This is fine.
We don’t often do a lot to cover our hip-hop brethren, but I figured that I would take this moment to pay homage to one of the only rappers that I ever really paid attention to when I was younger. For me, hip-hop was Wu Tang, and the GZA was the glue. This Wednesday night at Emo’s he’s going to play his classic Liquid Swords in its entirety. Those into hip-hop won’t want to miss this night.
You can pick up your own set of tickets over at Ticketweb.
Rating: 
When listening to Stereolab, my mind always travels back to that great moment when Caroline Fordis walks into the record store in High Fidelity to interview Rob Gordon. That brief snippet of sound highlighted their electronic influences, as well as their abilities to capitalize on fans of pop music, despite using inaudible, or non-English–if you will–, lyrics.
Years later, I still hold onto that purest of moments when I realized that their music had somehow become easily accessible to the masses. For me, this was not a knock, but a step in the direction you felt that they were going. Popularity on the brink, they kind of suck back a bit, coming back from time to time for their adoring fans.
On this new record, their first LP since 2006, they come back with the same formula. Their complex structure melding electronic pop gems with simple string arrangements and cloudy vocals is still completely intact, which may or may not be such a positive thing. I’m not the ultimate collector of Stereolab LPs, but I swear that I’ve heard all these songs a million times over. There are absolutely some special moments, like the opener, “Neon Beanbag,” with its spectacular electric organ work, not to mention its use of English. “Silver Sands” is equally as beautiful, with its marching beats and usage of horn work.
Still, one of the issues I’ve always had with the band is that they vocals are never really clear enough to capture your mind. This time around, they use a lot more English, but the vocals are almost secondary, seemingly meant to match every single one of their harmonies. It works, but it leaves those searching for a connection to the lyrics without much to hold onto.
By the end of the album, the music sort of blends into the back of your brain, as the formula grows to be overly repetitive. Some of the songs even appear as if they were mere copies of the previous tracks, leaving the listener with the feeling that they’ve been listening to a collection of demos for the same song over and over.
Ups and downs. That is the secret to this entire album. You go up with some highlights, then return to the Earth with a sense that its all been done before. At the end of the day, it is undeniably a Stereolab record, but that is what you were expecting in the first place. Those of you looking for that moment of twee pop will find places to reside, while others will just pass by on a brief vacation through Chemical Chords.
Spinto Band. Try saying that three times fast, I dare you. The gents in Spento Band have a new song entitled “Summer Groff” for you to enjoy below. The song will appear on a new album Moonwink due out October 7th.
Download: The Spinto Band – Summer Grof [MP3]
Saddle Creek Records has offered up a new single from Montreal band Land of Talk, off their upcoming album Some Are Lakes due out October 7th. They will be touring in support of the new album this fall, but unfortunately won’t be making a stop in the Lone Star State. Enjoy the music this fine Friday afternoon.
Download: Land of Talk – Some Are Lakes [MP3]
If you’re not gettin’ those dancing shoes on over at Beauty Bar for Car Stereo (Wars) on Saturday night (8/30), head over to the Stubbs indoor stage and catch another great local act, The Black and White Years. Doors for the show open at 9pm followed by an opening set by Loxsly, also of Austin. You can purchase tickets right this very second for only $6.
Download: The Black and White Years – Power to Change [MP3]
The triumphant return of Car Stereo (Wars) to Austin! After being gone for quite some time, our favorite DJ/master of the mash up returns to Austin on Saturday night (8/30) at the Beauty Bar. Things are set to go off around 10pm. This finally gives me an excuse to post the greatest mash up ever created, “Ghostface Observatory”.
Download: Car Stereo Wars – Ghostface Observatory [MP3]
All weekend long–that means tonight!–the cool cats from Transmission Entertainment will be bringing the glory of Power Pop to Austin, Texas. Day shows will be going on over at Beerland, in case you have nothing to do; night shows will kick off at the Mohawk. Personally, I am stoked to get to see the present-day lineup of Pointed Sticks play Friday night. Other scheduled acts such as Ugly Beats, Boss Martians, Gentlemen Jesse and his Men and The Boys are included. If you like your pop with a touch of power, hit up the Wild West Power Pop Festival!
Check out The Mohawk for complete list of bands.
We’d like to dedicate this comic to all of our loyal Reggie and the Full Effect fans out there. You know who you are…
Since it is a remarkably sunny day here in Austin, I figured I bring some clouds your way with a touch of tuneage from Benoit Pioulard–not that I necessarily wish you a cloudy day. Pioulard, which is just a moniker, is everything you want in an emotional songwriter; he yanks at your emotions, often with the instruementation alone. Here is “Brown Bess”. Buen Proveche.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/benoit-pioulard-brown-bess.mp3]
Download: Benoit Pioulard – Brown Bess [MP3]
Radiohead has announced that they will be webcasting the last show of their American tour in Santa Barbara. I’m sure most of you have seen Radiohead live (and if you haven’t here’s your chance), so this is a must see. Visit the official Radiohead site for more details.
