Friendly Fires + the XX = Mohawk Thursday

Hipsters start your fixed-gears, Friendly Fires and the XX hit the Mohawk's outside stage tonight! If you weren't aware of this already then you're probably not going to get a ticket, at least not by the usual means, as the show has been sold-out since Monday. Friendly Fires have always put on a solid-show but the buzz for their latest material being played on the current tour has been loud. Their latest release seems to be a Deluxe re-issue of their Eponymous, debut LP. You can check it out here if you wish.


Friendly Fires - Kiss of Life video via YouTube

I wouldn't say the XX are opening for Friendly Fires I'd say it's a split-headliner. Sure, FF have been around longer but the XX are current UK darlings, or at least they were this summer when their single, Crystalised was pretty much everywhere. I haven't checked but I'm sure there are a billion or so remixes of the song. I have also noticed that the XX have been tagged to remix a lot of other artist's as of late. Personally, I don't try to keep up with what Carles calls the remix-economy. It's pretty much a full-time job these days keeping track of who is remixing whom, when and how to get an ear on the songs once they're supposedly out. But I digress, here's Crystalised in case you somehow escaped it this summer.


the XX - Crystalised video via YouTube

If you're cool and you get there early tonight you can also catch, recent XL Recording signee, Holly Miranda. I'd expect her to start around 9:15, this whole thing has to be done by midnight so we're packing it in early kids. By the way, whether you're cool or not you should probably get to the 'Hawk early unless you want to see the backs of people's heads whilst listening to Friendly Fires.


Holly Miranda - I Go To Sleep + Hymnal video via YouTube

Oh snap! I just checked Holly Miranda's official page and it says canceled for her appearance at the 'Hawk but I'm sure there will be some kick-ass local act instead, which is just fine by me. Or maybe U2 will show up and everyone will be excited at first then they'll get their hipster on and throw their Lone Stars at Bono. Then Bono will turn on the spot and disappear in cloud of shamrocks leaving behind, only, a pair of black wrap-around shades. Whoa!



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Wufus Wainwhite

The music of Rufus Wainwright is so precious I just want to squeeze its little cheeks. As you probably know by now, he is playing two nights in our fair city. Tonight and/or tomorrow night you can catch him at the historic(ally uncomfortable seats), Paramount Theater, just a few blocks from the Capitol building. Allegedly they "just released [more tickets] for sale to the public". But what does that mean? They're like, "You know, maybe we should sell all the available seats instead of just the odd numbered ones?" Myself, I love the young Mr. Wainwright but I can't pay my bills whilst attending $30-$60 concerts every night now can I? Ruf Ruf if you're reading this put me on the guest list so that you might serenade me tonight and/or tomorrow night. Otherwise, I'm counting on the dedicated bloggy-masses to attend the show without me. I know, it won't be the same but when you hear Cigarettes, and Chocolate Milk think of me, for those are just a couple of my cravings as well.


Rufus Wainwright - Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk video via YouTube


Actually that song is pretty old, Rufus may not even play it much anymore. Although, if I had two 45-70 minute sets in one town I'd probably dig pretty deep into my catalogue. Who knows, maybe he'll even play his gorgeous cover of the Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.


Rufus Wainwright - the Origin of Love video via YouTube

Look it's the sing-a-long version...sorry it's unofficial you should buy the album this song comes from, the proceeds benefit the Harvey Milk School.

In more current Rufus Wainwright news, his latest release is a CD and/or DVD featuring highlights from a string of performances in Wisconsin. It's aptly title, Milwaukee At Last!!!, and is made available via Decca Records. Did you know that Decca is part of the Wal-Mart of record companiesssss, Universal Music Group. I'm not a fan of UMG 'cause they don't "get" what blogs do for their artists so they won't let us embed videos or offer free Mp3's. So, even though I love Rufus Wainwright you won't be gettin' nuffin' fo free. PS. Offering me a widget, I can embed, that streams your artist's content makes me want to choke UMG.

This is one of my favorites from Want One and come to think of it I never did check out Want Two don't be made at me Ruf Ruf.


