Thao with The Get Down Stay Down

Thao - Swimming Pools video via YouTube

Have y'all heard Thao? She played the NPR showcase during SXSW along with the Get Down, Stay Down. That same showcase featured the likes of BLK JKS, Dirty Projectors, Blind Pilots and K'NAAN. Well Thao with The Get Down Stay Down are coming back to the Parish Room tomorrow night and if you want to stay ahead of the curve then I suggest you get some tickets. By the way, in case you're not the curious type, that NPR link up there takes you to a page where you can listen to the full sets from the above-mentioned showcase.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Kill Rock Stars, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Thao - Bag of Hammers

Free Mp3 ---> Thao - Beat (Health, Life, and Fire)

There's a little bit more after the jump...

Since, I mentioned a list of artists at the top of the post I should mention at least one other. I've talked about my love for Dirty Projectors before, so I won't re-hash all that. However, I will mention that there was a lot of K'NAAN buzz at this past weekend's Coachella festival. I haven't heard a lot from this guy, but his story is intriguing I highly recommend the Wiki article.

I just fear his cross-over appeal may land him major success and thus remove his indie-cred. Oh indie-cred, such a fickle, fluid bitch. Oh wait, this guy is touring with Snoop Dogg does that mean he has NO indie-cred? But he played the effing NPR showcase! I don't care I'm still blogging it, indie-cred be damned!


K'NAAN - Dreamer video via YouTube

Just for the record, K'NAAN is also a member of the evil, Sony/Universal Music Group anti-embedding conglomerate INC. Soooooo NOT indie.

As opposed to AustinBloggyLimits favorites, BLK JKS who have mad, indie-cred y'all!


BLK JKS - Summertime video via YouTube

You can download this song over at RCRD LBL, they don't like embedding either but they still get my love and support...sorry UMG.

Summertime is a great song but it doesn't really capture how great BLK JKS are live perhaps the "single" is a better representation.


BLK JKS - Lakeside video via YouTube

I really hope you were patient enough to hear when Lakeside gets to the skank, that's when they really get down. It's another band doing that Paul Simon/Vampire Weekend rhythym, but check this out...are you ready...BLK JKS is ACTUALLY African...from Africa. Take that Ivy League "African-Influenced" bands...whom I also <3 dearly.

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Another Tuesday in Austin

Last week I mentioned how this Tuesday has a lot of good shows. Events that are so good, in fact, that if you're not already going you're gonna have to get scalped tickets.

The first thing I'm going to mention is Spoon at the Scoot Inn. That's right chalk up another coup for the folks over at Transmission for booking that show.


Spoon - I Summon You video via YouTube

Find out who else is in town and score free Mp3's after the jump...

Well, in addition to a Tuesday night Spoon show, you can catch My Bloody Valentine hot off the heals of Coachella at the Austin City Music Hall.


My Bloody Valentine - Realise video via YouTube

So you've got local indie-legends, or international genre-creating legends. Your pick. If that's not enough selection, there's still more! That's right you could also catch Dr. Dog at the Parish Room.

Free Mp3's courtesty of Dr. Dog Music, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Dr. Dog - California

Free Mp3 ---> Dr. Dog - Worst Trip

This is from their latest record, Fate and borrows from Paul McCartney AND David Bowie w/ just a twist of the Faces/Rod Stewart. How do you like that?


Dr. Dog - Hang On video via YouTube

That's not it kids, I'm not stopping at Dr. Dog although that's probably the show I would attend given the choices thus far. You can ALSO catch Ladytron:


Ladytron - Seventeen video via YouTube

With the Faint at Stubb's but that show is going on like...uh...now. So leave already if you're gonna.


the Faint - Agenda Suicide video via YouTube

Lastly but not leastly you can catch one of my personal favorite, local bands. You've heard me mention them MANY times before but you can see Harlem at the Mohawk tonight too.


Harlem - Think I'm Thinkin' Bout video via YouTube

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This Generation Rules the Nation With Version (?)

So, yesterday I told you all about the shows you could and would see tonight, Friday. Now I'm going to focus on your Saturday. Firstly I should mention again that Reggae Fest '09 is scheduled to take place at Auditorium Shores tomorrow and Sunday. I'm not really sure if they cancel/re-schedule if it rains or not. I'm going to guess not though, if Jah wants rain, Jah shall have rain eh??


