Cover Story
Sister Bobbie
‘Sister Bobbie’ puts the ‘Family’ in Willie Nelson and Family
Instruments of Science & Technology
Richard Swift teaches the kids how it’s done
NOLA Gay
In New Orleans, the yellow brick road leads to the Center.
Heavy Rotation
A smattering of the new hot mess, plus the Doozy of the Month.
Soul-ar System
The indie rock race issue comes to town.
Rob Sheffield’s Mix Tape
Rob Sheffield’s Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time is an emotional memoir and tribute to his late wife, explored through the music the two shared. The Rolling Stone contributing editor appears at BookPeople on Sunday, but sent over his most recent playlist. Louis Jordan, “Don’t Worry ‘Bout That…
Sundance: The Order of Myths
The photo I posted yesterday of Louis Black and Jackie “the Jokeman” Martling was taken at a dinner for Margaret Brown’s documentary competition film The Order of Myths. Margaret is the Austin filmmaker also responsible for the lovely musician portrait Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Sant. Her new film examines…
Hello, Aztex
News of the century! Well, OK, it’s a young century so far, but truly, not since the Round Rock Express started operations back in ’99 has Austin made such a splash on the national sports scene. The United Soccer Leagues announced Wednesday that the Austin Aztex have been awarded the newest USL First Division franchise.…
What Will Robert Do Next?
Robert Rodriguez talks about his next movie, DVDs, and his next possible collaborator.
Feeling Kinda Kim
A glance at all things Jennifer
Rick Perry: More Ethical Than UT?
UT investment management firm decides not to divest from Sudan.
Navigating to City Web Meetings
City to hold public forums on its website redesign.
Interview With a Prophet
Chuck Prophet holds forth.
Durant Watch: Midterm Report
The Sonics are tail-spinning*, having dropped their last 11 games. Betcha didn’t spit up your beer hearing that news. What is surprising is the fact that this must be rubbing off on Kevin Durant who – though still head and shoulders above the rest of the rooks – is struggling as of late with his…
Hunger Strike Ovah!
Uri ends hunger strike.
Howling for Wolf
Wolf makes sweet little Andy HOWL.
Sundance: Jackie, Ohhh
Can’t resist posting this photo taken at Sundance of Austin Chronicle editor Louis Black with Jackie “the Jokeman” Martling, the notorious comedian who is a frequent visitor to Austin. As a passionate listener of Howard Stern, Black has been a longtime fan of Martling’s. This chance meeting is the happiest I think I’ve seen my…
Heath Ledger, 1979-2008
‘Brokeback’ legend Ledger dead at 28.
Hee Haw Hell
Dash Rip Rock’s journey through H-E-double hockey sticks.
Is ‘Law And Order’ Still Hiring?
Fred Thompson quits presidential race.
Rooster Andrews Dead at 84
News broke recently that beloved University of Texas icon William “Rooster” Andrews died Monday afternoon at a local assisted-living facility. The pint-sized former UT water boy/drop-kicker attended the university in the early Forties and then went on to additional local fame as the owner of the Rooster Andrews Sporting Goods retail outlet along Guadalupe Street.…
The Horror of Selling Out
Harry Knowles talks about the films that could have been
Drafthouse Hosts Air Sex Competition
Fondling, fingering, licking, humping, slapping, spanking, poking, playing, and masturbating? Bumping and grinding? Yes … please. Saturday, Jan. 26, the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz is hosting round three of the Austin Air Sex Championships, a sexual variation on the ever-popular Air Guitar Championships, which will be held at the Ritz on Tuesday, Jan. 29.…
Eddie Murphy Knew All Along
In the film Coming to America (1988), Eddie Murphy eerily describes a very similar outcome as that of a recent NFL Conference Championship game. Maybe it’s time to scour Murphy’s back catalog for insight into the Giants/Patriots Super Bowl matchup.
Bats’ Beaudry Named Goalie of the Week
Austin Ice Bats goaltender Miguel Beaudry received the Central Hockey League’s Goaltender of the Week award for his excellent play last week. Beaudry earned a 2-0 record allowing four goals on 90 shots during this period. He is 4-1-0 with a 2.61 goals against average and a .933 save percentage in his last six outings.…
With Endorsements Like These
Democratic senate hopeful gets GOP boost.
Dust in the Wind
No local love in Indio.
Rock Out, Lady Writers
Women writers score big at the Oscars… or at least bigger than usual.
Public Safety Unions to Issue Council Endorsements
Coming down today – little early, eh?
Championship Museum at the University Co-Op Now Open
A new museum honoring UT’s women’s sports is now open on the second floor of the University Co-Op on the Drag. Visitors can peep the UT women’s national championship team wall, conference and national championship trophies, Olympic medals, and much more. There is also a 15-minute DVD viewable by visitors that celebrates the many accomplishments…
Nine Day Month
State makes January stalking education month with a week to go.