Rufus Wainwright - I Don't Know What It Is? video via YouTube

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Japanther Red 7 Tomorrow or Japandroids?

Let's go to Red 7 Sunday night and check out Japanther y'all! I've been hearing their songs on Sirius XMU for a while now and I seem to remember being amused by their name during a few episodes of SXSW. Now, the buzz for their upcoming LP has been building and I want to hear the songs live first. The LP is tentatively titled Rock N' Roll Ice Cream, which would help to explain this creepy promotional photo...




As of this moment, I can't find any ticketing info on the official Red 7 ticketing site but I'm thinking if you hit Waterloo Records or End of an Ear in person, they may have the hook-up. If not, expect $10ish at the door Sunday night.


Japanther - Bumpin'Rap Tapes video via YouTube

Whilst, writing this post about Japanther one of my Tweeps mentioned the band Japandroids and I got all confused and had to re check all my info. Turns out I like Japandroids too! Like Japanther, Japandroids are a 2-piece band but their music is closer to pop than punk. Which, isn't to say it's pop but there's a spectrum y'all just go with it.


Japandroids - Young Hearts, Spark Fire video via YouTube

There aren't any local Japandroids shows listed as of today, but I'm guessing we'll have a chance to gaze upon them in March when SXSW steamrolls us again. In the meantime, let's focus on the Japanamed band that we do have in town.


Japanther - Challenge video via YouTube

P.S.

Check out Japanther's Mp3 page, it's quite clever. ----> Clever

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Thao + La Snacks at Mohawk Tomorrow

I don't know if y'all caught any of the buzz about Thao & the Get Down Stay Down during SXSW this year but you should hop on board the buzz train Thursday night. Thao is based in D.C. and comes highly recommended by our homies over at the D.C. Rock Club. So, if you want to have a good time AND probably meet @JumboSlice in the process get your tickets for Thao now.

Free Mp3 courtesy of Kill Rock Stars, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Thao & the Get Down Stay Down w/The Portland Cello Project - Tallymarks


Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - Cool Yourself video via YouTube

Thao will be headlining the outside stage at the Mohawk so expect their set to start around 10pm or so. Make sure you stick around afterwards to see my friends in La Snacks headline the inside stage. This will be La Snacks' first show with their new line-up, which seems to have shifted 3 or 4 times now. Let's hope this combination of members is the one that sticks.


La Snacks - Roman Yell video via YouTube

I don't know what the story is with the Portland Cello Project but I did find this old-timey video to be both intriguing and entertaining. They'll be hitting the outside stage before Thao gets down and stays down. From what I can tell they might be on stage WITH Thao as well since they recently collaborated. But only time will tell if they get their own set as well or what the deal will be.


the Portland Cello Project - the Big Tour video via YouTube

Here's one more from Thao & the Get Down Stay Down for good measure.


Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - When We Swam video via YouTube

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FunFunFun Day 2 Pix/Review

Alright, so I needed Monday to decompress/de-mudify from FunFunFun Fest day 2. The weather gods were not kind to day 2 of the festivities, I blame Danzig and their worship of the occult. Why can't they be nice like those Christian Hardcore kids? Anyway, it was pretty miserable being rain soaked, and mud caked. I actually fell down backstage, which was certainly a highlight for those who got to see it. For me, it was watching a cup full of Whiskey fly into the air, slow-motion stylee as I planted my ass in the mud. All in all, rain and mud is something one should expect when attending a festival so I tried to suck it up. I didn't end up staying for the headlining acts though. Sorry Danzig, Kid Sister and Of Montreal but I just really needed to full dry and surrounded by fluffy cottony things in that moment.

Unlike day 1 when the weather was beautiful and I had forgotten to bring my camera, day 2 was marked by shite weather and the presence of my shite digital camera. You'll find some photos and wrap-up after the break. But, I want to highlight a local band I caught on day 2 here above the break.


Strange Boys - Who Needs Who More video via YouTube

I feel like I saw a lot less music on day 2 of FunFunFun Fest compared to day 1 but that's probably just cause I was a wuss about the weather and hunkered down in the covered areas more. I felt bad for the stage hands who had to plug and unplug electrical stuff that was sitting in or near puddles of water on the stage. King Khan & BBQ Show couldn't even perform on the Yellow stage because there was too much water. They ended up doing a free show at Red 7 Sunday night.

