So, yesterday was day one of FunFunFun Fest. I had been to the festival in '07 and had a great time and yesterday was no exception. It seems like every year the festival organizers add a few more thoughtful perks and areas in which to make the festival a uniquely enjoyable experience. This was the first year I have been granted the elusive media access as well so I'm going to talk to y'all about how that was. Oh, but I do want to apologize in advance for not having a camera with me yesterday, what the eff was I thinking right?
So I walked through the gates around 1:30 and was immediately pulled towards the Blue stage where Austin's own L.A.X. was pumping out the disco jams. The crowd wasn't very large at any of the stages at that point but the folks who were there for L.A.X. were definitely shaking their groove thangs. Toward the end of their set I decided to check out the whole media access thing so I walked toward a get to the right of the stage and walked behind the magic green fencing. As I walked through the gates L.A.X. was walking off stage and I got to give a high five and a little praise and this is when I knew it was SO on.
One of the most clever things about FunFunFun Fest is the whole P.I.P. ticket/wristband/badge scenario. Sure, I have a media pass so I can go backstage but folks with P.I.P. passes can actually get on the side stage and watch from the wings, which I can not. Isn't this a great idea for h-core music fans? They can hang backstage and mingle with their favorite artists just like us jaded media types. Today I plan to ask some of the artists how they feel about letting the masses in their private area. I'm guessing they don't mind because most of the artists I saw yesterday could be spotted on both sides of the fence. This is not your typical snob-fest these are salt of the Earth crusty punks types.
I feel like I still haven't found all the free schwag available to me as a member of the press but I will list you some of the things the P.I.P.'s and I have been secretly enjoying. For me the biggest perk is just that it's SOOOO much easier to move between stages from the backstage area so I spent all day hopping from stage to stage, also backstage porta-johns...THANK YOU! As far as free shhh, let's see, I'll just make a list: Sweet Leaf Tea, buttons, neckerchiefs and lip balm, free breakfast tacos, Red Bull, Bottled Water (Somewhat illusive), drink tickets, power outlets, energy bars, I feel like there is more but I'm blanking.
Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms video via YouTube
As far as mingling, I sat next to Alan Palomo of Neon Indian, Vega fame. He was making two lists of the equipment he was going to need for each of his two bands that were performing. I told him how the song Psychic Chasms from the Neon Indian LP of the same name, reminds me of the movie Flight of the Navigator. He seemed pleased with the comment but didn't necessarily understand the reference I think. I asked him when we can expect a Vega LP, he said probably next summer but the EP will see a re-release. Palomo also told me he'll be holed-up in the studio in January working on the Vega records with a very well known producer. I'm going to keep that on the low though, I don't want to jinx anything.
Flight of the Navigator - Music From the Film video via YouTube
I also chatted with members of Foot Patrol after their, killer, set on the Blue Stage. They had 7 +/- 3 members, all in various costumes that may or may not have been related. Apparently their band name is some reference to foot fetishism or insists or some shhh like that. All I know is I was watching the crowd as much as the band and they were drawing people in and those people were dancing. Sadly, our chat was somewhat insignificant it went something like this:
Me: "Hey I really enjoyed your set."
Them: "Thanks we had a lot of fun."
Me: "I could tell, you really drew a lot of people in."
Them: "Yeah."
Me: "Late"
I had a similarly awkward conversation with a Vivian Girl. I was behind the Orange stage watching Crystal Antlers and I look to my left and I saw the Red-Headed Vivian Girl with some tall, dark rocker dude, probably from Brooklyn, probably a band we know and <3 and I have this inspired moment.
Me: "Hey, aren't you a Vivian Girl?"
Her: "Yeah."
Me: "Oh."
***Both look back toward Crystal Antlers***
See people, this is why I'm a blogger and not a journalist haha. Speaking as a blogger I also would like to say that I'm surprised, given all of the little details that Transmission Entertainment thought of, that there isn't free Wi-Fi. To me that is the only, legal, thing that would make FunFunFun Fest a little better next year.
This post is getting out of control long, and I know your attention span is getting increasingly shorter (if you've even read this far) so here's a list of bands who I watched for at least 3 songs. I'll rate them with *.
* = That set was aight
** = That set was cool
***= That set was crazy good
L.A.X. **
Crystal Antlers **
Sugar and Gold **
Foot Patrol **
Times New Viking *
The Night Marchers **
Shonen Knife **
Vega ***
The Sword ***
MC Chris **
No Age **
Melt Banana ***
SSION **
Death **
7 Seconds **
Neon Indian **
Yeasayer **
Les Savy Fav **
Face to Face ***
Ratatat *
The Jesus Lizard **
Read more!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Bloggy's Whiskeytown Beerland Bonanza
So I saw Surfer Blood at Beerland last night and I can pretty much guarantee you didn't. I would say there were maybe 40-50 people, possibly fewer I'm a bad guessturbator, and y'all missed out as far as I'm concerned. At this point the guys only have about 10 songs so their whole set was only about 40 minutes but it was 40 minutes of indie-pop bliss. Think Weezer meets Vampire Weekend but not really all that precious or twee. The T-Shirts they were selling at the show reference Joy Division, which I don't see as being coincidental either. They certainly didn't remind me of Joy Division very often but there are those key guitar tones, which definitely point to their influence.
