As you may recall, Silversun Pickups played a sold-out show at Stubb's Monday night and a certain blogger you may know was in attendance. It was my first time seeing Silversun Pickups perform but I have been a fan of their albums. The live show was energetic, with some very basic but beautiful lighting. The band was neither static nor corny, all in all a highly enjoyable experience. Luckily, those of you who missed them on Monday night will have another chance to catch SSPU in October when the band plays Austin City Limits Festival. In the meantime, feel free to wet your appetites with the videos I shot from the *ahem* VIP section.
Silversun Pickups - Little Lover's So Polite video via YouTube
It was my first time in Stubb's VIP balcony and I must say it was pretty nice. There is a bar in that area, and there are even risers to help more people see. I didn't always have a great vantage point and there were a few d-bags up there but both of these factors are to be expected no matter where you are at any venue.
Silversun Pickups - video via YouTube
The above video was the last song the band played, when asked about collapsing at the show's end the drummer responded, "I just wanted to lie down." and after that bombastic performance I can't blame him. I'd be downright tuckered. Who am I kidding? I'd be downright tuckered after the first 12 bars of the first song.
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Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Stubb's Friday, Be There
I'm not gonna lie, I'm definitely one of those hipsters who shows up to a venue just to catch the headlining act. I'm almost 30 y'all, and I don't always want to stand around for 3 hour stretches of time. Well, this Friday I will make an exception to catch ALL of the acts playing Stubb's. First and foremost, California-based sometimes folky, sometimes rock-god, Imaad Wasif will be opening the festivities. His third, and latest, album the Voidist came out last fall and manages to blend all (or most) of Wasif's influences without sounding like pastiche. Expect some psychedelia, some folk, some straight ahead rock, lots of beautiful guitar work and lyrics about love and loss.
Imaad Wasif - Fangs video via YouTube
Yeah, so that was just the FIRST artist at Stubb's Friday night. One of my favorites from SXSW's of the past, the Dodos will be bringing their blend of beautifully crafted songwriting to the Waller Creek Amphitheater. I'll be excited to see the Dodos perform to such a large audience, I think they'll win a lot of new fans. They are one of those bands that are best enjoyed live, not that the records aren't great on their own, but you'll hear it differently after you seem them play.
the Dodos - Longform video via YouTube
Of course in the headlining slot, Canadian supergroup, that's right I said supergroup, the New Pornographers will be bringing the house down. I love each one of their records more than the last or at least equally as much, or maybe I love them all in a unique way that can't be compared. But, the point remains, I effing love the New Pornos. I've been lucky enough to seem them perform live 3 times in the past and they never disappoint. The first time I saw them they were without Neko Case and without Dan Bejar and they still kicked a**. I'm not sure, but I would expect that both Neko and Dan will be at Stubb's Friday but you never really know until everyone takes the stage, or doesn't, as it were.
the New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together) video via YouTube
Shockingly, tickets for Friday night's show still haven't sold-out and they'll set you back a cool $25. I predicted this show to be a sell-out don't prove me wrong Austin. When the New Pornographers headlined FunFunFun Fest part deux the crowd was packed in tight and loving it just like a [noun] getting [verbed] with an [adjective], [adjective] [noun].
Read more!
Imaad Wasif - Fangs video via YouTube
Yeah, so that was just the FIRST artist at Stubb's Friday night. One of my favorites from SXSW's of the past, the Dodos will be bringing their blend of beautifully crafted songwriting to the Waller Creek Amphitheater. I'll be excited to see the Dodos perform to such a large audience, I think they'll win a lot of new fans. They are one of those bands that are best enjoyed live, not that the records aren't great on their own, but you'll hear it differently after you seem them play.
the Dodos - Longform video via YouTube
Of course in the headlining slot, Canadian supergroup, that's right I said supergroup, the New Pornographers will be bringing the house down. I love each one of their records more than the last or at least equally as much, or maybe I love them all in a unique way that can't be compared. But, the point remains, I effing love the New Pornos. I've been lucky enough to seem them perform live 3 times in the past and they never disappoint. The first time I saw them they were without Neko Case and without Dan Bejar and they still kicked a**. I'm not sure, but I would expect that both Neko and Dan will be at Stubb's Friday but you never really know until everyone takes the stage, or doesn't, as it were.
the New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together) video via YouTube
Shockingly, tickets for Friday night's show still haven't sold-out and they'll set you back a cool $25. I predicted this show to be a sell-out don't prove me wrong Austin. When the New Pornographers headlined FunFunFun Fest part deux the crowd was packed in tight and loving it just like a [noun] getting [verbed] with an [adjective], [adjective] [noun].
