Wow, so, I was at the Bassnectar show at La Zona Rosa last night. May I say, holy effing shhh that guy is not messing around. For those of you who don't know, or couldn't guess from the name, Bassnectar is a DJ who spins glitchy, bass-HEAVY jams. He has the reputation as being Mr. San Francisco DJ and he's also known to play several sets throughout, pretty much, every Burning Man Festival. I had the chance to catch Bass at SXSW this year, but that was a small, very exclusive, private event, which is not the ideal setting for Bassnectar. Ideally the best place to listen to Bassnectar would probably be in an underground, post-apocalyptic, cave-rave ala the Matrix (Reloaded?). However a packed to the gills, sweat dripping down the walls La Zona Rosa was definitely a good substitution in lieu of said post-apocalyptic rave scenario last night.
Bassnectar - Art of Revolution Tour Snippet video via YouTube
Free Mp3 from Bassnectar's latest LP, Cozza Frenzy available courtesy of Bassnectar.net, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy
Read the rest of the review after the break...
I've been to a lot of shows at La Zona in the past, including some ACL after-shows last year but I have never seen the place packed in and totally sold-out like it was last night. For those of you have have never been, La Zona is basically a big warehouse, about the size of a small airplane hanger. From every edge of the place all you could see was sweaty people drinking and dancing. All along the edges of the crowd were the people who need a 3-6ft radius to really get their groove on and they were in top form.
German Dude Cosby Sweater - Example of the 3-6ft Dance Radius video via YouTube
One of the most striking things about the show, to me, was the number of people outside the venue scrambling to try and get last minute tickets and/or sneaky admission. There were at least 2 dozen people skulking around the block looking increasingly panicked about their ever slimming chances of getting inside. Only about a dozen ended up hanging around outside to try and listen. Lucky for me I planned ahead and I'm people who know people who are friends with people who hang out with people who played last night.
I did panic a bit on my way to the venue though. I was on the bus almost to the venue I did a last minute pocket check and realized I had forgotten my ear protection. I figured I'd just get some at Waterloo Records along my journey but ACL Festival caused a ridiculous human jam between my apartment and the record shop and, consequently, Waterloo was closed by the time I got there. So, I had resigned my Sunday to ringing-ear-syndrome but alas what did I find at the merch booth? FREE EARPLUGS! Take note artists and promoters, those of us who are serious about this shhh want to be able to hear it for a long time so if you're not giving away ear protection, at least sell it. Also, we want to be able to live to see another show, which is why we took the bus rather than driving. This blog post has a lesson in it.
Most people at the show last night were not utilizing the earplugs, which I find a bit appalling. Bassnectar was one of the most intensely loud experiences of my entire life. When you paid for your beer, you could feel your dollar vibrating in your hand. The hat I was wearing felt like a massage cap and the wooden platform floor I was standing on was buzzing and bouncing to the beat. In all honesty it's that physical sensation of feeling the beat that makes the show such an amazingly intense experience. However, it's not like I couldn't effing hear it with earplugs in. Is that what people think? Like they're not going to hear the billion decibel song cause they have pieces of foam in their ears? C'mon!
Bassnectar - Lightning In a Bottle video via YouTube
When he came out, Bass told the crowd he had two hours and he was gonna take us deep. He lived up to his promises and spun until the very last possible moment. He closed with his brand new remix of, Bloggy-approved artist, Fever Ray's When I Grow Up. That was the first time he had played that song for an audience and it's one that I was hoping to hear. It should be noted, that the crowd stayed and danced until the very last note too. Generally, you have lame-o's (like me) who leave a show a few minutes early to beat traffic/foot traffic/catch the bus but even after a long, wet 2nd day of ACL Festival the crowd couldn't walk away from Bassnectar. I, myself, had even planned to take the 1:40am bus but decided to stay at the show until 2, even though that meant I had to sit at the bus stop for 40minutes. It was so worth it, besides I have Harry Potter in audiobook form on my iPod, makes the time magically fly away. Expecto Patronum y'all.
All in all, the long and short of it, to summarize, in conclusion, if Bassnectar is coming to YOUR town just get an effing ticket already. Don't assume you're like the only kid in town who knows what's up. Unless you live in a rural community in which case you probably are the only kid in town who knows what's up, which is cool in its own right. Hang in there rural indie you'll get to the city someday soon.
the Jam - In The City video via YouTube
"Are you ready for the city? Is the city ready for you? Don't you know you have to choose?"
the Futureheads - The City is Here For You To Use video via YouTube
Read more!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Mos/Def K'Naan, ACLTV, Last Night
Well I've been trying to figure out how I'm gonna play this, given that it is ACL Festival weekend. One route to take would be to let you know who to see when and where but I just feel like there is a glut of that sort of information as it is. So I'll tell you about the Austin City Limits Television taping I saw last night. Let's talk about the past because the future is scary and Back to the Future 2 filled us all with unrealistic hopes/desires/expectations.
