Last Week’s Jams – (9.11 – 9.15)

It seems weird to say, but last week was the first time in a long time where I was able to find every song we covered on all the DSPs! Does this mean I’ve gone mainstream? Anyways, we had a few premieres running from the likes of Class and Alijca-Pop, so be sure to check those jams out.. And, as per usual, dipped our toes in the Austin pond, with new stuff from Holy Wire and the stream of Will Johnson‘s new LP. Oh, and we made sure we had as much Oceanic coverage as possible, throwing our weight behind Soft Covers, Native Cats, The Small Intestines and Exek! Give a listen to the singles below!

Another Tune from the Feelies Some Kinda Love LP

On a day when there just didn’t seem to be a lot to fall in love with, why not go with the tried-and-true classics, like the Feelies covering the Velvet Underground. As I’ve previously mentioned, the Feelis will soon be releasing Some Kinda Love, a full album’s worth of live recordings of the band covering the Velvet Underground. For me, and maybe my ears are off a bit, “I’m Waiting for the Man” seems to have more of a rush in the percussive element; it just feels like the tempo is pushing a bit, giving the song more of a growl than I think the original carried. The double album will be released by Bar None on October 13th!

Last Week’s Jams (8.21 – 8.25)

There continues to be an unreasonable amount of great music coming out nowadays, and I’m absolutely baffled at how it just never ceases; there’s been nothing but week after week of tunes for me to fawn over. This week’s a little all over the place, with a little bit of rock, a little bit of pop, a little bit of songwriter and back again. Wanted to begin with the great cover of “Rock n’ Roll” by the Feelies, then jump right into some of my favorite tracks of the week. I mean, new Tony Jay and Red Pants make all of us winners. Plus, there’s a new Lewsberg tune floating about, which I definitely have included in other playlists. And, I got back on that review game with a track by track breakdown of Holy Wave’s latest. So spend some time looking back at last week!

The Feelies Cover Velvet Underground

If you hop on this site from time to time, you’ve likely heard of both these acts, and now the Feelies have officially announced Some Kinda Love, a live recording of the band doing an entire set of Velvet Underground covers, now being put to vinyl! They’ve released their cover of “Rock n’ Roll,” which has me listening back to the original in a totally new way. I mean, the guitar riffs are there, buried beneath the Lou Reed cool curl; you maybe have to put that kick drum into gear and add some space, but strip it down and feels every bit a Feelies tune. I’ve been fortunate enough to get a listen to some of these tunes, and I’m quite partial to “Sweet Jane.” If Some Kinda Love feels like your thing, then get it on October 13th via Bar None.

 

Playlist: R.E. Seraphin

R.E. Seraphin was a staple in the Austin music scene for years, even working with ATH Records own Mean Jolene…but, life led him out to California where he’s just released a really wonderful new collection of songs: Tiny Shapes. I reached out to Ray to see if he’d be willing to share a playlist of tunes that influenced his latest release…and he kindly obliged. After the jump you’ll get 10 songs that helped R.E. Seraphin make a great new record. And if you’re so inclined, go grab a copy from Paisley Shirt Records!

Read more

This New Feelies Tune Rules

This year is going to rule for the old guards of rock n’ roll…new JaMC, new Bats, new Wire and, of course, a new record from the Feelies. I think the cascading riff that opens this song really will grab modern listeners that might not be too familiar with the band’s work, just before they settle into their hook-laden groove. That guitar sound is so familiar that I think I’ll hear it haunt me for the rest of my life; I don’t want to even think of how many bands owe these guys a debt of musical gratitude. In Between is the title of the new LP, and it’s being released by Bar None on February 24th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292253209″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pleased to Meet You: Ne-Hi

neehighFeel like it’s been rather slow as of late with the music coming our way, which is fair enough for the time of year.  So, when I got sent this Ne-Hi track, I was stoked, to say the least.  Upon first listen, it reminds me of a relaxed version of The Feelies, using great rhythm to propel the song forward, whilst employing these slightly angular guitar chords and semi-chanted lyrics.  The Chicago outfit is about ready to head out on a nice little nationwide tour in August, including an Austin date on August 24th. Check this new hit out.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/213551901″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Way Interested in Nap Eyes

nappyApparently Nap Eyes is a band that’s slipped beyond everyone’s awareness, at least here in the United States.  The first reason the band caught my eye is that it features members of Monomyth and Each Other…two bands I’ve heard of and adored.  Then there’s this song; it’s fucking great.  It’s got this steady pace to it, as if the song was created simply to back the spoken word.  It’s like a modern twist on the music that nerds fell in love with…see fans of The Feelies and They Might Be Giants.  The group will re-release their hit Whine of the Mystic on July 10th via Paradise of Bachelors and You’ve Changed Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/108339649″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

New Track from The Feelies

When they first announced that they were reissuing old Feelies LPs on vinyl last year, I think I probably creeped out the people at Waterloo Records a bit much, as I was practically fawning over them.  Now, a whole lotta years later, the band is offering up new tunes for their record Here Before, which will come out on April 12th. This first single definitely has the group sounding a bit older than such classics as “Fa Ce La,” but it certainly brings back a lot of that blending of harmonies with a sense of quirk.  I’m glad the band’s back, as I’m realizing today I missed listening to them more than I knew. You don’t have to go back in time any more; here’s new music from The Feelies.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Feelies-Should-Be-Gone.mp3]

Download: The Feelies – Should Be Gone [MP3]

New Tunes from Jaill

It seems like August is shaping up to be a month for guitars, and well, minimal electronic intrusion. One of those bands, Jaill, is ready to prep the release of their new album, That’s How We Burn, with our friends over at Sub Pop.  While their latest single has hints of modern post rock, the rest of the album has a nostalgic sound to it, one that sounds like The Feelies on speed.  Guess that’s my impression. Whatever the sound, you’ll surely fall for this band.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/01-The-Stroller-1.mp3]

Download: Jaill – The Stroller [MP3]