Barry: I wanna date a musician.
Rob: I wanna live with a musician. She’d write songs at home and ask me what I thought of them, and maybe even include one of our little private jokes in the liner notes.
Barry: Maybe a little picture of me in the liner notes.
Dick: Just in the background somewhere.
This is what we all think when we start to date a musician. We’ve all done it at one point in time… it’s hard not to date a musician in Austin. However, next time you’re presented with the opportunity to do so, keep this Friday’s Top Five in mind…  (And yes, I did take these quotes from “High Fidelity,” and yes I do notice the obvious connection. Yes, you’re very smart. Shut up.)
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The great Bill Callahan is making a return to The Parish on Sunday night and we’re hoping you’ll make it out if you missed him when he played at Waterloo in May.  Opening support for this one will be provided by Follow that Bird who start things off around 9pm.  Tickets are on sale now for $12.

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Download: Bill Callahan - Eid Ma Clack Shaw [MP3]

We were excited to be hitting up the Nylon Summer Tour at Antones, as the bill featured the likes of Jaguar Love, Plasticines and Patrick Wolf. These are several bands we had been following for a long time, but had yet to get a chance to see on our home-turf.  Anxiously, we grabbed a few Lone Stars and awaited the evening with enthusiastic uncertainty. Follow the jump to read our take on the show.

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One of our now favorite Austin bands Calm Blue Sea are playing another show at Emo’s on Sunday night.  If you have yet to catch this band live or haven’t heard their new record, make a point to do so before the nation picks up on them.  Supporting bands for this one are Girls From Enola, Irepress, and Hotel Hotel.  Doors are at 8 and show stars at 10pm.

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Download: The Calm Blue Sea - We Happy Few [MP3]

I’m really tired of people making assumptions about my masculinity based on the fact that I like fruity cereals. I just like the way they taste, okay!? The skin tight sequin shirts, however, are a bit harder to explain.

Looking for a way to celebrate your 4th of July in style?  Why not make it out to Stubbs for a more than fitting night of music with Explosions in the Sky, Octopus Project, and Wooden Birds!  As far as shows for the night go, this really is the best bet.  Sure you may want to fire up that grill and drink a cold one, but Stubbs has all of these things and more!  Unfortunately tickets are sold out for this one so maybe you can sneak your way in… Doors at 7pm.

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Download: Explosions - Welcome, Ghosts [MP3]

After receiving their new EP in the mail recently, we immediately found fairly new Austin band The Authors to be a solid choice for our artist to watch feature.  The local outfit cites their influences as New Order, The Cure, and Phoenix which can all be heard in the sounds of the band.  Some are quick to call them indie-pop, but The Authors are quick to refute such a confining label and warn that their sound doesn’t end there.  We tend to agree.  Check out the band’s catchiest tune “Put it On” below which appears on the aforementioned debut self-titled EP available on CD Baby or at your local record store.  You can catch the band live July 23rd at Spider House or August 20th at Mohawk.

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Download: The Authors - Put it On [MP3]

If you haven’t listened to Sunny Day Real Estate, or at least heard of the much heralded band, then you must have been hiding under a huge rock.  Not only was the band one of the most influential early emo bands, but they put out a few records that were nearly perfect, before parting ways.  But, the band is back, and they will be playing at La Zona Rosa on October 7th.  Sure, it will be an older crowd, but this is definitely a must see show for all indie fans. Dare I say it’s more important to me than My Bloody Valentine earlier this year? I do. Go buy Diary.

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Stellastarr has flown under the radar since their debut album, seemingly swept aside by the move past the nostalgic 80s rehash revival.  But, the band has stayed strong, and they are about to self-release their third album, Civilized, on July 7th. We’ve got a song to toss your way in preparation for the release of said album. You’re sure to find it a pleasing little number.

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Download: Stellastarr - Graffiti Eyes [MP3]

Shortly after the death of George Harrison, Jim James (under the moniker Yim Yames) recorded a 6 song EP of Harrison covers that has been on the shelf up till now.  Next week this covers EP, and the first solo release by the MMJ frontman, will be released in digital, CD, and vinyl fashion.  We’ve got a little taste of the EP below.  Not sure why the man needs to use a different name, but the songs are sounding superb.

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Download: Yim Yames - Behind That Locked Door [MP3]