DCFC Vs. {{{Sunset}}}

Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell video via YouTube

I usually don't go to shows at venues larger than say...La Zona Rosa so I don't have tickets to see Death Cab for Cutie with Ra Ra Riot. They are playing at the Austin Music Hall tonight and, as you may have guessed, the show is sold-out. So you're either going to get scalped tickets or you're going to spend your evening discovering lesser known, immensely talented musicians.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Barsuk Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Death Cab for Cutie - A Movie Script Ending

Free Mp3 ---> Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration

Free Mp3 ---> Ra Ra Riot - Dying is Fine

Keep it local after the jump...

Speaking of lesser-known/immensely-talented artists...I noticed that one of my favorite local acts is doing a show at Hole in the Wall tonight. You can see/hear {{{Sunset}}} do their thing and say you saw them before they dissolved. I feel like they had a lot of blog-buzz going, around the time they released their album, Bright Blue Dream but I haven't heard much about them of late. I'm already a fan so I'm going to encourage you to not go downtown on a Friday night (for once) and instead head to the drag for {{{Sunset}}} you wont' regret it, unless you're a total d-bag.

Free Mp3 courtesy of {{{Sunset}}}, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> {{{Sunset}}} - When Perfect Flames Expire


{{{Sunset}}} - Go to Mexico video via YouTube

I feel like {{{Sunset}}} wants to make it hard to collect all of their music. Maybe it's a reaction to once being signed to a major label (some members were a part of Sound Team), or maybe they are just into scavenger hunts. To be honest I kind of like that you have to shop in at least three formats to get all of {{{Sunset}}}'s material. Their latest album is a 7" that's only on vinyl. The above video shows, Pink Cloud a limited edition cassette tape release. Lucky for me I live in Austin so I can go to End of an Ear and ask them to ask {{{Sunset}}} to bring in more copies of whatever I'm missing. Here's the first video I ever posted from the {{{Sunset}}} folks, but that was a long time ago so I'm re-posting it for y'all.


{{{Sunset}}} - Zombies video via YouTube

This one's from Bright Blue Dream, an earlier album than The Glowing City, which has the Zombies track.


{{{Sunset}}} - Diamond Studded Caskets video via YouTube

To me, this song has soundtrack written all over it.


{{{Sunset}}} - Man's Heart Complaint video via YouTube

In an almost totally unrelated note, I don't think I've adequately professed my love for Nada Surf on this site as of late. I noticed while collecting Death Cab and Ra Ra Riot mp3's that Nada Surf are label mates. So, I'm going to post all the Mp3's that Barsuk has from Nada Surf because I love them and I want you to love them too. Note how the song Popular will not be included.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Barsuk Records, thanks.

Free MP3 ---> Nada Surf - See These Bones

Free MP3 ---> Nada Surf - Do It Again

Free MP3 ---> Nada Surf - Blankest Year

The next song I downloaded from Stereogum a LONG time ago and it's what made me realize that Nada Surf had lots of albums and that their songs didn't sound anything like Popular, the one song I knew at that point. In short this song made me a fan of Nada Surf

Free MP3 ---> Nada Surf - Blonde on Blonde


Nada Surf - Weightless video via YouTube

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Austin City Limits Fest '09

Yesterday the official line-up for Austin City Limits Festival '09 was announced. You can see the complete list, at least complete thus-far here. Chances are by the time the schedule is released there will be lots of additions. They usually don't mention too many of the local bands on the big poster.

To be honest, I'm not super-excited about the big headlining acts but I'm not a big headlining-act kind of person. One of the reasons I love living in Austin is all of the intimate venues we have scattered throughout the city. That's why I'm excited about the after-shows at the clubs. They haven't announced those yet, and they usually don't until some point in the summer but I have a few guesses/hopes for such shows...


Phoenix - Lisztomania video via YouTube

See more after-show guesses/ACL highlight after the jump...

