Have A Nice Weekend With Neil Finn

neil finnNeil Finn‘s Try Whistling This is still a go to Sunday afternoon, sitting on the patio on a nice day soundtrack. I have great memories of road trips and not-so-quiet dinners with the songs on that album. I really enjoyed the Pajama Club record, but Neil is back now with a new solo effort.

The new album is called Dizzy Heights is out now and while I am not in love with the title track, “Flying in the Face of Love” is a full on gem. Just try no to love it. I mean, yeah, if you are just here for the punk jammy-jams, then yeah maybe you can be a contradictory jerk, but this is a great song. I sometimes believe that Snowmine channels Neil’s work on occasion.

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Have Some Fun with Imaginary People

imaginary-people-ep-sep-2013I can’t tell whether this is the bastard son of Jerry Lee Lewis or just another garage band rocking things out on their own terms, but I know that as soon as I pressed play my feet started tapping away. I want you to carry that bit of fun into your weekend; we all deserve it.  Imaginary People are a Brooklyn act who are preparing for the release of their Scarlett Duvall 7″, just before they head into Austin for a few SXSW tour dates.  You want something upbeat that’s more than just your everyday indie rock? Look no further!

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Brand New Song from Songs for Walter

songsforwalterI’ve written tons of posts about Laurie Hulme and his project, Songs for Walter, but as long as he keeps writing really incredible folk pop tunes I won’t be turning my back from his work.  This latest song comes from the heart of Laurie, as his lyrics discuss the influence of his family meeting the changes that accompany young adulthood.  It features a steady drum beat to support the vocals and the banjo, leaving you with this emotionally pleasing pop ditty.  It was released digitally by Bleeding Gold, who have a nice little catalog you should visit.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Songs-For-Walter-BG071-Competition-Diffidence-and-Glory-01-Competition-Diffidence-and-Glory.mp3]

Download: Songs for Walter – Competition, Diffidence and Glory [MP3]

Lighthearted Tune from Spirit Kid

emeenWhile I often proclaim to have some undying desire to be super left of the dial, I can’t deny the power of a really great pop song.  Today I’m bringing you this hit from Spirit Kid, which will be featured on the band’s record, Is Happening. I like this tune as it displays a different side of the project fronted by Emeen Zarookian.  It sort of has light twee influences with horns kicking it int he background, but there’s also just a really simple formula that any listener of good pop music will appreciate. You can grab their album on March 18th, and if you’re here in Austin in a month, they’ve got a few SXSW shows lined up.

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Austin Spotlight: Ghetto Ghouls Get Noisy

ghettoghoulsWhile there’s a certain amount of classic indie pop coursing through our veins in Austin, our city is also known for it’s grittier side; you don’t have to look far to find a band slanging straight up rock n’ roll with no pretense.  One of those acts who’ve been on the rise is Ghetto Ghouls; they’ve been around for awhile impressing the locals with their aggressive sets.  They’ve just signed on with Monofonuss Press to release their self-titled album in April, with a another 7″ coming out via 12XU at some point during the Spring.  Seems like these guys are only going to continue making waves in Austin, and hopefully beyond our city walls. Turn it up and take a listen.

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Flagland Keep Pumping Out the Hits

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe’re just a short few weeks away from the highly anticipated new album from Flagland.  Today they return with yet another hit from Love Hard, which is one of my favorite tracks from the record.  It’s one of the record’s longer songs, but it’s one of those that reminds me of the youthful excitement we all enjoyed, when riffs were sharp and lyrics were shouted. The entire record holds onto that sentiment, screaming for you to partake in its carefree exuberance.  You can pick it up from Father Daughter Records on February 25th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/12-Sugarcube.mp3]

Download: Flgland – Sugarcube [MP3]

Another Jam from The Coathangers

coathangersThe Coathangers are really going all out with their latest record, pulling out all the stops to really blow away their audience.  Their latest track is a bit different from its predecessor, sounding more like what we’ve come to know from the ladies, though with an improved recording.  Guitars are ringing quickly and the hook created by the lyrical delivery is going to leave you anxiously awaiting more from the band.  Luckily, you won’t have to wait too long, as the group’s Suck My Shirt comes out in a little over a month courtesy of Suicide Squeeze Records.

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Pop Number from Andy Sadoway

andyYou’d probably know Andy Sadoway better for his role in Bent Shapes, but don’t let that influence whether or not you listen to this track; you’d have a hard time seeing the similarities between the two.  This first single from his forthcoming Str8 Shooter EP has a summery strumming approach, rather than the angular ferocity associated with his Boston act. It’s a short taste of what you can expect from his new release, which will be getting a digital and cassette release courtesy of friends Father Daughter Records on March 25th.  You might even find yourself yearning for a bit of tropicalia after a good thorough listen.

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The Weekend Update: ATX Show Previews

austiniloveyouWell, we’re rolling into the dreaded holiday weekend that haunts a lot of people, but what better way to spend your Valentines Day by watching a great show, either with your loved one, or finding one.  There’s tons going on this weekend, so I wanted to spotlight a few shows you should look into.  Dinner and flowers are dumb; rock n’ roll is the way to go. Read more to find out where you should be.

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The Welcome Return of Papercuts

papercutsJason Quever is one of those artists that I personally feel needs to write more; it’s not because I don’t appreciate what he’s done, but rather that I adore it so much that I swoon every time I hear of new music he’s putting out as Papercuts.  It’s been just over three years since we’ve heard from Jason, but we can forgive that as I know he’s had his hand in producing several great albums.  Be it the way he’s written his lyrics on albums like Fading Parade or Can’t Go Back (my favorite), or the construction of the songs themselves, there’s nothing to ignore. His new record is titled Life Among the Savages; it will have a release date of May 6th via Easy Sound.  I mean, just listen to this song.

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