Last Week’s Jams (4.17 – 4.20)

If there is one song I want you to listen to it has to be the absolute smash hit from Maine’s Big Blood; I think I’ve listened to that track 1000 times since I’ve heard it, if not more. Of course, there’s other great tunes to enjoy as well, like that pop ditty from Tough Age, or Rama Lama’s new signing, Echo Ladies. Plus, Austin held its own again with new stuff from Dress Warm and RF Shannon. And, if you’re looking for something with some legs, there’s at least a handful of tunes stretching beyond the 4 minute mark, so indulge as you must.

Underworld And The Colour Red

The absolute legends in electronica, to me at least, Underwold have released the video for “and the colour red”. The song uses a driving premise, minimal lyricism and trails off at the end hinting at the blend into another track, hopefully released soon. They are between performances at Coachella; those of you in the bay area should see them Friday at The Warfield.

While I have your attention about the band, be sure to listen to “Juanita 2022“, a reimagining of the front half of “Junaita/Kiteless” from Beaucoup Fish.

Being Dead Share Underworld Video

If you live near the sputtering death throes of Austin’s music scene (thanks Adler!) you’ve certainly heard of Being Dead; they’ve been one of the most heralded acts of the last few years due to their incredible live performances and secretly hook-laden songs. In fact, a year or so ago, our ATH Records label helped them press some songs to hot wax for the Fame Money Death by Drive-By EP. Well, because great songs and great ideas never die, the band just recently dropped a video for “Underworld,” and its begging your attention this morning. You get a little pop genius as well as the band’s sense of humor in the midst of these dark times. Enjoy this treat…and maybe grab one of the last few copies HERE. Feeling like I could really go for a burger right about now!

Underworld and [Phase] Drift Together

What an amazing endeavor…

Drift is a weekly series from Underworld where they collaborate with visual artists and fellow musicians, creating new music, tweaking old sample sets and constructs left stranded on the console. all culminating in an album due in October. I’ve been highlighting some of these weekly updates on their Youtube channel. “Border Country” is so very good and it is a musical collaboration with [Phase], a producer, engineer and visual artist.

The evolving build to 5:48, like I said, amazing.

Underworld’s Drift

I have been a fan of Underworld since Chip slid an import single to me fresh out of the Thursday arrivals box at Technophoilia. It was quite a while ago. Beaucoup Fish is still among my favorite records and if you haven’t invested time with it, by all means.

Travelling in a space that can be abrasive, elegant, haunting or aggressive, the longevity of the band that was born out of a one-hit-wonder (“Doot Doot”, Freur) is impressive. The music created by Karl Hyde and Rick Smith is varied yet identifiable. The latest project is entitled Drift. They have been collaborating with people in unique spaces and the most realized track to be born out of the Drift project to date is “Appleshine”. The song features Georgia and Lewis from Black Country, New Road on violin and flute with visuals by Simon Taylor. I recommend headphones and isolation.

SxSW 2013: Panels and Interviews

One aspect that gets lost in all of the day party RSVP anxiety is the ability for peeps registered with the conference to attend panels and interviews at the Convention Center. This year, there were four participants high on my list: Rachel Maddow, Danny Boyle, Depeche Mode and Dr. Steve Weinberg. That last guy you may not have heard of before, but he is a legend in physics. I am a nerd.

Thought I would share some thoughts about each session and share a few pics.

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