I went to the Austin City Limits Festival in 2006. Rocky played on Saturday, so I missed it because I only went on Sunday. However, they gave out iTunes sampler cards. This sampler included White Daisy Passing by Rocky Votolato. This song has one of my favorite lyrics ever:
I'm going down to sleep on the bottom of the ocean
Cause I couldn’t let go when the water hit the setting sun
I immediately bought the album this song was on. Makers. White Daisy Passing, Makers, and Portland is Leaving are simply outstanding songs. From Makers:
The bones inside your mind were all broken
The keys that open any answers were all stolen
Fillin' and refillin' up the glass with makers
We both agree, your final moment
The sweetest remedy, to ever be delivered
Heaven or heavenless
We're all headed for the same sweet darkness
Sums up my life. Liquor and lack of faith.
I actually first saw that Rocky was coming to Austin. I tried to recruit several people with no luck.
I've written about the House of Blues Dallas before. This show was in the Cambridge Room. It's upstairs and a much smaller venue. But just because it's smaller doesn't mean that HOB hasn't done it up right. The sound system is great and the room is awesome. Couches and rugs line the sides of the room for relaxing in between shows. Big bar across the back. Artwork everywhere.
I got there around 8:10. The show started at 8, and the website didn't show any opening bands. Because of the venue, I thought it might be a one band show. However, there were two opening bands. Of course.
When I walked in, it was kinda surreal. Two guys sitting on stage with Beatles Maharishi era beards. People sitting around on the rugs. Very few people standing by the stage watching the show.
The band was The Great Depression. The music was a blend of guitar and harmony that you don't hear enough of anymore. Reminiscent of the Grateful Dead. Not the songs so much, but the music.
You Could Be Queen and Kings of Dixie Highway are two great freaking songs. Kind of a royal thing going on, but, you know, whatever works. I bought the album. I love it. I bought the lead singer Tim shots later. I don't think he appreciated it.
Next was Portugal of Men. Could have done without them. One guy had a One Day at a Time Schneider pornstache. Another guy looked like Ari from Entourage, wearing a white leather vest.
A note here. Two girls I noticed were wearing, in order, leggings with patent leather flats, and a black velvet dress with a red scarf. Really? Is that the fashion now in Dallas and I just don't know?
Portugal of Men actually ended with a cool version of Helter Skelter which they mixed in with whatever song they were playing.
Rocky finally came on around 10. The show was amazing. Because of the size of the venue, I was able to get to within about 15 feet of the front with no issues.
Rocky's voice is so unique. I'm not sure anyone else could sing his songs with the same impact. Sometimes the pacing of the lyrics don't make sense when you look at them, but when he sings it it flows perfectly.
Set List:
(Full Band)
The Night's Disguise
Before You Were Born
Tennesse Train Tracks
The Wrong Side of Reno
Postcard from Kentucky
(Solo)
Streetlights
Suicide Medicine
Mix Tape / Cell Mates
(Full Band - Halfway thru first song)
Montana
"Unidentified song"
Portland Is Leaving
White Daisy Passing
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - Tim from Great Depression guest singing
Tinfoil Hats Makers
(Encore)
Plastic Jesus
I'll Catch You
I'll admit that my knowledge at this point encompassed "Makers" and "Brag and Cuss". The songs Suicide Medicine and Mix Tapes/Cell Mates made me research his older albums.
Suicide Medicine is an outstanding album. Currently one of my faves.
The show was great. Being so close. Great sound. Great everything.
After the show, I took Jim Beam shots with these two guys.
Tim on the left is the lead guitarist from Great Depression while the guy on the right is Chad, the bassist from Rocky's band.
I finished up the night at Fuel City. Picadillo. Unsettling how good they are.
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