Delta Spirit at Emo's Tonight

Alright kiddos it's the eve of ACL Fest and it's your final night of, "see a show every night leading up to ACL Fest." For tonight, it's a 2 for 1 kind of deal, I'm sending you to our beloved Emo's to see Delta Spirit. See, it's a 2 for 1 because it's an OFFICAL ACL aftershow, even though it's actually a pre-show. You can still get tickets and they're less than $20. As I mentioned yesterday, Delta Spirit are playing the same time as Fool's Gold at the fest, so this will be a great opportunity for you to see both bands perform full sets.

Delta Spirit - White Table video via YouTube

Of course, given that tonight is the unofficial kick-off to ACL weekend, there are lots and lots of shows for you to check out. Some of these shows you can just pay at the door, some require purchasing tickets in advance and some are crazy exclusive. One of my favorite hip-hop producer/DJ's is in town tonight at Red 7, you might know him as the DJ for North Carolina's Little Brother, that's right I'm talking about 9th Wonder. Tickets are only $10 and anyone who is a fan of hip-hop will be highly entertained. Perhaps you're familiar with his work already and didn't realize it. Here's one of my favorite of 9th Wonder's productions.

Erykah Badu - Honey video via YouTube

Just a door or two away from the 9th Wonder show, over at Beauty Bar you can catch all sorts of great Austin bands at the Art Disaster party. All sorts of genres will be represented with both DJ's and bands spinning, performing and generally destroying any and all types of music. Click the link for the full rundown on who is playing when, and on which stage. You can also download a free mixtape from the site and RSVP for entry.

Now, is the part where I mention the more exclusive shows. No offense, but if you didn't already know about these ones your chances are getting in are quite marginal. There is a mini-British-invasion at Austin's W Hotel tonight, with performances by both Coldplay and Katy B. Coldplay are taping an episode of Austin City Limits in the Moody Theater, which promises to be their most intimate performance in years. However, word on the tweet is they are bringing their full-arena show into the much smaller space. I'm talking balloons, confetti, balloons filled with confetti and Chris Martin running his tiny-ass off. Katy B is bringing her U.K. dancefloor bangers to the Great Room in the W as part of their Symmetry Live series. It will be one of Katy's first shows in the U.S. and I, for one, am very excite to see her perform.

Katy B - Witches Brew video via YouTube

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ACL Festival Preview: Fool's Gold

I fell in love with Fool's Gold at SXSW 2010 . In fact, I loved their live show so much that in a week when the city is flooded with thousands of bands, I actually (intentionally) watched them twice. The band is based in L.A. but, definitely, has a world sound. They recently released their second full-length LP via IAMSOUND Records and you can stream the whole thing on the KCRW site. If I had to pin down their sound, I would say it's kind of like jam music with African rhythms but now that I read that, it sounds like the most terrible thing ever. Trust me, the music is NOT terrible and it will have you dancing.

Fool's Gold play ACL Festival at 2:30pm on Friday, you'll find them at the Austin Ventures stage, across from all of the food. They do play at the same time as Delta Spirit whom I ALSO love but it shouldn't be too tough to catch songs from both acts at that time of day.

Fool's Gold - Wild Window video via YouTube

I've been listening to the new LP from Fool's Gold while I write and you can tell they have been influenced by their life performances. The songs are so much catchier, dancier and generally more accessible than the first album. I liked the first record a lot but that enjoyment was largely based on having seen them perform live. This new record does a much better job of capturing the live energy of the band. I'm looking forward to their set on Friday even more now that I've heard this new material. See you at the Austin Ventures stage at 2:30pm!

In the meantime, here's a song from the first LP to tide you over:

Fool's Gold - Surprise Hotel video via YouTube

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Deadmau5 and Tommy Lee?

Ok, I'm not going to lie, I don't give a crap about Deadmau5 OR Tommy Lee but maybe you do? Also, I wanted to keep up this theme of see a show every night the week leading up to ACL Festival. So, for those reasons I wanted to make you aware that Deadmau5 is playing a show at Austin Music Hall tonight with Tommy "I Love You So Much Baby" Lee. I had heard that they did a show together in Las Vegas but I guess I didn't realize they were touring together, or maybe I emotionally blocked it. I'm not going to say anything negative about either artist I'm just giving you the heads-up and if YOU are interested in attending, there are still tickets available. I will also say, that I'm sure this show will be visually stunning. Tommy Lee has been known to set up a roller coaster track, loop that his drum kit is attached to and he plays a solo as the kit moves around the loop. It is, by far, the most necessary thing to happen to drumming since the invention of foot-pedals.