Going through my photos, I didn't take as many as I should have but here are some highlights.



Astronautalis killed it on the Blue stage. He even did a freestyle, letting the crowd choose the subjects. I think it ended up about Squirrels, Syphilis, and Losing your Sack Lunch.



I wasn't super-impressed with Atlas Sound's set. I'm still a fan of their music but they played right after I fell down so it was hard to like much of anything. I must say though, that the Karen O and the Kids record that Bradford Cox, of Atlas Sound, produced is a totally stellar album.



Mika Miko put on a really fun, high-energy set. It had a Vivian Girl or two singing along side-stage, which is always nice. If you've never seen or heard Mika Miko picture a shitty version of the The Go Go's and I mean that in the lovingest way possible. By "shitty" I really mean, looser, less pop-oriented version of the Go Go's.

Mika Miko are part of L.A.'s noise-rock, "smell scene" home to No Age and Health, both of whom also played the festival this weekend. I didn't get any photos of Health but they are one of my favorite live acts touring right now. I can't really listen to their albums because it's just so damn noisy. But in person their is something transcendent about seeing them create that noise on stage. There sound is just so ahead of its time that it's hard to hear the beauty in it at first but I swear it's the music your kids will listen to just to make you mad twenty years from now.


Health - Crimewave video via YouTube



Why? is one of those bands whose music is so diverse you might only like bits and pieces of their set but they brought it to a wet crowd. I saw lots of people shaking and bobbing along to their hypnotic beats.



Broadcast is a band that you either love them to death or you'd never really listened to them before. I was in the group of those who were aware of the band but hadn't really listened to them. All the folks in the know told me I had to see them perform. As far as performance goes, they don't jump around stage or throw confetti but their music was haunting and beautiful. I may not rush out to buy tickets to see them play again but I will pick up their albums and give them a thorough listening.



I ran over to the Blue stage 'cause my friend kept texting me saying, "Nu-Mark is killing it over here! Hurry!" Turns out he was right.



I had to include this picture of me with Astronautilis even though y'all know I like to stay relatively anonymous. But seriously, how cool is this?!?! Yeah, I chatted a bit backstage with Andy aka Astronautilis he's about to hit Europe opening up for Tegan and MF Sara y'all! How bad-ass is that?

So, my FunFunFun Fest '09 final thoughts are, I had fun but next year it would be nice to have free Wi-Fi in the park. Also, if you are thinking you might want to attend next year, you should absolutely shell out the extra bucks to get the P.I.P. pass. There are different levels, and you should spring for the top-tier. That way you get all the perks the media and artists get PLUS you can stand on the stage and watch your favorite performers. I've also realized I'm not really a festival person in general since I much prefer an intimate show where I can more easily heckle the bands. But that's your call.

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FunFunFun From Memory

So, yesterday was day one of FunFunFun Fest. I had been to the festival in '07 and had a great time and yesterday was no exception. It seems like every year the festival organizers add a few more thoughtful perks and areas in which to make the festival a uniquely enjoyable experience. This was the first year I have been granted the elusive media access as well so I'm going to talk to y'all about how that was. Oh, but I do want to apologize in advance for not having a camera with me yesterday, what the eff was I thinking right?

So I walked through the gates around 1:30 and was immediately pulled towards the Blue stage where Austin's own L.A.X. was pumping out the disco jams. The crowd wasn't very large at any of the stages at that point but the folks who were there for L.A.X. were definitely shaking their groove thangs. Toward the end of their set I decided to check out the whole media access thing so I walked toward a get to the right of the stage and walked behind the magic green fencing. As I walked through the gates L.A.X. was walking off stage and I got to give a high five and a little praise and this is when I knew it was SO on.


