Well folks, it looks like you may be standing in line if you want to see Amy Cook at the Mohawk tomorrow night. Twitter is all a buzz right now with the recent info that fellow Austinite, and presumed fan Ben Kweller will be playing a solo set as well. According to his Twitter account, he'll actually be taking requests. The doors open at 8p, tickets cost $8 and I'd get there early, especially if you want to get beer AND get a good spot to stand/sit.
Amy Cook - The Answer video via YouTube
The official bill for this Amy Cook show says that she'll be performing with the Tosca Strings, the name sounded familiar but I wasn't quite sure until I checked, good ole' YouTube. Here's what I found:
Voxtrot - Reaching For the Lasers (Episode 4) video via YouTube
Remember Voxtrot? I like Voxtrot, they should release some more EP's, their EP's always kick ass. They're down with the Tosca Strings and so is Rick Linklater, which is neither here nor there.
Speaking of things, which are barely related to this post. Remember, when Ben Kweller teamed up with Ben Folds and Ben Lee and they called themselves the Bens? I wonder if they'll ever collaborate again? Maybe I'll request this song tomorrow night, you think B. Kweller would be pissed if I requested the Bens?
the Bens - Bruised video via YouTube
I suppose it'd be smarted to choose a the Bens song, which features less Folds and more Kweller. LESS FOLDS MORE KWELLER!! DONNA MARTIN GRADUATES!!
Ben Kweller - Wantin' Her Again video via YouTube
Just for the hell of it, and cause I've had Austin City Limits Festival on the brain lately, here's the Tosca Strings performing, my favorite, Vampire Weekend song with VW at ACL last year.
Vampire Weekend w/the Tosca Strings - M79 video via YouTube
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Girls w/ the Campesinos Friday
Are y'all going to catch Girls with Los Campesinos Friday night? I feel like Los Campesinos played a show here in town quite recently, not that I'm complaining...yet. In any case, I'm actually as excited/more excited to catch Girls again. I know it can be tough with Women, Girls and Vivian Girls all on the scene at once but hey at least they're not all in town together like they were during SXSW. Apparently Vagina-inspired band names are the new animal-inspired band names. Although, I'm pretty sure crystal-bands were already the new animal-band but you see where I'm going with this.
Girls - Hellhole Ratrace video via YouTube
Los Campesinos are known for being Canadian, and putting on a very high-energy show. It seems to me that it's a little bit easier to put on a high energy show when there are a billion people on the stage (See Polyphonic Spree). I'm not trying to knock Los Campesinos but it will be strange to see 7-11 band members after seeing Girls perform as a duo. But I digress. I'm pretty sure you can still get tickets to this show. At least at the moment that I'm writing this. That's why I'm posting about it on Monday so maybe you can actually get in to the show.
Los Campesinos are on one of my favorite labels, Arts & Crafts home to Stars, and Broken Social Scene among others. So, chances are if you like those pleasantly Canadian, indie-pop gems then you'll enjoy this one as well.
Los Campesinos - Death to Los Campesinos! video via YouTube
Chicago band Smith Westerns will be kicking things off at Emo's outside stage Friday night and tickets will set you back a cool $14 before extraneous fee-age. Check 'em out on Chicago Public-Access television. Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas politics biker-style? In any case, I'm really into the whole droney, Phil Spector, surf-garage, indie-movement so this band is right up my alley (see, Austin band, Harlem for example).
Smith Westerns - Tonight video via YouTube
I also have to note that on the Smith Westerns' Myspace page they describe their music as sounding like "blogs", which I find to be both funny and true or possibly funny BECAUSE it's true.
Oh and here's one more from Girls before I sign-off.
Girls - Lust For Life video via YouTube
Read more!
Girls - Hellhole Ratrace video via YouTube
Los Campesinos are known for being Canadian, and putting on a very high-energy show. It seems to me that it's a little bit easier to put on a high energy show when there are a billion people on the stage (See Polyphonic Spree). I'm not trying to knock Los Campesinos but it will be strange to see 7-11 band members after seeing Girls perform as a duo. But I digress. I'm pretty sure you can still get tickets to this show. At least at the moment that I'm writing this. That's why I'm posting about it on Monday so maybe you can actually get in to the show.
Los Campesinos are on one of my favorite labels, Arts & Crafts home to Stars, and Broken Social Scene among others. So, chances are if you like those pleasantly Canadian, indie-pop gems then you'll enjoy this one as well.
Los Campesinos - Death to Los Campesinos! video via YouTube
Chicago band Smith Westerns will be kicking things off at Emo's outside stage Friday night and tickets will set you back a cool $14 before extraneous fee-age. Check 'em out on Chicago Public-Access television. Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas politics biker-style? In any case, I'm really into the whole droney, Phil Spector, surf-garage, indie-movement so this band is right up my alley (see, Austin band, Harlem for example).
