Thrift Store Cowboys/Driftwood Singers - show preview, 1/7/11

As anyone who has seen this blog has no doubt heard me drag on about, the live music offerings in Midland/Odessa at times leave a bit to be desired, especially after one moves here after living within walking distance of multiple venues bringing in national touring acts. That said, we still get good shows here every so often.

Friday, January 7th, will feature a great lineup of local and national bands at the Pine Box in Midland, TX (510 S. Big Spring St., Midland, TX 79702). Normally a hardcore/metal venue, the Pine Box also occasionally brings in acts outside of those genres, with this show being a perfect example.

Headlining the show will be Los Angeles, CA, americana/folk touring act The Driftwood Singers. This band brings a sound from a different time, reminiscent of the type of band you might have expected to tour across West Texas during the Dust Bowl. I honestly can't find a ton of information about them, but they have gotten some attention from the well-regarded Captain's Dead blog. They also have a digital EP for sale on Bandcamp, where you can also stream most of their songs. As little rain as we've had, you could almost say they are coming back through during another dust bowl, with the primary difference being that in the first Dust Bowl people weren't still leaving their sprinklers on all night.




































Second, a band that I talk about frequently, Lubbock based indie/roots band Thrift Store Cowboys will share the stage. TSC toured the country from September through November in 2010 in support of their amazing new record Light Fighter, so it's nice to be able to catch them back here in West Texas. The band hasn't played Midland/Odessa in some time, so hopefully a few folks still know who they are around here.



















The line-up also features locals Jackson's Lost Cause and Asher Noel. I must admit I appreciate a show like this because I wasn't familiar with either of these artists, but am liking what I hear from them online so far. Who knew that Odessa had anything other than metal bands? I assumed it must, but I didn't really know where they were hiding out.

Jackson's Lost Cause brings a blues influenced rock to the lineup. Check out "If I Could Hide You In My Memories" on his Myspace.







































Asher Noel is an act that one listens to and has an initial thought of "this guy lives in Odessa?" I mean this in a good way, because the songs are well written, but also somewhat off the beaten path with electronic sounds thrown into the mix. Definitely looking forward to hearing him perform live.


























The show starts early, at 7:30 PM, so don't miss out by getting there late. Cover charge is $7, and the show is all ages. Spread the word - we need to support great local shows like this one!