Daniel Johnston plays the Mohawk

I was marginally aware of Daniel Johnston's music before I moved to Austin but I certainly didn't revere him. I just knew him as that guy with the weird voice who writes the beautiful songs. Then I started to see his art on T-Shirts everywhere, then of course, there's his giant "Hi, How Are You" mural on the drag. Suddenly his legend was building for me and I was starting to get it. Then I saw The Devil and Daniel Johnston and now I realize he is a patron saint of Austin. He is one of those characters that made Richard Linklater fall in love with this place. He doesn't walk a fine line between genius and madness he struts along that line and he churns out touching, well-crafted songs all the while. This blogger is excited for what truly ammounts to a historical opportunity to see Johnston perform at the Mohawk tomorrow night. To be honest, I really have no idea what to expect but I'm going to set the bar kind of low. I won't be looking for fireworks, or Van Halen stage moves, I just want to see the man in person and hear him croak out a few songs. There are at least 5 great shows in town tomorrow night but if you're honest with yourself you'll realize this is the only show that is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. In other words click this ticket link before they're all gone.


Daniel Johnston - Don't Play Cards With Satan video via YouTube


Oh God, after watching that video above the break now I'm worried I might cry though Daniel Johnston's set. That was pretty intense for me for some reason. Why are Austin's characters so beautifully haunted and amazingly talented? Guess it sort of goes with the whole "Keep Austin Weird" schtick. So, if you see a 6'2" man with a beard crying his eyes out at the Daniel Johnston show tomorrow give him a hug and a beer and tell him it's gonna be ok.

For those of you who haven't seen The Devil and Daniel Johnston you should really rent it, it's a great film that gives some great insight. Here's the trailer:


The Devil and Daniel Johnston - Trailer video via YouTube

Here's a song that Daniel released on a homemade tape in 1981, if you were in Austin during that time you probably have a copy lying around your house somewhere and I am jealous of that fact.


Daniel Johnston - Grievances video via YouTube

"If I can't be a lover
then I'll be a pest."

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the Mynabirds + Josh Ritter at Antone's

As you may or may not know, Bloggy isn't really people who knows people, he just plays pretend. In real life he's a waiter (shhhh) but in the Austin nightlife, he goes out on the town with a Flipcam and an air of importance in order to talk his way into shows and areas of clubs where he doesn't belong. Well, last night, at Antone's, Bloggy was people who knew people who knew the Mynabirds, which was a very good thing. The show as ridiculously packed, I don't know if it sold-out but if it didn't it came very close. Mynabirds took the stage at 9p on the nose and the house was wall to wall sweaty faces. The band played a short set that left the crowd wanting more, which is pretty much ideal for a non-headlining slot. I'm not going to pretend to critique the performance, I'm pretty much biased (loved it). But feel free to form your own, un-biased, opinion about them. Although, if you think about it, how can any opinion about anything truly be unbiased? Even a robot trained to be unbiased has a bias against being bias. But I digress. My BloggyCam footage turned out terrible, so I'm not going to subject you to it. Enjoy this instead.


the Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie video via YouTube


I must admit, generally having "All-Access" or "VIP" status amounts to almost-nothing in most Austin venues but at Antone's it's the best way to see a show there. Not only are you right above the bathroom area but you have to walk through the band's dressing room in order to get to the VIP area. How cool is that? Cool for you, possibly not cool for the band. Also, when the show is over you can use an exit door that no one else can use. In case of fire, you're cool, they're effed. Well, not really, but that's how it felt. Did I mention they also have a cocktail server so you don't even have to get up to get alcohol? Oh, and I had a surface. An actual table to set things on. It was crazy sauce and I recommend you start your own blog and trick people into thinking you're important. Actually forget I said that. Moving on.

I only stayed for the first 3-5 songs of Josh Ritter's set. I know, I'm lame but I had to sling pancakes at 6:30 this morning. Not wake up at 6:30 but actually be there, at work, awake, acting like I want to bring you coffee and such at 6:30am. So get off my case, at least I was there alright?! Anyway, I was quite impressed with Josh Ritter's set. I have a few songs of his in my iTunes library but I have like a billion songs in my iTunes library and those few songs of his had never really stuck out to me, in the past. However, in person, with a full band to liven things up Ritter was quite the showman. The crowd was paying attention at a level I found eerie for an Austin audience. The quiet parts in the songs were actually quiet. Also, the music was very pleasant and I could see a big cross-section of Americans really get into Josh Ritter.