Smith Westerns - Tonight video via YouTube
I also have to note that on the Smith Westerns' Myspace page they describe their music as sounding like "blogs", which I find to be both funny and true or possibly funny BECAUSE it's true.
Oh and here's one more from Girls before I sign-off.
Girls - Lust For Life video via YouTube
Read more!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Festivals and Festivals and Conjecture
I was following along with the happenings at Lollapalooza this past weekend, via Twitter, and it got me thinking about ACL Festival. The first thing I wanted to look at is what are going to be the tough decisions? In other words, two Bloggy-approved acts performing simultaneously and/or inter-lapping time-slots on separate stages. I'll get to all of that fun-ness after the jump. The other two concerns I have at the moment, with the festival still three months away, are what will the after-shows be this year? Also, who will take-over the headlining slot now that the Beastie Boys won't be in attendance?
I feel like to fill-in the Beastie's slot could be pretty tough but at the same time I'm sure the festival audience will be satisfied with any big name. Personally, I haven't heard any rumors or rumblings regarding a replacement act. I remember a few years back when Muse filled in for the White Stripes in their absence. That was definitely a good swap in my humble opinion. Usually, we could look to other festivals for clues. Perhaps, Austin will have an evening with Phish but somehow I find that unlikely. A Tribe Called Quest could keep the classic-rap vibe going but I don't know if that would excite as many people as the Beastie Boys. Who do you think will fill in the giant gap/Friday headlining spot?
Beastie Boys - Shake Your Rump video via YouTube
I feel like for the VS. portion of this discussion I should wait until the festival gets closer but I'll still give you a preview. On the first day of ACL you'll have to decide on Phoenix VS. Daniel Johnston. Oh, the problems we have to deal with at festivals, I could just cry.
For now I want to just devote this post to conjecture. As I have mentioned several times in the past, I prefer to check out the whole after-show scene at the clubs/bars downtown rather than hoofing it in the heat with the masses. Call me a snob if you must, I'm ok with it. Last year I had a great time at all of the after-events although I will tell you I spent almost as much on tickets for all of those shows as I would have for festival passes. I'd say my favorite event from last year was catching Jamie Lidell at the Parish room. That was a pretty bad-ass show.
This year my after-show predictions are based on the idea that there are usually three venues hosting after-shows on Fri, Sat, and Sun nights and maybe one or two hosting pre-show shows on Thu night.
For the pre-show position there aren't a lot of acts that stand out to me there. Last year David Byrne played a pre-show at the Paramount. So, I'm thinking maybe Andrew Bird, he played the Paramount last time he was in town and he is a KGSR/Adult-Alternative friendly artist. He's also playing a close-to headlining slot Friday night of the fest.
Andrew Bird - Measuring Cups video via YouTube
For my Friday night ACL after-show conjecture, I'm really hoping to catch Phoenix at the Parish but that's VERY wishful thinking. Chances are, even if there is a Phoenix after-show La Zona Rosa is a more likely venue but that's fine with me as well. I also, sort of hope/expect there to be a Thievery Corporation after-show, probably at Emo's. I'm also gonna tag Bassnectar and the Walkmen for possible after-shows Friday.
Phoenix - Listzomania video via YouTube. We love you John Hughes, your films and inspiration will live-on forever.
You are keeping in mind, that I'm making all of this up just using educated guess-work right? For Saturday night, there are lots of possibilities this tends to be the night with the most/best after-shows. It's the middle of the fest, people are still hyped and not totally exhausted...yet. So, the first artist I'm going to tag for a Sat night ACL after-show is, the Decemberists they love to play Austin and almost every time they have a show here, they have three shows here. They could pretty much play anywhere but I'd like to see them at Club Deville. I also feel like a ...Trail of Dead after-show is to be expected. At first I was thinking Ghostland but they're headlining a stage Sat night so I expect that will be their only show. Other than that I'm thinking !!! is a pretty likely possibility as well as Devotchka. But, I'd be really psyched if Deer Tick and/or Grizzly Bear did a Sat night after-show.
Deer Tick - Easy video via YouTube. Sorry 'bout the fake vid but this is what I could find.
For Sunday night that's usually a night that only has a couple of after-shows but they are power-house shows. Last year I saw M.Ward, Jenny Lewis, and Conor Oberst on a shared bill Sunday night. So for this year's Sunday night I'm going to tag, the Dead Weather, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Girl Talk and maybe Clutch.
PS22 Chorus - Seaweed Song (Passion Pit song) video via YouTube
So, that's my festival conjecture for now. Put your predictions in the comments we'll see who is best at predicting the future.
Beastie Boys - Jimmy James video via YouTube
Read more!
I feel like to fill-in the Beastie's slot could be pretty tough but at the same time I'm sure the festival audience will be satisfied with any big name. Personally, I haven't heard any rumors or rumblings regarding a replacement act. I remember a few years back when Muse filled in for the White Stripes in their absence. That was definitely a good swap in my humble opinion. Usually, we could look to other festivals for clues. Perhaps, Austin will have an evening with Phish but somehow I find that unlikely. A Tribe Called Quest could keep the classic-rap vibe going but I don't know if that would excite as many people as the Beastie Boys. Who do you think will fill in the giant gap/Friday headlining spot?