Read more!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Magic Time
I don't know about you but I'm really liking what I've heard from Memphis band, Magic Kids. I knew, vaguely, in the back of my mind that they were coming to Austin at some point and I sort of thought I had missed it. Lucky for us, the show isn't until Aug 3rd. Then, upon further inspection I noticed that Here We Go Magic are playing Austin the very next night. So, obviously, this means it will be perfectly acceptable for you to wear any and all Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings crap you've got kicking around your apartment. Calling it up, Tuesday and Wednesday August 3rd and 4th will be magical times here in Austin Texas, magical times indeed.
Magic Kids - Hey Boy video via YouTube
Now, both Magic Kids and Here We Go Magic were in town during SXSW 2010. I know, I wanted to see both artists perform but I only ended up catching Here We Go Magic. Ironically, I had already seen HWGM but have yet to see Magic Kids. This changes next month though, tickets for that show at the Mohawk will set you back $10 if you buy in advance, or $12 at the door. Sorry for the faux-video(s), which will probably get pulled from YouTube and probably should BUT I like these songs so...
Magic Kids - Summer video via YouTube
I won't be needing any faux-video to show you Here We Go Magic. As previously mentioned I did see HWGM at SWSW 2010 and I had seen them on tour with Grizzly Bear the previous fall. In a lot of ways it was like seeing two different bands. Their sound has shifted pretty dramatically between albums. The sound is much bigger now but there's still the same great songwriting at the music's core.
Here We Go Magic - Bottom Feeder video via YouTube
I suppose it's unfair to compare a live recording with a studio recording but Tunnelvision is my jam from the previous LP so I'm sharing it here with you now. I find it's best to hear with headphones and/or really loudly so you pick up all the different textures that get added and subtracted. Keeping in mind, of course, that even a decent sounding YouTube video pales in comparison to hearing this on vinyl or even CD, obviously.
Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision video via YouTube
You'll have two chances to catch Here We Go Magic while they're in town, as they'll be performing a free in-store at Waterloo Records as well as their headlining show at Emo's. Tickets for the August 4th show will set you back $10.
Read more!
Magic Kids - Hey Boy video via YouTube
Now, both Magic Kids and Here We Go Magic were in town during SXSW 2010. I know, I wanted to see both artists perform but I only ended up catching Here We Go Magic. Ironically, I had already seen HWGM but have yet to see Magic Kids. This changes next month though, tickets for that show at the Mohawk will set you back $10 if you buy in advance, or $12 at the door. Sorry for the faux-video(s), which will probably get pulled from YouTube and probably should BUT I like these songs so...
Magic Kids - Summer video via YouTube
I won't be needing any faux-video to show you Here We Go Magic. As previously mentioned I did see HWGM at SWSW 2010 and I had seen them on tour with Grizzly Bear the previous fall. In a lot of ways it was like seeing two different bands. Their sound has shifted pretty dramatically between albums. The sound is much bigger now but there's still the same great songwriting at the music's core.
Here We Go Magic - Bottom Feeder video via YouTube
I suppose it's unfair to compare a live recording with a studio recording but Tunnelvision is my jam from the previous LP so I'm sharing it here with you now. I find it's best to hear with headphones and/or really loudly so you pick up all the different textures that get added and subtracted. Keeping in mind, of course, that even a decent sounding YouTube video pales in comparison to hearing this on vinyl or even CD, obviously.
Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision video via YouTube
You'll have two chances to catch Here We Go Magic while they're in town, as they'll be performing a free in-store at Waterloo Records as well as their headlining show at Emo's. Tickets for the August 4th show will set you back $10.
