Chris Gray

Houston to Austin and Back Again

Over the Weekend: Sugar Hill, Summer Sin, Swami Ramdev and Houston Astros

The Early Scene at Obama HQ

Slideshow: Things that Took Less Time than Chinese Democracy

      As many of you no doubt know by now, what passes for Guns 'N' Roses these days did the unthinkable Sunday and released Chinese Democracy (available exclusively at Best Buy), disappointing thousands of critics who are going to have to think of some other metaphor for something ... More >>

Happy Thanksgiving: John Lennon's "Cold Turkey"

  Some of you will be eating this for a while, Rocks Off supposes. - Chris Gray  

Aftermath: Spain Colored Orange at the Continental Club

Photos by Chris Gray Is Spain Colored Orange the Badfinger of Texas? Why not? Thursday at the Continental Club, the local quintet's heavy, lush pop was dense and intricate, but never at the expense of melody. Its members have also heard at least one jazz album in their lifetimes, evident in their ... More >>

Art Rock: Fishbone's December 8 Meridian Setlist

A funky, funky good time. - Chris Gray  

Coming Up: Music Lists. Lots and Lots of Music Lists.

Over at Rocks Off, we've just loaded up the first of 11 (cuz that's way better than ten) music-related lists to cap off 2008. Chris Gray bats leadoff, counting down the year's best reissues. Over the next two weeks we'll have...oh, wait, why not do this in list form? 1. Top Ten Pop Songs of 2008 2 ... More >>

The Menu of Guy Clark's "Texas Cookin'"

If you're like Rocks Off, you've probably, finally, eaten your way through the last of the holiday leftovers. (If you've never had deep-fried Cajun turkey, by the way...) You could always start that healthier diet you're always talking about, and exercise, but who are we kidding? It's time to re-st ... More >>

The Menu of Guy Clark's "Texas Cookin'"

If you're like me, you've probably, finally, eaten your way through the last of the holiday leftovers. (If you've never had deep-fried Cajun turkey, by the way...) You could always start that healthier diet you're always talking about, and exercise, but who are we kidding? It's time to re-stock tha ... More >>

Aftermath: The Magpies and Sideshow Tramps at the Continental Club

Photos by Chris Gray It didn't look good at the beginning. A few minutes after 9 p.m. Wednesday, the posted start time for visiting Cleveland roots-rockers the Magpies, the "count" at the Continental Club front door was all of 16 paying customers, and the band was nowhere in sight. Two chicken t ... More >>

Flashback: Something Fierce at Cactus Music

Photos by Chris Gray Houston punk trio Something Fierce put on a spirited pre-tour in-store at Cactus Music Saturday afternoon, performing several songs from its brand-new disc There Are No Answers and a Clash cover. It was a fine day in garageland, to be sure. More photos after the jump.

Steak Night: Under the Volcano

Photos by Chris Gray Houston punk trio Something Fierce put on a spirited pre-tour in-store at Cactus Music Saturday afternoon, performing several songs from its brand-new disc There Are No Answers and a Clash cover. It was a fine day in garageland, to be sure. More photos after the jump.

Aftermath: Michael Jackson Tribute at Numbers

Chris Gray Well, Numbers' Michael Jackson tribute turned out to be three songs and a few arch comments from the DJ, before a typical Classic Numbers crowd that was more interested in the Cure than the King of Pop. The real action was across the street at Mango's, where the Tontons enhanced their rep ... More >>

House of Blues Takes Area Students to Blues School

Photos by Chris Gray Class has begun, school is in session and all the pupils are attentively waiting to hear what the teacher has in store. But there are no desks, tests or No. 2 pencils anywhere in sight. These H.I.S.D. students are seated at a special assembly to receive a lesson of great importa ... More >>

Aftermath: The McKenzies, the Howlies and Springfield Riots at the Mink

Photos by Chris GrayThe McKenzies To Aftermath, the Mink's Backroom has always seemed more like a house than a music venue - especially inside, with the dark floors, corner bars and abundant, comfortable seating, it's like one of those cozy but spacious multi-resident dwellings where we all went to ... More >>

From the Front: Photos from Chris Gray

Chris Gray dropped up some photos from earlier in the day.​Kickin' it with Born Liars.​Fun with Benjamin Wesley.​Did you miss the Fucking Transmissions Unplugged?

Even More from the Front: Photos from Chris Gray

Chris Gray ran into some folks on the street ...​B L A C K I E ​Channel 39 came to see how things are going ...​Jim Purdell and Don Walsh discussing perhaps Rusted Shut's show today at Notsuoh...​And one quick live shot of Ozeal and the Eulypians gettin' crazy on the amps (literally).

