Austin Town Hall

Attention to all you out of town kids coming in for SXSW!  If you want to hear some solid local music before the week really kicks off, head over to Red Eyed Fly on Saturday night for a free show put on by bloggers Aquarium Drunkard.  Some of our best and brightest Strange Boys & Harlem will be playing along with Brooklyn band Blair.  I’d plan on getting there real early if you plan on getting in.

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Download: The Strange Boys – Dare I Say [MP3]

Crystal Antlers has long been one of those rare bands we like on record and have always enjoyed in the live setting.  Trust us and make your way to the inside stage at Mohawk on Thursday night for a set by this Cali band.  Opening support is provided by hyped local boys Harlem and Audacity.  Should be good time.

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Download: Crystal Antlers – Andrew [MP3]

As if they didn’t have enough going on already with their steady stream of shows all over town, Austin’s local band du jour, Harlem, are prepping the release of their debut album, Hippies,  for Matador Records. While I’m not always a fan of their live show, this new tune shows a lot of promise, and a whole lot more focus, musically, while still maintaining that garage-band sound that has won them a slew of fans.

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Download: Harlem – Friendly Ghost [MP3]

Jay Reatard is making his triumphant return to Austin on Wednesday night at Emos, with local band Harlem.  You’re guaranteed to love every bit of the music, but I recommend you bring along a set of earplugs because the last time Jay came through town, my ears rang for three days from the volume of his live set.  He’s going to play fast and loud, and you’re going to enjoy every minute of it.  Oh, and if you make it out to the show, let me know how the new line-up sounds.

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Download: Jay Reatard – It Aint Gonna Save Me [MP3]

I’ve alluded to the great spastic shows that Thomas Function puts on, and I have been spinning their newest album, In the Valley of Sickness, non-stop for the last few weeks.  Well, lucky me, they are doing a two-night stand at Beerland.  Sure, one of the nights is on Halloween, but if you’re like me, and not into costumes, then you’ll want to find your way here for their jangle pop.  And, Austin’s hardest working band, Harlem, will be opening for these fellows on Saturday night.  But, in case you miss them, check out the show on Sunday too!

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Download: Thomas Function – Belly Of The Beast  [MP3]

It’s been some time since we posted about a White Denim show and we’re excited to see the incredible live band on the bill for Wednesday night at Antones. Hot new artist band Harlem will also be taking part in the night’s event. On the subject, here’s a new track from White Denim called “Wet Sand” that went up a few days ago.

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Download: White Denim – Wet Sand [MP3]

Nobunny specializes in straight garage-pop.  You want a feel good evening of pogoing like you always imagined you would do for the rest of your life, then this is the evening for you.  You also won’t want to miss either of the opening bands as the full line up includes Hunx and his Punk as well as Austin darlings Harlem.  Surely this is a way to get over the miserable Mondays and blast off onto the land of Terrific Tuesdays.

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Download: Nobunny – Mess Me Up [MP3]

Local boys Harlem have been rising to fame after their recent signing to Matador Records and we always try to make it to their shows around town.  You can catch one of these shows Tuesday night at The Parlor and you won’t pay a dime!  Oakland band The Bare Wires and fellow locals Koreans will also be performing at the free event.

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Download: Harlem – Beautiful and Very Smart [MP3]