Whammies Unaffected by WGA Strike
Rice Rocket dominates the Texas flat-track Roller Derby awards.
Sundance: A Good Start
My first few film picks all turned out to be winners. The Black List, which just received word as the festival opened of a sale to HBO, is a collaboration between filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and interviewer Elvis Mitchell. The documentary offers clips from interviews with some 20 influential African-American figures on a variety of subjects.…
The Sound and the Fury
The Alamo screens James Brown’s classic 1968 concert.
Obama’s Tricky Reagan Moment
Barack Obama brings up unexpected 70’s rhetoric.
Savini’s Bloody Secret
Effects icon shares a little secret at Fangoria weekend.
All Signs Point to Clearview
You’ll get there a lot faster if you can see the signs.
Tales of Goo And Bambi
The Avellan twins share tales of horror and big contact lenses.
Angela Bettis In 3-D!!!
The local indie horror star gets new depth for her next film.
Austin Legislators Unite Against Capitol Bus Stop Removal
State has ordered busy stop removed for “security upgrades” to Capitol
Who Needs Hannah Montana?
U2 finds a new dimension
Blue Plate Special: The $10,000 Edition
Ten grand gets not just dinner, but dinner conversation
Original of the Species
U2 3D
Hitler + Dallas Cowboys = Love
Do you really want to root for the same team Adolf Hitler does? I sure as hell don’t. As seen on Kissing Suzy Kolber (if you are an NFL fan and you aren’t familiar with this blog, get to it).
Queer Comedian Smackdown
Both Adelina Anthony and Margaret Cho in one weekend? Surely this is some form of sign of the gaypocalypse?
Letters @ 3AM
Before the presidency is anything else, it’s a job – a job that requires a dash of corruption
Texas Platters
Seth Walker (Hyena) Making his debut on Hyena Records, co-founded by late Atlantic Records producer Joel Dorn and also home to Dale Watson, Seth Walker’s reissued fifth album highlights the local bluesman’s versatility. Opener “Change My Way” drives a solid blues boogie, but slices of smooth R&B sway “Steady” and the aching take of Dave…
Here’s Blood in Your Eye
Fangoria‘s Weekend of Horrors eviscerates the 512
Asked Again
Commissioners Court again considers a public defender’s office
Cloverfield
Cloverfield is a pure-blood, grade A, exultantly exhilarating monster movie in the grand tradition.
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
echnical information doubling every four years, famous skiffle musicians, laughing orangutans, and more
Texas Platters
Good Times Crisis Band Select a Gather Point (Australian Cattle God) Good Times Crisis Band is a study in out-of-time contradictions. The tightfisted local guitar/bass/drums trio channels ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres by way of the Minutemen’s Double Nickels on the Dime against a lyrical backdrop espousing human resilience in the face of postmodern cynicism. Select…
‘Honeydripper’ Drops on Austin
This week marks two occasions to catch John Sayles’ latest close lens on the American experience
RG4N Vows to Fight On
The movement to stop the Northcross Wal-Mart rallies the neighborhood troops
27 Dresses
We predict a happy union between 27 Dresses and cable TV, forever rerunning with commercial breaks tailor-made for laundry-loading and sandwich-making.
The Common Law
Texas Homestead Exemption – What Is It?
Texas Platters
Prey for Sleep … A Bitter Beginning Metal alchemy produces mostly unstable results, but Prey for Sleep measures out uncompromising modern mayhem admirably classic within the genre’s table of elements. Hunter Townsend’s vocal evisceration manages an emotive afterimage, while guitarists Jason Powell and Matthew Carey unleash firestorm rhythms in sheets of penitentiary height. Only Dave…
Off the Record
Alejandro Escovedo scores his own life and Man From Plains, Backspin Records relocates, and UT’s Center for American History archives Tary Owens’ legacy
Point Austin: The Process, Part II
After some procedural and PR bumps, City Council moves to name a new city manager
There Will Be Blood
This powerful character study and origin story is rooted in American soil.
After a Fashion
Is Stephen a closet furry? And what did Dr. Twink diagnose?
Texas Platters
ECFA Der Wald Austin saxophonist/composer Carl Smith remains a tenacious champion of improvised music. Hosting countless live shows locally over a dozen years with ECFA, Smith’s third LP also marks his most substantive recording, a trio affair with the leader on tenor sax, Holland Hopson on soprano sax, and Jason Friedrich on drums. Like the…
Arts Review
Vortex’s revival confronts issues of the body – as object, as weapon, and as prison – head on
Naked City
Quote of the Week “It’s not the size [of the development]. Like they say, ‘It’s the economy, stupid,’ in politics? It’s the impact, stupid. It’s the impact of the development.” – Jason Meeker of Responsible Growth for Northcross, on the Wal-Mart proposed for the former Northcross Mall property Headlines • Down to two finalists, City…
Cassandra’s Dream
Woody Allen is still making movies at the rate of at least one a year. The problem is that he doesn’t make good movies at the rate of one a year.
