Last Friday was my first time checking out the new and improved Parish room and I approve of the changes. You can put my seal on it. I was already a fan of the Parish for its sound and the intimacy of the venue but they fixed the biggest problem with the venue, that stupid bar thing that used to be in the middle of the floor. Fear not, dear reader, you may now roam freely(ish) in the Parish room. They have also opened or re-vamped a bar close to the bathroom, which is always a plus in my book. The decor is a little trying too hard but it certainly doesn't detract from the venue it's just a little pseudo-swanky. If you haven't checked out the changes they've made you might want to catch Sondre Lerche at the Parish tomorrow night. I mean, seriously, the dude came all the way from Norway to sing and play for you and you're just going to hang out at home and re-watch Lost on your DVR?
That song, If Only comes from Sondre's Hearbeat Radio album, which snuck out in September without me even noticing it. Hey, how's that happen? In any case, you should pick it up at the show that's what the cool kids do. JBM will be taking the opening slot at the Parish Wednesday night. Don't be fooled by the name though, it's just one dude. So put on your sensitive guy sweater, Buddy Holly glasses and take your best fag-hag down to the Parish and join me in some pleasant indie-boy oggling.
In my opinion tickets for the show are a bit steep at $15-$17 but like I mentioned before, the dude did come all the way from freakin' Norway to play for us. Also, since there are only two acts and the doors open at 8p, I'd expect the whole thing to be over in time for Conan Nightline.
I saw, the much blogged about, Girls at the new and improved Parish last night. I thought they put on a totally solid performance, with hooky, jangly tunes that wear their influences on their sleeves. Apparently, lead Girl, Christopher Owens' mother was in the audience last night. He said she hadn't heard him sing or play guitar since he was 16, which was a long time ago I suppose. Have you heard his whole back-story about the religious cult and all? It's pretty interesting, scope the wiki for the full, possibly verified story. In any case I did have the trusty Flipcam in my pocket so I did steal their souls during a few songs, just for you dear reader.
Chicago band, the Smith Westerns were the opening band, with Magic Kids playing the middle set. I'm going to try to not judge, Magic Kids too harshly because I haven't heard their songs on record yet. However, I will give you one word to describe my feelings throughout points in their set last night and that word is, "cringe". Check my twitter feed if you want some more specific feedback. Also, I wasn't standing in a good spot during the Magic Kids set so I don't have any video of their performance.
Smith Westerns - Gimme Some Time video via YouTube
As you can see, I was in a good spot for the Smith Westerns set last night and I was quite impressed. I have their self-titled album and it's a grower, not a shower. It took me a few weeks before I began to enjoy it but I was already a fan before seeing them last night. On record they sound really bratty and the mix of the album is very treble-enhanced so to actually hear the vocals and not have everything sound tin-ny was quite pleasant. It's like the band Wavves if you've only heard the records you probably don't get the hype but when you see them live you can actually hear the songs.
While I'm on the subject of good mixing versus bad mixing of albums, have you heard the latest from Yeasayer yet?!?! It sounds SOOO effing good, especially compared to their last album, which sounded very far away and didn't do their songs justice whatsoever. Kudos to bands who work with great ears, maybe if y'all performed with earplugs you'd recognize when your albums are mixed like shhh. <---This comment is aimed at no specific band.
This is where I would have embedded the newest Yeasayer video if their label allowed FREE PROMO!!! WTF labels, live in the now.
It should come as no surprise by now, that Thursday night is packed with good shows. I feel like every week I have to choose between several cool acts playing simultaneously across the city. The first thing I want to mention, since I haven't said anything all week, is that Jonathan Richman is playing his fourth, and final, night in Austin at the Continental Club. From what I've gathered Mr. Richman isn't viewed with the same status here in Austin as he is in New England. Back in Boston he's the shhhh. I also want to give a promotional shout-out to my bloggy-brethren over at Ultra 8201 who will be celebrating their bloggiversary over at Ghost Room. That show will feature three top-notch local bands: the Authors, Politics, with New Roman Times in the headlining slot.
