Austin Bloggy Limits

SXSW 2012 Preview: Solander

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:35:00 +0000

One of the greatest thing about the SXSW music conference is that it's truly a global experience. Artists from around the globe make their way to our lovely city to play for us and lots of times it's their first time on U.S. soil. To be honest, I'm not sure of Solander has played in North America before but I'm glad they are in March. Based in Sweden Solander plays gorgeous, layered, pastoral indie-rock with beautiful melodies and lush production. Their latest album is called Passing Mt. Satu and I really want to buy it on vinyl. It looks like they don't have a U.S. distributor yet but I would guess that they'll get picked up after the fest this year. In the meantime you can listen to both of their LPs on Spotify and I'll be sure to post their album via Bandcamp below the break. For now, you should watch the gorgeous visuals with this gorgeous song:

Solander - Flight video via YouTube

To be honest, it's hard for me to guess when and where Solander will play because I don't know if their Swedish label, Tenderversion Recordings will have their own SXSW showcase. Regardless of whose banner they play under, I REALLY hope they play at The Parish and//or Central Presbyterian Church. Per usual, keep an eye on Show List Austin, Do512 and SXShhh to find out when and where Solander will be playing unofficial showcases.

Passing Mt. Satu by Solander

Return of the Polyphonic Spree

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:15:00 +0000

It feels like it's been ages since Polyphonic Spree played a show in Austin. In reality it's probably only been a year, possibly two. In any case, they're BACK and you can see them in all of their overwhelming glory at La Zona Rosa tomorrow night. The tickets will set you back roughly $20, which is pretty inexpensive when you consider how many people will be on stage. They actually have to take 2 vans on tour and I imagine each van is packed to its full capacity. I'm not, exactly, sure what The Polyphonic Spree are promoting on this tour but it seems like they might have an upcoming album called What Would You Do?. However, that might just be the name of a video contest they are running. The tour is the You + Me tour, which could mean the next album will have THAT title but what I know for sure is they have a new song called Bullseye.

The Polyphonic Spree - "Bullseye" from Good Records Recordings on Vimeo.

The Polyphonic Spree will be donating 25% of the profits from their merchandise to Girls Rock Camp Austin in honor of Esme Barrera at tomorrow night's show. They will also have a donation bucket if you'd like to just donate directly to that cause. Not only that but you will see The Esme Barrera Fan Club Band performing She's a Rainbow at La Zona Rosa tomorrow night. I, for one, find The Polyphonic's love and support for the memory of Esme and everything she did for our community to be incredibly touching. She truly did touch so many lives in this city, country and world and she is still greatly missed.

Esme Barrera Fan Club - She's a Rainbow video via YouTube

SXSW 2012 Preview: Boog Brown

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Generally, when people think about SXSW music they think about indie-rock. British dudes in skinny jeans smoking hand-rolled cigarettes playing jangly, retro tunes to a crowd of disaffected industry-types. While this image is largely true it excludes a huge swath of artists who also trek to Austin in March to catch some industry ears. That is why today, I am featuring Detroit via Atlanta poet and hip-hop artist, Boog Brown.

Brown collaborated with fellow Detroit-native, Apollo Brown on their 2010 release, Brown ~~City~~ Study. The album is filled with gritty, honest hip-hop production. Brown's vocals remind me of what was once referred to as "Backpack hip-hop, " her flow is effortless and draws the listener to pay attention to the lyrics. If you're a fan of Apani B or Jean Grae then you will definitely be a fan of Boog Brown as well.

Boog Brown - UPs video via YouTube

At SXSW you can expect to find Boog Brown at a showcase hosted by the Mello Music Group and/or Audible Treats. Other than that keep your eyes on Show List Austin, Do512 and SXShhh. You can listen to a lot of music from Boog Brown streaming from various internet sources including Spotify. I'll include all of the Bandcamp streams below.

Brown Study by Boog Brown & Apollo Brown

The Brown Study Remixes by Boog Brown

GRIND SEASON vol.1 by BoogBrown

SXSW 2012 Preview: Lee Fields

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:27:00 +0000

When you hear a voice like Lee Fields', a voice with so much conviction, power and honesty you realize where the term "soul music" came from. Then you wonder, where has this man been hiding and why am I just hearing this for the first time now? I discovered Lee Fields' music while I was creating my Spotify playlist of SXSW 2012 artists and I knew within the first 15 seconds that I would be featuring he and his band. Lee has been working in the music industry since the late '60's and even released a legendarily hard to find funk-soul classic called Let's Talk it Over but it wasn't until his most recent work with The Expressions that he has begun to truly gain some recognition.

If you're a fan of Sharon Jones, or Charles Bradley then be sure to catch Lee Fields at SXSW this year. He has a new LP due out on March 13th called Faithful Man but for now you can grab a free track over at his Facebook page. I also highly recommend listening to his 2009, Truth and Soul Records release, My World on Spotify.

Lee Fields and the Expressions - Honey Dove via YouTube

I'd expect you to find Lee Field and the Expressions playing a free day-party hosted by the Windish Agency but as far as official showcases, I'm not too sure. Perhaps, Truth and Soul Records will have an official showcase or maybe he'll just get lumped together with some unaffiliated like-minded artists. Regardless, you can bet you'll see me in the crowd for at least one performance from this powerful funk-soul group.

"Problems" by Lee Fields & The Explorers

As usual, keep an eye on the official SXSW music site for official showcase listings. You can find information about unofficial events at Show List Austin, as well as Do512. You can also create a customized, free party schedule from one of the most comprehensive SXSW party lists over at SXShhh.

SXSW 2012 Interview: Of Monsters and Men

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:00 +0000

It's hard to judge these things but without any sort of scientific evidence I would say that Of Monsters and Men have more buzz coming into SXSW than any other band I have or will feature here. They are already critical darlings and their debut LP, My Head is an Animal hasn't even been released worldwide yet. For now, those of who don't live in Iceland can listen to their brilliant and exuberant 4-track EP, Into the Woods. The full EP is available to listen to on Spotify or their Facebook BandPage and of course you can also purchase it on iTunes.

As a sign of the buzz for Of Monsters and Men in the United States, their state-side tour, which will follow their SXSW appearances is largely sold-out. They actually had to add a second date in Los Angeles and even that is on the verge of selling out. Check the band's tour post to find out if they're coming to your area.

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks video via YouTube

I had the chance to send some questions to Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir from Of Monsters and Men, you can find the full interview below the break.

Did you have any other monikers before arriving at Of Monsters and Men?

For a moment we did. We were competing in Iceland's Músiktilraunir which is like a battle of the bands competition. We only decided to compete like an hour or two before they closed-off the application process. We didn't have a name and time was short so we pretty much decided on something and entered as Hachiko. We slept on it, realized our error and changed it to Of Monsters and Men.
Are you fans of Steinbeck? Or is the name simply an allusion/alliteration?

