Austin Town Hall

We thought about this long and hard, thinking over our favorite releases from bands located in Austin over the last year.  Blood was spilled, jabs were thrown, but overall, we feel like we got our hands around the best releases that we feel epitomized the Austin scene in 2009.  Don’t forget, we’re particular to our tastes, so while you may disagree, we reserve the right to stand by these ten acts and their albums from 09′.  Follow the jump for full list.
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Our friend over at Austin Eavesdropper had such a good time with her first Blogger Bleet Up back in July that she decided to throw a bigger and better event leading up to Fun Fest on Thursday night.  This go around anyone and everyone is invited and can gain entry with an RSVP and $7 cash.  Bands have also been included for the event and include locals The Lennings, Built by Snow, Corto Maltese, Policitcs, Sad Accordions, and Great Nostalgic.  You can also expect photo booths, giveaways (maybe of the fun fest variety), tasty drinks, and a lot more.  Check out the Eavesdropper site for more info.

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Download: Great Nostalgic – Spirit World [MP3]

We are  pleased to announce to all of you music fans and general do-gooders out there that ATH has jumped on the bandwagon and are sponsoring our very own Prints for Non Profits event on September 19th.  If you have yet to attend one of these events, they take place at Tripps Custom Shirts (map) with $5 from every custom shirt purchase going to AIDS Services of Austin.  Not familiar with AIDS?  The Austin based company works to respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic.  We can entice you for the show even more with an offer of free Lone Star Beer and of course Sweet Leaf for you non drinking types.  Your lineup for the evening includes some band we never talk about Whitman, along with Built by Snow and Markus with a K.  Get there early and enjoy your Saturday evening because we know none of you can actually afford the UT game.

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Download: Whitman – Light It Up [MP3]

Do512 & Better than the Van have teamed up for a nice little event featuring some free booze & food plus a couple solid local bands at Beerland on Thursday night.  The Happy Hour show features free Lonestar to the first 75 people at the venue and food from local organic taco sellers Taco Taxi.  Two of our favorite local bands Quiet Company and Built by Snow will providing music for your happy hour.  Things kick off at 7 and go till 9.  RSVP over on Do512 to gain free admittance into the event.

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Download: Built By Snow – All the Weird Kids Know [MP3]

So if your Saturday plans are looking bleak, take a little trip down I-35 to San Marcos for the KTSW sponsored Mr. Fest this weekend.  The event is going to be a big one and we won’t even attempt to list all the goings on in this tiny little space so we’ll hit the key points.  For starters, this event will start at 11am, run all day long and end around 1am.  All sorts of local bands will be playing at the festival including a headlining night show by one of our favorites Black Joe Lewis.  Even better news, our friends Whitman & Built by Snow will be playing hour long sets right before Black Joe  on the Bar 141 stage.  All of downtown is included with 5 venues setting up stages for live music.  Not just a music event, food, drink and games will also be part of the fun.  Best of all, this thing is totally free!  For more information, head to the KTSW website, see show info on Do512 or check out that fancy flier.  This should be one festival you won’t want to miss.

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Download: Black Joe Lewis – Sugarfoot [MP3]

Make your way to Emo’s on Thursday night for a nice local lineup of promising and upcoming bands.  Things get started at 10pm with ATH friends Whitman so get there early and start drinking cheap tall boys.  Fellow ATH favorites The Bubbles, Red X Red M, and headliners Built by Snow follow on the bill.  Tickets will be sold at the door for $8, but if you RSVP at Do512, you’ll get in for only $5.  Working on Friday is no excuse not to be there, it’s a holiday (for some of us).

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Download: Whitman – Light It Up [MP3]

Despite our minor disappointment in the new White Denim album, the band is still arguably the best local live act around.  You can catch a very special show with the garage rockers this Friday at Antone’s for only $10!  Rounding out a a great local lineup are up and comers Built by Snow and Harlem.  Music starts at 10pm and doors are at 9.  Get some tickets now.

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Download: White Denim – Sitting [MP3]

Our friends over at Austin Sound just came out with volume III of their Sound Advice series and it’s pretty sweet this year.  The huge sampler features 21 tracks from all the best under the radar acts currently playing music in Austin.  You can get music from Built by Snow, Model UN, Harlem, and tons of other great bands.  Thanks for putting this together guys!  Here’s a track on the sampler from ATH favorite Sunset.

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Download: Sunset – When Perfect Flames Expire [MP3]