Texas Relays Hault Indie-Rock

It looks like with Texas Relays here in Austin this weekend there isn't a whole lot of indie rock going on. I did notice that Robyn Hitchcock is at Antone's tonight but to be honest I don't know a heck of a lot about Robyn.


Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 - Adventure Rocketship video via YouTube

In glancing ahead though, I did notice that Crystal Castles will be playing La Zone Rosa in a few weeks. That should be pretty exciting right?

More video after the jump...


Crystal Castles - Crimewave video via YouTube

I feel like this version of Untrust Us is slower than the album version. Thoughts?


Crystal Castles - Untrust Us video via YouTube

This song is so Pet Shop Boys:


Crystal Castles - Vanished video via YouTube

Ok so maybe the Pet Shop Boys aren't as raw sounding but still:


Pet Shop Boys - New York City Boy video via YouTube

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Fiona Apple April Foolery

So, it's tough to blog on April Fool's day because everyone is being very clever with the jokes and such. However, joke or not I'm excited to report that Stereogum has hopped on board my attempt to bring back Fiona Apple. You may recall that I was starting some #rumors about a new song from Fiona Apple well maybe I was just having a premonition or maybe this is a Truman Show-esque turn of events. Either way here is a newly unearthed cover song from Fiona, originally by Cy Coleman:


Fiona Apple - Why Try To Change Me Now video via YouTube

Don't get me wrong I'm excited to hear something new from Fiona Apple but in my little fantasy she was working with a hot new producer that would help her make something totally new. My first thought was Mark Ronson he's sort of the hot producer of '07 but I really like the idea of a throwback Motown sort of Fiona. I don't want Fiona to sound-like or end up like Amy Winehouse, try to focus more on the production aesthetics. This is from Mark Ronson's album Versus, which is on an evil corporate label that doesn't allow embedding of their YouTube content. It should be easier to focus on the sound aesthetics watching this kid spaz out. Thanks evil corporations:


Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse - Valerie (Originally by the Zutons) video via YouTube

Here's the Zutons' original Valerie, which is also owned by faceless corporate subsidiaries but who doesn't love Jools Holland?:


the Zutons - Valerie video via YouTube

I guess for Extraordinary Machine Fiona tried working with a hip-hop producer in Jon Brion. Maybe the stark, electronic, post-millenial, orchestrally-flourished, pastoral-rock of Nigel Godrich would be a better fit? I just made up a word or two back there. Here's a nice example of the Godrich 'signature sound'(Also owned by corp-d-bags):


Beck - Paper Tiger video via YouTube.

The rumor that seemed most believable to my Twitter maniacs was the lie that Fiona was joining an even newer Jack White band. Are we ready for a raw, country/blues-rock/bluegrassy Fiona?


Jack White & Loretta Lynn - Portland, OR video via YouTube

Perhaps, what we really need is a Fiona, Robert Plant and T-Bone Burnett collabo? Sorry A. Krauss you're out, we're putting in the Apple.


Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Gone, Gone, Gone video via YouTube

We're just happy to hear from you again Fiona.

<3, birkley3030 (AustinBloggyLimits)

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A N.A.S.A I Can Get Into

Am I crazy though, or does it sound like someone just woke Kanye up before he recorded his part for Gifted?


N.A.S.A. - Gifted (feat. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li) video via YouTube

I feel like N.A.S.A. is one of those artists I've heard a lot of noise about but haven't actually heard their music. With a song that has THREE meme-able artists and isn't sponsered by Converse, I'm surprised it hadn't already caught my attention.

Free Mp3 courtesy of Anti- Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> N.A.S.A. - Spacious Thought


N.A.S.A. - Money video via YouTube

Was that David Byrne singing on that last track? Damn, these guys are blog-able!

By the way the latest release from N.A.S.A. is called The Spirit of Apollo just in case you missed the other space/astronaut references.


N.A.S.A. - Waydown video via YouTube

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Shearwater and Neko Case at Stubb's Tonight

Well dear reader, as of this moment you can still get yourself some tickets to see Neko Case with local boys, Shearwater at Stubb's tonight.

