Bands That Require Blogging

I feel like it might be almost passé to continue telling people about shows involving Harlem and White Denim. However, they are playing together tomorrow night at Antone's, it's a $15 ticket, just sayin'. I also wanted to mention, firstly, I've only been to Antone's once. I had a great experience, I saw Hot Chip, I liked the venue etc. but I did not notice an "upstairs" when I was there before. Apparently, there is an upstairs, and it's "VIP". But, the only thing you need to make you "important" is $50 because they sell tickets for up there at a separate price tier. I'm not judging, I'm simply intrigued and pointing out facts. If that area has it's own bar and bathroom then it might be worth it, or you know, if you want to achieve "baller-status" in the eyes of some _____ you wanna _______ and forget about.


White Denim - I Start to Run video via YouTube

I heard from one of the dudes at End of an Ear that one of the dudes from White Denim wasn't very happy with the mixing of their latest realease on FullTime Hobby Records, Fits. I'm not happy that I still can't buy Fits at End of an Ear. However, I must admit the sound on that YouTube video was outrageously flat/vacuous. That could be YouTube's fault too, or mine? Maybe my ears hear flat/vacuous? In any case, White Denim is all about leaving it all on stage and just being ridiculously tight and energetic. I like how they've gone from garage-punk/surf/pop into a more Captain Beefheart/Love/Psychedelic-Prog-70's thing. Oh, and for the record, the official U.S. release date for Fits is now October 20th. So, that's when I expect to find it at EofanE.


White Denim - Fits Album Teaser video via YouTube

You may also have noticed that White Denim is playing Antones and the Parish these days as opposed to the Mohawk. Probably has something to do with their former deal with Transmission Entertainment. Like, the fact that the deal is former. They are also, somewhat conspicuously, absent from the FunFunFun Fest line-up. Has Austin turned on White Denim? Bum bum bum... Oh snap! They're playing the Mohawk on Oct. 24th. Maybe there is not bad blood. But maybe there is! Bum bum bum...

The last time I saw Harlem was actually on the cover of Busted in Austin magazine at my local convenience store. Well, it wasn't the whole band, just 33.33% of it. It was for a drunk and disorderly, which if you've ever seen the band perform live, should come as no surprise. I always wondered if their drunk thing was a schtick or legitimate now I'm convinced it's performance art. Obviously.


Harlem - Someday Soon video via YouTube

You know who won't be, somewhat conspicuously, absent from FFFFest? Vega. You know who likes Vega? Bloggy.


Vega - Kyoto Gardens video via YouTube

You be may thinking, "Hey, that Vega song has similarities to a song I have heard by an artist by the name of Neon Indian". How very astute of you, dear reader, both names refer to projects by, Texas native, Alan Palomo. Wouldn't you know it, BOTH acts with be playing FFF. But will Mr. Palomo be getting two rider contracts? Maybe Transmission doesn't know it's the same guy? Don't worry A. Palomo if they ask I'll just point out all of the other factual inaccuracies in my blogging and say I was lying. Shhhhh.


Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer video via YouTube

Now, if you're thinking, "Vega and Neon Indian share sonic qualities with songs I've heard from Ghost Hustler." Well, then you're probably just being a smarmy know-it-all and no one's interested. We're all full up here. Thanks.


Ghosthustler - Parking Lot Nights video via YouTube

Not to be confused with Ghostland Observatory.


Ghostland Observatory - Silver City video via YouTube

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Yay Friday! Whatcha Doin' Austin?

Wow, so we haven't talked all week! What's been going on, dear reader? Have you had a great week in indie-rock? There's definitely some good shows for you to check out this weekend. Tonight you could kick it classic-alt-styley with Living Colour at Emo's. You could also party down with the dude-bras and hipsters at the Mohawk for a little Best Fwends-hosted, possibly-awkward dance-party. For my money though, I'd hit La Zona Rosa for a great local bill featuring The Soldier Thread, Wideawake, and Alpha Rev. The Soldier Thread go on first so get there between 9 & 10 if you want to see them...and you do, want to see them.


