Four Tet Four Tet Four

I've had my tickets for this Saturday's Four Tet show since circa Thanksgiving '09 so I almost forgot it's this weekend. I'm not really sure what the story is on this Nathan Fake character but I'm getting there early enough to see him. Mostly, cause I want a good spot to stand and I know there will be hipsters camped out in chairs at all the best spots on the upper and side decks. Hey Mohawk can I get on the roof of the out bar this weekend? Pretty please?

I found this non-video on YouTube. The song is from some mythical 12", black, label-less collaboration between Burial and Four Tet. Good luck finding it in your local record shop. Oh, and pre-apologies if the video gets pulled for copyright infringivitis.


Four Tet/Burial - Moth video via YouTube


There Is Love In You is the fourth, official, and latest full LP from Four Tet and its first single, Sing will be released circa SXSW 2010. I just wanted an excuse to mention SXSW for internet traffic purposes, you like how I did that? Here's that forthcoming single via another non-video, hope you're okay with that.


Four Tet - Sing video via YouTube

According to the intense research I just did reading Nathan Fake's Wiki article he's a progressive-house producer. I just hope he keeps his progressive-house, tea-party politics off the dance floor. Looks like his first album came out in '06 and his most recent, Hard Island came out last year. Let's see what I can find for video so we get an idea of what we will see/hear. Well, this non-video is 2 years old but I suppose it will be an adequate introduction for those of us who know nothing of this Nathan Fake.


Nathan Fake - The Sky Was Pink video via YouTube

I know this is totally unrelated but I really want to put something from Burial since I opened this post with that collaborative track.


Burial - Archangel video via YouTube

Did you know, Burial, Four Tet and at least one member of Hot Chip all went to school together? I bet the kids in that neighborhood have easy access to club drugs, glitchy synths and glow-sticks.

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Transmography + La Snacks Videos

Last night's tour kick-off show at the Ghost Room was a smashing success. The room wasn't packed but it wasn't empty either, lots of good energy flowing around. It was my first time in the, former Gingerman, now Ghost Room and I must say I was quite impressed. The lay out is cozy, intimate, classy without being over the top. There are places to sit and watch the show as well as an area to stand and nod/dance/hipster-the-f*ck-out, not to mention surfaces for setting down drinks, jackets etc. The sound was also quite nice, it was loud without clipping or sounding unnecessarily noisy. As far as the performances I didn't see the very first band but both Transmography and La Snacks delivered solid performances. Don't take my word for it though, check out the video I captured:


La Snacks - Kristin Was a Meteorologist video via YouTube


Lead singer for La Snacks, Robert, must have drank 4-5 pints of beer while they performed their 45 minute set. His rants got more comical and venomous as the set progressed, unfortunately I decided to omit those clips from the Bloggy YouTube this time around. Don't be surprised if you witness a similar scenario when you catch La Snacks on tour though.


La Snacks - Christsakes & Milkshakes video via YouTube

Now, I'm kind of upset with myself that I didn't write down the name of this Transmography song I'm about to post but I didn't and those are the breaks. At some point in the future I'll remember/be told the name of the song and I will properly label it. In the meantime here's an Untitled track from Transmography:


Transmography - Live at the Ghost Room video via YouTube

I already knew the name of this next song, it's on their album Polydactyl. However, it doesn't feature that cool Zelda keyboard sound like the last song.


Transmography - IceCreamManFromJapan video via YouTube

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La Snacks + Transmography Tour Kick-Off

Tonight is the big tour kick-off show for La Snacks and Transmography. The bands will be hitting the road for a couple of weeks playing as far away as Ithaca, NY. Let's give 'em lots of good Austin energy for their farewell show at the Ghost Room tonight. Admission will be $5 and Transmography goes on at 11:00, with La Snacks playing the headlining slot just before Midnight. For those of you reading this site from outside of Austin, I have the full tour line-up after the break and you should try to catch these local bands in your city. Also, if you can't make it tonight, fear not dear reader, for both bands will be playing shows during SXSW this year.


