New Single from Guards

One of the bands that we really got behind this year was Guards, and they’ve just hooked up with the folks over at White Iris to release a brand spanking new 7″.  This new track is super rambunctious, and I absolutely adore the way the guitars stutter along before they burst into this breezy pop chorus.  Of course, the band then returns to the stuttering guitar lines before jumping completely back into the joyousness that epitomizes everything I enjoy about listening to this band.  You can get your hands on this 7″ now, so what are you waiting for?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Do-It-Again-Radio-edit.mp3]

Download: Guards – Do It Again [MP3]

Brand New Jam from Literature!

If you’ve been following this year, you’ve probably heard me hype up local Austin band, Literature.  Well, prepare yourself for a whole lot more, as the band’s about to release a phenomenal record for you all to enjoy.  The record is titled Arab Spring, and pretty much every song is an absolute gem.  The band’s been kind enough to let us pick our favorite jam, which, believe you me, has been a difficult task this weekend.  I chose, “Grifted,” as there’s a bit of elegant charm, and immeasurable catchiness to go along.  This song should definitely demonstrate why I’m so excited about this band! The record’s so solid that I’m sure someone will pick it up once the band self-releases the album here in the next few weeks, and if they don’t, fuck it, I’ll do it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/06-GRIFTED.mp3]

Download: Literature – Grifted [MP3]

Top Songs of the Year (50-1)

Yesterday we brought you some of our favorite hits from the last year, but now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty. Time to test ourselves against the best, and see what you guys think of our Top 50 Songs of 2011. Regardless, these are ours, so we’re not changing, but I think there’s tons of hits on this list. Follow the jump for list.

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Great New Song fromTiger Waves

If you checked out our Top Texas Albums List, you might have noticed a little known band, Tiger Waves.  In my opinion, the band deserves all sorts of adoration, and this new track should definitely prove to you that you basically need to spend your weekend getting your hands on their old works, falling in love, then enjoying this new track. Word on the streets is that 2012 should feature a new record from the Austin/Chicago based group.  In this new song, music sort of trickles in carefully, then the vocals harmoniously dance atop it all, creating this dreamy song that you won’t want to miss.  Do yourself a favor and spread the word; bands like this deserve all the love they can get.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/01_I_Hope_Youll_Feel_Alright.mp3]

Download: Tiger Waves – I Hope You Feel Alright [MP3]

New Track from Cold Showers

I’m really excited by this new track, or rather this alternate version, from Cold Showers.  It’s going to be released in early 2012 as a single from Art Fag Recordings, along with the original versioun, which is equally as awesome; we’ll keep you posted on the exact street date.  For now, get into this song:  It has a nice bounce to it from the beginning, which will live with the song throughout, but you’ll notice that coated vocal effect favored by Mike Sniper. There’s an odd haunting mood created by the vocals and the bass, but at the same time, there’s this counterbalancing brightness provided by the other instruments.  It’s dark, it’s catchy, and it’s just flat out good. You dig?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/So_I_Can_Grow_Alternate_Take.mp3]

Download: Cold Showers – So I Can Grow (Alternate Version) [Mp3]

New Punk Jam from VIDEO

For me, 2011 has been an excellent reemergence (in my life, at least) of the punk rock. One of the most recent albums I’ve been spinning a lot lately has come from Denton’s VIDEO.  The band is comprised of members of Wax Museums and Bad Sports, bands I’ve already raved about.  They just released their album, Leather Leather, on Play Pinball! Records, and it’s nothing but a rocking adventure, harkening back to the grittier days of rock n’ roll.  On the track below, the song just builds and builds, exploding in the chorus in dramatic fashion, giving you an impression of a killer live show sure to come (12/28 in Austin). If you’re looking to get your blood boiling, then look no further than right here! And head to the record store to pick up your copy, as you can see that it’s got some unique packaging; I think it’s their to hide the fury inside.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/07-video-red-pills.mp3]

Download: Video – Red Pills [MP3]

New Rocker from Black Twig

There’s not a hotter label in my mind right now than Soliti Music, and the killer label has been generous enough to share us this incredible new track from Black Twig.  The group will be releasing their album Paper Trees via the label on January 11th, and as of right now, this is one of my most anticipated records for 2012.  In this newest single you’ll find jagged guitars jangling, but it’s the vocal that really grips you; it’s calming, which juxtaposes the furiously beautiful noise that bounces through the rest of the song.  If you’ve heard anything better this week than this track, then give me a heads up, as I don’t think you will.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/04-Death-Scene.mp3]

Download: Black Twig – Death Scene [MP3]

Top 15 Texas Albums of 2011

Oh man, is 2011 over already?  It is indeed, which means End of Year list time!  Of course, that means it’s time for you to tell us where we went wrong, but on this list, we’re thinking we got it pretty right on.  You’ll notice we expanded our list to a Top 15 of Texas Artists, as we thought our state did a great job, musically (not politically) speaking this year.  I’ll admit, it might be a little Austin-centric, but we’re based in the town, so get the Austin word a lot faster.  Apologies to Houston and San Antonio, as your scenes weren’t represented, but it’s nothing personal.  Feel free to leave us a comment to yell at us or tell us we were right on.  But, that being said, remember this is just the OPINION of a few dudes keeping it real in Austin.

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New(ish) Jam from You Won’t

As the musical year draws to a close, it’s getting kind of hard to find some solid tracks to toss your way, but I didn’t have to go too far once I visited the site of our old friends over at Old Flame Records.  They’ll be releasing the debut of You Won’t, titled Skeptic Goodbye, and it’s definitely something you’ll want on your 2012 radar.  This track has been floating around for a few weeks or so, and it’s going to be floating around in my head for the rest of the week I feel.  The gentle strum of the mandolin along with the accompanying percussive stop just makes its way into your soul, in only the best way possible.  Look out for these guys to make a big splash in 12′.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/OTD_YouWont_WhoKnew.mp3]

Download: You Won’t – Who Knew [MP3]

New Single from Guns of Navarone

One of the fads of the last decade or so has been alt-coutnry, and with so many bands out there, it’s been hard to really find that one great alt band that wins everyone over.  Fortunately for us, and you, Austin band Guns of Navarone have crafted an exceptional record full of well-written tunes in the vein of alt-country.  Prize and Battlefield is the name of the record, and they’ve just tossed out another great single that exemplifies the band’s sound.  It’s a bit of that country feel, but there’s hints of underlying pop, as well as a gruffness that accompanies the vocals.  Now’s your chance to join us in our praise for one of Austin’s great bands.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/04_-_Gatsby_Did_It_All_For_A_Girl.mp3]

Download: Guns of Navarone – Gatsby Did It All For a Girl [MP3]

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