{{{Sunset}}} Tonight, Balmorhea Tomorheah?

As the "resident blogger"/"hipster-douche" at work, I'm expected to know the answer to the questions, "So, what's going on tonight? Where should I go?". Today, when posed with these questions I totally blanked out. It's effing Thursday in Austin so you know some shh is going down. My bloggy brethren over at the Peen Scene always have a great, comprehensive answer to what's the haps tonight, in case you catch me slackin' again. Check the blog list in my sidebar for other, informative, talented, witty, bloggy brethren of Austin as well. Tonight, Austin Bloggy recommends you check out one of my favorite, local acts {{{Sunset}}}.

I still need to get my ears on a copy of their latest release from Autobus, Gold Dissolves to Gray but as I've said in the past, the show is the best place to get the album y'all. Find {{{Sunset}}} at Aces Lounge tonight. The door will cost you a measley $5, show starts at 10? Presumably.


{{{Sunset}}} - Civil War video via YouTube


Have you ever heard anyone commit to a metaphor as whole-heartedly as {{{Sunset}}} does in that song, Civil War?

I wanted to mention a show for tomorrow night as well, give you a little more notice than the show at Ace's tonight. You should head on over to the Mohawk to see Balmorhea. I'm a big fan of both the artwork and the music of their latest LP, All Is Wild, All Is Silent. Not to mention, it's just as beautiful as seen in real life.


Balmorhea - Baleen Morning video via YouTube

To be honest, I know little to nothing about this Ola Podrida fellow, but I do know he's is playing the 'Hawk tomorrow night. The songs I found seemed pleasant and fitting for a chilly winter eve in Austin, TX. I also know, he's not to be confused with Olla podrida, which is something completely different. Also, check out this little blurb from the official Ola Podrida site.

After months of preparation, the live incarnation of Ola Podrida will play their debut show at The Mohawk in Austin, TX on December 11th with labemates Balmorhea. The live band features Colin Swietek on guitar, David McComb on bass, and Matthew Frank on drums, and David Wingo on vocals and guitar.

Intriguing, right?


Ola Podrida - This Old World video via YouTube

Get there early though, 'cause Martin Crane will be kicking things off, Frasier stylee with a Jack Russel Terrier, an easy chair and some Whiskey, neat, thank you very much.


Martin Crane - Nobody's Listening video via YouTube

You might be more familiar with Martin's other band Brazos. Hey, how come everyone in Austin is in at least 2 if not, 3+ bands?


Brazos - Tell video via YouTube

Tickets for tomorrow night's show at the 'Hawk will set you back $8. After that you can listen to as much music as you want (some restrictions may apply, don't be a d-bag).

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Quiet Company / Baroness TONIGHT!

I don't know if you're the type of person who goes out on a Monday night, but if you are you've got two pretty stellar shows to choose from. Local power-poppers, Quiet Company will be headlining the goings-on at the Parish Room this evening. I noticed that Quiet Company got a nice little feature on page D1 of the Austin-American Statesman today, to which I say, "Huzzah Quiet Company, huzzah". Seriously, no one expects the print edition of the Statesman to feature any relevant, local, non-prehistoric musicians so when they do, I say, "Huzzah". Grab yourself a copy of Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon at any of Austin's High Fidelity-esque record shops. Don't worry though, you can enjoy Quiet Company from afar as well.


Quiet Company - On Modern Men video via YouTube


That other video is prettier and newer and it's the second "single" but I still really <3 the first "single".


Quiet Company - It's Better To Spend Money Like There's No Tomorrow Than Spend Tonight Like There's No Money video via YouTube

If somewhat twee, jolly, power-pop isn't really your thing, you may want to head over to Emo's to check out Baroness. Or, hell, Emo's shows usually start late, you can probably catch both shows, since Parish shows end early. It is Monday though, so maybe you should just pace yourself there cowboy.


Baroness - A Horse Called Golgotha video via YouTube

I feel like the song title, A Horse Called Golgotha pretty much sums up any questions I might have had about Baroness now I clearly know what genre I'm listening to. I wouldn't dare offend anyone by being more explicit here but let's just assume these guys enjoy the Lord of the Rings series and that their music is epic-metal.

For me? I'm a pop person, I would rather have my face smiling than melting. Call me the "p word" I don't care. You may see whatever you want to see, dear reader, for this is not only America, it's Austin. muthaf**kin', Texas y'all!!!