Speaking of the merch booth, I was psyched to see they were selling their full length LP, Astrocoast, which isn't due to hit stores until January. I bought a copy from the lead singer who told me this was Surfer Blood's first visit to Austin but they plan to "Take over SXSW" in March. Last night's show was day 4 of 45 that the band will be on the road so be sure to check their page linked above to catch 'em in your part of the U.S. of A (holes).
There aren't official videos out yet, at least not to my knowledge, but I want y'all to hear a song or two that I didn't post already. So, apologies for the pseudo-video but I want you to hear studio quality-ish.
Surfer Blood - Swim video via YouTube
I didn't catch all four bands who played Beerland last night but I did see the Cowabunga Babes. Their set was really fun and even inspired a few hipsters to break out in some nifty sock-hop dancing. To me they sounded like a messier, updated version of the B-52's and I like me some B-52's. However, I feel like they either need to tighten up or go more overboard with the sloppiness. Either be slick and polished or be the drunkest house-party band ever that's your call Cowabunga Babes but in the meantime keep rocking 'cause that was a fun-ass set! Just for the record though, I think Harlem are the current Austin crown-holders for drunkest house-party band and that's a good thing here.
[This is where I would put another Cowabunga Babes video but I already posted the one that they have at the moment and it doesn't feature the full band.]
I suppose I should explain this post's title a bit before I sign off here. I'm not much of a drinker but when I go to a show at a bar I will buy a drink of two. I'm also very frugal, shall we say, so I have been buying Lone Star when I go downtown. Well, recently I discovered that if I don't call my liquor I can get a tall Whiskey and Coke for roughly the same price as a damn Lone Star. At Beerland a tall Whiskey and Coke was $4 and a tall PBR was $3, you do the math! But stay away from the meth!
Here's one more from Surfer Blood, then I will leave them alone until SXSW.
Surfer Blood - Fast Jabroni video via YouTube
Oh, and in case you hadn't heard the hype yet/thought I was pulling this band out of thin air...
Nylon.Tv - Best New Bands: CMJ Pt. 1 video via YouTube
Read more!
Speaking of the merch booth, I was psyched to see they were selling their full length LP, Astrocoast, which isn't due to hit stores until January. I bought a copy from the lead singer who told me this was Surfer Blood's first visit to Austin but they plan to "Take over SXSW" in March. Last night's show was day 4 of 45 that the band will be on the road so be sure to check their page linked above to catch 'em in your part of the U.S. of A (holes).
There aren't official videos out yet, at least not to my knowledge, but I want y'all to hear a song or two that I didn't post already. So, apologies for the pseudo-video but I want you to hear studio quality-ish.
Surfer Blood - Swim video via YouTube
I didn't catch all four bands who played Beerland last night but I did see the Cowabunga Babes. Their set was really fun and even inspired a few hipsters to break out in some nifty sock-hop dancing. To me they sounded like a messier, updated version of the B-52's and I like me some B-52's. However, I feel like they either need to tighten up or go more overboard with the sloppiness. Either be slick and polished or be the drunkest house-party band ever that's your call Cowabunga Babes but in the meantime keep rocking 'cause that was a fun-ass set! Just for the record though, I think Harlem are the current Austin crown-holders for drunkest house-party band and that's a good thing here.
[This is where I would put another Cowabunga Babes video but I already posted the one that they have at the moment and it doesn't feature the full band.]
I suppose I should explain this post's title a bit before I sign off here. I'm not much of a drinker but when I go to a show at a bar I will buy a drink of two. I'm also very frugal, shall we say, so I have been buying Lone Star when I go downtown. Well, recently I discovered that if I don't call my liquor I can get a tall Whiskey and Coke for roughly the same price as a damn Lone Star. At Beerland a tall Whiskey and Coke was $4 and a tall PBR was $3, you do the math! But stay away from the meth!
Here's one more from Surfer Blood, then I will leave them alone until SXSW.
Surfer Blood - Fast Jabroni video via YouTube
Oh, and in case you hadn't heard the hype yet/thought I was pulling this band out of thin air...
Nylon.Tv - Best New Bands: CMJ Pt. 1 video via YouTube
Read more!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Friday
There's almost too much to blog about this week y'all. I feel like FunFunFun Fest is on the national/international map this year more than any other. So, now there are all kinds of side events, after-parties and the like to keep up with and it all makes Bloggy very happy. If I didn't want to be constantly overwhelmed with indie-rock, I wouldn't live in Austin right? Anyway, my whole point here is with all the FFF related festivities you may not have even noticed that Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are playing the Independent Friday night. Now, I've never been to this venue so I can't give you the down and dirty on the atmosphere but for a $15 ticket I'm willing to check it out.
You've probably already heard the lead single Home about a thousand times but there are lots of really nice tunes on Up From Below, which is on sale (in digital format) all month over at Amazon for $5. Those of you who saw Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at SXSW can attest to what a good, fun show they put on. For those of you who somehow haven't heard the future-classic Home I'll put it here, for those of you who want to sample something else, it's below the break.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home (Demo Version) video via YouTube
If you liked that, you can preview the Magnetic Zeros live over at KCRW. And/or you can watch this other video or two.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Desert Song video via YouTube
Maybe you already knew this but Alex , the lead singer for the Magnetic Zeros used to be in the band Ima Robot remember them? I used to spin some of their songs on my college radio station back in the day.
