Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Planning Ahead: TIcket Round-Up

If you're anything like me, you don't want to see live music for at least a week after SXSW but guess what kiddos? There are lots of great shows on the horizon and lots of them will be sold-out by the time you want to go. So, once again it's ticket round-up time! Some of these shows I'm hesitant to post about because I fear they will sell-out before even I can get tickets but I love you so much that I"m going to share them with YOU the Bloggy-faithful. As usual, click the name of the artist to go to the ticket purchase page. Click the name of the venue to go to that venue's website. This is not a comprehensive list and this list is not, necessarily an endorsement of said artist nor said venue. Lastly, if you see this it means the show is sold-out. Find the FULL round-up after the break but consider this video a sneak peak.


Tennis - Origins video via YouTube
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Posted by Unknown at 2:53 PM
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Monday, March 19, 2012

SXSW 2012: Bloggy Awards

In lots of ways SXSW is as much about what you missed as it is about what you experienced. Just as our human brains tend to define things more by what they're not than by what they are. Yesterday, rather than relishing in all of the events I was able to attend and enjoy, I found myself lamenting the bands I didn't have the chance to see. My boyfriend, the wonderful Mr. S., expressed a similar sentiment saying there were many films he wished he had seen at the SXSW film festival.

I regret that I didn't see Rubblebucket, Sports, Races, Daughter The Robert Glasper Experiment or Lee Fields & the Expressions to name a few. Now, let me tell you what I'm GLAD to have missed. I'm happy I didn't see Jay-Z, Nas, Erykah Badu, Bruce Springsteen, Timbaland, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Eminem, 50 Cent or Lil' Wayne. Why am I glad I missed these multi-platinum selling legends? Namely because they are a complete and utter distraction and their presence at SXSW is not only inappropriate, it's rude. For every corporately-sponsored, unofficial event that takes place, another potential fan for an unknown artist disappears.

There has been a lot of virtual ink spilled about how this year's festival was the most offensively corporatized event in the history of SXSW. I understand that without corporate money the festival couldn't be what it is today but I also feel like those corporations need to stop paying big-named artists to play private events. It makes your brand look bad, it makes the artists look like whores and it makes the audience look like sheep. It's a big, steaming pile of shame and its stench was all over downtown Austin last week. Does Lil' Wayne interrupting his set to pontificate the pleasures of Mountain Dew make you want to drink that neon-green, conduit for Type-II diabetes? If you answered yes to this question, please move on.


Robert Glasper Experiment - Ah Yeah feat. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele video via YouTube

Now, I am not going to claim to be completely above all of the corporate shilling, I like getting free alcohol and food as much as the next person. I'm more opposed to the attention magnets whose appearance at the festival detracts from the purpose of the festival. You want to build a giant branded stage, more power to you but if you want to put some big-named artist on that stage to try to big-up your brand, that's where I call bullshit. If 50 Cent wants to play a surprise, free, pop-up show in Austin there are 51 weeks that would be more appropriate. I'm sure he would still be mumbling and grunting in front of a large crowd and he wouldn't be upstaging someone who traveled across the globe for THEIR 30 minutes worth of industry attention. Now, that I have that rant out of the way how about some highlights. Let's do this Bloggy-Awards style:

Best Band You & Your Parents Can Jam Out To Together: Alabama Shakes.
They came in to SXSW with a lot of hype. They were chosen for some high-profile showcases and tagged by all of those Dad critics as the band to look out for. Great songwriting, great energy, buy their CD for your parents when it comes out, they will feel like the hippest people in their cubicle cluster.

Biggest Hype to Talent Ratio Imbalance: Grimes.
What is everyone seeing/hearing that I am not? Grimes are not re-inventing the wheel sonically, visually or in any other fashion. Sure, it's a fun record but everywhere I went it seemed like people were talking about how they saw Grimes and they were great or how they wanted to but missed them and were sad. Their performance is lackluster, a girl with a bunch of knobs and buttons vaguely singing while some, homeless looking guy squirms around on stage. We get it, you're quirky. Now get off the stage so Purity Ring can show these dumb motherfuckers how electronic music can and should be performed in a live setting.

