How can you not like a band whose entire musical philosophy is based around love? Oh, stop being so cynical and open up your hearts and minds to Austin's own, Quiet Company. You may remember, I featured them in the Locals Only Edition of my SXSW preview. They are still rocking the indie-piano-pop and lucky for us they keep getting better at it. They've already released 2 full length LP's but to keep our attention while we wait for LP3 the boys of Quiet Company offer us a brand-spanking new EP called, Songs For Staying In. I have some exclusive information about a private, VIP event, at which, you'll be able to hear AND purchase the aforementioned EP. So, if you want to get into this super-exclusive, private, VIP, event on May 7th I suggest you click here. It's not a FREE party it's just going to be really difficult to get into like a ______ in a ________ when your ______ is full of ______.
Speaking of Austin, indie and/or piano-pop have y'all heard Fulton Read yet? Well, if you're already going to see Ben Folds at Stubb's on May 7th then you can see Fulton Read inside for free. Otherwise a nominal $5 fee will be required at the door. It's an after-show so doors won't until 11:30pm and this is May 7th, so we're planning ahead on this.
Just in case you missed some context clues these shows are both on Friday May 7th I'm just giving y'all plenty of time to get your scheduling worked out. If you find yourself in a conundrum about which show to see, you can always catch Quiet Company the next night at La Zona Rosa. There, this should get Quiet Company off my back for a day or two. Just kidding fellas love you, let's get milk shakes!
Well, I wasn't at Psych Fest last night but from what I read on my Twitter feed a good time was had by most. Apparently the Raveonettes performed as a 2-piece, which must have been interesting because when I saw them the 2 man Raveonettes didn't play any percussive instruments. I'm guessing they had a drum machine last night. Also, there was a torrential downpour last night, and given that the Mohawk is mainly an outdoor venue, I'm guessing that wasn't too pleasant either. I did hear from my friends over at Ultra8201 that Warpaint was amazing, astounding, gorgeous perfection. Lots of folks were saying they were even better than during SXSW!?!?
In any case, tonight/today there are even more bands performing than yesterday. Once again, if you're looking for the full Psych Fest line-up be sure to click that Psych Fest link. Also, if and when you go make sure to ask about the complimentary 3-D glasses. So, today's line-up is all about the up and coming psychedelic rockers. There are fewer big, big names but lots of up-and-coming acts are featured today/tonight. Of course, this whole thing is the brain-child/curated-by local bad-asses, the Black Angels and tonight is their night to shine. Expect their brand of psychedelic, freak-out, drone in the headlining spot this evening.
the Black Angels - Young Men Dead video via YouTube I wanted to highlight this band, the Frequency who will also be playing Psych Fest tonight. They recently received some good buzz in, England's version of Rolling Stone, NME. Their sound mixes shoegaze, psychedic and electronic music into a wash of textures, reverbs, and emerging melodies. Catch them on their way to the top, or before they burn out and fade away, whichever comes first, in any case catch them today at the Mohawk.
Wow, so there really aren't that many names on the list today that jump out at me. That doesn't mean there aren't any good artists playing today it just means I need to do more homework before I start writing next time. I definitely want to highlight a couple more Austin artists that will be playing tonight including, Cry Blood Apache.
Also, Smoke & Feathers always put on a killer/interesting/haunting set are a definitely a not-to-be-missed local artist. They play right before dinner time (5pm) tonight y'all! This whole thing kicks off at 2pm today and goes on for about 12hrs, so bring some granola maybe get a pizza delivered or something 'cause you're not going to want to miss these bands.
Well, just like the show I featured yesterday, tomorrow's Local Natives and Suckers show at Antone's is sold-out. Lucky for you, you can still see Local Natives perform a free, acoustic set at Waterloo Records. That set starts at four and you should probably get there, at least, a half hour early if you want to actually see what the band looks like.
