Fresh Coathangers Jam

CoathangersWhat? A new jam from the Coathangers hits and you think I won’t post it? Well, you’re wrong. This new single comes as the opposite side of the band’s split with Black Lips, which we ran a bit ago. It’s definitely on par with some of the better songs the group has written of late; it’s got a pounding rhythm section, sliding guitar squalls and a bratty attitude that lets you know these ladies aren’t messing around. That new 7″ Split is going to come out on November 13th courtesy of the good folks over at Suicide Squeeze. They’ve also got an ATX date (as well as others) lined up for October, so keep a look out.

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ATX Weekend Show Preview: Who Isn’t Playing In Austin?

ATX Popfest 10Nathan and I were commenting on the plethora of shows going down this weekend, so I figured it’d be nice to lay it all out night by night for you so you know where you need to be to hear the best tunes. I’ve got all your options broken up by days and if you play your cards right, it could be a weekend filled to the brim with great local and visiting acts. See for yourself after the jump and prep with some tunes… a few more hours and it’s the weekend!

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Black Lips Give Us a Ditty

blacklipsI’ve always enjoyed the Black Lips, but I have to admit, sometimes their ramshackle approach can make a full length listen difficult. Surely this new track exemplifies the band’s knack for wrapping their sound around warm melodies; it’s almost just a jangling folk pop tune…and that’s definitely fine by me. Perhaps it’s unexpected in the long run of their musical approach, but looking forward it might offer a glimpse at where the band is going. We get to hear this number on a new 7″ with my favorite ladies, The Coathangers, when they release a double-sided split on November 13th via Suicide Squeeze Records.

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FFF 2012: Friday In Pictures

Minor set back for this photographer wasn’t going to slow me down. I had limited access to photo pits on Friday which luckily was remedied before getting going on Saturday. It meant I got to spend a little more time in the crowd, getting shots of the festival, the people.

I did manage to get some musicians doing their thing as well, don’t panic.

The Friday edition includes Sharon Van Etten, Orthy, Bob Mould, Napalm Death, Cursive, Dum Dum Girls and plenty of atmosphere. Hit the break.

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Fun Number from Lovely Bad Things

The press release for Lovely Bad Things starts out with “if the Pixies and Black Lips got drunk at a party…”  For me, the first thing I thought was “Man, wish I was cool enough to be there.”  Then, I figured the next best thing would be to hear the combination of those two acts, and thus we have LBT.  They’ve got a an EP, New Ghost/Old Waves, that was released on cassette, but should be back on vinyl on March 13th of this year. I see a bit more sunshine in their brand of pop then perhaps the press release mentions, but that’s definitely an added bonus; pretty sure most people will enjoy this simple little jam.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/lovely-bad-things_i-just-want-you-to-go-away.mp3]

Download: Lovely Bad Things – I Just Want You to Go Away

Thundering Track from K-Holes

If you know our friends over at Hardly Art, they’ve been dabbling in the softer side of indie rock for the last several releases (not that we mind at all #justsaying).  But, when you hear this booming track, you’ll realize that the label has a new force to be reckoned with in K-Holes.  Their new record, Dismania, should be out on the label on May 1st, and there’s something sonically sinister lurking.  It’s got the reckless abandon you can recall from early Liars work, just a lot more demonic, but in only the best way, of course. Don’t be afraid my child, there’s no devil in this rock n’ roll, just killer noise!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/KHoles_Rats.mp3]

Download: K Holes – Rats [MP3]

Kicking New Jam from Diamond Rugs

What do you get when you combine bits of Deer Tick, Black Lips and a handful of other songwriters? One listen to the latest single by Diamond Rugs and you’ll see that it’s clearly a country-tinged rock effort.  The band’s a collaboration, and they’ll be releasing their self-titled album on April 24th via Partisan Records.  It’s primarily the work of John McCauley of Deer Tick, but there’s definitely a visible edge being added by the other members, so you’re sure to see a heavier touch on the full-length–you can even feel it a bit in this track.  Seems like it could be pretty solid through and through.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/gimme-a-beer.mp3]

Download:Diamond Rugs – Gimme a Beer [MP3]

Show Pics: FFF6 Day Three

Fun Fun Fun Fest photo coverage concludes at Austin Town Hall.

There is dust in every crevice…

…of my camera gear. Day three had a weird blend to it. Starting with an interview with WWPJ, We caught OBN III and Davila 666 at Black Stage followed by WWPJ’s set, Mate of State segued to MNDR and Austra. Jumpcut to Ted Leo,dial it back to dance party with Architecture in Helsinki, back up again for Hum and then Easing out with Black Lips and Slayer (?).

You know what is past the break.

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New Song from Black Lips

I feel like its really been awhile since I’ve really jammed out to Black Lips, but as the day draws closer to the release of their new record, I find myself revisiting their solid catalog.  The band’s new album, Arabia Mountain, comes out on Vice on June 7th, and so far it sounds pretty promising.  Today they released a new track, aptly titled “New Direction,” and the song is definitely a step towards something different.  For me, the first thing I notice is that the production is much cleaner, and the band seem less like a bunch of punk rabble-rousers. A little bit of focus and things guys could be killer. Personally, I’m finally seeing that Georgia punk sound in their music, and I dig it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Black-Lips-New-Direction.mp3]

Download: Black Lips – New Direction [MP3]

FT50: Songs of 2009

bestof2009cover_songsWe have to start this list off with a disclaimer.  We have three writers, all with different tastes, so the list should reflect that a little bit.  Also, these are our opinions, and by no means, are they meant to be seen as an “end all be all” to the question of what were the best songs of 2009.  That being said, we like our list quite a bit.  Sure, it’s got some expected numbers at the top, but the rest of the list is genius.  We’ve got some of the songs streaming for you, and the rest take you straight to youtube.  Follow the jump for full list.

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