Most Likely to Get a Best New Artist Grammy in 2014/2015: Of Monsters and Men.
This 7-piece from Iceland really lived up to all of the hype that surrounded them. Their songs are light, catchy, sing-alongs that are totally arena-ready. Sure, the opening track from their upcoming album sounds just like Home by Edward Sharpe but that's a great fucking song. I look forward to people telling me about Of Monsters and Men in the summer of 2013 when they are playing every major American festival.

Of Monsters and Men

Band I Was Predisposed To Love Then Did: Caveman.
This should come as a surprise to no one. The record is great, the band is great the only thing that wasn't great was the sound mix. I want them to come back and play The Parish soon and for a week-long residency.


Band I Thought I'd Like But Then Loved: The Apache Relay.
Perhaps, this love is due to their highly-enthusiastic audience but The Apache Relay kicked fucking ass. Their songs were terse Americana that made my heart race and I love them. I knew I liked their record but it's got nothing on the live show.

Band You Should Regret Missing But You Probably Don't: Team Me.
I could have given this award out to many, many artists who I saw at SXSW 2012. My strategy was to see as many international acts as I could. The logic there is that all of the American bands will be back in Austin by the summer time, whereas the bands traveling from abroad are less-likely to return, especially if they don't have a successful visit the first time. Team Me won best pop-band in Norway and after seeing them perform I can see why. Their set was completely infectious. They had to duct tape most of their instruments in place because they all jumped around so much. They looked like they were 17, they wore headbands, they played their instruments and sang in the crowd. What else do you want?

Band I Hope Finds an American Audience: Electric Wire Hustle.
I did everything I could to make Electric Wire Hustle more hyped. I talked them up in real life and online before, during and now after the festival but I fear they won't impact big here in the states. The vocals are beautiful and soulful, the drumming is driving and ass-shake inducing and the keys and electronics add the perfect textual element. For the love of all that is holy listen to Electric Wire Hustle and tell everyone you know how great they are!



American Band That Will Be Bigger in Europe Than They Are At Home: Love Inks.
To be honest, this award could have gone to several Austin bands including White Denim but I'm giving it to Love Inks because I saw them perform and there was a woman in the audience singing all of the songs. I approached her after the set assuming she was also from Austin, turns out she lives in Manchester, UK and tons of her friends and twitter followers were jealous she was seeing Love Inks perform. Couple that with their upcoming European tour and it's clear why they won this award.

Best Trend at SXSW 2012: Awesome female musicians.
Tennis, Hospitality, Blouse, Widowspeak, Purity Ring and Eleanor Friedberger all had fantastic female leads. Team Me, Of Monsters and Men, and The Love Language all had kick-ass women in the band. Razika was an all-female band that sounded like the 5,6,7,8's. These are just a few examples of how females are making their mark on the indie-music scene this year. Move over smelly dudes with wretched facial hair and ironic wolf t-shirts!




Worst Trend at SXSW 2012: Women with Skrillex haircuts.
I know, I big-up the ladies then I subjugate them by criticizing their looks but seriously the shaved head on one side thing? I just want to smack your nose with a rolled up newspaper and firmly say, "No!"

So, there you have it, my curmudgeonly, get-off-my-lawn look at SXSW 2012. Another year with lessons learned and room to grow. Next year I hope to see even more incredibly obscure international bands who will never become famous and I hope you do the same. Don't buy into the hype y'all! No one gives a shit that you took a blurry picture of Timbaland on your camera phone. Next year try to focus on what's important, the cute, barely-legal Scandinavian boys who just want you to pogo at their rock show.

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Posted by Unknown at 5:41 PM
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Monday, March 12, 2012

SXSW 2012 Preview: Locals Only

It's ironic that a festival that takes place here in Austin sees Austin bands so under-represented both at official SXSW showcases and in online coverage. I myself, have featured bands from all over the globe in the month leading up to SXSW but this will be the only post in which I highlight local talent. I could hypothesize about why this is so but for me, it's because I live in Austin and I can see Austin bands throughout the year. However, lots of you reading this right now don't live in Austin and you should see some of our bands while you're in town. Hell, you should listen to these bands if you're not going to be in Austin at any point in the near or distant future. If you're in Austin tonight, I HIGHLY recommend you head over to Hotel Vegas for this fantastic showcase of local talent:


The party above the break features Austin bands who are not official SXSW registrants and there's nothing wrong with that. As I mentioned, there really aren't very many Austin artists who are granted official status at SXSW but here are a few who are playing official showcases, in no particular order:


Ume - Captive video via YouTube

I've been writing about Ume for several years now. They write really fantastic, tight rock tunes and how can I not mention that their lead singer is a beautiful blonde who shreds on guitar? They releases a new record a couple of months ago so if you haven't seen them play lately then you haven't seen them play. Here's where you can catch them during SXSW 2012:

    TUESDAY, MARCH 13

  • 10 pm Campfire Trails @ Bat Bar | 218 E. 6th

    • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

  • 5 pm Sea Now! + Popantipop Party @ Brew Exchange | 706 W. 6th
  • 6:50 pm Purveyors of Rock Audioperv Party @ Peckerheads | 402 E. 6th
  • 1:00 am Modern Outsider Official Showcase @ Trinity Hall | 401 E. 6th

    • THURSDAY, MARCH 15

  • 5 pm Brooklyn Vegan Party @ Hotel Vegas/Volstead Lounge | 1500 E. 6th

    • FRIDAY, MARCH 16

  • 4:25 pm Berklee College of Music Showcase @ Friends | 208 E. 6th
  • 6:15 pm Exploding in Sound Party @ Grackle | 1700 E. 6th

    • SATURDAY, MARCH 17

  • 2:45 pm Thrillcall Party @ Whole Foods Rooftop | 601 N. Lamar Blvd.
  • 5:40 pm Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie Show @ Casa Chapala | 101 San Jacinto Blvd.

    • SUNDAY, MARCH 18

  • TBD Thrasher Magazine's Death Match @ Scoot Inn |1308 E. 4th


Love Inks - Rock On video via YouTube

I'm new to being a fan of Love Inks but I am definitely a fan and I think they are hitting the scene at the perfect moment. Their sound is disaffected, minimalist, female-fronted synth-pop. Not too light nor too dark and I fully approve. If that doesn't sell you on this Austin band then we can't be friends. Find them here:

    TUESDAY MARCH 13

  • 8:00pm KVRX Official Showcase @ Trinity Hall | 401 E. 6th St.
  • 10:00pm All Tamara's Parties @ Cheer-Up Charlies | 1104 E. 6th St.

    • WEDNESDAY MARCH 14

  • 3:00pm East Side Tone Sessions Episode Two @ East Side Tone | 301 Chicon St., suite F

    • THURSDAY MARCH 15

  • 5:00pm Lucy the Poodle, $2 Shows and Connect the Dots present Emerald City Limits @ Spiderhouse | 2908 Fruth St.
  • TBA Brooklyn Vegan and M for Montreal present Hotel Vegan @ Hotel Vegas | 1500 E. 6th St.
  • 9:00pm StyleX/Charming Charlie Official Showcase @ Victorian Room at the Driskill | 604 Brazos St.

    • SATURDAY MARCH 17

  • 6:00pm @ Waterloo Records | 600 N. Lamar
  • TBA Reverb Party @ Dirty Dog Bar | 505 East 6th St.


You might remember Nakia from NBC's The Voice. That show introduced him to the world outside of Austin but those of who have lived here are already familiar with this soulful blues-crooner. You only have a couple of chances to see him perform but one of those chances is in Austin's best sounding room:

    TUESDAY MARCH 13

  • 1:00am City of Austin Free Showcase @ The Parish | 214 E. 6th St.

    • WEDNESDAY MARCH 14

  • TBA The Guitartown/Conqueroo Kickoff Party @ The Dogwood | 715 W. 6th St.

    • THURSDAY MARCH 15

  • 6:30am KGSR Live Broadcast @ Great Room at the W Hotel | 200 Lavaca St.


I feel like Oh No Oh My are one of Austin's most over-looked bands. They write indie-pop gems that are radio-ready yet they aren't on the radio. I feel like I have written about them every SXSW since I started this blog. Hopefully this is the year that sees them take-off. Watch them here:

    THURSDAY MARCH 15

  • 12:00am Official Nicodemus Agency Showcase @ The Whiskey Room | 503 E 6th St

    • SATURDAY MARCH 17

  • 8:00pm The Show @ Continental Club | 1315 S. Congress Ave


Pure X - Surface video via YouTube

Pure X used to use the moniker Pure Ecstasy, which implies a much happier sound than you will hear at one of their shows. They are a band who have been grinding out shows for a few years with little to no attention until last year. They put out one of the best local LPs in 2011 and if you don't see them in Austin, chances are you'll see them in your town at some point soon. This is where they'll be this week:

    WEDNESDAY MARCH 14

  • 11:15pm Official Dummy XO Showcase @ Barbarella | 615 Red River St.