One of the most clever things about FunFunFun Fest is the whole P.I.P. ticket/wristband/badge scenario. Sure, I have a media pass so I can go backstage but folks with P.I.P. passes can actually get on the side stage and watch from the wings, which I can not. Isn't this a great idea for h-core music fans? They can hang backstage and mingle with their favorite artists just like us jaded media types. Today I plan to ask some of the artists how they feel about letting the masses in their private area. I'm guessing they don't mind because most of the artists I saw yesterday could be spotted on both sides of the fence. This is not your typical snob-fest these are salt of the Earth crusty punks types.

I feel like I still haven't found all the free schwag available to me as a member of the press but I will list you some of the things the P.I.P.'s and I have been secretly enjoying. For me the biggest perk is just that it's SOOOO much easier to move between stages from the backstage area so I spent all day hopping from stage to stage, also backstage porta-johns...THANK YOU! As far as free shhh, let's see, I'll just make a list: Sweet Leaf Tea, buttons, neckerchiefs and lip balm, free breakfast tacos, Red Bull, Bottled Water (Somewhat illusive), drink tickets, power outlets, energy bars, I feel like there is more but I'm blanking.


Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms video via YouTube

As far as mingling, I sat next to Alan Palomo of Neon Indian, Vega fame. He was making two lists of the equipment he was going to need for each of his two bands that were performing. I told him how the song Psychic Chasms from the Neon Indian LP of the same name, reminds me of the movie Flight of the Navigator. He seemed pleased with the comment but didn't necessarily understand the reference I think. I asked him when we can expect a Vega LP, he said probably next summer but the EP will see a re-release. Palomo also told me he'll be holed-up in the studio in January working on the Vega records with a very well known producer. I'm going to keep that on the low though, I don't want to jinx anything.


Flight of the Navigator - Music From the Film video via YouTube

I also chatted with members of Foot Patrol after their, killer, set on the Blue Stage. They had 7 +/- 3 members, all in various costumes that may or may not have been related. Apparently their band name is some reference to foot fetishism or insists or some shhh like that. All I know is I was watching the crowd as much as the band and they were drawing people in and those people were dancing. Sadly, our chat was somewhat insignificant it went something like this:

Me: "Hey I really enjoyed your set."
Them: "Thanks we had a lot of fun."
Me: "I could tell, you really drew a lot of people in."
Them: "Yeah."
Me: "Late"

I had a similarly awkward conversation with a Vivian Girl. I was behind the Orange stage watching Crystal Antlers and I look to my left and I saw the Red-Headed Vivian Girl with some tall, dark rocker dude, probably from Brooklyn, probably a band we know and <3 and I have this inspired moment.

Me: "Hey, aren't you a Vivian Girl?"
Her: "Yeah."
Me: "Oh."
***Both look back toward Crystal Antlers***

See people, this is why I'm a blogger and not a journalist haha. Speaking as a blogger I also would like to say that I'm surprised, given all of the little details that Transmission Entertainment thought of, that there isn't free Wi-Fi. To me that is the only, legal, thing that would make FunFunFun Fest a little better next year.

This post is getting out of control long, and I know your attention span is getting increasingly shorter (if you've even read this far) so here's a list of bands who I watched for at least 3 songs. I'll rate them with *.

* = That set was aight
** = That set was cool
***= That set was crazy good

L.A.X. **
Crystal Antlers **
Sugar and Gold **
Foot Patrol **
Times New Viking *
The Night Marchers **
Shonen Knife **
Vega ***
The Sword ***
MC Chris **
No Age **
Melt Banana ***
SSION **
Death **
7 Seconds **
Neon Indian **
Yeasayer **
Les Savy Fav **
Face to Face ***
Ratatat *
The Jesus Lizard **

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Bloggy's Whiskeytown Beerland Bonanza

So I saw Surfer Blood at Beerland last night and I can pretty much guarantee you didn't. I would say there were maybe 40-50 people, possibly fewer I'm a bad guessturbator, and y'all missed out as far as I'm concerned. At this point the guys only have about 10 songs so their whole set was only about 40 minutes but it was 40 minutes of indie-pop bliss. Think Weezer meets Vampire Weekend but not really all that precious or twee. The T-Shirts they were selling at the show reference Joy Division, which I don't see as being coincidental either. They certainly didn't remind me of Joy Division very often but there are those key guitar tones, which definitely point to their influence.

