This is fine.
Phew, the end of the year really snuck up on me this time and it’s crazy to think we are moving on from the 2010s. Before we do so, Nathan and I of course want to share some of our favorite things from the year for those of you who care to hear our opinions. I am typically the songs guy and Nathan usually takes on the albums, so here it is, my favorites from this year. Hit the jump for my list and a Spotify playlist to take with you.
What else can we possibly say about Brooklyn based Big Thief at this point? We’ve been posting about their music since the very beginning and have continually hyped the band ever since. A we previously reported, the band is returning this year with their second planned release of 2019 entitled Two Hands. Prior to the upcoming October 11th release date, we have been treated to another new single called “Forgotten Eyes”. This one is much more of a ballad of sorts when compared to the prior single, and features some hints of Americana here and there. This is sure to be another great release. Pre-orders are live here via 4AD.
If you thought Brooklyn based favorites Big Thief only had one album planned for this year, well you thought wrong. Nope, having just dropped U.F.O.F. back in May, the band are returning with the sure to be stellar follow up, Two Hands, coming in October. Of course a new album announcement also comes with some new material in the form of this bangin’ new track called “Not”. What starts as a typical Big Thief jam with the shuttering and gritty vocals of Adrienne Lenker, eventually turns into an all out, jam fest with heavy guitars, drums and bass. I’m sure you’ll love it.
Big Thief will release new LP Two Hands on October 11th via 4AD. Pre-order here.
We’re no strangers to the incredible tunes that Big Thief have already blessed us with, so we’re very excited about their upcoming record that’s out this Friday on 4AD. Today, they’ve released a new track from U.F.O.F. called “Century,” which grooves along in this unassuming jazzy way that will have you at peace this Tuesday. As always, Lenker’s voice takes the spotlight; its immaculate restrained power loud in the mix. Not to be outdone by the ever-present shimmery acoustic guitar and the brief electric guitar solo that leads you out of the tune. I’m very much looking forward to hear the rest of the tracks on U.F.O.F. , which you can pre-order here.
I think there’s one thing that most people in the indie world can agree upon, and that’s the quality of Big Thief; even my wife and I agree on how great the band is! Today, the band share a new single off their U.F.O.F LP, which is slated for release on May 3rd. Knowing that the album was written in rural Washington makes it easy to follow the band’s music on this new single; it seems like a straight nod to traditional American folk music. But, of course, Adrianne Lenker’s voice is sublime; it walks a fine line between intimate folk whisper and soulful powerhouse; this is perhaps my most favorite Big Thief tune…that’s just for today, though.
Austin fans can catch the band at Stubbs on November 4th.
Sunday was the chill day for ATH for ACL WE2. I wasn’t approved by St. Vincent or Arctic Monkeys. Day six was even steamier than I would like to remember. Consider the wall hit, but it by will alone I set my mind in motion….and Janelle Monae’s extraordinary presence.
Weekend Two, Friday, thoughts, photos.
Brian and I went and got sweaty for you, day four for B, but he had the cameras and pit access this time around.
Only a few short days now ladies and germs. Only a few short days away from the glory that is Austin City Limits Music Festival. We’ve been doing things a little differently this year and changing up our coverage with unique previews and playlists in place of our usual interviews and band previews. Hopefully you’ve found something interesting to prepare you or a loved one for the upcoming weekend. I spent most of my morning compiling a huge playlist of bands I plan to see over the course of the festival and yes, Disturbed is on the list. And Lisa Loeb…Fight me. Consider yourself prepped.
You can trust my genius musical skills and play in the given order, or click on the first video and shuffle the order to your liking.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFKfcEIQB2Zx2xDkPlOYP8OE-geWLkS2A
ACL season is here sports fans, and as always, ATH will be doing everything in our power to prepare for the festival. A couple of years ago I started a new concept of asking bands to create a short 5 song playlist filled with songs featuring only artists playing the festival. Lucky for us, my dear friends in Atlanta based band Neighbor Lady thought this was a great idea and made a playlist for the site. If this sounds intriguing to you, which it should, hit the jump for the songs and for short blurbs about each.Neighb
This year, we face one of the most stacked lineups for indie music that we’ve seen in a hot minute from the folks at ACL Festival. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining; I love a good challenge and will happily take a full day of sets then a lot of downtime at Zilker. However, with great lineup comes great responsibility. There are some key choices you’re going to have to make when you set foot at Zilker park come October. Don’t fret, I’m here for you; I’m breaking down some scheduling conflicts for you after the jump. These are only some of the problem areas for me–what are your tough choices for ACL?