The Soldier Thread - Run, Run video via YouTube

I was surprised and confused when I first learned that Alpha Rev was local to Austin, I was also surprised they played so often. Then I realized, that I was thinking of fellow indie-rockers Mercury Rev but there is no connection.


Alpha Rev - Stars of Wonder video via YouTube

Alpha Rev has been doing there thing for over a decade, last fall they signed with, Disney-owned, Hollywood Records. I'm not going to judge them based on their label, but it is a bit jarring to visit their label page and see the other artists on Hollywood. It also, pretty much, explains why I kept hearing Alpha Rev during commercial breaks on my fav Disney-owned answer to the CW, ABC Family.


Alpha Rev - Phoenix Burn video via YouTube

Oh and just to tie this whole thing together, that band Wideawake has actually had their music featured on the CW itself. Their tunes have been used on One Tree Hill, and even...wait for it...Dawson's MF Creek y'all. That's old-school, that's nostalgia-worthy, that's pre-CW that's when it was the WB. You know you still have a dancing frog doll kicking around somewhere.


Wideawake - Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow video via YouTube

If nothing I've mentioned so far piques your interest, you can always catch local-legend, Alejandro Escovedo at the Continental Club. The dude played with MF Springsteen y'all so expect lots of soccer-moms in attendance and/or creepy old guys w/young girlfriends. *shudder* He's playing the Continental tomorrow night too if tonight just doesn't work for you. BTW, did you know Sonic Youth released an official bootleg of their April '86 performance at the legendary Continental Club? Thanks Wiki, you have so much useless info that I need.

Here's another Soldier Thread performance, this one is a Radiohead cover.


The Soldier Thread - Videotape video via YouTube

Don't get me wrong, I love them BUT the snarky comment re:Best Fwends ie. the whole Awkward thing; check this out:


Best Fwends - Todd P. Comes to Austin Promo video via YouTube

That's all I'm sayin'.

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BLK JKS, Robots, Throw Me the Statue and Secrets

Damn y'all BLK JKS album is finally out! I saw this, South African, band at SXSW 2 years ago. I had never even heard of them at that point and they made me pay attention. That's saying alot considering there's free booze and a hundred million bands trying to get your attention for a week or two. Their new album is called After Robots and is here in the states via Secretly Canadian. BLK JKS sound is Mbaquanga-influence classic-rock. That's so obvious right? Think Deep Purple X Dirty Projectors ÷ Vampire Weekend ≈ BLK JKS. I like indie-rock math, which is strange because I hate actual math or at least the doing there of, if ya know what I mean. But I digress.

Free Mp3 courtesy of Secretly Canadian

Free Mp3---> BLK JKS - Molalatiladi


BLK JKS - Summertime video via YouTube

I have a further point,
below the break,
regarding an upcoming rock show,
which is not BLK JKS
however it is
Secretly
shhhh
Canadain
*gasp*...

This post was supposed to be about Throw Me the Statue coming to town but when I got to the Secretly Canadian page I just swept up in BLK JKS fever for a moment. Back to the matter at hand. Throw Me the Statue is a different brand of indie but it's still a brand, which interests me. They'll be rocking the Mohawk Friday late night, inside. That's a small space y'all so if you want to get in on this action you better squat your spot early, or at least be satisfied with listening from inside the same room. That can be good too, that way you can watch the crowd and spot d-bags while having a drink, sweating it out and listening to some pleasantly jangly rock tunes.

Free Mp3's from Throw Me the Statues' latest LP Creaturesque courtesy of Secretly Jag, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Throw Me the Statue - Ancestors

Free Mp3 ---> Throw Me the Statue - Hi-Fi Goon


Throw Me the Statue - Lolita video via YouTube

Oh, and tickets will set you back $8, which includes the Brunettes and Nurses plus d-bag spotting for no extra charge! I'll take show line-ups that could form complete sentences for $500 Alex.