If you already have tickets to tomorrow's show, make sure you get there early enough to see Suckers. I've been obsessed with their four song EP since shortly after SXSW and I'm looking forward to hearing a full length album, which should be out at any minute. Here's a song from that new album, I shot this video during SXSW.
Local Natives are another band who was just here during SXSW but we're certainly glad to have them back. Their latest LP, Gorilla Manner is already one of my favorite albums of 2010 and I'm sure seeing them live will only solidify that feeling. I know I saw them for a minute during SXSW but I had to leave for some reason, so tomorrow at Antone's I'll be giving up my full attention to Local Native. If I can get out of work in time I may actually check out their acoustic set at Waterloo as well.
Local Native - Wide Eyes (Live on KCRW) video via YouTube
I want to include one more song from Suckers, this is my favorite/most listened-to track from their EP. They'll be playing this one at Antone's tomorrow. Learn it and sing-along.
So, I hope y'all bought your tickets to see Beach House and Washed Out at Emo's like 6 months ago otherwise you're hitting the scalp scene. I'm kind of a fair-weather fan when it comes to Beach House. I remember when their first LP came out all of my music nerd friends were masturbating over it and I was a bit underwhelmed. However, I am excited to see what a live Beach House show is like. It will definitely push me into full-on fandom or quite the opposite, there's nothing like a live show to help you make up your mind about a band. I will say that I have listened to their latest album, Teen Dream more than any other to date and it should also be noted that I still bought every album they released just to hear it.
PS22 Chorus covering Beach House - Zebra video via YouTube I'm a fan of Emo's but it's not really where I'd like to see Beach House in Austin. Maybe I'll bring a folding chair, 'cause it's going to be weird to stand and stare at Beach House as they perform haunting, delicate, moody music. Perhaps Austin Music Hall would have been a more suitable choice but if that were the case my ticket would have cost twice as much. So, I'll focus on the bright points, for one Emo's has switched to LCD lighting, that's nice. Also, you can dance(?) to Washed Out, which would have been harder to do(?) at Austin Music Hall.
As you have probably guessed from the above video Washed Out is, "part of the chillwave scene". I bet all of the artists who wear that ridiculous label despise it. Basically, they get off on vintage synthesizers and psychedelic drone and really can we fault them for that? I blame "New Wave" for introducing all of the lame "____ Wave" movements that have followed its lead. I am also annoyed with "Watergate" for introducing "_____gate" and "Woodstock" for giving us "____stock". Damn, I have a lot of complaints to share today don't I?
In any case I'll be camping out near the front, center middle section of the crowd to get y'all some BloggyCam video of tomorrow's show. I'll try to include footage of the crowd staring, talking, texting and general after-party planning, as well. All in all I'm looking forward to this show both from an anthropological point of view and a musical-appreciation point of view. How will the tribes of Austin dance or not dance at Valium-fest 2010? Only time will tell, time and the Bloggycam.
By the way it might be hard to tell by the general tone of this piece, but I actually do enjoy BOTH Washed Out and Beach House, let that be noted on the record.
That's right, it's already Record Store Day again tomorrow! Although it's mostly focused on actual records (as opposed to CD's), even the turntable-less can find cool, exclusive stuff that may only be available tomorrow. I say this because the whole idea of this promotion is for labels to flood independent record shops with rare and exclusive releases. So, I'm hoping you didn't need to save any money this weekend. There's a complete list that still isn't truly "complete" on the official site if you want an idea of what to look for. I'll be highlighting some of my picks from that list after the break.
My favorite neighborhood record shop, End of an Ear will also have a slew of in-store performances to commemorate Record Store Day tomorrow. Including, but not limited to, Bloggy favs, Ume who will be performing a free set at 6pm.