Deadmau5 - Meowingtons Hax Tour video via YouTube

Other names on the bill tonight include: Excision, DJ Aero and Crizzly. The doors open at 6pm, which seems pretty early but I expect Deadmau5 and Tommy Lee probably play individual sets as well as a joint set.

Excision - X-Rated video via YouTube

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ACL Festival Preview: We Are Augustines

In addition to being a place where you can see some of your favorite artists, ACL Festival is also a place for you to discover artists whom you might not be familiar with yet. So far I've featured artists with, somewhat, higher profiles but today I want to highlight a band who you may not have heard of yet. They are based in NYC and they are called We Are Augustines, featuring former-members of the former-band Pela. The latest LP from We Are Augustines is called Rise Ye Sunken Ships and it is full of beautifully-written, deeply personal songs but it's not precious, delicate or twee. It's raw, emotional and powerful. If you're a Spotify user, I highly-encourage you to give it a listen and decide for yourself. If you DO want to check out We Are Augustines at ACL Festival they are playing Sunday afternoon, you can STILL get single-day tickets for the Sunday of the fest. Are you ready for the unfortunate part? The band takes to the BMI stage at 6:30pm, which happens to be the same time that Fleet Foxes and Manu Chao go on.

We Are Augustines - Chapel Song video via YouTube

I've seen Fleet Foxes and Manu Chao perform in the past and they are both great acts to see HOWEVER, Fleet Foxes quiet aesthetic is not ideal for a festival setting and Manu Chao jams out all of his songs to be about 10 minutes long and it get SERIOUSLY monotonous, so now you have an alternative. Head over to the BMI stage and catch We Are Augustines at 6:30pm the Sunday of ACL Festival.
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Hank III at Emo's Tonight

As I mentioned yesterday, in this week leading up to ACL Festival I'm encouraging you to see a show every night. It will help build your stamina and drinking tolerance for this weekends fest in Zilker Park. Tonight, I have TWO show suggestions for you, one of them is sold-out so if you don't already have tickets to see Bon Iver at the Long Center then you should probably just focus on Hank III. Firstly, may I saw I love that Hank III doesn't even use his surname, if you don't know it's Hank Williams III then you MIGHT live under a rock. He has carried on the family tradition of rebel country, straying far from the, somewhat, pop-country hits of his father and singing tunes that are more akin to the drunken, murder ballads of his grandfather. Hank III has released FOUR LPs this year, including a double album. I know that, at least, one of these is not really sanctioned by Hank. Hillbilly Joker was released after Hank III departed from his former label, which sat on the record for 8 years. The other three LPs are all out on Megaforce Records, a label known for its punk, metal and hardcore bands. This should give you an idea of what to expect from at tonight's show at Emo's. As of this moment, you can still get yourself some tickets but something tells me it might sell-out, so don't expect to be able to just pay at the door tonight.

Hank III - False Hearted Lovers Blues video via YouTube

Back to the Bon Iver show for a minute, hopefully even if I don't go to the show myself I'll have a photographer in the pit for the first three songs so come back tomorrow for some great beardo porn. Also, if you haven't heard Kathleen Edwards, you should check her out. She's opening for Bon Iver tonight and I expect she'll be back through Austin sometime in the near future. Her last album came out in 2008, which makes me think she has something new on the horizon and you can expect to hear lots of new tunes if you're catching tonight's show. Here's a song from to give you an idea.

Kathleen Edwards - The Cheapest Key video via YouTube
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ACL Festival Preview: Cults

Personally, I am kind of flabbergasted that Cults are playing before noon on the Friday of ACL Festival. I think they put out one of the best LP's of the year, they were fantastic at SXSW this year and they are even signed to a major-label. To me, all of these things should add up to getting, at least a 5pm time-slot. However, I am not in charge and for all I know the band had scheduling conflicts? There are many, many factors, which could have landed Cults such an early, un-desirable set time. I can tell you one thing, I took Friday off to make sure I don't miss their set. In case you couldn't tell, I am a HUGE supporter and I really think you'll like them too. I'm not going to lie, I was late to the party on Cults the cool kids have been fans since SXSW 2010, or earlier. Gorilla Vs. Bear released their first 7" in March of 2010. I feel like I judged a book by its cover, I think the name Cults really works against them, the band looks like the Addams Family and they have a dark name and you think their music is going to be dower, sad, depressing etc. Well, it's not. It's sunny, summery, fun, nostalgic, it's a little Phil Spector, a little Lesley Gore but contemporary all at once. They play the Honda stage at 11:45am on Friday and you should really be there with me. They are also playing an aftershow at the Parish but it's already sold-out. Sorry kids, you're gonna have to roll out of bed and hit the bus early to catch Cults' official ACL set..