Ima Robot - Creeps Me Out video via YouTube
Can't you hear the musical similarities? I'm glad he went pastoral rather than retro. Also, playing Friday night's bill at the Independent will be the Deadly Syndrome and Family of the Year.
the Deadly Syndrome - Emily Paints video via YouTube
With a name like the Deadly Syndrome that song was surprisingly fun. I may show up earlier than I had planned.
Read more!
You've probably already heard the lead single Home about a thousand times but there are lots of really nice tunes on Up From Below, which is on sale (in digital format) all month over at Amazon for $5. Those of you who saw Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at SXSW can attest to what a good, fun show they put on. For those of you who somehow haven't heard the future-classic Home I'll put it here, for those of you who want to sample something else, it's below the break.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home (Demo Version) video via YouTube
If you liked that, you can preview the Magnetic Zeros live over at KCRW. And/or you can watch this other video or two.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Desert Song video via YouTube
Maybe you already knew this but Alex , the lead singer for the Magnetic Zeros used to be in the band Ima Robot remember them? I used to spin some of their songs on my college radio station back in the day.
Ima Robot - Creeps Me Out video via YouTube
Can't you hear the musical similarities? I'm glad he went pastoral rather than retro. Also, playing Friday night's bill at the Independent will be the Deadly Syndrome and Family of the Year.
the Deadly Syndrome - Emily Paints video via YouTube
With a name like the Deadly Syndrome that song was surprisingly fun. I may show up earlier than I had planned.
Read more!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Surfer Blood at Beerland
Those in the know, know that Surfer Blood made big waves at CMJ Fest last month. Get it, waves? Anywho, they'll be rolling through Austin, playing Beerland on Wednesday night. Something tells me if you can't make it, they'll probably be back next month anyway. That's usually the cycle here in Austin, the buzziest bands seem to roll through every month playing progressively bigger venues, so catch 'em next month at Red 7, then maybe Emo's. Probably by the time March rolls around and SXSW is in town they'll be showcasing at Stubb's or something. To be honest, I haven't even heard their songs yet, I'm just going with the typically "Pitchfork Band" career trajectory. Oh, and I used my Delorean to check out SXSW 2010 the Fader Fort is ridic in 2010!
Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes video via YouTube
So, what do we think? I'm thinking the name Surfer Blood was quite fitting. It maybe, wasn't as upbeat as I thought but I suppose that's the Blood part of their name. It's a little gothy, shoe-gazy, garage-surf-esque-ish. They don't have any "official" videos yet, like I said these guys are on the verge y'all. We're like the only people in Austin who know about them so far, just you and me kid. Aren't we cool? Oh, and if you do show up at Beerland for Surfer Blood and you want to buy them some shots to show your adoration, make sure you know who's 21 and who's not. These fellows are youngins y'all!
Surfer Blood - Christian Pagan video via YouTube
Aww, that last one was pretty...unless you really pay attention to the lyrics, which were kind of dark. The band's debut album comes out in January and their bio says they hail from West Palm Beach, Fla but we won't hold that against them. It is surprising though, if you've ever spent time in Florida then you know what a cultural vacuum that place is. Good for you Surfer Blood way to make hooky, jangly, indie-pop whilst surrounding by shallow and/or elderly people.
Cowabunga Babes will also be playing Beerland with Surfer Blood Wednesday night. I haven't seen them perform yet, but they had a show at Beauty Bar the other night and word on the street is they effing killed it!
Cowabunga Babes - Babysitter video via YouTube
Read more!
Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes video via YouTube
So, what do we think? I'm thinking the name Surfer Blood was quite fitting. It maybe, wasn't as upbeat as I thought but I suppose that's the Blood part of their name. It's a little gothy, shoe-gazy, garage-surf-esque-ish. They don't have any "official" videos yet, like I said these guys are on the verge y'all. We're like the only people in Austin who know about them so far, just you and me kid. Aren't we cool? Oh, and if you do show up at Beerland for Surfer Blood and you want to buy them some shots to show your adoration, make sure you know who's 21 and who's not. These fellows are youngins y'all!
Surfer Blood - Christian Pagan video via YouTube
Aww, that last one was pretty...unless you really pay attention to the lyrics, which were kind of dark. The band's debut album comes out in January and their bio says they hail from West Palm Beach, Fla but we won't hold that against them. It is surprising though, if you've ever spent time in Florida then you know what a cultural vacuum that place is. Good for you Surfer Blood way to make hooky, jangly, indie-pop whilst surrounding by shallow and/or elderly people.
Cowabunga Babes will also be playing Beerland with Surfer Blood Wednesday night. I haven't seen them perform yet, but they had a show at Beauty Bar the other night and word on the street is they effing killed it!
Cowabunga Babes - Babysitter video via YouTube
Read more!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Halloween Build-Up
I feel like if you are someone who is serious about Halloween then Austin is a great city for you. We don't even need Halloween to dress up in Austin, so that's why the entire week leading up to the holiday you may or may not encounter say a zombie at your local diner. That's also why there are so many bad-ass shows going on this week. That's my theory anyway. The downside to all of this hullabaloween is you either have to invest in multiple costumes, interchangeable costume pieces, repeat costuming or party-poopery. I generally lean toward the party poopery, just bring Chex Mix, a box of wine and say you're a soccer mom. Who could turn you away with Chex Mix AND boxed wine? No one you'd want to hang with, that's who.