W00000, I got so carried away there I forgot to give you some ticket links:

Quiet Company $12 tickets @ the Parish room

Baroness $10 tickets @ Emo's



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Pack of Wolves this Weekend

So, Pack of Wolves will be at the Mohawk this weekend and if you were wise, you'd be there too. See, what I'm discovering as all the best LP's of '09 lists are coming out, is that a lot of these albums are easiest to buy directly from the band when they come to your town. I just tried to buy a copy of the LP by the Smith Westerns at End of an Ear to no avail. I haven't tried to buy the latest LP from Pack of Wolves but I'm guessing it will be at the merch table on Saturday night. Also, isn't it just cooler to buy an album directly from the band themselves? No? Fine, be that way but that's what I'm going to do, so there!


Pack of Wolves - Concession video via YouTube


As you know, I don't normally endorse such aggressive/angry music but something tells me that seeing these songs live (with ear protection) is going to be pretty intense. By which I mean, face-meltingly awesome.

In all honestly, the Smith Westerns are much more my style of music, but hey they're not playing the Mohawk on Saturday are they? No, they played Emo's a few months ago, but that's neither here nor there. Chances are when I check at Waterloo Records for the Smith Westerns LP they'll probably have it. I just like shopping at End of an Ear it's so small and nerdy and it smells like musty old records. It's so dreamy, le sigh.


Smith Westerns - Girl In Love video via YouTube

Anyway, if you want to get tickets to see Pack of Wolves get all aggro on your ass at the 'Hawk too bad, you're going to have to pay $9 at the door. Unless you can buy them at Waterloo ahead of time, in which case they're $7. See you there?

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Del, Metric, Tuesday

Have y'all been to this place Ace's Lounge yet? I'm somewhat dismayed that the banner on their website says, "The Official Live Music Venue of College". Does that appeal to you? 'Cause it doesn't appeal to me in the least bit, does it mean that I should invest in some Ed Hardy gear? Will all the people in the crowd refer to me as, "that old dude who's not dancing"? I like Del tha Funky Homosapien but if the sound is muddy and I'm surrounded by chatty college kids, I'm out! On a plus side Tuesday night's show at Ace's featuring Del, among others, is presented by my friends over at Knuckle Rumbler so I'm thinking they'll take care of any muddy mic issues that may ensue. You can grab yourself some tickets for $18.


Deltron 3030 - Virus video via YouTube


So, if you're thinking, "I don't want to hang out with a bunch of college kids trying to hear Del", fret not! Metric is playing over in the warehouse district at La Zona Rosa at the same time. Tickets for Metric will set you back $23 , but you can get a tall well drink for $4 so it will balance out. Besides, the latest Metric LP, Fantasies is pretty killer and promises to be really good in person.


Metric - Sick Muse video via YouTube

While I'm bitching and whining about different venues in the city, what's up with Radio Room/Bourbon Rocks? I just drove down 6th St. in daylight, which is quite depressing by the way, and I noticed the old Radio Room still sitting vacant. I thought Trannymission Entertainment bought that joint? So, how come it's for sale/lease and still not fabulous? Remember when we saw that band there at SXSW? That was cool.


Passion Pit - I've Got Your Number video via YouTube

Also, I think that Symphony Square should be utilized more. Seems like a great place to see a quiet(ish) artist like Bon Iver or Kings of Convenience. The biggest problem is it's such a small seating capacity (350), but that could be solved with multiple nights by an artist or tough luck mo fo buy tickets faster. Imagine seeing Sigur Ros at Symphony Square?!?! What Austin venue could suit a band like Sigur Ros? I've seen them several times and the best venue was at the Berklee College of Music. The space has perfect acoustics and the audience was so reverent and quiet, it was like the waiting room in heaven.


Sigur Rós - Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása video via YouTube

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Real Estate at the 'Hawk

I'm excited to hear this band, Real Estate on Friday night. I've heard a song of their's on satellite radio but I'd like to grab their LP when I see them. These dudes hail from Jersey and most of their fans are more famous than you or I, or even they, are. Their sound is gentle, reverb-soaked, indie-surf-pop. It's a little retro and pastoral but still sounds fresh and inviting just like most of the people you meet downtown. They'll be playing the Mohawk's inside stage after, the impeccable, J.Tillman performs at the outside stage. As of the writing of this post, tickets can still be consumed for, a mere, $10. Leave the left-overs at home kids, let's go downtown. Hooray!


