Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Dallas Observer Music Awards Part 3 - “Album of the Year”

By Cindy Chaffin of Life Outside The Bubble

Here's the 3rd installment of the "Preview the Dallas Observer Music Awards Nominees" series. Click here to cast your vote!

Part 3 - "Album of the Year"

This is one of the toughest categories in my book. I own and adore each and every album nominated. I do think it's cool that they are slightly diverse in genres...well kinda....

The nominees are:

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Beautiful Noise by Salim Nourallah

There is someone in the TexasGigs.com office who claims to not "get" Salim's music. That person is most definitely not yours truly. I think I "get" Salim's music both in what he's trying to convey in his music, as well as his lyrics. Salim writes from his heart and soul. His music can sometimes define his pain, his joy, his past and his present. However, don't listen to me - listen to a couple of tracks from Beautiful Noise and you decide.

"Montreal.mp3"

"The World is Full of People Who Want to Hurt You.mp3"

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King James Version by Spitfire Tumbleweeds

I think I've been abundantly clear as to my adoration for Denton and all the extraordinary musicians and bands who reside there and play there and put out great albums from there....King James Version is no exception. This album is sort of a dark, alt.Country, Southern Rock, banjo/mandolin/geetar infused fantabulousness.

"Any Given Saturday.mp3"

"Drinker's Disposition.mp3"

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Little D by Fishboy

In my opinion, Eric Michener aka Fishboy is brilliant...seriously like a comical-lyrical genius. Quirky, whimsical, hilarious, distrurbing - all words I would use to describe his whacked-out musical antics. He's quick and witty and puts out albums that always force me make the purchase.

"Tree Star.mp3"

"Cheer Up Great Pumpkin.mp3"

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The Vice and Virtue Ministry by The Happy Bullets

I was talking to another music scene cohort the other day and we dared each other to reveal our top 5 bands in DFW. Well, it was more like "okay...okay...okay...so like if you could only choose 5 local bands to listen to (and none others) for the rest of your life, who would they be?" I'm not going to reveal my full list - that could change tomorrow - but I will reveal that the Happy Bullets were on it. I just love everything the band has put out thus far. I never tire of their live performances either. This album is a lifetime keeper.

"The Vice and the Virtue Ministry.mp3"

"Good Day.mp3"

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Water Sphere by Pilotdrift

I met the boys in Pilotdrift shortly after their 2nd gig. I was urged by a music guru in the know (was it Torr or Joel?) to invite them on my (then) show on TexasRadio1.com. I'll never forget the first time I popped in Iter Facere - I was sitting in line at the bank and the moment the music began to play, I was transported to another time and place. There was something ultimately charming and interesting that these guys recorded and produced such an amazing album from their Texarkana living room. Water Sphere brought in a real recording studio and producer Tim DeLaughter which has obviously turned out well for the band. Some of the songs from Iter Facere were changed up a tad and found a place on this album is well - ah - the best of both worlds - or albums as the case may be.

"Elephant Island.mp3"

"Rings of Symbols.mp3"

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Click here for Part 1 - "Best Act in Town"

Click here for Part 2 - "Musician of the Year"

Click here for Part 2 1/2 - "The Venues"

Click here to cast your vote!

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