This is fine.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have recently been lauded, not just by ATH, but by many others for their self-titled release. It’s shrouded in atmospherics and melody, the perfect blend of everything going on nowadays. Suffice it to say, that very record is one of the only albums released thus far in 2009 that succeeds in every song. Follow the jump to find out a little more about the band.
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French pop band Phoenix are finally offering some new music for their fans to check out. The new track available for download is called “1901” and will appear on the band’s upcoming album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix due out May 25th. Anyone got some thoughts on the first new material in a few years?
Download: Phoenix – 1901 [MP3]
Yes you are reading the heading of this post correctly… Pop Unknown are reuniting for a show at Mohawk on Saturday night! The long forgotten band will be playing along with locals Crash Gallery and Jets Under Fire. Doors for the show open at 8pm.
Download: Pop Unknown – Head in the Sand [MP3]
What better way to end a pretty great week than by throwing a little Robert Pollard out to the masses. This tune comes via his new band Boston Spaceships, who are set to release their new album, The Planets are Blasted on Guided by Voices, Inc. February 27th, but the album is already available for digital download. Enjoy this tune; enjoy your weekend.
Download: Boston Spaceships – Big O Gets an Earful [MP3]
An always solid Austin band, Li’l Cap’n Travis, are playing a set at Club Deville this Saturday. You can catch the guys along with other locals The Lennings and Blaise Fair. Show starts at 9pm.
Download: Li’l Cap’n Travis – Sugar Buzz [MP3]
No we’re not talking about the Vega from Street Fighter, or Lou Vega, rather the VEGA spelled in all caps. VEGA is the new project from Alan Palomo who used to front Denton, TX based electro/pop band Ghosthustler. We’ve always been big fans of the dance beats produced by Ghosthustler so we were excited to hear about this new project from Mr. Palomo. VEGA sports a lot of the same 80s oriented electronic beats you may be familiar with, but with a unique take on things. An album/EP is expected from the new project sometime this year.
VEGA will be in town for our little festival in March. Check with the official SXSW website for official times and dates.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/all-too-vivid-originalmix.mp3]Download: VEGA – All Too Vivid [MP3]
While I admit that I know very little about the instrument the kalimba, I do know a great deal about good voices. This song from Laura Barrett features just one of those great voices, accompanied by a lot of really unique instrumentation. The song comes from Barrett’s Victory Garden set to be released on Paper Bag Records February 24th.
Download: Laura Barrett – Blue Bird [MP3]
Today’s from the closet features an artist we used to love not too long ago but have been pretty indifferent to in recent years. Yes Mr. Ryan Adams, we long for the days of your 2000 gem of an album Heartbreaker and its incredibly beautiful sadness. Here’s to you sir and congratulations on the engagement.
Dappled Cities hail from the Down Under, that being the case, they aren’t too well-known in these parts, which is entirely shameful. They’ve created an album full of lush arrangements, freckled with bit of pop-perfect melodies. Their sound is reminiscent of a lot of the early OOs indie bands, such as The Glands, crafting varying elements of sound and atmospherics beneath infectious moments of brilliance. You can tell the band has more great things to offer, especially if you check out their stop off on the Daytrotter.
The band will be playing at The Ranch (708 West 6th Street) on Thursday, March 19 at 8 PM.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dappled-cities-fire-fire-fire.mp3]Download: Dappled Cities – Fire Fire Fire [MP3]
Swedish indie pop sensation Lykke Li will be making a much anticipated stop in our little town this Thursday. Your first chance to see her live comes at a Waterloo in-store starting around 5pm. Later in the evening, You can catch a full set by the singer at Antone’s. If you’re planning on heading to the in-store, get their super early because the Antone’s show is already sold out. Give craigslist a try if you just can’t miss out.
Download: Lykke Li – Tonight [MP3]