Musical Youth - Pass the Dutchie video via YouTube

To me Reggae Fest isn't necessarily about who's scheduled to perform, it's more about the atmosphere and the genre. So, I'm not going to get into all those specifics of artists and showtimes.

Anyway, other than Reggae, the show I'm most excited about tomorrow night has GOT to be Del tha Funky Homosapien playing Emo's outside. Del and Dan the Automator are the reason for the numbers in my online moniker, birkley3030.


Deltron 3030 - 3030 video via YouTube

More content (Including Mp3's) after the jump...

Tomorrow is also, Record Store Day and Waterloo has 2 of the Jayhawks. I'm not really sure if they have non-Jayhawks material or if it will be J tunes with fewer harmonies? In any case, I love me some Jayhawks and you should too, especially since it's free. COME ON!


the Jayhawks - Blue video via YouTube

Crazy, I always assumed they were from Kansas, turns out they're actually Mineapolianic.


the Jayhawks - Save It For A Rainy Day video via YouTube

So, after Reggae Fest and after you see some of the Jayhawks you should have some dinner and drinks and head over to the Mohawk for French Kicks. They do some really nice the Carsesque or Rick Ocasekish Adult-Alternative that the kids should like as well.

Free Mp3's courtest of French Kicks .Com, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> French Kicks - One More Time

Free Mp3 ---> French Kicks - When You Heard You


French Kicks - Abandon video via YouTube

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Concert Season Approacheth

Well, dear reader it looks like this was a bad week to take a couple of days off. There are so many good shows, that are coming up and/or already happened.

Let's start with tonight. You can, and should, catch the Starlight Mints at the Mohawk tonight. They do quirky pop, even though they are listed under Jazz in the iTunes store, and they're from Oklahoma, which is neither here nor there. The show is outside, so it has to be done by 11pm(?) get there early for local, psychedelic all-stars, Moth!Fight!

Mp3's courtesy of Barsuk, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Starlight Mints - Inside of Me

Free Mp3 ---> Starlight Mints - Pumpkin

More Mp3's and show listings after the jump...

Tomorrow night has a few good shows, first and foremost I should mention Dan Deacon is going to be at Emo's outside. That should be a pretty hot, sweaty, late, loud, good-ass time. If you're not familiar with Dan Deacon feel free to head on over to his site and download ALL of his early albums and EP's for free.

Free Mp3's from the above mentioned source, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Dan Deacon - Drinking Out of Cups

Free Mp3 ---> Dan Deacon - The House I Was Isn't My Girlfriend's Porsche

If you're not feeling Dan Deacon, that's cool, he's not for everyone. You can head on over to Flamingo Cantina and catch "The Skatalites" before they hit Auditorium Shores for Reggae-Fest later in the weekend. Flamingo Cantina is a WAY, WAAAAAY more intimate/small setting, should be a good time.


the Skatalites - A Shot in the Dark video via YouTube

If that's STILL not your cup of tea, you picky bastard, there's always, White Denim, Ume, and Corto Maltese at the Parish Room? All local bands featured with, what is arguable, the best sound of any venue in Austin. Oh yeah, you know that's going to be a good time.


Ume - The Conductor video via YouTube

Geez, and how could I forget Transmography at Beauty Bar? They are one of my favorite, local acts and who doesn't love Snooty Bar? That's a lot of good shows for Friday night. Wait, till you see what's going on next Tuesday! It's pretty ridiculous.


Transmography - Car Commercial video from YouTube

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Castles, Antlers, Stilts, Method

Crystal Castles are at La Zona Rosa tomorrow night and you can still get tickets. Don't be confused, this is not Crystal Antlers or the Crystal Method it's Crystal Castles.

What's with trends in band names? I feel like it's not as bad as the Deerhoof, Deerhunter, Deer Tick outbreak but it's on its way. Before Deer bands it was just general animals, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, Animal Collective and the like. I vote the next trend should be something involving shapes, Squarepusher, Rhombusta Rhymes etc.


Crystal Waters - 100% Pure Love video via YouTube

More video after the jump...