Josh Ritter - Girl In the War video via YouTube

The above video doesn't really capture the high-energy set Ritter played last night with a full band but that is I beautiful song. Did I mention the show turned into an impromptu tweet-up when I ran into half my twitter feed and some of my customers from work? I love that about this city. When you start to get to know the people standing near you at shows you'll find that they're standing near you at lots of shows and then you can cheers with your Lone Stars and smile.

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Ultra8201's Birthday at the Parish.

It's somewhat short notice but I wanted y'all to have a friendly little reminder about my brethren in blogging's birthday bash tonight at the Parish. Cherish the Parish while enjoying the sounds of Bloggy favs L.A.X.. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes 'cause those kids like to get down. Of course the more rockin' side of indie will also be represented with Love at 20, as well as Politics and the Redboys.


Even though it's the day of the show I'm pretty sure you are still welcome to RSVP over at the Do512 site in order to get $2 off the cover. Also, you can see if your friends or enemies are going over at the event's Facebook page. Bloggy <3's Ultra8201 so I'll be making an appearance. I'm thinking of gifting myrrh or frankincense they seem like good, traditional birthday presents. Either that or an iPod Shuffle, I haven't decided.

All you need to bring is yourself, enough money to get in and a positive attitude. The music, excellent sound and good times are all included in the cover price. See you at the Parish?

Oh, by the way, word on the street is there's an after-party at a certain sweaty dance club named for a certain Jane Fonda movie that will certainly have loud dance music and cheap beers. Come on, you know the one.

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LCD Soundsytem at Stubb's (Video)

It was strange to walk down, a vacant, 6th street in the 7 O'clock hour last night on my way to Stubb's but after a blistering 2 hour set from LCD Soundsystem I was happy with the early start time. The weather wasn't ideal since there was a fine mist/light rain as the doors opened so it was pretty humid with all those people packed in. I will say, the amphitheater itself, didn't seem as muddy as I had expected, I don't know much about dirt, but kudos to Stubb's for using a non-muddy dirt(?). LCD took the stage at 8:30 and didn't take a break for 90 minutes. All of the songs were huge pulsing affairs,w hich were intensified by the epileptic's nightmare of a light show. I literally had to shield my face from the stroboscopic assault but I wouldn't have things any other way. Here's the BloggyCam interpretation of LCD's opening number.


LCD Soundsystem - Us v Them video via YouTube


This is the part of the post where I complain about the crowd, since really the band is only one element to the live experience. The show was sold-out so the place was packed with a wide-variety of Austin "types" but the people who stand out in my mind are the ones who meet up at a concert to "catch-up". There was a couple adjacent to me who talked so incessantly I almost videod their conversation. Another couple, squeezed in front of me, so one was beside me and one was in front in an area of crowd that was already packed to the gills, then they started chatting with each other, with me between them. After a complete song of this, I turned and looked at them and I said, "SERIOUSLY!?!?! SERIOUSLY?!!? I paid to hear this band play." I hate doing that, but I want to ask these people, why are you here? Give me $40 and you can talk all you want and I won't bother you BUT I pay to listen to bands perform and while I can still hear the music when you're talking I can also hear your banal conversation.

So that's what I have to say about talking during a concert. My other annoyance was the people constantly trying to get closer, or see better or generally moving about constantly. Pick an effing spot and camp there people. Then, maybe after a few songs, find a different spot but saying, "Excuse me" doesn't make it ok for you, to stop, with the back of your head 4 inches in front of my face. Not cool. If you say excuse me and you're moving THROUGH that is one thing but don't squeeze into my spot bro, that's not polite no matter what words come out of your mouth.


LCD Soundsytem - I Can Change video via YouTube

With all of that said, the majority of the crowd was really into the show the whole time. People were clapping along, singing, dancing having a jolly-good time. Overall, most of my issues are issues you will experience at any show but especially the high-capacity venue shows. Each visit to Stubb's reinforces to me that I will never be cut out for Austin City Limits Fest or any other similar summer fest. I've decided I like music more than I like people, so I want to hear music where there aren't as many people around to bother me. Except you of course. You, I love. Obviously.