Before I get to the highlights, I'm going to recommend some strategies since I attacked Record Store Day I can tell you it's going to be mobbed in Austin. Specifically Waterloo was a madhouse so arrive early possibly before they even open. Also, parking was a unicorn so I'd rely on public transit, just bring a good bag or case for your purchases. Also, the legendary Roky Erickson will be doing a signing at Noon so plan for that to add to the insanity. Did I mention they'll have bins all over the store in the aisles and such full of random, cheap records for you to paw through. That's in addition to all of the insanely cool, exclusives.
13th Floor Elevators - You're Gonna Miss Me video via YouTube
Wow, combing through that HUUUUGE list I linked and highlighting specific stuff is hard y'all! There are so many good things to look out for, so don't be surprised/offended if there is good stuff that I missed feel free to leave snarky comments. With that said, here are some things that jumped out at me:
Album Leaf - There Is a Wind: Featuring 2 new tracks, 2 alternate takes on songs from "A Chorus of Storytellers" LP 12" vinyl
Beach House - Zebra: 2 new tracks and 2 alternate from album "Teen Dream" 12" vinyl
Beastie Boys - White Label 12": Super Surprise (Probably a cover of Metal Machine Music) 12" vinyl
Black Keys - Tighten Up/Howlin' For You: 12" vinyl contains two new songs 12" vinyl
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us: Extremely limited foil pressed double LP double LP
Bon Iver/Peter Gabriel - Come Talk To Me/Flume: Bon Iver and Peter Gabriel cover each other. Bon Iver track is EXCLUSIVE to this release 7" vinyl
Budos Band/Sharon Jones & The Dapkings - Day Tripper/Money: 7" vinyl
Daedelus - Righteous Fists of Harmony: Full length album
David Bazan - Live at Electrical Audio: Live performance CD
Dum Dum Girls/Male Bonding - Pay For Me/Before It's Gone: 2 new tracks from LA's Dum Dum Girls and London's Male Bonding 7" vinyl
Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Live at Hollywood High EP: Individually numbered 7" of three previously unreleased tracks 7" vinyl
Elvis Presley - That's Alright Mama b/w Blue Moon of Kentucky: Reproduction of original single with DIGITAL DOWNLOAD BONUS 7" vinyl
Fanfarlo - You Are One of the Few Outsiders Who Really Understands Us, What Makes You Think You're The One (Fleetwood Mac song): 7" single of songs recorded specifically for RSD 7" single
Fucked Up - Daytrotter Sessions: Label version is released with 10 different covers, ADA has regular cover 7" vinyl
Gogol Bordello - We Comin Rougher/Trans Continental Hustle: First tracks from upcoming release 7" green vinyl
Happy Birthday - Shampoo, Alien: 2 new tracks 7" vinyl
Helio Sequence/Menomena - Pilgrim's Progress/Converter: split single 7"
Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever: New album, hand screen printed vinyl release full length album
Jamie Lidell - Compass: RSD Exclusive 7"
Japandroids (JPNRDS) - Posting Nothing: 180 gram vinyl, with digital convenience card 12" vinyl
Josh Ritter - So Runs The World Away: Vinyl version of new album which wiill come out later full length album
LCD Soundsystem - Pow Pow: Single sided 12" with new music from upcoming album 12"
Magnetic Fields - 69 Love Songs: Box set 3 double gate fold, 10"s, with digital convenience card, released 3 days early for RSD 10" vinyl
Mountain Goats - Life of the World To Come: Rian Johnson film, 50 min live film + 45 min Q&A, DVD
Muse - Exogenesis: Symphony (parts 1-3)/Uprising (Live from Teignmouth)/Resistance (Live from Lisbon): The live version of "Resistance" has never been released 7" vinyl
Nada Surf - If I Had a Hi-Fi: New album being released on RSD, about 4 weeks before general release CD
Neko Case - Middle Cyclone: 12" clear vinyl 12" vinyl
Of Montreal - Back To School, Subtext Read, Nothing New: Back To School is a Royal Trux cover, Subtext Read is a new Of Montreal track 7"
Phoenix - Fences: Pink vinyl 12" single with album track plus remix; first vinyl issue 12" PINK vinyl
R.E.M. - Chronic Town EP: Previously out of print debut; limited edition blue vinyl, individually numbered 12" BLUE vinyl
Roky Erickson & Okkervil River - True Love Cast Out All Evil: Prelease vinyl LP (CD comes out 3 days later) 12" vinyl