Beastie Boys - Shake Your Rump video via YouTube
I feel like for the VS. portion of this discussion I should wait until the festival gets closer but I'll still give you a preview. On the first day of ACL you'll have to decide on Phoenix VS. Daniel Johnston. Oh, the problems we have to deal with at festivals, I could just cry.
For now I want to just devote this post to conjecture. As I have mentioned several times in the past, I prefer to check out the whole after-show scene at the clubs/bars downtown rather than hoofing it in the heat with the masses. Call me a snob if you must, I'm ok with it. Last year I had a great time at all of the after-events although I will tell you I spent almost as much on tickets for all of those shows as I would have for festival passes. I'd say my favorite event from last year was catching Jamie Lidell at the Parish room. That was a pretty bad-ass show.
This year my after-show predictions are based on the idea that there are usually three venues hosting after-shows on Fri, Sat, and Sun nights and maybe one or two hosting pre-show shows on Thu night.
For the pre-show position there aren't a lot of acts that stand out to me there. Last year David Byrne played a pre-show at the Paramount. So, I'm thinking maybe Andrew Bird, he played the Paramount last time he was in town and he is a KGSR/Adult-Alternative friendly artist. He's also playing a close-to headlining slot Friday night of the fest.
Andrew Bird - Measuring Cups video via YouTube
For my Friday night ACL after-show conjecture, I'm really hoping to catch Phoenix at the Parish but that's VERY wishful thinking. Chances are, even if there is a Phoenix after-show La Zona Rosa is a more likely venue but that's fine with me as well. I also, sort of hope/expect there to be a Thievery Corporation after-show, probably at Emo's. I'm also gonna tag Bassnectar and the Walkmen for possible after-shows Friday.
Phoenix - Listzomania video via YouTube. We love you John Hughes, your films and inspiration will live-on forever.
You are keeping in mind, that I'm making all of this up just using educated guess-work right? For Saturday night, there are lots of possibilities this tends to be the night with the most/best after-shows. It's the middle of the fest, people are still hyped and not totally exhausted...yet. So, the first artist I'm going to tag for a Sat night ACL after-show is, the Decemberists they love to play Austin and almost every time they have a show here, they have three shows here. They could pretty much play anywhere but I'd like to see them at Club Deville. I also feel like a ...Trail of Dead after-show is to be expected. At first I was thinking Ghostland but they're headlining a stage Sat night so I expect that will be their only show. Other than that I'm thinking !!! is a pretty likely possibility as well as Devotchka. But, I'd be really psyched if Deer Tick and/or Grizzly Bear did a Sat night after-show.
Deer Tick - Easy video via YouTube. Sorry 'bout the fake vid but this is what I could find.
For Sunday night that's usually a night that only has a couple of after-shows but they are power-house shows. Last year I saw M.Ward, Jenny Lewis, and Conor Oberst on a shared bill Sunday night. So for this year's Sunday night I'm going to tag, the Dead Weather, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Girl Talk and maybe Clutch.
PS22 Chorus - Seaweed Song (Passion Pit song) video via YouTube
So, that's my festival conjecture for now. Put your predictions in the comments we'll see who is best at predicting the future.
Beastie Boys - Jimmy James video via YouTube
Read more!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
M. Ward is Sold-Out :-(
I'm pretty bummed that I didn't snag a ticket to see M. Ward at Antone's tonight. Back when Transistor Radio came out I was going through a serious Brian Wilson phase so I had to get the album just to hear You Still Believe In Me. Then last year I re-fell in love with Mr. Ward after seeing him do an ACL after-show at La Zona Rosa. He did a few songs with David Rollins and Gillian Welch and I was absolutely blown-away. I also kicked myself for not catching She & Him during SXSW '08. I actually walked by a parking lot while they were performing and just kept walking cause that's just how things go during SXSW.
M. Ward's latest release is called Hold Time and seems to be getting mixed reviews. The critics seems a bit more satisfied with it than the fans. To be honest I'm more excited about a new She & Him album than a new M. Ward solo release. Is that mean? In a totally unrelated note I'd rather hear a new Brendan Benson release than ANOTHER Jack White band.
She & Him - Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? video via YouTube
I guess it's pretty unfair to feature She & Him when it's actually an M. Ward solo gig at Antone's tonight but trust me you are going to love Ward's amazingly lyrical, effortless guitar work. To me everything he does sounds timeless, probably because so much of it is referential. I'm sure someone who is more schooled in Nashville, the Delta Blues, Americana music in general could give you all of the specifics but to me it's more of a feeling, ya know?