Crystal Castles - Alice Practice video via YouTube


Crystal Antlers - Andrew video via YouTube

I was so wrapped up in Crystal Castles and Crystal Antlers, I forgot all about Crystal Stilts! This is a new video from Alight of Night:


Crystal Stilts - Departure


the Crystal Method - Keep Hope Alive video via YouTube


Dan Deacon - Crystal Cat video via YouTube

I couldn't really talk about "Crystal bands" or "Meth Rock" without mentioning the original Crystals...the Crystals who had many Phil Spector hits including this one:


the Crystals - Then He Kissed Me video via YouTube

and this one too...


Grizzly Bear - He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss) video via YouTube

Is it me or is, He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss) just the most completely inappropriate song title?

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Moz in Austin/KidzBop Rulez

Not that I plan on going or anything, but I was quite surprised to find that those of you who would like to see Morrissey on Sunday may still do so. That's right kids tickets for Moz at the Bass Concert Hall are still on sale now. I guess I just thought the city of Austin would be more enthused for Morrissey but that's a big venue and I'm sure his swarms of sad, psychotic fan-boys and girls already got their tix.


Morrissey - Interviewed by Russel Brand video via YouTube

More video after the jump...

I know Morrissey hasn't been a member of the Smith for a great many years now, but he still does some of those songs, so I'm going to post the hits.


the Smiths - This Charming Man video via YouTube

I have just been scouring YouTube for more Morrissey/Smith material but it's all owned by my favorite faceless record giant, UMG (Surprise!). So I can't embed any of their video. Since they don't really want me promoting their artists or their content on my site. You'll get this instead.


Stoned D-Bag - How Soon Is Now video via YouTube

Trust me I hunted around for some of the worst cover songs on YouTube to find the one above, but I was VERY disappointed that there were no Kidz Bop covers. I did find all these cheesy film student videos though. That's fun...or sad...right?


the Smiths - Frankly, Mr. Shankly video via YouTube


Kidz Bop - Since You Been Gone video via YouTube

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Ariel Pink & Vivian Girls @ Mohawk Tomorrow

So, during SXSW the Vivian Girls played something like 18 shows, including one on the Lamar pedestrian bridge. Here it is about a month later and they're back already! They'll be supporting Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti tomorrow night at the Mohawk. If you're interested in checking out the show tickets are still available and cost a mere 10 spot or 12 at the door.

Call me crazy but it kind of seems like at this point Ariel Pink should be opening for Vivian Girls but I suppose they only have one album worth of 2 minute songs, so it might be tough to headline. When I saw them at the Mohawk during SXSW the V Girls only played like 20 minutes, but that's SX for ya'.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Paw Tracks Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Helen

Free Mp3 ---> Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Jules Lost His Jewels

Free Mp3 ---> Ariel Pink - For Kate I Wait

Find a video or two after the jump...

Did I mention how fun the V Girls stage banter is? They are so valley girl, even though they're alleged to be from Brooklyn. The sound quality on this vid kind of sucks, but here are the V Girls fleshing out their set list with a cover of Wavves' So Bored.

Vivian Girls - So Bored video via YouTube

Speaking of Wavves I noticed yesterday they have a new CD in stores, it looks VERY similar to their previous release, with the skateboarding kid. Instead of being called Wavves like the last album it's called, Wavvves. That's with three v's. But that has nothing to do with this post...

Here's the show I saw from the Vivian Girls, aren't they funny?


Vivian Girls - All the Time video via YouTube

The sound on this video is weird, but it's also how the records sound. So, I guess we can't blame YouTube for this one. I guess AP just likes that far away/late 70's production value.


Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - For Kate I Wait video via YouTube

Did I mention they call this guy's music "Freak Folk" and he's on Animal Collective's label?


Ariel Pink - Gray Sunset video via YouTube

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Get Thee To The Record Shop

the Whitest Boy Alive - 1517 video via YouTube

I stopped in to End of an Ear and Waterloo Records today intending to LOOK at a few CD's. Obviously, I spent about 70 bucks and bought 5 new albums, well technically one of them is an EP. Anyway, you can check out some of the stuff I bought after the jump but obviously I bought the new release from the Whitest Boy Alive, called Rules. To be honest, I didn't even know there was a new release from WBA until I saw it on an end cap at Waterloo.