Read more!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Planning Ahead aka. Get Your Tix Now (July)
Well, I know that FunFunFun Fest isn't until November but you should keep on top of the ticket situation early so you can get them the cheapest.
the New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together) video via YouTube
In the more near future, there aren't too, too many acts hitting Austin in July that I expect to sell-out. I already mentioned a while back that the New Pornographers are hitting Stubb's on July 23rd and I can't believe there are still tickets available. I love this band and feel that their last three records have all been A.M. radio, pop-masterpieces. If you haven't seen them perform live then what are you waiting for? This show will sell-out. Did I mention the Dodos are also playing on that bill?
the Dodos - Longform video via YouTube
There are actually 2 other shows I want to check out on that same night, Friday, July 23rd. It's feasible to catch 2 of the 3 shows, especially if 1 of those shows is the one at Stubb's, which should be over around midnight or shortly thereafter. I really want to catch the Parson Redheads at Emo's.
Parson Redheads - Peace In the Valley video via YouTube
I also would love to be at the Mohawk's inside stage on July 23rd for TV Torso with Cut Chemist rocking the outside stage. Tickets for that show are only $15. I foresee this show selling-out within the next 10-12 days or so. People really like Cut Chemist and the inside stage area is not very big at the 'Hawk.
Cut Chemist - Live at Amoeba Music video via YouTube.
It's going to be Mom-jeans galore on Tuesday, July 13th at Stubb's. Watch for swooning MILFS as Mr. Jamie Cullum takes the stage. Don't be mistaken I'm not hating on JC, I am featuring the show after all. Snag a ticket and oh hell, take your Mom.
Jamie Cullum - Frontin' video via YouTube
Go local or go touring on Saturday, July 17th. Local favorites, the Octopus Project play the Mohawk with Tia Carrera. I expect the $12 tickets for this show to sell-out pretty quickly. The Octopus Project doesn't play a whole lot these days, so when they do, people show-up.
the Octopus Project - Wet Gold video via YouTube
The touring act I'd catch Sat. the 17th is the Delta Sprit at Emo's. They always put on a great show and they are great songwriters, writing tunes that stick with you days/weeks/months later. tickets will set you back $ for that show.
Delta Spirit - History From Below video via YouTube
At the very end of the month Iron & Wine will perform at the Paramount Theater on Congress. I will warn you that the seats there are ridiculously uncomfortable but it's still a great place to see an artist like Iron & Wine as the environment is highly-conducive to people STFU. Besides there are ushers, how cute is that? Don't complain about the steep ticket prices, the show is a HAMM/MANA benefit and will surely sell-out at any moment.
Iron & Wine - Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car (Live) video via YouTube
So, that's what you should plan ahead for this month. Of course, there are a lot of other good shows happening I'm just giving you the heads-up about these particular ones as I expect they'll become sold-out.
Read more!
the New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together) video via YouTube
In the more near future, there aren't too, too many acts hitting Austin in July that I expect to sell-out. I already mentioned a while back that the New Pornographers are hitting Stubb's on July 23rd and I can't believe there are still tickets available. I love this band and feel that their last three records have all been A.M. radio, pop-masterpieces. If you haven't seen them perform live then what are you waiting for? This show will sell-out. Did I mention the Dodos are also playing on that bill?
the Dodos - Longform video via YouTube
There are actually 2 other shows I want to check out on that same night, Friday, July 23rd. It's feasible to catch 2 of the 3 shows, especially if 1 of those shows is the one at Stubb's, which should be over around midnight or shortly thereafter. I really want to catch the Parson Redheads at Emo's.
Parson Redheads - Peace In the Valley video via YouTube
I also would love to be at the Mohawk's inside stage on July 23rd for TV Torso with Cut Chemist rocking the outside stage. Tickets for that show are only $15. I foresee this show selling-out within the next 10-12 days or so. People really like Cut Chemist and the inside stage area is not very big at the 'Hawk.
Cut Chemist - Live at Amoeba Music video via YouTube.
It's going to be Mom-jeans galore on Tuesday, July 13th at Stubb's. Watch for swooning MILFS as Mr. Jamie Cullum takes the stage. Don't be mistaken I'm not hating on JC, I am featuring the show after all. Snag a ticket and oh hell, take your Mom.