Last night, Austin City Limits Television studio was recognized by the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame as a landmark venue, integral to the narrative of Rock. There was a ceremony outside a plaque was unveiled, it was all very beautiful and moving. Well, not really but it was pretty cool in a ceremonial sort of way. That was followed by ACL TV's first, ever, foray into hip-hop. It was a split taping, which I'd never been to before, with Somalian-native K'Naan taking the first set and, the legendary, Mos Def taking the second set.
K'Naan - Somalia video via YouTube
The rest of the review is after the jump...
I had heard a lot of good buzz about K'Naan, he played a powerhouse SXSW showcase for NPR in March, but I still hadn't actually heard his music. After last night, I must say he stole the show. I was WAY more excited to see Mos Def before the taping and after the taping I was only thinking about K'Naan. His energy was so humble and his songs were uplifting and interesting. I would say it's somewhat like Manu Chao crossed with the Roots. There was some sampling used in the songs but it was mostly live instrumentation, including a really beautiful, acoustic/spoken word version of the track posted above.
Between sets was a drawn out process but my side of the crowd was really cool. We had someone who spontaneously organized the wave in our section. There was also a dance-off of sorts, which resulted in a couple's dance-off, which resulted in the whole crowd applauding and cheering. Did I mention there was free beer as well? Also, at one point I def smelled Mary Jane, I didn't SEE anyone smoking but i could smell it. That's a pretty risky/stupid maneuver IMHO but this is America...wait a minute that's illegal isn't it?
When Mos Def did come out, he was much shorter than I expected, he was also wearing a baseball cap, which obscured his face. He didn't really look at or speak to the crowd but, rather, walked directly to a drum kit and started playing standing up. In lieu of a full band, Mos came with 2 DJ's and the drum kit. After the first number the drums weren't really used much. He mostly did songs from his latest album, with a couple of brand new songs thrown in as well. He did loosen up a lot and did a Michael Jackson tribute, he took off the cap and jacket. He was sporting, too-short vintage tux pants, with argyle socks and some killer loafers. Not to mention some vintage-looking, asymmetrica, ivory suspenders. Accessories gentlemen, invest.
I'm, generally, pretty critical of live hip-hop as I find the sound-mixing has to be, pretty much, perfect if you want the crowd to hear/understand the emcee. In person, the best hip-hop acts I've seen, not-necessarily in order, are Jurassic 5, the Roots, and Nas. I have also seen Mos Def AND Talib Kweli as well as many others but they do not make my list, which is amazing to me because I would rank Mos & Talib's Black Star albums as ONE OF my favorite albums from any genre. Last night, at ACLTV, Mos's energy was flat. The sound-mixing is always superb at ACL but he still sounded lost in the mix as some points, which MIGHT have something to do with the DJ's each having their own mixers. Also, Mos's crowd-interaction, while not totally absent, still left a bit to be desired. It should also be mentioned that following K'Naan almost any artist might seem indifferent to their audience. K was telling stories and joking with the crowd, he got everyone to sing along to a song that I'm guessing most of us had never heard and it didn't feel disingenuous to me. That's saying a lot.
I still <3 Mos Def - Freestyling video via YouTube
People ask me how I get into ACLTV tapings and it's easier than you might think. I'll go through it for you though so we can hang out in line and talk about Twitter while we have indie-rock pissing contests. (It's funny 'cause it's true. BTW I totally saw that band before you did.)
So the first thing to do is troll the ACLTV Blog, here's the RSS, it's way easier for dorks like me. They'll post links for "Space Available Ticket" Giveaways. So, you just drop your name and e-mail address into the mysterious and magical interwebworks. Then bottle up all of your ACLTV hopes and dreams and put them under your pillow.
If you've done everything correctly in the bottling process and placed the bottle at an angle towards the western point of Orion's belt then you'll recieve an E-Mail from April Buchannan (Or possibly someone else, who know?) YAY!! She'll give you the low down on the who, when, where and, possibly, why. The where is diagonally across the street from Hole in the Wall but parking is less-than adequate, shall we say?
