New Matthew Dear LP

Maybe it's the sweaty summer days, or maybe it's just my mood lately but I've been rocking the dance music a lot this summer. Needless to say I've been obsessed with the stuff Robyn has put out lately but I'm looking forward to hearing the new one from Matthew Dear tomorrow. I was kind of late to the party on Matthew Dear but my old roommate loved him. I'm terrible at all of the sub-genres of electronic music so I'll let you decide for yourself what you want to categorize his sound as. Or you could go with what his Wiki entry says.


Matthew Dear - Black City Teaser video via YouTube


I have to include this remix, as I was obsessed with the XX all winter/spring.


the XX - VCR (Matthew Dear Remix) video via YouTube

If you're not feeling the electronic music tomorrow you can get your sensitive singer-songwriter on with new releases from both David Gray and Ray LaMontagne. Personally I save music like that for the winter but there's no reason you can't buy it now and listen to it when the weather cools off.


Ray LaMontagne - Beg, Steal, or Borrow video via YouTube

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Ume Oprah, Oprah Ume, Emo's.

I haven't seen Bloggy favorites, Ume since SXSW and they were already playing loads of new songs then. I expect their headlining show at Emo's tomorrow night will have lots of songs that none of us have heard yet and that alone is reason enough for me to be there. If you wait to pay at the door it'll cost you $10 but you can pickup tickets at your usual neighborhood outlets, End of an Ear or Waterloo Records for a mere $8. Doors will open at 9p tomorrow night, which generally means the first act starts around 10p, you can expect Ume to hit Emo's inside stage around Midnight. At the time I captured this performance, there was no title for this song so I took the liberty of naming it for this site, 'cause I'm classy like that.


Ume - Austin Bloggy Limits video via YouTube


O'Brother will be playing the set before Ume. The band hails from Atlanta, and describes their sound as both ambient and indie. I don't know about you but I'm intrigued by that juxtaposition. Ambient jangliness? I suppose any band is indie if they do it themselves. Huzzah indie! Huzzah ambient! Huzzam Ambien?


O'Brother - New Song/Division of Man video via YouTube

Kicking things off around 9:30p or 10p tomorrow you can catch Austin's own the Sour Notes. Their latest LP Received in Bitterness was voted by the readers of Austin 360 as the best local LP of '09. So, they have that going for them, which is sweet.


the Sour Notes - Psychological Thriller video via YouTube



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New Pornographers Videos from Stubb's

In case you weren't at Stubb's on Friday night to see the New Pornographers, I got your back. I was lucky enough to get up into the coveted VIP area to shoot some birds-eye footage of the show for you, the Bloggy faithful. The New Pornos had 10 people on stage so it was tough to keep them all in frame, but there is a dude that will pop in and out on the right, he's the only one who didn't have a microphone. Throughout the show, there were generally 5 people singing. I don't spend the entire set trying to get video so it's sort of luck of the draw with song choices so I was quite pleased to have shot Myriad Harbour must admit it would have been nice to get Challenger and/or something from the new LP but beggars can't be choosers and all that jazz.


the New Pornographers - Myriad Harbour video via YouTube


This post is a reverse of the show as far as sets. Before the New Pornographers took the stage the Dodos performed. Their set was mixed with songs from all 3 LPs with a brand new song or two peppered in there. This is one of those new songs.


the Dodos - Contain Yourself video via YouTube

L.A. musician Imaad Wasif started out the evening. Don't be fooled by the mellow folk-leanings of Imaad on record. In person that dude really rocks. I'm not sure what the name of this song is, so if you know feel free to leave it in the comments for me.


Imaad Wasif - Live at Stubb's video via YouTube


You can find another video from each of the artists listed above over at the Bloggy YouTube Channel.

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F Deloren F Speculation F

I noticed an interesting thing whilst over at the True Panther Sounds website recently. In this article, where there is a free Mp3, they list new U.S. tour dates for Delorean in the fall. The section that caught my attention was the part of the tour where Austin belongs:

Fri Nov 5 – Hailey’s – Denton, TX *
Mon Nov 8 – Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AZ *

At first, I thought how odd that they would skip Austin but then I realized that FunFunFun Fest is November 6th and 7th. So, I'm thinking it's possible that Delorean will be making a day one appearance? I feel like it's at least interesting that they have those dates "off" or for travel time. Keep in mind, that this is still speculative. I am in no way affiliated with whomever makes those decisions or knows those things.


Delorean - Seasun video via YouTube


In other downloadable, Delorean news, have you heard that Banana Clipz Remix of Stay Close posted over at Mad Decent? If not, you should check it out for all our sakes. In the meantime, make sure you snag Real Love, which I linked to above the break as well as the remix over at Mad Decent. That is all.


Delorean - Stay Close video via YouTube

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Silversun Pickups Videos

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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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].

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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.

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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.

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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

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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."

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