Cults - Abducted video via YouTube

I worry about Cults, as I mentioned they are signed to a major-label and I feel like it's unwise for them to have spent so much money on that Abducted video. Sure, it looks great but they have to pay the label back for that and so far the album hasn't sold as well as it should. I know the label is really trying to push them to adult-alternative radio stations like KGSR but let's face it, radio is a bunch of bullshit these days and they aren't taking "risks" on bands like Cults. KGSR would rather play Paul Simon's Graceland 100,000 times than try to break a new artist to their audience, whom they obviously perceive to be completely stupid. Cults are a great, radio-ready band but they probably won't get on most radio stations. People like you, already know about them and let's face it, a lot of people who read blogs don't spend money on records. I guess what I'm getting at, is I hope Cults don't end up working at Starbucks to pay back Sony for fancy videos. They should really be conservative with their advance money. Also, if you haven't bought their LP, you really should. I got it for free and I love it so much I went out and bought it on vinyl.

Cults - Go Outside video via YouTube

For the record, Go Outside is the single that Sony is encouraging pussy-ass, non-risk-taking, AAA radio stations to play. This is the phone number to make requests at KGSR -> (512) 390-5477, maybe if enough of us request NEW music they will play less Tom Petty? Perhaps? For that matter, here is the request line for 101x -> 512.836.KROX. Cults SHOULD be on both of these radio stations. Everytime a radio station plays Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit another great, contemporary, artist is NOT played. Think about that. If radio stations were run in 1992, like they are now we might not know who Nirvana is. GET WITH THE TIMES RADIO!! YOU ARE DYING AND EVERYONE FUCKING HATES YOU!!! REMOVE HEADS FROM ASSES AND PLAY MUSIC FROM THIS MILLENIUM!!!

Somehow this post previewing Cults turned into a hateful diatribe against contemporary, corporate radio. Not really sure how that happened but I'm kind of glad it did. See you at ACL Fest!!

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Deleted Scenes Play the Mohawk

Well folks, ACL Festival week is officially upon us. There will be Austin City Limits Television tapings, ACL Festival pre-shows and after-shows, not to mention all of the events intended as alternatives or distractions from the festival. May I suggest you make it a full week of checking out live music by hitting the Mohawk's inside stage tonight? D.C.-area band, Deleted Scenes is in town and they want to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the 'Hawk this evening. Their latest LP, is called Young People's Church Of The Air and has been out since Tuesday, why the fuck haven't you bought it yet? Seriously it's been 6 whole days now, get on it already! No, really though, if you DO want to buy the album you should just hit the Mohawk tonight, you can buy it on CD or Vinyl and probably get it signed or a picture of you, with the band, holding the album. Maybe you could bring your dog and you could get a photo of the band with your dog and the album, it'll be great, Kodak moments for everyone! Tickets for tonight's show are not available for pre-purchase but the cover at the door will only be $6 so you should still be able to go out the rest of the week and buy yourself some Mighty Cone at Zilker this weekend. If you're under 21 the cover tonight will be $8 but chances are you're not reading this if you're under 21.

Deleted Scenes - Bedbedbedbedbed video via YouTube

As I mentioned, tonight's show at the Mohawk is on the inside stage, which generally means it'll be going until, somewhat, close to last call. You should arrive by 10pm if you want to catch all of the artist's sets but chances are the last set of the night will be played by 1am(ish). In addition to Deleted Scenes, Royal Forest (formerly Loxsly) will be on the bill tonight, along with Haunted Amps.

Royal Forest - Civilwarland video via YouTube

Oh, by the way, if you want to download some FREE music from Deleted Scenes you can check out their Bandcamp page linked above the break or our friends over at Side One Track One posted some Mp3's for you to sample in their post featuring Deleted Scenes. That should show you how cool this show is, when several Austin bloggers are encouraging you to check out Deleted Scenes you know it's gonna be worth your $6.