Surfer Blood/Holiday Shores - Take It Easy (live)/Your Motion Says: Surfer Blood track features Marnie Stern, Holiday Shores track is an Arthur Russell cover split 7" vinyl
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - The Oldest House, North Coast: 7" vinyl
Tegan & Sara - AOL Sessions EP
The Apples In Stereo - Travellers in Space and Time: Album released early for RSD CD
The Bird & The Bee - Interpreting The Masters: Volume 1 A Tribute To Daryl Hall and John Oates: Same as new CD 12" vinyl
White Rabbits/Antlers - Foxhunting/ShivaLive: From Daytrotter Sessions Record Store Day 7"
Wilco - Kicking Television: 4 LP box set, 8 extra tracks, deluxe package vinyl reissue for the first time
Don't be dismayed if you comb through this list and you don't have a turntable lots of these will come with digital download cards, even some that don't say so on this list. Just look carefully before purchasing because it will say somewhere on the packaging if there is a digital version included in some manner.
Dang y'all this month is already flying by at Austin Bloggy HQ. Can you believe tomorrow is the ides? Also, something about taxes? In any case, I had intended to give y'all more of a heads up about tonight's Bonobo show at the Parish but you still have time to get dinner, get yer hurrr did and whatnot before the show.
Now, I'm not familiar with which specific genres and sub-genres of electronic music and there seem to be more every blog year but I think it's ok to say Bonobo is one of the Godfathers of downtempo/chill-out/trip-hop. I feel cool just typing names of sub-genres of electronic music. Can we still say electronica? Do people go to raves anymore or has everything become a party or a show? Have you noticed no one goes to concerts anymore? It sort of disappeared.
"I went to this Animal Collective concert once, it smelled like the disc golf course. I like concerts but disc golf is too hard."
If you want to go to that Bonobo concert tonight it's $15 you can possibly still use this online ticket link but you could probably just pay at the door at this point. Or, ya know, hit your neighborhood record shop.
Bonobo ft. Andreya Triana - Eyesdown video via YouTube
There is or was this bar in Cambridge, Ma I used to like called the Enormous Room, it was tiny (of course), decorated like a Moroccan lounge with pillows on platforms on the floor and they played music like the above Bonobo way too loudly. Not trying to knock the Parish by any means, just living a memory while listening to that above track. Both videos that sandwich this paragraph are from Bonobo's latest LP on Ninja Tune Records, it's called Black Sand.
Bonobo ft. Andreya Triana - The Keeper video via YouTube
Fellow Ninja Tuneite, Yppah (pronounced "Yippah") will be making the long journey from Houston to perform at the Parish tonight as well. I kid about the long distance and don't be put off just 'cause he's from Houston. It's not his fault the city is composed entirely of strip malls and interstates. He's just trying to makes some "syrupy gobs of dream pop" and can we really fault him for that? I think not.
That track comes from Yppah's latest Ninja Tunes release, the cleverly titled, They Know What Ghost You Know, which could be a pleasant or displeasant prospect. I mean it's kind of scary that they know, that you know a ghost to begin with, let alone which specific one. I mean, that's pretty personal. On the other hand if you have mutual ghost friend/acquaintances that could be a positive experience, right?
I think y'all know how I feel about 101X but in case you don't, let's just say I'm not a fan of that particular radio station. For that matter, I'm not a fan of Austin radio whatsoever. HOWEVER, I will conceit that 101x does sponsor/book/whatever some really good shows here in town. The flip of that is they don't play these artists on the damn radio. In any case, the wretched alt-rock dinosaurs will be hosting two really good bands at Emo's outside stage. Tickets are still available and will set you back, roughly, $15 however you'll have to go to Waterloo Records or End of an Ear because the tickets aren't available online. Temper Trap is headlining, but I'm just as excited to get my eyes and ears on Kissaway Trail.
