This is fine.
Everyone seems to love Surf City lately, and they are picking up a lot of press over here in the states, which isn’t entirely rare from a band straight out of Oceania. We, too, are really excited to see what they can come up with when they release their full length to throngs of fans stateside. Here’s just a little sample off their self-titled EP.
Download: Surf City – Canned Food [MP3]
The week/weekend before SXSW is usually pretty bland for live music, but a few locals have put together a nice little festival going down this weekend. Over the weekend, if you’re not resting up for next week, you should make it out to the new Radio Room (map) for the 2nd annual Psych Fest. The lineup for the weekend events is pretty impressive with big names like Black Angels, Strange Boys, Dead Meadow, Shapes Have Fangs, A Place to Bury Strangers, and tons more. Tickets for the event are on sale now and are going for $45 for a 3 day pass and $15 for individual day tickets. Music starts at 9pm on Friday and 1pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the official website for full schedule and band info or have a look at that trippy flier.
Download: The Black Angels – Young Men Dead[MP3]
A whole slew of websites & record companies are giving away some free MP3s from artist participating in SXSW. NPR has one featuring 16 tracks from artists involved in some of their events during the week. Famous UK label 4AD also has a sampler of artists playing their showcase available for download after you give them an email addy. And of course Amazon won’t be outdone with a sampler of artists playing the IODA opening day bash party. Are you ready for the party?
This Melbourne, Australia group has been on my mind a lot lately, and it was recent brought to my attention that they released a new single not too long ago. I had to have it, and I had to bring it to your attention; here is the newest tune from The Crayon Fields, who are set to release another album later this year. We’ll keep you posted on that front.
Download: The Crayon Fields – Mirror Ball [MP3]
Dakota Fish, project of underrated songwriter Mike Fish, just finished recording a new 4 song EP and it’s free to download. The new EP is called Motion In Relation to Other Objects and dropped on the Dakota Fish website last month. Here’s a preview of the free EP with track “Last Time”. You are correct, it does sound a lot like older Radiohead.
Download: Dakota Fish – Last Time [MP3]
In case you didn’t follow our list of best albums of 2008, odds are you missed one of the gems of the year, Jeremy Jay. He’s got a new record slated this Spring off of K Records, and its been kicking around in our heads over here at ATH for the last few weeks. It’s a slow-burner, but as with all Jeremy Jay outings, it reveals more each listen.
This time out, he’s got a bit more of a step to his tunes, which is sure to delight audiences, as his unique stage dancing is one of the many reasons he’s so endearing. His understated speak-sing delivery is reminiscent of Calvin Johnson. His reliance upon classic R&B musical stylings, is more than just a throwback, as no one seems to do it with more passion. Simply put, its this passion and classic tinged tuneage that makes Jeremy Jay worthy of your time during SXSW.
He’ll be playing Wednesday, March 18th at the Beauty Bar at 1 AM.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/05-slow-dance.mp3]Download: Jeremy Jay – Slow Dance [MP3]
Here’s the first taste of new music from Polyvinyl band Joan of Arc since the release of their 2008 album Boo Human. First single “Explain Yourselves #2” will appear on the new album Flowers due out on June 9th. What’s the verdict on the new material?
Download: Joan of Arc – Explain Yourselves #2 [MP3]
Frontman for punkers Avail, Tim Barry, is making his way to Austin this Tuesday night. He’ll be doing his folkier side of things, but that won’t make it any less punk rock, as those who caught his set at Fun Fun Fun Fest can attest. His charm will win you over in a minute, and his songs will win you over the next. Also on the bill is Austin Lucas, who made waves earlier this year with his joint venture with Chuck Ragan. The show is at Emos, with tickets costing a recession proof $8. Doors are at 8 PM and show starts at 10 Pm.
Download: Tim Barry – Texas Cops [MP3]
Another local band worthy of your attention, Quiet Company, will be celebrating the release of their new LP Everyone You Love Will be Happy Soon at The Mohawk Friday evening. Joining the band for the the show are two other up and coming Austin acts Jets Under Fire & The Rocket Boys. Doors for this show open up at 9pm. As a bonus, Juno Award nominated band Plants and Animals will be playing the inside stage after Quiet Company wrap things up outside.
Download: Quiet Company – Seal My Fate [MP3]
We know everyone here is familiar with The Temptations but we couldn’t resist throwing one of their tracks your way for our From the Closet this week. The track we’re jamming is “(I Know) I’m Losing You” which was originally released in 1966 during the height of the groups success. Take note of the remarkable vocals from the band’s most famous lead singer David Ruffin who sometimes doesn’t get the respect he obviously deserves. Catch a video of The Temptations performing this song live along with The Supremes and you’ll see what we’re talking about.
