Sprawling Rocker from Violent Soho

violentsohoI figured since we’re nearing the weekend, we could all probably use a little extra pep to carry us to the end of the week.  At first listen, this new single from Violent Soho might not seem like it fits, but be sure to hold on tightly.  The song does pen up rather carefully, slowing moving with a drawling vocal, yet moments later the guitars are amped up, blasting into your ears.  Vocals no longer seem calming, rather they’re ridden with angst.  It’s really something I think would have fit perfectly into mid-90s radio airplay, and I’m not going to lie, there’s a soft spot for that in my heart. Their new LP, Hungry Ghost was just released, so check it if you enjoy.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108276978″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

More New Music From Goodman

avatars-000029602421-5ruqnn-t200x200Back in February, I found myself taking a major liking to the musical stylings created by young NYC resident Michael Goodman and his project known simply as Goodman.  Today Michael has just sent over his latest single “Like What They Like” for us to share with you fans.  The track is yet another beautiful up beat pop tune that shows a lot of promise for the future of this young artist.  Hope you enjoy.

The track is also available to download at a pay what you want price over on bandcamp.

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Austin Spotlight: Berkshire Hounds

berkshireHere’s a new piece of catchy rock n’ roll that just made it into our mailbox today: Berkshire Hounds.  I can definitely see how they’ve got a rhythmic groove to the work their crafting, backed with crunchy guitar sounds that erupt in line with the vocals.  Why does this song standout to my ears? It’s the usage of the saxophone, adding an element to this blend of indie rock that we’re not typically used to hearing.  The group’s still in the early phases of their existence, but you this single should hold you over until the band release their next full-length later on this fall.

Hell Yeah! New NoBunny Tune

482800_10200890279601888_881681324_nIf you follow me on Facebook, or are my friend, you’ll notice my profile pic, posted to the left (sorry I got fat) is me with my man Nobunny.  The guy rules, both on record and in the dirtiest of bars.  Sometimes he’s bratty, sometimes he’s brutal, but he’s always got this endearing punk rock quality to him.  This brand new single even has stronger production quality than what I’ve heard from him before, making me more than excited for what his new LP, Secret Songs, will offer listeners.  It’s slated for an October 15th release on Goner Records.  Nobunny!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108839980″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tour Cassette from Neighbors

neighborsSeattle band Neighbors have definitely won me over with their earliest single, but I think that this new tour cassette, Power Country, has completely sold me on the act. There’s not a lot of frills on these tunes, just straight up rock n’ roll with catchy hooks to sell you on the goods. I think the lead-off track is the perfect introduction to this group, for those that haven’t gotten to hear them yet. It encompasses the combination of grit and pop sensibility that I enjoy about the band.  And, for those of us in Austin, they’ll be hitting up our fair city on October 16th at Cheer-Up Charlies.  If you’re not in our fair city, check their schedule, as they’re hitting the road hard.

Fancy Some Black Light Dinner Party?

One of my favorites from 2011, Black Light Dinner Party, are releasing their full-length Sons and Lovers on September 24th. They’ll be playing some shows up around the northeast. From what I understand, they put on a pretty lively set. Dance.

Give it a run, this title track is a fun little jaunt that starts softly and progresses right into some slow pop jam territory and lets you off the hook easy…

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Austin Spotlight: I Miss Voxtrot

voxtrotI think one of the most disappointing moment in recent Austin music history was the disbanding of Voxtrot.  Sure, members have gone on to work on various things, and other bands like Literature and She Sir stepped in to fill the void, yet nothing quite seems the same.  Classic twee pop sounds with bounce to make your feet shuffle and guitar licks to bring a smile to your face epitomized the great act.  I had recovered for quite some time until the following track below came on my shuffle last night; it brought back the sadness all over again.  At an early age, the group was able to release this track on the excellent Raised By Wolves EP, and they never let me down afterwards…that is until they walked away.  I think we should all sit back and just enjoy this sweet tune.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/02-The-Start-Of-Something.mp3]

Download: Voxtrot – The Start Of Something [MP3]

Light Pop from The Proper Ornaments

properornamentsI think I’ve finally found the group that can replace the Lucksmiths in my category for favorite easy listening act: The Proper Ornaments.  There’s an airy quality that captures my soul, yet I’m still intrigued by the quiet swell of praise the band is getting beneath the radar.  The song below magically appeared in my inbox labeled as “Anthology,” and it appears on the group’s upcoming release Waiting for the Summer on Lo Recordingsyou can hear the whole LP at the label’s page  But, checking in, the band are recording a video for another single that’s not on that release, yet came with my email, so I’m streaming that one; it’s called “Imagination.”  Here’s the two tracks. And the story probably doesn’t matter as much as the great tunes.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/13-Nervous-Breakdown.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/10-Imagination.mp3]

Download: The Proper Ornaments – Nervous Breakdown [MP3]

Rockin Out with Mean Creek

meancreekNothing like finding something to perk you up a little bit, which is exactly what will happen when you press play on this new Mean Creek track.  They’ve just announced that they’ll be releasing their new album, Local Losers, with our friend over at Old Flame Records. In just over 2 minutes you get the brash attitude of a band pumping out pummeling rock hits, of the likable sort.  The Massachusetts act might push forward with sharp guitar chords and rolling drum lines, but I like the softer moment in the track, letting us in on the group’s blend of rock and pop.  You can look forward to the album’s release in January, but for now, you’ll have to settle with this sweet tune.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Mean-Creek-Cool-Town.mp3]

Download: Mean Creek – Cool Town [MP3]

Stream the Willis Earl Beal Album at NPR

ACL approaches. With anticipation comes reflection. One of the most spell-bindingly pure moments for my 2012 festival was checking out Willis Earl Beal near sunset at the fest’s smallest stage. A reel to reel, a cape, some sunglasses, mannequins as backup singers, a microphone and a beer – it was emotion on stage.

Willis has an amazing story; military, hospital, homeless, street artist. Sample this live recording before heading to NPR to check out the album.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/107670252″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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