Top 15 Austin Albums of 2014

Top LocalsIt’s that time of year when we all toss up our arbitrary lists of what we think is best, and seeing as we’re based here in Austin, we opted to go with our Top 15 Austin Albums first.  Why 15? Well, there were a lot of great releases all over the place, covering different styles, and appealing to our different writers. Sure, the list isn’t perfect, and it doesn’t reflect singles and EPs, as that could get entirely too crazy.  I included links to the labels so you can buy these albums from the hard-working folks in our town.  Also…there are two releases on our label, but I have no qualms about that; I didn’t set out to put out a bad LP, so obviously, they’re going to be in here.  And without further meaningless words…here’s the best records from Austin that you should already own!

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Austin Spotlight: The Villas

villasPRESSphotoAustin band The Villas have been doing their thing in Austin now for probably as long, or longer, than we’ve been around as ATH.  We have of course been doing our best over that time to promote the band and get more people paying attention to great music in our city.  Today I’m excited to share with you not one, but two new tracks from the locals.  The first one called “Evil Ways” is a brand new single and the second entitled “Congress” was previously recorded but never formally released.  Both are stellar additions to the bands repertoire.  This is easily one of the best indie rock bands currently making music in town.

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Austin Spotlight: New Release from Sungod

sunniAustin’s Sungod have countless releases, from full-lengths to EPs, and they’ve just added another release this week, with a new self-titled effort.  They’re not crafting music like many of their peers in Austin, which, to my ears, makes them stand out in quite a good way. The single we’ve got below really sounds like this space-aged psych-folk piece of work, and I mean that in an endearing, get you excited, sort of way.  But, just as you’ve settled into that vibe, they break the song down with an explosion of noise and ambiance to wrap the track up just under 7.5 minutes.  It’s not your ordinary fare, and as such, should be valued great. Pick up your copy of the group’s album from local label Holodeck Records.

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Show Review: We Were Promised Jetpacks @ The Mohawk (11/12)

We Were Promised JetpacksAfter a short day of rest from festivaling, the ATH crew was back at it again on Tuesday night, braving the cold weather for an evening of Scottish indie rock music outside at The Mohawk. The bill was stacked for a great night–The Twilight Sad‘s heavy indie rock and the more poppy sound of We Were Promised Jetpacks offered a mixing of genres for the evening, but kept it rock and roll. It was a special evening for all, but an even more special evening for B.Gray and Nathan, who were celebrating their Manniversary. Read on for a double perspective of the show from Nathan and Nicole, as well as pretty pictures from B.Gray.

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Show Preview: We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Mohawk (11.11)

knocking_down_the_walls_with_we_were_promised_jetpacks_gigimageI know a lot of you are recovering from a long weekend at Fun Fun Fun Fest, but maybe the rest of you are interested in having a great night out with the cold weather creeping in.  The perfect band to enjoy that weather is Scottish act We Were Promised Jetpacks, who we’ve really enjoyed watching grow over their last few albums; we even managed an interview a few years back at Fun Fest.  Also, long time ATH faves Twilight Sad will bring their gloomy post-pop to the stage on the same evening, which makes the bill even more enticing to our ears. Both bands have new albums to celebrate as well. Tickets are $16 bucks, and the doors open at 6:30 PM, so come early and hang with B.Gray and I on our Manniversary.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/We-Were-Promised-Jetpacks-Act-On-Impulse.mp3]

Download: We Were Promised Jetpacks – Act On Impulse [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Sleep Good Release New Single

godTypically, I fill our pages with Norman Wanklord rock and roll revelations in the Austin scene, but today I wanted to take a look at the ambient side of Austin’s music scene with long-time ATH favorite, Sleep Good.  Will’s been busy working on other varying projects, but he’s returned to his studio to complete the work that will comprise the entirety of his new record, Dream Dealer.  The song below is just a little taste of the instrumental structures he’s been able to compose, which no doubt also influences the film’s he’s been able to score (with some T. Malick character).  Look for his full return when the LP hits on January 6th.

 

Fun Fest Interview: Mineral

mineralFun Fest weekend is here kids and ATH is just about ready to kick this thing into high gear.  Before we wrap up our pre-festival coverage, we’ve got one more interview coming your way from one of our favorite all time Austin bands Mineral.  Founding father and vocalist Chris Simpson was nice enough to answer some of our tough questions.  I tried my best not to be a fan boy… Follow the jump for one of my most anticipated interviews of the festival season.

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Tuesday Austin Show Spotlight

austin_live_music_retailrI know we’ve all got our eyes on the Fun Fest prize, but let’s not forget that there are some great things happening in town, leading up to the night. There’s a great album release, a good local show, and some traveling bands that deserve some attention.  If you check below, you can see some of the places on your list…there’s something for everyone. If tickets are available beforehand, you can pick them up by clicking the price. Enjoy your Tuesday.  Read more

Top 13 Bands of FFF Fest

1112top5coverFun Fun Fun Fest snuck up on me quite a bit this year and it’s hard to believe that we are just one short week away from Austin’s best festival.  Good times will be had by all I’m sure and of course ATH is here to ensure that you will be aptly prepared for the weekend of fun.  Today we’re continuing our coverage of the fest with a look at 13 bands you definitely shouldn’t miss out on.  Why 13?  Because it’s Halloween and we’re cool.  Follow the jump for the list in no particular order.

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Austin Spotlight: Keep an Eye on Slow

slowerA few weeks ago I was hanging out at Hotel Vegas to catch Literature (shame you guys weren’t there); I knew most of the bands on the bill, but I hadn’t heard Slow yet.  I was really impressed, particularly with the guitar playing, which was noisy just like it…and you can hear a nice little solo in the middle of this tune.  I feel like it’s our job to keep an eye out on rad bands coming out, and I feel like it’s been kind of humdrum lately.  So, you should definitely keep an eye on this band; they’ll be playing the Fleshlights album release show over at Vegas on November 4th, but be warned, it’ll be loud.  Oh, and this tune is a demo, so don’t get all audiophile on me!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/slow-How-Are-You.mp3]

Download: Slow – How Are You [MP3]

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