I'm always a fan of shows at the Parish Room, so I think my Thursday night will be spent there with the Fiery Furnaces. FF is one of those bands who I didn't like when I first heard them but eventually found myself humming their tunes and now it's full on love. I'm interested to see if their live performance will live up to the sounds of the albums. Their reputation precedes them in the live show category so I don't expect to be disappointed.
Fiery Furnaces - Even In the Rain video via YouTube
I also don't want to forget my homies in Quiet Company who seem to have a regular gig at Stubb's inside stage. They'll be sharing a bill with Whitman and Buttercup. I caught the latter at Jen Leduc's Beauty Bar birthday bash Friday night and thoroughly enjoyed their set. I'd call it power-pop with a dash of indie, not really jangly enough to be truly indie in my eyes though.
The only thing better than a party, is an anniversary party for a company that throws parties professionally. That's why you should head over to Beauty Bar Friday night for Learning Secrets 6th Anniversary party. It's also my homegirl Jen Leduc's birthday so she'll be hosting some bands in a different part of the bar. If you act fast, you can still RSVP for the Learning Secrets party giving you $5 entry, otherwise it's going to be $8 at the door. I expect the house will be full 'round midnight. Did I mention that, remixer's du jour, Classixx will be headlining a DJ set?!?!?
Phoenix - Lisztomania (Classixx Remix) video via YouTube
Needless to say with Classixx in the house, Beauty Bar is going to be a throbbing, sweaty, hipster dance-party. Throw your Lone Star's in the air, y'all!! Before Classixx we'll be seeing, Woolfy, who's signed to DFA Records. Maybe you've heard of it?
The doors for this gig open at 9pm Friday and the first 100 people will get drink ticket(s), which they will be purchasing with the price of admission. Take that alcohol enforcement (TABC)! Just kidding, TABC, we cool. Let's hang out more.
Oh, and for that one reader that's really upset that I would presume that you, my dear reader, already know about DFA Records, when you don't. ---> DFA Info.
As if I'm not going to include an LCD Soundsystem video, chuh, doubt it.
LCD Soundsystem - Disco Infiltrator video via YouTube
Thanks to DFA Records' distributors Capitol/EMI for not allowing people to embed your official videos from YouTube. That is why I have a video with dogs set to LCD Soundsystem.
I got so caught up in DFA Records, I forgot to give you info about 40 Rock, Jen Leduc's Birthday Bash. Entry to that event, on the same night at Beauty Bar is also $5 but does not require an RSVP. She's hosting four bands, with Stereo is a Lie headlining. Here's the full line-up with poster and more info courtesy of my sister-wives over at Do512.
Hey, y'all! I don't know if you've realized this already but I got a Flipcam for Christmas, which means there's now a Bloggy YouTube channel. How cool is that? Obviously, lots have folks have found the videos I shot of Harlem but no one seems to know or care about the videos of Sleep Whale. Now, I'm going to warn you the sound on this video is sub-par I positioned myself directly in front of the speakers to shoot this, so you can hear the kick drum clipping like crazy but I'm a big fan of Sleep Whale and I feel like you should be too. They have purchase-able music available via, my favorite local label, Western Vinyl. You can also find their stuff on iTunes if that's more your style.
My impression seeing Sleep Whale live is that they need to tighten up their setup/soundchecking but that could be fixed by not seeing them as the second of four bands on a stage other than Emo's outside. Other than that, the music itself was melodic, textured and generally beautiful. I found myself drawn into the songs. I'm thinking the, new and improved, Parish room would be the ideal spot. Here's the other video I shot of Sleep Whale at Emo's, and again apologies for the clippy sound.
Sleep Whale - Make Another Picture video via YouTube
Also, if you're liking what you hear from Sleep Whale and you still haven't checked out, their label-mates, Balmorhea then you need to get on that shhhh. Balmorhea put out one of my favorite albums from an Austin artist in 2009, All Is Wild, All Is Silent, and seeing them perform live is even more gorgeous than the LP.
It looks like if you live in Austin your next shot to see Balmorhea will be at their record release party on Feb. 19th featuring Damien Jurado at Central Presbytyrian Church. That's right, a church! That's how bad-ass Austin is, that same church is a registered SXSW venue. Last year Grizzly Bear and St. Vincent both haunted the Central Presby. It appears as though tickets for the Balmorhea show are only available in person at End of an Ear or Waterloo Records. Front Gate Tickets does sell tickets for events at Central Presbityrian Church but they don't seem to have this particular event.
