The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current, January 28, 1988, Image 20
*»t* r- 'The Sound of Deep Ellum" Various Artists Island Records ★★★★ The section of Dallas known as Deep Ellum has a musical history extending back to the 1920s when early blues and jazz singers performed in the area’s many roadhouses and saloons. Today, the artsy neighborhood continues to be a place where one can hear great music. But now, the area’s music scene has expanded and includes styles ranging from thrash-rock to rap. “The Sound of Deep Ellum” captures the diversity that is Deep Ellum’s essence. The record features 10 bands and is a fine compilation of previously unrecorded music. Many people associate the Deep Ellum area with alternative rock music, and the record has no shortage of it. The Buck Pets deliver wild garage rock on “Snatch Rap, ” while Shallow Reign takes the listener through psychedelia on “Paint the Rowers All Black. ” Both of these are solid, well- done songs. End Over End and the Trees contribute strong tracks as well. Both bands play no frills, straight out rock n’ roll. The record’s best song is Reverend Horton Heat’s “The Devil’s Chasin’ Me.” The Rev’s twanging guitar combines with the rhythm section of drummer Mike Goodsell and bassist Swingin’ Jack Barton to create some of the most frantic modem rockabilly today. AIM’S CATERING G COUNTRY DEL! DINNERS . RECEPTIONS . SOCIALS PICNICS . BAR-B-QUE & ETC. Kegs Available Complete Country Menu for In House Dining Hwy. 30 E Free Area Delivery GEORGE ALAN MINOR - Owner 776-8006 Buy your Back-to-School Bike at Aggieland Schwinn! Raleigh Record normally $234“ NOW $209 95 ...features “index shifting” for an easier ride. Special close-out prices on all ’87 Panasonic bicycles! Complete line of clothing, gear and supplies for biking & skateboarding AGGIELAND ))) SCHWINN’ 809 Texas Ave, S, Unfortunately, Three On A Hill’s “No More Love” does not stand up well with the other songs. “Man O’ War” by the funk-rock Daylights is another weak spot on the record. The record’s non-rock tracks are definite treats. The New Bohemians’ “Jamaican Lady” is a reggae-influenced song fused with the jazzy licks of guitarist Kenny Withrow. Deep Ellum’s newest band, the Decadent Dub Team, introduces rap to the Deep Ellum sound with “Six Gun,” a hardcore rap combined with European industrial music. While it may sound like just another modem dance tune, “Six Gun” is actually quite enjoyable. The old Deep Ellum of juke joints and jazz bars is personified by the Legendary Revelations. “Sales Tax,” its contribution to the record, may sound out of place with its big band jazz sound, but it is an outstanding song and adds to the record’s eclectic nature. On the whole, the album is well done, and no two songs are exactly alike. Hopefully, more will be heard from this funky Dallas neighborhood in the near future. Review by Shane Hall The Mannish Boys Cary Primich, vocals, guitar, harmonica; Gil Hartman, guitar; Kenny Felton, drums; Frank Meyer, bass. The floor was shaking and the house was rocking Saturday night as the Mannish Boys performed an infectious mix of rock n’ roll and rhythm and blues that kept the crowd dancing until 1 a.m. With approximately 90 people in attendance, the Austin band hit the stage at 10:45 p.m., and opened their first set with a blazing instrumental that featured the guitar work of Gil Hartman and harmonica by vocalist Gary Primich. Primich, a Chicago native and veteran of that city’s blues scene, then strapped on a guitar and led the band through a one hour set mixing blues covers with originals from their debut album “A LiT Dab’l DoYa.” Rrst set highlights included the ballad “You Got the Power,” and Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy. ” Primich’s vocals were exceptional throughout the night as were 201 Live Oak College Station, TX 77840 696-3411 696-9490 “FUNNY BONE” When There’s Fun To Be Had • Unique Gifts • Jokes • Tricks • Gag Gifts • Make-up • Unusual Gifts • Funny Cards • Balloon Bouquets Mon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. 846-9595 3808 Old College Rd . (next to Triangle Bowl) his guitar and harmonica skills. Hartman demonstrated skillful lead guitar lines, while the rhythm section of drummer Kenny Felton and bassist Frank Meyer provided a non-stop driving beat The first set ended with the instrumental “Satellite Rock,” and after a short break the band returned to the stage shortly after midnight for a second set that was no less spectacular. The band’s second set ranged from Chicago blues standards like “My Babe” to Bo Diddley-style rock on songs like Willie Dixon’s “Pretty Thing. ” The enthusiasm of the audience did not seem to dim for a moment. After the closing song of the second set, “Go On Fool,” the crowd yelled and stomped for an encore. The band was more than happy to oblige. “This is dedicated to everybody out there who’s broke,” Primich said as the band kicked into “Money Habit,” which was followed by a short instrumental. The band then said their good nights and left the stage amidst the applause of the crowd that seemed to love it all. The crowd also reacted enthusiastically to the acoustic blues of opening act Leighton Hamilton. Hamilton, also from Austin, performed a one hour set consisting of covers like “Statesboro Blues,” with a few originals mixed in. His version of Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind” was especially good. Hamilton proved to be a talented vocalist and guitarist His slide work on the National steel guitar was also impressive. Hamilton later joined Primich and crew on stage during the Mannish Boys’ second set. Hamilton and Hartman combined to make a formidable guitar duo. Review by Shane Hall TEMPORARY CASH SHORTAGE BETWEEN PAYDAYS?? WE HAVE SHORT TERM PERSONAL LOANS. FOR FURTHER INFORMA TION, PLEASE CALL STANLEY SOM MERS AT CENTRAL TEXAS LOANS, INC., 2305 CAVITT, BRYAN, TEXAS 77801. Phone: 823-5626. "Uut U JlifMitJ and Ctnmmmi Lf Un of ComniUtQKl of Siai* of lovU.