Real Estate - Fake Blues video via YouTube

Free J. Tillman Mp3's courtesy of Yer Bird, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> J. Tillman - Evans and Falls

Free Mp3 ---> J. Tillman - Ribbons of Glass

Free Mp3 ---> J. Tillman - When I Light Your Darkened Door

The above Mp3's are, essentially, demos that were released on now-defunct 7" records but they have been gathered together and re-released. They're calling the collection Cancer and Dellirum. Tillman also has two LP's released in '09 on the Bella Union label and/or Austin-bad-asses Western Vinyl. That's all in addition to being a member of the Fleet Foxes so obviously he's got some deep pockets full of folk to unleash on the 'Hawk Friday night. There's also more free Mp3's if you click that Western Vinyl link.


J. Tillman - Firstborn video via YouTube

Opening up for J. Tillman on the outside stage will be, Pearly Gate Music, literally that's the name of the band. Like Tillman, Pearly Gate Music hail from Seattle. Unlike J. Tillman they were just signed to Barsuk Records so, chances are they'll be back through Austin again in the near future. Here's another interesting little tidbit about Pearly Gate Music, they have a member named Zack Tillman intriguing, yes? Actually I think Zack Tillman is "Pearly Gate Music". We'll find out Friday.


Pearly Gate Music - 2 Songs Performed Live video via YouTube

Don't forget though, you need to stick around AFTER the outside show, cause we need to check out Real Estate. Also, there's a band, which features members of Okkervil River, playing the inside stage too. They're called Brackett & Co. and I really don't know shh about them yet. By the looks of the Mohawk website, Brackett & Co will be playing the inside stage after Real Estate.

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Friendly Fires + the XX = Mohawk Thursday

Hipsters start your fixed-gears, Friendly Fires and the XX hit the Mohawk's outside stage tonight! If you weren't aware of this already then you're probably not going to get a ticket, at least not by the usual means, as the show has been sold-out since Monday. Friendly Fires have always put on a solid-show but the buzz for their latest material being played on the current tour has been loud. Their latest release seems to be a Deluxe re-issue of their Eponymous, debut LP. You can check it out here if you wish.


Friendly Fires - Kiss of Life video via YouTube

I wouldn't say the XX are opening for Friendly Fires I'd say it's a split-headliner. Sure, FF have been around longer but the XX are current UK darlings, or at least they were this summer when their single, Crystalised was pretty much everywhere. I haven't checked but I'm sure there are a billion or so remixes of the song. I have also noticed that the XX have been tagged to remix a lot of other artist's as of late. Personally, I don't try to keep up with what Carles calls the remix-economy. It's pretty much a full-time job these days keeping track of who is remixing whom, when and how to get an ear on the songs once they're supposedly out. But I digress, here's Crystalised in case you somehow escaped it this summer.


the XX - Crystalised video via YouTube

If you're cool and you get there early tonight you can also catch, recent XL Recording signee, Holly Miranda. I'd expect her to start around 9:15, this whole thing has to be done by midnight so we're packing it in early kids. By the way, whether you're cool or not you should probably get to the 'Hawk early unless you want to see the backs of people's heads whilst listening to Friendly Fires.


Holly Miranda - I Go To Sleep + Hymnal video via YouTube

Oh snap! I just checked Holly Miranda's official page and it says canceled for her appearance at the 'Hawk but I'm sure there will be some kick-ass local act instead, which is just fine by me. Or maybe U2 will show up and everyone will be excited at first then they'll get their hipster on and throw their Lone Stars at Bono. Then Bono will turn on the spot and disappear in cloud of shamrocks leaving behind, only, a pair of black wrap-around shades. Whoa!



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Wufus Wainwhite

The music of Rufus Wainwright is so precious I just want to squeeze its little cheeks. As you probably know by now, he is playing two nights in our fair city. Tonight and/or tomorrow night you can catch him at the historic(ally uncomfortable seats), Paramount Theater, just a few blocks from the Capitol building. Allegedly they "just released [more tickets] for sale to the public". But what does that mean? They're like, "You know, maybe we should sell all the available seats instead of just the odd numbered ones?" Myself, I love the young Mr. Wainwright but I can't pay my bills whilst attending $30-$60 concerts every night now can I? Ruf Ruf if you're reading this put me on the guest list so that you might serenade me tonight and/or tomorrow night. Otherwise, I'm counting on the dedicated bloggy-masses to attend the show without me. I know, it won't be the same but when you hear Cigarettes, and Chocolate Milk think of me, for those are just a couple of my cravings as well.