On a totally unrelated note, did you know there's a Stubb's BBQ at Six Flags in San Antonio? Is it me or does that just seem weird/wrong somehow? Anyway, if you're not really familiar with Neko Case you should know she is a member of the New Pornographers, although she rarely tours with them. However, if, like me, you saw the New Pornographers at FunFunFun Fest a couple of years ago...then you have already seen Neko do her thing.

Mp3 courtesy of Matador Records, thanks. The other Mp3 is courtesty of Anti- Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Shearwater - The Snow Leopoard

Free Mp3 ---> Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve

Find some video after the jump...


Holy Crap, I've heard this song on KGSR but I totally didn't even realize it was Neko Case.


Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve video via YouTube

This tornado loves you?


Neko Case - Middle Cyclone promo video via YouTube


the New Pornographers - All the Old Show Stoppers video via YouTube


Shearwater - Rooks video via YouTube

The lead singer of Shearwater took me some getting used to. He reminds me of the minstrel from Monty Python's Holy Grail. I don't know why, he just does.


Monty Python - Brave Sir Robin video via YouTube

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Hey, Fiona. Whatcha doin'? Miss ya. <3 ABL

Hey Fiona Apple,

Haven't heard from you in awhile, just wondering what yer up to? Are you still talking to Sony? Did you hear about what Radiohead did? Or Nine Inch Nails? Maybe you could by-pass the whole industry and just send us something your workin' on? Remember when you first came out and it was like you and Pearl Jam were the only ones with integrity? I just re-bought Ten as like a totally awesome video game. Then a threw up a little in my mouth a little...at home
drawing pictures...
of mountain tooops
with ME on top,
lemon yellow sun.

Seriously though Fiona, I want you back in my life. You need to like get a Twitter or something. I worry 'bout you. I hope you're eating right!

Love,
birkley3030 (AustinBloggyLimits)

Video after the jump y'all...


Fiona Apple - Fast As You Can video via YouTube


Fiona Apple - Shadowboxer video via YouTube


Fiona Apple - Not About Love video via YouTube

Matt Lauererer Cameo...this is from like 4-5 years ago now!


Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine video via YouTube

Are y'all feelin' this yet? Or do you need another classic?


MIT Resonance - Sleep to Dream video via YouTube

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The Dead Weather

That latest issue of Rolling Stone has info about Jack White's latest band, The Dead Weather. This is all I could really find for music from the new "supergroup".


the Dead Weather - Hang You From the Heavens video via YouTube
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White Denim, Harlem, Built By Snow. Antones.

So, you had a bit of a music overload during SXSW this year, but that doesn't mean Austin's gonna stop y'all. There's a GREAT, cheap show over at, the legendary, Antone's tomorrow night. It's going to be a who's who of Austin pop and garage-rock.

Local heroes, White Denim will be sharing a bill with up-and-comers, Built By Snow and recent-transplants, Harlem. Tickets are only $8 in advance, $10 at the door or they cost only $5 if you head on over to Do512 and RSVP today.


Built By Snow - Underneath video via YouTube

More Video After the Jump...

Is it me or are these guys video game/sci-fi geeks?


Built By Snow - Drag Away video via YouTube

By the way, I don't care what you say, Built By Snow is not even aware of what a Weezer is or how it might be used. Nor have they heard any music by a band that may or may not have the name Weezer

So, during SXSW I had some friends from Boston visiting/partying with me and I really wanted them to catch Harlem. I am a big fan of Harlem's jangly, surf-garage thing, surf is the new thing have you noticed that? Anyway, at the end of the weekend we were chatting about who was going to break out and my friend specifically noted that Harlem will NOT break out. I repeat, NOT...break-out. I countered that I bet they'll be HUGE in the U.K./Japan. Austin is very big in the U.K./Japan regions of the world. Here's one of those fake videos for the "single" from Harlem's, Free Drugs;-):


Harlem - South of France video via YouTube

Here's a legit vid, "'cause I'm into shhhh that you don't even knooooooow":


Harlem - Witch Greens video via YouTube

Word on the street is, White Denim have scrapped their previous deal with Transmission Entertainment(<-----Unconfirmed rumor) and they're playing sets of completely new material. But for now here's some videos for songs you should have heard by now, COME ON!