Balmorhea video courtesy of our blood-soaked, bloggy-brethren over at Cannibal Cheerleader. They've been feasting on Balmorhea since their FIRST LP release party.
Balmorhea - San Solomon (Reprise) video via YouTube
Oh, and if you're one of those unfortunate souls living outside of Austin you too can see Balmorhea on tour!
I may have to leave my zip code for tomorrow night's show at Emo's outside stage. It's a collection of bands I've been planning to see perform live but I still haven't. I did get the latest Lymbic Systym CD at End of an Ear awhile back and I enjoy it, but I want to hear these songs interpreted live. They feel very alive on the album so I'm excited to see if and how they morph. This Will Destroy You is headlining and I've heard good things but haven't listened to their music yet. I can tell you that I really like their name, even though it is, somewhat, difficult to Google. Bands with names like Woods weren't really thinking about bloggers when they came up with their band name. Give me a GD name I can effing Google and I will be a happy Bloggy.
I don't know about you, but I really liked that song by This Will Destroy You I may be off to End of an Ear after I'm finished writing this. Like I said Lymbyc Systym will play the set before TWDY and they are recommended if you like what you just heard and/or Transmography. Think anthemic, melodic, instrumental music in the same family as Explosions in the Sky but not quite as epic (no offense). Also, note how Systym is spelled oddly THAT is how you make your band more Google-able. Looking at you San Francisco band, Girls!
Friday night's outside stage at Emo's will also feature Sleep Whale, who is on my favorite local label, Western Vinyl. I think we can expect big things from Sleep Whale in 2010 so we should catch them while they're still playing second out of four bands. Me thinks that SXSW 2010 is going to be kind to ole' Sleep Whale but we'll let March decide that. By the way, some of you may have been more familiar with Sleep Whale when they were called, Mom. Try Googleing the band, Mom. The name change was a wise choice Sleep Whale, a very wise choice.
As if those three bands weren't enough for you, you greedy bastards can also see Loxsly assuming you're at the show around 9ish. Don't forget though, this is at Emo's outside stage and it's supposed to rain and be loud so dress appropriately and bring some earplugs. Seriously, no one is too cool to get hearing damage, not even you and you're pretty effing cool.
Did y'all know that the Riverboat Gamblers are going to be playing the Van's Warped Tour this summer? Well, they are but you can catch them this weekend at Austin's own Red 7. In related news, looks like, the Gamblers will be making yet ANOTHER line-up change, with their current drummer parting ways with the band after their San Diego gig. This is not official news, but I happen to know the Gamblers drummer and I know that he is bowing out. Don't worry though, technically there is only one original member left in the band anyway, so I'm sure a line-up change won't have any adverse effects. However, this weekend will be your last chance to catch the band, in Austin, in its current formation. Tickets for Saturday night's show at Red 7 will set you back a cool $10.
Riverboat Gamblers - Victory Lap video via YouTube
I'm almost reluctant to post about Ume again, but I just love them so much and I want you to love them too. I had planned to film them performing last week during one, of their two, free-week gigs but alas I did not. So, that means not only am I writing about Ume again, but I'm posting a video I've posted before. If you're not impressed with them from hearing their songs or seeing these videos don't be put-off it's in their live performance where they really shine.
If these two bad-ass, Austin bands leave you wanting more Austin music fear not for you can also catch Shapes Have Fangs at Red 7. They'll be going on before Ume but after the Altars, whom I know nothing about really.
Shapes Have Fangs - Rattle and Confuse Me video via YouTube
I'm bummed y'all, I went out ONE night of Free Week (last week) and ended up getting strep throat, putting me out of work, out of money and generally out of commission. I tried to keep up with what shows were getting what sorts of reactions from friends and Twitter but it's just not the same y'all. I did get to test out my new Flipcam on the night I did go downtown and it got me pretty excited. It has its limitations, for instance the lighting inside Red 7 was severely lacking, so my video of When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth is pretty much a shadow video. I was highly impressed that it captured the sound though. The Lil' Dinos aurally assault you with waves of feedback, distortion, reverb and whatever else they can think of. So, I'm pleased that you can hear the song even if you can't see it. The vids of Harlem at Emo's are easy to see and hear and everything. However, the biggest problem I see is finding a good spot to stand where people won't be annoyed that I'm taping and/or all up in my business bumping into me and shhh.