The name is kind of a spin-off of Of Mice And Men... what a weird sentence there. The main reason for the name is that we liked how it sounded. It sounds mystical and adventurous and our lyrics are often in that atmosphere. We are really taken by stories and the name seems to be very fitting to what we want to create with our music.
What has been the most surreal experience in your music career(s) thus far?

Probably people's reactions. We are always very pleasantly surprised when people in the crowd really get into it and start singing with the songs. It's always so nice when that happens here in Iceland but when you have a room full of people in a country that you have never been to singing their lungs out with our songs, that is a pretty surreal experience.
What are your expectations of the United States? Are there places you want to see? Foods you want to eat? Etc.

We are going on tour in March and we are so excited for all the places we are going to visit. Seattle and Philadelphia have been very kind to us and we are excited to be able to play for the people there. I think LA and Texas will be great too. I'm looking forward to seeing all the different landscape, I've heard it varies a lot so, like, driving through a desert will be cool. As with food, I think we'll at least try to avoid all the millions of McDonald's that we will pass. That might be our biggest challenge.
What is the most common misconception people have about Iceland? What will you miss most about Iceland when you're on tour?

I think one of the biggest misconception that I get asked about a lot is that in Iceland there is only music like Sigur Rós and Björk. Some people are surprised that music like ours would come out of Iceland. We have a very diverse music scene. We have a strong metal scene, a strong electro scene and everything in between. We will definitely miss our friends and family the most while we are on tour.
What do you most look forward to in 2012?

I'm looking forward to releasing our album to the world and for touring. I'm excited to have my Dad come to our first show. He lives in Canada and hasn't gotten a chance to see us live but I still think he is our biggest fan!
If you were on a desert island with one piece of music, one book and one film what would you choose?

Speaking for myself, my new favorite album is Metals by Feist. I'd bring that one along, the book would be The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. It's such an insane and surreal world and I'm very fascinated by it. A movie? I'd choose the Lord Of The Rings trilogy 'cause it's good and really long so the chances of getting sick of it are a bit less, or is naming a trilogy cheating?

Feist

The Bad in Each Other

YouTube

Did you ever have non-musical jobs or have you been playing music for most of your lives?

We all had non-musical jobs. Between us we have had jobs like plumber, video store clerk, airport security, meat packing, kindergarten teacher, sewage cleaner, music teacher, cemetery groundskeeper just to name a few. Many of us played music on the side for a long time but being able to only do that is a very new and fun reality for us, we used to just play for beers.
Using the band as a family metaphor, what roles do each of you play? Who are the bratty children? Who are the responsible parent types?

This is a hard one :)

Kiddi is most definitely the Dad, just because he worries and is ALWAYS fixing something! He likes to think about stuff like finance and stuff that the rest don't find appealing but that's a perfect thing. It's probably easy to list me as the Mom, as I'm the only girl in the group. Brynjar would be the baby, he's the youngest and he's got the baby face. Raggi is the 5 year old with too much energy for his own body. Arnar is the bratty teenager and Árni is the really pissed-off Grandpa, who complains about how the young people don't eat traditional Icelandic food anymore and then passes out drunk.
If you could collaborate with any artist from any time period, who would you choose and what would you work on?

This would be different for all of us because we like a lot of different things. Off the top of my head, we would debate amongst us if we should work with Alex Turner, Ray Charles, Justin Vernon, Tom Waits or we could form a super group!

Alex Turner - Hiding Tonight via YouTube

So, there you have it folks. Keep your eyes on the usual resources to catch Of Monsters and Men at SXSW, they're going to be a hot ticket so don't show up 5 minutes before their set and expect to waltz in the venue without worries. In other words, PLAN AHEAD!

SXSW 2012 Preview: Princeton

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Los Angeles-based indie-pop band Princeton make music, which is nothing short of adorable. Their sound is twee, precious and clever with simple, catchy melodies that you'll be humming days after hearing. Their debut LP was released in 2009 and they toured extensively to support it with other, higher-profile indie-pop acts like Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot.

This year's trip to SXSW is to support their sophomore album, Rememberance of Things to Come, which will be released on February 21st. Since their first album was released, Princeton have released a series of singles including To the Alps/The Electrician, and Florida. The song The Electrician features another Bloggy-favorite artist Active Child. You can listen to all of these singles now on Spotify and find lots of other songs and remixes on Soundcloud. Also, if you pre-order the upcoming LP from Princeton on vinyl you'll receive the 7" for To the Alps as part of your order and of course the digital download codes will also be included. It costs $20 in total to order these things and have them shipped to Austin.

Princeton - To the Alps video via YouTube

At SXSW, I'd expect to find Princeton at showcases hosted by Solid Gold and/or Hit City U.S.A.. I'm not sure if one or both of these entities will be hosting official showcases but I would expect at least one them is. Since Princeton is based in L.A. you might also find them at some day-parties hosted by other Los Angeleans. Keep an eye on the official SXSW music page for official listings and Show List Austin or Do512 for all unofficial festivities.

Clamoring For Your Heart by Princeton

SXSW 2012 Preview: Ava Luna

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 +0000

I had the chance to see, Brooklyn-based, Ava Luna perform on the Mohawk's inside stage about a week ago and they instantly because a band I wanted to highlight for SXSW 2012. Like most contemporary bands, their sound doesn't fit neatly into any one genre but you can hear influences of R&B, soul, indie-pop and some avant/experimental tendencies as well. They perform as a 6-piece, with 3 people doing vocal parts, often with crisp, clear harmonies reminiscent of The Dirty Projectors. One of the things I was most struck by at the Mohawk was how the band doesn't hide their vocals, there were no crazy effects on the mics and they weren't buried in the mix. Most of the songs are sexy, with driving beats, great bass-lines and sensuous vocal parts. The lyrics can be quirky but I think it really works for their sound and shows off the band's personality. They have a series of singles and EPs out right now but still no full length LP.

Ava Luna - Clips video via YouTube

As I mentioned yesterday, the problem with starting these preview posts so early is it makes it difficult to tell you when and where to check out the bands I'm highlighting. So, I'm leaving it up to you to check the official SXSW site as well as, Show List Austin, and/or Do512. In the meantime, you can check out Ava Luna on Spotify, or if you're not down with Spotify I've embedded several of their songs, including their latest single Wrening Day, from Bandcamp.

Wrenning Day (Single) by Ava Luna

Services EP by Ava Luna

3rd Avenue Island by Ava Luna

SXSW 2012 Preview: Hospitality

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:59:00 +0000

I know there are several weeks to go but with the volume of bands playing SXSW, I'm starting my highlights now. The first band I want you to keep an eye on for SXSW 2012 is Hospitality. This Brooklyn-based, indie-pop trio released their debut LP on Merge Records last week but you can also listen to it on Spotify. It features almost child-like female vocals that I find really endearing with pleasant melodies and a jangliness that I always adore. The album, as a whole, is roughly 30 minutes of pop perfection. An excellent soundtrack to a lazy afternoon in the sun or a pleasant Mimosa morning. I expect the live experience to be a guitar-fueled sugar-rush and I can't wait.

