Free Live Pinhead Gunpowder Recording!!

I know we cover a lot of indie stuff, but I’m super excited to come across this recording of a recent February Pinhead Gunpowder show.  This band is full of punk history; I mean, Aaron Cometbus plays drums, and some dude from this band, Green Day, plays guitar and sings.  They just played a set at 924 Gilman, and now the venue has released an awesome live recording of the show.  They’re giving it to you, the fans, for free!  If you’re into this sort of power-pop, go grab it HERE.  And if you’re not sure, listen to this to make up your mind.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/02-2nd-Street.mp3]

Download: Pinhead Gunpowder – 2nd Street [MP3]

New Music From Ben Kweller

So our very own locally grown boy Ben Kweller is offering up this new track “It All Happened” for free.  The song doesn’t appear on any of Kweller’s previous releases and apparently is just a one and done single situation.  We had to shrink the quality of the song just a bit since it’s so long and we can’t be uploading 8min songs at super high quality.  If you’ve got a little time on your hands, check out the extended story telling song.  I still dig his simple approach.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ItAllHappenedBenKweller-2.mp3]

Download: Ben Kweller – It All Happened [MP3]

A2W: Monarchs

Man it’s been a hot minute since we’ve run an Austin artist to watch feature hasn’t it?  Well now that the craziness of SXSW is over, let’s get back on the local hype machine wagon with a spotlight on Austin band Monarchs.  You can’t exactly call this group a straight up solo project, but leading lady Celeste Griffin is the primary songwriter/founder/manger/jack of all trades in the group.  Griffin, a recent transplant from Alabama, evokes a lyrical and vocal style similar to modern songwriters like Cat Power or Lissie while occasionally mixing in some old school twang elements along the lines of maybe Patty Griffin.  The grit and emotion in Griffin’s voice is generally the primary focus on the Monarch’s first two self-released EPs, and after a few listens, you’ll see why such a captivating voice is the backbone of this band.  Stylistically, Monarchs bring classical elements of southern blues while incorporating some subtle yet slick guitar and piano solos here and there.  I’ll save anymore comparisons here and just let you listen for yourself with track “Come On and Move Me” below.  Stay tuned for information on the band’s upcoming debut LP being recorded with famous local producer Mike McCarthy.  We look forward to it.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/02-Come-On-And-Move-Me.mp3]

Download: Monarchs – Come On And Move Me [MP3]

Walking Sleep

Walking Sleep is an LA based band that recently made some noise with some of our local music friends during SXSW music week.  Having formed in 2007 under the name The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, this six piece has since changed their name (for the better if you’re asking me) and are dropping a debut LP in May.  Check out this new track from the band “Final Chapter” to see if they’re for you.  I’m really digging the poppy sounds their bringing that you can’t help but tap your toes to.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/walkingsleep_finalchapter.mp3]

Download: Walking Sleep – Final Chapter [MP3]

Harlem @ Mohawk (4/1)

Date 4/1/10
Location Mohawk
Doors 8pm
Tickets $8 from Frontgate

So if you haven’t heard yet, everyone in the local and national media is ready to label Austin boys Harlem the next big thing to make it out of our town.  Trying to prove this hype, the band will be celebrating the release of their new full length Hippies by playing a record release show at Mohawk on Thursday.  The locals will be joined by The Golden Boys and Cowabunga Babes.  You can pick up a fancy new copy of Hippies next week.  Previously mentioned first single from that album, “Friendly Ghost”, can be found for your enjoyment below.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Harlem-Friendly-Ghost.mp3]

Download: Harlem – Friendly Ghost [MP3]

Free Album From Ludlow Lions

Ludlow Lions are a relatively new band from Brooklyn who recently wrapped up recording on their debut full length album No Stories. To drum up some publicity about their new release, the band is giving away the album on a pay what you want system (or for free cheapskate…).  These guys market themselves as having an old school Guided by Voices/Pavement type sound which you of course know we can’t get enough of.  Check out the LP now.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/01-Keyboard-Teeth.mp3]

Download: Ludlow Lions – Keyboard Teeth [MP3]

New Tunes from Darwin Deez

It’s so crazy that press releases say Darwin Deez describes himself as part Thriller, part Dismemberment Plan because I swear when I first heard this I immediately thought of my beloved Travis Morrison.  Regardless, Darwin will be releasing his self-titled album on Lucky Number Records April 12th.  I’m not sure why people aren’t all over this, as it’s one of the catchiest albums I’ve heard in a long time.  This is sure to be the hit of the Spring.

*audio removed at the request of label

New (ish) Tunes from Dick Diver

During SXSW I was hanging with some of the guys from the incredible Chapter Music, based in Australia.  Not only were these guys super nice, but they gave me some tunes I probably wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. One of my favorites is Dick Diver, who definitely have everything to do with the current jangle-pop scene in the States, though hailing from Australia, they probably don’t get the coverage they deserve.  Sunny classic guitar sounds and peculiar vocal delivery are too much for me to not point you to this great Australian gem.   If you dig it, you can get this from Chapter Music on the bands Arks Up 7″.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/10-Purgatory.mp3]

Download: Dick Diver – Purgatory [MP3]

SXSW In Pictures, Pt. 2

We promised you some real professional pictures from SXSW week, and that’s just what you’ll get today from ATH photo lady Mary Rehak.  Mary is well known for running around like a crazy person during the week and seeing as many bands as she possibly can.  Hell, based on her fancy photos, she may have seen more bands than the ATH crew members combined!  We’re proud to have such a hard working and creative person on the team.  Follow the jump to re-live the SXSW week through the eyes of a pro photographer.

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New Tunes from Gogol Bordello

Gypsy punk may not be for all of our readers, but after witnessing their stupendous live show at ACL a few years back, I can’t just push my feelings for Gogol Bordello away anymore.  I’m really excited for their new album Trans-Continental Hustle, which hits stores on April 27th.  Based on this new tune, it’s pretty much what you would expect from a bunch of gypsies, which is enough reason for you to love the band all the more.  Get gypsy!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/01-Pala-Tute-1.mp3]

Download: Gogol Bordello – Pala Tute [MP3]

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