Jamie Cullum - Frontin' video via YouTube
Go local or go touring on Saturday, July 17th. Local favorites, the Octopus Project play the Mohawk with Tia Carrera. I expect the $12 tickets for this show to sell-out pretty quickly. The Octopus Project doesn't play a whole lot these days, so when they do, people show-up.
the Octopus Project - Wet Gold video via YouTube
The touring act I'd catch Sat. the 17th is the Delta Sprit at Emo's. They always put on a great show and they are great songwriters, writing tunes that stick with you days/weeks/months later. tickets will set you back $ for that show.
Delta Spirit - History From Below video via YouTube
At the very end of the month Iron & Wine will perform at the Paramount Theater on Congress. I will warn you that the seats there are ridiculously uncomfortable but it's still a great place to see an artist like Iron & Wine as the environment is highly-conducive to people STFU. Besides there are ushers, how cute is that? Don't complain about the steep ticket prices, the show is a HAMM/MANA benefit and will surely sell-out at any moment.
Iron & Wine - Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car (Live) video via YouTube
So, that's what you should plan ahead for this month. Of course, there are a lot of other good shows happening I'm just giving you the heads-up about these particular ones as I expect they'll become sold-out.
Read more!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Quiet Company + Oh No! Oh My! = Bloggy Love
Whatcha doin' Friday? I'll tell you what you SHOULD be doing. You should be checking out TWO of Bloggy's favorite Austin indie-pop bands splitting a bill at Ghost Room. I have only seen a couple of shows at Ghost Room but I really like their set-up. It's an intimate room with good acoustics and a very decent sound rig. There's also an area for lazy people (like me) to sit and still see the band quite well. My homeslices at Quiet Company will be playing the headlining slot but make sure you show up early enough to catch Oh No! Oh My! as well. Both of these bands make me ponder why they're not more famous by now. They both write beautiful, accessible, indie-pop songs that will appeal to a large audience they just need to hit the right ears.
Quiet Company - It's Better To Spend Money Like There's No Tomorrow Than Spend Tonight Like There's No Money video via YouTube
It looks like Oh No! Oh My! go on at 11:00p with Quiet Company doing their thing around midnight. Might I mention, I appreciate that Ghost Room lists set times rather than just telling us when the doors open. People like me, who try to go to more than one show a night when they're downtown need to know when the bands go on. I suppose most venues prefer you hang out and spend money on marked-up liquor while you wait for the band you want to see and I can't blame them for that. They gots to earn a living too.
There doesn't seem to be a legit video for I Painted Your House but I really want you guys to hear it, so I'm going to post this faux-video instead.
Oh No! Oh My! - I Painted Your House video via YouTube
By the way, Quiet Company has lots of cool videos on their official site that you might want to check out. They just released a beautiful EP of love songs called, Songs For Staying In and there are videos for each of the tracks so you can preview before purchasing.
Speaking of EP's I really hope Oh No! Oh My! has a new EP for me to buy. I've pretty much worn out my copy of Dmitrij Dmitrij.
By the way if you're reading this Quiet Company and I know you are, will you please upload ONE of your new videos to YouTube, that's my preferred way to embed video. My computer hates Vimeo. Although the next video of yours I embed will be one that I shoot myself at the Ghost Room. In the meantime, for those of you who aren't in Quiet Company, you can check out Nakia covering my favorite track from the Songs For Staying In EP below.
Quiet Company - Jezebel video via YouTube
Read more!
Quiet Company - It's Better To Spend Money Like There's No Tomorrow Than Spend Tonight Like There's No Money video via YouTube
It looks like Oh No! Oh My! go on at 11:00p with Quiet Company doing their thing around midnight. Might I mention, I appreciate that Ghost Room lists set times rather than just telling us when the doors open. People like me, who try to go to more than one show a night when they're downtown need to know when the bands go on. I suppose most venues prefer you hang out and spend money on marked-up liquor while you wait for the band you want to see and I can't blame them for that. They gots to earn a living too.
There doesn't seem to be a legit video for I Painted Your House but I really want you guys to hear it, so I'm going to post this faux-video instead.
Oh No! Oh My! - I Painted Your House video via YouTube
By the way, Quiet Company has lots of cool videos on their official site that you might want to check out. They just released a beautiful EP of love songs called, Songs For Staying In and there are videos for each of the tracks so you can preview before purchasing.