Hospitality - Friends of Friends video via YouTube

The problem with doing these preview posts so early is, as of the moment I'm writing this the official schedule isn't out yet. Also, most of the parties have not been announced so I can't really tell you when and where to catch Hospitality at SXSW 2012. I can tell you that typically the Merge Records showcase happens at the Parish on Thursday or Friday night so, keep an eye out for that. For the possibility of catching Hospitality at an unofficial event just scour Show List Austin, Do512 or SXShhh.

In the meantime, you should pick up Hospitality's debut or at least give it a few spins on Spotify. Mr. S. and I listened to it so much during its preview on Spotify that when it came out we just picked it up on vinyl. If that's your preferred method, and you're in Austin don't forget End of an Ear gives 10% off if you have a Go Local card.

Half an Apple by Hospitality

For the record, the above track is from Hospitality's debut EP, not the self-titled LP.

Planning Ahead: SXSW 2012

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:15:00 +0000

Well folks it's officially February, which means it's time to start thinking about/planning/freaking out about SXSW 2012. If you're an Austin resident then you should stop reading this for a moment and buy a wristband while you still can. The first batch at the deepest discount have already sold-out so now is your chance to get one for $175. After this 2nd batch of 2000 wristbands is sold-out, which will probably happen TODAY, the price will exceed $200. So, don't hesitate now is the time. By the way, before we get too much further I should clarify that this post is about the music side of SXSW, while some of the information relates to the Film and Interactive portions as well, I am focused on SXSW music.

Anyway, for those of you who prefer to experience all of the unofficial festivities that have become the parasitic leech of the true festival don't sweat it, there is a still a lot for you to do. However, if you want all of that free-ness you're going to have to work for it. I have already received an e-mail from Lacy Maxwell Productions, they are the production company who puts together the Levi's Fader Fort by Fiat. So, you know that will be going down. I don't know who will be there or when you can RSVP but when you can, you should. The best way to stay on top of that is to sign-up for the Fader Events e-mail list. There's also, typically, two events hosted by Filter Magazine and at least one hosted by the Hype Machine. Truthfully, there are a billion parties and if you want the free, corporately-sponsored booze you have to RSVP due to some crazy Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission law. Don't ask me, I just work here. I've got some suggestions for how to battle the never-ending parties and other helpful tips below the break. For now, enjoy this great video from one of my favorite Austin artists playing SXSW 2012.

Love Inks - Blackeye video via YouTube

Ok, so let's start with how to navigate the wretched RSVP scene. I have 3 strategies for you, the first is pretty simple, keep an eye on Show List Austin, they will post most or all of the free events worth knowing about. I like to use the "Find on Page" feature and just search RSVP, click the links fill out the info. It's tedious because the parties will be added for the next 6 weeks, keep a list on your computer of parties you've already RSVP'd to and just fill in the blanks each week. Even if you don't think you're going to attend a party just RSVP so you don't have any issues at the door if you do choose to go.

There's also a new, more comprehensive list this year aggregated over at SXShhhh. The minds behind this site have created a tedious and extensive, private Google Doc every year outlining EVERY party happening in Austin with the when, the where and the RSVP info. This year they have chosen a different route, leaving it open to the public, making it more customizable and charging about the price of a beer for access ($5.)

The folks over at SXSW Party List are also a great resource if you simply want information and party posters.

Last, but certainly not least, you can pay the folks at RSVPster $40 and they will RSVP you to EVERY party with a +1. This is 9 days worth of parties and you don't have to go through all of the scouring of the internet and tedious entering of the same information over and over. They will do it for you.

Now, as far as the who to check out you should keep an eye out on my picks. I'll be highlighting bands almost every day leading up to the festival starting on Monday. You'll get a little info about each band and there will always be some form of song sample to check out. You can also check out 2 playlists I've created on Spotify. The first one is a monster, it features almost every band playing the festival and if you listened to it non-stop it would take you about a day and a half. You can find the comprehensive one here. I've also narrowed that list down to about a 2 hour list with roughly 40 highlights, which you can find here.

Things to keep in mind when planning:

Just because the booze at the parties is free, doesn't mean you have to drink it all.
Bring lots of $1's, the bartenders are working extra hard and their tip is not included just because you RSVP.
Have an idea of a few bands you want to see everyday but be flexible.
Utilize public transit. CapMetro isn't the greatest but it's better than cabs/parking.
Bring, buy or rent a bicycle. (Have a good bike lock too) <-- This tip via Rideincircles
Think about places to get food downtown NOW. Places with chairs will be your best friend.
If you have official credentials, don't waste your nights at free, unofficial events.
If you have official credentials, plan a couple of nights where you stick to one venue and a couple of nights to roam
Accept the fact that you can't do everything you want to.
Don't buy into the corporate hype. Who cares if [Multi-Platinum Selling Superstar] is playing a "secret gig," SXSW is about new, undiscovered talent. Give your attention to those who ACTUALLY NEED IT.
Bring earplugs! You'll be watching bands play in parking lots, alleys, tiny bars and amphitheaters protect your hearing future.
Bring a notepad and write down who you are watching. Thank me later for this one.
Bring a bag with snacks, toilet paper, wet-wipes, paper towels, cheap sunglasses and hand sanitizer
If there's free booze, there's free water, take both. You can't walk out of venues with any of it though (so put the sealed waters in your bag.)

So, there you have it kids. You have a little over a month so start planning. I hope this little guide has helped.

Thursday Night Shows

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:45:00 +0000

Houston psychedelic band, Indian Jewelry are in town tomorrow night. The last time I saw this tuned-in and zoned-out band was at FunFunFun Fest 2010. Their brand of indie-drone is not for everyone but if you like bands that wear/decorate with those foil emergency blankets and you've been known to don 3-D glasses at Austin Psych Fest then you should grab yourself some tickets and head on over to the ND Thursday night.

Indian Jewelry - Guns video via YouTube

Perhaps Indian Jewelry is not your thing? Maybe you've never gotten high before, or you did and they really freaked you out? Well, don't worry big guy Anthony Green is in town on Thursday as well. He's playing a headlining set over at ye olde Mohawk. I suppose you could say that his music also has a psychedelic bent(ish) but it's more really more on the indie-pop tip than the, OMG I can see the notes, sound of Indian Jewelry. Green's latest LP is called, Beautiful Things and you can grab it online, in stores or at tomorrow's show. Speaking of tomorrow's show, $1 from each advance ticket sold will be donated directly to Keep-A-Breast Foundation so, buy them in advance not at the door.

