This is fine.
Desolation Wilderness is prepping for their tour this fall, and as most bands do, they’re releasing an album to promote themselves. This record will be titled New Universe and is going to be released by our friends over at K Records this week. We’ve got a little sample to throw at you right now!
Download: Desolation Wilderness – Boardwalk Theme [MP3]
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Jay Reatard, the supposed bad boy of garage rock, returns this year with his new album, Watch Me Fall. Unlike his last few releases, these are sets of new songs, which show a similarly new side to the band. While Bloodvisions was fueled by a sense of madness and fury, here we find a more subdued effort; it shows that Jay Reatard is more than just a one trick pony, and the group is destined to go beyond the stereotypical garage sounds.
When the record opens with “It Ain’t Gonna Save Me” we meet the same Jay Lindsey we’ve known for years. Energized and blasting his guitar licks as quickly as he can, speeding furiously towards the end of the song. Oddly, it’s one of the few songs of this set that offers us a glimpse at the garage-punk element of Jay Reatard, as the rest of the record seems to veer into the realms of garage-tinged power-pop.
“Before I Was Caught” is a rime example of the new direction, and let’s say it, the softer side, of the band. Sure, the guitar is still chugging along, but it’s not done with the same intensity as it’s been done in the past, which isn’t a bad thing in the least bit. Sure, the high-pitched yelp of Lindsey comes into play here, but his delivery outside of the chorus demonstrates a more relaxed approach to songwriting.
Coming across a song like “Can’t Do It Anymore” yet again portrays a poppier world for the group, even with the excruciating feedback in the midst of the song, the overall tone of the song is a bit more uplifting, though the lyrics might not portray the exact same sentiment. You can pile this on to the chorus of “Faking It,” which again shows a Lindsey who isn’t screaming with force in the face of his listeners. Finally, we’re presented with a likable attitude, one that is more endearing to a multitude of listeners in contrast to the band as of a short bit ago.
We even find ourselves visiting the land of balladry in this collection of songs. “I’m Watching You” is a perfect gem of power-pop goodness, and although there is some sonic exploration as guitars meaner mid-song, it still encompasses an overwhelming feeling of a strong ballad. You can place such moments right alongside the album’s closer, “A Whisper (There is No Sun).” It’s probably one of the most accessible songs in the Jay Reatard collection to this point, and despite partially indecipherable lyrics, you still can gather the emotion from this song.
To sum it all up, we have a new band here, or almost. There’s a bit of calling out, there’s a bit of remorse, but overall, there is a shift in the direction of the songwriting, ultimately making the album much more rewarding to listeners than anything that has preceded the group. Watch Me Fall is a gem of power-pop stirred inside a garage smoothie, and surely worthy of accolades and adoration.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/12-there-is-no-sun.mp3]Download: Jay Reatard – A Whisper (There is No Sun) [MP3]
In the current state of the music industry, we’re all overly concerned with singles, rather than the completed album. But, long ago, people put thought and art into the creation of the ending of an album, the summation of their musical statement. We all have sat in our rooms, at least I hope, waiting for that last song, that last breath of music, in hopes of the perfect summation to an album. A brilliant closer almost always warrants a brilliant album, and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite album closers that always guarantee we listen to said album all the way through until the needles hits the vinyl and emits that hiss signaling the end of the record.
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They were named our top act of SXSW ’09, they earned a spot on our top songs of 2008 list, and now Glasvegas is returning to Austin for a sure to be awesome show at Emo’s on Monday night. Norwegian Ida Maria will be the only opening act on the night which starts around 9pm. Tickets are on sale for this one now at $15 a piece. Here’s that song that we just can’t seem to get enough of…
Download: Glasvegas – Geraldine [MP3]
If you’re looking for some real rock n roll in your life, head over to Mohawk on Saturday night for an incredible lineup of local acts. Both stages of Mohawk will be occupied with locals Scorpion Child, Eagle Claw, Pack of Wolves, Castle and Shitty Car Wash all performing during the night’s events. Tickets are only at the door and things start around 9pm.
Download: Scorpion Child – A Million Lines [MP3]
Monday nights aren’t usually highly-anticipated in the Austin music scene, unless a touring band is making a stop in town. Last Monday, the 27th, The Parish hosted a stop on Stellastar’s album release tour. The New York quartet just released their third album, Civilized, the first release in over 3 years. Expectations were high for this show and Stellastarr didn’t disappoint. The same can’t be said for the opening acts, but overall it was a very good Monday night in Austin. Follow the jump to read more and see some fancy pics.
I think we can all agree that America desperately needs more fattening fast food burgers. But, how can you make your voice heard? Fear not my friends. Thanks to Facebook you too can join the Mega Mac revolution! Just search for “Bring the Mega Mac to America”
Cruiserweight is a band that has been around longer than I can remember, but we always make a point to see them when they play a show in town. Make your way to Red 7 on Saturday night for one of these shows and enjoy this veteran Austin outfit. Openers are The Story Changes, Markov, and No Champions. Tickets are being sold only at the door and show starts at 9pm.
Download: Cruiserweight – Balboa [MP3]
Oh yeah, I can hear the nasty comments already… Counting Crows!? On ATH!? Well you can just shaaaat uuuup! I know a large majority of you people, or at least the none liars of the bunch, all owned a copy of the Counting Crows 1993 debut August and Everything After. That album was full of hits like Mr. Jones, Omaha, and this little early 90s jam that still pulls on my heart strings, Round Here. Not as random as you’d think, I bring you this From the Closet because Counting Crows are playing at Austin Music Hall this Monday. Tickets are a whopping $47 so I hope you’re really feeling nostalgic. Enjoy this old grunge era jam and forget about those Joni Mitchell covers and terribly outdated singles the band is promoting now.
Sebadoh frontman and Dinosaur Jr guitarist Lou Barlow is prepping a new solo album out this fall. First single “Gravitate” is available from the album now and can be found below for stream or download. Goodnight Unknown will be out October 6th via Merge Records. We dig it.
Download: Lou Barlow – Gravitate [MP3]