Event Menu
Jan. 18-22
Texas Platters
AM Syndicate Liberation (Novastar) Plunging further than homage to Omar (Rhythm of Black Lines) Chavez’s favorite band, Blonde Redhead, Liberation regurgitates waves of echo with no hint of inspiration despite Erik Wofford’s able production. The second album from the local now-trio also finds Arcade Fire intonations (muddied “The Neighbor and His Wife”), touches of late-1980s…
Arts Review
Despite some flaws, Different Stages mounts two Tennessee Williams’ dramas in riveting and entertaining fashion
@ Chronic
Some city manager selection gab
Make It Gourmet Dog Food Seasoning Blend
Dogs need variety, too
Texas Platters
The Musician’s Guide to the Road: A Survival Handbook & All-Access Backstage Pass to Touring by Susan Voelz Billboard Books, 272 pp., $16.95 Musicians have written about life on the road since before paved highways, but none has gone into how it’s done. Susan Voelz, violinist for Poi Dog Pondering and Alejandro Escovedo, takes what…
Arts Review
The artist’s self-proclaimed graveyard of old art doesn’t make for a tight show, but it’s an ambitious one
Kitty-Puppy Lawsuit, Round One
Powers of neighborhood plans tested by citizens suing city
Food-o-File
New Austin Javas sprouting about town, beer and veggie pies for all, and a once-in-an-lifetime foodie vacation
Texas Platters
Revered blues mama Leeann Atherton and former Red Elvises guitarist/vocalist Zhenya Rock have joined forces in Gypzee Soul, a meeting of his fleet-fingered ability on all things stringed and her soulful sensibilities. Clunky, lyrical moments on their debut are almost offset by the amount of love poured into their worldly acoustic grooves… With a voice…
Day Trips
The Forbidden Gardens Chinese Cultural Museum in Katy offers a miniaturized view of Chinese culture and history
Senate Candidates on Centex Parade
Last Thursday’s Central Texas Democratic Forum might be as close as Democrats get to hearing Ray McMurrey and Rick Noriega spar face-to-face
Wine of the Week
Christian Moueix makes a few wines for the rest of us
Can Austin Waste Not?
City vows to cut landfill-bound garbage to zero
Oops
In last week’s Screens feature “Energy Forward,” we reported, in error, that the director for the movie Owned, James Hergott, was scouting stunt fighters at Master Yi Martial Arts Academy at a workshop on Nov. 30. In fact it was Eric Alfio, CEO of the production company and executive producer for the movie. The Chronicle…
Commissioners Review Downtown Vision
County formally kicks off multimillion-dollar, multistructure, multiyear capital-improvement project
Restaurant Review
Trattoria Lisina 13308 FM 150 W., near Driftwood, 512/894-3111 Tuesday-Friday, 4-10pm; Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday, 11am-9pm; reservations accepted www.trattorialisina.com When respected Houston chef/restaurateur Damian Mandola relocated to Central Texas, local foodies paid attention. Mandola settled his family on some property in northern Hays County and busied himself planning and opening an excellent Italian neighborhood market bearing…
Elsewhere in Texas …
In other large Texas cities, recycling is a mixed bag. The city of San Antonio claims to have the largest curbside recycling program in the state. Every week it collects glass, metal cans, all types of plastic containers bearing Nos. 1 through 7 (Austin accepts only bottles in categories 1 and 2), and more paper…
Page Two: The Moment Belongs to the Music
John Sayles’ ‘Honeydripper’ takes flight
Doherty’s Romney Connection
Mudslinging in Congressional District 10 race begins
More Than Something Hanging on the Wall
Robert Bonar on the Dell Children’s collection
Restaurant Review
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 5207 Brodie #300, Sunset Valley, 512/892-3800 Sunday-Thursday, 11am-12mid; Friday-Saturday, 11am-1am www.bjsbrewhouse.com I’ll confess, I went to BJ’s with low expectations. In fact, I almost didn’t go at all – after all, the world doesn’t really need a review of the latest corporate megachain to hit Austin. But this one had a…
At Your Solid Waste Service
Curbside Recycling You can pick up city-provided blue bins at any local fire station (or call 311 for more info). Here’s what you can recycle: glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles with No. 1 or No. 2 on the bottom, metal cans, and empty aerosol cans. In a separate bin or brown paper grocery bag…
Soccer Watch
U.S. Women earn a first-round Four Nations Tourney win, and more
Zero Waste by 2040: A Recommendation Sneak Peek
What the consultants have to say
Catherine Lee
Back in her home state full-time, the noted artist shares her work and what she’s learned in 30 years of making art
The Dirt on Composting
