"Bury the Gold, Eli" Review

Originally published in the OCCC Pioneer on September 19th, 2008.

When the person responsible for writing and directing a movie openly admits he isn’t a filmmaker and had no idea what he was doing when making his film, it usually isn’t a good sign. But in the case of local filmmaker Mickey Reece and his second film, “Bury the Gold, Eli,” it didn’t wind-up mattering in the slightest, even if it was obviously true.

Audiences may be familiar with Reece from his one-man band El Paso Hot Button.

“Bury the Gold, Eli” can’t really be called a good film, but it’s certainly entertaining. It’s poorly shot, poorly acted and the story is as thin and cliché as possible, but it never ceases to be enjoyable.

The film begins with a short trailer for the fake film “The Michael J. Fox Story,” in which Reece and company humorously and mildly offensively show what it would be like if Michael J. Fox tried to make “Back to the Future 4” while dealing with Parkinson’s.

“Bury the Gold, Eli” is a western that tells the story of a man, Eli, seeking to avenge his father’s death by killing his father’s murderer, the infamous Jesse James, and find his father’s buried treasure. Along the way Eli befriends a talkative Mexican who adds a lot of humor to the film.

Most of the film looks to have been shot in pastures and farms outside of Oklahoma City, but some viewers may recognize the film’s saloon as local concert venue The Conservatory.

The film ends on a cliffhanger and sets up Reece’s next film, “Get That Mexican.”

Both “Bury the Gold, Eli” and Reece’s first film, “Le Corndog Du Desespoir,” can be seen as part of the Vacant Era Film Festival from Oct. 2 through 5 at the Sooner Theater in Norman

Top Five Oklahoma Albums of 2007

Originally in The Oklahoma Daily on December 7th, 2007.

There is no question 2007 has been a great year for Oklahoma music. Though powerhouses like the Flaming Lips and the Starlight Mints didn’t release albums this year, many lesser-known bands put out exceptional efforts.

5) Subatomic Pieces
“Hold Out For Science”
Little Mafia Records

The 90s vibe of “Hold Out For Science” is certainly nothing revolutionary but the songs are so well-crafted and catchy that it doesn’t matter the slightest. Chris Harris’ deep vocals anchor the album and are reinforced by multi-layered harmonies, fuzzy guitars and simple, yet charming, lyrics.

4) Aqueduct
“Or Give Me Death”
Barsuk Records

“Or Give Me Death” manages to sound both happy and melancholy, sarcastic and sincere and poppy and experimental at the same time. It’s a strange little piano-based record anchored by frontman David Terry’s wit and strong songwriting. Plus the album includes a song referencing “The Princess Bride.”

3) The Neighborhood
“Our Voices Choked With Fireworks”
self-released

The Neighborhood have been together only three years but their self-released debut album evokes a mature sound that would imply decades of music playing. “Our Voices Choked With Fireworks” covers the spectrum of accessible indie rock and seems to work from a wide variety of influences. It’s hard to keep from bouncing your feet when listening to the record’s strong, driving rhythm. If Radiohead decided to make a more straightforward pop record, it would probably sound like The Neighborhood’s debut album.

2) El Paso Hot Button
“When I Needed Sympathy”
Little Mafia Records

One-man-bands are typically too much of a gimmick to ever be taken seriously. This was mostly the case with El Paso Hot Button’s (real name Mickey Reece) first two records. They were fun, but really only existed to help you learn the songs before experiencing Reece’s awesome live show. This is not the case with his newest full-length, “When I Needed Sympathy.” It is simply a great record, and if you didn’t know otherwise, you’d think it was a full band.

1) Student Film
“Sleeping Giant”
Little Mafia Records

In recent years, Oklahoma has become known for its indie pop so it’s no surprise the best Oklahoma release of the year falls into this category. That’s not to say Student Film sounds like their indie pop peers. Instead, it has taken a more rhythmic approach that is dark and moody, but fun. Nearly every song begs to be sung along with at high volumes.

As great as 2007 was for Oklahoma music, 2008 seems to be shaping up to be even better with new releases on the horizon by the Evangelicals, Student Film, Colourmusic, Klipspringer, Red City Radio and Stardeath and the White Dwarves. For now, stay tuned and let these records from this past year feed your addiction.

El Paso Hot Button

Originally in The Oklahoma Daily on August 31st, 2007.

Typically, a rock show is a joyous affair. Bands want their audience on their feet, clapping, singing and generally having a great time. Such is not the case for one-man-band El Paso Hot Button’s “When I Needed Sympathy” CD release show at the Conservatory tonight.

“I want everyone to be sad that I’m putting out another album,” said Mickey Reece, sole member of El Paso Hot Button.

Fans who dress in funeral attire can get in for only $5 (it’s $7 for everyone else). Reece said he has more on his mind than just the release of his new CD.

“My basic goal Friday night, aside from putting on a really swell rock show, is to introduce the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard to a younger audience,” Reece said. “Ever since I began studying Dianetics and Scientology as a religion I’ve wanted to incorporate that kind of spirituality into my shows. I’ll be there early Friday morning cleaning up the Conservatory in my own special way.”

Producer Chris Harris, who has worked with Reece on all three of his records, said that it has been an interesting challenge.

“He goes about things a little differently than anyone else I’ve worked with before,” Harris said. “Most bands come in with a bunch of songs written and take a somewhat methodical approach to recording them. With Mickey, it’s a little different.

“He comes in with a few ideas, and a general plan for how he wants things to sound. But, so much of the writing and arranging is done in the studio. I’ve just got to be prepared for anything. The ideas come quickly and I need to be ready to capture them.

“His recent interest in Scientology has made things even more hectic. Imagine Tom Cruise’s behavior on Oprah Winfrey’s show, combined with the intensity of his interview with Matt Lauer. Now, throw in some crazy musical talent and a 2.3 second attention span. That’s what it’s like working with Mickey.”

Harris said he and Reece work so well together that they have recently formed a production team called DVDA.

“DVDA refers to a type of pornography that Mickey likes to watch for inspiration when writing music. Thankfully, he does that stuff on his own, away from the studio," Harris said. “Mickey and I have now teamed up for production on Ali Harter’s 'Worry The Bone,' We Are Good Friends’ debut, all the El Paso Hot Button recordings since “Turtle Wars,” and a new Subatomic Pieces record that we’re working on now. DVDA has one reason for existence, and that’s to make bad-ass music, period.”

Also playing the CD release show tonight are Those Peabodys, The Non and Crazy Diamonds.

“Those Peabodys and I played together at Emo’s in Austin and planned to do some dates together in late August which just happened to fall right around the time for my CD to drop. They’re playing the Denton and Tulsa show with me as well,” Reece said. “I’ve known The Non since they started playing, but since I’m always opening for touring acts, I don’t get to play with that many local bands. El Paso Hot Button and The Non has been a long time coming. Crazy Diamonds are the fresh, new hotness. They got mad flava, yo.”

This will be fans’ last chance to see Oklahoma City band The Non for quite some time.

“This is our last show for four months, because I am spending this semester traveling abroad in the Pacific Rim nations,” said Will Norton of the Non. “There will be a lot of people there to hear us for the last time in a while, and the show is a big deal for us.

“With that added to the sheer event of Mickey’s CD being released, this really will be quite a night to remember.”