Islands is back in Austin this time at the Mohawk, that's happening tonight. At the same time Mr. Warren G will be regulating things over at Emo's outside stage with the Kidz in the Hall in tow. But the real pre-Halloween madness starts tomorrow with the Cherry Peel, Flip Scene Halloween bash at the Mohawk.
the Bright Light Social Hour - Back and Forth video via YouTube
That's right you can catch the little darlings of the Sound and the Jury contest, the Bright Light Social Hour at Wednesday night's Halloween bash at Mohawk. Well, actually I'm not entirely sure if they WON per say but they were in the competition and oh hell either you liked the song or you didn't geez. Oh, you can also catch the Black and White Years, L.A.X. and others at the 'Hawk. All the details can be consumed here. But, if you're already sold on this idea and want to attend tickets are $12 at the door, or you can check a Front Gate ticket retailer. Their site doesn't have tickets for sale though, might be door only at this point.
L.A.X. - Dire Fire video via YouTube
There's also a bad-ass show for charity happening Wednesday night at Emo's, which might seem like a problem BUT shows at Emo's run pretty late and shows at the Mohawk end "early" so you could probably catch both shows. Also, you don't really want to miss Sea Wolf or Port O'Brien. Both bands, along with Ben Kweller and Sara Lov, will be playing to benefit the Pablove Foundation. Tickets for Emo's Wednesday benefit show will set you back a cool $10.
Port O'Brien - My Will Is Good video via YouTube
I'm a big fan of Port O'Brien and have been for quite some time but My Will Is Good is certainly not their catchiest tune to date. I think that honor still belongs to I Woke Up Today.
Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today video via YouTube
Also, if you think you won't be able to miss the Flip Scene Halloween Bash at Mohawk but you still want to see Sea Wolf there is still hope for you, dear reader. Sea Wolf are playing a free in-store set at Waterloo Records "promptly" at 5pm.
Sea Wolf - Winter Windows video via YouTube
Read more!
Islands is back in Austin this time at the Mohawk, that's happening tonight. At the same time Mr. Warren G will be regulating things over at Emo's outside stage with the Kidz in the Hall in tow. But the real pre-Halloween madness starts tomorrow with the Cherry Peel, Flip Scene Halloween bash at the Mohawk.
the Bright Light Social Hour - Back and Forth video via YouTube
That's right you can catch the little darlings of the Sound and the Jury contest, the Bright Light Social Hour at Wednesday night's Halloween bash at Mohawk. Well, actually I'm not entirely sure if they WON per say but they were in the competition and oh hell either you liked the song or you didn't geez. Oh, you can also catch the Black and White Years, L.A.X. and others at the 'Hawk. All the details can be consumed here. But, if you're already sold on this idea and want to attend tickets are $12 at the door, or you can check a Front Gate ticket retailer. Their site doesn't have tickets for sale though, might be door only at this point.
L.A.X. - Dire Fire video via YouTube
There's also a bad-ass show for charity happening Wednesday night at Emo's, which might seem like a problem BUT shows at Emo's run pretty late and shows at the Mohawk end "early" so you could probably catch both shows. Also, you don't really want to miss Sea Wolf or Port O'Brien. Both bands, along with Ben Kweller and Sara Lov, will be playing to benefit the Pablove Foundation. Tickets for Emo's Wednesday benefit show will set you back a cool $10.
Port O'Brien - My Will Is Good video via YouTube
I'm a big fan of Port O'Brien and have been for quite some time but My Will Is Good is certainly not their catchiest tune to date. I think that honor still belongs to I Woke Up Today.
Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today video via YouTube
Also, if you think you won't be able to miss the Flip Scene Halloween Bash at Mohawk but you still want to see Sea Wolf there is still hope for you, dear reader. Sea Wolf are playing a free in-store set at Waterloo Records "promptly" at 5pm.
Sea Wolf - Winter Windows video via YouTube
Read more!
Labels:
Concerts,
Emo's,
Islands,
L.A.X.,
Port O'Brien,
Sea Wolf,
the Bright Light Social Hour,
the Mohawk,
Video
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Buju Banton at the Flamingo
I know I don't really write about Flamingo Cantina very often but it's not because I don't enjoy the place it's because I'm not very well-verse in writing about Reggae. However, I am aware of Buju Banton and if you're not then let's get familiar, shall we?
This is the part where I was going to get all biographical explaining to you everything I just learned from this AWESOME Wikipedia article I read. Wouldn't you have been impressed with all that stuff I "knew" about him? Instead, I'll just get down to business with some video embedding and hopefully some mp3 linking *fingers crossed*. Oh, and of course the most relevent info, the best way to get advanced tickets to tonight's show is to head on over to, my favorite little record shop, End Of An Ear and shell out $30. Otherwise you're going to be paying $35 at the door, which opens at 8:30.
Buju Banton - Magic City video via YouTube
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of experiencing a Flamingo Cantina show let me paint you a hazy picture. First of all when you walk in, you realize the front is basically a facade, the venue is a rectangular alley way with some aluminum roofing material here and there. My first time there the bartender was smoking a reggae cigarette, it was awesome...let's keep that on the low though, I don't want things to change. So there's some bleacher type seating on one side between the bar and the stage and you can go to a small upper deck type area behind the stage. Sometimes there's a unicorn that appears but you have to hang out for a really long time and smoke a lot of reggae cigarettes. Did I mention they also have Red Stripe in 16oz bottles there? Hooray Beer!
