SXSW Interviews: The Great Nostalgic

Make no mistake about it, The Great Nostalgic are easily one of our favorite up and coming local bands.  What with an appearance on our album’s of the year list in 2009, labeled as Austin album of the year, and major exposure here, it’s easy to see we dig their music.  In our quest to let the world know more about TGN, we recently sat down with leading man and primary songwriter Abram Shook to discuss the current state of his band.  You’ll be happy to hear that they are still going strong and getting ready to release their sophomore LP on the world.  Follow the jump for more.

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New Music from German Measles

Yesterday we brought you a little bit of punk rock from the up-and-coming label Krazy Punx, and we’ve got yet another exciting band from the label to hit you with.  This time up, we’ve got NY’s German Measles.  This single is definitely worthy of sing-a-long moments, not to mention the rest of their new LP, A German Joke is No Laughing Matter.  I’ve had a blast listening to this record all weekend, just bopping along, making sure I knew I could sing every word they’ve got, and I’m sure you’ll do the same once you get a hold of this track by the band.  Go ahead, give it a listen, press repeat, and sing along.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/07-Its-Me.mp3]

Download: German Measles – It’s Me Babe [MP3]

Show Preview: PS I Love You @ Mohawk (3/1)

Date 3/1/11
Location Mohawk
Doors 900p
Tickets $10 @ the Door

We brought you a little contest last week promoting this show, and we really think you should check out the great line-up Tuesday night, not to mention the fact that there’s very little else going on in town.  You’ll get the wonderful PS I Love You, bringing on countless hits, not to mention they might even throw in their new track for you.  Plus, you’ll get to see Diamond Rings, who put on a great set with Robyn last week, but is probably even better suited in a small venue.  Topping off the night will be Netherfriends, and it’s only $10, so you have to go.  I mean, music is going to have slim pickings for national acts really until SXSW, so catch these great bands while you can. And, don’t forget to pick up the split 7″ from the bands while you’re there.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1-Leftovers.mp3]

Download: PS I Love You – Leftovers [MP3]


New Music from King Creosote & Jon Hopkins

Just last week I was raving about how great the new album from King Creosote was on our SITE. Then, seemingly out of nowhere our friends over at Domino send us a track offering up more new sweet tunes from the man, this time with music written by Jon Hopkins, and KC singing over it.  It’s every bit as splendid as I thought it would be.  This record, Diamond Mine, will be out on March 28th, and it possesses the same beauty we got from the latest from KC, just this time giving him the freedom to let his voice reign supreme over the music.  I’ve been listening to a lot of fast rock this week, but even still, one can’t miss the magnificence in the track below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/03-Bats-In-The-Attic.mp3]

Download: King Creosote & Jon Hopkins – Bats In The Attic [MP3]

Papercuts – Fading Parade

Rating: ★★★★½

Jason Quever always seems busy, whether producing other people’s work, or writing his own tunes.  Regardless, it seems that everything he touches somehow finds its ways to my ears, eventually leading to massive amounts of pleasure.  On Fading Parade, his fourth record as Papercuts, that’s precisely what you’re going to get, endless spends of moving music that will never tire.

Something about the guitar line opening “Do You Really Want to Know” hinted at perhaps a more light-hearted Quever to open up this album, but as soon as those densely coated vocals entered the scene, I knew deep down that this was already going to be an exceptional listening experience.  The climbing guitar in the background, those precision drumming moments, all lead you towards blissful listening.  “Do What You Will” brings in the same sentiment, especially as Jason’s voice soars during the chorus, though that breathy quality he has for the duration of the song really gets to me.  Going two for two isn’t a bad way to begin Fading Parade.

It’s when you hit the third track, “I’ll See You Later I Guess” that the newest Papercuts release really began to sink in, emotionally seeking.  This tracks a slow-burner, similar to the work of a band like The New Year, yet as always, the production coats it in that heavy bit of fog, giving it a quality that seems to speak to you from the beyond.  Yet this isn’t the only track you’ll find on here that’s going to really move you, if you’re into a headphones listening experience.  “The Messenger” is perhaps one of the best songs Quever has written to date.  Slowly the song creeps forward, suddenly offering up a bit of unsteady vocals, before returning to the quiet mood.  Beware, these songs are begging you to listen again and again.