White Denim - Shake, Shake, Shake video via YouTube


White Denim - All You Really Have To Do video via YouTube

The Genie Car Wash in this video is on S. Lamar but if you live here, you know that and if you don't, you don't care right?


White Denim - Let's Talk About It video via YouTube

Devo? What's a Devo? I wouldn't even know what to do with a Devo.

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Free Dirty Projectors Music

Yesterday, I told you all about how seeing Dirty Projectors in concert was one of my favorite moments at SXSW '09. Today I'm going to give you all kinds of FREE Dirty Projectors music.

Firstly I want to point you to the NPR page, where you can hear the same setlist I heard from the Dirty Projectors. It's all songs from their upcoming Domino Records release, Bitte Orca.

Before Domino Records, you could get your DP fix from Western Vinyl, which is where I got these Mp3's. Thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - No More
Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - Naked We Made It
Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - Throw On the Hazard Lights
Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - Jolly, Jolly, Jolly Ego
Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - Hyperballad


Dirty Projectors - The Getty Address (Trailer) video via YouTube

Back in '05 Dirty Projectors released this "concept album" about Don Henley and ancient Mexico? Or Something? It's called, The Getty Address and you can read all about it on its Wikipedia entry, but it has all of these trippy videos that go with it:


Dirty Projectors - I Sit On the Ridge At Dusk video via YouTube


Dirty Projectors - I Will Truck video via YouTube


Dirty Projectors - D. Henley's Dream video via YouTube


Dirty Projectors - Gift Gold Scabs video via YouTube


Dirty Projectors - Ponds & Puddles video via YouTube


Dirty Projectors - Time Birthed Spilled Blood video via YouTube

Here's something a bit more contemporary. Dirty Projectors collaborated with David Byrne on the Red Hot Compilation Dark was the Night.


Dirty Projectors - Knotty Pine video via YouTube

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SXSW '09 Redux

Well dear reader, I'm sure you were expecting more posts regarding SXSW as it was happening. But seriously there is like NO time for all that during the festival. I don't know how the heck Perez Hilton can be bicycling around Austin and still keeping up with Celebublogging. I needed a day or two to decompress after the festival. But here is my highlights/awards post, yeah!!

First let me give out some marketing awards. SXSW is all about marketing your product to the hipster masses. I think Astralwerks records wins most clever marketing with their MicroSD card sampler. I like the idea of a sampler I could swallow if I had to. Most unexpected marketing is a tie between Pop Tarts and Cup O'Noodle soups, both of which were available at the Mohawk. Who's eating Cup O'Noodle at a SXSW day party?

More awards and video after the jump...


The award for my favorite performance by a band or artist I had previous knowledge of goes to, the Dirty Projectors. Their performance at the Pitchfork party at Emo's was totally entrancing. I absolutely loved everything about it, the only problem was the set was SO short I think they only played 4 or 5 songs.


Dirty Projectors - A Take-Away Show video via YouTube

The award for favorite performance by a band I had never heard of goes to Francis & the Lights. They were so fun, I felt like I was at an 80's prom. Honorable mention goes to a completely different sort of musical performance by, the Wheel. They were so honest and raw, intimate and such it was like the complete opposite performance style but was equally entertaining.


Francis & the Lights - The Top video via YouTube


The Wheel - Hanging Surrender video via YouTube

The award for worst kept secret performance is a three-way tie this year! Jane's Addiction, Kanye West, and Metallica all showed up to do some not-so-secret performances. I will give Kanye a special nod for keeping Common's appearance a secret though.