    • SATURDAY MARCH 17

  • 1:00pm Mess With Texas @ 1100 Warehouse | 1100 E. 5th St.
  • 5:15pm The Fader + Converse Fort | 1101 E. 5th St.

I've only highlighted five of the numerous Austin bands you could and should see while you're here in town. If you're in an Austin band and you're reading this and you're sad that I didn't include you; don't be sad, there's always next year. Also, people have short attention spans if I wrote about all of the great Austin bands they only would have read about the first five or so anyway.

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Posted by Unknown at 2:12 PM
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SXSW 2012 Interview: Choir of Young Believers


Denmark's Choir of Young Believers write orchestral chamber pop music for the indie-set. Their songs are full of drama and heartbreak with moments of triumph and shear ecstasy. Their first full-length LP This is For the Whites in Your Eyes the Choir established itself as a band with a lot of promise, earning International critical acclaim as well as a commercial success in Denmark and other parts of Europe. Here in the United States the Choir of Young Believers has developed a dedicated fan-base but has yet to see the same commercial success. Their latest album Rhine Gold is due out March 20th on Ghostly International. It may never get the band U.S. radio airplay but it is sure to garner them that ever-elusive buzz. With Rhine Gold the Choir has taken the lessons they learned from the first record and developed them to their logical ends. There is more drama, more elaborate song structures and melodies that are as haunting and beautiful as ever. They will be playing lots of songs from their upcoming album at SXSW this year. You'll find them playing the Ghostly International showcase at Club DeVille on Wednesday March 14th along with several other unofficial sets at various locations around town.


Choir of Young Believers - Hollow Talk video via YouTube

I had the chance to send some questions to the Choir of Young Believers and you'll find those, along with their responses, below the break.

  • How has your approach in the studio changed since recording This is For the White in Your Eyes?
    • Well, when we started out recording our debut we hadn't really played that many shows and the band was mostly just me and a lot of really cool and talented friends helping out when they had the time. So, we kind of arranged the songs and all in the studio and now we have been a steady group of people for about 2-3 years. We have played a lot of shows and even rehearsed the new songs before we went in the studio were we recorded a lot of it live so everything has changed I would say, and even to the better.
  • Describe the writing process for Rhine Gold. Were the songs written on the road as a group? In a rehearsal space? Privately as individuals?
    • I still start out alone, mostly the core is written quite fast and then I can walk around for a loooong time changing small bits here and there. Then, when I feel I have something good to present, I play it for the rest of the band and everybody does there thing but we still keep everything quite open for new input and such, for the recording process.
  • What genre-labels and/or comparisons do you rebel against when your music is written about?
    • Mostly all of it. In general, I find it quite boring and flat to read, which other bands or genres people think we sound like. At least it's never something I feel I can use for any good.
  • What are some common misconceptions about CHOIR OF YOUNG BELIEVERS?
    • It actually doesn't happen that often but it has happened a time or two, that people have thought that we where a Christian band, which we aren't. Sometimes people also think we are from Holland
  • The artwork for Rhine Gold seems to deviate from all of the previous works. Was that change a deliberate and specific decision? Is there a specific reasoning behind the choice?
    • Actually I did the cover with the same people that did our last cover, Nis Bysted and Nis Sigursson, and I loved what they came up with last time, I think it fit the music perfectly. This time around I would rather have some art work that pushed the music a bit instead of something that supported it because that was what I felt we were trying to do with the musical arrangements as well.
  • What musical or artistic works were you inspired by as a child?
    • Prince and my grandparents.
  • What musical or artistic works have inspired you lately?
    • I listen to a lot of radio. Not so much music stations but mostly political or cultural debate programs on this new radio channel we have in Denmark called 24/seven and i try to read a bit everyday, that always makes me happy. I have a hard time concentrating, but I'm trying and trying and really wanna get better at it. Both of those things inspire me and give me peace of mind.
  • If you were to score a film or have your songs included on a soundtrack what genre of film would you want to be associated with? Are there any specific directors whom you would love to be paired with?
    • I would love to have a piece of music in a Wes Anderson movie.
  • Did you ever have non-musical career aspirations? If so, what?
    • Yes, I secretly dream of being a carpenter. Mostly i think because in many ways it's the exact opposite of working with music.
  • How many band members can we expect to see at SXSW?
    • For the first time we will be playing the states with the full 7-piece band and I'm very excited about it!!