I'm kind of cheating with this video, but it's technically NOT She & Him it's actually from Ward's latest release, Hold Time. It's a cover of the Buddy Holly classic Rave On and just happens to feature Zooey Deschannel. What? It's not the same!
M. Ward - Rave On video via YouTube
Here's the title track from Hold Time:
M. Ward - Hold Time video via YouTube
The other band on the bill is listed as Calliope the only reference to a band by that name I found was a band that plays Renaissance festivals. Somehow I'm not convinced that is the opening act but part of me thinks it may be the case. I did find this other Calliope on MySpace and they're based in Michigan so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Brendan Benson - What I'm Looking For video via YouTube
Read more!
M. Ward's latest release is called Hold Time and seems to be getting mixed reviews. The critics seems a bit more satisfied with it than the fans. To be honest I'm more excited about a new She & Him album than a new M. Ward solo release. Is that mean? In a totally unrelated note I'd rather hear a new Brendan Benson release than ANOTHER Jack White band.
She & Him - Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? video via YouTube
I guess it's pretty unfair to feature She & Him when it's actually an M. Ward solo gig at Antone's tonight but trust me you are going to love Ward's amazingly lyrical, effortless guitar work. To me everything he does sounds timeless, probably because so much of it is referential. I'm sure someone who is more schooled in Nashville, the Delta Blues, Americana music in general could give you all of the specifics but to me it's more of a feeling, ya know?
I'm kind of cheating with this video, but it's technically NOT She & Him it's actually from Ward's latest release, Hold Time. It's a cover of the Buddy Holly classic Rave On and just happens to feature Zooey Deschannel. What? It's not the same!
M. Ward - Rave On video via YouTube
Here's the title track from Hold Time:
M. Ward - Hold Time video via YouTube
The other band on the bill is listed as Calliope the only reference to a band by that name I found was a band that plays Renaissance festivals. Somehow I'm not convinced that is the opening act but part of me thinks it may be the case. I did find this other Calliope on MySpace and they're based in Michigan so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Brendan Benson - What I'm Looking For video via YouTube
Read more!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Glasvegas/Ida Marie Monday
I had the chance to catch Glasvegas during a SXSW day party this year. I enjoyed their music but not their attitudes. I don't like the feeling that a band could care less about the audience attending their show. I'm not talking about a band like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah who gets all nervous and can't look at the crowd. I'm talking about literally making comments in which they pretty much say I don't care that you're here. Now that that's said I will ALSO say that I enjoy listening to the latest Glasvegas album called Glasvegas and they DO play their instruments well. So, if you're planning on checking them out at Emo's tonight, you won't be disappointed, at least not by Glasvegas I have no idea what other expectations you might have before going out.
Glasvegas - Geraldine video via YouTube
Ida Marie will be the opening act for Glasvegas Monday and something tells me that pretty soon she'll be the headlining act. She seems to be in that Lily Allen zone right now, where she's not really accepted as a mainstream pop star or as a quirky, indie chanteuse. Touring with Glasvegas seems to support this theory as they have indie-cred here in the states while being full-on famous across the pond. I've heard Ida Marie's single Oh My God on a variety of radio stations. I think it has a lot of cross-over appeal. So, stay-tuned to find out where the fickle, gods of fame place her in the long-run.
Ida Marie - Oh My God video via YouTube
Just for the record, on Ida Marie's YouTube channel her style is "indie-rock" but her label type is "Major-Label". Hmmmmmmm. Something doesn't add up there. A rose by any other name would still be indie?
Ida Marie - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked video via YouTube
Here's one more from Glasvegas and if you're interested in going to the show tonight tickets were/are still available as of the time that this post was written.
Glasvegas - Daddy's Gone video via YouTube
Read more!
Glasvegas - Geraldine video via YouTube
Ida Marie will be the opening act for Glasvegas Monday and something tells me that pretty soon she'll be the headlining act. She seems to be in that Lily Allen zone right now, where she's not really accepted as a mainstream pop star or as a quirky, indie chanteuse. Touring with Glasvegas seems to support this theory as they have indie-cred here in the states while being full-on famous across the pond. I've heard Ida Marie's single Oh My God on a variety of radio stations. I think it has a lot of cross-over appeal. So, stay-tuned to find out where the fickle, gods of fame place her in the long-run.
Ida Marie - Oh My God video via YouTube
Just for the record, on Ida Marie's YouTube channel her style is "indie-rock" but her label type is "Major-Label". Hmmmmmmm. Something doesn't add up there. A rose by any other name would still be indie?
Ida Marie - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked video via YouTube
Here's one more from Glasvegas and if you're interested in going to the show tonight tickets were/are still available as of the time that this post was written.
Glasvegas - Daddy's Gone video via YouTube
Read more!