Jane's Addiction - Rock the Rabbit '09 Ultra8201.com video via YouTube


Kanye, Common, Badu - The Light video via YouTube

The award for artists I'm kind of pissed that I missed goes to: Passion Pit, Beach House, White Lies and Grizzly Bear. The award for band I'm pissed that I DID see because they were such arrogant assholes goes to...Glasvegas.


Beach House - Gila video via YouTube


Passion Pit - Sleepyhead video via YouTube

Glasvegas literally said, "We don't care about the people, we have enough fans." That was about the point I left. They suck, don't buy the record, steal it from BitTorrent and burn copies for everyone you know. After all they have enough fans.


Glasvegas - It's My Own Cheating Heart video via YouTube

The award for most talked about party...hmmm, this one is tough to call. I'd say the Fader Fort, Rock the Rabbit, One Night with Perez, and the Red Bull moon towers were all equally hyped. Personally I only attended the Rock the Rabbit and Fader parties and I liked the Fader one more...sorry Playboy. Rock the Rabbit was just too effing loud, you try networking when Calvin Harris is spinning some HEAVY Drum 'n Bass with the amps on 11. I'm talking ears bleeding loud. Fer realz.

Well I think I've given out all the awards I had intended to, so here's a list of the artists I had the opportunity to see for free at SXSW '09...not necessarily in order but pretty much chronologically:

Little Boots,
New Villager,
the Wheel,
the Donkeys,
School of 7 Bells,
Glasvegas,
Francis & The Lights,
Late of the Pier,
Max Tundra,
the Pains of Being Pure at Heart,
Woods,
Wavves,
the Dirty Projectors,
King Khan & the Shrines,
Department of Eagles,
Harlem,
Jason Lytle,
Vivian Girls,
the Grates,
Cursive,
Bun B,
Jadakiss,
Kanye West,
Consequence,
GLC,
Farnsworth Bentley,
Kid Cudi,
Common,
Erykah Badu,
Mr. Hudson,
Tony Williams,
Big Shine (sp?),
Jane's Addiction,
Calvin Harris,
A-Trak,
Bassnectar

I really feel like I might be missing a name or two but I tried to keep a running list throughout the week and that was it.

If you would like a more play by play approach to my SXSW '09 experience. I suggest you peep my Twitter 'cause I was all over the Tweets last week.

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Rock the Review

Well dear reader, I'm sure you've been waiting all night to hear about the Rock the Rabbit party. Well I can now tell you for sure that it is not a myth. I went last night, got home around 3:45AM, I actually left before it was over. I have to keep this brief cause I'm due back downtown again...like now. So Jane's Addiction was the headliner and they KILLED. If we're being honest, I'm really not a big fan but they were amazing live. Perry is the ringmaster gliding around the stage making faces and being a rock star. Dave Navarro is some sort of guitar deity, I swear all he does is work out, bang models and kick ass at guitar. The crowd was loving Jane's and apparently everyone knew they were going to be there.

Kenan Bell was also right on point. He brought big energy to his rhymes and the 4-piece rock band playing his beats was SOOO tight. They really brought the people through the door.

All these photos are courtesy of James Trevenen.

More review after the jump...


So, I didn't really notice any celebrities, but Big Boi was there and allegedly Michael Stipe. I don't believe Stipe though because there is a dude who lives here in Austin who looks JUST like him, same glasses and all.

There was an open bar, with plenty of non-alcoholic choices too! Including my personal fav, which is hard to come by in Texas, Ginger-Ale, yeah Ginger-Ale!! The weirdest thing for me, was the Playboy magazines scattered about to flip through. It just seemed...so adult? Of course there were bunnies there too. They are SOO young, I wanted to check their ID's but I'm sure Heff is all over that. Each bunny had their own Secret Service type, which I thought was really smart considering the open bar.

The last thing I'll mention is, this party was in a former grocery store and it was the loudest most disco-fied grocery store you will ever go to. The roof was arched, which really intensified the sound. I hope to God my dear readers are using ear protection at SXSW this year. You're not too cool for hearing loss believe me.