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Mumford, Sons, Middle East, La Zona

Damn, y'all I haven't been checking ShowListAustin.com or Do512 very much lately, for the same reason I haven't been looking for bills in my mailbox. Now, I'm really regretting I didn't try to work some schmoozy, bloggy magic to get into the Mumford & Sons show at La Zona Rosa tomorrow night. At this point, it's too late to "get on the list" but I might go pretend like I'm already on the list and see how far that gets me. Not only am I a fan of Mumford etc. but I effing adore The Middle East. They have this song called Lonely on their EP that kills me (in a good way). It's over 7 minutes of beautiful, passionate, somber transcendence. Not to over-sell it. You might remember they were one of my bands to watch during this past SXSW. In any case, tickets don't seem to be available online but you MAY be able to get them at a local retailer, or at the door. If not, you can always hang out at Backstage Bar and pretend like you were at the show, there's no shame in that. Well, maybe a little bit of shame.

Speaking of shame, it's kind of lame of me to not post an original song in this headlining spot, but I effing love cover songs. So...


Mumford & Sons - Cousins video via YouTube


I keep hearing people say how much they love the sound of the banjo and it seems to be infiltrating hipster-culture and I fully approve. It's just logical that as we get more and more tech-savvy our music will go back to the hills. I predict the next Panda Bear album will feature lots of jug and banjo. You heard it here first people.


Mumford & Sons - The Cave video via YouTube

Like many of you, I don't always make it to the show in time to catch the opening act, but if you are going to La Zona tomorrow night, make sure you catch the Middle East and try to think about me and what I might be thinking about while you are listening but picture me listening too, with a Lonestar that you bought me. Thanks.


the Middle East - Lonely video via YouTube

If any of you are reading this and thinking about how you'd like to invite me to join you on your dime, thanks. It'd be my pleasure to join you on your dime. May I offer you some gratis earplugs? Otherwise if you're reading this and can't invite me along or simply don't want to go to the show. Thanks. I like you just for reading what I wrote. I feel like we should really hang out more IRL. Call me.

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Voxtrot's Farewell to Austin

Voxtrot bid Austin adieu last night to a comfortably packed crowd at Emo's outside area. You could definitely feel the love in the crowd from the opening notes to the closing notes. Everything Voxtrot did had people clapping, pogoing and generally participating in a way, which is, sadly, rare in this city. It certainly wasn't a sad, boo-hoo, farewell to Voxtrot. The evening had the vibe of a quirky 5yr class reunion for kids who were, previously, home-schooled. Like a Wes Anderson movie crossed with a John Hughes movie starring me and a bunch of other hipsters who hate hipsters. I looked around and everyone was dancing like Molly Ringwald looking totally blissed-out and nostalgic. Even the group of too-young sorrority girls knew every word to every song and sang along like we didn't pay to hear the band. All in all, a good time was had by all but don't mourn Voxtrot they left us with some amazing music to keep exploring.


Voxtrot - Whiskey & Water video via YouTube

On the official Voxtrot website there is a note that reflects where this break-up came from. It's drawn-out, articulate and beautiful (of course) but this section really stood out to me today after seeing the final show. I think it perfectly captures the energy of the experience.

I've come to realize that there really isn't any cause for disappointment. The fact is, the songs still exist, and the music of Voxtrot lives on as a sovereign entity which, outside of all criticism, positive or negative, belongs to the guys and me, and to everybody who ever loved it or believed. Taking into account every person I've met, every place I have visited, every emotional exchange I have ever had with a listener, there is absolutely no room for regret.

I actually opened this post with the second to last song from Voxtrot's set for short-attention span purposes and I'm closing the post with the second song they performed from their set. If this post is your first introduction to Voxtrot the EP, Raised By Wolves would certainly be a good jumping off point. Or, if like me, you've been a fan for quite some time this has that nostalgic appeal already and it's only 5yrs old. Thanks for the tunes Voxtrot.