Speaking of EP's I really hope Oh No! Oh My! has a new EP for me to buy. I've pretty much worn out my copy of Dmitrij Dmitrij.
By the way if you're reading this Quiet Company and I know you are, will you please upload ONE of your new videos to YouTube, that's my preferred way to embed video. My computer hates Vimeo. Although the next video of yours I embed will be one that I shoot myself at the Ghost Room. In the meantime, for those of you who aren't in Quiet Company, you can check out Nakia covering my favorite track from the Songs For Staying In EP below.
Quiet Company - Jezebel video via YouTube
Read more!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Daniel Johnston plays the Mohawk
I was marginally aware of Daniel Johnston's music before I moved to Austin but I certainly didn't revere him. I just knew him as that guy with the weird voice who writes the beautiful songs. Then I started to see his art on T-Shirts everywhere, then of course, there's his giant "Hi, How Are You" mural on the drag. Suddenly his legend was building for me and I was starting to get it. Then I saw The Devil and Daniel Johnston and now I realize he is a patron saint of Austin. He is one of those characters that made Richard Linklater fall in love with this place. He doesn't walk a fine line between genius and madness he struts along that line and he churns out touching, well-crafted songs all the while. This blogger is excited for what truly ammounts to a historical opportunity to see Johnston perform at the Mohawk tomorrow night. To be honest, I really have no idea what to expect but I'm going to set the bar kind of low. I won't be looking for fireworks, or Van Halen stage moves, I just want to see the man in person and hear him croak out a few songs. There are at least 5 great shows in town tomorrow night but if you're honest with yourself you'll realize this is the only show that is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. In other words click this ticket link before they're all gone.
Daniel Johnston - Don't Play Cards With Satan video via YouTube
Oh God, after watching that video above the break now I'm worried I might cry though Daniel Johnston's set. That was pretty intense for me for some reason. Why are Austin's characters so beautifully haunted and amazingly talented? Guess it sort of goes with the whole "Keep Austin Weird" schtick. So, if you see a 6'2" man with a beard crying his eyes out at the Daniel Johnston show tomorrow give him a hug and a beer and tell him it's gonna be ok.
For those of you who haven't seen The Devil and Daniel Johnston you should really rent it, it's a great film that gives some great insight. Here's the trailer:
The Devil and Daniel Johnston - Trailer video via YouTube
Here's a song that Daniel released on a homemade tape in 1981, if you were in Austin during that time you probably have a copy lying around your house somewhere and I am jealous of that fact.
Daniel Johnston - Grievances video via YouTube
"If I can't be a lover
then I'll be a pest."
Read more!
Daniel Johnston - Don't Play Cards With Satan video via YouTube
Oh God, after watching that video above the break now I'm worried I might cry though Daniel Johnston's set. That was pretty intense for me for some reason. Why are Austin's characters so beautifully haunted and amazingly talented? Guess it sort of goes with the whole "Keep Austin Weird" schtick. So, if you see a 6'2" man with a beard crying his eyes out at the Daniel Johnston show tomorrow give him a hug and a beer and tell him it's gonna be ok.
For those of you who haven't seen The Devil and Daniel Johnston you should really rent it, it's a great film that gives some great insight. Here's the trailer:
The Devil and Daniel Johnston - Trailer video via YouTube
Here's a song that Daniel released on a homemade tape in 1981, if you were in Austin during that time you probably have a copy lying around your house somewhere and I am jealous of that fact.
Daniel Johnston - Grievances video via YouTube
"If I can't be a lover
then I'll be a pest."
Read more!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
the Mynabirds + Josh Ritter at Antone's
As you may or may not know, Bloggy isn't really people who knows people, he just plays pretend. In real life he's a waiter (shhhh) but in the Austin nightlife, he goes out on the town with a Flipcam and an air of importance in order to talk his way into shows and areas of clubs where he doesn't belong. Well, last night, at Antone's, Bloggy was people who knew people who knew the Mynabirds, which was a very good thing. The show as ridiculously packed, I don't know if it sold-out but if it didn't it came very close. Mynabirds took the stage at 9p on the nose and the house was wall to wall sweaty faces. The band played a short set that left the crowd wanting more, which is pretty much ideal for a non-headlining slot. I'm not going to pretend to critique the performance, I'm pretty much biased (loved it). But feel free to form your own, un-biased, opinion about them. Although, if you think about it, how can any opinion about anything truly be unbiased? Even a robot trained to be unbiased has a bias against being bias. But I digress. My BloggyCam footage turned out terrible, so I'm not going to subject you to it. Enjoy this instead.
the Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie video via YouTube
I must admit, generally having "All-Access" or "VIP" status amounts to almost-nothing in most Austin venues but at Antone's it's the best way to see a show there. Not only are you right above the bathroom area but you have to walk through the band's dressing room in order to get to the VIP area. How cool is that? Cool for you, possibly not cool for the band. Also, when the show is over you can use an exit door that no one else can use. In case of fire, you're cool, they're effed. Well, not really, but that's how it felt. Did I mention they also have a cocktail server so you don't even have to get up to get alcohol? Oh, and I had a surface. An actual table to set things on. It was crazy sauce and I recommend you start your own blog and trick people into thinking you're important. Actually forget I said that. Moving on.
I only stayed for the first 3-5 songs of Josh Ritter's set. I know, I'm lame but I had to sling pancakes at 6:30 this morning. Not wake up at 6:30 but actually be there, at work, awake, acting like I want to bring you coffee and such at 6:30am. So get off my case, at least I was there alright?! Anyway, I was quite impressed with Josh Ritter's set. I have a few songs of his in my iTunes library but I have like a billion songs in my iTunes library and those few songs of his had never really stuck out to me, in the past. However, in person, with a full band to liven things up Ritter was quite the showman. The crowd was paying attention at a level I found eerie for an Austin audience. The quiet parts in the songs were actually quiet. Also, the music was very pleasant and I could see a big cross-section of Americans really get into Josh Ritter.
Josh Ritter - Girl In the War video via YouTube
The above video doesn't really capture the high-energy set Ritter played last night with a full band but that is I beautiful song. Did I mention the show turned into an impromptu tweet-up when I ran into half my twitter feed and some of my customers from work? I love that about this city. When you start to get to know the people standing near you at shows you'll find that they're standing near you at lots of shows and then you can cheers with your Lone Stars and smile.
Read more!
the Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie video via YouTube
I must admit, generally having "All-Access" or "VIP" status amounts to almost-nothing in most Austin venues but at Antone's it's the best way to see a show there. Not only are you right above the bathroom area but you have to walk through the band's dressing room in order to get to the VIP area. How cool is that? Cool for you, possibly not cool for the band. Also, when the show is over you can use an exit door that no one else can use. In case of fire, you're cool, they're effed. Well, not really, but that's how it felt. Did I mention they also have a cocktail server so you don't even have to get up to get alcohol? Oh, and I had a surface. An actual table to set things on. It was crazy sauce and I recommend you start your own blog and trick people into thinking you're important. Actually forget I said that. Moving on.
I only stayed for the first 3-5 songs of Josh Ritter's set. I know, I'm lame but I had to sling pancakes at 6:30 this morning. Not wake up at 6:30 but actually be there, at work, awake, acting like I want to bring you coffee and such at 6:30am. So get off my case, at least I was there alright?! Anyway, I was quite impressed with Josh Ritter's set. I have a few songs of his in my iTunes library but I have like a billion songs in my iTunes library and those few songs of his had never really stuck out to me, in the past. However, in person, with a full band to liven things up Ritter was quite the showman. The crowd was paying attention at a level I found eerie for an Austin audience. The quiet parts in the songs were actually quiet. Also, the music was very pleasant and I could see a big cross-section of Americans really get into Josh Ritter.
Josh Ritter - Girl In the War video via YouTube
The above video doesn't really capture the high-energy set Ritter played last night with a full band but that is I beautiful song. Did I mention the show turned into an impromptu tweet-up when I ran into half my twitter feed and some of my customers from work? I love that about this city. When you start to get to know the people standing near you at shows you'll find that they're standing near you at lots of shows and then you can cheers with your Lone Stars and smile.
Read more!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Ultra8201's Birthday at the Parish.
It's somewhat short notice but I wanted y'all to have a friendly little reminder about my brethren in blogging's birthday bash tonight at the Parish. Cherish the Parish while enjoying the sounds of Bloggy favs L.A.X.. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes 'cause those kids like to get down. Of course the more rockin' side of indie will also be represented with Love at 20, as well as Politics and the Redboys.