Anyway, I gots to get downtown, I'm missing all the action. Here's my picks for the day in brief:

Wait, I just realized I didn't mention who the DJ's were..."Calvin Harris, A-Track and Bassnectar. Back to my picks for your day partying:

Homosexuals (5pm), Cursive (4pm), Gary War (3pm), Crystal Stilts (2pm), Eat Skull (1pm) at End of an Ear [free]

Handsome Furs (6pm), Telepathe (5pm), Black Joe Lewis (4pm), Heartless Bastards (3pm), Vetiver (2pm) at Waterloo Records [free]

The AV Club and Canvas Media present It's Pronounced Par-TAY
* Trail Of Dead (5pm), Ra Ra Riot (4pm), Cut Off Yr Hands (3pm), Gentleman Reg (2pm), The Thermals (1pm), Cuff The Duke (noon) at Radio Room (508 E. 6th St.) [outside stage]
* Future Of The Left (5pm), Parenthetical Girls (4pm), Dappled Cities (3pm), Young Galaxy (2pm), Chikita Violenta (1pm), Ohbijou (noon) at Radio Room (508 E. 6th St.) [inside stage]

Pitchfork/Windish Austin Bash
* Department of Eagles (5:30pm), King Khan & the Shrines (4:30pm), Wavves (3:30pm), Woods (2:30pm), Max Tundra (1:30pm), The Mae Shi (12:30pm) at Emo's [outside stage]
* A-Trak/Major Lazer (ft. Diplo) (5pm), Dirty Projectors (4pm), School of Seven Bells (3pm), The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (2pm), Little Boots (1pm), Girls (noon) at Emo's [inside stage]

Soundcheck Magazine 3rd Birthday Party
* Port O'Brien (5:20pm), Fanfarlo (4:25pm), Blind Pilot (3:40pm), Pete and the Pirates (2:55pm), Harlem Shakes (2:10pm), The Antlers (1:35pm), Motel Motel (12:55pm), Moth!Fight! (12:10pm) at Emo's Annex (across Red River from Emo's)]

Chromewaves, Aquarium Drunkard, Gorilla Vs Bear, Largehearted Boy, My Old Kentucky Blog and You Ain't No Picasso present Hot Freaks
* Insound's 10th Anniversary SXSW Party with The Hold Steady (4:30pm), The Thermals (3:30pm), American Analog Set (playing The Golden Band, 2:30pm), Handsome Furs (1:30pm), Obits (12:30pm) at Club Deville
* Richard Swift (4:30pm), Alela Diane (3:30pm), These United States (2:30pm), We Have Band (1:30pm), The Rural Alberta Advantage (12:30pm) at the Mohawk [inside stage]
* Delta Spirit (5pm), The Rosebuds (4pm), Port O'Brien (3pm), The Henry Clay People (2pm), Bishop Allen (1pm), The Wrens (noon) at the Mohawk [outside stage, free, RSVP]

KOOP Radio's Now Playing Austin and AustinSound.net present Now Playing Austin Sound Day Party
* Loxsly (4:45pm), Lemurs (4pm), Corto Maltese (3:15pm), Black Before Red (2:30pm,), Oh No! Oh My! (1:45pm), BASIC (1pm), Pop Unknown (12:15pm), Businessman DJs (between sets and at end) at the Creekside Lounge [Now Playing Austin stage, inside, free with RSVP]
* The Shivers (5:15pm), Mellow Owl (4:30pm), Dana Falconberry (3:45pm), Tom Brosseau (3pm), Fight Bite (2:15pm), The Lovely Sparrows (1:30pm), Ferraby Lionheart (12:45pm), Gina Dvorak (noon) at the Creekside Lounge [AustinSound stage, outside]

Filter Magazine's Showdown at Cedar Street
* White Lies (5pm), Razorlight (4pm), Late of the Pier (3:15pm), The Whip (2:30pm), Wild Light (1:45pm), Anya Marina (1pm), Bat For Lashes listening event (noon) at Cedar Street (208 W. 4th) [free, free BBQ noon-1pm, RSVP to rsvp@filtermmm.com]

