Miles Benjamin Anthony Is Back

milesbenjaminThis just made my day. There’s something about Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson that’s always gotten to me. Perhaps it’s the scratchy quality in his voice, coming off like a true troubadour. He’s been quiet lately, but today he just tossed out a brand new jam from a new album that’s slated to be released later this year. This tunes got an odd bounce to it, sort of like a everything and the kitchen sink, yet somehow that voice still carries such power. No word on the actual release, but you can rest assured I’ll keep you posted as I hear more. Also…need to find out more since he seems to be using the name Jesus Jackson. Must be related to Joshua Jackson, my fave actor.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259254634″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Tunes from WATERS

You might know Van Pierszalowski from Port O’ Brien, but he’s beginning to make waves of his own under the name of WATERS. He’s already tossed out one tune earlier this year, and now here comes another stunner from the songwriter, prepping for his debut, Out in the Light, which comes out via TBD Records on September 20th. His voice seems to waiver just the slightest bit, giving a hint of an edge to the gentle track that slowly begins to unfold.  It’s like a more pristine Mile Benjamin Anthony Robinson, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Enjoy this number.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/WATERS-O-Holy-Break-Of-Day.mp3]

Download: WATERS – O Holy Break Of Day [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.

Read more

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson @ Emos (10/29)

miles

Date Thursday, October 29th
Location Emos
Doors 900p
Tickets $10 at the Door

We won’t deny that we’ve been in love with Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson since his self-titled debut came out a few years ago, pushing it into our Top 40 Albums of 2008.  Now, he is making his way to Austin in support of his newest album Summer of Fear, which is equally as stellar, if not a bit more developed sonically.  You should definitely make your way out to Emos tonight to check on him.  He’ll be on stage at 11PM, followed by Warpaint, and preceded by My Education.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/03-The-Sound-1.mp3]

Download: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – The Sound [MP3]

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Summer of Fear

mbarsummeroffear-coverRating: ★★★☆☆

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson burst onto the scene a few years ago with the support of the New York hierarchy.  Now, as he releases his second album, Summer of Fear, which is his first for Saddle Creek, he goes and grabs Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio to aid in production duties.  Would having such a producer ultimately effect the aesthetics of our new favorite troubador?  How would Malone put his own touches on the record, or would he?

Upon first listen all the way through, you can immediately tell the difference between Summer of Fear and Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.  Sure, there are ecclectic touches, no doubt influenced by the presence of Malone, but there is a certain sesnse of urgency lacking in these songs.  “Shake a Shot” opens the album without making that statement you expected, although you can still feel the passion in the lyrics.

“Always an Anchor” is the second song, and it happens to be one of the more powerful song on the record. You can hear the struggle of daily life in the guttural power behind MBAR‘s vocals, which is precisely what made his first effort so powerful.  This time around, it’s a bit more sparse than you would otherwise want, or rather, expect.  If you listen to it closely, you can almost hear the “Wolf Like Me” guitar chug in the background.

What does seem more pronounced on this album, or perhaps clearer due to the clarity of the voice is the clarity of the lyrical content.  We all know by now about MBAR‘s struggles, but it’s how he spins those around to churn out great tunes which is admirable.  Not only that, but he sings about the despair of humanity, but in doing so, he seems to sing it with such conviction and understanding that you can’t really be worried about it any longer.  It’s as if he has come to accept it more as fact, and the listener should too.

Listening to this album, you will find your songs that you like, and you’ll find flourishes of things un-MBAR, such as the various string elements, seen in songs like “Hard Row,”  that occasionally seem out of place mid-song.  Still, the more songs this guy churns out, you feel as if the better off we all are, as Summer of Fear, though hindered by various elements, demonstrates the songwriting capabilities of Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson; we should all be grateful for such an emerging voice.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/03-The-Sound-1.mp3]

Download: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – The Sound [MP3]

New Tunes from Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

MilesBenjaminAnthonyRobinsonLast year, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson swept into our top albums of the year, and he looks like he’s trying to make it for two years in a row.  He’s about to release his new album Summer of Fear on Saddle Creek Records (it’s already available on iTunes) on October 20th.  The production on “The Sound” is a lot stronger than the previous album, and you might just be able to pick out a few of Miles’ friends.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/03-The-Sound-1.mp3]

Download: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson [MP3]

Miles Benjamin On Laundromatinee

milesbenjaminanthonyrobinson-01-bigAlbum of the year list maker Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson just recorded a live performance for the MOKB run site Laundromatinee.  The in studio features 4 songs by the ATH loved singer songwriter.  Check out some live video or download MP3s of the set.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/miles-benjamin-anthony-robinson-03-above-the-sun-live-on-mokb-radio.mp3]

Download: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Above the Sun (live) [MP3]

Albums Of The Year: 30-16

The year of 2008 is winding to a close, so it’s only appropriate that we wrap it up with our year-end albums list. We don’t expect many to necessarily agree with our list, but we worked really hard to make sure we had what we thought were the best thirty albums of the year. These are the records that spun over and over again in our heads and stereos, so this list is dedicated to their longevity in 2008.  We’ve conveniently broken it down into two segments, with albums 30-16 after the jump. Read more

1 2