Throw Me the Statue - Yucatan Gold video via YouTube

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Killer Folky Bill at the 'Hawk

I just read that Eric Johnson, the singer/songwriter for Seattle-based band the Fruit Bats, is also a member of the Shins now. Isn't that interesting? I also, recently saw a piece about street cart food featuring a recently fired member of the Shins. Seems like the ole Shins have a lot of shhh going down, hopefully it will birth a great break-up record ala Fleetwood Mac. But I digress...

I mention the Fruit Bats for a reason, dear reader, they are appearing at our favorite fortress of indie-rock the Mohawk tomorrow night and we think you should probably go. I know it's a Wednesday but it's the 'Hawk y'all; shows over by midnight, last call is at 2, last bus leaves downtown at 2:40, drunk food at your favorite late-night diner, argue politics with some cowboys from the Broken Spoke, make-up over flasks of whiskey (obvs), sing along to Willy, watch the sunrise... fuck work, let's party!


Fruit Bats - Lives of Crime video via YouTube

Free Mp3's courtesy of Subpop, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Fruit Bats - The Ruminant Band

Free Mp3 ---> Fruit Bats - My Unusual Friend

Free Mp3 ---> Fruit Bats - Silent Life

Damn, I sort of got caught up in that moment back there, sorry 'bout that. The best way to start your own post-Fruit Bats story is by getting yourself a ticket to the show. Then, while you're at the show you'll STFU while the MFing band is playing or I'll judo chop your larynx, just so you know. You'll take some awful pictures with your iPhone and send it to your POS roommate who's at Hula Huts trying to get some ass all the while experiencing some kick-ass music from a, tighter-than-ever, incarnation of the Fruit Bats.


Fruit Bats - When U Love Somebody video via YouTube

The Low Lows play the 9 O'clock, opening, slot tomorrow night. From them, you can expect some 3-part harmonies, some steel guitar, some nice little melodies and a 40 minutes set time. What more could you ask for really? A Lone Star perhaps?


the Low Lows - Black Bees video via YouTube. We <3 you La Blogotheque.

Death Vessel will be playing the 10 O'clock slot tomorrow night. Would you believe they're from Providence, RI? I thought Deer Tick was the only decent band America's bitch, Rhode Island would give us. However, with Death Vessel's relatively-recent signing to Subpop Records it seems as though there's room enough in RI for 2 good bands...I doubt there are anymore though. Seriously, have you been to Providence? Didn't think so.


Death Vessel - Circa video via YouTube

Free Mp3 courtesy of Subpop, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Death Vessel - Bruno's Torso

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Bloggy Interviews Bad Veins

Last night I had the chance to catch up with Bad Veins at Emo's before their set. Don't worry if you missed it, Ben and Sebastian will be back next month with label mates Division Day.

I kept the interview pretty brief, but we chatted about touring, analog v. digital and all that fun stuff. You can find the transcription below the break.

How is touring?

It’s fun, touring is fun, I mean it’s kind of exhausting it seems like playing a show is such a small part of touring because there’s so much traveling and just the logistics, the logistics of traveling is what you spend all your time on.

So, how are you traveling? Are you driving a van? You ride? Fly?

I wish we flew

Yeah, we’ve got a van pull our gear in a wagon like every other band out there.

Do you both drive? You switch drivers? How many people tour with you?

Well, our friend Aaron’s with us on this tour he’s helping us drive, helping us do merch and move in gear.

But it’s just the three of you?

Yeah, yeah.

Sometimes we tour just the two of us. We did a whole east coast tour last month it was just us two.

It’ll never happen again.

Was it difficult to take the songs from the record and re-interpret them live? Had you already planned that?

Yeah, we kind of worked backwards, like, I mean, yeah we made the record knowing how we were going to do it live. That was with Irene, the tape deck. Opening that possibility up, that allowed us to do anything for the record knowing we’d just do it on the tape.

