This is fine.
It’s never too late for another end of the year compilation! This compilation is brought to you by Bootie USA and features the best mashups of the year. Our friends The Hood Internet were fortunate enough to make the list with two of their best jams from the year. Download the free tracks now! Here’s a taste of what’s instore with a tasty little mashup from French DJ ComaR.
Download: ComaR – I Want You To D.A.N.C.E. [MP3]
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Glasvegas is the newest Scottish band to hit the United States, and they are expected to make big waves on our shores. Their debut self-titled album has been floating around the Internet for months, but it finally hits records stores here this week.
From the moment that the first song actually kicks in, a minute or so into the song, you hear one of the staples of this band, as they surround the entirety of their songs in swirling atmospherics, coating the songs in a certain denseness that adds layers of emotion to their songs.
Immediately following the introductory song comes one of the better singles from 2008, “Geraldine.” The percussion drives this song perfectly, pounding in your ears as angular guitars cut the landscape or the rest of the album. This is a song you’ll want on all mix tapes you make this year; it’s just a perfect song.
The band doesn’t let up here, as the next five songs are all uniquely wonderful. The crashing chorus of “It’s My Own Cheating Heart” is definitely one of the joys of this little intercession, as cymbals crash in your ears and guitar blasts encourage a little light head-banging. This middle section is the highlight of the record, as the songs never seem to stagnate or come off as copies of the previous tunes. It all ends with the great “Daddy’s Gone.” This is a slower number, but one that showcases the bands capabilities as true songwriters.
Then the band winds the rest of the album down, a little too slowly. The pounding drums and atmospherics dissipate, settling into the softer side of things for the ending. It leaves listeners to contemplate the two weaker elements of the album. One, the lyrics are ridiculous at points. “You are my sunshine/My only sunshine,” is actually used as a lyric? It’s all a bit tongue-in-cheek, but some people will be turned off by it. Also, while the vocals are definitely interesting due to vocal inflection, the Scottish tones will eventually wear you out, as you struggle to understand the spoken word at points.
Still, at the end of the album, most will be pleased with the outcome. They will see promise in a the new young band, and we can expect a big year from Glasvegas.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/07-daddys-gone.mp3]Download: Glasvegas – Daddys Gone [MP3]
German band Diego has just released their album overseas, and I’m not quite sure if it will ever make it to our shores. That is quite a disappointment, as this band is one of the more enjoyable listens that has come across my ears this week. It’s part Editors, part Ian Curtis. Wait, aren’t those the same thing?
Download: Diego – Fan City [MP3]
We here at Austin Town Hall have decided to take some time off this holiday season to drink hot coco and listen to Sufjan Steven’s Christmas box set. We hope everyone has a very, merry Christmas and we’ll see you again in 2009.
Download: Bing Crosby – Mele Kalikimaka
Austin band Whitman would like to wish you & yours a Merry Christmas! As a token of their appreciation, here’s a demo of a little ditty they’ve been working on called “Hangover Holiday”. The track is sure to spice up any holiday party or cure that too much eggnog hangover. Not just for Christmas, it promises to be the gift that keeps on giving the whole year round. You can also catch the band and their new holiday hit on January 3rd during free week at Mohawk. They’ll be playing along with Riverboat Gamblers, Harlem, and some other yet to be named bands. We’ll give you more details about free week in Austin soon. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Download: Whitman – Hangover Holiday [MP3]
Southern California rockers, The Golden Animals, have been busy recently making appearances in the Woxy studios as well as the Minnesota Public Radio studios. Both sessions feature 3 songs from the band’s debut LP Free Your Mind and Win a Pony. The Woxy session has a little added bonus with previously unreleased track “Call my name”. Check out the MPR session on The Current blog & The Woxy session over on The Futurist. Here’s that new tune for ya live in the Woxy studios.
Download: Golden Animals – Call My Name(live on woxy) [MP3]
Not too long ago, we gave you a new demo by The Applessed Cast entitled “Road West”. Today we found another new song by the band over on Stereogum going by the name of “Raise the Sails”. Both of these songs are set to appear on the band’s latest album Sagarmatha which is due out on 2/17 via The Militia Group. The Lawrence boys are also embarking on their first tour in quite some time with a planned stop at Austin’s own Mohawk. Check the dates on their myspace page. ATH couldn’t be happier that you guys didn’t call it quits.
Download: The Appleseed Cast – Raise the Sails [MP3]
This just in: One of the best live bands around, Arcade Fire, are planning to release a live documentary DVD covering some of their recent touring escapades. The DVD entitled, Miroir Noir, won’t be released physically until March but you can pay for a digital download in various formats now. You can also pre-order the DVD in regular or special packaging options. Head to the DVD’s website to see a trailer and/or see some purchasing options. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Download: Arcade Fire – Black Mirror [MP3]
It’s the week before Christmas and of course we’re bringing you several new Christmas samplers for you to enjoy. Today sees the nice peolple at Romantic Air recording company getting in on the fun. The label brings you 9 Christmas tunes from artists on their label. Check it out now. Here’s old favorite “Feliz Navidad” from Computer Perfection.
Download: Computer Perfection – Feliz Navidad [MP3]
We might be just a bit late in telling you about Miniature Tigers out of Phoenix, but good things come to those that wait. After releasing two EPs in 2008 that piled up the accolades from well known critics like Spin & Rolling Stone, the band is looking to grow their fan base into the new year. With a sound that’s poppy and pretty easy on the ears, these guys might just be the new Vampire Weekend you peoples are all looking for. If you’re digging “Cannibal Queen”, you’ll have to buy their new album Tell it to the Volcano on iTunes. Physical copies are only available if you make it out to a show.
Download: Miniature Tigers – Cannibal Queen [MP3]