Free Kissaway Trail Mp3 courtesy of Press Here Publicity, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Kissaway Trail - SDP That Mp3 above and the video for the same song below is from the Kissaway Trails forthcoming album, which will be available to purchase on April 20th. The album was produced by Peter Katis who has worked with Interpol, The National, Sigur Rós’ & Jónsi. The band itself is Danish but you can here lots of American rock influence in their music. Don't expect the entire set to be as rocking at SDP, these guys are known for building their music live, creating layers and loops and adding them altogether to create a big, enveloping sound.
Going back to Temper Trap for a minute, I feel like they have been in obscurity for too long. They have had a couple of successful SXSW visits yet they aren't all over AAA radio yet. Does 101X even play their tunes? Here's one more to tide you over until tomorrow.
You know why I moved to Austin? Well, that's a complicated answer but this Saturday night is a great example of what you're missing if you don't live here. Tomorrow night we have: Girl Talk, L.A.X., Yeasayer, Vampire Weekend, and Elton John all performing at different venues around the city. How do you like that for a spectrum of respectable artists throughout various genres? Eh? Eh? The down-side to this is, which show do you choose?
Well there are many factors here, do you have a butt-load of cash? No? Well, then Elton John is out. Are you over 21 years of age or older? No? Well, you're probably not reading my site but if you are, then head to UT youngin' that's where Girl Talk is playing (for free). Are you making a last minute decision to go out? Yes? Well, then, Vampire Weekend is out unless you want to buy scalped tickets on the street. Looks like Yeasayer it is, lucky for you that was my number one pick and tickets are available now that the show has been moved from the Parish to La Zona Rosa
Sorry for the lame, fake video. There is an OFFICIAL video, which is weird and beautiful and viewable here but alas I can not embed it. *le sigh*
Do you like how I threw L.A.X. in there with all of those brand-name bands above the break? Well, in case you're not in on the joke L.A.X. is a little Austin band that are just making ripples in the scene so far but I really enjoy them. I saw them perform at the Blue Stage during FunFunFun Fest this year and they put on a great show. They also expanded both in their sound and their numbers within the last few years and they seem to be picking up steam. I see the possibility for big things in their future if they meet the right people and/or hit the right eyes and ears. Let them hit your eyes and ears, at the LXM Pro party with Bright Light Social Hour. Enter the code "ATXBLOG" to get your ticket for almost half price.
I feel like Elton John doesn't really need any attention from me or my readers, I recognize that he is an icon and we're moving on. What is there to say about Girl Talk that hasn't been said before? I'll just sum up the Girl Talk experience in three simple words: sweaty, laptop, party.
Might I add that Vampire Weekend and Elton John are the two artists in this post who are NOT FunFunFun Fest alumna. I don't know who deserves the praise in this scenario but I feel like hands should be shakin' upon this realization.
Vampire Weekend - Giving Up the Gun video via YouTube
If you're hearing the above VW song for the first time thinking WTF happened to their sound?!?! I should clue you into what its members were doing between albums in their off-time.
Well, dear reader, it's too late to get tickets to see Phoenix or Vampire Weekend at Stubb's this month but I thought I'd give you the heads up on some other shows that will, likely, sell out. The first one I want to mention isn't until May 29th and it's at Stubb's, as well, but you should just get tickets to see Bassnectar now. Last time he was in town he sold out La Zona Rosa during ACL weekend. A bass-rattling, good time was had by all, but most importantly had by me. I first saw Bassnectar at the Playboy party at SXSW 09 and it totally blew me away. Can you say intense?
Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy (Mega Bass Remix) video via YouTube While we're on the subject of Stubb's it's also too late to get Dead Weather tickets :-(. But you can still see the Godfather of indie-piano-pop, Mr. Ben Folds himself. That show is listed as Ben Folds w/a Piano, which would lead me to believe he won't have a backing band. However, I find that hard to believe considering he's playing Stubb's outside. I suppose only time will tell. Tickets for Ben Folds should set you back roughly $30.
I knew Passion Pit was going to be back in Austin this June but I didn't realize they have added a second date. So, if you missed your chance to get tickets for the first night, you might want to try the 2nd night. They'll be performing with the Tokyo Police Club, which is a pretty sweet line-up if you ask me.
Passion Pit - Seaweed Song (Solo Version) video via YouTube
I don't know about you, but I LOVE me some New Pornographers, so you can bet your ass I'm getting tickets to see them at Stubb's on July 23rd. the Dodos are playing the opening slot so I expect this show will sell-out at probably in late May or early June. If you've never seen the New Pornographers perform, don't miss out again. I've had the pleasure of seeing them three times, once without Neko Case or Dan Behar and they were still completely stellar.
the New Pornographers - Myriad Harbour video via YouTube
The last Stubb's show I'm giving you the heads-up about will most definitely sell-out, like any minute now, so if you want to see Robert Plant, yes that Robert Plant then you best be clicking this ticket link. That show isn't until late July so I don't want to hear it 3 months from now if you didn't get your ticket. I should warn you though, ONE ticket to see Robert Plant is $50 before fees/taxes/etc. So, you COULD just buy a Led Zeppelin box set if you prefer.
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Gone, Gone, Gone video via YouTube
I wasn't sure if I was going to see Ted Leo + the Pharmacists on Wednesday but then I heard about Ted Leo's solo acoustic in-store at my favorite record shop in town, End of an Ear and that pleased me. Oh, how it did please me and doth still, yeah so that's supposed to happen at 4pm but EoE is tiny so I'm going to get there early enough to rub Ted Leo's shoulders while he guitar solos. Although, it's an acoustic show so that might be awkward...for him to do guitar solos, not the massaging that's normal, people do that. You can also see Ted with his full band of Pharmacists at Emo's but it will be a lot harder to massage him there, just so you know. It will also be a lot louder and more warehouse/post-apocalyptic bomb shelter-esque at Emo's but they have a lot more liquor than EoE, which can be nice. As of the writing of this post there are still tickets for the Emo's show. Of course, the End of an Ear appearance is free but you'll probably want to buy some stuff while you're there. No, seriously buy it!
I hope Ted does this one tomorrow, or perhaps a more time-appropriate but similarly-themed cover. I love your originals too though Ted, just sayin' the kids like the cover songs/Gleetarded mash-ups.
Ted Leo - Since You Been Gone/Maps video via YouTube
A group called Screaming Females will be playing the slot right before Ted Leo. I know nothing about them...yet but without searching I'm going to guess that it's actually a 3-piece, none of which are women who do clever pop-punk music (Take Off Your Pants and Jacket). Now the next paragraph will be dedicated to either smugness on my part or humility and the truth about Screaming Females. Stay Tuned.
Ok, so their Wikipedia entry is pretty shit-tastic and I still haven't heard their music but I now know that there is at least ONE female in the band. I also know that they are in fact a 3-piece "indie rock/punk" band who hail from New Jersey. Will fist-pumping be mandatory at this show? So, let's kill the mystery and get to the sample video. I'll scour the ole' YouTube and see if I can find something we can check out.
Screaming Females - Burried in the Nude video via YouTube.
Ok, so it was clever but not in the ways I was expecting and it's definitely not "pop-punk" I wouldn't even use the word punk near it, but I suppose I can see how they would end up with that label. It's sort of like an angrier B-52's, on that note I think any band would be better if Fred Schneider added vocals. Let's check out one more track from Screaming Females and try to picture Fred Schneider adding a call and response style vocal.