Choir of Young Believers - Nye Nummer Et via YouTube
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Posted by Unknown at 11:00 AM
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Sunday, March 11, 2012

SXSW 2012 Preview: Bob's Burgers + Stuff You Might Not Know


I am so excited to see Bob's Burgers live at Esther's Follies tomorrow night. I don't even really know what it will be but I'm still excited. Will it be the voice-actors reading a script? Maybe. Will they each being doing short stand-up sets? Possibly. Will it be a bunch of nerds drawing really fast? Not likely. Regardless, I love the show, I love the people on the show so I'm going to love whatever they do in the live setting. When I told some of my co-workers about the event the first thing they asked me was, "Do you have to have a badge to go." This got me thinking. A lot of people don't really "get" how SXSW works. I've attended SXSW many times and I still don't truly "get" how it works. However, I will impart some knowledge about things you may not have realized after the break.


Bob's Burgers - "The Belchies" Season Premiere Preview video via YouTube

So, first let's get to my co-workers question of, "Is it badge only?" The short answer to this is always, "...sort of." If you have credentials for SXSW Music you can only attend music events and comedy events that take place during the music portion of the festival. So, for tomorrow's event since Music hasn't started yet, it's for people who have badges. The loop-hole here is that for every non-panel event you can pay your way in if there's space available. That means if you want to see a movie or music event, if you're willing to stand in line and risk the possibility of not getting in you COULD pay a fee to see what you want to see. Generally every event will have three lines. One line is for people with badges, they get in first. Once all the badge people are in, they start letting the people with wristbands (or film passes) in. Once both of those lines are cleared they will take a fee, which is usually $10-$20 to let people without credentials in. Some venues/events will reach capacity before the badge line is even cleared but at the larger music venues you have a pretty good shot of getting in without credentials if you line-up early enough.

If you want to see Bob's Burgers Live and you don't have any credentials just get down to the venue an hour before doors and politely ask the volunteers where the cash line is. They MAY tell you there is no cash line but I wouldn't believe them if they told me that. I would get a second opinion before walking away. There are two performances and Esther's can fit a lot of people so I'm thinking those of you who are vigilant could have a shot of getting in. If you don't get in, you can always turn your television to your local Fox affiliate tonight and watch the premiere of Bob's Burgers' second season.
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Posted by Unknown at 11:17 AM
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Friday, March 9, 2012

SXSW 2012 Preview: Spoek Mathambo

Photo Credit: Sean Metelerkamp

Last year at the Sub Pop Records showcase I caught a set from Shabazz Palaces, which melted my mind and made me think about hip-hop in really scary, existential ways. Their album, Black Up ended up being one of my favorite releases of 2011. This year that same showcase will feature a set from South African rapper Spoek Mathambo. I've been listening to his second (and newest) LP, Father Creeper for the past few weeks and to be honest I don't even know what to say about it. It is different from anything I've ever heard before. There are moments that feel like straight-ahead rock, there are moments that sound like hip-hop and then there are moments that sound like an iPod fell from some distant galaxy. You can hear some tracks from Spoek Mathambo on the official Sub Pop artist page. Also, most of Father Creeper is on Spotify although there are songs that are unavailable on there.


Spoek Mathambo - Father Creeper Trailer video via YouTube

Spoek Mathambo has two official performances at SXSW. The first is on Thursday March 15th at the Copa, the second is the official Sub Pop showcase at Red 7.


