Big Pun dead; Puffy charged; Morissette heads to Broadway

Disco Volante
By Christine McCreary

For those of you who missed the band FEEL, which opened for Dallas' Resident Hero at The SideCar Pub show this past Saturday, they put on an awesome performance.

At one point lead singer Alexander Lagos walked as though on a tightrope across the railing of the stage balcony; then, jumping from box to box, he climbed up the wall and finally to the top of a video arcade machine, never missing a note.

With Lagos' soul-felt vocals backed by Ackerman, Jeremiah Rogers (guitar), Wes Reid (drums) and latest band edition Josh Mason (keyboards, guitar and percussion), the band performed such songs as "Self Portrait" and one of my personal favorites, "Tradewinds," both of which can be heard on the band's new EP. The EP can now be heard at www.mp3.com/feel.

Photos from this show can also be viewed at www.entertainmentwatch.com.

So what's in store for the local scene this week? 

The Westbury Squares are tentatively scheduled to play Wednesday at the University Center Satellite. I am looking forward to checking the sound of these guys out before the Feb. 18 Emo's show, when they are scheduled to play with Simpleton Music.

On Thursday, MU330, along with Link 80 and Missile Command, will take the stage upstairs at Fitzgerald's. This show is $7. Fitzgerald's is located at 2706 White Oak Drive, at the intersection with Studemont.

On Saturday, with so many bands playing, it's going to be hard to decide which show to attend.

Opening for punk rock band 30footFALL is the above-mentioned Simpleton Music. Simpleton Music features frontman Brian Clements (formerly of Taste of Garlic). Clements always puts on an entertaining show with his high-powered freestylin' lyrics and funk moves.

Also on Saturday, the band Japanic, which received the honor of the 1999 Houston Press Awards Critic's Choice for Best New Act and Best Song for "Orpheus Express," will play. Many people have referred to the band's sound as "new wave," although the members prefer to be called "simply a rock band."

"The sound is very rhythmic, and draws equally from the traditions of soul music and the avant-garde," stated keyboardist Rob Smith as he described the sound of Japanic.

Japanic will be playing with the Groceries and the band Matty & Mossy. This show will take place at Instant Karma, located at 1617 Richmond. 

Dune TX will be playing at Emo's Saturday; the Manglers will be opening. Emo's is located at 2700 Albany. Tomorrow's Daily Cougar will contain a review of Dune TX's latest CD.

The Suspects will be opening for Austin band The Scabs both Friday and Saturday night at the Fabulous Satellite Lounge, which is located at 3616 Washington Avenue. The cost of each show is $10.

Monday (don't forget it's Valentine's Day), The El Orbits can also be seen at the Fabulous Satellite lounge. There is no cover charge for this show.

Remember all shows, dates and prices are subject to change, so be sure to check with the venue.

Thank you again to all of those who responded to last week's column! 

Once again, if you are involved in a local band and are wondering how you can get your band onto the pages of The Daily Cougar, or if you know of a cool local band readers should check out, you can e-mail me at JUDIjtsn.aol.com.