Voxtrot - Raised by Wolves video via YouTube

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Bassnectar Follow-Up w/Vid

I feel like the word epic has lost its meaning at this point but that is the word I heard the most when I asked people what they thought of Bassnectar at Stubb's Saturday night. To be honest, it's pretty fitting. I've seen Bassnectar three times now and each show has had an amazing end-of-the-world energy. People dance like they may never dance again and it's largely an involuntary response to the mean, driving, bass sounds that assault you throughout the show. Even if you want to be a wallflower the bass will make your clothes dance on your body. I literally sweat my earplugs out, which has never happened to me before but it was just that kind of crazy.

Now, y'all know I like to try and record two complete songs when I go to shows so I have a little visual document for myself and for you too. However, Bassnectar at Stubb's isn't really ideal for that sort of thing. The bass was clipping the sound and losing all the high end and the hardcore dancing creates lots of crowd jostling. I did manage to shoot one song in it's entirety but it's sort of a cool-down song so it's not going to seem as intense as the picture I've painted so far. In fact, the video has only been up 1 day and already someone has bitched about me choosing this particular song. Whatever, it's better than their video from the show, 'cause they ain't got one. Also, he's remixing Jonsi'!?!?! Of Sigur Ros fame!!! Enigma remixing Sigur Rós?!?!?!?!


Bassnectar remixes Jonsi' Bassnectar remixes Enigma's remix of Sigur Rós' - Sæglópur video via YouTube


I posted a couple of clips from the Bassnectar show on the Bloggy F*c*book page too. There's even a minute long clip of a Sleigh Bells remix. You know I love me some Sleigh Bells. He also said it was his first time playing that for an audience, that's what's up.

Well y'all, I wanted to post another video but alas I have no more for you. Shortest post ever.

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The Peen Is The Scene

Dearly beloved, we will gather at Barbarella tomorrow to join many men and many women in sweaty, dance-floor shakin ', bliss. That's right it's a Sunday night dance party in honor of the one, the only, Jenn Peen of the Peen Scene a lady never reveals her age but let's just say it's a milestone and all of Austin's bloggeratti will be in attendance. Lucky for you, you're people who know people so you're invited to get down with some loud-ass music, low-priced drinks and it will be your time to rub elbows with all of us cool bloggy, scenester-types. Make sure you bring your dancin' shoes 'cause Jenn likes to get down on that dance-floor and no one likes a wallflower. Things kick off at 10pm at Barbarella tomorrow night. If you would like to RSVP, which I recommend, you may do so at the Facebook event page and/or you can check out the listing on Do512. Here's a little taste of what you may or may not hear at Barbarella tomorrow night.


Sleigh Bells - Rill Rill video via YouTube


If you've ever rolled with the Peen Scene before then you already know there's also going to be a sanctioned after-party for the post 2am crowd, 'cause that's just how we get down in the Austin blogosphere. Bloggy has to work at 5:30am Monday so I may wake up early for work and hit the after-party before I go in. We'll see how that plan comes into fruition. I may be that drunk dude at work on Memorial day...or at least one of those drunk dudes at work. Info for the after-party happs can be found on both Facebook and Do512 but chances are when you're all sweaty and drunk at Barbarella around 2am you'll notice a mass exodus heading Southeast to the former Music Gym.

I neglected to mention that these are hip-hop themed parties so you actually may not hear Sleigh Bells you're more likely to hear some raunchy, dirty-south hip-hop jamz. Get trill y'all!


Clipse featuring Pharrell - Mr. Me Too video via YouTube

Alright maybe that Clipse track wasn't the perfect example of a sweaty, hip-hop banger but you get the idea.

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ACL Aftershow Conjecture

Let me preface this with some disclaimers, I do not know any of the 3 Charlies who make up C3 Presents. I have no affiliation with Austin City Limits Fest or it's subsidiaries. I'm just a dude who waits tables and writes this little website.

So, with all of that said, let's start guessing about the ACL aftershows shall we? If you have been a fan of this site from the beginning, and I know you have, then you might remember that Bloggy is anti-festival. I don't mind if they occur and I'm cool with YOU going but the idea of standing in a field with 10's of thousands of people to watch M.I.A. on a giant screen is not my idea of a good time. For me, it's all about the aftershow. Wouldn't you rather see Manu Chao at Stubb's, as opposed to Zilker?