Buju Banton - Driver A video via YouTube
As a gay, male blogger I do have to mention that Buju Banton has come under fire for being homophobic and having hateful lyrics and the like. Obviously, that ain't cool yo! Why should I vote for you with my pink dollar mo fo? Well, to that I say...oh THAT'S what he was saying in that song! All I heard was biddy biddy bam ba, oh wait, no that was Selena. Anywho, dude's an artist, he has a point of view, I don't agree with it, but I may not agree with a lot of other artist's politics either. I just want to listen to some music y'all. Who knows maybe Daft Punk hate kittens and I love kittens but try NOT shaking your ass to that, I DARE you!
Daft Punk - Around the World (Clip) video via YouTube
Oh, also, I searched around for some officially embeddable mp3's with my fingers crossed on one hand only, cause two is bad luck, but I came up empty handed. Then I thought about an illegal link since he's homophobic but then I thought maybe he's afraid the gays will take all of his music and put it on the internet for free. You know, for our homosexual reggae sex-a-thons and the like, so I figured I won't give him the satisfaction. Unless he wants me to give him the satisfaction, which is probably the case right? With these homophobic types? They just need a good __________ in the ______ with a ________ or two.
Read more!
This is the part where I was going to get all biographical explaining to you everything I just learned from this AWESOME Wikipedia article I read. Wouldn't you have been impressed with all that stuff I "knew" about him? Instead, I'll just get down to business with some video embedding and hopefully some mp3 linking *fingers crossed*. Oh, and of course the most relevent info, the best way to get advanced tickets to tonight's show is to head on over to, my favorite little record shop, End Of An Ear and shell out $30. Otherwise you're going to be paying $35 at the door, which opens at 8:30.
Buju Banton - Magic City video via YouTube
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of experiencing a Flamingo Cantina show let me paint you a hazy picture. First of all when you walk in, you realize the front is basically a facade, the venue is a rectangular alley way with some aluminum roofing material here and there. My first time there the bartender was smoking a reggae cigarette, it was awesome...let's keep that on the low though, I don't want things to change. So there's some bleacher type seating on one side between the bar and the stage and you can go to a small upper deck type area behind the stage. Sometimes there's a unicorn that appears but you have to hang out for a really long time and smoke a lot of reggae cigarettes. Did I mention they also have Red Stripe in 16oz bottles there? Hooray Beer!
Buju Banton - Driver A video via YouTube
As a gay, male blogger I do have to mention that Buju Banton has come under fire for being homophobic and having hateful lyrics and the like. Obviously, that ain't cool yo! Why should I vote for you with my pink dollar mo fo? Well, to that I say...oh THAT'S what he was saying in that song! All I heard was biddy biddy bam ba, oh wait, no that was Selena. Anywho, dude's an artist, he has a point of view, I don't agree with it, but I may not agree with a lot of other artist's politics either. I just want to listen to some music y'all. Who knows maybe Daft Punk hate kittens and I love kittens but try NOT shaking your ass to that, I DARE you!
Daft Punk - Around the World (Clip) video via YouTube
Oh, also, I searched around for some officially embeddable mp3's with my fingers crossed on one hand only, cause two is bad luck, but I came up empty handed. Then I thought about an illegal link since he's homophobic but then I thought maybe he's afraid the gays will take all of his music and put it on the internet for free. You know, for our homosexual reggae sex-a-thons and the like, so I figured I won't give him the satisfaction. Unless he wants me to give him the satisfaction, which is probably the case right? With these homophobic types? They just need a good __________ in the ______ with a ________ or two.
Read more!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Rodrigo y Gabriela Slay Stubb's Soon
How can you argue with two Mexicans who live in Ireland and tour the planet playing bad-ass, flamenco-influenced, guitar instrumentals? You can't. That's why you should just get your ass over to Stubb's tomorrow night and watch these future-legends blow your damn minds y'all! Tickets for Rodrigo y Gabriela will set you back $33 but that price gets you both Rodrigo AND Gabriela, so that's cool. Being a Stubb's show be prepared for $4.50 Lone Stars and lots of D-Bags who are there specifically to talk to each other and people on the phone. That's right, they shelled out money to talk through the WHOLE show. So, if you walk into the venue with that expectation you won't get SUPER pissed off when everyone around won't STFU!!
Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Diablo Rojo video via YouTube
Do you see what I mean? That was just them playing on the Late Show, which is usually pretty meh *shrug*. They killed that though, have you ever heard an audience clap along and cheer mid-song on the Late Show? You have? Whatever, it was awesome. Anyway, the latest releast from RyG is called 11:11 the title refers to 11 musicians who helped Rodrigo y Gabriela on their respective musical journeys to the present day. There are also 11 tracks, so that's fitting.
I do have to mention that I'm somewhat miffed that RyG have a deal with a Universal Music Group subsidiary in Australia. What does this have to do with me? Here? In Austin? Well, it means that I can't embed any official videos for promotional purposes so that's why you get these, somewhat, janky unofficials. Don't worry thought I don't feel venomous enough to post really bad YouTube cover versions. Although I am tempted to search now.