So, you’re a fan of the old analog sound huh?

Well yeah, it’s fun. It’s fun and easy except for it’s heavy.

Have you thought about replacing it with a digital…?

It doesn’t seem interested. It’s probably less interesting for the audience.

Do you take a lot of time laboring over the artwork?

Well I mean the CD artwork is what we did first, that’s what the label wanted us to focus on. Yeah, we spent a lot of time on the CD artwork, we had a lot of ideas, it took us awhile to get it right, I think.

How has it been going from doing everything by yourself to all of a sudden having all these other hands in the stew?

In some ways it’s been really good cause we don’t have to worry about a lot of things. But, the creative thing you know might be a little uh too many hands in the stew. Everybody want to design this or that we have our ideas, they have their ideas.

You had to wait awhile between the point the album was done and now when it’s actually out.

A long time

We finished it, right before CMJ last year, so last October, the end of October. And, you know it just came out a month ago.

It must have been pretty frustrating at point…

Yeah, well once we knew it was coming out we could sigh. But we finished it right before the holiday season and you can’t really go shopping stuff around during that. And we got the deal with Dangerbird Records in February. So, once that happened it took till July to get the artwork, the distribution, get everything in place.

So really it was 3.5-4 months from the point the record was done until we knew how it was going to be released.

Have you had any Spinal Tap-esque moments on the tour so far?

Wait, what’s a Spinal Tap-esque moment?

You know a tragic-comic, like I’m too cool to deal with this shit kind of moment.

Yes, we had one in Cincinnatti actually.

At a hometown show?

It was a benefit we were doing for people who weren’t necessarily in the music scene. So, those always go weird. Cause they want you to play, “we want this cool band everyone is talking about” come play. Then you go to play and as soon as you start playing, “aww, you’re too loud” and all that kind of stuff. We had one of those.

The funniest part about it for me, I was actually wearing this shirt (Point to red button up shirt he’s wearing), which kind of fits in with Bad Veins aesthetic cause we have the roses, and like the military thing cause we usually have military shirts on . We were on stage there’s a curtain that closed in front of us and I was getting ready to rip [this shirt] off and change into another one and as soon as I started to unbutton the curtain started to open. So, I’m like ok I’m going to wear this shirt, that’s fine. So, the curtain goes by and hits my mic stand and knocks it over. We’re on stage and we weren’t ready for the curtain to be open but they were ready for us to start. So, the mic falls over and we were just sort of standing there. We just sort of brushed it off like, uh if we’re cool with it the crowd will be cool with it.

So, I have to ask...Bad Veins/Bad Brains...

It wasn’t intentional. I had never heard of Bad Brains when I came up with the name.

So, why Bad Veins, is there a reason or is it just one of those things?

One of those things.

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Great Local Shows Friday

Well you may, or may not, remember a few weeks back I was musing over Bad Veins well tomorrow is our chance to see them live Austin. They'll be playing Emo's outside stage with a lot of really good local artists as well. I'm not really sure the set order but I know that Built By Snow, The White White Lights, and the Black & White Years will all be performing. I'm guessing White White Lights on first, followed by Built By Snow, then Black & White Years with Bad Veins headlining. This being an Emo's show, the first set will probably be at 10pm. If you're interested, you can check this show out for $5 at the door unless you're a tween, in which case it will be $8 of your parent's money. ;-)


Bad Veins - Gold and Warm video via YouTube

The other big local show I have to mention is the first of two nights with The Sword at the Mohawk. I probably don't have to really explain why this is a big deal to most of you, but trust me it's a pretty big deal. These guys have been playing stadiums, opening for Metallica, drinking with Lars and shhh.


the Sword - Iron Swan video via YouTube

Sorry about the shite audio in the above video. I just wanted to emphasize that the Sword don't really play venues as small as the Mohawk too much these days.