Now I'd advice you stand in line for at least 90 minutes before they pass out tickets. The cool part though, is you get two numbers and two tickets based on where you are in line. Then you can go do whatever for a couple of hours until the show, at which point you have your number in line. It's a smart system that should be adopted everywhere, including the deli at my local groceryplexmart.
Finally you are inside without any recording devices, your cell phone off and free beer(s) in hand(s). Now, try not to get kicked out and if you MUST get booted, for the love God, make a scene.
By the way, if you've made it this far in the post then thank you and congratulations you have a long attention span (At least for 2009). I just wanted to mention if you WERE looking here for the glut of Where2 and What2, may I suggest you check my fellow Austin Blogoratti on the side panel right? ---->
Read more!
Last night, Austin City Limits Television studio was recognized by the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame as a landmark venue, integral to the narrative of Rock. There was a ceremony outside a plaque was unveiled, it was all very beautiful and moving. Well, not really but it was pretty cool in a ceremonial sort of way. That was followed by ACL TV's first, ever, foray into hip-hop. It was a split taping, which I'd never been to before, with Somalian-native K'Naan taking the first set and, the legendary, Mos Def taking the second set.
K'Naan - Somalia video via YouTube
The rest of the review is after the jump...
I had heard a lot of good buzz about K'Naan, he played a powerhouse SXSW showcase for NPR in March, but I still hadn't actually heard his music. After last night, I must say he stole the show. I was WAY more excited to see Mos Def before the taping and after the taping I was only thinking about K'Naan. His energy was so humble and his songs were uplifting and interesting. I would say it's somewhat like Manu Chao crossed with the Roots. There was some sampling used in the songs but it was mostly live instrumentation, including a really beautiful, acoustic/spoken word version of the track posted above.
Between sets was a drawn out process but my side of the crowd was really cool. We had someone who spontaneously organized the wave in our section. There was also a dance-off of sorts, which resulted in a couple's dance-off, which resulted in the whole crowd applauding and cheering. Did I mention there was free beer as well? Also, at one point I def smelled Mary Jane, I didn't SEE anyone smoking but i could smell it. That's a pretty risky/stupid maneuver IMHO but this is America...wait a minute that's illegal isn't it?
When Mos Def did come out, he was much shorter than I expected, he was also wearing a baseball cap, which obscured his face. He didn't really look at or speak to the crowd but, rather, walked directly to a drum kit and started playing standing up. In lieu of a full band, Mos came with 2 DJ's and the drum kit. After the first number the drums weren't really used much. He mostly did songs from his latest album, with a couple of brand new songs thrown in as well. He did loosen up a lot and did a Michael Jackson tribute, he took off the cap and jacket. He was sporting, too-short vintage tux pants, with argyle socks and some killer loafers. Not to mention some vintage-looking, asymmetrica, ivory suspenders. Accessories gentlemen, invest.
I'm, generally, pretty critical of live hip-hop as I find the sound-mixing has to be, pretty much, perfect if you want the crowd to hear/understand the emcee. In person, the best hip-hop acts I've seen, not-necessarily in order, are Jurassic 5, the Roots, and Nas. I have also seen Mos Def AND Talib Kweli as well as many others but they do not make my list, which is amazing to me because I would rank Mos & Talib's Black Star albums as ONE OF my favorite albums from any genre. Last night, at ACLTV, Mos's energy was flat. The sound-mixing is always superb at ACL but he still sounded lost in the mix as some points, which MIGHT have something to do with the DJ's each having their own mixers. Also, Mos's crowd-interaction, while not totally absent, still left a bit to be desired. It should also be mentioned that following K'Naan almost any artist might seem indifferent to their audience. K was telling stories and joking with the crowd, he got everyone to sing along to a song that I'm guessing most of us had never heard and it didn't feel disingenuous to me. That's saying a lot.
I still <3 Mos Def - Freestyling video via YouTube
People ask me how I get into ACLTV tapings and it's easier than you might think. I'll go through it for you though so we can hang out in line and talk about Twitter while we have indie-rock pissing contests. (It's funny 'cause it's true. BTW I totally saw that band before you did.)
So the first thing to do is troll the ACLTV Blog, here's the RSS, it's way easier for dorks like me. They'll post links for "Space Available Ticket" Giveaways. So, you just drop your name and e-mail address into the mysterious and magical interwebworks. Then bottle up all of your ACLTV hopes and dreams and put them under your pillow.