HPMA: We Have Some Winners: Little Joe Washington, Cornbreadd, Flying Fish Sailors

Chris Gray​ Umbrella Man got the HPMAs off to a rousing start with some heel-kicking, toe-tapping zydeco gospel - after they cleared off the cables so hobbled singer Kam could get to center stage on her Rascal-like scooter. Then the first round of winners was announced... Best Folk: Flying Fish S ... More >>

Aftermath: Fastball at House of Blues

Chris Gray​ It hasn't been that long since the '90s ended, but it sure seems like it sometimes. Like going to a concert sponsored by a radio station, in Saturday's case Mix 96.5. It doesn't matter what the station is, or who is playing, you're immediately struck by two things: "People still listen ... More >>

ACL 2009 Snapshot: Better Than Nothing, We Suppose...

Chris Gray​ This is all the female companionship some people at ACL are going to get, but at least this guy's friends won't have any trouble finding him. If he has any, that is.

2009 Concert Rewind, January: Scott Weiland Is Still a Jackass, and More

[Ed. Note: For the next two weeks, Rocks Off will be looking back at the many, many, many shows we reviewed this year. Trust us, we've long since lost count. We'll start with this past January, as ever a slow month on the live-music front, but things picked up soon enough... trust us. Enjoy.] Chris ... More >>

2009 Concert Rewind, February: Killers Kill, Annuals Amuse, Hammered at Hank III, Spewing Slipknot and More

Mark C. Austin​ The Killers, Verizon Wireless Theater, February 2: "The general knock on the Killers is that they've achieved their relatively lofty position by standing on the shoulders of giants, which may well be true. But Monday night they showed that in reaching for the stars, they have yet t ... More >>

2009 Concert Rewind, March: Erykah Badu, Britney, Billy Joel & Elton John, A Baybrook Beatdown and A Whole Lotta Rodeo

Mark C. Austin​ Rascal Flatts, Reliant Stadium, March 3: "It's almost devious how much these guys sweetened and tune their songs up, close to the point of an almost automaton-like perfection. Each song is custom-built like a souped-up hot rod, with almost no flourish or guitar vamp going to waste. ... More >>

2009 Concert Rewind, August: Weezy, Blondie, Depeche Mode, JoBros, Katy Perry, Mos Def, De La Soul, Blue October, Green Day and an Audience With King George

Shea Serrano​ Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, House of Blues, August 1: "[Cudi has] tapped John Goldstein, Kanye's famed stage light guy, to help him create an actual feel to his show. Hipster rappers get derided a lot as not being "real rappers," but they put on a hell of a show. The crowd is already his." ... More >>

Which Other Local Musical Landmarks Deserve Historical Markers?

Chris Gray SugarHill Studios​Monday's announcement that the Texas Historical Commission has approved Eric Davis' proposal for an official state historical marker honoring Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins is wonderful news, but it's also only the tip of the iceberg. Plenty of other spots around town, ... More >>

Good Morning To You Too, Meridian Wired Live ???

Chris Gray​ Seems there's trouble afoot over on Chartres. Who would have guessed? That number on the flyer has been "temporarily disconnected," too. However, Mike Kelley, a former partner in Chartres Entertainment who currently promotes the majority of Wired Live's shows through his Onstage ... More >>

iFest Aftermath: Not Bad For a Non-Music Festival

Breaking iFest news: Nigeria's King Sunny Ade & his African Beats have been forced to cancel their entire U.S. tour, including a scheduled appearance Saturday at iFest. According to a press release from the group's PR firm, Rock Paper Scissors, the U.S. Embassy has refused to grant visas to two ... More >>

SugarHill Studios Burglarized Over The Weekend

6:08 p.m.: Updated to include list of stolen gear. Chris GraySugarHill Studios in 2008​ Legendary Houston recording complex SugarHill Studios, subject of the recent book House of Hits by local historian Dr. Roger Wood and studio co-owner/engineer Andy Bradley, was burglarized over the weeken ... More >>

Live from the Houston Press Music Awards Showcase

GroovehouseSatin Hooks at Sugarcane​We're hanging out all day on Washington Avenue watching some of the best bands in Houston perform at the Houston Press Music Awards Showcase. We'll be checking into Rocks Off periodically to keep you up to date as well. You can also follow us on Twitter at @ ... More >>

More from the Houston Press Music Awards Showcase

GroovehouseZydeco Dots at Bud Light Stage​The party's about to start at the Bud Light Main Stage, the sun is on it's way down and the night's just getting started. "Big crowd at Walter's. The Manichean are struggling towards a late start." -- John Gray "People are arriving in cabs for B L A ... More >>

Rice, UH Officials Made Embargo Agreement With Chronicle On KTRU Story So They Could Have "A Quiet Weekend"

UH, Rice tried to keep the lid on​As we noted back in August, the Houston Chronicle's initial reporting on Rice's controversial sale of KTRU to UH was glowingly positive, at least in part because of a deal where the paper agreed to hold the information until the schools wanted it released. Te ... More >>

Summer Fest Critic's Guide: Who We're Seeing At Tinsley

Jermaine Rogers​In three very short years, Free Press Summer Fest has gone from an experiment most people thought would fail to destination music festival most people wouldn't dare miss even if it is going to be 105 degrees outside. Rocks Off has seen quite a bit of online chatter from people ... More >>

Summer Fest Sunday: Peak Fun With B L A C K I E, Hayes Carll, Guitar Wolf, Yeasayer, Robert Ellis & More