Even though it's the day of the show I'm pretty sure you are still welcome to RSVP over at the Do512 site in order to get $2 off the cover. Also, you can see if your friends or enemies are going over at the event's Facebook page. Bloggy <3's Ultra8201 so I'll be making an appearance. I'm thinking of gifting myrrh or frankincense they seem like good, traditional birthday presents. Either that or an iPod Shuffle, I haven't decided.
All you need to bring is yourself, enough money to get in and a positive attitude. The music, excellent sound and good times are all included in the cover price. See you at the Parish?
Oh, by the way, word on the street is there's an after-party at a certain sweaty dance club named for a certain Jane Fonda movie that will certainly have loud dance music and cheap beers. Come on, you know the one.
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010
LCD Soundsytem at Stubb's (Video)
It was strange to walk down, a vacant, 6th street in the 7 O'clock hour last night on my way to Stubb's but after a blistering 2 hour set from LCD Soundsystem I was happy with the early start time. The weather wasn't ideal since there was a fine mist/light rain as the doors opened so it was pretty humid with all those people packed in. I will say, the amphitheater itself, didn't seem as muddy as I had expected, I don't know much about dirt, but kudos to Stubb's for using a non-muddy dirt(?). LCD took the stage at 8:30 and didn't take a break for 90 minutes. All of the songs were huge pulsing affairs,w hich were intensified by the epileptic's nightmare of a light show. I literally had to shield my face from the stroboscopic assault but I wouldn't have things any other way. Here's the BloggyCam interpretation of LCD's opening number.
LCD Soundsystem - Us v Them video via YouTube
This is the part of the post where I complain about the crowd, since really the band is only one element to the live experience. The show was sold-out so the place was packed with a wide-variety of Austin "types" but the people who stand out in my mind are the ones who meet up at a concert to "catch-up". There was a couple adjacent to me who talked so incessantly I almost videod their conversation. Another couple, squeezed in front of me, so one was beside me and one was in front in an area of crowd that was already packed to the gills, then they started chatting with each other, with me between them. After a complete song of this, I turned and looked at them and I said, "SERIOUSLY!?!?! SERIOUSLY?!!? I paid to hear this band play." I hate doing that, but I want to ask these people, why are you here? Give me $40 and you can talk all you want and I won't bother you BUT I pay to listen to bands perform and while I can still hear the music when you're talking I can also hear your banal conversation.
So that's what I have to say about talking during a concert. My other annoyance was the people constantly trying to get closer, or see better or generally moving about constantly. Pick an effing spot and camp there people. Then, maybe after a few songs, find a different spot but saying, "Excuse me" doesn't make it ok for you, to stop, with the back of your head 4 inches in front of my face. Not cool. If you say excuse me and you're moving THROUGH that is one thing but don't squeeze into my spot bro, that's not polite no matter what words come out of your mouth.
LCD Soundsytem - I Can Change video via YouTube
With all of that said, the majority of the crowd was really into the show the whole time. People were clapping along, singing, dancing having a jolly-good time. Overall, most of my issues are issues you will experience at any show but especially the high-capacity venue shows. Each visit to Stubb's reinforces to me that I will never be cut out for Austin City Limits Fest or any other similar summer fest. I've decided I like music more than I like people, so I want to hear music where there aren't as many people around to bother me. Except you of course. You, I love. Obviously.
Read more!
LCD Soundsystem - Us v Them video via YouTube
This is the part of the post where I complain about the crowd, since really the band is only one element to the live experience. The show was sold-out so the place was packed with a wide-variety of Austin "types" but the people who stand out in my mind are the ones who meet up at a concert to "catch-up". There was a couple adjacent to me who talked so incessantly I almost videod their conversation. Another couple, squeezed in front of me, so one was beside me and one was in front in an area of crowd that was already packed to the gills, then they started chatting with each other, with me between them. After a complete song of this, I turned and looked at them and I said, "SERIOUSLY!?!?! SERIOUSLY?!!? I paid to hear this band play." I hate doing that, but I want to ask these people, why are you here? Give me $40 and you can talk all you want and I won't bother you BUT I pay to listen to bands perform and while I can still hear the music when you're talking I can also hear your banal conversation.