Anthony Green - Get Yours While You Can video via YouTube

If you're having trouble deciding between Anthony Green and Indian Jewelry, I may have a compromise for you. You can catch a free, acoustic, in-store performance from Mr. Green at Waterloo Records tomorrow at 5pm. How do you like that? Best of both worlds.

The Kills in Austin

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

I know what you're thinking, an outdoor show at Stubb's in January, what were they thinking? Well, I can't speak to that specifically but I can assure that The Kills make it all better. If you've never experienced the genre-smashing fuzz and drama of a live Kills experience then you should throw on a hat and poncho and stand your ass in the rain. Look at it this way, everyone else at the show tomorrow will also be in the rain so, you can consider it a communal, bonding experience with your fellow concert patron. At the moment tickets are still available and the weather lends me to believe that the show will not sell-out. However, if you want to be on the safe side you should probably just snag some tickets right now.

The Kills - The Last Goodbye video via YouTube

I suppose if you can't handle standing in the rain to catch The Kills tonight your next best bet is to tune into KUT this afternoon where they'll be playing a live set. I can't find the exact time that the live performance starts but I was listening on my commute home yesterday and they mentioned that it would be this afternoon.

For those of you heading out to the actual show at Stubb's tonight make sure you arrive early enough to catch Jeff the Brotherhood. They have a lot of buzz building for them and have even been chosen by Mr. Jack White to represent Third Man Records with an exclusive "Blue Series" 7", as well as a live LP.

Jeff the Brotherhood - Whatever I Want video via YouTube

A Lull with Deleted Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Hey there, come here often? You looking to party? I got you covered, well not literally, you're going to have to buy your own ticket but you should meet me at the Mohawk next Monday night. Me and all the cool kids are going to drink Lone Stars, PBR's and make fun of the other cool kids. We'll also be jamming out to A Lull. You may not recognize that name right now but in a few months when everyone is talking about them you'll be like, "Ugg, I saw them like 3 months ago and now that you like them I'm bored." You might also go for, "Remember 3 months ago when I tried to get you to go see them with me at the Mohawk?!?! Pshaw!" None of this hipster posturing will be possible if you don't make it out to the show though. It is for that reason that I'm posting this today, I want you to have a week's heads-up to get your act together.

A Lull - Some Love video via YouTube

If A Lull wasn't enough awesome music to tempt you, you can also catch Washington D.C.-area band Deleted Scenes playing the support slot. If you didn't catch them last time they played Austin then you're in luck. They put on a great live show with lots of David Lee Roth high kicks. Ok, I made that part up but they really are great musicians and they are a band to watch in 2012 according to this sentence.

Deleted Scenes - Bedbedbedbedbed video via YouTube

Kendrick Lamar at Beauty Ballroom TONIGHT!

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:16:00 +0000

I included it in my ticket round-up post at the beginning of the month but January 20th really snuck-up on me. I didn't realize that tonight was the night to catch Kendrick Lamar at the brand-new Beauty Ballroom over on East Riverside. Kendrick's 2011 album, Section.80 was released digitally and made a lot of year-end lists in December. Hailing from Compton, Lamar is carrying on a tradition of great hip-hop and at a concert last August Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Game pronounced him the new prince of west coast hip-hop. If you didn't catch Kendrick Lamar's album last year you can check it out on Spotify. He can also be heard guesting on Drake's latest LP, Take Care on the, "Buried Alive Interlude." It's not too late to get tickets to tonight's show at the Beauty Ballroom they'll be waiting for you at will-call.

Kendrick Lamar - ADHD video via YouTube

Apparently Kendrick Lamar is a huge fan of 2Pac and usually dedicates at least 10 minutes of every show to him and his music so, if you head out to tonight's show you can expect to hear that. Also, look for Kendrick's studio LP, Good Kid in a Mad City at some point this year.

Kendrick Lamar - HiiiPower video via YouTube

Review: Cass McCombs

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:46:00 +0000

Last Saturday night there were a lot of great shows in Austin to choose from. All the kids were over at the Mohawk for the Starfucker show, meanwhile the grown-up were down the street watching Cass McCombs on the inside stage. I wasn't sure how full the show was going to be but I was pleased to walk into a completely packed room just as support act Frank Fairfield was starting his old-timey, one man folk show. The audience was very attentive and Frank put on a good performance. It wasn't really my thing but the crowd erupted in cheers and applause at the end of every song so, clearly, has some fans in Austin.

Cass McCombs started about 10 minutes later than he was scheduled for, with a full backing band that included a steel guitar/guitar, bass, keys and drums. I spotted Erica from the Heartless Bastard enjoying the show along with lots of other Austin scenesters. Cass opened with Equinox from his 2007 album PREfection triggering lots of hooting and hollering from the audience. I, for one, didn't expect to hear an older song so soon in the set but for Cass McCombs fans, that song is a classic and a great opening number. The set culled tracks from Cass' full catalog, including his latest single Bradley Manning.

Cass McCombs - Bradley Manning via Soundcloud

Overall, I had a great experience at the show. The crowd was rapt and mostly attentive throughout the performance and I found myself really paying attention to the lyrical content of the songs. Cass McCombs' songs exist in their own universe and when you see him perform live it's, somewhat, like living in a David Lynch film. The mood of the songs is much thicker in person than on record and they evoke a very dream-like feeling. I hate to try to pin down the music with a genre because it straddles several but Saturday night I was thinking that there was a psychedelic-country-soul thing going on and that seemed quite fitting at the moment.

The set closed with one of the greatest songs of 2011, County Line and I could help thinking that it sounded like a soul record through an American filter. I would love to hear an artist like Charles Bradley re-imagine the tune to enhance it's soul-music qualities. Cass McCombs is still on tour through March so, if you're reading this from outside of Austin you should head out to the following places to have your own Lynch-ian moment with Cass and Co.

01-20 Saxaphaw, NC - Haw River Ballroom *
01-21 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar *
01-22 Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie *
01-25 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom *
01-26 Montreal, Quebec - Il Motore *
01-27 Toronto, Ontario - The Garrison *
01-28 Detroit, MI - Pike Room *
01-29 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall *
01-30 Madison, WI - High Noon *
02-01 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry *
02-02 Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room *
02-03 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive *
02-04 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court *
03-05 Manchester, England - Band on the Wall
03-07 Liverpool, England - Leaf Cafe Bold St.
03-09 London, England - Union Chapel

^ with White Magic
* with Frank Fairfield

Cass McCombs - County Line video via YouTube

Charles Bradley - The World (Is Going Up in Flames) video via YouTube

Interview: Twin Sister

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Long Island indie-popsters Twin Sister will be here in Austin at the end of the month and tickets are almost sold-out. Normally, I do these preview posts closer to the actual show date but I want you to be at the Mohawk on the 29th so, I'm posting about the show today. Neo-whiteboy-indie-soul group, Ava Luna will be playing the support slot so I encourage you to arrive early and catch both bands because they're both fucking awesome. That's right, I said it.