Friday, July 31, 2009
On the Fence About Bad Veins
As a subscriber to satellite radio I have the luxury of actually hearing music I've never heard before...on the radio. Remember that? Back when you were younger and you would turn the radio on and wonder, "Who is this?" shortly followed by, "I want this tape so bad(ly)!" Nowadays terrestrial radio is full of familiar stalwarts from "alt-rock"'s past mixed in with some mall-punk. Unless you listen to top 40 or something else, in which case, why are you reading this right now? But I digress.
Sirius XMU keeps playing tracks from this band, Bad Veins. Their name immediately makes me think of junkies, not a great first impression, but the music itself seems like something I would normally like. It's somewhat dark, somewhat electronic, somewhat like Helio Sequence but it just not as melodious or something. I want to know what the Bloggy people think.
Bad Veins - Gold & Warm video via YouTube
If your interest has been piqued, I did notice that Bad Veins will be here in Austin late in August. The show will be at Emo's outside stage and will feature some Austin up-and-comers as well. Tickets will set you back $5 and as you know, shows at Emo's start late and end late. Here's one more from Bad Veins then I'll post some vids from the local bands playing the same show.
Bad Veins - Falling Tide video via YouTube
Alright, I don't know about you but the live video pretty much sold me on Bad Veins. But, if you're still not convinced enough to check them out at Emo's maybe the local acts will do the trick. Black and White Years is probably the biggest local name. The way the show is listed on Emo's site makes it seem like they'll actually be performing after the touring act?
Black & White Years - Power to Change video via YouTube
Built By Snow will also be appearing that same night. Now, I posted their videos yesterday but after seeing them at Beerland last night I think I'll re-post a vid cause they were kick ass. My only complaint about the live experience is the songs seemed to end very abruptly, like no one really knew when to start clapping. Not really sure how to fix that, maybe a nice Van Halen jump for emphasis/punctuation.
Built By Snow - Drag Away video via YouTube
Lastly but certainly not leastly, you can catch The White White Lights at Emo's in like a month and probably lots of other places in the meantime. I have only seen them once, I made a, possible-rude, suggestion regarding their performance and they corrected it at the next show. So obviously I'm a fan/supporter now even if I wasn't before.
The White White Lights - Unknown to Me video via YouTube
By the way the above video is courtesy of my brothers in blogging over at Ultra8201 check 'em out.
Read more!
Sirius XMU keeps playing tracks from this band, Bad Veins. Their name immediately makes me think of junkies, not a great first impression, but the music itself seems like something I would normally like. It's somewhat dark, somewhat electronic, somewhat like Helio Sequence but it just not as melodious or something. I want to know what the Bloggy people think.
Bad Veins - Gold & Warm video via YouTube
If your interest has been piqued, I did notice that Bad Veins will be here in Austin late in August. The show will be at Emo's outside stage and will feature some Austin up-and-comers as well. Tickets will set you back $5 and as you know, shows at Emo's start late and end late. Here's one more from Bad Veins then I'll post some vids from the local bands playing the same show.
Bad Veins - Falling Tide video via YouTube
Alright, I don't know about you but the live video pretty much sold me on Bad Veins. But, if you're still not convinced enough to check them out at Emo's maybe the local acts will do the trick. Black and White Years is probably the biggest local name. The way the show is listed on Emo's site makes it seem like they'll actually be performing after the touring act?
Black & White Years - Power to Change video via YouTube
Built By Snow will also be appearing that same night. Now, I posted their videos yesterday but after seeing them at Beerland last night I think I'll re-post a vid cause they were kick ass. My only complaint about the live experience is the songs seemed to end very abruptly, like no one really knew when to start clapping. Not really sure how to fix that, maybe a nice Van Halen jump for emphasis/punctuation.
Built By Snow - Drag Away video via YouTube
Lastly but certainly not leastly, you can catch The White White Lights at Emo's in like a month and probably lots of other places in the meantime. I have only seen them once, I made a, possible-rude, suggestion regarding their performance and they corrected it at the next show. So obviously I'm a fan/supporter now even if I wasn't before.
The White White Lights - Unknown to Me video via YouTube
By the way the above video is courtesy of my brothers in blogging over at Ultra8201 check 'em out.
Read more!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Bloggy's Back Y'all!
So hopefully I didn't alienate all of my readers with that extended hiatus but I'm back y'all. Access to the internet has returned and the town's people are rejoicing. Just in time for me to give you the heads up on a free, early show...with free beer. It's happening tomorrow night and it's brought to you by some of my favorite internet brethren. The folks over at Do512 and those crazy cats over at Better Than the Van are bringing us two bands for the price of none. It's all going down at Beerland tomorrow night starting at 7p. Finally, an event that's friendly to those of us who work at 6am. I can get drunk, get live music AND get enough sleep for my early Friday morning. You will have to RSVP to get into this event and I suggest an early arrival. Any time there's free booze there's long-ass lines.