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Emo's East Opens

Never forget, Emo's brand-spanking-new east Riverside location will have its grand, gala debut September 11th. That's this Sunday, in case you didn't realize. Seminal Austin band, Butthole Surfers will be headlining but to be honest I'm more excited to see the venue in action than the band. Don't get me wrong, I realize the historical significance of having Gibby & Co. perform but Sunday will be the first time I pee at Emo's in a clean bathroom. To me that's just as historical as any Butthole Surfers show and there's no WAY I'm going to be disappointed in the performance of my urination, where as the Butthole Surfers...I kid, I kid. If you don't remember this classic tune, just flip your radio to 101x, they still play it as though it were released on Tuesday.

Butthole Surfers - Pepper video via YouTube

ANYWAY, the new space is located south of the river (holla!) and features a 1700 capacity room with a 40ft vaulted ceiling, complimented by a 35ft wide stage. The room can be converted into two smaller spaces, similar to La Zona Rosa, using a partition. I doubt I'll get to check out the backstage area but word on the street is the green room is tiiiight and even has laundry facilities for bands on the road and/or smelly employees. As of the writing of this post, tickets for Sunday night's debut are still available, with the increased capacity of the space I really have no idea if it will sell-out or not. If you want to show up and try to pay at the door the new address is 2015 East Riverside Dr. just a couple of blocks west of Pleasant Valley.

Oh, I should also mention that in addition to Butthole Surfers, 440 Blows are on the bill, along with Bodytronix.

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ACL Festival Preview: The Belle Brigade

I think most people would agree that no one can harmonize quite like siblings. Ok, maybe cousins can harmonize well too or parents and children but you get my point. How about this, DNA harmonizing is the best harmonizing! Actually, that sounds kind of incesty, stick with my opening line. No one can harmonize quite like siblings and siblings Barbara and Ethan Gruska of The Belle Brigade will prove me right during their set at the Austin City Limits Festival.

My Mom used to say, "Hang out with lice and get lousy." I feel the converse logic to be true as well and after touring with K.D. Lang, The Belle Brigade got fucking awesome. They were already bad-ass L.A. musicians but when you are touring with the likes of K.D. Lang, you can't help but pick-up on some of the things that make a fantastic career performer.

Is this post going off the rails? I just want to express to you, that I enjoy The Belle Brigade. If you're a fan of Fleetwood Mac multiplied by Jenny Lewis divided by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros then you'll like them too. If you want to catch their set at ACL Festival, be at the Honda stage by 1:15p on Saturday. Otherwise you can catch them on tour this autumn with Blitzen Trapper and Dawes.

The Belle Brigade - Losers video via YouTube

You should be able to grab The Belle Brigade's eponymous album on-site in the Waterloo Records tent but it's out now if you want to give it a listen before you seem them perform.

The Belle Brigade - Where Not To Look For Freedom video via YouTube

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ACL Festival Preview: Elbow

I wanted to focus on another Austin City Limits Festival performance, happening on Sunday as there are STILL single-day tickets available for the final day of ACL 2011. Part of me feels like, Elbow is too well-known to need highlighting on my little blog but then again perhaps you didn't realize they were performing. So, this should serve as a friendly reminder that ELBOW ARE PLAYING ACL FEST!!! Note the emphatic tone, I LOVE Elbow and I was kind of shocked when I saw they were going to be a part of this year's festival. I got hooked on Brit-pop as a high-schooler, living in rural Maine in the late 90's/early 00's. It was so clever, catchy, jangly and somehow exotic to my ears. I was intoxicated with the accents, the preciousness, the sincerity and the melodies. Elbow isn't the first band that caught my attention, that was Blur but they were and are a big part of my love for all things Brit-pop. They play the Google+ stage at 5:30p on the Sunday of ACL Fest, right before Fleet Foxes play the neighboring stage.

Elbow - Open Arms video via YouTube

In case you lost track of Elbow in recent years, they released a new LP in March of this year called, Build a Rocket Boys!, which was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize this year. Incidentally, it lost out to P.J. Harvey but just being nominated for the prize, should give you an idea of what a monster the album is, at least in terms of artistry. The opening track is 8 minutes long and manages to encompass everything that is truly great about Elbow. I expect their live set at ACL to be just as sprawling, with a decade's worth of material to cull a 60 minute set you should anticipate a greatest hits of sorts. Although, the band is said to already be working on new material I wouldn't think they would show off brand new cuts in a festival set. You never know though, I suppose.

Elbow - Lippy Kids video via YouTube

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