Rodrigo y Gabriela - Hanuman video via YouTube
Oh snap, I found the band's own YouTube channel so I don't really need the "official" embed-able videos anyway. Here's another performance from TV but this one features a song from 11:11 the song above is also from their latest LP.
Rodrigo y Gabriela - Buster Voodoo video via YouTube
Oh, and don't forget shows at Stubb's start/end pretty early so if you show up at 9ish it might be too late-ish. Plan accordingly...ish.
Read more!
Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Diablo Rojo video via YouTube
Do you see what I mean? That was just them playing on the Late Show, which is usually pretty meh *shrug*. They killed that though, have you ever heard an audience clap along and cheer mid-song on the Late Show? You have? Whatever, it was awesome. Anyway, the latest releast from RyG is called 11:11 the title refers to 11 musicians who helped Rodrigo y Gabriela on their respective musical journeys to the present day. There are also 11 tracks, so that's fitting.
I do have to mention that I'm somewhat miffed that RyG have a deal with a Universal Music Group subsidiary in Australia. What does this have to do with me? Here? In Austin? Well, it means that I can't embed any official videos for promotional purposes so that's why you get these, somewhat, janky unofficials. Don't worry thought I don't feel venomous enough to post really bad YouTube cover versions. Although I am tempted to search now.
Rodrigo y Gabriela - Hanuman video via YouTube
Oh snap, I found the band's own YouTube channel so I don't really need the "official" embed-able videos anyway. Here's another performance from TV but this one features a song from 11:11 the song above is also from their latest LP.
Rodrigo y Gabriela - Buster Voodoo video via YouTube
Oh, and don't forget shows at Stubb's start/end pretty early so if you show up at 9ish it might be too late-ish. Plan accordingly...ish.
Read more!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Japandroids, Neon Indian + Randomness!
How do y'all feel about Japandroids? I feel like they're one of those bands that I really want to like simply because their name is so clever but I'm not completely sold on them yet. Sure, it's jangly and it's a little Strokes-ish but I haven't found a hook that gets stuck in my head yet. Perhaps it will take a live viewing to fully appreciate Japandroids. I find it's often best to wait until you can see a band perform their material before making a final judgement call. For those of you who aren't digging on the Dirty Projectors catch 'em live and THEN listen to the record again. Sorry, that came out of nowhere. If you want to see Japandroids they'll be playing at Emo's Thursday night and the tickets'll set you back a cool $8.
Japandroids - I Quit Girls video via YouTube
Free Mp3 courtesy of Polyvinyl Records, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
Oh, and since I referenced the Dirty Projectors above just wanted to remind you that they are coming back to Austin AGAIN later this month. So, if you missed them at SXSW, or at Red 7, or at ACL fest then you can still catch them at Antone's on the 26th. As of the writing of this post tickets are still available.
In a completely unrelated note, local artist Alan Palomo's, Neon Indian LP, Psychic Chasms is finally out today. He'll be performing with/as his Neon Indian project as well as his Vega project at FunFunFunFest! I don't know about you but I'm definitely going to get my dance on at F3Fest this year.
Free Mp3's courtesy of Lefse Records, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer
Free Mp3 ---> Neon Indian - Terminally Chill
It feels like this Neon Indian jam has been out for awhile now but maybe you haven't heard it yet? I don't know.
Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer video via YouTube
I don't know about you, but I've been itching to hear the Psychic Chasms LP. See you at End of an Ear?
Read more!
Japandroids - I Quit Girls video via YouTube
Free Mp3 courtesy of Polyvinyl Records, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
Oh, and since I referenced the Dirty Projectors above just wanted to remind you that they are coming back to Austin AGAIN later this month. So, if you missed them at SXSW, or at Red 7, or at ACL fest then you can still catch them at Antone's on the 26th. As of the writing of this post tickets are still available.
In a completely unrelated note, local artist Alan Palomo's, Neon Indian LP, Psychic Chasms is finally out today. He'll be performing with/as his Neon Indian project as well as his Vega project at FunFunFunFest! I don't know about you but I'm definitely going to get my dance on at F3Fest this year.
Free Mp3's courtesy of Lefse Records, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer
Free Mp3 ---> Neon Indian - Terminally Chill
It feels like this Neon Indian jam has been out for awhile now but maybe you haven't heard it yet? I don't know.
Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer video via YouTube
I don't know about you, but I've been itching to hear the Psychic Chasms LP. See you at End of an Ear?
Read more!
Labels:
Antone's,
Concerts,
Dirty Projectors,
Emo's,
FunFunFun,
Japandroids,
Mp3,
Neon Indian,
Randomness,
Vega,
Video
Sunday, October 11, 2009
BLK JKS Tomorrow
I feel like I have probably mentioned this show once or twice already but I wanted to remind y'all that tomorrow night BLK JKS will be back in Austin for the first time since their LP was released. I had a chance to catch this S. African band at SXSW '07 and they blew me away. Their music is instantly classic yet completely fresh at the same time. Given that a ticket will only set you back about $10 you should probably check them out. I suspect that the next time they swing through town they will be exponentially more famous then they are today. For some reason I truly expect them to be playing Coachella, Lollapalooza and all that business next summer. So catch 'em now while no one has heard of them yet.