Jim BrickerGood ole boy done good: Hayes Carll had a productive homecoming.​Chris Gray: Not long after I got to Summer Fest Sunday, I spotted festival honcho Omar Afra finishing up one of local musician/yogi Tyagaraja's yoga workshops in the wooden glade known temporarily as the Budweiser Beer ... More >>

UPDATED: Music Editor Chris Gray is Holding His Own

Photo by Ramon MedinaChris Gray, on the right, with musician Benjamin Wesley.​UPDATE:On Monday afternoon, Chris Gray's dad said his son has his eyes open, is responsive to sounds and has moved around. It is still too early to determine what all has happened to him, however, because doctors sti ... More >>

UPDATED: Music Editor Chris Gray Is Holding His Own

Photo by Ramon MedinaChris Gray, on the right, with musician Benjamin Wesley.​UPDATE: On Monday afternoon, Chris Gray's dad said his son has his eyes open, is responsive to sounds and has moved around. It is still too early to determine what all has happened to him, however, because doctors st ... More >>

A Houston Press Benefit for Chris Gray

Photo by Ramon MedinaChris Gray, on the right, with musician Benjamin Wesley.​In order to help with his hospital bills, the Houston Press will be hosting a benefit for Music Editor Chris Gray, who suffered an apparent heart attack last Friday. As of today, things were looking up for Chris. He ... More >>

Houston Press to Host Benefit in Support of Music Editor Chris Gray

Photo by Ramon MedinaChris Gray, on the right, with musician Benjamin Wesley.​In order to help with his hospital bills, the Houston Press will be hosting a benefit for Music Editor Chris Gray, who suffered an apparent heart attack last Friday. As of today, things were looking up for Chris. He ... More >>

Chris Gray / Houston Blues Museum Benefit: How to Apply to Play

Chris Gray (right)​Many thanks to all the bands who have expressed a desire to play a benefit for Chris Gray. Now you will have your chance. We've set a date and picked a venue and now all you need to do is send your info to this link. A few facts:The show will be an all-day, all-night affai ... More >>

Music Editor Chris Gray Had Luck On His Side When He Had His Heart Attack

Houston's very own Randolph Mantooth​John P. Zepeda of the Metro PD's canine squad had performed a routine bomb search at the Ensemble light-rail station October 28. Finding nothing, he tried to head back. But train after train was filled with morning commuters headed downtown, so he and his ... More >>

Hero Metro Cops Awarded for Helping Save Chris Gray

Photo by Craig MalisowOur heroes!​Our favorite Metro cops -- the officers whose quick actions helped save Houston Press Music Editor Chris Gray after he suffered a heart attack last month -- were presented with awards this morning from Metro and the American Heart Association. Officers John ... More >>

Chris Gray Benefit Scheduled for Saturday, January 14 at Continental Club

​Many have asked about a benefit for music editor Chris Gray and we're finally able to announce the HUGE benefit that will take place Saturday, January 14 at the Continental Club and the surrounding block we just call "the island." The bonanza of bands gets started at 10 a.m. and runs until th ... More >>

Chris Gray Day Finalized Schedule

​The lineup is finally set for this Saturday's concert benefitting Houston Press music editor Chris Gray and it's a doozy. Tomorrow, we'll give you a rundown of all the silent auction items and you'll be even more impressed. For now, let's focus on the bands. The bonanza of bands gets started ... More >>

Chris Gray Day: Auction Items and a Special Deal from Live Nation

​With the Chris Gray benefit just a few days away, news is flying fast and furious. We told you yesterday about the addition of Hayes Carll to the artist line up and gave you a rundown of every artist on the bill. Today, we have news from Live Nation. The folks at the ticket giant are offerin ... More >>

Chris Gray Back in the Day

​When Chris Gray rolled back into town after 10 years in Austin to work at Houston Press, my colleague, frequent co-conspirator, and editor John Nova Lomax called and asked if I'd take Gray out and show him the local ropes. It was Gray's first night in town, July 7, 2007. So I saddled up, dr ... More >>

Chris Gray Day: A Few Auction Item Photos

​On Saturday, there will be some amazing bands at Chris Gray Day, which is completely appropriate when you consider who this is for. There is also the whole "let's raise some money for Chris Gray" thing. Really, this should be enough for you to want to show up and spend some cash. But, yester ... More >>

Chris Gray Day: The Final Details, Lineup and Information

​Tomorrow beginning at 10 a.m., a loud, raucous, event will take place in support of our music editor, Chris Gray, and it couldn't be more appropriate. Chris Gray Day opens with breakfast with the Allen Oldies Band and closes just south of 2 a.m. with Horseshoe on the Continental Club stage. ... More >>

Saturday: Chris Gray Day at the Continental Club

Photo by Marco TorresChris with the officers that saved his life.​Click here for a slideshow of the bands and here for a slideshow of the crowd. "I didn't know Chris was a celebrity." Chris Gray's mother told a rapt audience from the stage on Saturday afternoon that she was "overwhelmed" by ... More >>