the Sword - Maiden, Mother & Crone video via YouTube

Opening for the Sword Friday will be Ratking and Pack of Wolves. For the Saturday night show at the Mohawk you'll see Fingaar Bangaar and Woodgrain


David DiDonato of Ratking - How To Play the Solo from BYOIED video via YouTube

I'm not, necessarily, into "Metal" or "Angry Music" in general but I'm always a fan of melody and passion, so I'm certainly a fan of The Sword. Although, it's partly just "Hometown-Pride" that makes me a fan. Obviously, the Sword isn't the only face-melting metal band to come from Austin. Which, is pretty much the point of these shows at the 'Hawk. A celebration of melting faces! Melting faces in celebration? Celebratory Face-Melting.


Pack of Wolves - Concession video via YouTube

See, not everything I blog about is wussy and jangly, just most of it.

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Blogs Go Crazy for FunFunFunFest

Wow, the blogosphere pretty much shut down with the announcement of the FunFunFunFest line-up, today. I'm not gonna really get into it since it was even covered on the big-name national blogs like BrooklynVegan, so chances are you already know who's gonna be there. I just wanted to give props to one of Austin's most over-looked/kick-ass bands, Bankrupt and the Borrowers.

Bankrupt is one of those bands that all the other bands in town go to see, but they haven't really received as much attention/press as some of their audience. I'm thinking FunFunFunFest is really starting to get some national attention this year and hopefully that will mean good things for Bankrupt and the Borrowers


Bankrupt and the Borrowers - I Love You Baby video via YouTube

If you live here in Texas, you'll have plenty of chances to catch Bankrupt and the Borrowers before they hit the Yellow stage for FFFFest. In fact, they're playing Red 7 tomorrow night. How do ya' like that?


Bankrupt and the Borrowers - Holden Caulfield at Age 35 video via another great Austin blog, 'Nites ATX

I hate linking to MySpace, since even Tom won't use it anymore, but that's the best place for you to see all the places where you can catch Bankrupt and the Borrowers in person.

Y'all should really check out that 'Nite ATX blog. Their YouTube channel alone should tell you why.


Bankrupt and the Borrowers - Goddamn Right video via YouTube

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Beastie's Out Yeah Yeah Yeah's In

I must say, I'm not entirely surprised to find out that the Yeah Yeah Yeah's have taken over the headlining spot left open by the Beastie Boys for ACL Fest. The Yeah's latest album, It's Blitz! inspires much joy from large masses. Also, they've been playing the festival circuit pretty hard this summer both in the states and abroad. Some of the photos I saw from one of those festivals had Yeah's singer Karen O decked out in some psychedelic, Native-American-type shhh that would have made Bjork jealous. So, obviously the days of the Yeah's pumping out dirty punk in tiny bars has long since passed. Now they can afford much better drugs, which have shown them a shiny, glowing world of pulsing dance riddims. I, for one, think they'll put on a great spectacle of an ACL performance and I look forward to it. I hope they pull off a random Beastie Boys cover song out of respect. I'm thinking anything from Check Your Head could be pretty mind blowing. Stay away from Paul's Boutique though Yeah Yeah Yeah's, that shhh is untouchable!


Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Heads Will Roll video via YouTube


In other ACL Festival line-up news, Lily Allen recently bowed out of the fest as well. Leaving a new, smaller hole in the line-up. I say they fill her in with someone who is sort of doing the same thing as Lily just to remind her how quickly she can and will be replaced. Ouch!


Lily Allen - LDN video via YouTube

Don't get it twisted, I love Lily Allen but seriously there have to be like a million bratty English girls who are ready, willing and able to sing about their ex-boyfriend's penises. I'm thinking Kate Nash would be a suitable replacement perhaps?


Kate Nash - Foundations video via YouTube

Did you think I was just gonna say, "Paul's Boutique is untouchable" without including some evidence?