There are a couple of unofficial opportunities to catch Spoek at SXSW this year. Actually the opportunities are official but the showcases are not. Look for them at these two high-profile events, with the potential for more as well:
  • Wednesday, 3pm at Waterloo Records
  • Friday, Spin Magazine party at Stubb's
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Posted by Unknown at 10:50 AM
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

SXSW 2012 Preview: Races


There are record labels who can do no wrong in my eyes. When I get a press release that says Frenchkiss Records signs _______. I know that I will love ___________. This isn't blind devotion, this is a proven track-record. So, when I received an e-mail about a band called Races who had just been signed by Frenchkiss I immediately gave their music a few spins. They released a 3-song EP last fall called Big Broom, which you can listen to on Spotify or Bandcamp. It's hard to judge a band on just 3 songs but if those 3 songs are solid then you should pay attention. Races' full-length LP will be released on March 27th and it's called Year of the Witch. I expect after making the rounds at this year's SXSW there should be a considerable amount of buzz for their LP.


Races - Big Broom video via YouTube

Since, SXSW starts next week I can finally start telling you where to catch the bands that I feature. However, keep in mind that lots of bands modify their schedules at the very last possible moment. As of right now, Races are scheduled to be at the following places at the following times. The links below will take you to RSVP pages to attend those events. The only official, credentialed event is the showcase at The Stage on 6th.
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Posted by Unknown at 11:56 AM
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

SXSW 2012 Preview: Purity Ring


For a band to have as much hype as Purity Ring with only a few released songs they have to be good right? Well, maybe not but I saw Purity Ring at FunFunFun Fest and they melted my mind. I liked them from the opening song but by the time they played their last tune I was completely enraptured. They don't thrash around the stage and they won't have a spectacular light show what they will have is a home-made contraption they use to trigger samples, they'll distort the beautiful child-like vocals and they'll live-program some of the coldest beats you've ever heard. You'll want to dance but chances are you'll just stand staring, mouth agape in total wonderment. I have been waiting for Purity Ring to return to Austin since November and I will do my best to be wherever they are as many times as I can. Luckily for you, me and everyone else on the planet there will be several chances to see Purity Ring during SXSW. In the meantime, I encourage you to listen to the three tunes they've released thus far over on Purity Ring's Soundcloud page.


Purity Ring - Lofticries video via YouTube

I wanted to follow yesterday's post about the Robert Glasper Experiment with this one about Purity Ring because I'm presented with the Sophie's Choice of SXSW. Do I see an artist, who I have seen before, or do I go check out someone who I really want to see. I mentioned above the break that Purity Ring will have several performances during SXSW but they are only playing Central Presbyterian Church once and seeing them play there would be astounding. Unfortunately it's happening at precisely the same time as the Robert Glasper Experiment's set at The Elephant Room. Both performances are in great spaces and guarantee to be fantastic experiences now it's just a question of choosing.

The first performance from Purity Ring during SXSW will take place at the Chevrolet Sound Garage. They go on at 1am Wednesday evening/Thursday morning. If you want to catch Purity Ring at the church their performance is at 10:30pm on Thursday the 14th. However, the same people that booked them at FunFunFun Fest are hosting their, outstanding, Mess With Texas party where you can also catch Purity Ring. If you are only doing unofficial SXSW events make sure you see check-out the Mess With Texas party.
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Posted by Unknown at 11:27 AM
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Radiohead on Austin City Limits TV


Many of you who know me in real life know that Radiohead is my favorite band. I have been obsessed with them for over 15 years and I even followed them around (Radiohead pun intended) on their Hail to the Thief tour. After living in Austin for 6 years I was resigned to the fact that Radiohead was too big to play our fair city. We are the live music capitol of the world but we don't have very many venues that would be appropriate for bands who do stadium tours. There are always rumors that Radiohead will play Austin City Limits Festival but I contend that you will NEVER see Radiohead playing a stage with the Budweiser logo above them. Yes, they've played Bonnaroo and Coachella but those festivals give their stages names that have nothing to do with multi-national corporations. Not to say that those aren't corporate festivals as well but you won't see the Google+ stage on your program for either one. All this to say, when it was announced that Radiohead was playing the Frank Erwin Center I squeeled with glee, then immediately thought (and tweeted) if they play Austin City Limits TV I will die. Well, guess what kids? Tonight, Radiohead played ACL TV and I didn't die!