BLK JKS - Molalatladi video via YouTube
Speaking of exciting, up-and-coming, African artists, I picked up Warm Heart of Africa by the Very Best yesterday. I had the mixtape from last year and I have been playing it quite a bit lately. But it's that title track, Warm Heart of Africa that has really made a home in my brain. BLK JKS actually spent some time in the studio with the Very Best contributing some instrumentation and vocals to their LP. I don't expect to see the Very Best here in Austin until SXSW but I did notice they will be doing some showcases in NYC for CMJ Fest later this month. If you're going to be in the city be sure to check them out.
the Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa video via YouTube
Oh, and yes that was Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend fame. That guy has been popping up all over the place lately. First he was on that track Carby by VW/Ra Ra Riot side-project, Discovery now this, the Very Best track. Up next is a new Vampire Weekend LP, the first track of which, can already be downloaded from their official site.
Discovery - Carby video via YouTube
The Emo's site doesn't say whether BLK JKS is an inside or outside show but I would venture to guess that's it's going to be an indoor event. If you get there early enough you can check out local artists, Wine and Revolution as well as TV Torso.
TV Torso - Live @ the Scoot Inn video via YouTube
Read more!
BLK JKS - Molalatladi video via YouTube
Speaking of exciting, up-and-coming, African artists, I picked up Warm Heart of Africa by the Very Best yesterday. I had the mixtape from last year and I have been playing it quite a bit lately. But it's that title track, Warm Heart of Africa that has really made a home in my brain. BLK JKS actually spent some time in the studio with the Very Best contributing some instrumentation and vocals to their LP. I don't expect to see the Very Best here in Austin until SXSW but I did notice they will be doing some showcases in NYC for CMJ Fest later this month. If you're going to be in the city be sure to check them out.
the Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa video via YouTube
Oh, and yes that was Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend fame. That guy has been popping up all over the place lately. First he was on that track Carby by VW/Ra Ra Riot side-project, Discovery now this, the Very Best track. Up next is a new Vampire Weekend LP, the first track of which, can already be downloaded from their official site.
Discovery - Carby video via YouTube
The Emo's site doesn't say whether BLK JKS is an inside or outside show but I would venture to guess that's it's going to be an indoor event. If you get there early enough you can check out local artists, Wine and Revolution as well as TV Torso.
TV Torso - Live @ the Scoot Inn video via YouTube
Read more!
Labels:
BLK JKS,
CMJ,
Concerts,
Discovery,
Emo's,
the Very Best,
TV Torso,
Vampire Weekend,
Video,
Wine and Revolution
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Bassnectar Last Night
Wow, so, I was at the Bassnectar show at La Zona Rosa last night. May I say, holy effing shhh that guy is not messing around. For those of you who don't know, or couldn't guess from the name, Bassnectar is a DJ who spins glitchy, bass-HEAVY jams. He has the reputation as being Mr. San Francisco DJ and he's also known to play several sets throughout, pretty much, every Burning Man Festival. I had the chance to catch Bass at SXSW this year, but that was a small, very exclusive, private event, which is not the ideal setting for Bassnectar. Ideally the best place to listen to Bassnectar would probably be in an underground, post-apocalyptic, cave-rave ala the Matrix (Reloaded?). However a packed to the gills, sweat dripping down the walls La Zona Rosa was definitely a good substitution in lieu of said post-apocalyptic rave scenario last night.
Bassnectar - Art of Revolution Tour Snippet video via YouTube
Free Mp3 from Bassnectar's latest LP, Cozza Frenzy available courtesy of Bassnectar.net, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy
Read the rest of the review after the break...
I've been to a lot of shows at La Zona in the past, including some ACL after-shows last year but I have never seen the place packed in and totally sold-out like it was last night. For those of you have have never been, La Zona is basically a big warehouse, about the size of a small airplane hanger. From every edge of the place all you could see was sweaty people drinking and dancing. All along the edges of the crowd were the people who need a 3-6ft radius to really get their groove on and they were in top form.
German Dude Cosby Sweater - Example of the 3-6ft Dance Radius video via YouTube
One of the most striking things about the show, to me, was the number of people outside the venue scrambling to try and get last minute tickets and/or sneaky admission. There were at least 2 dozen people skulking around the block looking increasingly panicked about their ever slimming chances of getting inside. Only about a dozen ended up hanging around outside to try and listen. Lucky for me I planned ahead and I'm people who know people who are friends with people who hang out with people who played last night.
I did panic a bit on my way to the venue though. I was on the bus almost to the venue I did a last minute pocket check and realized I had forgotten my ear protection. I figured I'd just get some at Waterloo Records along my journey but ACL Festival caused a ridiculous human jam between my apartment and the record shop and, consequently, Waterloo was closed by the time I got there. So, I had resigned my Sunday to ringing-ear-syndrome but alas what did I find at the merch booth? FREE EARPLUGS! Take note artists and promoters, those of us who are serious about this shhh want to be able to hear it for a long time so if you're not giving away ear protection, at least sell it. Also, we want to be able to live to see another show, which is why we took the bus rather than driving. This blog post has a lesson in it.
Most people at the show last night were not utilizing the earplugs, which I find a bit appalling. Bassnectar was one of the most intensely loud experiences of my entire life. When you paid for your beer, you could feel your dollar vibrating in your hand. The hat I was wearing felt like a massage cap and the wooden platform floor I was standing on was buzzing and bouncing to the beat. In all honesty it's that physical sensation of feeling the beat that makes the show such an amazingly intense experience. However, it's not like I couldn't effing hear it with earplugs in. Is that what people think? Like they're not going to hear the billion decibel song cause they have pieces of foam in their ears? C'mon!