La Snacks - Roman Yell video via YouTube


So, all of the below dates will feature both Transmography AND La Snacks:

02/13 The Ghost Room Tour Kick Off Austin, Texas
02/15 The Hub Beaumont, Texas
02/16 Egan’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama
02/17 The Go Bar Athens, Georgia
02/18 The Cave Chapel Hill, North Carolina
02/19 The Broad Street Cafe Durham, North Carolina
02/20 Velvet Lounge Washington DC
02/21 Danger Danger Gallery Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
02/22 Cake Shop Manhattan, New York
02/23 Zebulon Brooklyn, New York
02/24 The Shop Ithaca, New York
02/25 Now That’s Class Cleveland, Ohio
02/26 Skull Alley Louisville, Kentucky
02/27 RadRadRad House Little Rock, Arkansas


La Snacks - Jolly Rancher video via YouTube

I know, it's Saturday night and there's a lot going on but I hope to see you at the Ghost Room tonight. I'll buy you a beer, just kidding I'm broke. Buy me a beer?

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Golden Boys, TV Torso, Aoki, Yaks

This is a pretty last minute post about the Golden Boys show at Trailer Space Records tonight but I wanted to mention it. It's inside, so no need to worry about the rain. It starts at 7 and ends at 10 or earlier so if you have other plans or need to wake up early you can still do those things. Also, it's free so you can still buy yourself and that special someone something nice. You can also purchase anything you see whilst in the Trailer Space but don't get too decadent I mean you are at a free show, you're probably not Donald Trump or anything. Last week Golden Boys had the crowd packed tight into Beerland for a $5 cover, this week we rock out with them fo' free. Their Myspace page classifies, Golden Boys as "Rock / Psychedelic / Country". The Austin Chronicle called them "...real Texas punk rock". I'm going to up the ante and call their sound "Bloggy-Approved".

*This is the area where I would normally embed a video for you to hear the above mentioned band. Alas, I could find nary a video of the Golden Boys. They may be out there but you try searching that phrase. Instead, I shall put a video for an artist mentioned BELOW the break. Whoa!*


TV Torso - Live at the Scoot Inn video via YouTube


I need to hear more from TV Torso I'm always whining about how I want a record player because a lot of local artists release their music on vinyl first and/or exclusively. Well, last week while I was perusing the selection at End of an Ear I decided to look through the bin full of 10" vinyl and what did I find? TWO, different, 10" offerings from TV Torso and at least one, but I believe both, offered Mp3 download code w/$5 purchase. So, don't give up if you don't have a record player. Buy the record anyway, it may have an Mp3 or CD with purchase and then you'll already have a collection going.

In any case, TV Torso will be playing at Beerland tonight as part of the WOXY residency series. Or something to do with WOXY maybe not the residency I feel like that's something else. Generally these things cost $5, a nominal fee. I feel like having WOXY around is very good for Beerland. It's a great little rock club, very intimate setting for seeing a band. It's certainly not fancy or anything but they've booked some really good shows of late. Not to mention they managed to get Surfer Blood almost secretly back in the fall, take that Transmission! Just kidding, luv u Trannysmission let's play dice sometime.


Surfer Blood - Swim video via YouTube

I had to randomly put that Surfer Blood video in there to get my normal flow back. Steve Aoki is in town tonight as well. If shakin' your ass off with some dranks is how you get down on a Thirsday night then you should definitely get yourself over to Republic Live on West 5th. I know, it can be weird that far away from Red River but fear not, dear reader, you'll be dancing through crowds bumping into hipsters trying not to spill your martini Lone Star in no time.


Steve Aoki - I'm in the House video via YouTube

Lastly but not leastly as far as I knowstly, we've got hipster-delegates from Brooklyn in town. They go by the name of Wild Yaks you may have caught them at previous SXSW? If not, your chance is tonight, over at the ole' Scoot Inn. I'm thinking it's going to be on the inside stage. What do you think?