Compost happens. It’s nature’s way of sustaining herself nutritionally, sending all manner or life to take apart and recycle decaying organic matter, a symbiosis that allows insects, worms, and microorganisms to feed while transforming everything from leaves to lemon peels into rich soil that minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers and watering. But the way…
Playing Through
Bill Adorno back-swims his way to serenity at Barton Springs every morning
Art for Healing
The stunning art collection of the Dell Children’s Medical Center
Jake Foster In Memoriam
The production manager for the choral group Conspirare has died
Bobbie Nelson Reviewed
Bobbie Nelson Audiobiography (Justice) In reading between the notes of Bobbie Nelson’s first solo album, three things become clear. 1) Audiobiography is a wonderful, gentle, unassuming recording that resonates with tenderness. 2) It’s hard not to absolutely love Bobbie Nelson simply for who she is. 3) Bobbie and Willie have one of those remarkably symbiotic…
The Hightower Report
Foreclosing on Renters; and The Olympics: Let the Spying Begin
Media Watch
Austin is No. 1 in digital video recording
Happenings
Jan. 17-23
Dame Edna: Hold your horses, possums
The Australian megastar is forced to cancel her January trip to town but vows to visit in November
Sabor a Mi
The impetus for Bobbie Nelson’s debut album, released as 2007 came to a close, was a conversation with Justice Records founder Jamail Randall. When asked if she had considered writing her autobiography, the pianist told Randall that her story would be better told in song. Audiobiography thus presents her history through the songs that have…
TV Eye
Golden Globes were a big bust, but the new Terminator series opens an impressive can of whup-ass
Beside the Point
A look at the CM finalists, and the search
Cormac McCarthy to Settle Down ‘The Road’
Texas State acquires the papers of Texas’ most famously reclusive writer
‘Honeydripper’ Blues
Next-generation Austin bluesman Gary Clark Jr. relives 1950 with John Sayles’ big-screen blues, Honeydripper
Film News
Tween sensations Vanessa Hudgens and Alyson Michalka set up shop at Austin Studios
Citizens’ Committee Shuffles AISD Bonds
A recap of the plans so far
First Sunday
Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan play petty criminals who spend a night reckoning with the lord when they rob their neighborhood church.
Readings
Theroux has a knack for creative observations and clarity, as well as an undeniably vast knowledge of literature and sex
Record Review
Honeydripper Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Rhino) In a pivotal scene during John Sayles’ Honeydripper, an old-time jukebox blows a circuit in the club. What’s appealing about this soundtrack is that nothing would sound out of place screeching at 45 rpm. Southern gospel (New Beginnings Ministry’s “Standing by the Highway” and “You Got to Choose”), early…
Changes in the Weather
As Burnt Orange cools down, UTFI heats up
TPPF Conference
Conservative conference points toward next Legislature
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Uwe Boll, the Timex watch of contemporary filmmakers (he takes a licking but keeps on ticking), strikes again.
Readings
Court intrigue is hot stuff this season
Texas Platters
Willie Nelson Moment of Forever (Lost Highway) With Willie Nelson staring at three-quarters of a century on the earth, the question “What Would Willie Do?” is no longer a riddle: Keep making music. Lately, ATX’s country & western ambassador has made middling music with Ryan Adams and great music with Ray Price and Merle Haggard.…
The Biography of Burnt Orange
The Quiet D: Jamie Babbit (shot in 2004) The story: Following her father’s death, deaf-mute teen Dot moves in with her godparents and their teenage daughter but soon discovers the home contains dark secrets. Starring: Elisha Cuthbert, Camilla Belle, Edie Falco What happened: Premiered at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival, purchased by Sony, and…
Election Notes
• Is Larry Joe Doherty running a push poll against Dan Grant, his Democratic primary opponent for Congressional District 10? That’s the charge made by Austin blogger Trey McAtee (www.mcblogger.com) and echoed by Grant campaign manager Kelly Fero. “Many of us have been subjected in recent days to a telephone push poll paid for by…
The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of … V8?
Luv Doc Recommends: James Brown Live 1968
Monday is MLK Day. If you’re one of those fortunate 33% of Americans who actually get the day off, knuckles, yo. You deserve some extra shuteye. Nothing wears a body out like a grueling eight-hour shift in some faceless bureaucratic sinkhole. You have to work three times as hard when everything has to be done…