Bassnectar - Lightning In a Bottle video via YouTube
When he came out, Bass told the crowd he had two hours and he was gonna take us deep. He lived up to his promises and spun until the very last possible moment. He closed with his brand new remix of, Bloggy-approved artist, Fever Ray's When I Grow Up. That was the first time he had played that song for an audience and it's one that I was hoping to hear. It should be noted, that the crowd stayed and danced until the very last note too. Generally, you have lame-o's (like me) who leave a show a few minutes early to beat traffic/foot traffic/catch the bus but even after a long, wet 2nd day of ACL Festival the crowd couldn't walk away from Bassnectar. I, myself, had even planned to take the 1:40am bus but decided to stay at the show until 2, even though that meant I had to sit at the bus stop for 40minutes. It was so worth it, besides I have Harry Potter in audiobook form on my iPod, makes the time magically fly away. Expecto Patronum y'all.
All in all, the long and short of it, to summarize, in conclusion, if Bassnectar is coming to YOUR town just get an effing ticket already. Don't assume you're like the only kid in town who knows what's up. Unless you live in a rural community in which case you probably are the only kid in town who knows what's up, which is cool in its own right. Hang in there rural indie you'll get to the city someday soon.
the Jam - In The City video via YouTube
"Are you ready for the city? Is the city ready for you? Don't you know you have to choose?"
the Futureheads - The City is Here For You To Use video via YouTube
Read more!
Bassnectar - Art of Revolution Tour Snippet video via YouTube
Free Mp3 from Bassnectar's latest LP, Cozza Frenzy available courtesy of Bassnectar.net, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy
Read the rest of the review after the break...
I've been to a lot of shows at La Zona in the past, including some ACL after-shows last year but I have never seen the place packed in and totally sold-out like it was last night. For those of you have have never been, La Zona is basically a big warehouse, about the size of a small airplane hanger. From every edge of the place all you could see was sweaty people drinking and dancing. All along the edges of the crowd were the people who need a 3-6ft radius to really get their groove on and they were in top form.
German Dude Cosby Sweater - Example of the 3-6ft Dance Radius video via YouTube
One of the most striking things about the show, to me, was the number of people outside the venue scrambling to try and get last minute tickets and/or sneaky admission. There were at least 2 dozen people skulking around the block looking increasingly panicked about their ever slimming chances of getting inside. Only about a dozen ended up hanging around outside to try and listen. Lucky for me I planned ahead and I'm people who know people who are friends with people who hang out with people who played last night.
I did panic a bit on my way to the venue though. I was on the bus almost to the venue I did a last minute pocket check and realized I had forgotten my ear protection. I figured I'd just get some at Waterloo Records along my journey but ACL Festival caused a ridiculous human jam between my apartment and the record shop and, consequently, Waterloo was closed by the time I got there. So, I had resigned my Sunday to ringing-ear-syndrome but alas what did I find at the merch booth? FREE EARPLUGS! Take note artists and promoters, those of us who are serious about this shhh want to be able to hear it for a long time so if you're not giving away ear protection, at least sell it. Also, we want to be able to live to see another show, which is why we took the bus rather than driving. This blog post has a lesson in it.
Most people at the show last night were not utilizing the earplugs, which I find a bit appalling. Bassnectar was one of the most intensely loud experiences of my entire life. When you paid for your beer, you could feel your dollar vibrating in your hand. The hat I was wearing felt like a massage cap and the wooden platform floor I was standing on was buzzing and bouncing to the beat. In all honesty it's that physical sensation of feeling the beat that makes the show such an amazingly intense experience. However, it's not like I couldn't effing hear it with earplugs in. Is that what people think? Like they're not going to hear the billion decibel song cause they have pieces of foam in their ears? C'mon!
Bassnectar - Lightning In a Bottle video via YouTube
When he came out, Bass told the crowd he had two hours and he was gonna take us deep. He lived up to his promises and spun until the very last possible moment. He closed with his brand new remix of, Bloggy-approved artist, Fever Ray's When I Grow Up. That was the first time he had played that song for an audience and it's one that I was hoping to hear. It should be noted, that the crowd stayed and danced until the very last note too. Generally, you have lame-o's (like me) who leave a show a few minutes early to beat traffic/foot traffic/catch the bus but even after a long, wet 2nd day of ACL Festival the crowd couldn't walk away from Bassnectar. I, myself, had even planned to take the 1:40am bus but decided to stay at the show until 2, even though that meant I had to sit at the bus stop for 40minutes. It was so worth it, besides I have Harry Potter in audiobook form on my iPod, makes the time magically fly away. Expecto Patronum y'all.
All in all, the long and short of it, to summarize, in conclusion, if Bassnectar is coming to YOUR town just get an effing ticket already. Don't assume you're like the only kid in town who knows what's up. Unless you live in a rural community in which case you probably are the only kid in town who knows what's up, which is cool in its own right. Hang in there rural indie you'll get to the city someday soon.
the Jam - In The City video via YouTube
"Are you ready for the city? Is the city ready for you? Don't you know you have to choose?"
the Futureheads - The City is Here For You To Use video via YouTube
Read more!
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