Ava Luna - Clips video via YouTube

I had the chance to send some questions to Andrea from Twin Sister, which you can find below the break.

Twin Sister - Kimmi In a Rice Field video via YouTube

What are some other monikers TWIN SISTER tried out before choosing TWIN SISTER?

Vampires, Dreaming Kids

If the members of TWIN SISTER were to choose non-musical professions, what might those be?

I would work in an Aquarium or be an Art Director.

What band names would have decorated your notebooks/lockers/bumpers in High School?

Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, Björk, Space Robot Scientists. I think I use to do this a lot more in Middle school and like, the beginning of High School. Then I started tacking up flyers for our local acoustic shows.

Did you grow up in a musical house-hold? If so, what music were/are your parents really into?

When I was really little and my parents were still into their early 20s, my father used to play guitar with his friends and my mom was really into dance. So, I had Pink Floyd, Blondie, Bob Marley, Neil Young, Michael Jackson, Salsa, Merengue, Madonna.

What are some of your choices for a "guilty pleasure" playlist?

Katy Perry - "Last Friday Night"

Michelle Branch - "All You Wanted"

Ne-Yo - "Closer"

Vanessa Carlton - "A Thousand Miles"

Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream"

Vanessa Carlton - "Ordinary Day"

Ke$ha - "TiK ToK"

What have you been listening to lately? Do you have any favorite LP's from 2011?

Roy Orbison, the "Crying" cassette

The Best of Bowie cassette

Kate Bush, "The Whole Story" cassette

I think my favorite from 2011 is Björk's "Biophilia." So far, I haven't been listening to enough new music, just old music. I have to wait until this new music is old.

What were some of your favorite films that you saw last year?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 and The Borrower Arriety

The Borrower Arriety

Official English Trailer

YouTube

If you were to make the analogy of band as a family,what roles would your various members play? Who are the parents in the van?

Dev is dad that pays the bills and makes sure that the modem is still giving the house internet. I'm (Andrea) the mother I guess, too busy with make up and hair to pay attention to my kids, but I'll still take them to the doctor. Eric is my favorite son, little stinky brat that does everything right and kisses mummy's buns. Bryan is my stoner son, that is locked in his room listening to music, being all creative and having a good time with his friends and stealing mama's liquor! Gabel is a friend of my son, and I'm sleeping with him behind my husband's back.

What's the biggest/most common myth about touring?

It isn't like a road trip, it's fun and work. I never have enough energy, time or money to really enjoy every place I visit. I still haven't spent more than a few hours in Paris. WTH? If you want to become an alcoholic it's perfect! I hate paying for drinks when I come home.

If you could collaborate with any artist(s), in any medium, in any time period, who would it be, when and what would you be working on?

1940s, Walt Disney, Cartoon production cells.

Twin Sister - Bad Street video via YouTube

Scarface and Wu-Tang This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Are you a hip-hop fan? Maybe you're a suburban white kid trying to earn some street cred? Perhaps your're a hipster who doesn't like anything because it's too commercial. Wait, don't tell me, you've been a huge hip-hop fan your whole life and kids used to make fun of you for it but now it's cool. You were into Scarface while everyone else was gettin' jiggy with it? Well, regardless of your sorted past this weekend has two incredibly solid hip-hop shows and you could be in attendance if you get on board the ticket train. Friday night, you'll find Houston hip-hop legend Scarface at the Mohawk. Lots of emcees claim to be legendary but most of them are just boasting, that can not be said of Scarface. As a member of the Geto Boys, Scarface helped to put Houston hip-hop in the national spotlight with underground classics as well as urban radio jams like, Mind Playing Tricks on Me. I'm not going to go through his whole resume´ you should just trust me and get yourself some tickets before they're gone.

Scarface - On My Block video via YouTube

Then, on Saturday night over at Emo's luscious, new E. Riverside location you will find New York legends, Wu-Tang Clan. Just like Friday night's Scarface show, I'd expect this show to sell-out before doors open so be sure to grab some tickets now! If you feel like you can't afford tickets to see Wu-Tang you can try your luck at this contest, that's your call. If I even need to explain to you who Wu-Tang Clan is, or why you should care about this show then you need to turn your computer off, go to the nearest record shop and buy yourself a copy of Enter the Wu-Tang Clan - 36 Chambers RIGHT NOW!

Wu-Tang Clang - Careful video via YouTube

Cass McCombs at Stubb's

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:53:00 +0000

By now, you've all had a chance to peruse my ticket round-up post so this show is not news to you. However, I wanted to focus your attention on the Cass McCombs show taking place on Stubb's inside stage Saturday night. Cass has been a blog favorite for years and he's also been championed by fellow musicians for his beautiful song-craft and his deeply honest, moving live performances. I expect this show to sell-out within the next day or two so if you want to be a part of this intimate experience you should grab some tickets while they're still available.

Cass McCombs - The Same Thing video via YouTube

The above song comes from Cass McCombs' second album of 2011, Humor Risk. That's right, the second album of 2011! Did I mention that Cass is an extremely proficient songwriter? His first LP of 2011 is called, Wit's End and like Humor Risk is has some of the best songwriting in recent years. The thing that is most interesting to me about the two albums is how they are so different from one another. Wit's End has a more intimate feel, with a more classic singer-songwriter sound, while Humor Risk delves deeper into a true rock sound. They both sound like they are from the same artist but they just explore different sides of Cass' sound. With 6 LPs to cull tracks from, Saturday's live set at Stubb's could last two hours and be sourced from almost a decades worth of material.

Cass McCombs - County Line video via YouTube

Did I mention you should probably get some tickets quickly? The inside room at Stubb's doesn't fit very many people.

Planning Ahead: Spend that Holiday $$$

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:19:00 +0000

It's a new month, a new year, new beginnings and you've got all kinds of holiday related debt OR you're flush with holiday cash OR you're a Jehovah's Witness and holiday is just a bangin' Madonna track. Regardless, I thought y'all might want the heads-up on some fantabulous shows that will be in the Austin area coming up in the near or distant future.

First of all, you should know that SXSW is nigh and the sooner (before Jan. 13th) you buy a badge or wristband the cheaper it will be. I know a lot of you just enjoy all of the free side parties and stuff and that's aight. Trust me though, if you just spring for a music wristband it saves you lots of headache with RSVPing, pretending you like Perez Hilton, standing in lines outside of power plants for prima donnas and all that Jazz. In any case, at this point you can only buy badges for SXSW but keep an ear to the street for the sale of the wristbands. For now, check out a song from a band I'm really looking forward to seeing at SXSW 2012 and then look for all of the ticket links after the jump.

