Show Preview & Interview: Photo-Ops with Tracyanne & Danny at 3TEN ACL Live 2/8

Friday night has some great options for you this weekend here in the ATX, and while it’s going to be a bit chilly out, I’ve got the perfect show to keep you nice and warm. Tracyanne & Danny are bringing along Photo-Ops to 3TEN ACL Live for a night of indie pop that is bound to dispel all bad vibes from the cold front. Opener Photo-Ops dropped a killer single that I shared with you last week, and has new materials in the works that are all sunshine. Tracyanne (of Camera Obscura) & Danny put out a killer record last year that checks the box of bedroom pop with stunning vocals and a little bit of bluegrass-ish swagger to it. You can buy pretty cheap tickets here, which I suggest you do, as it’s gonna be a great evening. Terry Price, the man behind Photo-Ops, obliged us to give us some brief answers to some random questions. Tunes and interview are after the jump!

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Indiepop from Tracyanne and Danny

I had heard rumors of this album, but really happy that today Tracyanne and Danny have released their first single from their forthcoming self-titled LP. It’s strange, but just hearing Tracyanne (of Camera Obscura) again is something that immediately establishes nostalgia; she was a huge part of my 00s listening experience (and beyond). Hearing her pull off a duet with expansive arrangements behind the vocals reminds me just how much I miss her songwriting touch. Look for the new LP via Merge on May 25th.

Destroyer Drops New Video

I don’t know what it is, but even when Dan Bejar seems to go out of his comfort zone, he’s able to execute as Destroyer. For instance, his new track definitely has an early 80s pulse to it, heavy on the synths and sterile percussion. Somehow, Bejar’s unique croon is able to slide carefully in between the grooves, delivering contemplative lines that reverberate as the synths echo in the background. In the video, there’s some great imagery captured in the stills that fill it. Look for his new album, ken, to hit on October 20th via Merge.

Brand New Destroyer Tune

While I’m enjoying going through all last week’s tunes, it would be hard to overlook that there’s a new Destroyer tune floating out there today. He’s perhaps one of the most distinctive voices out there in the music world, and he puts that voice on display for this song’s opening two minutes. For that period, the song’s pretty sparse, but then it expands with furthered textures…keyboard, guitar and more pronounced percussion. He’s titled his new record, ken, and it will be out come this October via Merge Records.

Obligatory Teenage Fanclub Post

teenagefanclubWell, you had to know this was coming, and you had to know I was going to be the one to remind you about this new Teenage Fanclub tune. It just popped up yesterday, offering that classic TF sound, bringing heavy distorted guitars into a melodious zone while the vocals carry your heart home. I’ve listened to their new album Here quite a bit lately, and I think anyone remotely interested in the finer side of guitar pop will want to get their hands on it; it’s available via Merge on September 9th.

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Rejoice! New Teenage Fanclub

teenagefanclubSome bands never get old. Album after album, you devour the songs, put them on playlists and share with all your friends. For me, one of the bands I always go back to is Teenage Fanclub, and they’ve just announced their newest album in their long running career. It’s exactly what you’d expect, filled with careful power chords and great vocal melodies that carry warmth to listener’s ears. And of course, it’s a love song, but with lines like “there is pain in this world/I can see it in your eyes,” they show that their subject matter is as timeless as their songs. Look for the new effort, Here, on September 9th via Merge Records.

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Here’s New Music from A Giant Dog

A Giant DogSabrina Ellis and Andrew Cashen have made a huge name for themselves over the past year with Austin’s Sweet Spirit, but I’ll admit that I’ve always gravitated towards their other project, A Giant Dog a little bit more; it has more energy and edge to it, which is exactly what you get on our first taste of their new LP for Merge Records. Ellis leads the band on over a tinkling bit of piano and driving guitar rhythms. You can almost see Sabrina doing her thing as the leader of this rowdy pack…and this time she brings way more hooks. Have fun with this one folks; PILE hits on May 6th.

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FFF Artist Spotlight: Mikal Cronin

mikal croninWe’re a week out from Fun Fun Fun Fest 2015, and you should probably be getting your schedule nailed down, so I’m here to help you out. Mikal Cronin is an act that’s sure to make your list of highlights on Monday after the fest when all is said and done. Once you press play on the single “Made My Mind Up” from back in January of this year, you’ll be enamored with the breezy alternative rock that Cronin brings to the table. The driving electric guitar, embellished with tinkling piano and soaring vocals will certainly be wonderful to start your fest off at 2:25 on Friday afternoon on the Orange Stage. Or perhaps a good way to round out your first day of festing Friday night at 10:45 at The Mohawk. 

P.S. Have you picked up your wristband at The Funderdome yet? Get to stepping.

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Are You As Excited As You Should Be For The New Destroyer Album?

destroyer_band_print_41No? You’re not? What the fuck is wrong with you? I guess you haven’t heard “Dream Lover,” but it’s alright, because I’ve got you covered with another single from Destroyer’s Poison Season, which is coming out soon on August 28th via Merge Records. “Times Square,” gives you classic Dan Bejar– swirling lyrics and storytelling around his blend of orchestral rock. His signature drunken poet delivery is there and prominent and the word on the street is that this new album is going to be killer. Take a listen and get properly excited. Preorder it here. 

 

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What Can’t Destroyer Do?

dan-bejarI mean really? Over the years, we’ve heard Dan Bejar’s Destroyer go several different musical directions, and with “Dream Lover,” we get a step in the dream rock direction. Judging from the 8 times I’ve played this song since I first heard it, it’s a step in the right direction. This song is huge from the start, and then somehow gets even bigger with its horns-a-blazing finish. Bejar dreams of being lovers on the run, and the breezy music seems to capture this free spirited dream. Such is the perfect track to get you stoked for his upcoming album, Poison Season, which is out August 28th via Merge Records here in the States. August can’t come soon enough.

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