Bullet the Blue Sky
• Winslow is no more. The freewheeling space rockers, whose sole recorded output is a 2001 self-titled EP, called it quits last week. Bassist Justin Bankston cited the usual “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. Adding insult to injury, the band’s van was recently burglarized, the thieves absconding with guitarist Ken Hatten‘s burgundy Gibson Explorer.
• After seven years, Austin heavy rockers Plow Monday have also decided to call it a day. The band released two albums, and at one point earlier this year, was the most downloaded band in France. Following a farewell show at the Hard Rock Cafe Nov. 15, the four members will continue making music under a new name.
• Austin City Limits is giving away tickets to its next taping 10am Friday at Waterloo Records. “Remedy” man Jason Mraz warms up for his Saturday opening slot with Jonny Lang at the Backyard with a 12:30pm matinee that same day at KLRU.
• Local label Arclight Records will re-release Houston band Dresden 45‘s 1989 LP Paradise Lost, a metal/hardcore/punk fusion described as “Slayer meets Minor Threat.” The reissue will include eight additional tracks and new artwork, with Dresden 45 storming into Room 710 Nov. 22. Arclight is also working on a compilation tribute to Red River patron saint “Handsome” Joel Svatek.
• The Dog & Duck Pub is hosting its inaugural “T.A.P. (Total Austin Party) Fest” Saturday from 3 to 10pm in the parking lot at 406 W. 17th. The free, all-ages event features the energetic strum of the Damnations, Moonlight Towers‘ blissful Brit-influenced pop, John Croslin‘s new outfit the Fire Marshals of Bethlehem, Dung Beatles Steve and Kevin‘s nonfeces-obsessed Fighting Brothers McCarthy, and raucous party-starters the Dirt Track Brawlers. Beer from Real Ale Brewing Co.
• Several local artists have landed cuts on recent national compilations. Grupo Fantasma‘s “Caña Brava” appears on the soundtrack to the new John Sayles flick Casa de los Babys; Spoon‘s “Tear Me Down” and the Polyphonic Spree‘s “Wig in a Box” both show up on Wig in a Box: Music From and Inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch; and Norah Jones and Willie Nelson contribute to Where We Live, a benefit for environmental organization Earthjustice.
This article appears in October 17 • 2003.