North Highlands - Benefits video via YouTube

Alright, you should know the drill by now, this list is not comprehensive and does not represent an endorsement of any show, venue, artist etc. This is merely a list of shows that may or may not interest you, happening here in the Austin area. Click the name of the artist to go to the ticket page, the name of the venue will bring you to the venue's homepage. If the listing has a strike-through it means the show is already sold-out but I wanted to acknowledge my awareness of the event and also make you feel bad about not getting tickets when they were available. Also, I didn't include a lot of highlight-worthy shows from local bands because they (mostly) don't have pre-sale tickets available. If there is anything I have neglected to include...whoops.

Friday, Jan. 13th

Saturday, Jan. 14th

Wu-Tang Clan at Emo's
Cass McCombs at Stubb's
Starfucker at Mohawk

Tuesday, Jan. 17th

Langhorne Slim at Stubb's

Thursday, Jan. 19th

The Mountain Goats / Nurses at Antone's
Frank Smith at Mohawk

Friday, Jan. 20th

Kendrick Lamar at Beauty Ballroom
The Toasters at Antone's

Kendrick Lamar - Rigamortis video via YouTube

Saturday, Jan. 21th

Mason Jennings at Parish
But you LOVE Ladysmith Black Mambazo at ACL Live
Don Chani at Flamingo Cantina

Wednesday, Jan. 25th

The Kills / Jeff the Brotherhood at Stubb's

Friday, Jan. 27th

Theophilus London at Beauty Ballroom

Saturday, Jan. 28th

BENEFIT FOR ESME'S FAMILY! Ted Leo at Beerland

Sunday, Jan. 29th

Twin Sister at Mohawk

Twin Sister - Bad Street video via YouTube

Monday, Jan. 30th

A Lull / Deleted Scenes at Mohawk

Wednesday, Feb. 1st

HarMar Superstar at

Friday, Feb. 3rd

Zola Jesus at Parish
They Might Be Giants at La Zona Rosa

Saturday, Feb. 4th

King Khan and the Shrines at Mohawk
Caitlin Rose at Stubb's

Wednesday, Feb. 8th

HarMar Superstar at

Saturday, Feb11th

Thurston Moore at St. David's Episcopal Church
Lemonheads (Playing, "It's a Shame About Ray") at Mohawk

Wednesday, Feb.15th

HarMar Superstar at Mohawk

Thursday, Feb. 16th

Trombone Shorty at ACL Live

Friday, Feb. 17th

Los Campesinos! at Parish
Loretta Lynn at ACL Live

Saturday, Feb. 18th

Los Campesinos! at Parish

Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand video via YouTube

Tuesday, Feb. 21st

Matthew Good at Antone's

Friday, Feb. 24th

HarMar Superstar at Mohawk

Saturday, Feb. 25th

Cloud Nothings at Red 7
Reptar at Stubb's
Band of Heathens at Parish

Monday, Feb. 27th

Gomez at Antone's
Drake / A$AP Rocky / Kendrick Lamar at Frank Erwin Center

Tuesday, Feb. 28th

Gomez at Antone's

Wednesday, Feb. 29th

Grimes / Born Gold at Lambert's

Friday, March 2nd

Gladys Knight at ACL Live

Sunday, March 4th

Shearwater at Antone's

Wednesday, March 7th

~~Radiohead / Other Lives at Frank Erwin Center~~

Friday, March 9th

Dr. Dog / Givers at Stubb's

Tuesday, March 13th

Band of Skulls / We Are Augustines at Antone's

Friday, March 23rd

The Naked and Famous at Stubb's

Saturday, March 24th

~~Young the Giant / Grouplove at Stubb's~~

Sunday, March 25th

~~Young the Giant / Grouplove at Stubb's~~

Thursday, April 5th

Childish Gambino / Danny Brown at Stubb's

Danny Brown - Greatest Rapper Ever video via YouTube

Wednesday, April 11th

Keep Shelly in Athens at Mohawk
Bowerbirds at Parish

Saturday, April 14th

Cursive / Cymbals Eat Guitars at Mohawk

Tuesday, April 24th

Bear in Heaven at Parish

Thursday, May 3rd

Roger Waters (Performing "The Wall") at Frank Erwin Center

Saturday, May 5th

Tom Petty at Frank Erwin Center

Friday, May 18th

M83 / I Break Horses at Stubb's

I Break Horses - Winter Beats video via YouTube

Tuesday, June 5th

Foster the People / The Kooks at The Backyard

You're on the Guest List

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:36:00 +0000

What started with a single club (whose original location is now closed) has spread throughout the Red River district and beyond. That's right, as you should know by now, it's FREE WEEK! Think of it as a small-scale local music festival with Austin bands playing for free at all sorts of venues, I didn't write about the first two days of free week but let me highlight a couple of shows to round out your week. Tonight, I recommend you head on over to Skinny's Ballroom to check out Leatherbag. Skinny's is fairly new to Austin's music scene so this will be a great way to welcome them into the free week fold.

Leatherbag - Living in the Dark video via YouTube
Lo
On Wednesday night I would head over to ye olde Beauty Bar where the Manateam Group will be hosting a split showcase with the folks over at Giant Steps. You'll find 5 up-and-coming Austin groups at this showcase, including Tactics.

//////////// by Tactics

I'd also recommend you check out Equals' headlining set over at Antone's Wednesday night. That's the benefit of free week, you can hop around and see sets from several band and several venues without paying a cover!

Equals EP by Equals

Thursday night, I'm all about Antone's as I love those indie-piano-popsters of Oh No Oh My. I somehow neglected their album, People Problems, when I was doing my local, best of round-up last month so I want to be sure to highlight their headlining performance this week.

Oh No Oh My - So I Took You via YouTube

Friday night has a ton of great shows, you really can't go wrong no matter where you end up. You could see OBN III's at Beerland. You could also head down the street to the Mohawk for a set from Calm Blue Sea. Travel slightly north and east for Zlam Dunk at The Annex at 1808. Get your post-rock on at the Scoot Inn with Markov, with La Snacks on the same bill. If you haven't been to Emo's east Riverside location yet, you can see Quiet Company and Speak there on Friday night. Or you can stay slightly off the beaten path and enjoy the cozy confines of Lambert's for a set from Mice and Rifles.

This Quiet by Markov

Saturday night also has as great line-up of performances including a couple of repeat sets at different venues. If you don't cram yourself into the hostile armpit that is Beerland, on Friday night for OBN III's then I highly recommend you catch their Saturday night set at the lovely Mohawk. Also, if you missed Quiet Company's at Emo's East on Friday night they play, the very intimate, Swan Dive on Saturday night. Bloggy favs, TV Torso will be playing the Ringo Deathstarr at Beauty Bar, Fresh Millions at the Parish, What Made Milwaukee Famous at Antone's, Megafauna at Flamingo Cantina, La Snacks and The Cocker Spaniels at Skinny's, and Guns of Navarone at Scoot Inn.