Beastie Boys - Shadrach video via YouTube

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Bat For Lashes/ACL Aftershowthoughts

The Bat For Lashes show at the Parish room is happening tomorrow night. It's sold-out but I thought I'd mention it anyway, since it sort of crept up on me. I had a mini-panic attack when I couldn't find my ticket, which was purchased before Bloggy HQ moved to South Austin. Turns out it was under my cat! Not really, but if I'm looking for the remote that's a pretty good guess.

I told someone at work that I thought Bat For Lashes' music was like a soundtrack to its own movie. They were busy working. Did I mention I randomly shouted this? Sometimes I just need to share things with people even if they have no idea what I'm talking about, ya know?


Bat For Lashes - Horse and I (acoustic) video via YouTube

Non-Bat For Lashes banter below the break.

It wasn't too many posts back that I was himming/hawing re: ACL Fest after-shows. Well, dear reader, today they announced said after-shows in an officially "pre-sale" announcement kind of way. It's difficult to type right now because I'm busy patting myself on the back about my correct guesses. However, I am also punching myself in the crotch because Phoenix is NOT playing an ACL Fest after-show. I have not given up on them yet though, there is always a chance they could play at Waterloo? Or maybe some kid's house party? Maybe? Holler at Bloggy Phoenix we'll find you a spot to play your instruments.


Phoenix - Armistice (Live Acoustic) video via YouTube

Did you know Phoenix used to be the touring band for Air? I effing love Air! The band AND the entity. Stereogum is actually a reference to the song Radio #1 by Air probably from their worst album but also their most "indie/alt/underground/betterthanwhateversongsoralbumsthatyouknowhaveorhavelistenedtobyair". Air will NOT be at ACL Fest this year, but that would be cool and handy since Phoenix is gonna be there.


Air - Kelly Watch the Stars ft. Phoenix video via YouTube

While, I am going off an tangents and such I'd like to OFFICIALLY NOMINATE Cornelius for the Beastie Boys unfortunately-vacant ACLslot. Make it happen internets!

Free Mp3 courtesy of Matador Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Cornelius - Point of View Point


Cornelius - Drop video via YouTube

When I used to do radio in college, I played this next song in a set of lost Beatles songs that the Beatles never did.


Cornelius - Chapter 8: Seashore and Horizon video via YouTube

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Thursday Night Shows

Bowerbirds are playing the Mohawk Thursday night, with local opener, Martin Crane. All I know about Martin Crane is that there is some affiliation with the band Brazos. I also know that Martin Crane was also Frasier's dad. Bowerbirds have been making ripples in the indie-blog world but I don't think the big buzz for them has started just yet. I've heard them on Sirius XM radio and I really enjoy it, definatly has potential to appeal to a larger audience. So I'm going to officially endorse them as Bloggy-approved.


Bowerbirds - In Our Talons video via YouTube

Free Mp3's courtesy of Dead Oceans Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Bowerbirds - Northern Lights

Free Mp3 ---> Bowerbirds - Beneath Your Tree


I also, want to mention a show that's going on at Beerland Thu night. My pals in When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth are about to go on a west coast tour so I think you should check out their live show before they pile into a van. Apologies for the video re-post but it's all/the best video I could find featuring the Dinos.


When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth - It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity video via YouTube

If you do head to Beerland tomorrow you'll also have the chance to catch Daniel Francis Doyle. I think that's one of those names that sounds more famous than it actually is. That's a tip for you, dear reader, use three names and earn more respect and/or become infamous instead of famous. :-/


Daniel Francis Doyle - Your Cursive video via YouTube

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the touring support act for Bowerbirds at the Mohawk will be Megafaun. They're based in the Raleigh-Durham, NC scene and they play really nice roots-style music with Banjo and everything! Think J. Tillman/Fleet Foxes/Bowerbirds. :-)


Megafaun - Beloved Binge video via YouTube

Megafaun is also very Bloggy-approved. In fact I am heading to End of an Ear right now to pick up their album, Gather, Form & Fly. I really like what I've heard so far. I don't really like the artwork for the new album though, just sayin'.



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