONE at The Meridian – If you’d rather not take my advice on Friday night, you might consider dropping some knowledge old school.

Killola at Chances – This listing caught me by surprise, but if you like kitschy new wave influenced pop, you’ll probably have a great time…maybe not so much if you're sans-lady-parts.

The Caprolites, Battle Rifle, 50/50 at The White Swan – This is the bizzaro version of the show at Walter’s.

SATURDAY JANUARY 24, 2009

Leave Your Genre at the Door 2 with Sad Gorilla, Heptic Skeptic, Satin Hooks, Brains for Dinner, Perseph-1, Fat Tony, Nosaprise, News on the March at Fitzgerald’s- The continuing battle in the “taking back Fitz” campaign.

Houston Press Artopia with Sideshow Tramps at Winter Street Studios– What? Do you hate fun?

Houston Music Revival with Memphis May Fire, Runner Runner, Before…There Was Rosalyn, Driver F, Scarlett O’Hara, A Kid Named Thompson, Visceral, Otenki, Novista, Skyscrapers Walk Among Us, Love She Wrote, Bonne Blue, Set It Off at The Meridian – I’m not sure if this is a music festival or a Screamo Band Name Generator is set to explode all over Chartres Street. Anyhow, further proof that there is a lot more going on in this town than we want to admit.

HYPA Fire + Ice Gala with Glasnost at the Downtown Pavilion – Dancing in the streets, for real.

The Last Place You Look CD Release with Nothing More and Glass Intrepid at Warehouse Live– The kids are going ape shit!

The Opium Symphony (1PM) and The Gougers (3:30PM) at Cactus – For those of you who love in-stores…St. Arnold’s is presumed but not guaranteed.

Skyrocket! At The Continental Club – Hey! A cover band? From Tom Petty to The Clash to ELO…covered.

The Oak Ridge Boys at the Grand 1894 Opera House – In case you’ve got a date with your dad.

SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2009

The Oak Ridge Boys at the Grand 1894 Opera House – Did you stand your dad up last night? Here’s a chance to make things right.

MONDAY JANUARY 26, 2009

Flowers to Hide with Dizzy Pilot at Boondocks – Ease back into that workin’ week.

Alright, that should keep you busy for a few days. I’ll be back on Monday to let you know how your weekend should have gone.