If you've done everything correctly in the bottling process and placed the bottle at an angle towards the western point of Orion's belt then you'll recieve an E-Mail from April Buchannan (Or possibly someone else, who know?) YAY!! She'll give you the low down on the who, when, where and, possibly, why. The where is diagonally across the street from Hole in the Wall but parking is less-than adequate, shall we say?
Now I'd advice you stand in line for at least 90 minutes before they pass out tickets. The cool part though, is you get two numbers and two tickets based on where you are in line. Then you can go do whatever for a couple of hours until the show, at which point you have your number in line. It's a smart system that should be adopted everywhere, including the deli at my local groceryplexmart.
Finally you are inside without any recording devices, your cell phone off and free beer(s) in hand(s). Now, try not to get kicked out and if you MUST get booted, for the love God, make a scene.
By the way, if you've made it this far in the post then thank you and congratulations you have a long attention span (At least for 2009). I just wanted to mention if you WERE looking here for the glut of Where2 and What2, may I suggest you check my fellow Austin Blogoratti on the side panel right? ---->
Read more!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Rock Out in the Morning
So the Austin blogosphere is a buzz with ACL Fest after-parties but what about the pre-parties y'all? KGSR is hosting a series of live-performances for their morning show all weekend long, which of course starts on Thursday morning. If you want to see it live, hit Threadgill's World Headquarters in S. Austin it costs $5 to get in but all of that money goes to charity. So, you'll have that going for you already, which is nice. You can catch the full line-up of artists and times, keeping in mind that it's all "tentative". Don't worry about that though, KGSR are the kings/queens/benevolent-dictators of Adult-Alternative so even if they sub some artists out they won't give you anyone that is ridiculously awful. After all, this is being broadcast on the radio and interwebs for anyone to hear, for free!
David Garza will be kicking things off at 7:30am tomorrow.
Twang Twang Shock-A-Boom ft. David Garza - Let Me video via YouTube
You can find some of the artists to be showcased after the break. You won't believe the first one after the break...seriously for $5?!?! At 8am? What?!?! Wait a second, did that say 8am?
Not to sound like a hippie or anything, you can see how clean my feet are if you ever meet me in person, but Medeski, Martin & Wood?!?! For $5?!?! Srsly KGSR I <3 you so much right now. Let's hang out, call me. Oh, and if you are a hippie or just a person with dirty feet, nothing personal, we're still cool. Right?
Medeski, Martin & Wood - Uninvisible video via YouTube
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears are back in town and they'll be playing Threadgill's at 8am. Make sure you at least listen to that one on the radio if you can't get down there. Nothing says good morning like some punchy throw-back soul, and just to help you picture it, the horns you hear are not shiny and they look a little beat up. It's almost like you're there isn't it?
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears - Sugarfoot video via YouTube
That other cool band from Providence, The Low Anthem, ended up with the earliest time slot. They'll be playing at 7am Friday, which is, coincidentally, the time you may begin serving alcohol. Hmmm. Whadayaknow? I mean to imply nothing about the band's imbibing habits by that comment. They are stunning.
The Low Anthem - To The Ghosts Who Write History Books video via YouTube
I feel like I mentioned them yesterday but the Walkmen will also be playing Threadgills at 8:30am Friday morning.
the Walkmen - In the New Year video via YouTube
Have I told you there's going to be free food at this event too? Also, you might get to meet Andy Langer. Or, maybe, see him from afar and tell people you met him and he asked you to hang out at the fest for free but you didn't want to ditch your buds so you went to Taco Cabana and just chilled instead. Or not, that's your call, I'm just throwing out ideas here.
D-Bags - Chillin' at the Taco Cabana video via YouTube
By the way I was going to put a video for David Garza's biggest hit, Butterflies above the break but the ones with good sound have copyrighted images that put the song in a weird context. So, instead I've buried it way down here.
Shhhh.
David Garza - Butterflies video via YouTube
Read more!
David Garza will be kicking things off at 7:30am tomorrow.
Twang Twang Shock-A-Boom ft. David Garza - Let Me video via YouTube
You can find some of the artists to be showcased after the break. You won't believe the first one after the break...seriously for $5?!?! At 8am? What?!?! Wait a second, did that say 8am?
Not to sound like a hippie or anything, you can see how clean my feet are if you ever meet me in person, but Medeski, Martin & Wood?!?! For $5?!?! Srsly KGSR I <3 you so much right now. Let's hang out, call me. Oh, and if you are a hippie or just a person with dirty feet, nothing personal, we're still cool. Right?