The Levi's/Fader Fort
* The Tripwire presents Peter Bjorn and John (7:45pm), Tinted Windows (6:45pm), Hatcham Social (6pm), Women (5:15pm), We Have Band (4:30pm), Pains of Being Pure at Heart (3:45pm), Solid Gold (3:05pm), Coupleskate (2:20pm), The Love Language (1:40pm), Kidz in the Hall (1pm), DJs Round Table Knights, The GrooveLayers, Holy Ghost!, Flosstradamus at The Levi's/Fader Fort (1101 E. 5th St.) [RSVP]

Spin Magazine presents
* Echo & the Bunnymen, Hot Leg (Justin Hawkins from Darkness), Black Lips, Glasvegas, Passion Pit, Cut Off Your Hands, DJ sets by NASA and Crystal Method at Stubb's [invite-only]

Music by the Slice 2009
* The Von Bondies (6:45pm), Say Hi (6pm), Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (5:15pm), The Republic Tigers (4:30pm), Rural Alberta Advantage (3:45pm), Alberta Cross (3pm), Ferraby Lionheart (2:15pm), Telekinesis (1:30pm), We Were Promised Jet Packs (12:45pm), Horse Feathers (noon) at Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.) [outside stage, free]
* Wiretree (12:30, 1:15, 2:00), Still Flyin` (2:45, 3:30, 4:15), Cale Parks (5:00, 5:45, 6:30) at Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.) [house stage, free]

Advanced Alternative Media presents
* Earthless with special guest J Mascis (5pm), Mi Ami (4:30pm), Burke (4pm), YellowFever (3:30pm), Charles Hamilton (3pm), Crocodiles (2:30), The Mae Shi (2pm), Titus Andronicus (1:30pm), HEALTH (1pm), That Ghost (12:30pm), Parenthetical Girls (12pm) at Habana Calle 6 Annex (708 E. 6th St.) [free, 21+, food and drink first come, first served]

Old Flame Records presents
* Dead Confederate (4pm), Twin Tigers (3pm), Mean Creek (2pm), The Winter Sounds (1pm) at the thirsty Nickel (325 E. 6th St.)

+1 Records House Party
* Morning Benders, Illinois, Kenan Bell, Eulogies, THe Postelles, Trainwreck Riders, Let's Wrestle, ShadowScene at the Legendary Hank Sinatra's (2407 Riverside Farms Rd.) [noon-6pm]

MyOpenBar.com presents Four Square Punk
* Dark Meat, The Mae Shi, Pre, PoPo (5-7pm), The Death Set, Mika Miko, Finally Punk, Tyvek (2-5pm), DJ Emily Rabbit at 902 E. Cesar Chavez [free, 4 stages and a bus, bands alternate songs, rollerskating rink with free skate rentals, RSVP]

After the Jump Festival house party
* Superdrag, The Parenthetical Girls, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cause Co-Motion, Blank Dogs, Nite Jewel, Girls, Golden Triangle, US Royalty at 1204 Salina St. [1pm-11pm, free, free beer]

Lucero Family Picnic
* Lucero (5pm), Felice Brothers (4pm), Glossary (3:15pm), Fake Problems (2:30pm), Langhorne Slim (1:45pm), The River City Tanlines (1pm), Sam Lowry (12:30pm) at the Dirty Dog Bar (505 East 6th St.) [free]

Other Music & Dig for Fire Lawn Party
* Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson (6pm), These Are Powers (5pm), Wavves (4pm), Marnie Stern (3pm), BLK JKS (2pm), Here We Go Magic (1pm), Dent May (noon) at the French Legation Museum (802 San Marcos St.) [tent stage]
* The Tallest Man On Earth (5:30pm), Laura Gibson (4:30pm), Telekinesis (3:30pm), J. Tillman (2:30pm), Asa (1:30pm), Virgin Forest (12:30pm) at the French Legation Museum (802 San Marcos St.) [valley stage, free]



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