Quiet Company - Fashionable - Fashionabel video via YouTube
Free Mp3 courtesy of SXSW.com, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Built By Snow - All the Weird Kids Know
***UPDATE***
My friends with Quiet Company sent along this link to a three song sampler EP for their latest album, Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon. Thanks, QC
Free Mp3's ---> Quiet Company - 3 - Song Sampler EP
I didn't even mention that the two bands performing tomorrow night are on my list of Austin bands that you should check out in '09. Obviously, one of the bands is Quiet Company, who you're hopefully listening to right now. They'll be going on first, with a 7pm set time. Imagine the sun will still be out and we'll be in the dark confines of Beerland sweating our aces off to the gentle melodies of QC...likely with Lone Stars in hand. By the way, I love that one of the comments on the YouTube page for the above video says, "The guitar player is my personal trainer". That's so Austin, the drummer might have been your waiter, bartender or massage-therapist?
This next tune from the Quiet Company might be my favorite song title ever...or at least lately. It's also very pro-economic recovery while at the same time speaking the of the truths that lead to our credit downfall in the first place, but I digress.
Quiet Company - It's Better To Spend Money Like There's No Tomorrow Than To Spend Tonight Like There's No Money video via YouTube
Going on at 8p at Beerland tomorrow will be another band to watch, Built By Snow. Honestly, I have yet to see these guys perform live but I'm pretty excited to see them tomorrow. The stuff I've heard from them is the perfect blend of pop and jangly-ness with an occasional touch of sad-bastard-punk. They also have a penchant for quirky, nerdy videos, which is always nice for me as someone who likes to post videos.
Built By Snow - Underneath video via YouTube
This video is a bit older and I've already posted it but I needed more evidence of their love for odd/quirky/zany/nerdy/etc. videos. What do you want to bet that one or more people in Built By Snow works at the Alamo Drafthouse, I <3 Video, or Vulcan? They seem like "film" people as opposed to movie people like you or I.
Built By Snow - Drag Away video via YouTube
Read more!
Quiet Company - Fashionable - Fashionabel video via YouTube
Free Mp3 courtesy of SXSW.com, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Built By Snow - All the Weird Kids Know
***UPDATE***
My friends with Quiet Company sent along this link to a three song sampler EP for their latest album, Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon. Thanks, QC
Free Mp3's ---> Quiet Company - 3 - Song Sampler EP
I didn't even mention that the two bands performing tomorrow night are on my list of Austin bands that you should check out in '09. Obviously, one of the bands is Quiet Company, who you're hopefully listening to right now. They'll be going on first, with a 7pm set time. Imagine the sun will still be out and we'll be in the dark confines of Beerland sweating our aces off to the gentle melodies of QC...likely with Lone Stars in hand. By the way, I love that one of the comments on the YouTube page for the above video says, "The guitar player is my personal trainer". That's so Austin, the drummer might have been your waiter, bartender or massage-therapist?
This next tune from the Quiet Company might be my favorite song title ever...or at least lately. It's also very pro-economic recovery while at the same time speaking the of the truths that lead to our credit downfall in the first place, but I digress.
Quiet Company - It's Better To Spend Money Like There's No Tomorrow Than To Spend Tonight Like There's No Money video via YouTube
Going on at 8p at Beerland tomorrow will be another band to watch, Built By Snow. Honestly, I have yet to see these guys perform live but I'm pretty excited to see them tomorrow. The stuff I've heard from them is the perfect blend of pop and jangly-ness with an occasional touch of sad-bastard-punk. They also have a penchant for quirky, nerdy videos, which is always nice for me as someone who likes to post videos.
Built By Snow - Underneath video via YouTube
This video is a bit older and I've already posted it but I needed more evidence of their love for odd/quirky/zany/nerdy/etc. videos. What do you want to bet that one or more people in Built By Snow works at the Alamo Drafthouse, I <3 Video, or Vulcan? They seem like "film" people as opposed to movie people like you or I.
Built By Snow - Drag Away video via YouTube
Read more!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dirty Projectors Concert Review
I don't have any fancy pictures from the Dirty Projectors show last night at Red 7 but I do have my memories damn it! You may remember I was a bit concerned that the sound would suck ass at Red 7 and I'm very happy to report that it was actually mixed beautifully. The dude in the sounds cage of doom was even wearing noise-canceling headphones, which seems like...DUH, but I feel like I have never seen that before. Greg Ginn was in attendance, for those who don't know, he's a founding member of Black Flag and now he lives somewhere in the Taylor, TX region. Dave Longstreth jammed with Ginn during the opening slot and I must say it was pretty excruciating. But imagine you're a blues-rock style musician and you're trying to jam with Dave Longstreth, dude plays some really fucked up phrases and rhythms. It sounded messy, unfocused and almost completely unsyncopated/out of sync.