Rufus Wainwright - Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk video via YouTube


Actually that song is pretty old, Rufus may not even play it much anymore. Although, if I had two 45-70 minute sets in one town I'd probably dig pretty deep into my catalogue. Who knows, maybe he'll even play his gorgeous cover of the Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.


Rufus Wainwright - the Origin of Love video via YouTube

Look it's the sing-a-long version...sorry it's unofficial you should buy the album this song comes from, the proceeds benefit the Harvey Milk School.

In more current Rufus Wainwright news, his latest release is a CD and/or DVD featuring highlights from a string of performances in Wisconsin. It's aptly title, Milwaukee At Last!!!, and is made available via Decca Records. Did you know that Decca is part of the Wal-Mart of record companiesssss, Universal Music Group. I'm not a fan of UMG 'cause they don't "get" what blogs do for their artists so they won't let us embed videos or offer free Mp3's. So, even though I love Rufus Wainwright you won't be gettin' nuffin' fo free. PS. Offering me a widget, I can embed, that streams your artist's content makes me want to choke UMG.

This is one of my favorites from Want One and come to think of it I never did check out Want Two don't be made at me Ruf Ruf.


Rufus Wainwright - I Don't Know What It Is? video via YouTube

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Japanther Red 7 Tomorrow or Japandroids?

Let's go to Red 7 Sunday night and check out Japanther y'all! I've been hearing their songs on Sirius XMU for a while now and I seem to remember being amused by their name during a few episodes of SXSW. Now, the buzz for their upcoming LP has been building and I want to hear the songs live first. The LP is tentatively titled Rock N' Roll Ice Cream, which would help to explain this creepy promotional photo...




As of this moment, I can't find any ticketing info on the official Red 7 ticketing site but I'm thinking if you hit Waterloo Records or End of an Ear in person, they may have the hook-up. If not, expect $10ish at the door Sunday night.


Japanther - Bumpin'Rap Tapes video via YouTube

Whilst, writing this post about Japanther one of my Tweeps mentioned the band Japandroids and I got all confused and had to re check all my info. Turns out I like Japandroids too! Like Japanther, Japandroids are a 2-piece band but their music is closer to pop than punk. Which, isn't to say it's pop but there's a spectrum y'all just go with it.


Japandroids - Young Hearts, Spark Fire video via YouTube

There aren't any local Japandroids shows listed as of today, but I'm guessing we'll have a chance to gaze upon them in March when SXSW steamrolls us again. In the meantime, let's focus on the Japanamed band that we do have in town.


Japanther - Challenge video via YouTube

P.S.

Check out Japanther's Mp3 page, it's quite clever. ----> Clever

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Thao + La Snacks at Mohawk Tomorrow

I don't know if y'all caught any of the buzz about Thao & the Get Down Stay Down during SXSW this year but you should hop on board the buzz train Thursday night. Thao is based in D.C. and comes highly recommended by our homies over at the D.C. Rock Club. So, if you want to have a good time AND probably meet @JumboSlice in the process get your tickets for Thao now.

Free Mp3 courtesy of Kill Rock Stars, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Thao & the Get Down Stay Down w/The Portland Cello Project - Tallymarks


Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - Cool Yourself video via YouTube

Thao will be headlining the outside stage at the Mohawk so expect their set to start around 10pm or so. Make sure you stick around afterwards to see my friends in La Snacks headline the inside stage. This will be La Snacks' first show with their new line-up, which seems to have shifted 3 or 4 times now. Let's hope this combination of members is the one that sticks.


La Snacks - Roman Yell video via YouTube

I don't know what the story is with the Portland Cello Project but I did find this old-timey video to be both intriguing and entertaining. They'll be hitting the outside stage before Thao gets down and stays down. From what I can tell they might be on stage WITH Thao as well since they recently collaborated. But only time will tell if they get their own set as well or what the deal will be.


the Portland Cello Project - the Big Tour video via YouTube

Here's one more from Thao & the Get Down Stay Down for good measure.


Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - When We Swam video via YouTube

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FunFunFun Day 2 Pix/Review

Alright, so I needed Monday to decompress/de-mudify from FunFunFun Fest day 2. The weather gods were not kind to day 2 of the festivities, I blame Danzig and their worship of the occult. Why can't they be nice like those Christian Hardcore kids? Anyway, it was pretty miserable being rain soaked, and mud caked. I actually fell down backstage, which was certainly a highlight for those who got to see it. For me, it was watching a cup full of Whiskey fly into the air, slow-motion stylee as I planted my ass in the mud. All in all, rain and mud is something one should expect when attending a festival so I tried to suck it up. I didn't end up staying for the headlining acts though. Sorry Danzig, Kid Sister and Of Montreal but I just really needed to full dry and surrounded by fluffy cottony things in that moment.

Unlike day 1 when the weather was beautiful and I had forgotten to bring my camera, day 2 was marked by shite weather and the presence of my shite digital camera. You'll find some photos and wrap-up after the break. But, I want to highlight a local band I caught on day 2 here above the break.


Strange Boys - Who Needs Who More video via YouTube

I feel like I saw a lot less music on day 2 of FunFunFun Fest compared to day 1 but that's probably just cause I was a wuss about the weather and hunkered down in the covered areas more. I felt bad for the stage hands who had to plug and unplug electrical stuff that was sitting in or near puddles of water on the stage. King Khan & BBQ Show couldn't even perform on the Yellow stage because there was too much water. They ended up doing a free show at Red 7 Sunday night.

Going through my photos, I didn't take as many as I should have but here are some highlights.



Astronautalis killed it on the Blue stage. He even did a freestyle, letting the crowd choose the subjects. I think it ended up about Squirrels, Syphilis, and Losing your Sack Lunch.



I wasn't super-impressed with Atlas Sound's set. I'm still a fan of their music but they played right after I fell down so it was hard to like much of anything. I must say though, that the Karen O and the Kids record that Bradford Cox, of Atlas Sound, produced is a totally stellar album.



Mika Miko put on a really fun, high-energy set. It had a Vivian Girl or two singing along side-stage, which is always nice. If you've never seen or heard Mika Miko picture a shitty version of the The Go Go's and I mean that in the lovingest way possible. By "shitty" I really mean, looser, less pop-oriented version of the Go Go's.

Mika Miko are part of L.A.'s noise-rock, "smell scene" home to No Age and Health, both of whom also played the festival this weekend. I didn't get any photos of Health but they are one of my favorite live acts touring right now. I can't really listen to their albums because it's just so damn noisy. But in person their is something transcendent about seeing them create that noise on stage. There sound is just so ahead of its time that it's hard to hear the beauty in it at first but I swear it's the music your kids will listen to just to make you mad twenty years from now.


Health - Crimewave video via YouTube



Why? is one of those bands whose music is so diverse you might only like bits and pieces of their set but they brought it to a wet crowd. I saw lots of people shaking and bobbing along to their hypnotic beats.



Broadcast is a band that you either love them to death or you'd never really listened to them before. I was in the group of those who were aware of the band but hadn't really listened to them. All the folks in the know told me I had to see them perform. As far as performance goes, they don't jump around stage or throw confetti but their music was haunting and beautiful. I may not rush out to buy tickets to see them play again but I will pick up their albums and give them a thorough listening.



I ran over to the Blue stage 'cause my friend kept texting me saying, "Nu-Mark is killing it over here! Hurry!" Turns out he was right.



I had to include this picture of me with Astronautilis even though y'all know I like to stay relatively anonymous. But seriously, how cool is this?!?! Yeah, I chatted a bit backstage with Andy aka Astronautilis he's about to hit Europe opening up for Tegan and MF Sara y'all! How bad-ass is that?

So, my FunFunFun Fest '09 final thoughts are, I had fun but next year it would be nice to have free Wi-Fi in the park. Also, if you are thinking you might want to attend next year, you should absolutely shell out the extra bucks to get the P.I.P. pass. There are different levels, and you should spring for the top-tier. That way you get all the perks the media and artists get PLUS you can stand on the stage and watch your favorite performers. I've also realized I'm not really a festival person in general since I much prefer an intimate show where I can more easily heckle the bands. But that's your call.

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