This is fine.
We’re only a day away from the exciting art show, Photo Pop 2012, so here’s another one of the great photographers that will be on hand: Randy Cremean. Randy’s one of the great men behind Soundcheck Magazine, covering music all over the country, but always representing Austin. Here’s a little about the man, the myth, the legend. Read more
Early on Jonti released Sine + Moon on Stones Throw Records featuring the track “Saturday Night Songs,” but he wasn’t quite satisfied with it I suppose. He went back into the studio with his friend Peanut Butter Wolf and re-recorded it, fleshing out the track with a few more arrangements. He then retitled the tracks, “Saturday Night.” I love the way the strumming sounds on this recording, and the backing vocal echoing in the far off distance.; it’s the intimate sort of track that really sinks into your soul, especially when you hear the crackle of the tape. He’s also done a video for it, which you can find HERE.
Download:Jonti – Saturday [MP3]
Our friend Toby over at Finest Kiss just ran a great re-cap on an article that ran over in Australia highlighting all the excellent bands working in Melbourne area. There’s tons of great artists on the list, but one that I’ve taken a liking to is Bitch Prefect. My ears can see The Clean reference from the write-up, but I also think it speaks to the approach many of the acts overseas have taken, seeming to maintain a certain nonchalance about their writing and recording. That’s probably not the case, as the songs on the group’s Big Time LP from Bedroom Suck Records are too good to be taken lightly.
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Here’s another one of the great photographers that will be displaying and selling their photography at Photo Pop 2012 this Friday at Red 7. If you’re lucky, Rick might give you the sexy photo of me stuffing my face with a cupcake backstage at ACL. His photo to the left is from a GWAR shoot, and you can also read on to find out why he’s mad I called Emily Haines to just chat. Here’s Rick. Read more
Sherpa have actually been on my radar for some time, so I’m excited to see that the New Zealand act has just put out a new single for their excellent album, Lesser Flamingo. The entire record is full of this inherent catchiness that’s provided with a power-pop act, yet they mix things up with just a hint of psychedelia to throw you off course. You’ll listen to this record, and it’ll have you bobbing your head and tapping your feet; you’ll also be excited because you’ve discovered a new favorite band. Get on it.
Download:Sherpa – Turner [MP3]
Hey folks! Have you heard about the awesome art show/sale at Red 7 this Friday night, followed by an even more killer rock show? Well, it’s going to be a special night for the Austin community, so you owe it to yourself to be there. We’re offering you some insight into some of the great artists showing their work, and we’re pleased to introduce you to our hard working and genuine mate, Brian Gray. Meet him… Read more
Feel like I’m being a bummer today, so I wanted to throw out this gem in the afternoon. It’s an upbeat track from The Little Ones; it’s the first single from their sophomore release, The Dawn Sang Along; the album comes out on February 13th via Branches Recording Collective. I feel like this is the sort of track everyone can appreciate, filled with hooks and pop goodness galore. I even hear a bit of Kevin Barnes in the vocals, so that’s an added bonus in my eyes. Sorry for bumming you out today.
Download:The Little Ones – Argonauts [MP3]
So I’m up to bat here, giving out my two cents to the masses on the weekend that was. Fun Fun Fun Fest is always a blast, and I always appreciate the fact that Transmission Entertainment is able to get the best of my two side, both punk rock and indie, toss them together and give me memories to take away.
Top 5 Bands
1) Refused – So RayRay stole this, but I’m on board with the man here. I’d dreamed of this day since I was a teenager in the 90s, and when it came to fruition, it was more than I expected. Dennis threw down like only he could, and sure, they’re old and might not have moved around quite as much as they used to, but come one, dudes are old.
2) Cult of Youth – I love everything about what Sean is doing, especially after witnessing the live set. The dark pirate-folk came to life unexpectedly, blasting through the songs with the same amount of passion that the band has on record, only much much louder. Oh, and I met Sean back stage and the guy was as nice as can be.
3) Disappears – This band was one of my secret picks for the weekend, and it’s unfortunate not to many people got a chance to see them; I think they were better than many of the other acts on the main stages. They sounded incredibly tight as a unit, and their energy and guitar playing completely outdid many of the sets I caught.
4) Against Me – I know a lot of people, myself included, were interested in seeing lady Tom on the microphone, but their set was definitely not lady-like. They played some solid gold oldies, and some of the hits off the newer records, giving fans like myself precisely what we were looking for. If you’ve caught the band in the past, they haven’t missed a beat, sports bra or not.
5) Trust – I’m not huge on dance music in the live setting, but the timing and sound of the group won me over. It was a darker version of the dance-pop that I heard throughout the weekend on the blue stage, and I’m planning on getting my hands on the record later this evening at the store. Might not have been a lot to look out, but I’d take this as my dance soundtrack any old day.
Honorable Mention: FIDLAR, Cursive, Givers, The Sword, Helio Sequence and The Promise Ring.
Band Letdowns: Daughn Gibson, Class Actress, Tanlines, The Spits.
Things I Could Do Without: I know sponsorship is super important to running a large festival, but promoting smoking to impressionable kids is not ideal; I wish I could quit, but I probably got coupons from an event like this back in 96. Shuttle lines were a bit longer than last year. Crowded exits, prompting line cutters to battle out the APD.
Things I Liked: Torchy’s Tacos in the press area never fail, nor do free haircuts from Sailor Jerry. Cheap water is definitely a bonus when that cloudless sky beats down upon you. The spirit–the most important aspect of any festival.
Closing Thoughts: I’m more of an intimate club sort of guy (thus my undying SXSW love), but that being said, Fun Fun Fun Fest continues to progress. The staff is always excellent, and the people genuinely seem to care about the music (rather than merely a sunny booze fest). I do appreciate the fact that the festival seems to encompass all of my tastes into four stages, allowing me to maximize my time; there wasn’t an hour where I couldn’t find something I wanted to watch. There’s still a few small tweaks that might be necessary, but we have to keep in mind, Fun x 3 is still pretty much in its infancy.
Thanks dudes for a solid good time.
The last 24 hours I’ve been inundated with political commentary, but my mind has begged and pleaded with me to escape. I wasn’t able to get this done until I heard this track from Lone Wolf, a missing track from his upcoming album, The Lovers. It’s a sprawling bit of wondrous pop, rising and falling with Paul Marshall’s voice. It’s allowed me to go off into my mind for a bit, enjoying the space where only music can take me. If you like what you hear, look for The Lovers on November 27th.
Download:Lone Wolf – All Clear [MP3]
Not too long ago I brought you one of the gems off the brand new Us You All We EP from Pretty & Nice. The EP just came out this week, and it’s definitely something you need to get your hands on as soon as possible. This new tune they’re offering your way is precisely why I fell for the band, opening with this rambunctious pop swing. It’s got a pounding rhythm, and a little bit of a guitar stutter followed by a blast of noise; it’s a nice new twist on the group’s sound, emphasizing their prowess. You need a lift? Get into this jam right away!