Here's a new song from Harlem, shot with my Flipcam:
Like, I said, I'm pretty bummed I missed free week. This list is only a fraction of what was going on downtown as I faded in and out of awareness of time and space. What were some of your favorites?
P.S. Did you hear about Sony's newBloggie Cam?!?! You spelled it wrong Sony, it's Bloggy and I'll take a free one, thank you very much.
It's one of my top 5 favorite times of year to live in Austin, Free Week is here, dear reader. What is free week, you may ask? Well boys and girls, it's pretty much what it sounds like, a plethora of free, local, rock 'n roll at your favorite Red River-regioned venues downtown. What was once an event exclusive to Emo's, has spread, like swine-flu, to venues all over downtown and this blogger has never been happier with an infestation. Not only is Emo'sstill on board, but Red 7, the Mohawk, Beauty Bar, the Parish room, and even Stubb's Jr. are all hosting free events this week. Lots of folks are now dubbing free week a, sort of, locals-only SXSW. I wouldn't consider it to be THAT grand yet, but it is grand enough that I'm highlighting THREE shows for you to check out tonight.
When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth - It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity video via YouTube
I think that's my third time posting that same Birds on Fire video from When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth but it's such a clever video. Besides you try searching "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" and see how many useful results you get. In any case, they'll be headlining the inside stage at Red 7 tonight, you should bring yourself and your earplugs and check out the intensity that is their live performance. Get there early enough to catch out Off the Record "Band to Watch", Dikes of Holland.
Dikes of Holland - How to Lose Somebody video via YouTube
My second show pick of the night, is one you could probably guess if you read this site with any sort of frequency. I suggest you head over to, the Free-Week originators, at Emo's and check out Matador Records signees Harlem while they're still gigging locally. They're headlining so expect a late start time, let's say 12:45ish (A.M.(duh)).
My third, and final choice for local band you should check out tonight, may come as a bit of a surprise to you. I'm suggesting you check out Lions over at the Mohawk. They've been playing around town for quite a while and I feel like they get little to no recognition from the music "press". These guys have a more classic-rock/metal style than indie style (read not jangly) but they can seriously riff and you will definitely enjoy the passionate performance of their tunes. Besides, y'all know I love the 'Hawk even if they do host mothaphuckin karaoke on my birthday...not cool Mohawk, not cool.
I'm always hesitant to do best of lists, both because they are subjective and because they are a pain in the ass to code. However, as a music fan I am also a fan of lists, so let me begin with some disclaimers. Firstly, I didn't listen to every album that came out this year, so it's tough to accurately rank them. Secondly, these aren't, necessarily, the "best" albums they're more like my favorites. Lastly, I'll probably end up forgetting something I loved, or you loved or we all love but that's the breaks once this goes up it's up and we'll all have to deal with the consequences thereafter. With that all said, I give you the Bloggy's for 2009:
20.
Kings of Convenience - Declaration of Dependance
19.
Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
18.
M. Ward - Hold Time
17.
Whitest Boy Alive - Rules
16.
Fever Ray - Fever Ray
15.
Jack Peñate - Everything is New
14.
Bad Veins - Bad Veins
13.
Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms
12.
Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
11.
the XX - XX
10.
Girls - Album
9.
the Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa
8.
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion
7.
Harlem Shakes - Technicolor Health
6.
Surfer Blood - Astrocoast
5.
Passion Pit - Manners
4.
St. Vincent - Actor
3.
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
2.
Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
1.
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
Ok, now you've seen the Bloggy's for 2009!! You may have noticed that the Surfer Blood album isn't officially released until 01/19/10, HOWEVER I purchased the album from the band when they played Beerland in October, so it's totally on the list. Also, I was somewhat hesitant to put the Passion Pit album so high on the list, they did become MTV darlings and my street-cred may now be tarnished but that's a fine LP GD it! If you have any thoughts, comments, etc. You know where to reach me.