So that's what I have to say about talking during a concert. My other annoyance was the people constantly trying to get closer, or see better or generally moving about constantly. Pick an effing spot and camp there people. Then, maybe after a few songs, find a different spot but saying, "Excuse me" doesn't make it ok for you, to stop, with the back of your head 4 inches in front of my face. Not cool. If you say excuse me and you're moving THROUGH that is one thing but don't squeeze into my spot bro, that's not polite no matter what words come out of your mouth.
LCD Soundsytem - I Can Change video via YouTube
With all of that said, the majority of the crowd was really into the show the whole time. People were clapping along, singing, dancing having a jolly-good time. Overall, most of my issues are issues you will experience at any show but especially the high-capacity venue shows. Each visit to Stubb's reinforces to me that I will never be cut out for Austin City Limits Fest or any other similar summer fest. I've decided I like music more than I like people, so I want to hear music where there aren't as many people around to bother me. Except you of course. You, I love. Obviously.
Read more!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Mumford, Sons, Middle East, La Zona
Damn, y'all I haven't been checking ShowListAustin.com or Do512 very much lately, for the same reason I haven't been looking for bills in my mailbox. Now, I'm really regretting I didn't try to work some schmoozy, bloggy magic to get into the Mumford & Sons show at La Zona Rosa tomorrow night. At this point, it's too late to "get on the list" but I might go pretend like I'm already on the list and see how far that gets me. Not only am I a fan of Mumford etc. but I effing adore The Middle East. They have this song called Lonely on their EP that kills me (in a good way). It's over 7 minutes of beautiful, passionate, somber transcendence. Not to over-sell it. You might remember they were one of my bands to watch during this past SXSW. In any case, tickets don't seem to be available online but you MAY be able to get them at a local retailer, or at the door. If not, you can always hang out at Backstage Bar and pretend like you were at the show, there's no shame in that. Well, maybe a little bit of shame.
Speaking of shame, it's kind of lame of me to not post an original song in this headlining spot, but I effing love cover songs. So...
Mumford & Sons - Cousins video via YouTube
I keep hearing people say how much they love the sound of the banjo and it seems to be infiltrating hipster-culture and I fully approve. It's just logical that as we get more and more tech-savvy our music will go back to the hills. I predict the next Panda Bear album will feature lots of jug and banjo. You heard it here first people.
Mumford & Sons - The Cave video via YouTube
Like many of you, I don't always make it to the show in time to catch the opening act, but if you are going to La Zona tomorrow night, make sure you catch the Middle East and try to think about me and what I might be thinking about while you are listening but picture me listening too, with a Lonestar that you bought me. Thanks.
the Middle East - Lonely video via YouTube
If any of you are reading this and thinking about how you'd like to invite me to join you on your dime, thanks. It'd be my pleasure to join you on your dime. May I offer you some gratis earplugs? Otherwise if you're reading this and can't invite me along or simply don't want to go to the show. Thanks. I like you just for reading what I wrote. I feel like we should really hang out more IRL. Call me.
Read more!
Speaking of shame, it's kind of lame of me to not post an original song in this headlining spot, but I effing love cover songs. So...
Mumford & Sons - Cousins video via YouTube
I keep hearing people say how much they love the sound of the banjo and it seems to be infiltrating hipster-culture and I fully approve. It's just logical that as we get more and more tech-savvy our music will go back to the hills. I predict the next Panda Bear album will feature lots of jug and banjo. You heard it here first people.
Mumford & Sons - The Cave video via YouTube
Like many of you, I don't always make it to the show in time to catch the opening act, but if you are going to La Zona tomorrow night, make sure you catch the Middle East and try to think about me and what I might be thinking about while you are listening but picture me listening too, with a Lonestar that you bought me. Thanks.
the Middle East - Lonely video via YouTube
If any of you are reading this and thinking about how you'd like to invite me to join you on your dime, thanks. It'd be my pleasure to join you on your dime. May I offer you some gratis earplugs? Otherwise if you're reading this and can't invite me along or simply don't want to go to the show. Thanks. I like you just for reading what I wrote. I feel like we should really hang out more IRL. Call me.
Read more!
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