H-Town Rock

For the Weekend of December 4th – 7th, 2008

Well, well, well… It seems that we’re inching ever more precipitously towards the end of calendar year 2008. It has been a fine year so far, filled with all manner of exciting events in and around our fair city (and we’re not just talking about Hurricane Ike). What we here at H-Town Rock want to stress as the city enters into a slowdown period in terms of show quantities (and quality) is that whenever you’re out and about around town with the various holiday parties (whether they be for work, family, or friends), please enjoy yourself responsibly at all times. This feature’s primary mission is to educate the people of Space City regarding where they should be listening to great live music and having a great time doing so, but we would be quite remiss if we didn’t encourage you to do so while keeping your safety (and that of others) in mind also. There we go: the PSA is complete – let’s get into the music!

Thursday, December 4th
August Burns Red, This or The Apocalypse, Brother Von Doom, and The Last Starfighter at Javajazz Coffee House
Spain Colored Orange and Airon Paul Dugas (with Paris Falls) at The Continental Club
The Toasters, Los Skarnales, Flatfoot 56, and The Failed Attempt at Fitzgerald's
Ziegfest: Featuring Bob Schneider & more at Sam Houston Race Park

Friday, December 5th
We thought about refraining from making any tacky jokes about Aqua Net and eyeliner, but we chose the low road. Yes, that’s right – presenting the band who caked on eyeliner before Jared Leto and Pete Wentz made it popular in this decade: Duran Duran! Simon and the boys are out touring again, because everyone loves to see a band perform their greatest hits from 20 years ago (even though they haven’t released any credible material in the mean time). For those of you who aren’t interested in reliving your teenage years with the music you can hear most days on 106.9 FM (The Point!), we would encourage you to make your way over to House of Blues to hear the legendary Buddy Guy perform. One more thing: don’t let us catch any of you (yes, all 11 of our readers) going to see Buckcherry on this night – we just might have to disown you.

Amplified Heat, The Big Green Machine, and The Bexar County Bastards at Rudyard's
Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, and In This Moment at Warehouse Live
Buddy Guy and Tom Hambridge at House of Blues
Carolyn Wonderland at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
Duran Duran and Your Vegas at Verizon Wireless Theater
Electric Attitude, The Gold Sounds, Studemont, and Alkari at Walter's on Washington
Ladyheat, A.U.X., and Flowers to Hide at The Mink

Saturday, December 6th
Whew! This is a much better music night around town. Personally, we’re going to be at The Meridian enjoying Andy Rourke and his friends spin records late into the night. Just don’t judge us when our dance moves take a turn for the worse around Midnight or so. But if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, might we recommend the folk stylings of Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison? Better yet, for you more adventurous people, H-Town Rock favorites Tambersauro will be wreaking art-prog havoc over at Walter’s. However, we do hear word that the News on the March EP Release Show at Rudyard’s is going to be quite interesting. Just do something, will ya?

Andy Rourke, Fredster, Damon Allen, Les Boom, and Shoe at The Meridian
Dreaming of June, Flawless Escape, Better Luck, and Last Great Assault at Fitzgerald's
Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
News on the March EP Release Show: Featuring The Unbearables, Elaine Greer, and Phillip Foshée at Rudyard's
The Paper Chase, Astronautalis, and Tambersauro at Walter's on Washington

Sunday, December 7th
Worst. Night. Ever. All apologies to soulful crooner Anthony Hamilton (we loved your guest vocals on the most recent Al Green record), but we’re not sure when the last time Houston has played host to a more motley assortment of nationally prominent acts. First of all, it should be a given that our crazy roommate will be at Warehouse Live for GWAR (and all of their gross, raunchy, post-Gallagher glory). But Hinder and Trapt? Really? That people like such bands is a constant source of amazement to us. The real awesome part of this evening is that our favorite barista will be flexing his photography skills shooting KRBE’s Jingle Jam at the Toyota Center. Who wouldn’t want to see Rihanna and David Archuleta belt out Christmas carols all night long? Moreover, rumor has it that Nick Lachey (yes, THAT guy) will be making an appearance at the event – we wonder what sappy song he’ll be singing.

Anthony Hamilton at House of Blues
GWAR, Toxic Holocaust, and Kingdom of Sorrow at Warehouse Live
Hinder, Trapt, and Revelation Theory at Verizon Wireless Theater
KRBE Jingle Jam: Featuring Rihanna, Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat, and David Archuleta at Toyota Center