The Dirty Projectors themselves, while still noodly and weird were amazing, as expected. I saw them at a Pitchfork day party during SXSW, they only played for 35 minutes and I was immediatly in love. Seeing a full set with songs from three + records was very nice. Ginn was invited back on stage to perform a few Black Flag songs and that went much better than the opening "jam". It's hard to pick out specific highlights because so much of the set was a highlight for me. It was really nice to hear Rise Above as well as Knotty Pine, which was a great closing number. I'd say Cannibal Resource or Temecula were the songs that most captured the crowd's energy. So many familiar Austin characters in the crowd last night, including Austin's own Octopus Project.
Dirty Projectors - Cannibal Resource video via YouTube
Finally summary after the jump...
My final summation of the show, I would say out of 5 stars I would give the venue it self 3.75 stars, the sound/sound mixing 4 stars and the performance 4.25 stars. I'm discounting stars on the performance for subjecting us to that God-awful opening jam. I didn't mention before that after the opening jam someone very clearly yelled, "Play Dirty Projectors!"
Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move video via YouTube
Dave chuckled and turned to the mic saying, "We'll be back in a few minutes to play Dirty Projectors". The venue loses points simply because it's a dive and I'm not going to give a walled in parking lot 5 stars. I think it would be bad ass if they built a deck above the bar outside and made it a VIP area. More venues need some form of tiered viewing area. I'm 6'2" so I can pretty much always see but I always feel bad for the all of the tiny hipsters who spend most of the show trying to catch a glimpse of the artist on stage. The Mohawk has many tiers but at a sold-out show I'd say less than half the people in attendance can clearly see the stage. Seeing wouldn't be a big deal if people could STFU long enough for everyone to hear the performance. Last night wasn't too bad as far as the chatty-Cathy's go but every time I see a show at Stubb's I want to smash people's heads. Why pay $30+ to talk over the performance, especially when you're just talking about the dumbest shit on Earth anyway. If it's THAT important text each other!
Don't forget people the next really buzzy, don't miss show, that WILL sell-out is Bat For Lashes at the Parish next month look at the previous posts for a ticket link. I want to see you all there...weeping like little babies.
Read more!
The Dirty Projectors themselves, while still noodly and weird were amazing, as expected. I saw them at a Pitchfork day party during SXSW, they only played for 35 minutes and I was immediatly in love. Seeing a full set with songs from three + records was very nice. Ginn was invited back on stage to perform a few Black Flag songs and that went much better than the opening "jam". It's hard to pick out specific highlights because so much of the set was a highlight for me. It was really nice to hear Rise Above as well as Knotty Pine, which was a great closing number. I'd say Cannibal Resource or Temecula were the songs that most captured the crowd's energy. So many familiar Austin characters in the crowd last night, including Austin's own Octopus Project.
Dirty Projectors - Cannibal Resource video via YouTube
Finally summary after the jump...
My final summation of the show, I would say out of 5 stars I would give the venue it self 3.75 stars, the sound/sound mixing 4 stars and the performance 4.25 stars. I'm discounting stars on the performance for subjecting us to that God-awful opening jam. I didn't mention before that after the opening jam someone very clearly yelled, "Play Dirty Projectors!"
Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move video via YouTube
Dave chuckled and turned to the mic saying, "We'll be back in a few minutes to play Dirty Projectors". The venue loses points simply because it's a dive and I'm not going to give a walled in parking lot 5 stars. I think it would be bad ass if they built a deck above the bar outside and made it a VIP area. More venues need some form of tiered viewing area. I'm 6'2" so I can pretty much always see but I always feel bad for the all of the tiny hipsters who spend most of the show trying to catch a glimpse of the artist on stage. The Mohawk has many tiers but at a sold-out show I'd say less than half the people in attendance can clearly see the stage. Seeing wouldn't be a big deal if people could STFU long enough for everyone to hear the performance. Last night wasn't too bad as far as the chatty-Cathy's go but every time I see a show at Stubb's I want to smash people's heads. Why pay $30+ to talk over the performance, especially when you're just talking about the dumbest shit on Earth anyway. If it's THAT important text each other!
Don't forget people the next really buzzy, don't miss show, that WILL sell-out is Bat For Lashes at the Parish next month look at the previous posts for a ticket link. I want to see you all there...weeping like little babies.
Read more!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Pete Yorn, Tonight!
Damn my early work schedule, I will have to miss Pete Yorn at La Zona Rosa tonight, but that doesn't mean you have to. At this point, the show still isn't sold-out so I'm guessing it probably won't. You can buy tickets for will-call or you should be able to just pay at the door I would think. Opening up for Pete will be Zee Avi. A ticket to this show will set you back about $30, which is probably why it's not sold-out. Thirty bucks Pete? Really?
Pete Yorn - Shotgun video via YouTube
AND you won't let me embed official videos Pete?!?! Really?!?! You can PURCHASE some bad-ass Pete Yorn music videos from the iTunes store though!
More UNOFFICIAL videos after the jump...
Zee Avi is signed to Jack Johnson's record label so that should give you an idea of what to expect.
