Archive - Dec 2, 2008

The Raconteurs have been on a tear this year after the release of their latest album, Consoler Of The Lonely, playing sold out theaters and crowded festival sets across the world. Apparently, in between all of that constant touring, they also had time to have a little fun for themselves. Jack White has always dabbled with his country influences, even taking the ultimate step into the genre by producing one of country legend Loretta Lynn's recent albums. The White Stripes never had much of a twang to their work, but The Raconteurs have always worked a country flair into their music. It wasn't until Consoler that they truly adapted to the western sound with the addition of a banjo and a fiddle to many of the songs. Now, with the help of bluegrass troubadour Ricky Skaggs and newcomer Ashley Monroe, they have truly crossed the genre barrier by making their "Old Enough" into a string-heavy, front-porch burner. As with the original video for this song, this video is also directed by up-and-coming photographer/videographer Autumn De Wilde.

I really dig it, and they all seem to be having a blast. What do you all think? Should they continue to explore their other influences, or just stick to making rock songs?

Thanks to all who entered our contest for tickets to see Deerhunter, Times New Viking and Nite Jewel at Houston's Warehouse Live! We've randomly selected two winners' names and emailed them instructions for picking up tickets. If you didn't win this time around, stay tuned for more ticket giveaways in the future.

Tickets to the show can still be purchased for $12 each here.

Once again, we can't forget to give big ups to The Messina Group for letting us run these spiffy promotions.

Houston once again played host to improvisational dance duo EOTO at the backwoods, semi-private Club DubDub. We brought some friends along to enjoy the cool early evening air at the lounge while absorbing new sounds from one of our most blogged about bands.

Read more after the jump

EOTO @ Club Dub Dub in March 2008

We spent Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23 in downtown Houston checking out the art and music at the Via Colori street painting festival. The event, which is sponsored by the Center for Hearing and Speech, celebrated its third year in Houston by bringing in over 175 artists to create pastel masterpieces on Allen Parkway and Babgy Street next to Sam Houston Park. Sixteen musical performers also provided entertainment on two stages. Unlike in years past, the weather cooperated beautifully over the weekend, drawing many groups and families out to enjoy the sunshine and unique street drawings. If you missed it this time around, it's definitely worth checking out next year. If you're not in the Houston area, Via Colori also takes place in Columbus, OH; Bardstown, KY; Harrisburg, PA; Naples, FL; Scottsdale, AZ; and Seaside, FL.

View photos and videos from Via Colori Houston after the jump