The Plus and Minus Show - Michael Haaga (#2, 2004)

In the '90s, guitarist Michael Haaga lead Houston thrash heavies dead horse and assisted Pantera's Phil Anselmo with Superjoint Ritual. In 2004, he released his locally-celebrated solo debut, The Plus and Minus Show - in all honesty, a power-pop juggernaut.


"If and When" from The Plus and Minus Show (2004)

Enlisting a wide range of local heroes, winning a slew of Houston Press Music Awards and a pile of acclaim, Haaga's backing band promptly imploded. Other than a few special events, the man has laid low - but at least we have the evidence.



"Same Old Strings" and "Looking Beyond"
from The Plus and Minus Show (2004)

Thus begins the album, pairing the contrasts that would lead Haaga to coin the term "heavy mellow" for his style. "If and When" won the Best Song of the year, but they all rise to about the same level.



"Four Letter Words" from The Plus and Minus Show (2004)

Some with the rock...



"Serious" and "Supernaïve" from The Plus and Minus Show (2004)

... some with a more laid-back style.



"Belong" from The Plus and Minus Show (2004)

With outro lead guitar from Scott Ayers, of Pain Teens, Walking Timebombs, and currently The Exterminating Angels (#17, 2009 Next 10 of Metal). More too where that came from! You can sometimes still find a copy in the local record stores, or maybe Amazon or whatever. (Or Lala, today being the last day of that site...) Check it out!



"Like Asrielle" (dead horse) live by The Plus and Minus Show band

Can't discuss Haaga without a little dead horse, if only indirectly.

Genre - Indie Rock
Official/Myspace - myspace.com/michaelhaaga
Location - Houston, TX

Review - Houston Bands
Download - Amazon, iTunes
Lala - The Plus and Minus Show
Purchase - Amazon