Friday Is for Pop Music: Hibou

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hibouThis track from Hibou jumped out yesterday, and I wanted to save it for today, so I could send you off in a good mood heading into the weekend.  This track is brimming with dance-floor ready goodness, using catchy beats to really influence the listener.  It’s no surprise, as the man behind the music, Peter Michel, has been working with Craft Spells on tour for some time, so I fully expect this sort of deliciousness. This track is slated to be released on his upcoming full length, which will surely make those electro-pop fans giddy; we’ll keep you posted on the details.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hibou-Hide-Away.mp3]

Download: Hibou – Hide Away [MP3]

Groovy New Tune From Wake Owl

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Wake_Owl_Press_Credit_Eleanor_Lonardo

Check out this swingin’ new tune called “Candy” from Vancouver based Wake Owl and tell me your head isn’t bobbing along.  It has this nice groove to it that continues throughout and slowly builds with a solid backing drum beat.  I’d say it’s worth a few listens.

New album, The Private World of Paradise, is due out March 4th on Vagrant.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124030377″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Explorative Ballad from Plastic Mermaids

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plasticThere have been whispers overseas about this act, Plastic Mermaids.  Up until now, I hadn’t really heard any actual music, so it was just whispers of my few friends hanging on the other side of the ocean. But, this first single has me on board with the group from the get go.  I like the careful way that the tune opens up, but the longer the song the develops the more the nuances like piano lines and swelling strings take control.  Then it every so gently fades into the distance.  It’s the sort of track that makes a statement for a band almost immediately, so join me in jumping on the Plastic Mermaids bandwagon.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/122007545″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATH Records + Young Girls EP: Here’s the First Single

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1462910_624894084215760_804735105_nWhen I first decided to start our ATH Records label, my goal was to put out records by bands I loved. It wasn’t to make money; it was to offer up money so bands I cared about would have a way to release their music.  And, I’ve made no secret that one of the acts I really care about is Houston’s Young Girls, so we’re putting out their self-titled EP, featuring four rad new tracks.  Today we’re putting up this new song in hopes that you fall in love with the band, just as we did. Pre-orders will be up shortly, and the record is estimated to hit the streets in late January.  They’re one of my favorite bands, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same after listening to the A-side, “Caroline.”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Caroline.mp3]

Download: Young Girls – Caroline [MP3]

Shivery Shakes Single Premiere + Release Show

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904695_621939517863632_1057720992_oLong have we supported the Shivery Shakes, and we’re really excited that they’re well underway with some new tunes for you all to hear.  A few of those songs will be released via a Punctum Records 7″, and they’ll be on hand for the release, which is all the more reason to attend; it’s just the first taste of new music from the band before their new LP comes out in 2014.  Plus, if you show up, you’re guaranteed a killer line-up of local heavy-hitters like Grape St, Little Lo and Loblolly Boy.  Great music, cool place (The Owl), and a new release from Shivery Shakes? Yep, you’re right…that sounds like the place to be Friday night. Show starts at 9, so come early, stay late.  It’s $8 at the door, but you get four great bands, free beer and food.  Flexi 7″ will be on sale $5, so support the locals and buy merch! 

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Shivery-Shakes-Single.mp3]

PYAITK: !!! Does Christmas Right

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CHKX3 XMASWho doesn’t like a sweaty dance party at Christmas time? Nobody.

!!! has a new 7″ out featuring a smooth and dark dance jam called “And Anyway It’s Christmas” and it is not your typical Christmas carol. I was thinking of how there hasn’t been a recent song for the season that didn’t suck, maybe Low did one, suggestions are welcome. The seasonal jams I go back to every year involve the Peanuts crews (Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas rules all). I recently heard some uber cheesy song about a dude in line at the store buying a kid that didn’t have enough money shoes for a dying mother. It was so creepy.

Anyway, smooth beats are better.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123356657″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Jam From Flagland

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHere’s an interesting new track I’m digging called “Comfortable Life” coming your way from Brooklyn based trio Flagland.  The track is fairly average for about 1:56, until things really open up into a truly special moment.  I won’t tell you anything else about it so you can be just as pleasantly surprised as I was near the end.  Don’t ruin the ending!  Seriously, stick with the song the whole way through and enjoy the badassness.

New album, Love Hard, is due out February 25th on Father/Daughter Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123928873″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Netherfriends Residency in Austin!!!

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netherfriendsLast week I brought you this rad jam from Netherfriends, the project of Shawn Rosenblatt.  He came to Austin recently to start up a residency at the heralded local venue Cheer Up Charlies; he plays every Wednesday night throughout the month of December (including tonight!).  Shawn claims to have come our way to take advantage of the weather, but I feel that he’s been rather unlucky in that matter (though today is beautiful). You can catch him playing his beautiful blend of pop music each week, accompanied by various friends.  We wish him much success in his visit, and we wish you would get out there and see him! I mean, this song alone warrants your attendance.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/121420974″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Another Hit from Douglas Keith

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dougIf you’re a fan of Sharon Van Etten, then odds are you’ve actually seen Douglas Keith without knowing that you’ve seen him; he’s been accompanying her on tour for some time.  However, he’s stepping out on his own again (he’s been a solo act for a long time) to release his new LP, Pony.  I really like the latest single; I appreciate the subtlety of the track.  It’s not aiming to break new ground or do anything extraordinary, instead offering listeners good classic songwriting.  I really like the hushed organ/piano work that haunts the background of the track.  Give it a listen, and look for the LP on February 11th via The Village Label.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123062625″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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