The fact that Phoenix doesn't have any other Austin dates on their schedule, other than ACL, is a pretty good sign that they'll have an after-show. That and the fact that by October rolls around their album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix will have hit the streets hard by that point. It's not due out until May 26th but that record leaked awhile back and it's pretty flippin' amazing. Eight of the nine tracks could be singles, and they already played SNL.

My next hope/guess for an after-show would have to be the Dead Weather. It's Jack White's new band and he plays drums in this one. He played ACL last year with the Raconteurs but they didn't play an after-show so maybe this is a bad guess. We'll see...


the Dead Weather - Hang You From the Heavens video via YouTube

I must say, however, that I prefer the pop sensibilities that Brendan Benson brings to the table with the Raconteurs. It really softens Jack White's raw, blues thing.


Brendan Benson - Cold Hands (Warm Heart) video via YouTube

Oh man, as I look over the ACL line-up there are a few names that jump out as possibilities like the Decemberists, Dan Auerbach, Thievery Corporation, Soundtribe Sector 9, but nothing really screams out as being a sure bet. I hope Bon Iver does an after-show and if Girl Talk or Bassnectar do one I am SO there. I have already seen both Girl Talk and Bassnectar but DAAAYOMN those were some bad-ass sets of music.


Bon Iver - re:Stacks video via YouTube

It's going to be pretty abrupt if I jump from Bon Iver to Girl Talk so I'll ease you in with some Grizzly Bear remixed by Girl Talk. Grizzly Bear will also be at ACL-fest and played an after-show a few years back. I have my tickets to see them at the Parish Room in June so I'm seeing 'em no matter what.


Grizzly Bear - Knife (Girl Talk Rejuxtapositioning) video via YouTube

Bassnectar's set at the Playboy Party was ear-bleadingly loud but it was also kick ass. This one song doesn't really give you the full experience but the sound on all the live videos was total shit.


Bassnectar - Bomb the Blocks 10" Mix video via YouTube

It would also be kind of nice if Dr. Dog did an after-show. They have played in Austin about half a dozen times in the last few years. Many more times than that if you consider each of their seperate SXSW shows but somehow I have yet to see them. They even played at End of an Ear and I missed it, but I really like those guys. I feel like I mix them up with Blitzen Trapper sometimes, which is unfair but hey it happens. Yes, I have posted this video fairly recently but come on it's a great song.


Dr. Dog - Hang On video via YouTube

Incidentally, Blitzen Trapper is ALSO playing ACL so prepare to mix them up yourselves. Also, I've posted this video as well but get off my back already geez.


Blitzen Trapper - Furr video via YouTube

The last vid I'm going to re-post is one of my favorite songs from way back whenever it came out. It's from DevotchKa, who will also be at this years ACL and are also a good guess for an after-show.


DevotchKa - Transliterator video via YouTube

Dang it I couldn't resist putting one more Grizzly Bear song since the other one was a remix.


Grizzly Bear - On a Neck, On a Spit video via YouTube

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Mates of State/Black Kids @ La Zona

Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You video via YouTube

I feel like Black Kids had kind of bottle-rocket thing going on last year. They had a really buzzy EP toward the end of '07 that almost no one listened to. Then their album came out Springish '08 and it was all over the radio, on television and in movies. In that moment, let's say July '08, I feel like they reached peak saturation and fizzled. I'm not saying they're a bad band, by any means, in fact I recommend you see them at La Zona Rosa tomorrow night. Partly 'cause the Black Kids have such catchy, New-Wave tunes but mostly because Mates of State are the opening act.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Barsuk Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Mates of State - My Only Offer

Free Mp3 ---> Mates of State - Think Long

Free Mp3 ---> Mates of State - Fraud in the 80's

Have you ever gone to a concert just to see the opening band? I saw Cake once just because the Walkmen were opening. Cake put on a good show too but I didn't stay for their whole set. I also went to see the Cure during their Curiouso tour so I could see all the opening bands. I left shortly after Boys Don't Cry but that was mostly a parking lot/traffic issue. In any case, at this point, tickets are still on available for tomorrow night's show and they'll set you back about $25.