Here we go, Bloggydamus' first and most definitive pick for an ACL Aftershow is one part wish, one part rainbow and one part logic. That's right, it's a three-prong approach. I'm calling the National at Stubb's the night before they play the fest. I would prefer they play the Parish but I'm not going to get picky. I just need to hear High Violet and cry into my Lone Star.

This is the part where I had planned to embed a new song but apparently The National are part of the Sony "family" of artists who would rather you buy the video instead of hearing the song on my site. SOOOOOOO, here's one of my favorite older tracks, and actually the first song that turned me onto the National in the first place.


the National - Fake Empire video via YouTube

Hate you VEVO!

Find more Bloggydamus picks after les break.

A big part of my logic in choosing who will/won't be playing aftershows is based on who has or hasn't recently gigged in Austin (not counting SXSW). So, by that logic the following artists WON'T be having aftershows:


LCD Soundsystem
(S)Norah Jones
Yeasayer
Beach House
Local Natives


Local Natives - World News video via YouTube

Also, I don't think the top 2 (or 3) tiers of artists will be playing aftershows although I would LOVE to see M.I.A., The Strokes and Muse play clubs in town. M.I.A. at Barbarella? Yes, please.

My next bet for who WILL be playing an aftershow is: Broken Bells. Sure they played SXSW this year but I still have a feeling that we will be seeing them in aftershow status. Also, a Matt and Kim aftershow is HIGHLY likely as they are so well-received here in Austin.


Matt and Kim - Silver Tiles video via YouTube

It's hard to see the above video but I was there that night and watching this always gives me the chills.

Back to predictions:

From here there are lots of possibilities so I am just going to straight-up list the artists who, I think, WILL be playing the aftershow circuit:

The XX
Portugal. The Man
Girls
Ozomatli
The Mountain Goats
Midlake
The Morning Benders
The Very Best
The Soft Pack


The Morning Benders - Excuses video via YouTube

Lastly but not leastly bands that I wish would play aftershows but almost definitely WON'T:

Sonic Youth


Sonic Youth - Sacred Trickster video via YouTube

PS.
I would put money on members of the Eagles playing secret gigs at places like Momo's or some other dad-bar but you'll have to be there already to get in...assuming you'd want to get in to hear Don Henley play a solo, acoustic set.


Don Henley - All She Wants To Do Is Dance video via YouTube

Let me know what you think in the comments but if you are just commenting to correct spelling/grammar errors I will use your IP address to come to where you are and cut you.

<3 Bloggy

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Autobus Records Showcase at Stubb's

Some of my favorite blogger-types have teamed up with one of my favorite local record labels to showcase some of Austin's most talented artists at Stubb's tonight. Obviously, this is going to be an inside show as I can't see these up and coming artists filling the amphitheater...YET. Autobus Records is home to two of Bloggy's favorite locals, Sunset and Brazos. Sunset won't be performing tonight but you can catch the beautiful songcraft of Brazos. Full details about tonight's Do512/Covert Curiosity event can be found here. In the meantime you should soak in this Brazos song.


Brazos - Tell video via YouTube


So, to be honest I am not YET familiar with most of the artists showcasing tonight, but I do know it will cost $7 to get in and that includes free Lone Star till it runs out. So, that's always nice, however as someone who also works in the service industry might I add that the tip is NOT included in your FREE drink. Make it rain people.

Mark David Ashford seems to be the 2nd tier headliner tonight so let's check out his sound shall we?


Mark David Ashford - The Dirt video via YouTube

Wow, I really liked that song. See people this is why you have to go tonight, Autobus has some amazing songwriters and performers and the intimate feel of Stubb's inside stage will be the perfect setting to hear what these artists are really talking about. Unless you get too distracted by the free beer and can't managed to STFU. But that's neither here nor there.


Weird Weeds - Atlas/We're Gonna Die video via YouTube

Are you feeling the vibe of this label yet? These videos on represent three of the artists who you'll get to experience this evening. Also, I haven't even mentioned the fact that Martin Crane from Brazos will be doing a solo set to lead in to the Brazos set, which should be pretty much amazing. Here's one more BloggyCam vid for the road.


Brazos - Day Glo video via YouTube

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