Medeski, Martin & Wood - Uninvisible video via YouTube
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears are back in town and they'll be playing Threadgill's at 8am. Make sure you at least listen to that one on the radio if you can't get down there. Nothing says good morning like some punchy throw-back soul, and just to help you picture it, the horns you hear are not shiny and they look a little beat up. It's almost like you're there isn't it?
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears - Sugarfoot video via YouTube
That other cool band from Providence, The Low Anthem, ended up with the earliest time slot. They'll be playing at 7am Friday, which is, coincidentally, the time you may begin serving alcohol. Hmmm. Whadayaknow? I mean to imply nothing about the band's imbibing habits by that comment. They are stunning.
The Low Anthem - To The Ghosts Who Write History Books video via YouTube
I feel like I mentioned them yesterday but the Walkmen will also be playing Threadgills at 8:30am Friday morning.
the Walkmen - In the New Year video via YouTube
Have I told you there's going to be free food at this event too? Also, you might get to meet Andy Langer. Or, maybe, see him from afar and tell people you met him and he asked you to hang out at the fest for free but you didn't want to ditch your buds so you went to Taco Cabana and just chilled instead. Or not, that's your call, I'm just throwing out ideas here.
D-Bags - Chillin' at the Taco Cabana video via YouTube
By the way I was going to put a video for David Garza's biggest hit, Butterflies above the break but the ones with good sound have copyrighted images that put the song in a weird context. So, instead I've buried it way down here.
Shhhh.
David Garza - Butterflies video via YouTube
Read more!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Pre ACL Foder
I'm calling out Wednesday as the first unofficial day of Austin City Limits Fest. Why is that? Because I effing say so that's why! No, but seriously, I'm saying Wednesday simply because Them Crooked Vultures will be taping their Austin City Limits Television appearance on Wed. night. If you didn't already sign up for the space available ticket lotto then you're probably not going. But that's ok, dear reader, you can still catch Them Crooked Vultures at Stubb's on Thursday night. The ticket's gonna set you back half a Benjamin but is there really a price on the value of that particular concert experience? Turns out there is and it's about $50. Cough it up!
Them Crooked Vultures - Nobody Love Me and Neither Do I (Teaser) video via YouTube
I'm also calling at Wed. as Day 1 of ACL Fest 'cause that's the first day that you'll really start to notice the first wave of tourists. Traffic will be a bit denser on Wed. The people in front of you will be looking around and pointing a lot. It's all very exciting.
I wanted to post "official" Them Crooked Vultures videos, because something tells me the ole' Websheriff is going to be all over this band. The unfortunate part about that is all of the official promotional things are snippets for those of us who have short attention sp
Them Crooked Vultures - Elephants (teaser) video via YouTube
In reality, Thursday night is the TRUE unofficial first night of ACL. It's the first night of official and unofficial pre-parties action. There are so many bands and so much to feature on Thursday night that it's a bit overwhelming even for someone as Bloggy as I. But, fear not, we can talk about all of that in a more involved post soon. For now he's just ONE alternative if you can't swing a $50 Them Crooked Vultures ticket...
The Walkmen - Four Provinces video via YouTube
Read more!
Them Crooked Vultures - Nobody Love Me and Neither Do I (Teaser) video via YouTube
I'm also calling at Wed. as Day 1 of ACL Fest 'cause that's the first day that you'll really start to notice the first wave of tourists. Traffic will be a bit denser on Wed. The people in front of you will be looking around and pointing a lot. It's all very exciting.
I wanted to post "official" Them Crooked Vultures videos, because something tells me the ole' Websheriff is going to be all over this band. The unfortunate part about that is all of the official promotional things are snippets for those of us who have short attention sp
Them Crooked Vultures - Elephants (teaser) video via YouTube
In reality, Thursday night is the TRUE unofficial first night of ACL. It's the first night of official and unofficial pre-parties action. There are so many bands and so much to feature on Thursday night that it's a bit overwhelming even for someone as Bloggy as I. But, fear not, we can talk about all of that in a more involved post soon. For now he's just ONE alternative if you can't swing a $50 Them Crooked Vultures ticket...
The Walkmen - Four Provinces video via YouTube
Read more!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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
Read more!
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
Read more!
Friday, September 18, 2009
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'.
Read more!
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'.
Read more!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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
Read more!
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
Read more!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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
Read more!
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
Read more!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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.
Read more!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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.
Read more!
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.
Read more!
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