Radiohead - The Daily Mail video via YouTube


I wasn't sure what to expect from a Radiohead ACL performance. I had seen what they've been playing on this tour but part of me still felt like since they've never done the show before that we might hear a greatest hits set of sorts. I was way off the mark and I'm totally ok with that. Before tonight, I have seen Radiohead five times. In those experiences I have seen them play all of my favorite songs as some point. I've even heard them play some of my favorite B-Side like Talk Show Host and Pearly. Tonight they explored the side of themselves that is most present on the A-Side of The King of Limbs. This is the highly-percussive side. The side with lots of electronic guitar effects. The side that makes Thom do his infamous spastic dance-moves. They played mostly songs from TKOL with a few older tracks that fit in with that aesthetic. You'll even notice some songs that were released AFTER TKOL as well as two songs that haven't even been released yet.

For fans who were looking to hear Radiohead play Creep or My Iron Lung they should realize those songs were written by a different band. Radiohead decided after OK Computer that they had explored anthemic guitar-rock as much as they wanted to and then they moved on. Those are great songs but if you go to see Radiohead in 2012 just to hear them play songs from The Bends you're going to be disappointed.

Luckily, tonight's taping was full of serious Radiohead fans. I was posted up in front of Ed near the front of the stage and before the show started my fellow crowd-mates and I all swapped Radiohead concert stories. We had all seen the band before. Some of us saw them in Montreal, or New York, the Hollywood Bowl or even here in Texas. We all knew what they had been playing on this tour and we all had our favorites and wishful-thinking songs.

There were many amazing moments throughout this evening's set. Some of them will make the broadcast and some of them won't. You'll notice that Paranoid Android was played but it will not be aired. I feel as though Thom intentionally sang it poorly so it wouldn't make the cut but it still pleased the audience. As an uber-fan there are always moments that bring me to near tears. Hearing the new song Daily Mail was one of those moments but the moment that cracked me was after Idioteque. It's certainly not Radiohead's most touching song but I was overwhelmed with emotion being so close to the band as they unleashed all of the energy it takes to perform it live. Reckoner required a re-start as Thom was not pleased with his guitar sound and when he stopped the song the crows exploded with approving applause. I was definitely surprised to hear The Amazing Sound of Orgy make the set. That song is a B-Side to a Pyramid Song single and it had long been forgotten. Thom explained that it was about the collapse of the banking system and it has re-emerged as that theme has become more relevant.

Overall, just as they do every time I've seen them, Radiohead delivered in a big way for me. They continue to evolve and I continue to embrace them. Sure there are songs I would love to hear live that they didn't perform but they played songs I had never heard period, which is the perfect demonstration of where they are as a band in 2012. If you want to hear a band make and perform The Bends over and over go to a Coldplay concert. If you want to see a band challenge themselves and their audience while still being entertaining then go to a Radiohead show.
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Posted by Unknown at 10:54 PM
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SXSW 2012 Preview: Robert Glasper Experiment


Houston's Robert Glasper Experiment has released the best album of 2012 and chances are this is the first time you're hearing about it. Released on Blue Note Records just last week, Black Radio is already a must-have album for anyone who loves music. It combines hip-hop and jazz in a way that I haven't heard since Madlib's Blue Note remix record, Shades of Blue. With guest vocals from the likes of Erykah Badu, Mos Def and Musiq Soulchild Black Radio is a powerhouse that you can not overlook. You can listen to the whole thing on Spotify but we have it on vinyl at our house and it brings a whole new dimension to the dynamics of the album. Black Radio is the fourth release from Glasper but it is the first to push the boundaries of jazz so far into the world of hip-hop and certainly the first with such a bevy of guest vocalists.


Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Yasiin Bey - Black Radio video via YouTube

The Robert Glasper Experiment appears to only have one scheduled performance during SXSW and, unfortunately, it's on Thursday night the 15th. This is unfortunate because there are so many great showcases happening on Thursday night already. However, most of the other artists I want to see that evening are playing more than once during SXSW whereas there is only one chance to catch Glasper. On the bright side of things, Glasper is playing Austin's only true Jazz venue The Elephant Room, which will be an amazing space to experience his music in. It is also a pretty small venue so it could end up being tricky to get in to for his 10:30pm performance.

Keep your eyes peeled for the possibility of extra performances from the Robert Glasper Experiment or at least listen to Black Radio even if you don't think you'll see the performance at SXSW. Show List Austin, Do512 and SXShhh are my go-to resources for all things unofficial.
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Posted by Unknown at 11:53 AM
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