This documentary was a long time coming. After 16 years, the documentary film project is finally done and is going to be shown this weekend at the Dick’s hometown. The documentary is called “The Dicks From Texas” directed by Cindy Marabito. The reason this film is getting so much regard is due to what the Dicks really meant to the Austin punk scene in the 1980s. The Dicks were a larger than life punk-hardcore band that pushed the envelope of sexuality, politics, and music. They are best known for their songs such as “Hate the Police” and “Kills from the Heart”.
The reason this documentary is important to watch is that it is a piece of Austin’s music history and a pivotal moment in the punk scene. They rocked against Reagan. They played alongside MDC and the Big Boys. Henry Rollins, Ian MacKaye, and Mike Watt all want to talk about how great this band was. I don’t think I really have to sell much more here.
They are also releasing a tribute album with such bands as The Bulimics, Black Irish Texas, The Fuckemos, and much more. It is currently streaming here: The Dicks From Texas and Friends
I feel like Post Pop Depression is this year’s most anticipated album. All the tastemakers are discussing it on air and in the streets. It’s like we don’t want to miss a moment before the album dropped so we can say we heard the magic first. It was released on March 18, 2016, after their tour stops in Austin during the South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival. My fellow Austinites and I got the privilege of hosting and seeing this unique tour. I use my word choices her very precisely due to the fact that I believe Iggy Pop is a star. He is a punk legend and what I think of when I say the words “front man”. He is also a bit of a renaissance man. You think you might know who Iggy Pop is one minute but he will do something completely out of his range and nail it with grace.
Iggy Pop Showcase SXSW 2016 ACL Live
I think that describes the approach to this album and tour. Post Pop Depression isn’t glam rock, indie, or punk outright. It has so many layers to it that you have to take it at face value. It is gritty, dancey, and profound. The first couple listens I would get little bits stuck in my head and it would remind me of the first times I fell in love with Iggy Pop/The Stooges, Queens of the Stone Age, and even 80s David Bowie. In an overly produced pop world, it refreshing to go back to certain eras of music that are about reinvention and attempting something new.
The SXSW showcase was at the Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. The day before Iggy and Josh did their official taping for the Austin City Limits television show. What was great about the showcase the day after was that they just got to play music without anything technical in the way. The set started with “Lust For Life” which I thought would be a closer. It was exactly the excitement I needed in my life. Then the band went right into the album with songs such as ” American Valhalla”, “Sunday”, and “Break Your Heart”. They also did a cover of David Bowie’s “China Girl” which fits very much into the style of this album. The band covered some Iggy Pop classics such as “Nightclubbing” and “Passenger” which fit well within in the set and is very classic Iggy.
Iggy Pop SXSW 2016
While Iggy Pop danced and thrashed upon the stage, while Josh Homme soothed with his guitar. The music spoke for itself. Some might have thought this collaboration would be odd but they both offset each other organically to make this transformative dance pop. I love that this album doesn’t take itself so seriously but is still a serious piece of music. I can also say that this was one of the best shows I have ever witnessed. So when I die and my life flashes before my eye, its comforting to know Iggy Pop will be there dancing with me till the end.
Even though most SXSW veterans will say this year’s festival wasn’t above and beyond might not be appreciating the roots of the festival. Growing up punk in Austin, I used to wait on the sidewalks of Emo’s hoping to get into the SXSW Fat Wreck Chords showcase. Those were the golden years of Rock Against Bush for Fat Wreck and we needed NOFX’s anthems then.
Ray Rocket at Fat Wreck Chords Showcase SXSW2016
Let’s focus on today; we need their help against Trump and to celebrate their classic punk tracks. This year NOFX released their memoir and brought the best of their label roster to SXSW. The showcase at Buffalo Billard’s was intimate enough for the stylings of Ray Rocket’s acoustic set and to rock out in the pit. All the bands I bought albums from this past year were on the lineup: Ray Rocket, The Dirty Nil, Mean Jeans, toyGuitar, Night Birds, and NOFX.
The two bands I haven’t gotten to see within the past years were my most anticipated: Mean Jeans and Night Birds. I was fortunate enough to go to the Fat Wreck Anniversary Tour this past year but did not get to see these gems. Mean Jeans would be my vote for the most anticipated band for the fest. NOFX is definitely everyone’s favorite but I am always curious to find out who is going to be the next wave of punk. Mean Jeans has the amazing grit and snarl that true punk rock has, but also contains the roots of the Ramones tangled within every song. Their energy and live show was everything I expected from their music and are a perfect fit for the label.
Night Birds has also been a favorite of mine for the past year. They are the hardcore punk that I need to revival the sweet melodic punk I love. Most of the audience noted that the Night Birds are one of the best live band. That is definitely the truth. They come running out the gate and you are coming with them no matter what. Their guitars and angst reels you in and leaves you wanting more.
Of course, the end of the night is topped with the sweet cherry that is NOFX. They are the crowd favorite and everyone goes crazy. Maybe because it was St. Patrick’s Day or the fact they were finally back in Austin but it felt good to have NOFX just play a solid set and have fun with it. I hope this continues to be a tradition with Fat Wreck Chords and SXSW. The most important part of this festival is to remember why we listen to music in the first place: the classics and new finds.
Tiger Army’s mantra is “Never Die” and for a while, I thought they might actually die off. In 2013, the band acted like they were disbanding. After the departing of Geoff Kresge in February 2014, there seems to be a radio silence of what was to come next. Also the fact that Tiger Army hadn’t been to Texas since 2008, it seemed pretty damn bleak. As always though, founding and constant member, Nick 13 said the band would continue.
Tiger Army (Dropkick Murphy Tour 2016)
After all the drama this band has seen over the decades, I was still pretty excited when I heard they would be touring with the great Dropkick Murphys. I was expecting they would play it safe and play old hits. The set was actually a little bit of everything. They stuck to their roots and also debuted some of their new material. They had been gone so long I forgot how much I truly love Nick 13’s voice. I rarely can hear the crispness of a vocalist, especially at a big venue like Stubbs. I am not gonna sugar coat it but I do miss Geoff Kresge as the bassist because I loved his style of playing but Djordje Stijepovic is definitely up to par. They also have another drummer Mike Fasano, who has played on a previous album. Nick 13 has definitely planned this revamp carefully. By getting top musicians such as Dave Roe and Mitch Marine, that have worked with other artists such as Dwight Yokham and Johnny Cash, the new record will have a rich vintage sound. Also the fact that it was recorded by Grammy winner Ted Hutt, who also records Dropkick Murphys, Old Crow Medicine Show, and The Gaslight Anthem. Check out the new song “Prisoner of the Night” which they are debuting on this current tour:
This new and improved Tiger Army will also be returning to Texas again for Houston’s Free Press Summer Fest on June 4-5 this summer. An obvious statement here is that: Tiger Army Never Dies.
Editor’s Note: The original post was modified to name the correct musicians in the current touring band and on the album. Apologizes for the mix-up and the correction was made. Thanks for reading and the kind words.
Punk Rock Anthropology 