Speaking of the merch booth, I was psyched to see they were selling their full length LP, Astrocoast, which isn't due to hit stores until January. I bought a copy from the lead singer who told me this was Surfer Blood's first visit to Austin but they plan to "Take over SXSW" in March. Last night's show was day 4 of 45 that the band will be on the road so be sure to check their page linked above to catch 'em in your part of the U.S. of A (holes).

There aren't official videos out yet, at least not to my knowledge, but I want y'all to hear a song or two that I didn't post already. So, apologies for the pseudo-video but I want you to hear studio quality-ish.


Surfer Blood - Swim video via YouTube

I didn't catch all four bands who played Beerland last night but I did see the Cowabunga Babes. Their set was really fun and even inspired a few hipsters to break out in some nifty sock-hop dancing. To me they sounded like a messier, updated version of the B-52's and I like me some B-52's. However, I feel like they either need to tighten up or go more overboard with the sloppiness. Either be slick and polished or be the drunkest house-party band ever that's your call Cowabunga Babes but in the meantime keep rocking 'cause that was a fun-ass set! Just for the record though, I think Harlem are the current Austin crown-holders for drunkest house-party band and that's a good thing here.

[This is where I would put another Cowabunga Babes video but I already posted the one that they have at the moment and it doesn't feature the full band.]

I suppose I should explain this post's title a bit before I sign off here. I'm not much of a drinker but when I go to a show at a bar I will buy a drink of two. I'm also very frugal, shall we say, so I have been buying Lone Star when I go downtown. Well, recently I discovered that if I don't call my liquor I can get a tall Whiskey and Coke for roughly the same price as a damn Lone Star. At Beerland a tall Whiskey and Coke was $4 and a tall PBR was $3, you do the math! But stay away from the meth!

Here's one more from Surfer Blood, then I will leave them alone until SXSW.


Surfer Blood - Fast Jabroni video via YouTube

Oh, and in case you hadn't heard the hype yet/thought I was pulling this band out of thin air...


Nylon.Tv - Best New Bands: CMJ Pt. 1 video via YouTube

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Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Friday

There's almost too much to blog about this week y'all. I feel like FunFunFun Fest is on the national/international map this year more than any other. So, now there are all kinds of side events, after-parties and the like to keep up with and it all makes Bloggy very happy. If I didn't want to be constantly overwhelmed with indie-rock, I wouldn't live in Austin right? Anyway, my whole point here is with all the FFF related festivities you may not have even noticed that Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are playing the Independent Friday night. Now, I've never been to this venue so I can't give you the down and dirty on the atmosphere but for a $15 ticket I'm willing to check it out.

You've probably already heard the lead single Home about a thousand times but there are lots of really nice tunes on Up From Below, which is on sale (in digital format) all month over at Amazon for $5. Those of you who saw Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at SXSW can attest to what a good, fun show they put on. For those of you who somehow haven't heard the future-classic Home I'll put it here, for those of you who want to sample something else, it's below the break.


Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home (Demo Version) video via YouTube

If you liked that, you can preview the Magnetic Zeros live over at KCRW. And/or you can watch this other video or two.


Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Desert Song video via YouTube

Maybe you already knew this but Alex , the lead singer for the Magnetic Zeros used to be in the band Ima Robot remember them? I used to spin some of their songs on my college radio station back in the day.


Ima Robot - Creeps Me Out video via YouTube

Can't you hear the musical similarities? I'm glad he went pastoral rather than retro. Also, playing Friday night's bill at the Independent will be the Deadly Syndrome and Family of the Year.


the Deadly Syndrome - Emily Paints video via YouTube

With a name like the Deadly Syndrome that song was surprisingly fun. I may show up earlier than I had planned.

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Surfer Blood at Beerland

Those in the know, know that Surfer Blood made big waves at CMJ Fest last month. Get it, waves? Anywho, they'll be rolling through Austin, playing Beerland on Wednesday night. Something tells me if you can't make it, they'll probably be back next month anyway. That's usually the cycle here in Austin, the buzziest bands seem to roll through every month playing progressively bigger venues, so catch 'em next month at Red 7, then maybe Emo's. Probably by the time March rolls around and SXSW is in town they'll be showcasing at Stubb's or something. To be honest, I haven't even heard their songs yet, I'm just going with the typically "Pitchfork Band" career trajectory. Oh, and I used my Delorean to check out SXSW 2010 the Fader Fort is ridic in 2010!


Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes video via YouTube

So, what do we think? I'm thinking the name Surfer Blood was quite fitting. It maybe, wasn't as upbeat as I thought but I suppose that's the Blood part of their name. It's a little gothy, shoe-gazy, garage-surf-esque-ish. They don't have any "official" videos yet, like I said these guys are on the verge y'all. We're like the only people in Austin who know about them so far, just you and me kid. Aren't we cool? Oh, and if you do show up at Beerland for Surfer Blood and you want to buy them some shots to show your adoration, make sure you know who's 21 and who's not. These fellows are youngins y'all!


Surfer Blood - Christian Pagan video via YouTube

Aww, that last one was pretty...unless you really pay attention to the lyrics, which were kind of dark. The band's debut album comes out in January and their bio says they hail from West Palm Beach, Fla but we won't hold that against them. It is surprising though, if you've ever spent time in Florida then you know what a cultural vacuum that place is. Good for you Surfer Blood way to make hooky, jangly, indie-pop whilst surrounding by shallow and/or elderly people.

Cowabunga Babes will also be playing Beerland with Surfer Blood Wednesday night. I haven't seen them perform yet, but they had a show at Beauty Bar the other night and word on the street is they effing killed it!


Cowabunga Babes - Babysitter video via YouTube




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Halloween Build-Up

I feel like if you are someone who is serious about Halloween then Austin is a great city for you. We don't even need Halloween to dress up in Austin, so that's why the entire week leading up to the holiday you may or may not encounter say a zombie at your local diner. That's also why there are so many bad-ass shows going on this week. That's my theory anyway. The downside to all of this hullabaloween is you either have to invest in multiple costumes, interchangeable costume pieces, repeat costuming or party-poopery. I generally lean toward the party poopery, just bring Chex Mix, a box of wine and say you're a soccer mom. Who could turn you away with Chex Mix AND boxed wine? No one you'd want to hang with, that's who.

Islands is back in Austin this time at the Mohawk, that's happening tonight. At the same time Mr. Warren G will be regulating things over at Emo's outside stage with the Kidz in the Hall in tow. But the real pre-Halloween madness starts tomorrow with the Cherry Peel, Flip Scene Halloween bash at the Mohawk.


the Bright Light Social Hour - Back and Forth video via YouTube


That's right you can catch the little darlings of the Sound and the Jury contest, the Bright Light Social Hour at Wednesday night's Halloween bash at Mohawk. Well, actually I'm not entirely sure if they WON per say but they were in the competition and oh hell either you liked the song or you didn't geez. Oh, you can also catch the Black and White Years, L.A.X. and others at the 'Hawk. All the details can be consumed here. But, if you're already sold on this idea and want to attend tickets are $12 at the door, or you can check a Front Gate ticket retailer. Their site doesn't have tickets for sale though, might be door only at this point.


L.A.X. - Dire Fire video via YouTube

There's also a bad-ass show for charity happening Wednesday night at Emo's, which might seem like a problem BUT shows at Emo's run pretty late and shows at the Mohawk end "early" so you could probably catch both shows. Also, you don't really want to miss Sea Wolf or Port O'Brien. Both bands, along with Ben Kweller and Sara Lov, will be playing to benefit the Pablove Foundation. Tickets for Emo's Wednesday benefit show will set you back a cool $10.


Port O'Brien - My Will Is Good video via YouTube

I'm a big fan of Port O'Brien and have been for quite some time but My Will Is Good is certainly not their catchiest tune to date. I think that honor still belongs to I Woke Up Today.


Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today video via YouTube

Also, if you think you won't be able to miss the Flip Scene Halloween Bash at Mohawk but you still want to see Sea Wolf there is still hope for you, dear reader. Sea Wolf are playing a free in-store set at Waterloo Records "promptly" at 5pm.


Sea Wolf - Winter Windows video via YouTube

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