Friday, September 17, 2010

Weekend Plans

It's officially the freakin' weekin' and it's time to have you some fun. There aren't a lot of "marquee names" hitting Austin this weekend but there are still lots of great shows to to see. You can catch the perennial ska band, the Skatalites at Flamingo Cantina but if we're being honest it's actually "the Skatalites". Currently they only have 2/9th of their founding members but they are still a great ska band.


the Skatalites - Simmer Down video via YouTube

Or maybe Japanese, all-female, indie-rock is more your fancy, in which case you should head on over to Red 7 for the Shonen Knife show.


Shonen Knife - Top Of the World video via YouTube


If you like your indie-rock to be more on the local tip there are TWO great shows for you to check out. The Bright Light Social Hour are having a show at Antone's tonight in celebration of the release of their debut LP.


Bright Light Social Hour - video via YouTube

If you'd rather stay in touch with the Red River scene, while still keeping your indie-rock local, you're a very particular person. Luckily the Laughing are doing a show at the Mohawk tonight. That show will be on the Mohawk's inside stage and White Dress will be kicking things off at 10p.


White Dress - video via Cannibal Cheerleader via YouTube

For your Saturday night, I have but one word for you Dungen. Somehow, tickets are still available for this show. They'll set you back $10 and if I were you I'd get on that ASAP because I expect this show to sell out before the doors ($12) open Saturday night.


Dungen - Skill I Allt video via YouTube

What are you up to this weekend? Sleepy Sun at the Parish?


Sleepy Sun - New Age video via YouTube

Whitman at ND?


Whitman - Cul-de-Sac video via YouTube

Goin' to see a movie?

Monday, September 13, 2010

Japanther at Chain Drive

I gotta tell you folks, I am quite intrigued by this listing for the Japanther show at Chain Drive on Wednesday night. I remember Chain Drive used to have punk shows quite regularly and then it became something that just happened during SXSW. If you're not familiar, Chain Drive is a gay bar but not just any gay bar. It's what one might call a "bear & leather" bar. It's not unusual to see a man, who looks like an off-duty Santa Claus wearing a leather thong and chaps at the CD.


Japanther - Radical Businessman video via YouTube

It should also be mentioned that the Cowabunga Babes are on this same bill, which might mark the first time women will be inside the Chain Drive. I'm not sure where they set bands up in there. That should be interesting as well. If the show is inside the bar takes up most of the space in one area, not to mention it's incredibly dark.



Cowabunga Babes - Hot Babez video via YouTube

We're already intrigued with the space itself for this concert, and the fact that women will be there is of note but the other intriguing element is the inclusion of Best Fwends on the bill. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but talk about a genre-hopping set of artists.


Best Fwends - Smooth Jazz Blanket video via YouTube

Oh yeah, one last helpful bit of info regarding the Chain Drive the drinks are cheap and strong but you get faster/better service with cash than credit. Although, I suppose that last part is almost always true at bars. Still, you should keep it in mind. Show up with a $20 for drinks and you should be covered, with money left-over.