West and Clear’s 2008 in review: Cool local music

by Steve Smith of West and Clear

The thing about West and Clear is that we haven’t done much music. We like music. We like local music. We’re just kind of all over the place that way.

Still, people still ask for recommendations — “What’s good and local?” Well, how about a few recommendations? These are in no particular order, but if you are looking to drop some cash on local bands, these five 2008 releases are a good place to start.

The Cut*Off — Packaged Up for Beginners

The Cut*Off’s first full-length album was produced by Dallas uber-producer Salim Nourallah, and that’s part of the reason that even though they look like they could be roadies for David Allen Coe in the video, these guys actually put out a pretty smooth pop record. And it’s getting some legs — I even heard them on KEXP in Seattle. Watch the video to “Black Market Value” below.

* Buy the album: iTunes

* Catch them live: The Moon on Jan. 17.

The Theater Fire — Matter and Light

If a bunch of Civil War veterans decided to form an alt-rock band, say, a hundred years ago, that band would be The Theater Fire. I still think they could give Beirut a run for their money as the 19th Century’s best rock band. The Theater Fire’s third album, Light and Matter, is a dark, melancholy ride that is offbeat and engaging. It’s a trip worth taking.

* Buy the album: iTunes

* Listen: The Theater Fire - Swashbuckler Blues

Black Tie Dynasty — Down Like Anyone

A friend asked me recently why every Fort Worth band sounds like The Cure. Maybe it has something to do with all of the residual hate left laying around for Black Tie Dynasty. Certainly they channel the Eighties, but frontman Cory Watson just happens to have the pipes for it. Put the hate down. Listen to this album. You’ll enjoy it. Watch the video for “Much Scarier” below.

* Buy the album: iTunes

* Catch them live: New Year’s Eve at Lola’s

Goodwin — 2

Tony Diaz and Daniel Gomez put together a pleasant blend of power pop quite nicely. Goodwin’s second album, called 2 cryptically enough, was worth the wait.

* Buy the album: iTunes

* Listen: Goodwin - Grace

The Toadies — No Deliverance

I almost hesitated to put this on the list because it’s not like The Toadies are under the radar or anything. EVERYBODY knows that this band is officially The Greatest Evar Rock Band From Fort Worth. However, this is their first new album out since 2001, and they still rock. That’s worth a mention.

* Buy the album: iTunes

* Listen: The Toadies - No Deliverance

* Catch them live: The Ridglea Theatre on New Year’s Eve. Good luck finding tickets — it’s sold out.