One of the albums I def wanted to pick up today was the latest from Austin's own, Strange Boys entitled, And Girls Club, which makes more sense when you say it all together, "Strange Boys and Girls Club". I had to ask for help at End of an Ear, but they had one copy of the album, "in the back". I think they checked the back just so I would continue browsing, which worked because I also picked up the major-label debut from, another Austin artist, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, Tell 'Em What Your Name Is.


Strange Boys - Woe Is You and Me video via YouTube

This will be like the third time I'm posting this Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears song but it's still a killer track and it's on their new album out on Lost Highway Records.


Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears - Sugarfoot video via YouTube

After getting some good local music, I sought after my other audio goal, which was that damn Empire of the Sun album I wrote about yesterday. Let me tell you, the cheesy state-fair psychedelic artwork makes the price-tag worth it. Walking on a Dream was the most expensive purchase I made with a $16.99 price tag. It was also, the only one on a super-major...Capitol Records. Hmmm. Sorry but I'm reposting the video for yesterday and after seeing the artwork I def think these guys are trying to be the down-under MGMT.




Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream video via YouTube

My final musical impulse-buy was the EP by one of the most-buzzed about bands of SXSW '09, Passion Pit. I literally bought this one because there was a poster at the register and I was like, "Oh yeah I want that too". I hate when advertising works so well!

Just for the record, this video is also a reposted vid:


Passion Pit - Sleepyhead video via YouTube

This is an old meme but I still enjoy it and it's semi-relevant to this post.


the Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage video via YouTube

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ACL Tix On-Sale Now

If you live in Austin, you probably already heard that tickets for Austin City Limits Festival '09 went on sale today. The cheapest tickets have ALREADY sold-out but you can still get tix for a pretty good deal considering there's something like 130 bands that play the Fest. Last year I just attended all the after-parties, which was awesome but ended up costing more than a 3-day ACL pass. The bright side of after-parties is MUCH smaller crowds, MUCH cooler temps and WAY easier bar access. I highly recommend doing the after-party thing. By the way the ACL Fest Line-Up won't be announced for about 2 more weeks, so stay tuned.

In a totally unrelated note, this song is SOO last year but I love it. It made Pitchfork's list of the 100 best songs of 08':


Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream video via YouTube



Empire of the Sun - We Are the People video via YouTube

You can check out more from Australian duo, Empire of the Sun over at Walking on a Dream.com. In short, I'd file this under music that's more popular over-seas. But it's so darn catchy isn't it? Somewhat reminds of MGMT crossed with Cut Copy.


MGMT - Kids video via YouTube


Cut Copy - Out There on The Ice video via YouTube

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Jersey's in the House

People are pretty excited about someone by the name of Springsteen? Babysitters in Austin are making bank tonight 'cause Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are playing the Erwin Center tonight. I recognize that Springsteen is still relevant and that he's been making great music since before I was born and all that I've just never really listened to any of his albums. Also, I don't really get the whole, "The Boss" thing? Does it have anything to do with Tony Danza? Is it like, "Where's the Beef?" where you had to have been a certain age in the '80's to get it? Anyway, if you want to get tickets to see, "The Boss" tonight just head on over to your DeLorean and go back to when they still had some. *Ouch*. You could also get 'em from a scalper if you've got that kind of loot. Something tells me if you REALLY wanted to see Springsteen in Austin tonight, you're not reading this blog anyway.


Ted Leo - Dancing in the Dark video via YouTube

More Super-Reverent Videos After the Jump...

Somehow covers of Springsteen songs are more satisfying to me. Sorry, "The Boss" :-(


Pete Yorn - Your Own Worst Enemy video via YouTube

Ah, I love Pete Yorn. That remind me, have you heard Josh Rouse? He had a song on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack. He and Pete Yorn should be friends. Maybe they are, I don't know.


Josh Rouse - Directions video via YouTube

Oh yeah, Springsteen sorry I got side tracked. "The Boss" baby!!


Who's the Boss? - Springsteen?

Man, indie-rawkers <3 Dancing in the Dark. I guess it is pretty emo, what with the guns, fire, darkness and such.


Tegan & Sara - Dancing in the Dark video via YouTube

I think this video came from that island on Lost. What's with the video quality? This is supposed to be 1987 but it looks like 195X.


U2 ft. Bruce Springsteen - Stand By Me video via YouTube

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