Tracks such as the aforementioned “The Messenger” offer a slight alteration in the overall sound of your everyday Papercuts recording.  Take for instance, “Winter Daze,” which gently tip-toes along with down-trodden piano.  Sure, that effortlessly warm pop element you’ve found is definitely a staple in Quever’s repertoire, but there’s new territory being explored, structurally especially.  In the past Jason’s possibly rushed forth with the unfolding of melodies in his tracks, but instead he barely lets the melody escape on this number, which makes it all the more powerful.  It’s the same sort of technique you find on album closer “Charades,” another track that gradually relinquishes its hold on melody and ecstasy.

Long have I been a fan of Jason Quever, and the more work he produces, the more I’m amazed at his gifts as a songwriter. Fading Parade shows him in complete control of every aspect he’s worked on since his debut, Mockingbird.  It’s not like he’s really put out a single bad record, but something about the latest bit from Papercuts shows him creating art above and beyond what I would expect.  This is not a dialed-in record; this is a record of great craftsmanship, and one you should all go enjoy now.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Papercuts_-_Do_What_You_Will.mp3]

Download: The Papercuts – Do What You Will [MP3]

Show Preview: Matt Pond PA @ Stubbs (3/1)

Date 3/1/11
Location Stubbs
Doors 8pm
Tickets $13 @ Frontgate

The veteran songwriter known as Matt Pond PA is making a stop into Austin at Stubbs on Tuesday night.  Joining the PA is fellow veteran songwriter Rocky Votolato to provide opening support.  Those looking for some chill music to enjoy on a Tuesday night should definitely check this  one out.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Matt-Pond-PA-Starting.mp3]

Download: Matt Pond PA – Starting [MP3]

SXSW Interviews: Secret Cities

Keeping up with some of our previews for the upcoming crazy SXSW festival, today we’ll focus on up and coming band Secret Cities.  We fell in love with these guys last year when they released their debut LP Pink Graffiti and have been following them ever since.  Lucky for us, band member Charlie Gokey was kind enough to answer some questions about his band and their upcoming sophomore effort.  Follow the jump for his responses.

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New Tunes from Silver Shampoo

There’s a sweet new label quietly kicking out some really solid jams this year, and we’ll be bringing you a bit of the tunes from the label this week.  For now, we’ll call the label Krazy Punx, and the first gem I’ve grabbed onto comes from Silver Shampoo, a product of Paul Museums.  The newest album is called Higher and Higher, and its sort of all over the place, but in the most wonderful sort of way.  You get a bit of garage, but then the next track you’ve got this catchy little bop pushing you along.  It’s just a whole lot of fun, and the kind of thing we can all dig as the weather gets sunny.  Try this out for size.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/06-Streaks-of-Satan.mp3]

Download: Silver Shampoo – Streaks of Satan [MP3]

New Music From Man/Miracle

I’ve been really digging this new tune “Don’t Waste It” from Oakland based outfit Man/Miracle.  The track is set to appear on an upcoming single from the band due out tomorrow on Third Culture Records.  Lucky for you and me, the band is coming into town next week for SXSW as well.  Stay tuned for news on when you might get the chance to see them live.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/click.mp3]

Download: Man/Miracle – Don’t Waste It [MP3]

New Track from 1,2,3

As of right now, the world probably doesn’t know too much about the Pittsburgh duo, 1,2,3, but that’s soon to change, especially with the band signing to Frenchkiss.  While the release date for the band’s debut record is still a bit tentative, the Internet has been given this new track, which is expected to be one of the featured tracks from said debut. There’s definitely a nice little groove that moves through this song, and with a full-band in the live setting, you can expect this to group to win everyone over, especially when they make their way to Austin, Tx for SXSW. Give a listen.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/123_ridingcoach.mp3]

Download: 1,2,3 – Riding Coach [MP3]

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