In a completely and totally unrelated note whilst perusing YouTube I discovered this video of Bon Iver doing Dance, Dance, Dance with Lykke Li. How did I not hear about this already? I love Bon Iver AND Lykke Li!


Lykke Li with Bon Iver - Dance, Dance, Dance video via YouTube

And this is related to the last thing but not the first thing, it's another Bon Iver cover song...technically it's a Feist cover by Bon Iver from Aussie radio.


Bon Iver - The Park video via YouTube


Feist - 1, 2, 3, 4 (Sesame Street Version) video via YouTube

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Do512 + the Boxing Lesson = Good Times

The other day I told you all about the show I saw at the Mohawk and how Ume stole the show. Well, I also mentioned how I wish I had seen more of the psychedlic histrionics of the Boxing Lesson. No fear people tonight is the night to catch a full-on performance from the Boxing Lesson with my friends over at the Do512 compound on South Lamar. The show is free with RSVP, unfortunatly the list is closed. Although something tells me if you're down with Twitter, you may be able to weasel your way into the show somehow.


the Boxing Lesson - Dark Side of the Moog video via YouTube

More from the Boxing Lesson after the jump...
The Boxing Lesson folks were kind enough to send along their latest album for me to hear. It's called, Wild Streaks & Windy Days and if you can imagine Syd Barret joining Black Sabath to make a New Waveish band then you're getting closer to the sort of sound you can expect from the Boxing Lesson. The twelve tracks run about an hour long and range in styles. You can hear some slow-bringing show-gazey tracks along side some beautiful psychedelic freak-out jams. But it's all anchored with really nice melodies and tight rhythm section. Check it out for yourself on iTunes.


the Boxing Lesson - Brighter video via YouTube

Pay attention other Austin bands 'cause the Boxing Lesson could teach you all a lesson about promotion. First of all they have a Wikipedia entry, which is key but they also have a YouTube channel. Get it other local bands? That's how you get blogs to promote you, give us some info, give us some content. Thanks Boxing Lesson :-).


the Boxing Lesson - Dance With Meow video via YouTube

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Ume Steal Show Sorry ILYBICD

Last night I went to the Mohawk to see the Boxing Lesson, Ume, and I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness. ILYBICD headlined the bill, going on at 11pm I enjoyed their set but I must say I spent most of the set thinking of all the other bands and songs that their songs reminded me of. Here's a list that my friend Orion and I came up with: My Bloody Valentine, Joy Division, Interpol, Explosions in the Sky. So obviously, they were pretty shoe-gazey with somewhat dis-affected vocals but there was also some Explosions sound in there. To me that means beautiful guitar tones with some lyrical interplay. They have as many guitarists as Ume has band members.


I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - the Owl video via YouTube

Ume and the Boxing Lesson get their due after the jump...

Speaking of Ume their one SUPER-charismatic female guitarist rocked out so hard, you don't even know y'all. She's a somewhat diminutive, fair-haired young lady with ballet slippers and her purse on the stage but she totally slays y'all. She had some serious rock god moves up on that stage. I purchased their latest EP Sunshower at Waterloo records the other day but obviously it's a lot better to see the performance live. You should still go get the EP though 'cause it pretty much kicks ass and you'll want to sing along at the shows right? No? Why the eff not?!?


Ume - The Conductor video courtesy of Ultra 8201 via YouTube

Free Mp3 courtesy of Transmission Entertainment, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Ume - The Conductor

The Boxing Lesson was the band I was least familiar with at the Mohawk last night. I'm following them on Twitter and I had seen their name in listings but I hadn't heard, what they call their Space-Rock, yet. To be honest I only heard them play one song last night, but that song was enough to make me want to see them again. Lucky for me all the bands last night are local, so I'll be seeing them all again real soon. In the meantime you should read the Wiki article for the Boxing Lesson it's pretty crazy, they have more former members than members (Including one who's in jail).

Free Mp3 courtesy of Transmission Entertainment, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> the Boxing Lesson - Muerta

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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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