Prize and Battlefield by Guns of Navarone

Sunday night is your final night to not pay a cover charge, bringing 7 nights of free-ness to a close. I don't recognize as many bands playing Sunday but you can find free music at: Mohawk, Antone's, Red 7, ND and Beerland. So, there you have it, FREE WEEK! If you want to see more info, I always like to use Show List Austin. You can also find a great write-up by our brothers of the blog over at Ultra8201. Have fun out there, don't drink and drive and make sure to tip your bar-staff.

By the way, almost every link I posted for these bands will bring you to their Bandcamp page where you can listen to their latest releases. Enjoy!

15 Great EP's of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 +0000

By this point you should have already seen my best locals list, my best non-locals list, and Shivvy's best albums list. So, technically I don't have to post anything else for the rest of the year. That's how this works right? Well, I figured I also wanted to highlight some great EP's that came out this year. I'm not going to call it a best of and I'm not going to mention EP's that were included in the other lists from this site BUT when these bands become famous in 2012-2015 I want you to remember this list. Also, you can expect all or most of these bands to appear on Austin stage during SXSW 2012, or thereabouts.

As with all of the other lists, click the name of the artist to be brought to their homepage, click the title of the EP to go to a purchase page (lots of these are limited pressings in physical form so you may have to go with the digital option), listen to the song sample by pressing the play button. I have also created a Spotify Playlist to accompany this post. Let's begin shall we?

Grimes - Darkbloom

Grimes - Vanessa video via YouTube

Surfer Blood - Tarot Classics

Surfer Blood - Miranda via YouTube

Young Buffalo - Young Von Prettylips

Young Buffalo - Full Metal Whacket via YouTube

Empress Hotel - Empress Hotel

Empress Hotel - Bells Ring via YouTube

Races - Big Broom

Races - Big Broom via YouTube

Weekend - Red

Weekend - Hazel via YouTube

Chapter 24 - Chapter 24 EP

Chapter 24 - Blisland to Cry video via YouTube

Reptar - Oblangle Fizz Y'all

Reptar - Stuck In My Id via YouTube

Yukon Blonde - Fire//Water

Yukon Blonde - Water video via YouTube

Alex Turner - Submarine (Original Songs)

Alex Turner - Hiding Tonight via YouTube

Dom - Family of Love

Dom - Happy Birthday Party via YouTube

Keep Shelly in Athens - Our Own Dream

Keep Shelly in Athens - Lazy Noon via YouTube

Purity Ring - Belispeak
This one isn't technically an EP, it's a split single but I'm totally including it, so there!

Purity Ring - Belispeak via YouTube

Phantogram - Nightlife

Phantogram - Don't Move via YouTube

Radiohead - TKOL RMX 1234567
This also isn't truly an EP, it's compilation of 12" singles that was compiled onto a CD. There were 7 of these 12" singles at the point this compilation was released, since then an 8th remix 12" has appeared. The song below is my favorite of all of the remixes.

Radiohead - Separator (Anstam RMX) via YouTube

Contest: Grieves at Stubb's

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:06:00 +0000

Ho ho ho! In the spirit of the Rick Perry's war on Christmas, I have some tickets to giveaway. Tomorrow night you can catch some live hip-hop at Stubb's inside room. Grieves is hitting Austin with his On the Rocks tour, you can buy tickets or you could win some from me. This could be your chance to see a star on the rise in an intimate space. His album, Together/Apart was released on the Ryhmesayers label and it features classic boom-bap hip-hop beats with tight, introspective rhymes over the top. If you haven't heard it yet, you can check it out on Spotify. Since I was so wrapped up in year-end lists I only have the rest of the day to pick a winner so send an e-mail to contest@austinbloggylimits.com if you want to win. All you have to do is put GRIEVES in the subject and give me a brief reason why you should be picked. One person will get on the guest list with a +1 for tonight's show.

Grieves - On the Rocks video via YouTube

Like I said I only have a few hours to choose a winner for this contest so make sure you enter the contest and/or tell your friends about it NOW.

Shivvy's Best of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:58:00 +0000
This was my first complete year of not working in radio, but I got back into music in a big way. In the months that followed WOXY's demise, I honestly tuned a lot of music out. I was never big on indie buzz and the flavor of the month style way that indie bands are consumed these days, but I was exposed to pretty much all of it while working for the station. Now, with a rekindled passion in my heart, I find that my biggest sources for discovering music are Austin Bloggy and Spotify.

While I have friends who swear up and down that Rdio and other services are better, I subscribed to Spotify when it finally launched here the states earlier this year. Now that I'm working a more traditional office job, I have plenty of time to listen to whatever I want. I put my headphones on and listen to everything from old faves to the the newest releases. I can say that, as a result, my listening has moved back more to being album-based. My preference is always to support my local indie record stores by buying as much vinyl as I can. There is a happy medium there for me - I stream at work and in the car and play records at home.

However you are discovering new music, please make an effort to support the artists that create it. If possible, do it at the local stores that we want to thrive in our communities for a long time. For me, Record Store Day is a year-round event. If you aren't fortunate enough to live close to a great store like End Of An Ear or Waterloo Records here in Austin, there are links embedded here to buy from the artists/labels or from Insound.

20: Meshell Ndegeocello - Weather

Meshell Ndegeocello - Chance video via YouTube

19: Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Mogwai - Mexican Grand Prix video via YouTube

18: Melanie Laurent - En t’attendant

Melanie Laurent - Kiss video via YouTube

17: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Lenses Alien

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Keep Me Waiting video via YouTube

16: Generationals - Actor-Caster

Generationals - Ten-Twenty-Ten video via YouTube

15: Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2

Beastie Boys - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win video via YouTube

14: TV On The Radio - Nine Types Of Light

TV On The Radio - Will Do video via YouTube

13: SBTRKT - SBTRKT

SBTRKT - Wildfire video via YouTube

12: Drake - Take Care

Drake - Headlines video via YouTube

11: Cults - Cults

Cults - Abducted video via YouTube

10: Dum Dum Girls - Only In Dreams

Dum Dum Girls - Bedroom Eyes video via YouTube

9: k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang - Sing It Loud

k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang - I Confess video via YouTube

8: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Mirror Traffic

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Senator video via YouTube

7: Wild Flag - Wild Flag

Wild Flag - Romance video via YouTube

6: PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

PJ Harvey - The Words That Maketh Murder video via YouTube

5: The Weeknd - House of Balloons

The Weeknd - What You Need video via YouTube

4: The Kills - Blood Pressures

The Kills - Future Starts Slow video via YouTube

3: M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

M83 - Midnight City (Trentemøller Remix) video via YouTube

2: Beyonce´ - 4

Beyonce - Countdown video via YouTube

1: Björk - Biophila

Björk - Crystalline video via YouTube

Bloggy's Best of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:37:00 +0000
First off, I want to note that I think ranking art is ridiculous but, at the same time, I adore lists. It is always harder for me to decide what will be excluded rather than what will be included whenever I'm making these lists. It is so hard to say what deserves to be attached to what number, especially in a year that Radiohead have an album release. In the end, I had to make this a top 20 list since I had such a hard time narrowing it down to 10 or 15, but I could just have easily made this a top 50. I can assure you that I loved every album on this list and I ranked them based on how much I listened to them. In other words, this represents what my favorites were just as much as it represents albums with artistic merit. I have developed an evolving playlist that has samples from all of the albums I considered contenders for this list, which you can listen to on Spotify.