Zee Avi - Bitter Heart video via YouTube
Here's the song that "catapulted" Pete Yorn into "fame", it's the one you're mostly likely to recognize if you're not familiar with his music. Part of me wants to put a lame-ass cover of this song since I can't embed the official video. Instead I'll put this shitty-crowd sing along version.
Pete Yorn - Life on a Chain (Shitty-Crowd singing along version) video via YouTube
I must say, if that last video had been filmed in Austin, instead of a sing-along you would have heard people carrying on conversation, loudly as if there weren't a performer on stage.
I think I posted something from this Bruce Springsteen covers series back when he was in town. But since this is official, and not shitty I'll let you hear Pete doing Bruce...I think Pete Doing Bruce is actually trucker-porn.
Pete Yorn - Your Own Worst Enemy video via YouTube
I feel like I enjoy Pete Yorn less, after writing this post, than I did before writing this post. But, I'm a MUCH bigger fan of Zee Avi now, so that's good right?
Zee Avi - Honey Bee video via YouTube
And for some reason all that Pete Yorn just put me in the mood to hear Josh Rouse. Hmm?
Josh Rouse - Direction video via YouTube
And what do you know? I was able to embed Mr. Rouse's biggest single, no problem. Hmm?
Read more!
Pete Yorn - Shotgun video via YouTube
AND you won't let me embed official videos Pete?!?! Really?!?! You can PURCHASE some bad-ass Pete Yorn music videos from the iTunes store though!
More UNOFFICIAL videos after the jump...
Zee Avi is signed to Jack Johnson's record label so that should give you an idea of what to expect.
Zee Avi - Bitter Heart video via YouTube
Here's the song that "catapulted" Pete Yorn into "fame", it's the one you're mostly likely to recognize if you're not familiar with his music. Part of me wants to put a lame-ass cover of this song since I can't embed the official video. Instead I'll put this shitty-crowd sing along version.
Pete Yorn - Life on a Chain (Shitty-Crowd singing along version) video via YouTube
I must say, if that last video had been filmed in Austin, instead of a sing-along you would have heard people carrying on conversation, loudly as if there weren't a performer on stage.
I think I posted something from this Bruce Springsteen covers series back when he was in town. But since this is official, and not shitty I'll let you hear Pete doing Bruce...I think Pete Doing Bruce is actually trucker-porn.
Pete Yorn - Your Own Worst Enemy video via YouTube
I feel like I enjoy Pete Yorn less, after writing this post, than I did before writing this post. But, I'm a MUCH bigger fan of Zee Avi now, so that's good right?
Zee Avi - Honey Bee video via YouTube
And for some reason all that Pete Yorn just put me in the mood to hear Josh Rouse. Hmm?
Josh Rouse - Direction video via YouTube
And what do you know? I was able to embed Mr. Rouse's biggest single, no problem. Hmm?
Read more!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Shhhhh B4L in August
Let's keep this on the low people, Bat For Lashes is playing the Parish Room in August and if you want to go, you better get your ticket now. Ironically, the show is sponsored by local "modern-rock" station 101X the irony being that 101X rarely, if ever, plays Bat for Lashes. Mainly because these days "modern rock" radio consists of mostly Candlebox, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and other 15-20 year old tracks mixed in there with some mall-punk for the tweens. I feel sad for radio these days, but they don't seem to be trying very hard to stay relevant. Do you ever listen to your local radio stations anymore?
Bat for Lashes - Pearl's Dream video via YouTube
I predict lots of googly-eyed indie-rockers at this show. The recent St. Vincent show at the Mohawk was full of love-stricken youngsters in American Apparel. There's something about Natasha Khan (B4L) that's so mesmerizing, I'm sure she will put everyone at the Parish into some sort of Stevie Nicks voodoo-trance. I'm excited about the trance.
Bat For Lashes - Daniel video via YouTube
Hopefully, you've already heard Daniel before, that's sort of the U.S. "breakout" "hit". However, the first Bat for Lashes album, Fur and Gold earned the performer a Mercury Prize nomination for best album.
Bat for Lashes - Horse and I video via YouTube
I have to link you to this last video because it's anti-embedding but I love it. It's sort of an homage, shall we say, to Donnie Darko.
Read more!
Bat for Lashes - Pearl's Dream video via YouTube
I predict lots of googly-eyed indie-rockers at this show. The recent St. Vincent show at the Mohawk was full of love-stricken youngsters in American Apparel. There's something about Natasha Khan (B4L) that's so mesmerizing, I'm sure she will put everyone at the Parish into some sort of Stevie Nicks voodoo-trance. I'm excited about the trance.
Bat For Lashes - Daniel video via YouTube
Hopefully, you've already heard Daniel before, that's sort of the U.S. "breakout" "hit". However, the first Bat for Lashes album, Fur and Gold earned the performer a Mercury Prize nomination for best album.
Bat for Lashes - Horse and I video via YouTube
I have to link you to this last video because it's anti-embedding but I love it. It's sort of an homage, shall we say, to Donnie Darko.
Read more!
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