Wild Yaks - River May Come video via YouTube

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Tonight, Tomorrow, and the Next Night ight ight ight

Live at Beerland in Austin, TX weighing in at...ok I think that's far enough. Are you going to any of the 3-night mini-fest that is the CD Release party for Casual Victim Pile: Austin 2010? I'm thinking I might go tonight. Beerland is a good place to be on a rainy night, it's quite cozy really and the outside area is covered with lots of good people watching. Downside to the outside area? People trying to get your attention/change/cell-phone usage/etc from the sidewalk region. Back to the show, as I mentioned it's a CD release party, the CD is a compilation via Matador Records if you're a blog-geek you already know all about it. If you're not a blog geek, the pertinent information is this: A)Casual Victim Pile is an anagram for Live Music Capitol. B)The compilation has 19 tracks, 17 of which feature Austin artists. C)It's a nod to a similarly-themed compilation of New York bands, which Matador previously released.

Here's something from tonight's headlining band to give you a taste. The full info is below the break and from what I can tell it's going to cost $5 at the door.


Follow That Bird! - Where They Rest video via YouTube

So, this whole affair will be going on for 3 days but be aware that Beerland is small and Matador is popular so bar service will be slow and standing space will be valuable. Get there early to stake your claim and/or drop a big tip early so the bartender remembers you later.

Here's the way they've chunked the bands together for the different nights:

Tonight

Follow That Bird!
Dikes Of Holland
Kingdom Of Suicide Lovers
The Distant Seconds
The Persimmons


the Persimmons - Love at Seven/I Can Only Love You Once a Week video via YouTube

In case you're wondering the above video is your standard house-party in Austin, TX. Take that, places that are satisfied with an iPod DJ house-party!

Friday

Woven Bones
The Young
Wild America
Flesh Lights
Elvis
The No No No Hopes


Woven Bones - Your Sorcery video via YouTube


Listening to Woven Bones always makes me feel like I'm in a Bret Easton Ellis novel, vampires in the valley and all that dark, L.A. stuff.

Saturday

Harlem
The Golden Boys
Bad Sports
Love Collector
The Stuffies
Lost Controls


Harlem - Scare You video via YouTube

Wow! What a great video of Harlem who shot that anyway?

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Sondre Lerche, Parish, Tomorrow

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?


Sondre Lerche - If Only video via YouTube


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.



JBM - Cleo's Song video via YouTube

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.



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Girls, Smith Westerns, Videos

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.


Girls - Darling video via YouTube


Girls - Ghost Mouth video via YouTube

What? Did you think I didn't shoot them performing any of their "singles"? Well I did...


Girls - Lust For Life video via YouTube

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.


Smith Westerns - My Heart video via YouTube

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.

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So Much Thursday Action

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.


New Roman Times - VCR video via YouTube


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.


Whitman - The Wanting video via YouTube

Isn't that a lot of choices for a Thursday night? Keep impressing me Austin and I'll keep blogging 'bout it.


Jonathan Richman - Roadrunner video via YouTube


M.I.A. - Bamboo Banga video via YouTube

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Beauty Bar, Friday, It's Going Down.

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?


Woolfy - Odyssey video via YouTube

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.


Classixx - Cold Act iLL video via YouTube

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.


Stereo is a Lie - What We Do video via YouTube

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Sleep Whale Videos

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.


Sleep Whale - Skipping Stones video via YouTube

Free Mp3's courtesy of Western Vinyl, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Sleep Whale - Cotton Curls

Free Mp3 ---> Sleep Whale - Josh Likes Me


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.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Western Vinyl, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Balmorhea - The Winter (Excerpt)

Free Mp3 ---> Balmorhea - Harm and Boon (Excerpt)

Free Mp3 ---> Balmorhea - Truth (Remixed by Helio)

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!

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