The last thing I want to mention involves the format of this post. Just as I did with my Best of 2011: Locals Only post, if you click the name of the artist it will bring you to their homepage, if you click the album title you will be brought to a page to purchase the album. Also, with one or two entries you'll see I have both an LP and EP listed under one spot. My reasoning for this is EP stands for "Extended Play" so I'm considering it to be an extension of the album. Now, with that all said here it is, The Bloggy Best of 2011:

20: The Parson Red Heads - Yearling

The Parson Red Heads - Burning Up the Sky video via YouTube

19: Toro y Moi - Underneath the Pine/Freaking Out

Toro y Moi - How I Know video via YouTube

18: Braids - Native Speaker

Braids - Plath Heart video via YouTube

17: Washed Out - Within and Without

Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed video via YouTube

16: Givers - In Light

Givers - Meantime video via YouTube

15: Other Lives - Tamer Animals

Other Lives - Tamer Animals video via YouTube

14: Widowspeak - Widowspeak

Widowspeak by WIDOWSPEAK
Widowspeak - Nightcrawlers via Bandcamp

13: Active Child - You Are All I See

Active Child - Playing House video via YouTube

12: tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L

tUnE-yArDs - Gangsta video via YouTube

11: SBTRKT - SBTRKT

SBTRKT - Pharoahs video via YouTube

10: The Weeknd - House of Balloons

The Weeknd - The Party & The After Party video via YouTube

9: Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Girls - Honey Bunny video via YouTube

8: Cults - Cults

Cults - Go Outside video via YouTube

7: Vetiver - The Errant Charm

Vetiver - Wonder Why video via YouTube

6: Tristen - Charlatans at the Garden Gate

Tristen - Baby Drugs video via YouTube

5: Radiohead - The King of Limbs

Radiohead - Lotus Flower video via YouTube

4: North Highlands - Wild One

North Highlands - Benefits video via YouTube

3: M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

M83 - Midnight City video via YouTube

2: Shabazz Palaces - Black Up

Shabazz Palaces - Swerve video via YouTube

1: Caveman - CoCo Beware

Caveman - Easy Water video via YouTube

Digitalism at the Parish

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:38:00 +0000

It's been emeffin' cold in Austin this week. You know the best way to cure those cold weather blues? If you answered, dancing your ass off to German electronic music played through Austin's best sound-system over at the Parish then we are on the same wavelength. You can find me and the rest of Austin's coolest people sweating through our Threadless T-Shirts on the hardwood floors of the Parish tomorrow night. If you'd care to join us in seeing Digitalism then you should grab yourself some tickets while they're still available. Something tells me even if there are a few tickets left at the door Friday night they'll be gone early. The latest release from Digitalism is, I Love You, Dude and it's filled with big, industrial beats, edgy keyboard sounds and just the right amount of indie-minded live instrumentation. If you went to the Alamo Drafthouse this summer then you probably already heard the song Two Hearts, which was featured in one of their monthly trailers.

Digitalism - 2 Hearts video via YouTube

Taking opening band duties tomorrow night is up-and-coming electronic duo, Data Romance. They hail from Vancouver and have been compared to The XX and Bat for Lashes so you know I'm sold. Also, the fact that they are coming out of the Vancouver scene speaks very highly of them, they've been churning out some amazing electronic music in the great, white North lately. I mean, have you heard Blood Diamonds? It's tiiiiight! Anyway, if you get to the Parish around 10p you shouldn't have any problem catching all or most of Data Romance's set. I expect it will be one of those, I'm glad I was here for this moments, like when Warpaint opened for Akron/Family. Remember that?

Data Romance - The Deep video via YouTube

Damn, that Data Romance video was creepy y'all! Even though it's, mostly, unrelated I'm going to include this jam from Blood Diamonds too. Vancouver represent!
Blood Diamonds - Grins video via YouTube

Best of 2011: Locals Only

noreply@blogger.com (birkley3030) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:52:00 +0000
Alright, I'm going to start this list with the usual disclaimers about how art is subjective and ranking one piece of art above another is just silly. However, as a music nerd I love lists, which is why this is my favorite time of year. You can look forward to my albums of the year list next week along with Shivvy's. For now, I thought I'd shine a light on some Austin and/or Austin-area artists who had enjoyable music releases this year. Click the name of the artist to go to their homepage, click the name of the release to go to a purchase page. I'm sure there are lots that I will leave out, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy that band, it just means I didn't include it in this list. In other words, you can save your gripes for Oprah's return 'cause I ain't even interested grrrl! In the spirit of, "oh shit I forgot about that one" I present to you the Bloggy Top 11 Austin releases of 2011:

11: Equals - Equals EP

Equals EP by Equals

10: Frank Smith - Monsters

Frank Smith's record, Before You Were Born actually comes out in January but he released Monsters and A Decline THIS year so, I'm including it.

Frank Smith - Monsters video via YouTube

9: Pure X - Pleasure

I'm also including Pure X's You're In It Now EP, as part of this entry. Although, the video below is from the LP, Pleasure.

Pure X - Surface video via YouTube

8: The Calm Blue Sea - The Calm Blue Sea

The Calm Blue Sea - Literal video via YouTube

7: The Strange Boys - Live Music

The album title uses the short "i" sound, as in "living the music."

The Strange Boys - Me and You video via YouTube

6: Sleep ∞ Over - Forever

5: Wild Child - Pillow Talk

Pillow Talk by Wild Child

4: Quiet Company - We Are All Where We Belong

Quiet Company - Fear and Fallacy, Sitting in a Tree video via YouTube

3: The Wooden Birds - Two Matchsticks

The Wooden Birds - Criminals Win video via YouTube

2: Ume - Phantoms

Ume - Captive video via YouTube

1: White Denim - D

Just like I did with the Pure X entry, I'm including White Denim's Takes Place In Your Work Space EP because it's an extension of D and features one of my favorite White Denim songs to date, Handwriting.

White Denim - Street Joy video via YouTube

You can find most of these artists if you're a Spotify user and want to hear more. Frank Smith has his previous releases on Spotify but, the songs I posted above are from an album due out in 2012 so you won't find them there. For the other 10, I've made a little playlist for you to enjoy. So, there you have Best of Austin 2011. Feel free to leave your thoughts, concerns, etc in the comments or tweet @AustinBloggy.